by Peter Spokes
Once I had regained a suitable level of composure, I performed – finally – the task I was sent for. Lifting my right hand, I gently brushed my fingertips across her forehead and her eyes closed. “Rest now,” I said and tenderly let her dead body lay back on the wet ground.
The glow that now covered her began to lift, insinuating itself into the fabric of the aura around her and not unlike the sad cry of a lone seagull fading into the distance; her memories paled and then slowly diffused into the surrounding woods – disappearing but never forgotten, for others to find.
I left the forest – still wet and still muddy.
Happy Hallowe’en
Chapter 1: Reunion
“Hi Frank; Luce; good to see you again,” I said looking around. “Is the new boy going to join us?”
“Ah, there he is now,” Lucy said pointing behind me, and continued, “Don’t think his leg’s going to get any better.”
Linus shuffled over to us. “Hi guys; Lucy. So, this is the Hallowe’en bash I’ve been hearing about… Nice to have a night out,” he said stretching his arms.
He didn’t look happy but appeared to be putting on a brave face.
Frank looked around. “Anyone else?”
“I guess it’s just the four of us,” I said. “I spoke to Malcom, Alice and Rose but they all say they’re not up to it any longer. They said they were going to get together for a quiet time later.”
“I suppose they are getting on a bit…” Lucy said sadly. “Pity: Alice was quite a sight on the dance floor a few years back but still…” she continued a little sadly.
“Hey, c’mon. We’re up for a good time… yeah?” I reminded them.
“Absolutely!” they chimed. Though Linus still looked downbeat.
We all knew why.
“So, let’s go!” Frank said.
I followed Linus, Frank and Lucy through the gates and onto the High Street where we were immediately greeted with smiles and compliments on our costumes.
A ghost with a knife through his neck walked over to us. “Jesus, guys; that’s incredible. You work for the studios?”
“Not at all,” Lucy replied smiling. “But isn’t your knife thing a bit incongruous?”
The young man looked confused and I smiled.
I looked over at Frank.
“Here we go…” I whispered.
Lucy was so fastidious when it came to Hallowe’en.
“It’s just that if you are a ghost…” she continued, “… then surely a knife would… well… fall through you… you think…? Perhaps…? Maybe…?”
“I guess. I don’t think I thought about it too deeply…” he said, clearly embarrassed.
I moved forward. “Hey, it’s a great outfit; it’s really good,” I said interjecting and giving Lucy a slightly admonishing stare.
As we walked off, I turned to Lucy. “Come on, Luce… I know how important Hallowe’en is to us, but to others it’s a time to dress up and enjoy. Don’t spoil it for them.”
“But they are so… unreal. Just look over there; there is a man… I think… with a mask and a chainsaw! Where the fuck does that come from?”
I winced. I had always hated that particular expletive but then I was the oldest here and my generation never used it.
But Lucy was in full flow. “Hallowe’en is the time when the veil between life and death is the thinnest and hence the time when the dead can cross over so why the hell are we seeing chainsaw-wielding psychopaths and… fuck me, there’s a clown!”
I winced again and opened my mouth to answer when someone in a gorilla suit walked past.
I decided she had a point.
Lucy shook her head.
“Don’t take it so seriously, Luce,” said Frank, smiling at her. “Remember, it’s their party. We are just gatecrashers.”
“Well put,” I said.
I noticed Frank’s smile linger as he watched Lucy walk on.
We continued along the road beside ghosts, vampires and zombies.
We had just turned into a side road to get us to our destination quicker when a man stepped from the shadows waving a knife – and it was real.
Chapter 2: The Robber
“Hey! Hand over your phones and wallets.”
We looked at each other and then back to the robber.
“We don’t have any phones… or wallets,” Linus said.
“Don’t fuck with me; I’m not messing with you. With costumes like that, you must have money.”
“Well, we don’t so fuck off and leave us alone!” Lucy said.
I winced. She never did hold much patience with the younger fraternity – not to mention her overuse of that certain expletive.
The robber then moved quickly towards Lucy, and Frank moved to intercept.
The two guys came together and then the robber backed away slowly – without his knife.
We looked over at Frank who was gazing down at the handle of the knife now embedded in his chest.
He looked up at the robber.
“Ouch…” he said.
The robber stared at Frank before saying, “Jesus… I didn’t mean…!” and ran as fast as he could backwards, tripping over and finally disappearing into the busy street.
Lucy, Linus and I stared at the knife handle as Frank poked at it.
“So, what the hell am I supposed to do with this?” Frank asked.
“Just throw it away,” Lucy said.
“And what about if some kid finds it? What do you think, Michael?” he said looking at me.
“I think it looks cool – leave it there.”
“Yeah, I guess it does,” he said craning his neck behind him and rotating as he tried to feel around his back.
“Does the end of the blade stick out?” he asked hopefully.
We peered round. “No. I don’t think it was that long,” I said.
“Pity… think it would look more real if it did.”
“Fuck me, Frank, it’s as real as it can be, but I could try and push it in further?” suggested Lucy.
“You’re very sweet but… no. I guess I could probably hurt someone with it if I wasn’t too careful…”
We returned to the street, Frank strutting somewhat from the addition to his ‘costume’.
I heard Lucy comment to Linus on Frank’s bravely valiant effort in putting himself between her and the robber.
Chapter 3: Big Bob’s Crypt
I smiled as I watched a myriad of zombies, witches, vampyres and skeletons pass along the road. Many admired – and some commented – on our apparent apparel and the incredible attention to detail, although one young lady criticised the lack of blood around Frank’s knife wound.
“She’s got a point… so to speak…” Frank said.
“Nonsense. It looks great,” Lucy replied.
I so loved Hallowe’en.
Finally, we reached Big Bob’s Crypt.
Normally the nightclub was a magnet to those of the community that called themselves ‘Goths’, but every Hallowe’en ‘Big Bob’ would set up the hall in the back with all things dark and scary – presumably more so than normal – and conduct a contest of the best costumes.
We walked up to a busy entrance and I recognised ‘Big Malik’ from previous years. I hoped he recognised us for we had no money – as we had mentioned to the robber.
“Yo dudes, looking outstanding again,” he said nodding and holding up a fist.
There was a light knock as Lucy met it with her own. I winced, seriously doubting that my own knucklebones, or those of Frank, could allow for that kind of abuse.
“Looking good, Big Malik,” she said smiling.
We were so lucky to have Lucy. As the youngest of our little group she was more in tune with the people of today than the rest of us.
“How’s the kid?” she continued.
“Got me wrapped round her little finger,” he said with feigned pain. “Here, check this…”
He reached into his jacket and withdrew a small white square, while with his other arm keeping a rowdy group from trying to push their way in.
Lucy looked closely with genuine interest while the rest of us tried to emulate Lucy’s look.
When a six-foot five-inch, 360-pound bouncer wants to show you a picture of his little girl, it seemed reasonable to show an interest!
“Oh, she’s so beautiful,” Lucy said.
The rest of us nodded enthusiastically.
“She sure is… takes after her daddy…”
“Yeah, right,” Lucy answered punching his chest.
Big Malik laughed, “Go on in. Big Bob’s out the back with a bunch of seriously impressive people… though I gotta say your costumes still beat the rest.”
“Thanks, Big Malik,” Lucy said pulling him down by the collar to her five-foot frame and kissing the big man’s cheek.
As Big Malik smiled I – again – blessed the presence of Lucy.
As I was passing Big Malik, he grabbed my shoulder. I looked up with not a little concern.
“What’s she like without all that costume and make-up?” he asked quietly.
“Actually… not a lot different,” I said honestly.
He looked pensive, then he smiled, laughed, and clapped me on the back. Then he turned and roared at the rowdy bunch and I heard that expletive again.
I grunted and grimaced through the pain as my thoracic vertebrae were – much too quickly – propelled a couple of feet forward.
Fortunately, they remained together.
As we progressed into the club, Lucy and Linus moved towards the dance floor while Frank and I slunk over to the bar and ordered a couple of double Courvoisiers.
I had long ago realised the advantage to my current status prohibited me from the likelihood of liver damage or the killing of brain cells.
“That’s £12.80,” the barman said.
I stared at him.
Unfortunately, the barman was new.
“Erm… we have no money but we have this arrangement with Big Bob. It’s a… freebie?” I said as Frank nodded.
“I’m sorry. That certainly is impressive gear but it’s still £12.80… and it ain’t coming from my salary!” he said with some impatience.
“Erh… could you check with Big Bob? I’m sure he’ll vouch for us…” Frank interjected.
The barman shook his head.
“If you can’t pay up I’ll have to call security, and I assure you… you really don’t want that…”
“Erm…” Frank and I looked at one another while the barman grabbed a mobile.
After several awkward minutes, Big Malik hove into view.
“Problem?” he said to the barman.
“Yeah, these jokers think we’re a charity,” the barman said.
Big Malik looked at us and then the barman. He stared very closely at the man. I was so very glad I wasn’t on the receiving end of that stare.
“Give them what they want and don’t waste my fucking time,” he said.
I immediately felt I understood a commonality of vernacular between Big Malik and Lucy.
He continued. “These guys have been coming here for years and each year win the Hallowe’en best costume competition. And since they have been coming our revenue has increased tenfold as everyone comes to compete.”
The barman looked awkward. “Sorry, Mr… Malik… Big… sir.”
Big Malik then returned – presumably to the entrance – as Frank and I looked at each other. I did wonder if this was the same man we had seen several minutes ago getting mushy over a picture.
Then we ordered another couple of drinks – doubles – and retired to the seats beside the dance floor and watched Lucy and Linus twisting and strutting though Frank’s eyes were clearly glued to Lucy.
“Why don’t you ask her for a dance?” I said.
“God no! I need some more alcohol first,” he said.
I was never one generally to take advantage of a situation but… “Hey, Barman!” I said. “Two more double cognacs down here… now!”
Linus was clearly having trouble with his leg, but otherwise seemed to be enjoying himself. I thought of Alice, sadly no longer with us, but hey – age gets to us all eventually.
I looked over at Frank. I figured he too was having a nostalgic moment remembering how things were in times past.
Chapter 4: Kids
In no time at all, we passed through the gates that led to that realm often frequented by the happily inebriated and otherwise pissed.
Then we became deep-thinking and melancholy.
We watched the costumed dancers cavorting on the dance floor. Some seemed – beneath their make-up and disguises – quite young, but it was lovely to see them all having such a great time.
“Did you have kids, Frank?” I asked.
“Oh yeah, three – one of each.”
“That’s nice,” I said but then looked at him wondering if the cognac was already having its effect on me.
“One of each,” he repeated slurring slightly as he watched Lucy gyrating.
“What do you mean, ‘one of each’? Was one of them transgender or something?”
“What?”
“You said ‘one of each’ and said you had three kids…” I said, aware that I might be beginning to slur myself… a little.
“Oh, I see. No… no, two… two girls – one boy.”
“Ah. I see.”
“How about you?”
“A daughter,” I said. “She must be in her seventies by now. I see her now and again when she visits.”
“They grow up – and old – so fast,” Frank said still staring at the dance floor.
“Indeed,” I replied.
“Here’s to the final sleep,” he said chinking his glass to mine.
“Ditto,” I said.
The song ended and we looked up as Lucy and Linus left the floor and sat beside us breathing heavily.
“Was that good?” I asked Lucy.
“God, yes! When David Bowie tells you to ‘dance the blues’ you’ve just gotta do it and let yourself go.”
“Indeed…” I said wondering who David Bowie was as I nodded sagely. “What do you think Frank?… Frank?”
I looked over and noticed Frank staring at Lucy’s rather bony and almost fleshless legs.
Lucy cocked her head to one side. “Hey… Frank… just how many have you had?” she asked trying unsuccessfully to be serious.
I watched Frank sway slightly. “Two… or three… maybe… certainly no more than four… doubles…” he answered.
Frank simply stared at Lucy. “Y’ know… you are a beautiful woman, Lu…” he hiccupped, “… cy… you know I’ve always felt…”
Lucy looked at me and I cowered. “Sorry, Luce. I always forget Frank’s… ways… after he’s had a few…”
Unfortunately, it was at that moment that a song by someone called James Blunt called ‘You’re Beautiful’ started up.
I was only aware of the title and artist because Frank was forever singing it.
He so loved this song.
I smiled as I watched Frank stagger upright and – swaying – awkwardly look around the hall for the lucky recipient of this slow dance. Fortunately, Lucy – after a deep breath – grabbed his arm and took him to the floor.
She was certainly a trooper.
I watched Lucy and Frank walking hand in hand. I was aware of the torch Frank held for Lucy and the interception earlier between Lucy and the robber vindicated that thought.
However, it was as they moved close together that they both looked down at the hard obstruction preve
nting their closeness.
“Would you like me to do something about that, Frank?”
“Yes please…” he said quietly.
Lucy looked at him oddly for a moment before grasping the handle of the knife and pulling it from his ribs. She then threw it over to us.
“That better?” she whispered.
“God, yes!”
I shook my head and looked over at Linus.
He looked troubled.
“You okay, Linus? You looked good out there,” I said watching him closely.
Linus smiled at me but he still looked like something was on his mind.
And I knew what it was. We all had once exhibited that particular countenance; experienced the same search for understanding.
“Don’t look for rationality,” I said quietly looking out at the dancers; I wanted to make this a light and incidental chat rather than something with gravitas. I continued to look at the dancers.
Linus had moved on only recently and so was still going through the impossibility of what happens to some of us. Unfortunately, with Alice now feeling her years, I was now the oldest.
It would certainly be nice to explain the paradoxes – not to mention the expectations – of death but I have learnt that sometimes there are no explanations – or perhaps we just haven’t found them as yet.
I smiled as I watched Frank and Lucy gently embracing on the dance floor but noticed in my side view Linus still looking at me.
“How are we here?” he said.
I paused. I did not want to sound flippant or patronising; “We have all asked that question, Linus. But all we know is that some people die and are no more, while others – like us – die and yet exist a while before entering the long sleep.”
“Like Alice,” he said.
“Yes, just like Alice,” I said.
“Will we see her again?”
“I don’t think so. Once they start the final sleep I believe they… drift until they are as they should have been the moment after they died.”
“How long have you been… like this?”
“About twenty years and figure I’ve still got at least another ten before the final sleep. Alice was fifty-five years AD…”