by Kelly Risser
***
October passed in a blurry rush. Between mid-term tests and research papers, texting Kim theories of what David could be, and seeing Evan’s hockey games, I had little free time. When I did have a few minutes, Katie and I spent it planning a surprise birthday party for my mom. Her birthday was October 31, and Mom loved Halloween as much as I did. It had always been our favorite holiday. In past years, we spent weeks planning our costumes and decorating the house. The trick-or-treaters used to flock to our door, the most decorated house in the neighborhood. It helped that we always gave out the best candy, too.
“Does your mom know?” Katie asked. Again. She was paranoid that my mom would find out early.
“She doesn’t have a clue,” I said. I wasn’t worried. Since Katie was my closest friend here, and Evan was my boyfriend, my mom had no reason to question why I was spending time at their house. Plus, I made a point of being home for dinner, and spending at least an hour with her every night to keep her informed of things—friends, school, and stuff. I enjoyed that time with her. I was amazed at how much better she seemed to be feeling. I guess the visit to the hospital helped her.
The party was tomorrow, and we were almost ready. Grandma Mary and Lydia had made most of the food. Katie designed the invitations and sent them out. She even sent one to Mom and me, inviting us to a costume party at the Mitchell residence. For all Mom knew, we were just going to Lydia’s annual party.
We were just putting the last touches on the decorations in the common room.
“Hand me another bat?” I asked. Katie gave me a rubber bat, and I threaded the fishing line and suspended it from the ceiling. “How does it look?”
She smiled. “Creepy.”
I came down the ladder and stood next to her, eyeing the room critically. Then I smiled, too. It looked amazing. Giant spiderwebs draped in the corner, a flock of bats flew along the ceiling, and black rats with glowing red eyes crouched under the table.
“We do awesome work,” I said.
“We do,” Katie agreed. “But the real question is—what are you and Evan going as?”
“I’m not telling,” I said. “Unless you tell me what you and Brian are wearing.”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Well, then ditto.”
Katie pouted. “You’re no fun.”
I laughed. This party was going to be great.