Page 48 of Forever

Matt rattled the gate again. “Seriously, what the fuck?”

“I think we need a key,” James said.

“The key!” Penny said. “The one in the invitation! Of course!”

I’d never seen the invitation. Matt had just told me about it. But I liked the idea of the extra security layer.

James put the key into the lock and turned it. The gate squeaked on its hinges, sending a chill down my spine.

The four of us ran toward the door at the end of the hall.

“Matt, your parents are sick,” Penny said with a laugh. “Every year gets scarier. Where do they come up with this stuff?”

“They watch a lot of movies,” Matt said. “Too many probably.” He was just about to push the door open when it opened on its own. The hinges squeaked worse than the metal gate.

“Come in if you dare,” boomed a voice from a hidden speaker.

I agreed with Penny. Matt’s parents were twisted.

But when the doors finally opened all the way, the ballroom was significantly less scary. Creepy? Yes. But the zombies and ghosts were serving hors d’oeuvres instead of trying to attack us. Which I much preferred.

Cobwebs cascaded down the walls with huge spiders that were somehow moving about on them. Blood was splattered all over the cobwebs and the sound of chain saws could be heard beneath the music the band was playing. The side of the stage was decorated to make it look like the band was standing on top of an old VHS tape. But the music was upbeat and fun. And everyone dancing anddrinking and chatting over in a pumpkin patch definitely calmed my nerves.

“I’m going to go get us drinks,” Penny said. “I’ll be right back.”

Rob walked over to us. “Hey pie fucker,” he said to James.

James laughed. “I’m obviously Jim from American Pie.”

“Or you’re just a pervert.” He turned to me. “This party is great and all, but wanna come to the party in my pants, Sanders?”

“Um…what?”

He gestured to his costume. He had glasses on, a brown suit that looked like it was from the 80s, and he was holding a hand grenade. “I love dress.” He poked my stomach. “I love breast.” He poked the side of my boob. “I love nipp…”

“Dude, stop saying random stuff you love and poking Brooklyn.” Matt swatted his hand away. “We know who you are. You’re the weatherman from Anchorman.”

Rob smiled. “Nailed it. Yup, I’m Brick.” His smile grew. “I stabbed someone with a trident earlier.”

I started laughing. “Ah, I remember that!”

“It’s better with Daphne. Where is she? Oh, there she is.” He pointed to the man walking up to us.

Wait, no.Oh my God.

Daphne was dressed like Ron Burgundy from the movie. She was wearing a fitted burgundy suit and had a fake mustache on.

“Hey, toots,” Daphne said and slapped Rob’s butt.

I wrinkled my nose. “What’s that smell?”

“Do you like it?” She adjusted her tie. “I call it sex panther. It’s illegal in eight countries.”

I couldn’t stop laughing. “You two are ridiculous,” I said.

Daphne kissed his cheek.

“Stop that, it tickles,” he swatted her hand away. “What are you supposed to be?” he asked us.

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