Page 41 of Something Cryptid This Way Comes
“That’s true. I do feel better. Like I’ve finally taken off a too tight, itchy sweater. Jo and I have a meeting scheduled to discuss this after Halloween. I’ll tell her first, then reach out to the committee.” He brushes his lips over my jaw. “Thanks.”
That he confided in me makes me feel like a giant among mortals, and I stand a little taller. “Anytime.”
We meet back up with Ever and Dmitri and walk along the twinkling light path to the adult amateur section. There, entries are a mix of scary and cute. The characters and scenes are a lot bigger and more elaborate than the kids’ entries.
“Holy shit. Jo won second place.” Trevor points to the large green ribbon tied to her table.
Her display, a sprawling series of pumpkins in various sizes, depicts the scene in Cinderella when the pumpkin has been transformed into a carriage. It’s whimsical and so detailed, my jaw drops open in awe.
Trevor looks up from the scene, his expression one of pride and excitement for our friend. “I wonder where she is.”
“There.” I spy her a few tables down, and tip my chin in her direction. “Talking with Ever and Dmitri. They’re coming our way now.”
Dressed in a long purple wool coat, Jo sees us and beams. “You made it.”
“Second place! Congratulations, Jo.” Sporting the biggest smile, Trevor hugs her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“So am I.” I lean in for a squeeze. “You’re so talented. It’s unreal.”
“Thanks.”
I pull out my phone, swipe away the notifications of new comments on my Cryptid Night podcast video, and go to the Maplewood blog which is populated with pictures town residents have posted of today’s events. I turnmy phone so everyone can see the one of Jo wielding a chainsaw high, poised over the massive pumpkin. “Check out the photo Alex took. You look like a total badass.”
She tosses her hair over her shoulder in an exaggerated flip. “Iama total badass.”
“Truth.” A teen walking by, dressed in black fishnet stockings, ripped jeans, and a purple fuzzy sweater with a hoop in their eyebrow, fist bumps Jo, who smiles affectionately.
She’s always been the bravest of us. Watching her live as her authentic self in a world that is often less than kind is an education in courage. My years in Maplewood gave me an experience I wish every queer person could have. A place where people are loved, accepted, welcomed, and celebrated for who they are.
I wasn’t ready to leave it when I had to at seventeen. And I’m not ready now. I said I’d stay through Halloween, that’s only a week away. It’s not nearly enough time.
Jo swishes her long coat from side to side. “After six hours of carving, I was covered in pumpkin. Had to go home to shower and change, then come right back here. I didn’t get a chance to listen to your Cryptid Night podcast yet. How was it? What did people think?”
“Premiering my episode tonight, with the haunted house opening and coming here, hadn’t been the smartest idea. I didn’t think that through.” I shrug. Live and learn. “I could only steal quick glances at the comments pouring in under the video in between scanning entry tickets. But the feedback I saw was really positive. People asked more questions about the new cryptids. Others asked if there will be follow-up investigations.”
Trevor wraps his arm around me. “I really appreciated you being there for me, but I feel bad that we couldn’t watch the video live with everyone.”
“It’s okay. I wanted to help you. We’ll watch it when weget back to your house.” My brother stepped up big time, handling moderator duties solo. I banged out short replies when I had a spare second, but there’s more waiting for me.
“The videos and photos looked good.” Dmitri passes the rest of his candied bacon bites to Jo. “My favorite parts were the interviews with the Rocktogenarians.”
“According to the comments, as of when we left tonight, they’re everyone’s favorites. Who wouldn’t love that crew?” I shake my head, thinking about the ladies and the tangents they went on that I had to edit out. Trevor’s going to love those stories. “I wish we’d found something more concrete for Agnes. Now, she’s talking about shadowy figures roaming Maplewood at night.”
Ever scratches his jaw, his gaze scanning the area. “A few people at the festival mentioned them too.”
My teeth clamp down and my jaw clenches with irritation. “I think it’s a hoax. Someone trying to scare people.”
“Or, they’re doing it because they know you’re here, Bram.” Dmitri gestures at me with one long finger, the movement fluid and elegant. “Some of my students listen to your podcast. They love that the monster hunter has come to town. Could be someone giving you something to chase.”
Arms crossed, Jo taps her fingers against her biceps, the motion rattling the bag of bacon bites. “Agnes is unsettled by it. She and Eleanor stopped by about half an hour ago. She mentioned the figures and said she saw something along the edge of the festival grounds.”
“As in tonight? I don’t like that.” I grab my phone and shoot Agnes a text asking if she’s still here and where she saw the figure. “If you see anything, let me know. I want this person unmasked.”
More people arrive, waiting to congratulate Jo.
Ever, Dmitri, Trevor, and I leave her to her fans and continue along the line of displays. The professionalshave the most space and the largest entries and some of the biggest pumpkins I’ve ever seen. My favorite is a pirate ship, Trevor’s is a coffee shop. Dmitri and Ever both choose one that has pumpkin people playing in a pumpkin orchestra.
We reach the end of the line and loop our way back toward the parking lot.
