Page 6 of Halloween with a Daddy
“I’m not wearing that one.” I point to the devil costume. “No way.”
“You could be the fairy.” She motions to it. “It has some cute wings.”
“There’s more fabric in the wings than the rest of the costume.” I scoff. “I… No.”
“Then that just leaves the scandalous schoolgirl.” She smiles. “I’m tempted to wear that one, but I’ll let you choose since I messed up your costume.”
“That really is the only option.” I sigh. “Let me put this stupid thing on before I change my mind.”
I snatch the costume off Amelia’s bed and start changing into it. If I walked into my old high school wearing this, I’d go straight to detention. The pink tartan skirt is much too short for any school’s dress code and is way shorter than the ones I wore to school when I had a crush on my history teacher. To make things worse, the top might as well be a bikini. I toss the top back on the bed, go to Amelia’s closet, and find a white camisole to wear instead. It fits well with the rest of the accessories and makes the costume a little less scandalous.
“That looks okay.” Amelia admits when she sees what I’m wearing. “I think I’m going to wear the devil costume.”
“Unfortunately, it is the best option between the two.” I nod in agreement.
I finish accessorizing while Amelia puts on her costume. We find a couple of cute purses that match our costumes and transfer things over before finally leaving her apartment. We’re behind schedule, and the party has already begun, but we’re still going. That’s all I care about. The excitement builds again. I’m actually going to Grimwillow Manor. I want to scream that from the top of a mountain right now.
As soon as we get to the car and I crank it up, Amelia cracks a window. She reaches into her purse and pulls out a pack of cigarettes.
“You’re not smoking in my car, come on!” I shake my head at her. “I thought you quit.”
“I’m stressed!” She sighs. “What if I roll the window all the way down? Please, Bethany?”
“Fine.” I nod to her, unwilling to let anything else ruin my evening. I can’t help but laugh at the way things have unfolded so far. “I guess it’s appropriate you’re wearing the devil costume, because you really are trying to make my life hell tonight.”
“If the horns fit.” She laughs and lights her cigarette, offering the pack to me. “Want one?”
“No.” I say flatly.
“Yes, you do. You always ask me for one when you drink.” She nudges me. “I’m the devil and you’re a scandalous schoolgirl. I’m supposed to tempt you into doing naughty things.”
“You’re such a bitch.” I say jokingly and take a cigarette from the pack.
“Yeah, but you love me.” She grins and hands me her lighter.
I do. Despite everything, Amelia is my ride or die. She might be a bad influence sometimes, but then she makes everything better by helping me fulfill a childhood dream. I’d much rather be wearing the dress my grandmother made, but I’d wear about anything to see the inside of Grimwillow Manor.
As soon as we make the last turn and I see the open gate, my heart skips a beat.
“Thank you, Amelia.” I look over at her and smile.
“Here’s to an amazing night in semi-amazing costumes?” Amelia holds up an imaginary shot glass.
“To Grimwillow Manor.” I smile and hold up an imaginary shot of my own.
Grimwillow Manor is lit up, and there are cars parked everywhere. It looks more intimidating at night, even with the lights, than it does during the daytime.
I’m too excited to get spooked.
This may be the best night of my life, and the last thing on my mind is the party.
Edgar
IarriveatGrimwillowManor late Friday and make sure everything is still intact before settling into one of the many available rooms.
The company hired through the trust to maintain the property has done an excellent job. I really should check in more often than I do, but it doesn’t seem like my absence has been an issue. I’m reminded of my fascinations from youth, exploring every nook and cranny of the gothic masterpiece when my dad would let me.
But there are still plenty of secrets. There are places I couldn’t get into back then and have never explored now that I’m older. It doesn’t seem that important anymore. The luster wore off once I had to write checks myself to cover the expenses. I’m not even sure what will happen when the trust can no longer cover the cost of maintaining the place.
