Velma woke up on the morning of October 31st to the feeling of the crisp autumn air prickling her skin and warm sunlight shining on her face through a crack in the curtains. The mouth-watering smell of eggs and bacon frying wafted into her room through the floor boards and under her bedroom door as she sat up and stretched, feeling rejuvenated and full of joy. Today was her sixteenth birthday.
She brushed her hair and teeth, then put on her usual outfit consisting of an orange jumper and orange socks, a red skirt and red shoes. She then went downstairs into the kitchen where her mother greeted her. Her father was nowhere in sight; he had already left for work.
"Morning, dear!"
"Morning, Mum" Velma said with a big smile as she sat down at the table.
"You're looking cheerful this morning" her mother commented, placing a steaming plate of eggs and bacon in front of her.
"Of course. It's a special day" she answered, a little confused. Surely she must have remembered.
"Oh, that's right!" Mrs Dinkley exclaimed. "It's Halloween!"
The girl's heart sank. Had her mother seriously forgotten her birthday? Forcing a smile, Velma nodded. "Yes, that's right. Halloween." She hoped she didn't sound too disappointed.
"So, have you and your friends got anything special planned for tonight?"
"We thinking of going to Perdition Pines" Velma answered, swallowing a mouthful of bacon.
Perdition Pines was a small woodland area on the outskirts of the town that was shrouded in decades of mystery. It was said to be the home of the restless souls of folk who had died there over the years, hence the name. Velma and her friends, Fred, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby had always enjoyed a trip to Perdition Pines. Their most favourite part was the old log cabin in the very heart of the forest where they would sit eating Scooby Snacks and telling scary stories.
At the mention of Perdition Pines, Mrs Dinkley grew pale. "Isn't that place haunted?"
Velma laughed despite herself. "Mum, you know I don't believe in ghosts."
Mrs Dinkley nodded. "I know, but it doesn't seem wise to take the risk. Especially on Halloween."
Velma ignored her and finished off her breakfast. She had barely swallowed the last mouthful when a car horn sounded outside. "That's my ride!" Velma announced. Grabbing her bag, she kissed her mother goodbye and left the house. Outside, the rest of the gang were waiting for her in the Mystery Machine. Velma felt a smile cross her face. At least they'll have remembered, she thought. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Very, very wrong.
"Hi, Velma" everyone chorused as she climbed into the van.
"Hi, guys" Velma returned. "You know what today is, right?"
"Yup. It's Halloween!" Shaggy cried excitedly from the backseat.
"Reah! Ralloween!" Scooby repeated.
"Like, I can't wait to go Trick or Treating! Scoob and I have got our costumes ready, haven't we, Scoob?"
Fred chuckled. "Shaggy, we're not going Trick or Treating tonight. We're going to Perdition Pines, remember?"
Shaggy's face fell. "Aw, man! Do we have to go tonight? We've been working on our costumes for days!"
"Well, we've been planning this visit for weeks" Daphne said, twisting in her seat to face the boy and his canine pal. "It's your fault if you weren't paying attention, so we're going to Perdition Pines whether you like it or not."
Shaggy pouted out his lower lip. "Fine" he muttered, slumping in his seat and folding his arms.
Velma couldn't believe it. Even her friends had forgotten it was her birthday! Some friends, she thought bitterly as they pulled out of the driveway and headed off to school. Then an idea struck her. Maybe they were just pretending to forget and it was all part of some big surprise they had planned for later.
Yes, that must be it.