With how similar the titles in this trilogy are, I worry that one day I'll update one of the previous two by accident. That was probably an oversight on my part.
"So, real talk," Gil said at lunch. "Are we doing anything for Spooky Day?"
"Halloween," Artie said.
"That's what I said. So are we doing anything?"
"Last year's Halloween was fun," Kiku murmured.
"The thing is . . ." Toni said, "I think we'd end up telling the same stories, or just run out of stories altogether."
"Hm, good point," Gil said. He pointed at Ludwig. "Luddie. Ideas."
Ludwig stared at him. "Why are you asking me?"
"Good point, you're too boring. Guys? Anything?"
"Ludwig isn't boring," I argued. He smiled at me.
"Okay, but you have to say that 'cause you're dating him," Gil said. "So, ideas?"
"Dance party," Al suggested.
"I don't dance," Artie said flatly.
"You can fake it, loser."
"What does . . . dancing have to do with . . . Halloween?" Herc asked quietly.
Al stared at him. "Dancing has something to do with everything," he said solemnly. "We can build a bonfire and dance around it to ward off evil spirits."
"That's not a real thing," Artie said.
"I'd rather not dance around something like that anyway," Francis muttered.
"So if we're not gonna have a dance party, what're we gonna do?" Al demanded.
"Who says we have to do anything?" Toni asked. "We could just stay home."
"Uh, sure, if you're boring," Gil said.
"Or tired, or have homework," Lovi pointed out.
"Yeah, but Spooky Day's on a Saturday this year," Gil said. "So you can finish your homework the day before."
Artie frowned. "That doesn't make sense . . . Halloween was on a Saturday last year . . . the dates don't match up."
"Was it?" Al said. "Whatever. Anyway, ideas. We can't just keep going in circles here."
"Horror movies."
Everyone looked at Matt.
"We could marathon horror movies," he said quietly.
Gil snapped his fingers and pointed at him. "Yes. Absolutely. Why didn't I think of that?"
"'Cause you're obviously not as cool as my bro," Al said. "Awesome idea, Mattie. So we can all bring one or two and we'll just watch what we feel like?"
"That actually does sound decent," Artie said. "Where should we do it?"
"Our place is out," Toni said immediately.
"Right," Al said, nodding. "Mattie, you think mom and dad would let everyone come over?"
Matt shrugged. "I mean . . . probably."
"Cool, so that's an option. Anyone else available?"
"My TV isn't very good," Kiku said. "I don't think my house would work . . ."
"Same here," Herc said sleepily.
"Definitely not my house," Artie muttered. "It's too crowded already."
"My place is out," Francis said, though he didn't elaborate.
"I don't think my house would work," I said. "Eliza wouldn't mind, but stepfather doesn't want . . . he wouldn't appreciate so many people coming over at once."
"Hey, Luddie, Mei, what about our place?" Gil asked them. "You think Vati would care?"
Mei shrugged. "I don't know . . ."
"He probably would," Ludwig said.
"Well, d'you think you could ask him if mom and dad say no?" Al asked.
"Yeah, can't say he'll agree, but sure," Gil said.
"Sweet, that's settled," Al said. "Also, I demand at least one movie with a talking skeleton."
"Why?" Mei asked.
"Sweetie, have you seen talking skeletons?" Al demanded. "They are the best."
"They're creepy," I said quietly. "How do they talk or move without muscles?"
"Dark magic," Al said.
"You know, if you want to see a talking skeleton so badly, you could always bring a movie yourself," Artie pointed out. "How about Nightmare Before Christmas or Corpse Bride?"
"Oh, FUCK YEAH!" Al yelled. "I love Tim Burton!"
"Do not yell," Gil snapped.
"I've never seen those two," I remarked.
"Yeah, neither have I," Lovi said.
"I've seen Corpse Bride, but not the other one," Francis said.
"Wow, you guys are in for the ride of your life," Al said gleefully. "Anyway, Mattie, you and me, we'll go ask the 'rents, and when they say yes we'll start planning."
Matt nodded.
"Nightmare Before X-Mas isn't really a horror movie, though," Gil commented.
"Yeah, well, Halloween," Al said dismissively.