Halloween Horror 91: The Legend of Anna Greene
Getting Ready for Halloween
McCallister House-Peter and Kate's Room
Thursday October 31, 1991-7:00 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
It's an abnormally warm Halloween night. Kevin is standing on a stool in front of the big mirror that is located in Mom and Dad's master bathroom. I try my best to help Kevin with his Halloween costume.
"Kevin, hold still!" I snap at him, trying to get his shirt collar straight, so I can put on his necktie.
"I don't know why Mom is making me dress as Swirly Jr. for Halloween. I wanted a Devil costume, but Mom said 'no'," Kevin whines. "It doesn't help that Jeff is going as Swirly Jr.'s Dad."
I shake my head, smiling. I try to cheer up my little brother, "I think your costume looks adorable, Kevin. It's original, and it's going to get a lot of good treats. Plus, dressing as the Devil for Halloween is way overrated,"
"I'm going to be laughed at, wearing this candy cane-striped shirt and white pants, and having to wear that hideous oversized vanilla swirl ice cream mask, with its large mouth and huge eyes," Kevin pouts.
"Kevin, no one is going to laugh at you, because no one is going to know it's you with the mask covering your entire head," I smile, stating the obvious.
Kevin is about retort, when I hear Mom started yelling in the hall. I wonder who's in trouble… "Megan, Linnie, you both go to your room and change out of that costume this instant! When I said you could go dressed as bunny rabbits for Halloween, I didn't mean as scanty-dressed Playboy rabbits! You'd better change, before your Father sees you dressed like that, or you're going to be in serious trouble with him! No 'ifs' or 'buts'! Now, go!" I hear Mom shout at them, shutting down the twins' pleas.
I just shake my head in amusement. 'The twins should know by now that nothing gets by Mom, but I have to give them credit for trying…' I make sure Kevin's tie is perfect.
Speaking of Mom, she has just walked in the bathroom, muttering about the twins and their lack of modesty. She gazes her eyes upon Kevin. "Oh, Kevin, you look so handsome in that ice cream man costume! It's definitely getting a picture for the family album," Mom's mood becomes much brighter.
Kevin just scowls, as Mom turns her focus onto me, "Christine, I wanted to thank you for coming over and helping out tonight, by taking your siblings trick or treating, and spending your Halloween with us. It means a lot to your Dad and I,"
I feel a ping of sadness, remembering the last time I spent Halloween with my family. It stands out, because of that, and Mom giving birth to Kevin just three days later. So, I guess, in a way, this is my first Halloween I'm spending with Kevin.
"I'm happy to do it, Mom. I didn't have any other plans. William is spending his Halloween with his frat buddies, watching horror flicks. Plus, I couldn't miss my brother's Birthday! So, what kind of costume are you going to be wearing for your party at the Country Club?"
Mom smiles. "I'm glad you asked, Christine. Let me go get it, so I can show you," She briefly steps out of the room. "So, what do you think of it?" Mom asks, holding up a dark blue dress and a blue hennin, which is a pointy steeple headdress with a veil hanging from the top.
"Wow, it's beautiful. Doesn't Mom's Princess costume look nice, Kevin?" I prod my brother.
"Yeah, it looks great, Mom," Kevin replies, clearly faking his enthusiasm.
Mom blushes. "Thank you, both of you. If you're finished with Kevin, I need to be getting ready,"
I nod. "We're finished. Come on, Kevin," Kevin steps off the stool, as he grabs the large swirly ice cream mask.
Once we reach the hall, Kevin quietly snarks, "I think Mom would look better, if she went as the wicked witch for Halloween. She always acts like a witch, so why not dress as one?" Luckily, no one hears us, especially Mom. I quickly slap the back of Kevin's head. I know Mom's feelings would be hurt, if she heard the smartass remark that just came out of my younger brother's mouth. "Ow! What'd you do that for, Christine?!" Kevin whines, rubbing the back of his head and glaring at me.
I glare back and scold, "That's a very mean thing you just said about our Mother. You should be ashamed of yourself, especially after the hard work Mom put into making your costume,"
"Mom should have made you a witch-in-training costume for Halloween; you're the daughter of a witch. Did you fly away on a broom, when you ran away from home?" Kevin sasses.
"You're treading on thin ice, buster. One more smart remark from you, and you're not going to like what I'm going to do next," I feel a mixture of anger and hurt about the way Kevin is acting right now.
"You're going to rat me out to Mom. No, wait… You're going to confiscate my candy. Oh, I got it! You're going to sick the pill on me. Oh, I'm so scared that Christine is threatening me with her wet tissue boyfriend…" Kevin mocks.
Doing my best to ignore the cutting remark he made about my boyfriend, I reply, "No, something much worse. You know the thing you've been begging Mom and Dad to get you for your Birthday?"
Kevin suddenly becomes curious. "You mean, the GameBoy, with the Super Mario Land and Tetris bundle. What about it?"
"Well, I might have a GameBoy like you described at my apartment. It's all wrapped up and ready to be given to a good little boy, who's turning nine in three days. But, it looks like it's going back to the store, since that good little boy thinks it's nice to make mean comments about his Mother and oldest sister," I didn't want to do this, but Kevin's attitude forced my hand. I hope that he's learned his lesson. I don't want to have to return the tape recorder he's been begging me for, as well…
Kevin's arrogant demeanor suddenly bursts like a bubble, once he realizes he screwed up big time. "Christine, I'm sorry about the things I said! I wasn't being serious about you and Mom looking like witches. It was just a good ol' Halloween gag. I didn't mean it!" Kevin grovels, trying to get back in my good graces, which I'm not buying.
"I'm sorry, Kevin, but my decision has already been made. It's going back to the store first thing tomorrow. Just be lucky I'm not telling Mom about this," Kevin would be in serious trouble, if she found out. Kevin just nods, looking regretful, as we both head downstairs. Is he being sincere? That, I'm not sure of…
McCallister House-Buzz's Room
Thursday, October 31, 1991-7:19 P.M.
(Buzz's PoV:)
Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. It's not because of the candy, the bloody horror flicks, or the pranks; it's because today's my 17th Birthday, and my parents are letting me have the house all to myself for most of the night. It will be spent watching a marathon of my favorite horror and science fiction movies, while engrossing myself with junk food, that I'm currently removing from my secret stash. I'm very excited.
Both of my parents will be attending a Halloween costume party that's being held at the Country Club tonight, while my older sister, Christine, takes all of my younger siblings and Fred trick or treating around the block.
Thinking of Christine, I speak to my pet tarantula, "You know, Axl," He's trying to push an old ping-pong ball across his terrarium, as I take a seat at my desk. "I kind of feel sorry for my older sister, having to spend her first Halloween back with the family, taking my siblings trick or treating. She should be enjoying her Halloween, either at the party with my parents, or with me, watching horror flicks. I wouldn't mind, if Christine joined Jeff and I," Jeff will be joining me, when he returns from trick or treating. "Hell, I tried to convince Mom that Jeff could take my sisters and the snotwad trick or treating, so Christine could celebrate with me. Jeff is tough enough to handle any trouble that arises. Mom, however, would not have it, saying she would feel better, if Christine went along. In addition, the little dork overheard and had to put his two cents in, accusing me of trying to ruin his Halloween. According to Mom, either Christine takes them trick or treating, or they don't go at all…"
"Buzz! Megan! Linnie! Jeff!" Mom loudly calls from downstairs. "I need to speak to all of you, before your Dad and I leave for the party!"
'Coming, Mom…' I think to myself, getting up from my desk. I gab the snacks off my bed and head out into the hall. "Well, Axl, I hope you have a fun Halloween. I'll check on you later, little buddy. Here's a fresh dead mouse for you to feast on, as a little Halloween treat." I drop said mouse into the terrarium…
McCallister House-Main Foyer
Thursday, October 31, 1991-7:23 P.M.
(Kate's PoV:)
I'm standing in front of the foyer mirror, making sure my hat and veil are straight. Christine is already downstairs with Kevin. The rest of the children should be down shortly. Peter is in the kitchen with Fred, putting on his costume and helping Fred with his.
"Aren't you going to wear a costume, Christine?" I ask my oldest.
"Oh, I knew I was forgetting something… I'll be back in a second!" Christine smiles, as she quickly runs for the living room. I'm curious what Christine's costume is…
"What do you think, Kate?" Peter asks, coming down the foyer, dressed like a royal knight.
"Like my knight in shining armor," I send a flirtatious look his way.
"Would the fair maiden like to share a kiss with the handsome knight?" Peter grins, walking toward me.
"I would love to…" I huskily reply, my lips touching Peter's. Kevin groans in disgust.
"WOOF!" Fred barks, interrupting the moment of intimacy between Peter and I.
"Dammit, Fred! You just had to spoil the moment…" Peter grumbles.
"WOOF!" Fred barks again.
He wants me to see his costume. I bust out laughing, once I see Fred dressed as Weird Al Yankovic, with the trademark Hawaiian shirt and glasses. I snap a picture of him. "Was this your idea to dress Fred as Weird Al?" I ask Peter, still laughing.
"Yes, I thought it would be funny," Peter replies. Peter is a fan of Weird Al.
"You know, our kids are going to be the talk of the block with their costumes. Speaking of which, here they come now," I see the kids come downstairs in their costumes, except for Buzz, who's staying home to watch horror movies.
Linnie and Megan are dressed as two sad hobo clowns. Their faces are painted white, with big red lips, while wearing some old baggy moth-eaten suits they must've found in the basement. They must be sad that I busted their scheme of going trick or treating as scantily-dressed rabbit sluts. Jeff and Kevin are both going dressed alike as the masked Father and son tandem of Mr. Swirl and Swirly Jr., the local ice cream vendors. They all look so cute. Luckily, I have my camera on-hand!
"You all look so adorable in your costumes," I coo, snapping a picture, after they bust out laughing, seeing Fred in his costume.
"So, what do you think of my costume, Mom?" Christine asks, coming back into the room. I bust out laughing again, as does the rest of the family. Christine is dressed like Ernest P. Worrell, from the Ernest movies.
"I love it, pumpkin," I snap several pictures, including a picture of the whole family.
"I think it's about time we get a move on, Kate. The party will be starting soon," Peter says, looking at his watch.
"Let me explain some things to the kids first," I reply.
"I'll be in the car waiting, then," Peter nods. He hugs the children 'goodbye', wishes Buzz a "happy Birthday", and that they all have fun tonight, before heading out the front door.
"There are several things I want to make clear, before I leave. First, Christine is going to be in charge of the house tonight, while your Dad and I are gone. So, you'll listen to every word she says, especially when trick or treating. Second, any punishments Christine hands out, while your Dad and I are away, will be served. Any begging to your Dad and I to overrule Christine, will earn you double the punishment. Third, Buzz, I know it's your Birthday, but those rules apply to you, as well. Are we understood?"
"Yes, Mom," my younger children chorus, as I turn my attention to Christine.
"Now, Christine, here's the number to the Country Club, if you need to reach us," I hand her the number written on a piece of paper. "The rest of the emergency numbers are next to the phone in the den. Have your siblings back home from trick or treating by ten, and make sure the twins and Kevin are in bed by eleven. Buzz and Jeff have been given permission to stay up for the marathon. They're to go to bed, once the movie marathon is done. I don't want you staying up late, either. There are leftovers in the fridge, and try not to eat too much candy. Your Dad and I should be home around one o'clock in the morning. All of you stay safe and have a good time. I love you all." I kiss all my children "goodbye". I kiss Buzz and wish him a "happy Birthday".
"Mom, don't worry, we'll be OK. Everything will be fine, while you and Dad are gone. You both just go and have a good time," Christine assures me, while I kiss her "goodbye".
"I know, and we will," I smile, as I quickly rush out the front door. Peter is honking the horn, telling me to hurry up. 'Christine is here, so everything is going to be OK…' I assure myself, climbing into the car.
Peter says to me, "Finally! I thought I was going to have to leave without you…"
(Christine's PoV:)
Mom just worries too much, but she wouldn't be Mom, if she didn't. I smile, watching Dad's 1990 gray Lincoln Continental pull out of the drive and head off into the night. I turn to face my siblings that are very eager to hit the block and load up on candy.
"Alright, you bunch. Are you ready to hit the block, and get your bags filled with sweets and treats?" I lamely ask.
"Of course we are," they chorus.
"Hey, Christine, before you go, I want to tell you to be careful. I got word from one of my buddies that the pumpkin smashers will be out in force tonight, causing trouble," Buzz speaks. My younger siblings cringe, hearing that.
"Let me guess… They're a bunch of older teens that like toilet papering houses and egging cars?" I take a wild guess. I remember trick or treating on the block was always a peaceful night, when I was young.
"No, more like harassing and pelting trick or treaters with rotten eggs, soap-filled water balloons, and stink bombs. I may like pranking people, but that's too malicious, even for my standards," Buzz replies, looking disgusted.
I understand now why Mom wanted me to go trick or treating with my siblings, and why she wanted Fred to tag along. She knows bad things happen, if someone dares to mess with my family, when Fred and I are around.
"Thanks for the heads up, bro. I'll make sure those pumpkin piss ants regret it, if they dare harass my siblings," I laugh, evilly. "Also, happy Birthday, Buzz. I hope you enjoy the movie marathon that the station I work for is airing tonight. I filmed a couple of segments earlier today for the marathon, so watch for me. We should be back home around ten." I wink, giving him a hug, before leaving the house with my excited siblings to begin our night of candy-collecting fun…
END