Things settled down for the majority of October. I was invited to three parties in town, something that was rare. I had been invited to a total of ONE party every year for the last several—Mama Sandy's Halloween Bash. Which was just watching horror movies at her home with all the kids. And the other social orphans that the Sanderson kids picked up from school and sports.
I was Amelia's only duckling, but her brothers had about seven friends between them that almost lived at the house. I had fantasies about being wealthy enough to just adopt all the unwanted kids in the area, to have enough space for them to sleep and a table big enough for them to eat.
I ended up going to Jessie's house on the 28thst, where we snuck out at 9PM to go to some weird party in the middle of the forest. We walked a mile in thin spandex costumes and winter coats.
The party was interesting, but nothing to really write home about. Jessie and Mike were officially a couple and disappeared "to talk about a class." It was two hours and a twisted costume later that Jessie said she wanted to go home.
Mike and Eric walked back home with us. His mother had her little hawk eyes on him. It was one of the weirdest things about Eric. He was allowed to do whatever he wanted with guys, but the moment anyone with boobs showed up... his mother thought they would end up pregnant.
"Next time just leave the phone at Mike's," I said.
"She calls and texts," Eric said.
"If you are asleep, why would you answer?" I said.
"Maybe because Jess and Mike won't stop..." Eric stopped walking to look behind us. Jessie and Mike were kissing again.
I snorted. "Seems like Mike rang more than the doorbell."
"Did you get a trick or treat?" Eric asked the blushing couple.
"Shut up Bella, Eric," Jessie said. "You're just mad you don't have someone."
Eric turned around and said, "Too much candy will give you a cavity."
Mike burst into laughter.
"I don't get it?" I said. "I am so sheltered. Please help me understand what you mean."
"He found several cavities…" Eric said.
"Gross," I said. "My innocent ears can't hear this type of thing."
I turned down the street, holding the flashlight level with the broken sidewalk. I flashed the light across the forest and into the street, hoping we wouldn't run into any wild animals. Mike had run from a bear last Halloween. I didn't know if I believed him, but I didn't want to deal with the bullshit. I was about to cross the street to head towards Jessie's house, when I saw the familiar white Subaru.
"Eric, your mom is—" I said.
Eric groaned. "It's my dad."
"Okay, well, we should split up. I doubt he's seen you. He will just think it's Jessie and me. Head around the back."
When the boys were already long gone, I got a text from Eric of a smiley face. We started walking down the street, passing the white car casually. When we reached Jessie's house, we burst into laughter.
"This is why Angela can't date him. His parents are legit insane."
"I noticed. But the dad was right, we did sneak out to a party."
"Yeah, but… It's dumb."
"I guess."
"Let's get some sleep, I have to go to church in the morning."
"Why didn't you tell me that, I would have had Dad pick me up."
"Well, Mom wanted you to come."
"I am walking home, Jess. I don't do church."
"That's fine."
And we headed inside, trying not to wake up the sleeping giants.