Chapter Nine – Halloween party

Half term was a blur to the outlaws – mostly because of Will's father accident. They hardly saw Will during that week – the other felt guilty about enjoying themselves. Will's father was still in hospital but he was coming home soon. When they did see Will wasn't keen on talking about what happen yet – Luke who was more talkative than his older brother wasn't saying that much either. But gossip travel fast (even if school was out for a week) and the rumour was that the accident happen because the equipment he was using wasn't up too health and safety regulations.

Monday after half term and they all have to go back to school.

"They are having a Halloween party here this year," said Robin "I think we all should go…" The last few years people had complain about teenagers on the streets at Halloween. The idea of the Halloween party at school gave them somewhere to go without getting into trouble.

"A party at school is not a party….." said Allan at once. "What is the point?"

"Come on" said Robin "it'll be fun…"

"It's this Friday," said John - really they had little noticed about this party. They could of talk about it during the week off school. But then again maybe Robin delayed this idea because of what happen to Will's dad.

"And?" questioned Robin looking at his friends "We can whip up costumes easy….and then sleepover at mine….I already asked dad and he is fine with it…."

"Why not?" said Djaq she knew see could go to the Halloween party but her parents would not allow her to go to a sleepover with the boys "It would be fun… and it be a laugh..."

By Wednesday all the outlaws said they were going to the school's Halloween party. Will and Luke were forced to go by their dad and aunt. Allan had to go with his brother Tom (Allan wasn't pleased he had to babysit him)

"I think should go as the Avengers," said Robin with a childish gleam in his eye "I could been hawk-eye…. John can be the Hulk…"

"Knew it," mumbled John more to himself. He knew once Robin said the word Avengers he knew what part Robin wanted him to be.

Djaq rolled her eyes "Let me guess I am Black Widow…" she said

"Well I could asked Allan…but he will say no," said Robin. "If you have a problem with being Black Widow you can be someone else….. We can be gender neutral after all…."

Djaq laughed "I have no problem with being Black Widow…."

"Cool," said Robin now growing in excitement "Much can be Thor, Allan Captain American and Will Iron man, we are sorted…."

Allan shook his head "Tom already thinks we are sad….." he said "He'll think we are bigger losers going a group themed thing…."

"Isn't he and Luke and some more of the year seven dressing up as Scooby doo characters?" asked John who heard Allan complaining that Tom was dressing up as Shaggy and how babysitting Tom was a punishment for something he hadn't done yet.

Allan rolled his eyes "It alright for him cos his a little year seven, big kids like us shouldn't dress up…." Allan thought about his brother - he was up to something - Allan knew it.

"I shouldn't worry about what your brother thinks," said Robin "I don't care what he say about us..."

Much laughed a little, "I think your problem is you don't care enough."

Robin saw Marian walking down the corridor as he went to the toilets. "Hey," he said casual trying to remember the tips Djaq had given him. "Are you going to the Halloween party on Friday?" he asked normally as he could. Like talking to the rest of his friends.

Marian nodded her eyes "yes, I am going with Alice… I take it you are going also?"

Robin nodded his head. "What are you going as?" asked Robin

"I thought it should be a surprise." Said Marian "It like a tradition - well with my friends - we don't tell each other what we are going as,"

"Well, traditions are meant to be broken," said Robin with a smile "Well," he paused for an moment "If it is alright with you – do you mind if I may spend some time at the party with you…..and maybe buy you a drink?" Robin paused for an moment. "Of course, it is up to you..."

"I don't think I would mind," said Marian with a smile. She must of like how he asked her. "See you around, Robin." Robin was practically skipping for the rest of the day.

While Djaq was allowed to the Halloween party she wasn't allow to Robin Sleepover – she understood why her dad said no. And her parents have talked to her about her new friends – because they were all boys. Her mother suggest she should go and try and make friends with some of the girls.

"I talked to the other girls, "Djaq told her mother "There Marian..."

"Only one girl?" asked her mother the evening before

"Mum," said Djaq "The thing is about girls... some them can be real bitches."

At school, Djaq had to give in a piece of homework a day late and as she was walking back towards the lockers she saw Isabelle – Guy Gisborne sister who was in year below them. Djaq had only heard stories about Isabelle – a good looking girl who like to mess with boy's emotions. She seem to fancy Robin but Robin only had eyes for Marian. Isabelle was one of those girl who thought she was more important than she was - and acted like she rule the school. Yes, thought Djaq to herself - some girls were bitches.

"You're the new girl," said Isabelle "Tell Robin I see him Friday…." With that she walked away.

Djaq watched her go and little perplex "Alright," said Djaq but Isabelle didn't hear her.

Robin groaned then Djaq passed on that message "She is a pain – much like her brother, it must be genetic."

"Do you think she will cause trouble at the party?" asked Djaq - because with a girl like Isabelle - you were never sure what they would do.

Robin didn't know "Well, what a party without a little trouble….."

….

After school Friday the plan was for them to meet at Robin's house before the party but that didn't happen.

Will had his paper round after school and wanted to return home and check on his dad. (He only be released the day before) Will wanted to make sure he was alright. Allan had to go to the party with Tom and make sure he go back home safe in the evening - so couldn't go to Robin's house. Djaq also had to return home and meet everyone at the school later on.

John and Much were the only ones who could meet Robin at his house and stay for the sleepover. They watch some TV before getting ready and with a little bit of light begging Robin's father drove them back to school. They jump out of the car once they reach the school. Robin's dad rolled out the windows "Is anyone else sleeping over tonight?"

"No, everyone else has to go home," said Robin

"Phone me when you want a lift back," said Robin' dad "I don't want you three walking back late at night do you understand me?….."

"We will – don't worry…" said Robin quickly

Once Robin's dad drive away. They stayed outside waiting for everyone else to arrive. Djaq arrived next then Will's Aunt dropped Will, Allan. Luke and Tom off in her car. And they all walked into the school hall that was packed. Luke and Tom went off to find them friends. The music was loud and with hundreds of pupils already inside it was hot inside the hall.

The outlaws messed about dancing with the music. And forgotten anything that was currently on their minds. Robin spied Marian dressed as a ghost – no more of a spirited. Robin didn't think Robin looked so pretty before. Robin left his friends and walked up to Marian. "Would you like a drink?" asked Robin

Marian nodded her head "Yes please. Are you enjoying the party?"

"Yes, it's pretty cool for a school party," said Robin as they walked to the table where they were selling drinks. "I am pretty surprised…."

"Well," said Marian nodding toward the middle of the hall where there was a reporter from the local newspaper "I guessing this put the school in a positive light…..keeping us out of trouble and all that."

"I guess so," said Robin buying two cokes and passed one to Marian. "I thought you were with Alice?"

"I am," said Marian "She went to find Eva, she coming here any minute now…."

Someone knocked into them almost making Marian spill her drink Marian and Robin both looked up and saw Isabella disappeared into the crowds. "Are you alright?" asked Robin

"I'm fine," said Marian "She like you – you know that don't you…."

"She likes everything that's moves," said Robin at once "Are you sure you're alright….."

"It's only a drink," said Marian "If that's the best she can do – I have nothing to worry about….."

John had gone outside to get some fresh air. It was hot in the school hall and filled with lots of people the cold outside air was a welcome feeling so the peace.

"Hey," said a voice and John turn to see Alice and turn a little red. John had to admit to himself - he liked Alice - liked her a lot.

"Hey Alice," said John. Alice was dressed in green with antennas on her head.

Alice looked at John "Are the Hulk?" she asked John who was lost for words nodded his head wishing he could say more than one word to Alice. "Whose idea was that?"

"Robins who else's," asked John at once. Alice laughed "What are you doing out here?" he asked

"Waiting for Eva," said Alice then she smiled and waved to someone behind John "Speck of the devil…" John looked and saw a girl dressed in red with horns. "Illiteracy," added Alice "See you around, John"

"See you around," repeated John. He paused for a moment wonder if this meant anything? Was Alice just being friendly? Or did Alice liked him? John decides to keep this to himself – his friends would tense him endlessly if he told them about this.

Allan pushed past the cowards of people – looking around. He spied Will and Djaq sitting on some chairs around the edge on the hall talking to each other. Allan didn't know what they were talking about and at that moment didn't care. "Have you seen that twat?" he asked once he got near them.

"Which twat?" asked Will

"The one who I am related too," snapped Allan "When I get my hands on him….do you know where Luke is?"

Will shook his head. Luke had wanted to be with his friends and wanted to let off some steam. "What's going on?" it was rare to see Allan rattled about something. Or so determent to see Tom.

Allan move his head closer to Will and Djaq so that no one nearby wouldn't hear. "Tom is trying to score some weed. He has no brain cells I am telling you."

"Wait what?" asked Djaq knowing Tom was eleven years old and wonder how he was even going to do that.

"He wanna be grown up," said Allan running a hand thought his now messy hair "I have to find him before he gets into trouble." Will looked alarmed he would be worried if Luke had got caught up with whatever Tom was doing. Allan and Will went to look for their brothers before they could get into any trouble.

Will quickly located Luke quickly talking to a boy who lived in the same block of flats as they did. Will dragged him away for a quick word "I won't do that," said Luke at once, when Will explain "Don't you trust me at all?"

"You know I trust you," said Will at once "Do you know were Tom is?"

"No," said Luke at once "He disappeared a little while ago. I think he was looking for someone…" Will and Luke watched as the head teacher and other teachers walked around asking people to show them what they had in their pockets and doing bag checks. "I guessing the teachers know something going on."

"No kidding," said Will, he knew this wasn't going to end well.

The head come up too them "Show me what you got in your pockets."

Will and Luke did as they were told – not wanting any trouble – their dad had enough to deal with. And they didn't have much between them anyway. A pocket of gum, some loose coins and Will's epi-pen. The head teacher walked away to another group of people.

"Do you recon we should warn Allan and Tom?" asked Luke

Will nodded his head "If we find them first."

…..

Will and Luke didn't find them in time. Allan had just spotted Tom across the hall and was just crossing the hall when he was stopped and asked to empty him pockets.

"why?" asked Allan at once.

"We had a tip off and we doing a check." Said the P.E teacher

"Checking for what?" asked Allan seeing that Tom was stopped by the head teacher. And Tom looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Just empty you're pockets," said the teacher and Allan did quickly so that he could get to Tom quickly.

He hoped Tom hadn't done anything stupid and he just heard a rumour. But Tom could never do what he was told. Once Allan stuff everything back into his pockets but it seem Tom had something he shouldn't and had to go to the head's office. Allan rush forward to catch up "What's going on?"

"I swear I did nothing, Allan," said Tom at once "I was set up….."

Allan wasn't allowed to go in the office, it was not long after that a Will and Luke caught up with him panting "You're timing needs a little work," said Allan

"Did he have weed on him?" asked Luke

"I don't know, looks like it," said Allan running a hand thought his hair again "Guess I been here waiting for the rest of the evening…" Sometimes Allan really hated his little brother.

….

The party ended sooner than expected as someone pulled the fire alarm and everyone was ordered to go home. Tom ended up being taken to the police station.

"Well," said Robin as he waited for his dad to pick him up "This is one party to remember."

"How much trouble do you think the person who pulled the fire alarm would get into?" asked Much

"Depends if they admit to it or not I guess," said Robin "It wouldn't be the first time someone set off the fire alarm off would it…..do you have fun John?"

"Not the best not the worst," said John. He spied Alice a little bit away. Defiantly not the worst.