Chapter 9

We arrive at the pageant just in time to register for the costume contest. The ballroom is stunning, decorated with streamers and balloons galore. The walls are covered in large inspirational posters advertising the health benefits of cabbages and why you should avoid destroying carts of them. The music blares, and Atticus and I approach the registration table, hand in hand, for the contest.

"One ham with legs and a stunningly beautiful Mr. Peanut checking in for the contest!" Atticus says cheerfully, glancing at me with a wide and heartstopping smirk.

"Of course!" the registration lady chirps back at us, "Have fun with your date!"

I blush. A date. Not only that, but a pageant and dance with my new boyfriend. Nothing could ever spoil this night. Everything in my life since Atti and I got together has been perfect - I couldn't ever imagine what could-

Oh.

The corner of my eyes catches a rather large shape enter the ballroom. It's another entry for the contest, a fellow student who is dressed as a rather dashing link of salami.

It's Bob Ewell.

My stomach drops. Of all the possible things that could spoil my date, I hadn't anticipated this. Bob looks smug, smugger than he did when he got back from suspension. He makes eye contact with me and Atti, giving him a small yet sexy smirk.

Wait. Did I say sexy? I meant- uh stupid. What am I thinking?

"Hey Atti~" he singsongs to my date. He gives a twirl, "Do you like my costume? It's far better than a mediocre peanut. It's like we go together!"

Atticus looks calm, yet his hand grips mine firmly, "Um, actually you need multiple food groups in a balanced meal to maintain a healthy diet."

Burn. My Atti is so smart, I'm constantly impressed with his wit. He could be a lawyer someday.

Bob huffs and turns away, disappearing into the crowd of pageant goers.

The loudspeaker blares overhead, interrupting the music for a hot minute, "All rise for the costume contest. Entrants, please make your way to the stage so that everyone can see you clearly."

Atticus tugs on my hand and we head to the stage via the stairs to the left. The spotlights are bright, and make me feel a tad anxious. Golly gosh, I'm nervous about being in front of all these people, but Atticus' grip on my hand is strong.

We line up with all the other food groups, looking fabulous except for that sex-I mean stupid, stupid Bob Ewell salami mess.

"And the winner of this year's Maycomb High School: Ad Astra Per Aspera Halloween Pageant is…"

"I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!" Bob Ewell yells, stopping the announcer in her tracks. He steps forward.

He takes a breath -

A/N: Hello besties! Hope you've had an awesome quarantine. We've been making the most of it by working on this extra long chapter of our story. Thank u so much for ur dedication and sticking to this story. Can you believe it has been about 5 years since we've started? Threes to all of our loyal patrons, and see u in 6 or so months. -Dasie and May