Another week passed. Laura was starting to get used to her loneliness. When she wasn't legitimately doing her homework she would occupy herself with knitting or sewing. She even began taking her knitting to school and would spend lunchtimes with Connie who had recently taken up brocading as a hobby and was showing Laura how it was done.
"You should come over after school," Connie said one day, "I never see you apart from school anymore, we always used to be at each others houses."
"I don't know if I could," Laura said. She explained about the evil Mrs Morris.
"Sounds awful," Connie sympathised. "Tell you what I'll come over your house. She can try to kick me out if she wants but I'm determined to spend time with you," Connie smiled hugging her friend.
Laura smiled, "I would love that," she replied.
"It's a date," Connie winked cheekily.
Ace on the other hand had more than enough things occupying his time. He was getting the feeling that his Uncle not only sold shifty merchandise but was running it through the town. He didn't much care either way. All he cared about was the money which seemed to increase with every job.
When he wasn't driving to or from a job he spent his time sleeping. He never seemed to be able to get more than a few hours any more and it was really starting to take a toll.
"What's wrong with you?" Eyeball asked one day when he walked into The Blue Point Diner.
"Nothing, why?" he replied gruffly.
"No reason," he said not wanting to accidentally piss him off. "Any plans for Halloween?"
Ace had completely forgotten about it. "When is it again?" he asked.
"Friday man," he replied, lighting up a cigarette.
Ace perked up a little, Friday was good.
Connie true to her word walked home with Laura and Mrs Morris that afternoon. Laura had to try to keep from laughing as Connie pulled faces behind the older woman's back.
"She's horrible," Connie said when they had finally reached Laura's room, "how do you stand it."
Laura shrugged, looking a little sad again.
"Hey are you alright," Connie asked a little alarmed as Laura began to cry.
"It's nothing," she said through her sobs.
"Oh Laura," Connie said pulling her friend in for another hug, "if you're not happy you need to tell your mother."
"I can't do that," Laura said forcing herself to stop tearing up, "I don't want her to worry."
"You're too timid," Connie insisted, "what does Ace say about her anyway?" she asked hoping she had found a topic that would cheer her up again but she was alarmed when Laura started crying again. Connie rubbed her shoulder.
"I haven't seen him for a while," she said when she calmed back down again.
"Did you have a fight?" Connie asked.
"No, nothing like that. I guess between school and being stuck at home and then weekends with my mother there hasn't really been much time to see him anymore."
"You poor thing," Connie said sympathetically, "I don't understand why he wouldn't just come over, I can't picture him being scared of an old woman."
"I asked him not to," Laura admitted.
"Why, what's the problem?"
"I don't know," Laura said self consciously, "she looks at me when I've been with him, like I've done something wrong or bad. She says things to me and I know if Ace heard her he would be mad, I don't know what he might do," she confessed.
"I still think you should tell your mother," Connie persisted.
"That's what he said," Laura laughed weakly.
"Good to see he's talking some sense," Connie joked, "but seriously it's hard seeing you so miserable. You're usually so smiley."
Connie elbowed her softly in the ribs causing Laura to giggle a little.
"What are you wearing to school for Halloween?" she asked.
"I haven't really thought about it," Laura admitted.
"You should wear something really cute," Connie said.
"What are you wearing?" Laura asked.
"It's a surprise."
On Friday morning Laura dressed in her costume and walked to school with Mrs Morris. When she got there it looked as though it had been over run with vampires, monsters, pirates and ghosts.
"Laura!" Connie called out as she ran towards her.
Mrs Morris sniffed and began to walk away again.
"Hello to you too," Connie said sarcastically before grabbing her friends hand, "You look so beautiful," she said.
Laura had dressed in a plain white dress and attached some wings to the back. She had then made a halo which she had sat on the top of her head.
"Just like a real angel," Connie smiled.
"I love your costume," Laura said, Connie had dressed as Little Bo Peep.
"Are you as freezing as I am," Connie giggled, rubbing her arms.
"Yes," Laura replied, her dress was sleeveless and it's hem was intended for summer.
"Looks like we'll have to huddle together," Connie said as she grabbed Laura's arm and headed towards the front building.