Again, sorry this took so long. I normally write these chapters on my phone when I'm on the train. But I kinda cracked the screen pretty badly as I can't see anything on the bottom and all around the home button – which I can't use either.

Chapter 33

Today was Halloween. Taylor had come to visit for the week, and was staying at the apartment for a few nights – and then at their Dad's. She had been constantly obsessing about what she was going to wear that evening when they went trick-or-treating with the little kids, and then a party later - so she had to get something that would fit for both.

"Joey! Taylor! There's some lunch on the table!" Sam yelled through the apartment from the kitchen.

Without be called, Tom came in and grabbed a hotdog from the plate.

"Oi, they're for Taylor and Joey." Sam told him in a motherly tone, but that was soon changed as Tom went to kiss her – with a mouthful of chewed food. "Eww!"

"What?" Tom asked, pretending to be confused.

Before Sam could speak again, Joey and Taylor entered the room. They both sat down in pretty much silence - the scrapping of the stools was the only sound.

"What is up with you two?" As Sam said this, Joey gave her a 'you-should-not-have-talked' look.

"Dude..." Joey warned in a prolonged tone.

"I have nothing to wear to this party!" Taylor started; while Joey did the comical sigh and head in hands. "We are going in about three hours to go to Chloe's. He just sits there as if it's no big deal! And because he is a guy, he will probably just throw on some jeans and a shirt." She continued, indicating toward Joey.

"That's a little stereotypical. But on this occasion, probably correct." Joey said, becoming quieter toward the end.

"Tay, come with me for a second; I think I might have something." Sam offered, and led Taylor out of the room and to her closet.

"What is it with her?" Joey chided.

"She's your sister; don't speak about her like that." Tom demanded, becoming the 'father-like-figure' of this unconventional family photo. "What's your real problem?"

"I just… I… because… because I…" Joey tried to deliver.

"Because what? You're not making much sense."

"I want to prove her wrong, okay? I'm the guy who always strives to prove people wrong. I hate it more when people get it right about me." He exploded.

"Now I know you are back to normal – well, as normal as anyone is. You have fully recovered from the crash."

"Do you think you're funny? Actually, don't answer that." The brothers stayed quiet until Sam walked back in around thirty minutes later.

"I believe we have made a decision. She is just trying on something now." Sam beamed with satisfaction.

"Sam, can you help me out a little?" Joey asked and Sam nodded. "Thanks. Do you have any powder-like stuff that will make my face paler? So kinda like a zombie effect."

"Yes, but what is this for?" Sam asked, unsure.

"Halloween costume. I'm trying to prove Taylor wrong."

"Why?"

Joey sighed, realizing he had to explain what he did to Tom again. "So, can you help?"

After a few minutes, Sam and Joey emerged from the washroom – Taylor still hadn't appeared. Joey's face was covered in a pale, off-white powder, black eye shadow was smeared in circles around his eyes, and purple, brown and black eye shadow was used to create crevices and bruises across his face.

"Nice, buddy," Tom said as they walked back into the kitchen.

"It's just to prove a point. Anyway, I gotta go get my costume on."

"But, you'll ruin your face. It'll smudge and I don't want to do it again." Sam fussed.

"Sam – like I said – it's just to prove a point. How many times do I have to say it? It's not as if I'm trying to get on the cover of Men's Fashion. And before you laugh, Clare was harassing me at the store the other day about it."

Near five minutes later, Taylor came into the room. Her normally light brown hair was back combed and sprayed white, black and dark blue. She wore a green, blue, and black tartan skirt with an uneven, ragged hem. She also had a white shirt on, which was torn and disorganized like the skirt, with a ripped, black tie loosely knotted around her neck. Her face had similar effects as Joey's – but in a more innocent school-girl way.

"Wow that really did work." Sam adored.

"Where's Joey?" Taylor asked, showing her gratitude by smiling.

"He's just getting ready. Do you need taking to Chlo's?"

"If that's okay," Taylor replied.

"Always the polite one," Tom stated.

"Someone has to be."

The two continued to argue until Sam stepped in: "shut it!" She screamed.

"Whoa, what's going on here?" Joey asked, entering the kitchen and walking - or a slight hobble - to where everyone had moved to the couch in the lounge. "What do you think, Teeze?"

Joey stood there in a Vancouver Canucks home kit. His blue helmet was placed crooked on the crown of his head. A white hockey stick with black tape rested on his shoulder - a bit like the seven dwarves. Instead of skates, Joey wore high top, black boxing boots.

Taylor smiled to give silence thanks. "We should go in a few minutes."

Thanks for reading, would be great if you could review too. I'm thinking about having the wedding in possibly three or four chapters' time. So, I would like your opinion on: should Iain, Dylan or poss both be there to create a mix?