As we neared Halloween town, I felt a lump forming in my throat. I must have been slowing, because Jack asked me if I was okay. "I'm okay" I responded "just a bit nervous. If you're right about no human being here, then they won't be happy to see me."
"You're right there, but we can't hide you forever."
"Yeah."
Considering I just met him, Jack was really nice. We were back at the gates, and I was wondering if I could turn back and stay in the graveyard forever. I couldn't hide behind my makeup now. I have to be brave. I reminded myself Otherwise, I won't get home.
"Stay beside me." Jack said.
Almost immediately, people started talking and gathering around Jack. The most notable person was a smaller man with a hat as tall as him, and a MAYOR ribbon around him.
"I believe THIS Halloween was our most horrible yet, Jack!"
Judging from the way he said it, the mayor said it EVERY YEAR. Suddenly, I remembered to lower the brim of my hat over my face, but it was too late.
"What are YOU doing here!?" The mayor cried, his head twisting around to his pale face.
Everyone gasped.
"A HUMAN!" One witch exclaimed.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" a werewolf shouted.
"GET HER!" A Harlequin Demon yelled.
"NO! Don't touch her" Jack said moving in front of me "she won't harm anyone!"
"She can't leave then! She'll tell everyone about us!" The witch said.
"I promise" I said, finding my voice "I won't tell anyone! Even if I did, they'd think I'm insane. I don't want that to happen. I just need you all to put up with me until I can find a way home."
The crowd grumbled, but they knew it was no use. I was stuck here. When everybody had gone their separate ways, I heard a new voice call out. "Jack?" A lady called out. The woman had long red hair, somewhat like yarn, stitches at all of her joints, and a patchwork dress on. Jack's face immediately broke into a smile. "Hey, Sally!" He said, going over to her side.
"Who's this?" Sally asked, meaning me.
"I'm Millicent or Millie for short." I said, stepping forward
"It's nice to meet you, Millie!" Sally said "Were you that third witch I saw before?"
"Yeah! It's actually Elphaba, but that's ok." I said, smiling
"Who's Elphaba?" Sally questioned.
"A character from my favorite musical."
"Well," Jack cut in "now that you have met each other, I think we should find Millie a place to stay."
"I have to get back to Dr. Finkelstein now anyways. If I break curfew, he'll INSIST on keeping me locked up again. Though it was nice meeting you Millie!" Sally said, smiling.
She walked away, and we looked on for a second before turning back to each other.
"She's really nice!" I exclaimed.
"She is." Jack said, grinning. I realized that he hadn't stopped smiling since I'd met Sally.
"Is she your, um, girlfriend?"
"Yeah." Jack said, blanching.
"Well, we should figure out where I'll be staying for the night." I said, to change the subject.
"Maybe you could stay in the guest room at my house."
"I probably wouldn't feel comfortable staying at another person's house. Maybe the attic above town hall? If it's empty, I mean." I said, meaning the tall official looking building to my right.
"Great idea! How did you know that was the town hall, though?"
"A wild guess."
….
Tree House, Halloween town, October 31st:
"Sew up the BAG, not the bugs you dimwits!" The voice said.
"Sorry sir!" Lock exclaimed nervously "Barrel, stop pricking the bugs with the needle!"
"Why should I be the one messing up? You're the one doing it!"
"Shut up, both of you! We're almost done!" Shock yelled.
"Now that I'm sewn together, let's get down to business, shall we?" The voice said "So you say a HUMAN came to town? She'll be the first one to test my machine on! When it works, and it WILL work, NOTHING will stop me from becoming the seven holidays king! AHAHAHAHA!" He cackled menacingly, while Lock, Shock, and Barrel cowered in the corner.
Guess who's back? One hint: He's a giant buggy sack. It's Oogie Boogie! Believe it or not, He'll play a VERY important part later on in the story.