My eyes burst open as streams of sunlight poured through my window. I jumped out of bed and smiled mischievously, rubbing my hands together. It was warm for fall with a brisk wind. It was one of my favorite times of the year, Halloween. I had kept my costume a secret while everyone discussed their ideas. I'd wait until the perfect moment to display it. Hour after hour, I collected little pieces and put it together. Tonight would be show time. I couldn't wait.
Gabby and I chatted aimlessly as we sat eating an early dinner. It got dark early this time of the year, so we wanted to hurry and get our costumes on. A commotion on the stairs halted our conversation. Celine slowly made her way down the stairs, a perfect image of Michael Jackson. I reeled over with laughter.
"What's so funny?" Celine demanded. "I thought it was rather good!"
"It's great, Celine," I said. And it was. Truth be told, I couldn't even tell it was her. That was the point. None of us could be recognized on our night escapade.
"Where's Zac?" Gabby asked.
"That's a good question. I haven't seen him in a hour or so," I complained. Just then, I heard snorted laughter from the stairs. This time, I fell to the floor with laugher. There at the top of the stairs was a walking video game. Zac had worked it to perfection. He advanced towards us as tears streamed uncontrollably down my cheeks from laughing.
"Sorry, Ellie. I guess I can't hug you tonight," he teased. I shook my head, but no words came out. Zac's cardboard shook as he tried to contain his laughter. Then he showed us how he worked. There was a slot in his side to insert the money…in his case, candy. Then there were handles where someone could play the game while Zac moved little cartoon characters he'd drawn around on a fake screen. We all agreed that Zac's costume fit perfectly.
A few minutes later, Celine…or should I say Michael…followed Ellie and me up into our room to put our costumes on. Isaac had emerged moments before, and I had to admit I liked his costume. He was a piece of broccoli. I didn't think anyone would recognize him tonight. Celine had laughed hysterically and we got the two of them together, Celine imitating Michael Jackson and Isaac rapping, saying, "Yo, I'm Puff Greenie!"
I smiled to myself as I stood in my room. Isaac had looked so cute…no! I can't let myself think that way.
"Here they come!" I yelled, running into the living room awkwardly. Ike was dressed in his Puff Broccoli costume, and Taylor was going as a huge red cherry Jellybean.
Celine emerged, moonwalking into the room as best as she could, then a huge brown thing followed. It took me a minute to realize Ellie was being a horse.
"Ding!" I said, imitating my costume's sounds to tell Ellie I liked it.
Ellie laughed and then the whole room became silent as a white-robed figure entered. Atop her brown mass of curls lay a shimmering halo, and wings sprouted from her back. She was completely white and glittery. I stole a glance at Ike, whose mouth had dropped open. Hmmm….a piece of broccoli and an angel…
"I know, it's not that inventive," Gabby said.
"You look like a true angel, Gabby," Taylor cut in. She smiled gratefully at him.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!!!"
The night had been a success. We were loaded with candy. I thought Zac had been incredibly cute. Everyone had loved his costume, and whenever "money" was inserted, Zac would ding. I noticed Ike staying as close to Gabby as he could without being suspicious, but Zac, Taylor, Celine and I all knew how he was feeling.
Celine had to take the candy from us while we were getting ready for bed.
"So, Gabby, was tonight fun?" I asked.
She was brushing her hair, trying to get the glitter out of it.
"I suppose. Ellie, was Isaac…was…"
"Yes, he was."
Gabby groaned. "Ellie…I can't handle this anymore! Every ounce of me is telling me that he's the one…that we only have two more months…" Gabby broke into frightened tears. I looked at her sympathetically, and looked up to see Zac, Taylor and Ike standing in the doorway. Zac came into the room and helped me try to comfort Gabby. Our hands locked over her shoulders, and we both knew what the other was thinking: If Ike didn't come forward soon, Gabby would do something drastic…and that thought scared me.
My eyes opened the next morning and for a moment I had no idea where I was. Then I noticed Ellie asleep by my side. She had been so scared last night that I had sung her to sleep, and we'd fallen asleep in each other's arms.
I carefully entangled myself from her and went across to Gabby's room. Her bed was perfectly made, and she wasn't anywhere in sight. From across the hall, I heard Ellie scream. She knew…
I ran back to her side. I had never seen her so terrified. Her face was as white as the sheets beneath her, and she was violently shaking. Tears rolled down her face. I pulled her close to me and rocked her gently. I kissed her head, and waited for her to calm down.
"What's going on?" Celine ran into the room, pulling a bathrobe over her, followed by Taylor.
I looked up as Ellie practically went insane in my arms. "Gabby's gone," I said as gently as I could. My words made Ellie go crazier.
"What?" Taylor asked. Celine went across the room and came back.
"She's gone," Celine confirmed. "And she left this."
"Living here is too much for me. I don't know where I'm going or if I'm coming back. I hope you all understand."
"Oh, man," Taylor breathed. His eyes fell on Ellie. Celine came over and tried to take Ellie from me, but she clung to me. She wouldn't let go.
"I'm going to get Jason, Eric and Dad and we're gonna look for her," Taylor whispered. "You stay here."
"I wasn't planning on moving," I whispered back.
