The Owl and The Crow

Chapter 21: Tuesday October 31, 1967: The Darker Side of All Hallows Eve

K's POV

After promising Misty that you'll stay in the village and yell for help if needed, you leave the witches' side to meet up with your friends, Vallery, Ronny, and Jake. You walk around with them, admiring the beauty of the festival as your three friends try and decide what to do. While in thought, you can't help but let your mind wander a bit. There's been a few things on your mind like your mother, your father, Misty, Mother Miranda, that small voice in your head you can't seem to shake, and crazy enough, Vallery. Vallery has been your friend since you were both 5, and now at 16, that bond has grown significantly.

You could be just lying to yourself and say you even have feelings for her, but that would be wrong...and that would just be the voice talking in your head. A woman cannot love another woman like a man can...right? That's what father always said...

'But father isn't here now, is he~'

That faint voice teased, but you quickly shake it away and focus on the conversation at hand.

"I wanna go apple bobbing!"

Ronny said excitedly, his face beaming with excitement. Ronny was one of those tall, skinny boys that looked like he could be snapped in half. His dull brown eyes matched his dull brown hair, and he always seemed to have a knack for trouble.

"Me too!"

Jake shouted in agreement. While Jake was tall, he also wasn't skinny, having the muscular shape due to always helping his father cut wood. His eyes were a more gray blue, and his hair was a sandy red color, while dark freckles peppered his fair skin.

"Well, I want one of those candy apples."

Valley muttered in protest. You knew she wasn't a fan of getting wet, especially her hair.

"You're no fun Vall."

Ronny groans and rolls his eyes. You could only laugh softly as you try to ignore the pit in your stomach.

"How about you and Jake go bob for apples and me and Vallery will grab some of those treats."

You propose, deep down knowing you just want to be alone with Vallery. Everyone else agrees and splits to do their own thing. The sudden feeling of being watched hits you and you unconsciously draw closer to Vallery, the only person you could truly trust at this point. You could see her taking notice as she gently takes her hand in yours, making you blush slightly at the sudden yet comforting gesture. After getting some candy apples and walking around for a bit, you look at the sky and grin at the full moon nearing its peak.

*****

Everyone was getting ready for the fireworks and you could only grin at Vallery as she dragged you off to the special spot at the top of her grandmother's barn. While you still have that wrong feeling inside you, you push it down as you wait for the countdown.

"5!"

You hear the villagers cheer and you were about to as well...but then you noticed Vallery's gaze on you.

"4!"

Your cheeks turned a faint pink and you could see Vallery's do the same. It's nothing right...right?

"3!"

An impulse comes over you to kiss her, but you quickly swallow it down, not wanting to make a scene.

"2!"

Vallery suddenly and slowly scoots closer to you until you're both side by side. You feel her get even closer and you freeze for a moment.

"1!"

You gulp a bit before finally leaning in too. When the fireworks go off you feel something break inside you. That voice in your head merges with your mind once more just as Vallery's lips meet yours...and on impulse and your own want...you kiss back.

(Word Count: 605)