Once upon a time there was a terrible person.
She realized her wrongs, and gave an apology to the people she wronged.
This is going to be a book based on true events in my life,
With a plot twist at the end
⚠️triggers⚠️ cursing, possibly self harm...
The air is electric with excitement as the students gather in the school gymnasium for the annual Halloween costume contest. The room is transformed into a spooky wonderland, with fake cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, jack-o'-lanterns flickering in every corner, and eerie music playing in the background. Everyone is buzzing with anticipation, eager to show off their costumes.
Avery, Daily, Kasey, Akrian, and Eve arrive together, their group dressed to impress. Avery’s costume is a sleek and mysterious vampire, with dark, flowing robes and subtle makeup that highlights her sharp features. Daily is a fairy, her costume adorned with shimmering wings and a flower crown, her natural enthusiasm making the character come to life. Kasey is a quirky mad scientist, complete with wild hair and a lab coat splattered with colorful “chemicals.” Akrian, always the bookworm, has come as a witch straight out of a fantasy novel, her costume detailed with intricate patterns and a pointed hat. Eve rounds out the group as a fierce warrior princess, her costume complete with armor and a sword strapped to her side.
The gym is packed with students in all kinds of creative costumes, from spooky to funny, and everything in between. The atmosphere is light and fun, but there’s an undercurrent of competition as everyone eyes the prize for best costume—a $50 gift card and the coveted title of “Halloween Costume Champion.”
As they move through the crowd, Avery can’t help but notice the tension still lingering from the previous day’s fight with Kali and Alice. The two are also there, dressed up in matching devil and angel costumes. They’re standing by the snack table, whispering to each other and casting glances at Avery’s group. Avery catches Kali’s eye for a moment, but they both quickly look away, the unspoken rift between them more noticeable than ever.
“Let’s find a good spot to watch the contest,” Daily suggests, her voice cheerful as she tries to keep the mood light.
The group makes their way to a spot near the front, where they can see the stage clearly. As they settle in, the contest begins, with students taking turns strutting across the stage to show off their costumes. There are some impressive entries—someone has come as a full-sized dragon, complete with a moving tail, and another is dressed as a haunted house, with windows that actually light up.
But Avery’s group isn’t just here to watch—they’re here to win.
When it’s their turn, they step onto the stage, each one striking a pose that fits their character. The crowd cheers, impressed by the detail and creativity in their costumes. Avery feels a surge of pride as she looks at her friends—they really pulled it off.
As they leave the stage, the tension from the earlier fight fades into the background, replaced by the thrill of the moment. But as they head back to their spot, Avery notices Kali and Alice watching them closely, their expressions unreadable. It’s clear they’re still keeping tabs on their former friends, and the uneasy feeling returns.
The contest continues, but Avery finds it hard to focus. She keeps glancing over at Kali and Alice, wondering what they’re planning. She knows they wouldn’t just let things go so easily, especially after yesterday’s confrontation.
When the final contestant has walked the stage, the principal steps up to announce the winners. The room falls silent, the suspense hanging in the air.
“In third place,” the principal begins, “for their creative and humorous mad scientist costume… Kasey!”
The crowd cheers as Kasey steps forward to accept her prize, grinning from ear to ear.
“In second place, for their stunning fairy costume… Daily!”
More applause follows as Daily accepts her prize, her wings fluttering as she does a little twirl.
“And finally, the winner of this year’s Halloween costume contest, for their detailed and impressive vampire costume… Avery!”
The crowd erupts into cheers as Avery walks up to the stage, the victory both surprising and exhilarating. She accepts the gift card, her heart racing. For a moment, everything feels perfect—until she spots Kali and Alice again, their expressions now tinged with something like jealousy.
As Avery rejoins her friends, the celebration is momentarily interrupted by the sight of Kali and Alice leaving the gym, their heads close together as they whisper. Avery’s stomach tightens. The victory feels hollow now, knowing that the rift between them has grown even wider.
But she pushes the thought aside, forcing herself to focus on the present. Tonight is supposed to be fun, and she won’t let anything—or anyone—ruin that for her.
As the group heads out of the gym, chatting excitedly about their winnings and the contest, Avery can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over. Kali and Alice might be out of their group, but they’re clearly not out of their lives just yet.
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a/n I actually really like this chapter, but its short because there's a lot in the next chapter this is also gonna be a couple days late, so should be two chapters in one day.
