Blue Striped Tie

Chapter 11: Halloween - Part 1

The rest of half term passed quickly from Ross' perspective. His sister came home in the dark now, the headlights of her car illuminating the living room and notifying Ross of her return. She would sigh and slump her shoulders, sprawled out on the sofa and lamenting about another long day at work. A new bird had moved into their roof, waking Ross at the wee hours of the morning with its piercing call, irritatingly sharp. Nights stretched and froze over as the air cooled, nipping at bare skin and turning leaves a crisp auburn. Autumn was well underway.

Ross wasn't at home a lot during that two week break. Him, Trott and Smith went to town most days, saw a movie, got a coffee, went to the park and had a kick about. Sometimes others would join the three, and sometimes it would just be two of them. Ross saw other people too, of course, but either Trott or Smith were always with him. It was interesting, observing the difference in dynamics of Smith's friends and Trott's friends. Ross enjoyed watching their friendly banter, the way they played off each other, it was entertaining.

It was a Thursday afternoon, sitting on a slope watching Parv try to skate over a series of small dirt ramps dubbed the 'mud jumps' in the woods near the town, that Kim brought up the subject of Smith's Halloween party.

"Is it alright if I stay over your place this Saturday, Smith?" She asked, brushing a strand of dark purple hair behind her ear and snickering as Parv was launched from his board.

"Sure." Smith shrugged, leaning back on his hands. "You can sleep on my floor or something, the bath if you prefer."

Kim laughed at this, sending him a playful glare. Ross frowned, obviously missing an inside joke. He was about to ask, but was rudely interrupted by a startled yelp as Parv's feet left his board mid-jump and he was rocketed into the trunk of a nearby tree.

"You alright Parvy?" Smith called, laughing at the boy's misfortune. Parv stood, wobbled a little, and shot Smith a proud thumbs up. Ross laughed at his slightly pained grin.

"Did you see that mate?" Parv yelled back, jogging over to grab is board. "Fucking nutty."

"Try to stay within the laws of physics this time." Kim grinned, head propped up in her hand. Parv flipped the bird at her and set his skateboard down, preparing for another attempt.

"What are you doing Saturday?" Ross asked, turning his attention away from Parv. Kim gave him a bemused smile and Smith looked at him incredulously.

"It's Halloween." Smith said, like it was obvious. "I'm having a party, remember?"

"Oh yeah." Ross laughed, recalling the brief mention of it when he saw Smith's house for the first time. "Who's going?"

"Like, everyone." Smith grinned. "Gonna be nuts."

"Hopefully." Kim nodded. '"You ever been to a party, Ross?"

The dark haired boy shook his head. Yeah, his old friends had had parties and stuff before, but he had never been able to go, or he just wasn't invited.

"Really?" Smith asked. "Well don't worry mate, your first experience is gonna be a special one."

Ross grinned at him, glad at the lack of shame.

"Does this mean you don't have a costume yet?" Kim asked, a sly grin crossing her face.

"Costume?"

"Of course!" Kim laughed. "It's a Halloween party! Costumes are essential."

"And it's on Saturday?" Ross asked, dread filling his stomach. There's no way he would find an outfit in two days.

"Don't worry mate." Kim said, reaching over to slap him on the back. "Come with me into town tomorrow and we'll get you something."