Vampire Princess

Chapter Twenty-Two: Halloween Party

I shrugged into my coat, grabbed my brown leather handbag and walked out of my dressing room. I was about to leave when I saw my boss, Kenneth, cleaning the tables. I smiled and waved at him in farewell. “I’m leaving now, Ken,” I told him.

“Oh okay. Do you want a ride home or something?” he offered.

I shook my head politely. “Nah, I’m walking home. Thanks for the offer, though.”

“Sure. But be careful on your way. You don’t know what kinds of people are lurking out there.”

I smirked to myself. If only he knows what I’m capable of. Nonetheless, I waved once more. “I’m a big girl now. I can take care of myself. Good night, Ken!”

“Good night, Melanie.”

I stepped out of the diner and inhaled the cold evening air. It’s really chilly, but what do you expect when you’re nearing November? I pulled the coat closer to my body and sighed. People were busy walking around me – alone, with their boyfriend or girlfriend or with a group.

Suddenly, my phone rang and I quickly dug it out inside my bag. I raised an eyebrow curiously when I saw Roxanne’s name appear in my screen. “Hi, Rox. What’s up?” I greeted her.

“What are you doing this Halloween?”

I blinked, surprise. I wasn’t expecting that. “Um, when’s Halloween again?”

“Two days from now, Friday. Aren’t you excited?”

I chuckled. “I used to like Halloween, but I’m a grown-up now. I don’t go Trick-or-Treat-ing nowadays.”

“No, I’m not talking about that! Two years ago, Xayranne and I had this crazy idea that we’re going to throw in a Halloween party. We invited our friends and all the people we know and it was a hit. People suddenly look forward for the next Halloween party so we made another one. This year is the third year I’m going to throw this party. So, are you game?”

“I’m not sure about that… I have my job. Friday night is pretty hectic.”

“Oh come on, Melanie! Heather and Jerome are going to attend.”

That made me stop walking and I frowned. “Jerome’s going to attend? But he’s really busy during Friday nights. That’s their busiest in the restaurant.”

There was some hesitation from Roxanne. My frown deepened and I can’t help thinking that maybe Jerome will just go to this party for Roxanne. I’m not being jealous or trying to overreact. It’s just maybe Jerome likes Roxanne more than he does to me. But honestly? I don’t really care that much. Okay, that sounds really harsh but I don’t care that he likes other girls behind my back.

Finally, Roxanne laughed a very cheery laugh that sounds really faked. “Um… I’m not sure about that. He just… agreed. Anyway, are you up? I also invited Garret and Ashley.”

I sighed. Okay, Garret’s going to go so that’s okay. “Sure. I’ll go. Should I wear a scary costume or something?”

“Melanie, we’re not kids. We’re grown-ups. Wear anything you’d like.”

“Okay, that’ll do. See you in two days.”

“Yeah, see you!”

***

“Melanie, we’re leaving in an hour and you’re not yet ready!” I heard Heather scold me as she walked down the stairs.

I resisted the urge of rolling my eyes and turned around to face her. I opened my mouth but the words died right there when I saw what Heather was wearing for the party.