The Big Five

13. Halloween Dance Party

My mom's mouth seemed to have lost its hinges. It was constantly open like there was a stick holding it open. I really wished she would stop staring. I know this bunny costume was terrible, but she didn't have to show how terrible it was.

"Mom, I know what I'm wearing. Can you stop staring?"

"There are going to be boys!" Was the first thing she said since I came downstairs.

"Mom, I know," I sighed. I wish she was this overprotective when Paul became my boyfriend.

"No, I don't think you should wear that. It's terrible!"

"It's not my idea of a Halloween costume," I grumbled. "Believe me, I would much rather wear one of my onesies rather than this horrible thing."

"Yes, I agree," she came over and pushed me to the stairs. "Go change into your onesie and wear that to the party."

"I want to, I really do," I tried to explain. "But, if I do, my date will--"

"Don't go with your date if this is what you're supposed to wear!"

The doorbell saved me from saying anything else. "I'll get it!"

I slid around her and went over to the door. Alex stood there in his own little glory wearing a super hero costume. He was really hot. He wore black pants and a long-sleeved black shirt with a silky black cape behind him. He had a black cloth tied on his head like a bandanna and a fake sword on his waist.

I could see the surprise in his eyes when he saw me. Briefly, I saw him scanning me.

"Alex!" I hissed when he practically drooled.

"Oh, yeah," he grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. Here you go." He handed me a bouquet of flowers. I took it shyly.

"I wore the costume," I stated dumbly.

"I can see that," he said. He seemed really pleased with himself.

"You two stop drooling over each other and get going if you will!" I sighed when I heard my mom call. She just had to be the embarrassing mom.

"Ma'am?" Alex saw my mom standing behind me. I rolled my eyes.

"Go wait in your car. I'll be right there." Alex nodded and left. I turned to my mom. I gave her the flowers. "These are for you."

Her eyes lit up, but her expression was still disapproving. She took the bouquet and said, "If he's such a gentleman to bring flowers to his date's mom, why did he give you this costume?"

"Mom, he's a guy," I explained. "Remember Trey?"

"Oh, yes, of course!" She put her hand on her forehead. "That boy was just pervertic."

"He's your son, mom," I rolled my eyes. I completely agreed, but he was still my brother. I loved him and so did my mom, so she shouldn't say stuff like that. "You shouldn't talk about him like that."

She nodded. "Well, are you leaving or changing out of that?"

I smiled. "I'll see you later, Mom."

She waved her hand and smiled slightly. "Be careful, darling. Men are wolves. Don't let them drool over you."

"Yeah, yeah," I laughed. "I'll be careful. Alex will be there if anything happens."

"Be back by eleven." I nodded and ran to Alex's car. These ears were really annoying. One kept drooping and getting in the way of my vision. And the fluffy tail made it very uncomfortable to sit.

"You know," Alex was leaning on the steering wheel. "I was having second thoughts about you wearing that, but it is adorable and sexy all at the same time."