Crimson Pines

This is Halloween

I visited the lake every evening. I didn't know if it was because I enjoyed the serenity or if I wanted to visit Charlie. I think deep down I knew the truth. But he never showed.

The feelings of illness always disperse when he was close. It was like when I was away from him it physically pained me. The Crimson Pines Halloween Dance was coming up fast and I still had nothing to wear.

Andy had called me last night to discuss costumes, she also slid in that it was the perfect time to hook up with some cute boys. Of course I shrugged off her comment but the idea of dressing up in a hot costume for Charlie did kind of excite me. Well, apart from the fact that he didn't even go to high school.

Maybe I could ask him? That would probably be too weird. He's probably too old to even attend.

I started riding my bike to school again after Philip ditched me as his ride. It saddened me that he no longer wanted to be friends. Even though he was a little pushy I still had fun with him.

Andy and I had grown closer since the hallway event that was still the talk of the school. She called me that night after I'd gone to my room to apologise for not standing up for me more. Of course I forgave her immediately and we actually became really close.

Andy met up with me out front school to discuss costumes.

"So! I was thinking sexy policewoman and sexy firefighter!" I stared at her, I had no idea if I would ever be comfortable going out in something that she was describing.

"Um, how about I go as a witch? Or a vampire? Something that covers up all my...bits" Andy burst out laughing and waved me off.

"No way, you're not getting out of looking hot for halloween" She laughed again, grabbing my arm and walking with me through the halls to her locker.

Andy continued to go on about all her great halloween ideas but I tuned out after awhile. Flyers for the dance were already littering school notice boards and empty walls as people excitedly discussed who they were going to go as and who was going to hook up with who.

"Jean! The bell went, I'll see you at lunch!" She started walking backwards with books in tow.

I smiled at her back as I made my way to my own class. My eyes connected with Philip's as I walked past his locker. He offered me a small smile before turning back to his friends and walking off.

Well, that's an improvement. My spirits were lifted as I entered maths, and suddenly the idea of wearing something a little provocative for halloween didn't seem so daunting.

Philip came up to me after first period to apologise for what happened the other week. I also apologised for leading him on. I knew he liked me as more than a friend, maybe I just enjoyed the attention he gave me when the attention I really craved, was Charlie's.

Philip and I parted on good terms and we even talked about halloween, it was nice. Lunch was crazy and even Amanda put aside her disgust for me to be excited.

"What are you gonna go as Jean?" Eric asked raising his eyebrows at me. A blush covered my face as I put my hands over it. Everyone at the table laughed and Andy began to tell everyone about her plans.

The girls were going to meet at my place to get ready and my Aunt would drive us from there. I was actually really excited about the night.

Charlie was at the lake when I arrived. I was surprised because I hadn't seem him in a week, since the night of the storm. He was wearing a full suit today and it made his shoulders look broader than usual.