Annabeth

chapter one

Hey guys! This is the first chapter of my short Halloween story. Again, I know this late but I had some quarter assessments that I had to study for. Please send me feedback on how I can improve my writing! That's how I can get you guys better chapters!

With love,

Xstarburstgirlx (Trixie)

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I sit cross legged in the Carter's lavishly furnished basement. We all keep our eyes glued to the big screen while Lori's nimble fingers comb through my hair to make a French braid.

With the occasional sniffle from the Amanda, the most sensitive one of us, Lori, Val, and I get up bored with the movie.

"How about we play a game?" I suggest.

"We should eat more cake." Lori says.

"We'll get a sugar high." Amanda says.

"Exactly."

"Anything else?" Val tapped her toe hurriedly.

I shrugged.

I tune the rest of the conversation out. I stare at the girls' shadows. I wonder if the shadows have their own world where we are their extras. I become absorbed in the soft fibers of my sleeve. I'm terribly distracted lately and I can't snap out of it. My parents worry and my friends have noticed my odd behavior. But lately I've been noticing the small things. All these years I thought our friend group was nice to everyone, although I was aware of its top social ranking. I thought we weren't those stereotypical mean girls. I was mostly right. But these girls sure can hold a grudge. Just ask The Freak.

"I need to go upstairs." I announce suddenly. My eyes focus on the stairs and without waiting for an answer I walk right passed them not averting my gaze from the staircase.

I look around Val's house. It was nicely decorated, but more so than usual because of Val's birthday. There are streamers and balloons littering the hallway and living room. This was supposed to be a small get together to celebrate, but she went all out for the decorations for just four people. All the lights are on in the house, even though nobody except us is home.

Suddenly I come in contact with something solid.

Guess we're not the only ones in here. Before looking to see who it is, I let out a scream and start hitting this person.

"Whoa whoa whoa. Feisty there, aren't we?" I become still and look to see Zach, Val's older brother.

Oh...

The blood rises up to my cheeks. "Oops?" I offer.

"It's fine. I probably should've told you guys I would be here."

He then studies me carefully and I squirm under his gaze. Then I flush again realizing I was in my pajamas, which was a tank top and loose checkered pants with a really see through athletic jacket. My braid's tail is on my shoulder. "sorry," I mumble. I turn to leave when I feel his hand gripping my wrist.

"What? Not even going to say hi?" He smirks.

"Hi Zach." I roll my eyes.

"That's much better." He says matter of factly.

Things get really quiet and it becomes awkward. "You look good ya know, you should open up more often." He winks and turns to leave, leaving me gaping at his words.

I do what I had to do then I go back to the basement to see everyone laughing. I sit back down and can't help but notice that the room got colder since before I left. "Did you guys blast the AC down here?"

Amanda shakes her head, "Stop being so distracted. We're worried about you. You're just paranoid."

Paranoid of what though?

I look down and mumble "okay."

I know they are wrong though. It is colder. A shiver runs down my spine as I look back from where I came from.

"Okay. Would you rather...have a make out session with the lamppost outside or wear kitty suspenders to school?"

"Kitty suspenders. If we where it, we'd probably start a new trend." Amanda laughed.

The others nodded in agreement. "Okay, Day your turn." I snap my attention to Lori and nod. "Would you rather go to school in an adult diaper or kiss The Freak."

I was taken aback. Did I hear that clearly?

I sigh.

The Freak is my neighbor. The poor kid got branded the title of The Freak after he broke up with Val and quit the varsity football team. It was out of nowhere an poor Val was heartbroken. Ever since then we made a pact not to mention him or talk to him.

But since he is my neighbor I occasionally have to talk to him. I hate being mean to him. It gives me a Mean Girl vibe that I don't like.

I knew the right answer to this.

"Go to school in a diaper."

Everyone smiles and murmurs "good choice." Val seems caught off guard that Lori would even mention him--especially on her birthday.

She smiles though, "Lets forget about The Freak. I don't care about him anymore. I'm over him remember? I just want to ignore him."

Right....

We nod.

"Lets do something else. Take our minds off him."

You mean take your mind off him.

Soon we just get tired and collapse in our sleeping bags. The last thing I noticed was a dark figure looming over Val...