Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

Halloween Spoopiness

"Is it almost time to go?" asked Gale impatiently.

Leviesse turned away from the mirror she was brushing her hair in. "Gale, we still have ages of time. And I thought you had to work?"

"Nope. The director's closed the Academy every year on Halloween since... er, three years ago when that unfortunate egging incident happened. So, I'm off for the night!" Gale grinned.

"Oh." Leviesse frowned. "Why didn't I know that? Gale, Alexine has been pleading with me for you to come with us tonight, and I've had to keep telling her no because I thought you worked. Why the fuck haven't you corrected me? Where the fuck have you been these past couple Halloweens?!"

"I... may have gotten a few drinks with the guys."

"Fucking wonderful." Leviesse rolled her eyes as she picked up a flower and began braiding it into her hair. "You're not even going to bother putting together a costume? The children are not going to be pleased."

Gale sighed. "You're right. And I don't have anything costumey. Well... guess I'll sit this one out while you two go. But are you gonna be okay without me?"

"I can take care of myself, Gale. It's only a trick-or-treating run. And I won't be the only adult about; Kazel and Harlan are coming."

Gale didn't look reassured, but nodded.

Leviesse smiled, putting an elastic band at the end of her braid, and twirling a couple of times. She was wearing a burgundy and white Renaissance princess dress; the white columns were lined in golden trim and had gold designs on them, while the bustline was gilded in gold as well, and the shoulders of the sleeves were puffy. There was a burgundy and gold circular headdress to go with it, which she placed on her head. "How is it?"

"Two thumbs up!" Gale instantly raised his thumbs.

"Thanks, babe. I wonder how Alexine is coming along."

"Lexi!" Gale yelled.

Not long after, Alexine came running in their room, wearing her very exquisite (expensive) princess costume. It was pink, obviously, with loads of white lace and poofiness. It also had a tiara, but since her hair hadn't been styled yet, she held it.

"Mum, may I ask you to help me with my zipper?" she asked.

"Of course." To Leviesse's dismay, Alexine was growing to be just as chubby as she- and her mother- were. She'd been hoping she'd be skinny like Gale, so she wouldn't be subject to the teasing. Gale had already gotten Alexine pulled from one of her schools when he'd punched the parent of a boy who had called her fat.

Fortunately, of everyone else's kids, none of them had teased her (besides Eigaar once or twice, but Celeste would just hit him and he'd apologize).

"Let me fix your hair so you can wear your tiara, dear," Leviesse told her, as she pulled her daughter's hair into a bun. "Are you excited?"

"Yes! I've never been trick-or-treating! Is it really true that people we don't even know are going to give us candy?!"

Gale chuckled. "Very true, Lexi."

Alexine just looked overwhelmed with excitement.

"Now, you gotta look out for the younger children, all right?" added Gale.

"Of course! I have already taught River how to ask for treats more loudly, and with feeling!"

"Have you been going to your mother's practices?" asked Gale with a laugh, looking over at Leviesse.

"Hey, I can't always have my parents watch her." She shrugged.

"Why not? Laguna's retired."