A New Chapter

Chapter 23

Halloween was never a celebrated holiday in my house when I was younger.

We were the house on the street that would close all the curtains, lock all the doors, turn off all the lights and quietly watch a movie upstairs, holding our breath each time the doorbell rang.

I never really minded to be honest. I was kind of scared of all the masks, blood and gore that people frolicked around the streets in.

I preferred to stay inside, away from any possible harm and cuddle with my parents, watching Disney movies and eating the junk food that should be given to the children who come knocking.

But ever since Amelia was born she's been obsessed with dressing up in different costumes all year round. So when it's Halloween season, she's in her element. Her two favourite things in the world; costumes and candy.

"Amelia." I state sternly, looking across the table at her poking her breakfast around in circles, refusing to eat it.

"But mommy! It's Halloween, I want candy." She juts out her bottom lip and folds her arms in protest.

"If you don't eat your breakfast, you're not allowed to go trick-or-treating tonight." I give her an offer I know she can't refuse, she lets out a sigh before reluctantly shovelling the scrambled egg into her mouth.

My phone buzzes to my right and I put down my glass of apple juice to answer.

"Hello?" I call into the phone, not bothering to check the caller ID beforehand.

"Hey Ashley." Ethan's smooth voice answers.

"Oh hey, what's up?" I question, my heart rate rising just at the sound of his voice.

"Evan and Elena have been nagging me all morning to ask if you and Amelia would like to come trick-or-treating with us?" He asks and I hear Evan shout in the background; "He's just using us as an excuse to spend time with you!" The line goes silent but I can make out some muffled shouting and giggling.

"Sorry about that." Ethan awkwardly coughs when he returns to the phone.

I let out a chuckle; "It's fine. And sure, Amelia would love that."

"Really?" His voice cracks before he saves himself; "I mean, that would be great."

"Yeah, I'm glad they pushed you to ask." I murmur and I can almost hear the smile on his face.

"Me too. We'll come by at 7." He cheers before hanging up.

"Who was that?" Amelia questions, finishing the last spoonful of egg.

"Ethan. Evan and Elena are coming trick-or-treating with us." Her face lights up with joy and she quickly runs upstairs to make sure her costume is ready to show off.

~~

The doorbell rings at seven and I rush to answer it. Amelia has been anxious to leave so all the 'best candy' isn't gone.

"Hi!" Elena smiles up at me in a witches costume, her hair back-combed and messy. "Hello little Ms Witch." I grin at her as she shows me her broom stick. Evan comes up behind her, dressed as batman with Ethan in tow, wearing normal clothes like me.

"Hey." I breathe out when he comes to a stop in front of me. My hands go clammy inside my gloves, I really need to get my act together.

"Hey." He smiles back before suggesting we get going.

We make our way down the street, the kids running up to every house shouting "trick or treat" and collecting their candy before running off and repeating it at the next house.

Ethan and I walk side by side, laughing at Amelia and Evan's argument about who the better superhero is; Batman or Spider-Man. I smile adoringly at the pair bickering between themselves.

A warmth grasps my hand and I look down to see Ethan's thumb rubbing my covered knuckles. I quickly look up to his face to see his cheeks coloured an adorable pink. A grin breaks out onto my lips and I give his cheek a brief peck, making the shade deepen and a lopsided smile appear on his lips.

I feel so at home right now; hand in hand with Ethan. I can't imagine being with anyone else, but I'm afraid. I'm afraid of being with him, but I'm also afraid of how much I want to be with him. Heat rises to my cheeks as I think about how badly I want to be with Ethan.

"Do you think that's a good idea?" I hear him ask after he squeezes my hand. My head snaps up as I resemble a deer caught in headlights. "Sorry, what was that?" I question, heat rising to my face.

"I asked if you and Amelia would like to come back to our place for a little movie night. The kids could have some candy and watch a Halloween movie." He smiles and I find myself nodding along, all because of that enchanting smile.

~~

After a few hours of trick-or-treating, we stroll to Ethan's house, the kids insisting on going to a couple of houses on the way.

We all get comfortable on the couch, Amelia and Elena trading sweets whereas Evan already started eating his the second we got in. Ethan and I sit side by side, our knees touching and our hands still together.

Casper starts playing on the television, grabbing the attention of the kids immediately, their chatter coming to a stop.

We get to the part where Casper and Kat are dancing together. When they kiss I sneak a glance in Ethan's direction to catch him doing the same in mine. We both quietly laugh before he leans in and lays a hand on my cheek.

I stare into his mesmerising blue-green eyes as we both start leaning in further until our lips meet. The only thing I know is how much I love him and there's no going back now.

"Ewwwww!" Three voices squeal loudly, making us break apart and face the kids all staring at us in disgust.

"Time for bed." Ethan shouts, making them frantically clutch to their bags of candy and sprint as if their lives depended on it.

"You and Amelia are welcome to stay. Amelia could sleep in with Elena and you could take my bed." Ethan gives me a hopeful expression and I take out my phone to ask my mom.

After my mom agreed, I go into Elena's room to see if Amelia's got something to sleep in. When I open the door I see both girls fast asleep in bed, costumes thrown on the floor and bags of candy tucked safely under the bed. I smile at the sight before making my way to Ethan's room.

"Hey." He whispers when I close the door behind me. He passes me a shirt and shorts of his to sleep in. I murmur a 'thank you'.

I get changed in the bathroom and when I return to the room Ethan is about to leave.

"Stay." I state boldly.

"What?" He questions.

"Stay with me." I push inside the room and close the door behind me. "Okay." He smiles as we make our way to his bed.

We get comfortable, me cuddling into his chest and his strong arm wrapped around my waist.

The last thing I remember as I drift into sleep is a tender kiss on my forehead.