Evangelines Bucket List

Chapter 12: Halloween

Halloween is huge for Ramonas hospital. All the kids dress up and the nurses and doctors pass out candy all day. I would usually spend my Halloween with Madelyn. We'd always dress up as a couple but it's not happening this year. I don't think I want to dress up this year.

"Hey Beckett!" Said Evangeline popping her head from the door.

"Oh, hey!" I jumped.

"Are you wearing a costume?" She asked.

"No. Not this year." I crossed my arms.

"Uh-Huh? Why is that?"

"I spent every Halloween with Madelyn since I was thirteen. It's my first time spending it without her."

"I'm sorry. I forgot." She lost her smile.

"It's okay. I think I'm just gonna be in my room all day."

"No! No way are you going to be cooped up in this boring hospital room all day! You're going out with me!" She tugged on my arm.

"And go where?" I scoffed.

"Out. Out there!" She pointed at the window.

"No way. We're not supposed to leave." I walked away.

"Beckett, you are not staying here. Please? It's my first Halloween in America and I would really like to spend it with someone special." She mumbled.

"I already said no, Evangeline. Maybe next year." I stood in front of the window.

"Right. I'll be in my room for the next ten minutes before I leave if you change your mind." She walked out.

Don't get me wrong, I love Evangeline. But at times she could be pushy and annoying like today. I know it's her first Halloween in America but it's my first year without Madelyn.

I also couldn't help but notice that Evangeline pointed out she wanted to spend Halloween with someone special. Was I wrong for not saying yes? I felt awful. She was sad and I rejected her. Without a thought I ended up in front of her room door. I knocked three times.

"Don't be nervous. You're only getting candy from a bunch of strangers with a pretty girl who has cancer." I said under my breath.

She opens the door softly. We stared at each other for five seconds before I could say anything.

"Promise me we'll dress up as bank robbers." I smiled.

She smiled and jumped on me, hugging me tightly. She smelled like cherries. I smiled very widely. I was happy to see her so excited about some holiday that wasn't that important to me anymore.

"Get ready!" She pulled me in her room.

It was awkward changing in front of her. She wasn't looking or anything but I felt like she felt awkward being in the same room with me after yesterday's conversation about dating in a jail cell.

"Ready?" She asked.

We left the hospital with my mom driving us everywhere. Of course, I had to be safe than sorry and let my mom know what we were doing. She was upset but happy I was "getting out more." We ran up to random strangers houses and got candy. Of course we took minor breaks so Evangeline could catch her breath. Meanwhile I, on the other hand, nearly died walking up a steep driveway.

"What time is it?" She asked, breathing heavily.

"Six, why?" I said sitting on the strangers driveway.

"Just asking. Ready for the next house?" She asked.

"Yeah." I forced myself up. I could feel my knees and feet beginning to ache. I was tired but determined to keep going. For Evangeline.