It was the height of the great Charlotte acid wave... There I was, in place called 'Claire's Hall Party.' Trippy lights flowing to the sound of ba-ba-Bing crooning out Christmas carols. It was a mixed crowd - some young, some old, some straight-laced, some far out. The placed reeked of burnt popcorn and clove cigarettes - which was weird because no-one was smoking. I decided to take only half of the acid at first. But I spilled the rest on the sleeve of my red Santa Clause coat.