When I finally made my way downstairs, I was already dreading this whole plan. The analyzing look my mother gave me as soon as I stepped into the salon didn't help either. Ted was in the living room as well, but didn't even glance at me, too focused on whatever video game he was playing.

Her eyes narrowed over her glasses as she closed the book on her lap, shifting in her seat to be able to give me that motherly look of utter concern-disapproval she was so good at.

"Nope." I shook my head before she could even open her mouth. "I'm not going to hear it."

"I haven't said anything."

"You're thinking it." I grimaced. "I can hear the wheels rolling."

"And what am I thinking?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "You think it's too short, too uncovering and that if I can't impress them without showing too much then I shouldn't try at all."

Her brow perked and she turned her attention back to the book, but I could tell she wasn't reading for the hint of a satisfied smile tugging her lip. "If you already know it, then why bother wear that? And who are you supposed to be?"

"Catwoman." I frowned, looking down at the costume, a hint of apprehension clenched my chest. "Isn't it obvious?"

"I would have known better if there were more dress to guess."

I mean, yeah, if it wasn't for the thick thighs, my legs would be showing a lot more than on an usual day, but she was just exaggerating. The body's wasn't at all that tight and from the chin to where the mini leather skirt ends every inch was covered. The high boots kinda offered a bit of protection too, and once I took the black gabardine Vicky had lend me I would be good.

My hair was pulled up in an Ariana Grande kinda pony tail with a tiara with cat ears on top. The make up was simple yet smoked. Since I would be wearing an eye mask I put especial effort on the lips, making them redder than I ever had. I also applied dark eye makeup and a smoking effect with the shadow to make them pooped out.

I'm pretty proud of my job, so mom, don't start.

"Ugh." I threw my head backwards, facing the ceiling. "Mom, I've spent the last hour watching YouTube tutorials and trying to fit in this. My scalp is hurting, my feet will very soon and the only person I did all this for just confirmed he'll be there. Please, don't make it all go wasted."

"Oh, that boy." Her knowing glance turned irritating.

She did know about my 'story' with Justin. Well, not all of it. She didn't know he was taken. Nor who he was. I trusted her, but think of this: she literally worked at my school. If she knew who the boy was it would be awkward on so many levels.

"Yeah, that boy." I sighed. "So please, just tell me how do I look and I'll promise I'll be good and responsible."

Her brows pursed scanning me up and down with that look that made my stomach churn. Like she wanted to say no. I cross my finger behind my back.

It's been quiet and odyssey to get Justin's group to attend the fair. Tonight was finally the Halloween celebration and there was a special event there. The place would be all dressed up, and there would be modified attractions like a Haunted House and starting at ten pm they would put a the Elm Street saga on the outdoor theater.

After all the preparation and how a lot of seniors had participated, practically everyone was going, but Justin's group almost decided to stay home and have a marathon on their own.

Thank goodness they didn't in the end.

I hadn't properly talked to him since he got me in that classroom and promised he was breaking up with Karen for good.

I couldn't content my joy. After so much time and heartache, he would finally be single and free to be with me. Tay had told me Karen was being more sensitive than usual and constantly moody - she could tell because they both were on the Student Councel.

That only added wings to my hopes.

Seconds stretched as my mother's gaze remained on me, balancing options. Oh, please don't let her get me to change or forbid me to go... I was a senior! How embarrassing would be that? And with all the expectations put on this night...

Mom, please, please, PLEASE...

"You look good." she sighed after what felt like an eternity and I smiled brightly. "But watch out, okay? And let me know if you're gonna come back after midnight."

"I know, I know, I know." I was almost jumping in excitement giving her a quick, clumsy hug since she was still sitting. She laughed and picked up her book muttering to herself as I turned to grab my coat and almost had a heart attack.

Shane stood there, in his creepy disguise as Jeff the Killer. He put his mask up and looked at me with a mix of a glare and a pleading look, half pouting. "Not fair, why can't I come?"

"Ask mom."

He turned towards her and repeated the question, already expecting her denial. "Because you're fourteen. Go do Trick or treat. Aren Mike and Uri about to come?"

"But mooom!" he whined and I shook my head, leaving it to my mother to deal with him. The fair tonight won't be something a boy should be at. There would be parties, alcohol and -in short- things he was still a bit too young to experience. Maybe in a couple years.

I rubbed his hair while passing by and shot them all a goodbye finally getting out. My good mood expanding my lungs to a point I was almost floating.

Tonight's gonna be epic.

I sensed it.

The fair was more crowded that I thought. Not only all the Roosevelt student body over sixteen was here, but also from other nearby towns. Guess we did make a good advertisement of the event. Our agreement with the owners stipulate we could get the 50% of what the fair gained tonight, along with providing most of the decoration and publicity.

Honestly they kinda exploited us, but well, the graduation trip wouldn't get paid on its own.

Everything looked so cool, dressed up in false spider webs and pumpkins, the dark atmosphere as the sun set and night time began... Everyone was in a costume and ready to have the time of their lives so the environment was perfect for the event.

Taylor picked me up with Kevin and we met with Vickie here, a bit earlier from the time our celebration will begin so there was still some families and younger costumers, but as the limit time came it all began to clear and be occupied by partier teens. The couple was dressed as Bonny and Clyde while Vickie looked wonderful dressed up as Wednesday Addams, wig an all.

The expectations keep growing and growing as we made the first tour around, deciding where to go next. Justin was nowhere to be found.

Don't get nervous, Hails. It's still early. Give him time.

We met with zombie Olly when the football team arrived together from a dinner they had pre-party. But the hours rolled, fun and fast, but the roaming in the back of my head still there, reminding me the person I was waiting for wasn't there, yet.

Where the hell was he? It was already almost 10 in the night, the alcohol was beginning to roll through the most eager ones. The real celebration, the one not allowed for under-sixteen-year-olds, would start when the outdoor's cinema began the session. Shouldn't everyone be here already?!

We visited the Haunted House twice and then spent time wasting tickets on the booths. Kevin got frustrated trying to win Taylor something cute. In the end, it was she who got the prize and gifted him a horrible stuffed minion they named Santiago. Oliver'd already won a couple stuffed animals too, and offered them to Vickie and I; but I refused, struggling to get my own and taking all my repressed frustration on that small target.

It shouldn't be that hard! I'd seen children getting them. It was a matter of pride now. But it was my third time already and I was running out of bullets. The targets -smiling pumpkins- still there, like mocking me and I refused to loose again. It was a matter of pride now!

I heard louder chatter from the group and new comers had joined us, but I was too focused on the nearest objective and the only two bullets left.

Come on, Hailey, you can do this. Breath in, stable and gently shot...

I missed again.

"Useless bullshit!"

"One shot." The guy on the booth sent me a warning glance and my friends laughed behind me.

"I know, I know." I frowned, raising the weapon again. What were the chances of breaking my luck and finally won something?

Well, here goes nothing.

But just as I was about to pull the trigger I sensed a presence right at my back. "Wait." a gasp escaped me when suddenly a pair of hands encircled me from behind, one covered mine forbidding me from making the shot as the other casually laid in my waist. "You're gonna miss again."

I felt that tug in my chest that by now I was getting used to.

Nate.

And he was, like, really close. Even more when he kept his hand over mine on the trigger and brought the other around me as well to help me held the weapon steadier. Like, almost hugging me.

I recognized Olly's laugher somewhere behind. "Awww, Nate's givin' Hails some shooting lessons."

"Shut up." I blushed hard and felt Nate's chest vibrated against my back with a short laugh.

"Ignore them. Here, get straight." I did as he said and immediately the hold on the false shotgun felt steadier... as well as his arms around me in this hug from behind. With his face so close beside mine, our cheeks practically grazing and his scent engulfing me like a spell; I couldn't help but think about yesterday's almost kiss and blushed even harder. But he was there to snap me out of it. "You're way too tense, just relax."

Easy for you to say!

But I follow his instructions and tried not to shudder when his breaths grazed my jaw. Or heat up at the amount of body contact we were having. Or-

He redirected the aim towards the furthest target and that was when I focused back on what we were doing.

"No, wait, there's only one shot left."

His smile felt right at my ear and spread shivers down my spine. "Make it worth it, then."

His finger covered mine over the trigger, but didn't pull, giving me the freedom to decide whether I wanted this uncalled help or not. Seeing my skills in this game? I totally accepted it.

The deafening shot shook me whole. The retreat pressing us closer and making me last a second too long to realize the aim was, in fact, hit.

He let go of the shotgun and casually place his hands on my hips, spreading a bubbling warm feeling from there up my stomach. The weapon suddenly felt heavy and I let it on the counter, eying the target with wide eyes.

"We did it?" a smile stretched across my face and I pulled forward to have a better look just in case. The purple foam rubber bulled was stuck over the pumpkin's smile. "Yes! We did it!"

I turned to an smug, smirking Nate; but he deserved it. After all, he'd saved my poor excuse of a shooting.

Unable to stop myself, my eyes found their way down to his costume. He was a simple yet fetching Indiana Jones'. Just a hat and whip attached to his hip, that combined with a leather jacket made the look. Simple, yes, but he looked damn good in it.

"Nice." it slipped out my lips and my eyes widened, but he let out a breathy snicker and looking up at his face again I noticed he was doing the same with me.

"You too." my heart stirred in my chest as his stare moved up to my eyes again.

But before I could say anything here was Taylor, waving us and gesturing dramatically. "Well, well, sorry to interrupt your little eye-fucking moment, but could you pick a prize?"

My cheeks burned with shame, realizing I was indeed doing just that. "Erm, yes." and immediately spun back to the booth, gesturing to the closes thing on the range of the prize without even looking at it. "That."

The guy passed it to me, turning to the next participant and I took the prize. A fluffy puppy toy, big enough to hug with a printed scarlet lace around its neck. The only kind of animals I tolerate.

"Om my, isn't it the cutest?" cooed Vickie, stepping closer with hearts in her eyes as I smiled.

"Yep."

"Hey! I won you two mices." pouted Olly.

"Riiight. Same thing..."

His eyes narrowed. "You're so ungrateful. Here," he took the plastic weapon again, handing the guy more tickets. I stepped aside to give him more room to maneuver, unconsciously finding myself standing by Nate's side, who was also amusedly watching Olly's ego-hurt moment. "You see that bear over there? I'll win that. Ha!"

As they argued about it Nate turned to me and with that amused glint when he noticed my attention already on him, he teased: "You know? It's funny you dress like that when indeed you hate cats."

I could feel my cheeks warming thinking back about his Freckles. And what happened after. We never mention it again through the tutoring session, but it was there. Instead, I innocently shrugged, fiddling with the toy we'd won. "I don't hate cats."

"I'm not complaining." a smirk tugged the hem of his lip with another quick once over. "So hot."

And I felt hot all over.

No, let's not go there. I rolled my eyes and unlaced the toy's collar, deciding to redirect this interaction. "Hey, give me your hand." I took it as he did so and rolled the lace on his wrist a couple times.

He frowned, confused. "What are you doing?"

"Hold on... There." Satisfied, I tied both ends. "I've given you a fancy accessory. For helping me win that cuteness."

"Wow." his eyebrows shot upwards, turning his hand around to examine it and I could tell he was struggling between humor and confusion. His lips twisted, but he forced them straight and looked back at me with false solemnity. "I promise I'l keep it close to my heart forever and ever."

I let out a shy giggle, realizing the major stupidity in my action then; but, hey, he helped me win it, right? In my mind that had sounded like a trade. Now...

"Shut up." I nudged his shoulder and he laughed again. Shaking off the blush, I spoke in what I hope was a steadier tone. "We're heading to the Haunted House, are you coming?"

"Again?" Kevin paled snapping his attention at us when he heard the damned word, and Tay chuckled.

"Aw, baby. Was it really that bad?"

"Yes."

I laughed along this time, and Nate smirked; parting his lips, but before he could utter a word got interrupted:

"There you are." a new voice startled our bubbled and suddenly the very Trish Palmer was by our side. Well, by Nate's side. Looking gorgeous as ever in her short demon costume and smiling radiantly at him. "Come on, they want to start the games now."

Games? I'm gonna guess they were talking about the drinking games? I realized then that some of the presents were going as well.

"Oh, right..." For a second I thought Nate was going to dismiss her, but the moment was gone and he turned to give me an apologetic look. "See you later?"

I couldn't help nor understand the wave of disappointment that filled my chest, but managed to smile either way. "Sure."

I watched Trish tugged him away.

I shouldn't feel like this. He came here with his friends after all, to be with Trish probably. As well as I'd come here with mine and for Justin... Justin! I'd almost forgotten about him! Nate really had this ability to fuck up my brain process.

Olly decided to go with them and Kevin tagged along too- anything to avoid watching Elm Street. We parted and us girls went to leave all our prizes in the cars and wandered, disregarding the Haunted House plan in Vickie's favor and making time around the booths before the outdoor cinema began.

Justin still nowhere and I was starting to get anxious. He said he'd be here. He said he would break up with Karen, like three days ago. He'd had plenty of time to do it, right? This was supposed to be the first time in what could be an actual date and no sneaking around.

It was really important.

Where the hell was he?!

"So, Hailey." Tay wondered as we stopped by the Wheel, watching cabins moving upwards and I hummed absently. "What's exactly going on with the two of you?"

I frowned. "Who?"

"You and Herond."

My heart skipped a beat then, but I covered it as well as I could. "What do you mean?"

Her pointed look was echoed by Vickie's giggled. "Oh, come on Hails. That," her head nodded towards the shooting booths. "Was hot." I blushed. Yeah... that had been, indeed, hot. "I thought that kiss was a one time thing? That you didn't like him?"

"I-I don't."

Both of them huffed at the same time and my cheeks heated further. I didn't like him, now did I? I liked Justin!

"Whatever." Taylor shook her head. "Just saying that you should watch out."

I frowned, but before I could respond Vickie chipped in too: "What Tay mean is that Nate can be... a lot. His reputation precedes him, you know? He goes from Trish to Nadia, from Nadia to Trish..."

"Sometimes both at the same time." Taylor agreed and I felt like vomiting.

The speakers announced over our heads that the movie would start in ten minutes, so we detached from out spot by the Wheel and began to make our way to the outdoor cinema. My mind was aching with the images my so called friends insisted in planted in my head.

The short girls rose her hands in surrender. "That's what I've heard."

Really? The image of Trish clinging to his arm as they left, or of all the time I'd seen him with the blond cheerleader... I hadn't paid much attention to it, but now that I thought of all what they could offer to him I felt my stomach twisting...

What the hell?! And why would I care about his active sexual life? It was none of my business!

"Yes," nodded the other girl, fiddling with one of the wig's braids. "And now they say they just left things with Nadia."

I gulped down the bitter feeling in my throat. "And why are you telling me that, exactly?"

Taylor rolled her eyes and Vickie smiled knowingly. "Hails, really-"

My heart stopped when my gaze fell on some blond mane, a little afar.

Finally.