^^Clichés costumes

“I think it’s enough.”

“No, it’s not.”

“You put the whole thing on my face!”

“Because it’s needed!”

“I’m not a f**king girl!”

“But you’re a Zombie!”

I sighed and shook my head as I watched Chloe and Ben fight over the make-up. Chloe decided for us to be a group of Zombies and now she was putting make-up on us. I glanced at Toby, at my right, who was quietly sitting as Chloe’s mother did his make-up.

Toby and I were already pale, so we needed little foundation to create the death look as it was on Ben, and it nauseated him. I was glad that Chloe got with the Zombie and I didn’t need to buy anything. I took my mom’s old nurse uniform and put blood on it.

Chloe bought a new cheerleader costume for herself, and she brutally tore it apart in front of me. My heart split at the sight of the new dress ripping, but I stayed quiet. Ben got a soccer costume and Toby wore a plain white shirt and black pants. Now Chloe and her mother were doing magic on us.

“Come on, Chloe, just f**king finish it,” Ben grumbled.

“Fine, I am done.” Chloe rolled her eyes, then grinned. “Now for the hair.” That made Ben freeze.

“Hair?” He gulped.

“Yeah...” Chloe gave him a toothy grin. “I’ll shave your hair from one side and going to make it look like your brain is spilling out.”

“What?!” Ben shrieked, plopping his hands on his hair.

“Please not the hair,” Toby shuddered from my side, also looking horrified.

“I’m just kidding!” Chloe burst to giggle. “You should have seen your face!” Toby sighed, and I covered my face to hide the grin. “But...” She turned serious and showed a bald cap. “I am going to spill your brain and this thing will cover your hair.”

“Is it necessary?” Ben scowled at her.

“Yes, it is.” Chloe matched his glare.

“Actually, it’s not.” Toby backed Ben. “Zombies' weakness is their brain, if you spill it then how is he supposed to go around.”

“But it’s not real.” Chloe tried to argue.

“Yeah, but we are trying to make it real...” Toby responded, and Chloe tapped her chin, thinking over it.

Ben mouthed thank you to Toby, who gave him a discreet wink.

“You’re right.” Chloe bobbed her head. “But I’m going to show it a little on your forehead.”

“Fine.” Ben huffed and crossed his arm while Chloe clapped happily and worked on it.

“Done.” Mrs. Russell announced, looking proud of her artwork.

“Wow...” I observed Toby’s costume. He had a bandage over his head and had makeup on his face that looked like cuts, one hand under his shirt and showed his fake hand covered in blood from his shirt.

“Thank you, Mrs. Russell, it’s cool.” Toby gave her a grateful smile.

“Oh, it’s alright.” She blushed and stood in front of me. “Now you turn.” I nodded and let her do it. She did my eyes smoky black and made it look like blood running out of my nose and lips.

After finishing with my makeup, she left to get herself ready, and Toby helped Chloe with her hair while Ben and I sat on her bed.

“Why did you agree with Toby?” Ben asked, referring to us going together. “You should have gone with Nate. Toby and I would have thought of something for us.”

“I don’t mind, Ben.” I smiled at him. “Besides, Nate wouldn’t have gone with me.”

“Why?” He frowned.

“I heard him talking to someone that he’ll be going alone since he has to direct the event and doesn’t have time to take a date.”

“He’s an idiot.” He grumbled. “Did anything happen during your week with him?”

Now that I think about it, nothing happened. We spent time together, but it was like... friends and the goofy feeling I had was gone.

“Nothing happened and I think...”

“What?” Ben urged me to continue.

“I don’t know how to explain it.” I let out a nervous laugh as I adjusted my glasses. Ben opened his mouth to say something but stopped at Chloe’s voice.

“We look so amazing!” I turned to Chloe, who bounced on her steps. “We are totally going to win the group costume award!” Her hair was in two messy ponies, and she wore grey lenses to make it look realistic.

Ben scoffed, shaking his head, and pointed at the wall clock. “Should we leave now? It’s already six.”

We nodded and walked downstairs. Mrs. Russell said she’ll come later with her friends so we went to Ben’s car. Ben sat in the driver’s seat and Toby in the passenger. I got in the back seat with Chloe, and she glared at me.

“Why aren’t you sitting with him?!” she whispered shouted and jerked her head towards Ben.

“Because I want to sit with you.” I shrugged.

“You’re innocent.” She sighed, and we settled in.

Chloe talked all about how amazing we looked and how she’s sure that we’ll win the group costume category award. When we reached West High, I glanced outside the window and saw the parking lot filled with people chatting and meeting each other.

“Let’s do this!” Chloe cheered and got out of the car.

I observed everyone wearing extraordinary costumes and wondered how we are going to win it.

“I’m not so sure about the winning part anymore...” Toby mumbled.

“Don’t worry.” Chloe stood beside me as she looked around. “We’ll win it. We just have to stay positive.” She winked, and I nodded my head.

I have no idea where she gets all that positivity from.

We strolled inside the school and watched the hallway decorated with bright red lights and cobwebs. Ghosts were hanging from the ceiling. Some of them were creepy.

We stepped inside the ballroom and I stared awestruck at the decoration. There were dim lights on and the chandelier looked so wonderful with the theme. They painted the walls with supernatural creatures and ghosts, bats, chains, body parts cut into pieces, and spiders and candles hanging from the ceiling. Half of the ballroom was almost filled and still more people were coming.

“This is so freakin’ incredible!” Chloe squealed.

“It is.” I agreed, and we walked to the food section.

I licked my lips as I looked around. There were cupcakes with witchcraft on them. Fries that looked like fingers, a spider-shaped bun with sauce in this stomach. They decorated pizza with spider-shaped olives and ghost-shaped cheese.

“Wow...” Chloe blinked her eyes. “They are so cool.”

“More like unappetizing.” Ben shivered. “No way in hell am I eating anything like that.”

“Don’t be a baby, Ben.” Toby teased, picking an eyeball. He plopped it in his mouth and moaned.

“That’s sick!” Ben gagged, covering his mouth.

“It’s a cheese ball, try it.” He extended one in front of Ben, but he whirled his head the other way. His face looked like he was about to vomit.

“I’m not eating that sh*t.”

Laughing at them, I looked around to eat something and grabbed a fried stick coming out of skeleton lungs. Dipping it in the sauce which was in the skull’s eyes, I took a bite of it.

I moaned at the divine, cheesy chicken taste. “It’s delicious!”

“I knw riwht?!” Chloe said with a mouth full. I turned to her and saw her stuffing her mouth with something that was the shape of an ear.

“That’s it. I’m leaving.” Ben announced, putting his hands in surrender, and walked away.

“I’ll go with him.” Toby picked two green drinks out of which smoke was coming out and left with Ben.

“He’s such a baby!” Chloe and I giggled.

I looked for something to drink and saw a blood-red drink. I took a sip of it and nodded my head in delight.

Red grapes.

“Hi, Chloe!” We turned and saw some of Chloe’s friends.

“Omg, you guys look so cool!” Chloe exclaimed, and they talked about their outfits and where they got them from.

I sipped my drink and looked around and that’s when I saw a mummy coming toward me.

“Hello, my dear zombie nurse.” The mummy said to me and I relaxed at the familiar voice.

“Hello to you Mr. Mummy.” I teased.

Nate chuckled and picked a black drink. “How do you like the decorations?” He asked, sipping it.

“It’s amazing.” I praised, and he grinned. I observed his costume. His full body was covered with an old bandage and half of his face, only his eyes and mouth were visible.

“You look great.” He said, looking at me from head to toe.

“You too,” I answered, and that’s when I realized I didn’t stutter or felt giddy when he complimented me like I used to.

“Hey, Nate!” Some guy called him and he excused himself.

I looked around and saw students setting the mic on the stage as the event was about to begin. Someone in a witch costume was instructing the students, and I recognized her it was Miss Grace.

I glanced at Chloe and saw her taking selfies with her friends. She asked me to join, but I shook my head, saying that I needed to use the bathroom.

Walking away from them, I observed the ballroom and the people in it. They laughed and looked astonished, praising the students and their talent. I smiled and turned away from them and my eyes landed on the entrance and I saw the Clichés entering.

In the front was a guy wearing a werewolf costume, and it wasn’t hard to guess it was Louis. Behind him were David and Tiana dressed as Devil and Angle, Jordan and Madeleine in Frankenstein costumes. Then my eyes landed on Brittany and Andrew, dressed as vampires.

My eyes wandered to Andrew. The ancient costume he wore fitted him perfectly, and the hat looked good on him. His sparkling blue eyes had make-up on them, giving him a dark look. His lips were red, and there was blood dripping out of the corner.

I ceased breathing when his eyes caught mine and before I could think of bolting; the wolf came running to me and pulled me into a tight hug.

“Lilly!” Louis’s voice came out muffled by the werewolf's head.

“Hi, Louis.” I chuckled, patting his back. “You look amazing.”

He let go of me and put his hands on his hips, giving me a pose. “Told ya Imma loner wolf.”

“Yeah...” I chuckled, and my eyes went behind him to see David and Tiana going the other way with Brittany and Andrew.

“Hi, Lilly!” Madeleine squealed, grabbing my shoulders. “You look so dope!”

“So do you guys.” I complimented and waved at Jordan, who gave me a smile and nod.

“I told ya we look good!” Madeleine punched Jordan. “He was grumbling at how he looked hideous.”

“I do look hideous in green paint.” Jordan huffed.

“He doesn’t understand the meaning of costume,” Louis whispered, and Jordan smacked his head. “Ouch!”

“Ignore these animals.” Madeleine rolled her eyes. “Where's Chloe?”

“She’s in the food section-“

“Oh, I’m starving, let’s go!” Louis exclaimed and marched towards it. I chuckled and followed him with Madeleine and Jordan.

On the way, I stumbled and looked down at my shoes to see their knot open. I bent down and tied them as I watched the others going ahead. When I was done, I got up and heard a familiar voice from behind.

I turned around to see Andrew smiling at me and this time his smile didn’t scream dangerous even though there was blood dripping.

“Hi...” He tapped his hat and gave me a once-over. “You look... dead.”

“Technically...so are you.” I retorted.

Andrew chuckled. “You’ve watched TVD?”

“Who hasn’t?” I shrugged.

He beamed, nodding his head, and looked up. “The chandelier looks great.”

“Yeah...” I murmured, following his gaze. “Everyone worked hard on it.”

“Where’s Ben?” He asked, making me freeze.

“He uh... The sight of everyone eating human body parts made him sick, so he ran somewhere.” I answered, and Andrew burst out laughing.

Something tugged in me, watching him laugh carefree, and it made me smile. This was the first time he was laughing with me.

“Drew!” Andrew’s laugh slowed down as Brittany came by his side. “Let’s go take a picture!” Without waiting for his answer, she dragged him with her, not even glancing at me.

I whirled towards the stage when the microphone switched on and the event began. Miss Grace came forward and started the event.

She gave a brief history of the fundraiser and how it’s been helping the school, then she introduced the current principal and staff. She then called a group of students to give a concert.

I walked towards the food section and searched for Chloe, but I found David. Not in the mood to talk to face him, I immediately spun on my shoes and walked the other way without paying attention, and bumped into someone.

“I’m so sorry!” I squealed and looked up to see witch- I mean Miss Grace.

“It’s alright.” She smiled and looked towards the stage again.

Someone’s in a good mood.

Before I could ruin it, I turned around the leave but stopped when she said.

“Nice work with the chandelier.”

“Huh?” I tilted my head in confusion.

“This wasn’t the one we planned in the beginning. I asked everyone about it and they told me what happened.” I ducked my head in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry about that-“

“Don’t be.” She grinned. “Because everyone loves this one.”

“Miss Grace!” Some girl from the committee called her. “We need to announce the donations after this performance.”

“Alright.” She nodded, suddenly looking anxious.

“I’ll leave then-“

“Wait.” She stopped me and looked around. “Can you do me a favor?” I nodded my head. “I forgot the list of donors in my car and I can’t leave now because the event has started and everyone else is busy with their work so can you get them for me? I’ve been waiting for Nate to get them but I don’t know where he’s gone.”

“Sure, I’ll get them.” She thanked me and gave me her car keys.

“Hurry okay.”

I ran outside the ballroom to the parking lot, which was almost empty since everyone went inside. I pressed the button on the key, and a black sleek car illuminated.

Peeking through the window, I saw nothing on the back seat or the front. I stood there, scratching my head.

I should have asked her where it was.

My eyes went to the glove box, and I thought of checking it. I opened the passenger seat door and sat inside, closing it behind me. Switching on the lights of the car, I opened the glove box. There were a few papers and make-up things in it. I picked up the papers and checked them.

One was a form, another was some posters, and there was a letter. My eyes bugged out when I saw ‘My dear Grace’ written on the top.

It’s a love letter.

I was about to put it aside when my eyes landed on whom it was and I froze.

Nate?

The love letter is from Nate!

I knew it was wrong of me to read it, but after seeing his name I couldn’t help myself.

‘My dear Grace,

I’ve been trying so hard to talk to you, but you are avoiding me, so this is the only way I could think of telling you my feelings. I know it was a coincidence that we met in that hotel that night, but I like to call it fate. This summer was the best I’ve ever had in my life because I got to spend it with you. You said to stop thinking about you and it’s wrong, but I can’t.

I need you more and more each day, like an addiction of some sort. I loved every touch, every chat, and every minute I spent with you. It’s hard to go around seeing you every day in school and not being able to do anything about it.

I can’t go like this anymore. I want what we had again-‘

And the letter goes on and on about the summer they spent together but before I could read it further someone knocked at the window making me flinch. I turned my head and saw Nate darting his wide eyes between me and the paper.

I opened the door and got out of the car.

“Miss Grace told me she sent you to get the list.” Nate cautiously said, eyeing the paper in my hand.

“I was looking for it instead I found this.” I showed him the letter. “Nate, what’s going on?”

I had the perfect idea about it, but I still wanted to hear it from him.

“Look I can explain.” He hesitated.

“I’m listening.” I crossed my arms, paying him my full attention.

He squeezed his eyes and groaned. “This isn’t what you’re thinking-“

I snorted and shook the paper in front. “This tells me otherwise.”

He rubbed his hands on his face in frustration. “Alright... Fine...”

“Fine what? Are you having an affair with Miss Grace-“ He stopped me by putting his hand over my mouth and looked around at the few people in the parking.

“Can you be quiet?” He whispered, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Hwh doh ehu exwt meh to bh qwte,” I mumbled through his hand.

“I... I’ll tell you anything but please don’t shout and just listen...” He pleaded, looking at me with his brown eyes I used to like.

I sighed and nodded my head. He let go of me and blew a breath. We stood there staring at each other, then I waved my hand.

“Anytime now...”

“Yes. I’m in a relationship with Grace.”

That’s obvious from the letter.

“How long?”

He scratched the back of his neck and looked around. The Mummy costume made it hard for me to stay serious, but I wanted to listen.

“Last summer...” He murmured. “I was on summer vacation with my parents and well... they went on with their own and then I met her.” He smiled, but when he saw my deadpan face, it faded. “I uh… we spent some time together and then one thing led to another...” My nose scrunched when I got the idea of what ‘thing’ he was referring to.

“And you’ve been together with her this entire time?”

“No...” He shook his head. “She was making it hard for me in the beginning thus the letter.” He pointed to it, which was still in my hands. “But we made it official this Christmas.”

And here I was, crushing on him all this time, thinking he was single.

“But Nate...” I massaged my forehead. “She’s older than you-”

“Age is just a number.” He scoffed.

“But...but she’s your teacher and... It’s forbidden!”

“I’m aware of that.”

“It’s illegal, Nate!” I exclaimed, not getting how he was so calm about it.

“Look, it’s not like I’m a minor. I’m eighteen and for her being my teacher... that will not be a problem since I’ll graduate in a few months.”

I groaned. “How can you be so stupid? I thought you were the smart one.”

“I’m the smart one but you can’t help who you fell for.”

I scoffed. “You both will get in serious trouble if someone finds out about this.”