Halloween was around the corner. Evy watched the lawns in the neighbourhood, every home displaying a different scene. She and Liv were on their way to school.

“I’ve never been trick or treating,” the pink-haired girl confessed, “My dad was against it.”

“You what?” Liv couldn’t believe it, “You’re missing out on so much! So much candy!”

She smiled a melancholic smile. “It’s okay, I’m not missing out on much.”

“Yes you are! It’s decided, I’ll take you trick or treating this year!” She fistbumped the air.

“No, I can’t! We can’t! We are way too old! And besides, my dad will ground me for like forever! He already hated my hair, I can’t do this too!”

Liv stopped and pulled the girl in for a hug, noticing her emotions going haywire again. She had come across the signs a few times already since the day she had met her, and knew hugs calmed her down pretty quick. “We’ll find a way. If necessary we’ll just pretend to study together that night and we’ll avoid the neighbourhood all together. Hell, the rich part of town has better candy anyway.”

Evy’s breathing slowed down again, finding comfort in her friend’s soft embrace. When she felt okay enough, she broke the hug gently.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime, honey. And the offer still stands.” She winked.

Evy lightly shoved her elbow in the other girl’s waist, and they both chuckled, continuing their daily morning walk to school.

* * * *

Several days later the two girls found themselves in front of Evan’s home. Evy had succumbed to Liv’s pleas throughout the week. The boys had tried to make her stop, but the girl wouldn’t budge. Though Evy didn’t mind. She was happy someone was willing to take her trick or treating.

Liv was dressed up as a cat, in a black short dress, with the black ears and tail matching. She wore thigh highs and a short jacket lined with faux fur. It was a pretty cold Halloween night.

Evy on the other hand was still in her normal clothes, carrying her costume in a backpack. They rang the bell and the door opened in an instant.

“Hi Evan! Oh damn!” Liv exclaimed, surprised at the sight.

The guy snickered. He knew that that vampire obsessed girl couldn’t resist fawning over his classic Dracula costume. His pretty silver hair was slicked back and he had his fake fangs in. His eyeliner was just a bit more pronounced than usual.

“Come in, Jamie is already here.”

This was the first time Evy had visisted Evan’s home. He had told her before about how he lived alone after a fight with his parents, but it was way cleaner than what she had imagined. It was small, but cozy, and he had decorated it quite a stylish way. The small living room featured a black fabric couch with several silver colored pillows placed neatly on top. The walls were a nice shade of dark blue, like the night sky just before the stars appeared. He had several mirrors in pretty metal frames hanging along one wall and a TV on the other. The living room and kitchen were divided by an open bookcase showing his favourite books (Evy only recognized The Picture of Dorian Gray) and items. Evy was enthralled by one of those impossible wooden steampunk puzzles, in the shape of a small treasure chest.

“The bathroom is behind the kitchen,” Evan said to Evy, “you can change there while I fetch Jamie from the garden.”

They had decided on Evy changing at Evan’s, so she wouldn’t be seen by her parents in a costume they wouldn’t aprove of.

“Thank you.”

Evan nodded, giving her a reasuring smile. God, she would die for that smile.

* * * *

The dress Liv had picked for her fit just right. She was glad it was an adjustable size with a functional lace up in the back. The fitted bodice curved over her body perfectly, with the skirt flaring out dramatically, a petticoat supporting it. It was rather short, hitting halfway her thighs. If her father would ever see her in this, she would be so grounded.

A witch hat completed the look. What better to celebrate her first true Halloween with than by wearing an outfit like this. Evan had lent her one of his capes (for some reason he had many), because the velvet was still thin enough to make her shiver in the cold night air.

They had started their hunt for candy, Evan and Jamie in front, Evy and Liv walking behind them. Evy glanced at Jamie’s outfit: he was dressed like an 18th century pirate, with loose fit pants, high boots and an oversized blouse, partially hidden under a long coat that fitted the theme. A tricorn sat on top his raven-black hair.

“The people in this street give out full sized candy bars,” Evan told them, “I once even got a multipack.”

A smile tugged at Evy’s lips. More and more she felt enamoured by these three weird kids, they were so caring and easy going. Even though she had felt like an alien for so long among other people, right now, she blended in just perfectly.

* * * *

Their bags stuffed with candy and other sweet treats, the group sprawled out onto Evan’s wooden floor. They had visited at least a hundred houses, their feet sore from walking. Evy checked the time on her phone, it was almost eleven.

“Oh shit, I have to go home,” she said.

“Aw,” Liv whined, “Can’t you stay? We’re having so much fun, I don’t want it to end! I can call your parents and tell them you’re staying over for the night, that you studied so hard you fell asleep.”

Evy had a hard time stopping herself from laughing, the face Liv pulled was hilarious. Almost like a lost puppy.

“Plus, you haven’t met Mochi yet,” Evan chimed in.

“Mochi?”

“Evan’s cat,” Jamie said, nodding to a shelf high up the wall. A pretty white cat with a bushy tail moved her head hearing her name. She stared at the visitors with her big, blue eyes.

“OMG!” Evy almost squealed, “What a cutie!”

The other three on the floor giggled, loving her reaction.

“Okay, I’ll stay for the cat!”

“Whahaha! Liv, you got defeated by a cat!” Jamie exclaimed, enjoying her fake pout to the max.

Evan got up and started petting the cat so she would stand and then he picked her up, holding her like a baby.

“Usually cats don’t like being held like a baby, but Mochi is a weirdo. Just like us.” He was basically glowing, holding the purring furball close to his chest.

Slowly, still sore from walking, Evy moved into a sitting position, while Evan brought the cat closer to her. Finally she had Mochi in her arms.

“Hello Mochi, you’re such a pretty baby,” she cooed, stroking the soft fur.

Liv and Jamie sat closer to the two (three if you count the cat) and started petting the precious feline too.

“The first time I got here, Mochi hissed at me,” Jamie admitted, “It’s pretty nice to see her accepting you so instantly.”

“I’m pretty much the cat whisperer,” Evy joked.

The group laughed and poked fun at Jamie’s many unfortunate meetings with several other cats in the neighbourhood. Apparently noone liked him. Maybe it was because he had dogs at home.

After Liv had called Evy’s parents, they all decided to settle down and sleep. Evy and Liv would occupy the couch (which could be laid flat and be used as a makeshift bed) and Evan and Jamie retreated to the single bedroom in the house.

They said their goodnights and soon Evy drifted off into sleep.