“I put in the order,” Mr. Blackbourne said. He reached for that piece, pulling it from the box and handing the mask box to Gabriel to hold. Mr. Blackbourne motioned to me. “Will you turn your head, please?”
I did, slowly, facing the back window. I watched the second town car following us down the road, as I felt Mr. Blackbourne slip the comb into my hair and position it in place.
My heart thundered as Mr. Blackbourne’s fingers lingered what I thought was a little longer than necessary, touching the strands of my hair.
When he pulled away, I turned, meeting his eyes.
The silver in his shone. “Rather elegant, don’t you boys think?”
“Perfect,” Gabriel said. He caught my chin, holding my head as he put the earbud in my ear and then put the mask on.
“Sorry,” Nathan said, “but that mask is so much better than the creepy make up.”
Mr. Blackbourne reached next to him, picking up a wide hand mirror. He held it up, presenting it so I could check my reflection.
With the mask on, all hint of the makeup was gone. The crystals seemed to glitter in the low light inside the car. My hair glittered a little from the stones in the comb. The choker at my neck sparkled. The dress, the corset, the skirt: it all went together.
Like a princess out of a fairytale. A creepy one, perhaps, but still enchanting.
The car was quiet for the longest moment. I wanted to say something, but couldn’t find the words. I swallowed, trying to think of something.
Slowly, I breathed in, and found what I wanted.
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
Again the car was quiet. Red, baby blue and orange masks turned to me. Mr. Blackbourne gazed from across the car. I wondered if they had heard me, or if perhaps I had mumbled.
“Happy Halloween, Miss Sorenson,” Mr. Blackbourne said. “I apologize now that we’re having to work this year.”
“No, no,” I said quickly, slicing my hand through the air in earnest. “Please, I know...”
“Next year,” Mr. Blackbourne said, “things will be different for us.”
“Next year,” Luke said, “let’s go trick-or-treating in Victor’s neighborhood.”
“Yeah,” Gabriel said. “But let’s wear a theme again. I like this. No more picking out our own costumes.”
The boys talked about ideas for what to wear next year, but amid their chatter, I looked at Mr. Blackbourne.
His eyes remained on me, silently talking without saying a word. He didn’t have to say anything. I could feel it.
We were together for Halloween with our family. This was what I’d been missing. Not trick-or-treating or candy or parties.
I knew next year’s Halloween would be just as unforgettable.
And with that thought, there was a twinge of hope. Next year, I’d still be here with them. They were counting on it.
I dared to believe it.
Thank you!