The daughter of Montardor’s mayor had expectations to fulfill and those ranged from holding my chin up in the face of adversity and partaking in no frivolous activities that could tarnish my mother’s image.
But this evening, as I crossed the archway leading into the upcoming celebration of the Devil’s holiday, even I couldn’t deny that there was something bold, something tantalizing, in the air.
It raised goosebumps on the exposed skin of my arms.
I wrapped my fur stole around me tighter as I walked alongside my best friend, Ella Ximena Cordova, and her fiancé, Cade Killian Remington, into the overcrowded carnival brimming with manèges, games, and concession stands.
We skipped a charity gala early—after hefty donations and one too many champagne flutes, mind you—to come here. South Side was renowned for its Halloween festivities and this was the one night in the year that made me feel nostalgia like no other. Even Christmas couldn’t compare.
As we threaded through groups of parents, teenagers, and children, I was plagued with memories. Ella and I, six years old, having cotton candy for the first time. Ella and I, twelve years old, on our first ever rollercoaster ride, which had ended with me getting my period. Ella and I, fifteen years old, playing high striker to see who had more strength and me losing to her, but Ella giving me the prized stuffed toy nonetheless because I fell in love with the doe-eyed grey elephant.
My best friend was walking down memory lane too. She glanced over her shoulder and gave me a sentimental smile, her black hair floating in the wind. “You still with me, darling?”
“Always.”
She extended back her hand and I grabbed her wiggling fingers. Cade grabbed her other hand and steered us through the throng of people so we could head towards the whack-a-mole stand.
Ella and I became best friends when we were three years old, and I met Cade when I was sixteen, just a little before he and Ella started officially dating. The fiery duo became my favourite during our senior year at St. Victoria High School.
They were a little bit crazy, a whole lot wild, but I absolutely loved them.
Although sometimes I felt like a third-wheeler in their presence.
Like tonight.
Ella’s soon-to-be husband gave her a scorching look. He leaned down to whisper how pretty she looked and she snagged his mouth in a kiss.
I looked away, giving them privacy before coughing out a, “Get a room.”
They snickered.
Cade gave me a friendly wink. I rolled my eyes at him jokingly. Despite our banter, he really was the brother I never had.
We picked up our pace and I almost tripped on my dress—a dark blue ensemble that was high collared, with a slight train. Ella didn’t break a sweat as she sashayed in six-inch stilettos and a black sequin gown that was more skin than fabric. Cade, however, ditched his tie in the car but still wore his black suit to match his princess.
Dusk melted into darkness. Twinkling fairy lights swayed above our heads. Carved pumpkins dotted the pathway and numerous mascots dressed as various characters—clowns and monsters—wrapped balloon animals for kids.
The night was decorated with anticipation, the sweet and salty smell of candy and kernel, and the boisterous laughter of the world encompassing this one perfect moment.
My eyes fell upon a red tent tucked in the corner of the lot. In all the years we’d attended, I’d never seen it. Perhaps it was a new addition. I slowed to a stop, reading the cardboard sign at the entrance.
COME DISCOVER YOUR FORTUNE IF YOU DARE…
Ella made a noise in the back of her throat when I unwove my fingers from hers. “What’s wrong, Dar?”
“You guys go ahead. I want to check out this fortune teller.”
And give both of you some privacy soI can stop being a third-wheeler.
They exchanged a look and Cade asked, “Do you want us to come with you?”
“No, the line at the whack-a-mole is probably long.” I waved them off. “I’ll try to join you guys after for candied apples. If not, let’s meet up for the fireworks?”
“Fine.” Ella relented. She was very protective of me—Cade too, really—and treated me more like a little sister than a same-age best friend. “But call me when you’re done and stay on the line until you find us.”
“Perfect.”
Ella blew me a kiss and I pretended to catch it before heading towards the seemingly quiet tent. There wasn’t a line and it seemed a bit shabby, but my curiosity was piqued.