Secret crush

Chapter eight - Halloween party

Hunter's POV:

I keep talking with Ellie, but it's not helping me. I know she is right, but the final decision is mine. I might stop thinking about this for a while. Halloween is coming soon. There will be a school party. I haven't decided on my costume yet. I might do this at the last moment. Luckily, some stores sell costumes. I'll pick something from there. I don't know who will go. I heard that some people will ditch it. They will go somewhere else. Our school won't be the only party in the town. I want Ellie to be here. I asked her a few days ago, but she didn't tell me. I guess that is a no. I haven't seen her at a party since we came to high school. Maybe she has been to one before that. Sadly, the trio will be there. I heard them talking about it. I won't miss it because of them. Other people would like to be with me. Also, that is not the most important thing. I can chill for one night. What will happen next will be decided later. I don't want to think about this. Too many things happen in a short amount of time. I need a rest. The more I talk with Ellie, the more confused I am. I know she is trying to help me. One day, I'll return the favor. That might not be soon, but it'll be until the end of the school year. I hope we can still talk after graduation.

Today is Halloween. I bought my costume last week. I chose something random. The history teacher said that the lesson would be special. We'll talk about how the celebration became popular. I mean, where it came from and the traditions it has. Ellie is still silent about this. I guess she won't come. I don't mind. That is her decision. I can always go out with her. Honestly, I prefer to be at other places than a party. Let's say somewhere quieter. I'm sure she would like this as well. I'll call her when I have a plan.

It might be the first time I'm paying attention in history class. I'm afraid it will be the last one. I'm not the best student. At least Ellie is next to me. If I miss something, I can take her notes. Yes, I started paying more attention. My lunch break is when it finishes. I went to my locker to take my things for the upcoming class. Later, I went to eat. I looked around, but Ellie wasn't there. Two boys sat next to me. Since I started talking to other people, I found more nice friends. That's what I'll call them.

- Will you come to the party tonight? - Will asked

- Yes, sure. For once, I don't want to think about anything else.

- Good choice. As I see it, they don't care that you left them.

- I haven't left them. Yet.

- Do you plan on doing it?

- I don't know. Things are falling apart anyway.

- If it makes you feel better, do it. - Josh said

- Maybe.

- Hello. If you are busy, I can sit somewhere else. - Ellie said

- No, you are always welcome.

- Thank you.

- You are in a good mood, Ells. - Will said

- I always am.

- Will you come tonight?

- Where?

- To the school party.

- I'm thinking about this. I had other plans as well.

- It's for a few hours. I'm sure you will have fun.

- With who? The trio will be there.

- Ignore them. You can stay with us. Hunter will be here.

- Yes, you can stay with me. I won't mind it.

- Let me think about this.

- It's your choice. It will be fun. We promise. - Josh said

- Where are you going?

- Inside. Have a nice lunch, you two. - Will said, and they left

- Ells?

- Huh?

- He said Ells.

- So? He is not the first one. Many people have called me like that.

- Can I do it as well?

- Sure. I would like it.

- Fine, Ells.

- This is for the privileged people.

- I feel honored. So, to understand that you won't come tonight.

- I don't know. I want to think about it a bit more.

- That is not obligatory. The whole school won't be here.

- It doesn't matter. That is my last problem.

- If you say so.

- You are not in the mood again. What is going on with you? Can I see the smile for once?

- I'm sorry. It's not my day.

- You say this every day. I'm serious. Are you ok? You can talk to me.

- I'm fine. I have too many things in my head.

I can talk with her, but she doesn't need to solve my problems. After school, I went home. I decided to take a nap before the party. I can dress up in two minutes. I bought the costume but didn't wear it. My artistic skills are not that good. Also, I'm not creative. I woke up after two hours. My parents were already at home. I got dressed and went downstairs to see them. I can ditch the party, but I won't. I need to stop thinking about everything else and have some fun.

- Look at that. Nice costume, honey.

- Thanks, mom.

- Have fun. You can be in a bad mood tomorrow.

- Really? That's what you have to tell him. - my dad said

- He is in a bad mood every day.

- Yes, but don't tell him that.

- Hey, I'm fine. I'm a bit tired.

- Wasn't the nap helpful? - my mom asked

- Not much. Sleeping won't solve the problem.

- Yes, but it might make you feel better. You can wake up fresh and with new ideas.

- I agree with your mom on this one.

- Why aren't you two dressed?

- Because we won't go anywhere.

- You can still invite someone.

- Your dad and I will have a nice dinner, drinking blood, which people call wine. - he said, and I laughed

- I'm sure nobody called the wine that way, but ok. Dad, don't get her drunk. I want to sleep well.

- I promise to try.

- Do I even need to come home?

- Yes, but after two hours at least. - my mom said

- Why don't you take her out as an ordinary man? It won't cost you much to spend a few dollars.

- But there is a reason why we like staying at home.

- Whatever. I'm going out.

- Have fun and don't think about anything. If you have a problem, find Ellie.

- That won't happen.

I went to school. We use the gym. It was already full of people. I found the boys from lunch, but I didn't go there. I was looking for Ellie, but she wasn't there. I don't expect her to come. She and the parties don't belong together. I hope that I'm wrong. I went to take a drink and spotted the trio. I made sure they won't see me. Molly doesn't chase me that much, but she still does it. I want to avoid that at all costs. She should bug someone else. Jackson will be happy with that.

- Hey, Hunter. Nice costume. For a second, I didn't recognize you.

- I had to keep myself away from the trio. - I said, and Will laughed

- Understandable.

- Ellie is not here, right?

- No. At least, I haven't seen her.

- It doesn't matter.

- You can always call her. I'm sure she will pick up the phone for you.

- I won't do it now.

- Well, have fun. - he said and left

- I guess I'll be alone. - I said and felt a kiss on my cheek

- Hehe.

- Aggh. Who are you?

- I'm the Candy girl.

- Candy, what?

- Candy girl. Do you want candy? I have a lollipop as well.

- No, thanks. Do we know each other?

- How rude? You deserve me to ditch you and never talk to you again.

- Ellie?

- Finally. Do you want candy?

- I can't even recognize you. I never thought I would see you with so much pink.

- I don't want anyone to know it was me.

- The pink wig with pigtails suits you a lot. Where did you find so much fake candy for the dress?

- Only my diadem has fake candy.

- You glued real candy?

- Yes. I have some in my basket. Here, take this.

- Thanks. You probably spent a lot of money.

- I bought only the dress and the wig. I made everything else by myself.

- So, I can take a candy from your dress.

- Yes. I had more in my basket, but I gave it to the kids I saw on the street.

- That is so creative. Would you mind if I took a picture of you in this?

- Only if you are with me.

- Deal.

I can't believe this is Ellie. She looks unrecognizable. I might know why she did it. She has the same reason as I. I'm glad that she came. I won't be alone. I got us some drinks. Many people complimented her look without knowing who she is. I tried not to laugh at this. Ellie won the best costume. There is no such competition, but I like her costume. It's ten times better than mine. There is a reason why she is one of the cleverest people in school.

- Can you stop staring at me? If you want candy, take as much as you want.

- I'm sorry, but I love your costume.

- Really? It's not something unique.

- Yes, but you look good in pink.

- I wouldn't say I like this color.

- What? Why?

- Because it's too girly and Barbie. Nerdy colors and more cold and dark.

- That is not true.

- I like black.

- You do?

- Yes. I'm a weird person.

- I won't say that.

- But you were thinking it.

- No, I wasn't. I will never think that of you.

- Why?

- Because it's not true. You are many things, but not weird. The picture is going on my home screen.

- What? Don't do that.

- Why not?

- You will regret it later.

- I don't think I will. There is a reason why I wanted to catch the moment.

- If you say so. Lollypop?

- From so much candy, I might get sick. Well, I don't care. I will take one.

- The last one I have is on my dress. That one is not for you.

- Mission successful.

- Oh, it's colorful.

- Have you seen me? I look like the rainbow popped on me.

- If the rainbow did this, I'll thank it.

- No, you won't.

- Thank you, rainbow. I love you.

- i***t.

- Excuse me?

- How about we get drinks? I got tired of this lollipop.

- No one said that you have to eat the whole thing.

- Yes, but I won't throw it away.

- Do you want the Candy girl to take you home?

- Let me think. Yes.

- Really? I was joking, but ok.

- Mom will love your costume.

- Oh, no.

My words became true. Mom didn't stop complimenting her. Ellie stayed with us for only half an hour. It was more than enough for her. Later, she went home. Mom filled my head with things. I ignored her and went into my room. What a day it was. I was sure she wouldn't come to the party. I bet I will never see her in a dress again. It doesn't matter. I loved her costume. It was the best one in the room. I'm so happy that she came. At least I wasn't alone. It's better than nothing. The trio didn't even look at me. I bet they didn't recognize me. I hope that I can see Ellie so loose again.