The Purple Iris

chapter seven: pumpkins scream in the dead of night

(a/n: Before reading this chapter, please understand that underage drinking takes place, along with s****l content. It isn't explicitly written but I wanted to give a heads up regardless. Thanks for reading! )

October 31st; also known as Halloween.

The highly anticipated event that my friends and I were waiting so impatiently for. With one day left to move the remaining items that I held near and dear to me, I was fully packed. I was probably just going to cram my larger belongings into the local storage unit rental, bringing only the bare necessities with me. Kaylen pleaded with me to stay at her house, so after several minutes of listening to her snivel on the phone, I finally caved in. 

I packed my car to the brim with boxes full of clothing and other personal items, racing to her family home. Thankfully, there was a spare bedroom, probably dedicated to past family members staying over as guests. The room was already equipped with a bed; a comfortable queen sized mattress. I didn't have any bed sheets to fit, considering my own bed was a teeny sized twin. Kaylen's mom awarded me with brand new bed sheets, and a large comforter to match; It was a cool, pale green color.

"Kaylen said this was your favorite color, so I thought this suited you!" Her mother exclaimed.

I shyly took them, repeatedly thanking her for her familiar hospitality. She left the room, leaving me to my devices. Kaylen was at the store, buying more Halloween related items to suit our Powderpuff Girl getup. I hated to admit it, but I was pretty pumped about tonight. Out of all the silly late night gatherings, we three decided to rendezvous at a classmate's party. It was supposed to be a rather large Halloween bash, with all the glitz and glam that came with these upscale parties. The classmate was some random guy that had absurdly rich parents, in which they allowed him to display that wealth with stupid parties. The only thing we had in common was that we shared a few classes, and he was also a senior. 

Smoothing over the flat sheet over the fitted one, I lazily flung the comforter over and plopped down onto the bed. I took out of my phone, and looked at my various notifications. Peering through the few text messages I'd receive in the last hour, I noticed one of them was from an unknown number. Frowning, I opened the message preview.

Unknown Number:

Thanks to your friends, I now have your number ;)

I bit my lip, somewhat disturbed that this mysterious person found my cell phone number. Were they lying? Or did someone actually give them my number? After pondering for a few moments, I rolled my eyes in annoyance once I realized who it could've been.

Me:

Which one gave it to you, Daniel? -_-

Almost instantaneously, I received a reply from no one other than the very same recipient. 

Daniel:

What gave it away? It was Billie, btw.

I huffed, quickly tapping my fingers away on the touchscreen device. I mentally set a reminder to remember to kick Billie's ass for this sudden betrayal. She had the habit of butting into other people's business, seeing as how she had quite the taste for petty gossip. Most times it was entertaining, however... On rare occasions like this, it's irritating as hell.

Me:

Couldn't ask me for it yourself? You're not winning yourself any brownie points like that, Danny Boy.

Danny:

Have I ever told you how much I like it when you call me that? Also we both know you'd say no if I ever did ask you. :p

I smirked,  lightly shaking my head at his flirtatious response. I was tore from my thoughts when I heard a brief knock on the bedroom door. I sat up straight on the bed, slipping my phone back into my pants pocket. 

"Come in!" I shouted.

Opening the door was Kaylen, then with Billie in tow. I'm guessing she picked her up on her way home from the store, to make carpooling easier. In her hand was a bag from Target, filled with assorted goodies. 

"Bought some makeup, and before you say no, I'm definitely putting some on you!" Kaylen squealed with excitement.

"Wow, thanks mom." I replied sourly.

Billie plopped down onto the bed beside me, joining me in a hug. Before relishing in the small comfort, I quickly pushed her by her shoulders, giving her my best scowl.

"Why on earth, did you give him my number?" 

The redhead seemed puzzled, dropping her shoulders in surprise. "Him? Him who?"

"You know who, Red." 

I watched as her expression shifted from pure confusion to sudden realization. She dramatically slapped a hand to her face, expressing her understanding of what she did. "Daniel? Oh c'mon, you said you'd go on a date with him! How in the world can that happen if he doesn't have your number?" Billie stated.

"I could send letters, by dove." I replied with a snarky tone.

The sarcastic comment sent Kaylen into a fit of giggles, who was in the middle of unwrapping her new purchases. Billie rolled her eyes, placing her hands on her hips. 

"Okay, 'ya snob."

I inched a brow up. "Snob? How?" 

"Because a really hot guy is showing interest in you, and you are quick to decline. I don't get it!" She explains.

"May I add, this isn't the first time this has happened." Kaylen added, clearing her throat.

"Hey, stay out of this! Billie, I thought you said he was a freak." I frowned.

"Yeah, I did. But he's still cute and super into you. We're seniors, and after this we have college and more adult s**t added to our plates. So why not live a little and enjoy our youth?" 

I crossed my arms over my chest, deeply contemplating Billie's dumb speech. Whether I liked it or not, she did have a point. This wouldn't be serious, it would be... Temporary. Perhaps even a healthy distraction.

"I guess so." I replied gruffly. 

Billie perked up, smiling. "That's the spirit! So, when's the date? Where's he taking you?"

"I... Haven't gotten that far just yet. But maybe... I don't know." I paused.

"Nah, spill." Kaylen interjected.

"Well, maybe I could like... Invite him to this dumbass party?" 

Kaylen smirked, and Billie nodded. I glanced between the two, almost envisioning the wheels turning in their heads while they secretly plot. 

"What? Does that count as a date?" I finally asked.

"It does, but I'm surprised. Are you sure you want dear Danny to see you in your super hot Buttercup costume?" Kaylen explained, her catty smirk widening.

Shit. I didn't even consider that aspect.

"Considering this is just a test run, that won't matter. I hope." I firmly added, more so trying to convince myself.

"We'll see about that! Now, let's get ready. The party starts at seven, and I wanna get a head-start." 

It was roughly around five-thirty, and considering how these two wanted to play dress-up with the makeup, it would take every minute we could muster. 

Wands of mascara waved through my thick lashes, curled to a doll-esque perfection. The darkest shade of black liquid eyeliner shaped atop my lids, blended with a dark jade tone eyeshadow. I slipped the premade green costume over my head, being careful to not damage Kaylen's handiwork. To complement the outfit, black fishnet thigh high socks adorned my legs. With my signature black pair of Doc's laced up, I was essentially ready. Billie was fixing a cutesy red bow in her hair, while Kaylen put the final touches to her eye makeup. 

I took a final look into the bathroom mirror, and was flabbergasted by my appearance. My reflection screamed angsty edge, perfectly conveying the Buttercup persona. I ran a hand through my hair, being sure to not ruin the quick manicure Billie gave me. 

"Hey, don't forget the accessories!" Kaylen called to me from her room. 

Returning to the room, I noticed a neat layout of necklaces and earrings for each of us to wear. Assuming this was mine to wear, I picked up a simple black velvet choker. To layer, there was also a silver chain-link choker. 

"Wow, Rainie. You look badass!" Billie exclaimed.

"Thanks, I guess." I rolled my eyes, beaming with a genuine smile.

"And that is exactly why you were meant to dress as Buttercup." Kaylen added with a chuckle. 

"Oh yeah, did you text that dumbass about the party?"

I nodded, smoothing my hands over the short dress as I sat on Kaylen's bed. "Of course."

"And? What'd he say?" Billie asked impatiently.

"He obviously said he'd go, 'ya nosy." 

Billie frowned, then continued to finish up her look. With the dyed red hair, and everything else in between, she easily suited the Blossom costume. And I thought the very same applied, with Kaylen. Her short blonde hair was divided into two high pigtails held up with bright blue scrunchies. 

"Well? Let's do this shit."

We three drove to the party, singing along to a random Halloween playlist we found on Spotify. It was an easy twenty minute drive, as we followed the directions guided by Kaylen's phone. The party was located at our classmate's family home, which was seated in a ritzy cookie-cutter type of neighborhood. So much so, that there was even a gate code to be entered before driving onto the private property.

"f*****g rich snobs." Billie huffed in annoyance.

"There, there. We're here to party, so who cares?" I replied.

"Yeah, whatever. Where's Daniel at? Is he there yet?"

Checking my phone, I noticed that he tried to call. I quickly dialed his number from my contacts. On the second ring, he picked up the phone. "Hey. Are you almost here?" 

"Yeah, just made it through the gate."

"Okie doke, see 'ya soon."

Hanging up the phone, I noticed the blatantly obvious stares from my two best friends. 

"Can I help you?" I cleared my throat.

The two began to howl with laughter, most definitely at my expense. The truth was that I was nervous. Completely and utterly terrified. This was nothing in comparison to what I'd feel in the presence of a certain someone, but this took second place. 

What does it matter? It's only Daniel, out of all people.

"Don't sweat it, Rainie. You're a cool ass person and you're also hot. What could possibly go wrong?" Kaylen questioned encouragingly.

"Eh, tons. But hey, I'm not here to be negative." Billie quickly added with a shrug.

"You have a point, but let's focus on the good! It is Halloween, after all!"

Piles of various makes and models of cars were parked near the house, which soon made me anxious. Handling crowds at work was one thing, but this was something on another level. But then again, I had Kaylen and Billie. I should worry less, knowing they would keep me grounded. 

Vast white columns held up the large roofing of the two-story house, with extravagant Halloween decorations covering most of the pristine green lawn. A set of stairs led up to the main entryway of the home, yet there was an appointed cobblestone pathway leading to the backyard. Stepping stones led to a black iron fence, with large shrubs nestled on each side for privacy— but what was behind the gate is was really blew my mind.

An enormous swimming pool covered the ground, with a comfortably sized jacuzzi attached. Several outdoor tables with seats to match rested beneath a shaded canopy. There was more cozy seating underneath a pergola, with lights and other greenery wrapped around it. The French styled backdoor of the home was left wide open, in which I could only guess was leading to the main area of the party. Numerous people waited outside, some I recognized as fellow classmates and others I didn't. Perhaps those were the rejected mass that didn't actually receive an invitation? Amongst said crowd, was that annoyingly familiar head full of raven black hair.

"Daniel?" I sheepishly called out, attempting to not attract any attention.

A head whipped around in our direction, and it was none other than Danny. He was dressed up in a more gothic yet elegant attire, which somehow suited his tall stature. He wore a black vest and red tie combo over a white long sleeved button-up shirt, with a draping black silk cape whose collar stood around his neck. 

"Holy s**t, Rainie?" 

I blinked, nearly forgetting where I was. Or, how I was dressed. "Y-Yeah?" I answered meekly.

Daniel gave me a dorky smile, in which I noticed two pointed teeth protruding where his canines should've been. Ah, so that's what he's dressed up as. 

"You look... Good. Really good. I think green is now my new favorite color." Danny spoke with a husky tone, as his eyes raked over my form.

I felt my cheeks burn, which immediately pissed me off. How was I getting flustered over someone like Daniel? Him?

"Seriously? Just good? Rainie looks f*****g great, idiot." Kaylen interrupted, placing a hand on her hip.

"I didn't want to come off as aggressive, but— yeah. You do look amazing, Rainie." Daniel admitted, mostly speaking the last part loud enough for only me to hear.

I smiled, and placed my arms behind my back. "Thanks, i***t. I guess you look cool, too." 

That comment alone made Danny beam, grinning from ear to ear. My heart was pounding hard in my chest, and I still felt my face flush. It was relatively cool outside, but my body felt too warm for comfort. 

"I'm kinda thirsty, so I'm gonna go inside now." I told him, walking past him.

"I'm thirsty too, but for something else." 

I stopped in my tracks, and turned around to see Daniel closely following my footsteps. He abruptly stopped, to prevent himself from running straight into me. "Hey, what did I say? Don't be gross, or I walk." I warned, pursing my lips.

Daniel smirked, then ran a hand through his messy gelled hair. "Well I am dressed as a vampire, so. It's only fitting." 

Rolling my eyes, I continued my trek inside the large two story home. As I passed the threshold, the air immediately felt different. Music boomed and bounced off the walls, bodies hovered close to one another. Loud conversating along with heavy amounts of public displays of affection. I faintly smelt the odor of beer and liquor, almost gagging from the strong pungent smell. 

"Hm, should've known." I mostly said to myself. 

"Should've known what?" 

Danny stood beside me, c*****g his head to the side. I shook my head. "It's nothing. I should've realized that a party like this would have booze." 

"Not a drinker, huh?" 

I shrugged my shoulders. "Considering the fact that I'm almost eighteen, no."

"Oh, c'mon. You've never done underage drinking?" 

"Well, yeah. But it's not really my thing." I admitted. 

"I get that. It's not much fun unless you're doing it with friends." Daniel sniffed. 

Speaking of friends, Kaylen and Billie were somewhere in the house. We promised each other to not get, in the words of Billie, 'too f****d up'. There were tons of people in attendance at this party, and we had to be careful considering we didn't know most of them. The host of the party later greeted me, somehow recognizing Daniel. I sometimes forget that Daniel isn't much older than we are, seeing as how he's only nineteen. 

We mingled, on occasion periodically meeting up with Kaylen and Billie. Many others consumed alcohol, especially those that seemed underage like us. However, I quickly noticed that Daniel didn't bother with doing the same, choosing to stay sober with me. After aimlessly wandering and talking to random others, I grew bored. It was too early to leave and Daniel seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself. Whenever he noticed my timid mannerisms, he politely pulled me aside. 

"You okay?" 

I nodded. "The scenery isn't changing, so I'm a little bored." I explained with a shy smile.

"I suppose large social gatherings like this aren't your niche?"

"Maybe not. Sorry if that makes me seem a little boring." 

Soon, Daniel's expression turned joking to serious. "No, not at all. So, why don't we change the scenery ourselves?"

I peered up, and looked into Daniel's eyes. Those glacier blue eyes stared straight into mine, as I studied him. I was still quite weary of his typical lineup of promiscuity, often noticing the assortment of girls he'd bring into the shop. All of them seemed the same in looks, attitudes, etc. So why me?

"Okay." I finally said.

He extended his hand, and I shakily took it. Daniel firmly gripped my hand into his, guiding me out of the house, through the very same way we entered it. I caught the attention of Kaylen, who gave me a baffled expression. I quickly mouthed to her that I was okay, and she gave me a smiley thumbs-up in approval. 

My boots crunched through the lawn, the autumn weathering crisping it into a faded brownish-green. Somehow, I found myself in the passenger side seat of Danny's car. The car was a sleek and shiny Mustang GT, with a glossy black paint-job. 

The tinted windows were cracked open just enough to allow in a pleasant breeze, lightly blowing in my curly hair. Daniel sat in the driver's seat, silently waiting for me to say anything. Things felt awkward, and I was admittedly embarrassed of how thick the silence became. 

"If you want to go back inside, we can. I don't wish to make you feel uncomfortable." 

I glanced up, yet Daniel wasn't looking in my direction. He stared outside of the windshield ahead of us, almost as if he was purposely avoiding my gaze. 

"I don't, and I'm not."

Daniel nodded, as he continued to peer out of the window. I bit my lower lip, feeling a bit guilty. 

"Tell me, what does he have, that I don't?"

That slighted guilt turned into unbridled fear, as I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.

"What are you talking about?" I questioned, straightening up in my seat.

Daniel huffed as he gave a scornful chuckle. "Fine, play dumb."

I furrowed my brows, feeling my mood shift, anger rising. "Playing dumb? Why would you bring him u-"

"Because you aren't being yourself right now." 

My face fell, while fidgeting with my hands in my lap. I still didn't get how my behavior tied into bringing up Mr. Morris.

"You're usually so fierce, so full of energy. You badmouth me and talk back to me. But now you're a whole new person. Is this how you act when he visits you?"  Daniel asks lowly, voice devoid of emotion.

"I-I don't know. But if this is our date or whatever you want to call it, can we please not talk about him?" I spoke with disdain. 

Silence. I was met with no answer, no reply. I was sick of the silence. This was supposed to be fun, and it's Halloween night. I'm depressed every other day about how difficult my daily life is, and I'd rather not think about those things for once. Just one night. Sure, Danny is mostly a jerk, but I don't want things to go south. At least not like this.

"H-Hey, asshat. What made you want to dress like a vampire? How cliché can you get?"

Finally averting his gaze, Daniel's expression significantly softened. "Dunno. Thought it'd look sick and I guess I was right." 

"You guess?" 

Danny shrugged his shoulders back, loosening his stiff posture. "Yeah, I guess."

I laughed, which caught me off guard. Who knew I'd get to see the softer side of him? 

"Humor me, will you?" I asked.

He nodded, awaiting for my question. "Why me? Out of all of the girls you could be sitting here with, why waste your time on me?" 

Daniel gave me an audible 'hmph', situating himself better in his seat. "Easy—because you're you."  

My lips quirked at this, and I tried my very hardest to fight it. "What does that even mean, Danny?" 

"It means exactly how it sounds. You're funny, you're smart. You don't give a s**t about what others think. You give your best, no matter what it is... The list goes on, really." Daniel spoke earnestly. 

His words of praise were truly staggering. I couldn't fend off the unreserved grin that stretched over my mouth, quickly covering it with my hand in embarrassment. 

"You know, Rainie— You're a really cool person. And I'm really f*****g glad you decided to give me this chance." 

I hummed in agreement, that same quirk never leaving my face. "I'm glad too. But I won't lie to you... You're kind of a man-whore." I joked.

"Yeah, so I've been told." He answered lightly, rolling his eyes.

"Which is really stupid." I continued. 

"I guess being chastised is my divine punishment, yeah? I'm okay with that, since it's from you." Danny smiled.

His genuine smile remained on his face awhile after that, which I weirdly enough found attractive. I paid closer attention, and noticed a few little details about him. A handful of freckles littered the bridge of his straight nose, and his eyelashes were dark and long. Both of his earlobes were pierced. His inky hair was naturally jet black, and was much darker than the current night sky. His lips weren't overly plump, yet they weren't flat. They seemed soft while pursed, and before I realized it, I sampled that feathery light touch. 

My eyes fluttered shut tight, but I knew his were wide open. As quickly as it started, it was over. My heart quaked in my chest, soon after I understood what I'd done. 

"Rainie..."

"I'm so sorry, that was such a stupid thing of me to do!" I quickly answered. 

"No. What was stupid-" 

Daniel paused, leaning over close to my seat. My breath hitched in my throat, as his hands glossed through my hair, softly grazing over my neck. I closed my eyes once more, waiting and hoping. 

"-is that you didn't make it last long enough."

His lips fell against mine, first moving slowly. I'd only kissed a few boys before, but this really took the cake. I tasted mint, as if he were chewing peppermint gum before meeting me here. One of my hands fisted into his shirt, pulling him closer before he was as near as he could bodily manage. We finally broke apart, both of us parched for air. My scattered thoughts wandered, and soon my indulgence found higher grounds. It probably wasn't smart, but it was just for tonight. 

Right?

"Danny, I need... I need another change of scenery." I breathed shakily.

Daniel met my gaze, pupils blown wide with attraction. He studied my expression, then I watched as his eyes dropped down to my lips. 

"Please." 

That was all Danny needed to hear, as he started the ignition of the car. He knew what I meant, and it was obvious by his reaction. It was almost midnight, by the time we reached Danny's front doorstep. The cheap vampiric cape fell to the floor near the foot of his bed, beside my unlaced boots. He gingerly took my glossed lips once more, savoring the vanilla sweet flavor.

"I thought you said 'no touchy-feely'?" 

"Shut up, Danny." I rolled my eyes, as I felt his large hands linger on my bare legs. 

Daniel groaned, which in turn made me blush with embarrassment. "Call my name again. Please, Rainie." He almost begged, as if his life depended on it.

So I did. Then again. And again. Until my voice grew hoarse, to the point of which I couldn't recognize my own voice. I yearned for Daniel's touch, and he generously gave in to my whim.

I didn't love Daniel, and I certainly knew he didn't love me. Not that that mattered, at least not in this instance. This was just one night, and it didn't have to mean anything. It probably did mean nothing. For the longest time, I wasn't allowed to show selfishness, or any other weaknesses. But that night was different, and Danny allowed me to let my selfishness take over.