Critical Thinking

17

It was not only Halloween but my birthday. It came quick, the months were going by faster than I could say, Bookie. My cheeks heated up at the thought of him and my heart flip-flopped. Why did I bring him up?

"Happy birthday." My dad said grinning and kissed my head passing me a plate of pancakes covered in chocolate syrup, whip cream, and sprinkles.

"Thanks, dad." I laughed grinning back and dug in as he ate a bagel with cream cheese.

At school everything was great. We were all acting like we did before the incident. I was so glad I didn't ruin anything with my awkwardness. I also felt that I was looking up slightly.

"So did you tell your friends it's your birthday?" dad asked and I glanced up from my pancakes chewing making him sigh. "That's a no isn't it?" he asked and I nodded swallowing. "Why? This is the first real party you'll have if you invited your friends," he said then coughed laughing nervously as I glared.

"What happened to a birthday party is a birthday party no matter how many people are there or not." I huffed crossing my arms and he huffed also.

"I didn't mean it like that son, just tell your friends!" he said getting out the kitchen when he could make me grumble to myself as I pulled out my phone.

I wish Bookie could come. I text him first even though he couldn't come but the only God would know how much I wanted him to.

CyberGeek: Hey? Um...I never told you but today is my birthday. ALSO HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I mentally groaned after sending it. I only said the last part to get his mind away from my birthday. Soon my phone vibrated. I bit my lip checking my phone.

BookerBooker: YOU DIDN'T TE......

I knew what was coming. I couldn't help but giggle even though it seemed he was upset. I clicked on it and I was taken to my messages on Feather book.

BookerBooker: YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THIS BECAUSE?! And Happy Halloween to you too.

I sighed texting Bookie back. I wonder if the others will react the same way. Possibly, maybe I should have told them all beforehand.

CyberGeek: Sorry I'm not used to having to tell anyone besides reminding family members just in case they forgot.

I sent my reply then text Vic, Farley, Cory, Lily, and Clyde. All of them at the same time on a group chat. I thought it would be simpler that way.

Me:

Umm, today's my birthday, sorry for not telling any of you. Also HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Soon my phone had vibrated about twenty times. Okay, I was being dramatic. But six notifications is a lot, the vibrating noise was constant. I decided to answer Bookie first then I'll go see what the others said.

BookerBooker: Oh, that's sad :( I'm sorry. And it's okay, happy birthday Cy :)

I felt my cheeks get hot and my heart pounced before flip-flopping. I felt the corners of my lips rise and I couldn't help myself from giggling. I soon clicked on my the group texts.

Cory:

Yo, happy birthday and happy Halloween

Vic:

You should have told us Oakely!!! But happy birthday/Halloween!!!

Lily:

Happy Birthday *balloon emojis* and Happy Halloween :) *pumpkin emojis*

Clyde:

I agree with Vic but happy birthday Oakely and happy Halloween everyone!

Farley:

Happy Birthday, Oakely, Happy Halloween guys.

Lily:

I'm a girl.

Farley:

Happy Halloween Lily and guys.

I laughed and shook my head at them. I couldn't help but smile from everyone's texts. They all made me so happy, guess this is the good part about having friends.

Me:

Thanks, guys :)

I felt like the happy face was kind of creepy. But it was too late, I had already sent it. I remembered Bookie text me and I read it but forgot to reply. I went back on his message and typed a reply before sending it.

CyberGeek: Aww, thanks, Bookie *giggles*

BookerBooker: It was no problem, your welcome :) *ruffles your hair*

I felt my face heat up as I read that text. My heart flips flopped and soon my phone was vibrating. I checked my notifications to see the others had replied.

Vic:

Np ;)

Cory:

Your winky face is disgusting

Lily:

Your welcome! Don't fight you two.

Clyde:

Your welcome Oakely *dancing emoji*

Farley:

Lol, you all are so weird and you're welcome.

Vic:

He started it

Lily:

Anyways, who's gonna trick n treat tonight?

Farley:

Who does that anymore?

Vic:

Us.

Cory:

Yeah party pooper

Me:

Maybe we can all trick n treat?

I shocked myself by the message I sent. But dad did want me to hang out with my friends. Besides, that means during the morning and afternoon I could spend time with my dad. And soon my mom. I'm sure she was coming for my birthday, no doubt about it.

Clyde:

I usually stay with my granny...but I guess I can. As long as I get to leave early to get back to her.

Vic:

Yeah! That would be cool *emoji with sunglasses*

Cory:

I guess so, hope you all are prepared with costumes like Lily and I *high five emoji*

Lily:

Haha yeah! *high five emoji*

Farley:

Not really prepared but do we really have to wear costumes?

Vic:

YES

Cory:

YES

Lily:

YES

Me:

Well, you don't have to, I'll need to buy a costume myself though.

Clyde:

Me too.

Farley:

Ugh, thanks for giving me a choice Oakely but guess I'll have to get a costume too.

Vic:

So what time should we all meet up?

Lily:

I think we should all meet up at Oakely's, what do you think Oakely?

Me:

Yeah, that's fine, maybe around six?

Farley:

That's good.

Clyde:

Sounds okay to me, I might leave before or around eight though.

Cory:

Sounds like a plan.

Vic:

Awesome, send your address.

I sent my address smiling before going back to Bookie to reply. I kept reading his messages and forgetting to answer.

CyberGeek: *smiles* Hehe, oh um Bookie, later on, I'm going to be out. I might text you later but it will be late if I do.

BookerBooker: That's okay, I'll be out myself. Have fun :)

CyberGeek: You too!

"Oakely!" I heard my dad yell and I jumped up from my chair from the table running into the living room.

I saw the door open and then saw mom walk in. I felt the corner of my lips rise and I ran to her. I hugged her tight and she laughed.

"I missed you too sweetie," she said giving me a squeeze while hugging me close.

From the corner of my eye, I saw dad smiling. I wasn't sure if it was a sad smile or an actual genuine smile. We eventually pulled apart and mom smiled at me.

"How have you been?" she asked and I knew my smile grew.

"Great," I said and she blinked but was smiling.

"Well that's good news," she said glancing at dad who smiled. "Well I got you something," she said showing me the bag she was carrying.

"What is it?" I asked trying to peek but she put it behind her back laughing.

"What did you dad get you?" she asked and I opened my mouth until dad got in between us.

"Actually, I was planning on taking him to the cafe here but I decided to make him a home cooked breakfast. I know it's not much but I don't have that much-" my mother cut him short.

"So you didn't buy him a gift?" she said in disbelief and I frowned glancing at them.

"Mom its oka-" I began.

"No, I'm sorry. A lot of my money goes to his school and this house. Not to mention food and more." he said sighing.

"No excuse William, you should have never left." mom argued and I shrunk back.

"Maritza..." dad looked down now before balling up his hands into fists. "I left because this was a huge opportunity. Look our boy is happy! He said great when you asked him how things were. He never use to-"

"Enough." mom placed the bag on the coffee table before looking at me. "Oakely, let's go."

"Wha-What?" I stepped back wide-eyed.

"Maritza please, don't do this." dad said turning away from me to look at her fully.

"No you don't do-"

"Stop fighting! This is my birthday! For crying out loud, please! It's also Halloween!"

They both turned towards me with eyes wide as saucers. Mine did the same and I covered my mouth.

"Sorry..." I whispered glancing at them both as they just stared. "I'm very sorry for yelling." I squeaked covering my face.

"No but it's okay, we're sorry." I heard dad say.

"I'm sorry, I started the argument. Honey, what would you like to do today?" I heard mom ask and I put my hands down looking at them both.

Next thing I know dad and mom are sitting in the front of dad's car. Like how they use to. And I'm sitting in the back like I always did. I'm humming and looking out the window smiling. I liked this feeling like we were one little family again. I turned to glance at them. But the difference was that they were silent and not laughing or smiling at each other. Only the noise of the wind and the wheels against the road could be heard. But at least they weren't arguing.

Soon we were at the arcade. This one was special, it had bumper cars and a car race. Like you could actually get in the cars and race. I was so excited that I dragged mom and dad over there. The line was a bit long for the car race so dad suggested us playing regular arcade games first. We mostly played scary games that mom did not approve of and would give us both the mom look. All of us eventually played air hockey with each other. Dad kept winning which mom and I weren't too happy about that.

"Oh yeah! See that bug, I just won for my sixth time now," he said smirking and I rolled my eyes.

"Just one more game." my mom said putting in a coin then glanced at me winking and I winked back as dad glanced at us confused.

We began the last game. Mom and I were working together to get dad out. Dad got some points and so did we. But finally we got him out meaning mom and I verses each other. It took a long time but I finally won against mom. I grinned and she huffed but smiles ruffling my hair. Dad was all smiles surprisingly after losing. We headed over to the bumper cars since the line for racing was still a bit long.

Dad got in a car on the right while mom got in one on the left. I got in the car in the middle right when the game started, dad launched towards mom bumping her. I was soon bumped by both of them and tried bumping them back also. After all that I kind of developed a headache. We headed to the now shorten line for the car race and was soon getting into cars ourselves for the race. I was number three, dad was number eleven, and mom was at number twenty-three.

Once the man in black and white yelled "Go!" we all were off- well I lagged a bit. I was behind them and the others. Dad was in the lead. I tried speeding up but I wasn't exactly the best driver. Once the summer began to end I stopped practicing. On the second lap I caught up with dad, mom was now closer to the lead than us two. On the third lap, I got past dad and mom was close to first place. I sped up and got right to her side. I wanted to win this race. Sadly, in the end, we got a tie.

"So where to next?" dad asked ruffling my hair as mom and I stopped arguing with each other about who really won.

"Oh um..." I stopped in mid-sentence to check my phone for the time.

Three hours had passed, it was now twelve p.m. I still needed to get a costume for trick n treating. I felt I was being stared at so I glanced up at my phone to see mom and dad staring at me. I cleared my throat at the awkward silence and staring as I put my phone back in my pocket.

"Well, it's Halloween sooo.," I said glancing at them.

"Right!" mom said making my dad and I look at her. "I should probably get some candy here at the store before I go. You two probably need candy too for the kids that come along. And some decorations." she said smiling and dad huffed.

"All we need is a pumpkin on our step that glows," he said and I rolled my eyes smiling.

"Also a costume," I said.

"Aww dressing up for the kids to see would probably be nice too," she said as dad groaned.

"Actually, I mean just me. I planned on going trick n treating with some friends tonight... Well if that's okay with you guys of course?" I said the last part quickly once they both stared at me like I just kicked a baby.

"Oh um..." mom said.

"That's okay son, I'll just give candy to the kids until you get back." dad said nodding slowly and I nodded chewing my lip feeling bad.

We walked back to the car quietly. In the car, dad tried making conversation with both of us, but I had a feeling he just wanted to speak with mom normally and fill in the awkward silence. Which I didn't blame him at all. I tried replying as best as I could, mom hardly replied but she did here and there. When we made it to the store mom asked dad what candy he wanted before leaving us two. She was out for the candy and we were looking in the costume area. I glanced around and decided to grab the Where's Waldo costume. I use to have a lot of those books. Dad thought it would fit me nicely anyways.

After we purchased it we made our way home. It was about two p.m. now once we got there, mom had to leave so we did our goodbyes. A hug, kiss on the cheek, ruffling my hair, and then an awkward glance between my parents before she walked to her car. But as she got in dad spoke up, which I didn't expect.

"Maritza." dad said and mom stopped midway with closing her door looking up at him. "Be careful, hope the rest of your day is good," he said and she smiled nodding then closed her door driving off.

I glanced at dad to find him heading inside. I quickly followed him and closed the door behind us then locked it. I took a shower, got ready, then ate lunch with dad. I was in my costume after all that, watching t.v. with dad until six p.m. strolled on by. I heard the doorbell ring and I quickly stood up making dad glance at me.

"Probably my friends," Did I say to him smiling before going to the door and checked the peephole seeing my friends in costumes with...pillowcases?

I opened the door and Vic grinned at me in his werewolf costume, handing me a pillowcase. I quirked an eyebrow at him before hearing my dad walk over to my side as I looked at my other friends. Clyde was a pumpkin, his cheeks were pink. I think he might have been a little embarrassed to be dressed as a pumpkin. Cory and Lily were dressed as zombie cheerleaders and Farley was dressed as a crazy scientist I believe. They all looked pretty cool, as an, I felt my cheeks grow hot. I was slightly embarrassed like Clyde, our costumes weren't as cool as the others.

"Happy birthday!" They all said smiling at me and I felt my face heat up as the corners of my mouth rose.

"Thank you guys," I said giggling and covered my mouth making most of them laugh.

"Ahem," Lily said with her arms crossed, pom poms in hand.

"Thank you too, Lily," I said rolling my eyes smiling.

"Rude." she huffed but laughed making my smile probably grow.

"Well, happy Halloween to you also," Vic said handing me a pillowcase while the others nodded.

"Ummm..?" I said looking down at it.

"For candy, let's go," Vic said putting his arm out for me making me blink again but I entwined my arm with his.

As we walked I felt like I was being stared- well more glared at. I glanced at me seeing Cory and Lily. I then glanced next to them seeing Farley and Clyde slightly walking in the middle of us, but slightly next to Cory and Lily. I shook my head then felt heat rush to my cheeks as I remembered Vic liked me. That's why he wanted us to be so close. Well there was no going back now, we were heading to our first house to get candy together.

A man and an older male were sitting by a fire with smores. They glanced at us and we all said "Trick or treat!" before they handed us three snores each in a baggie. The seventh house we went to ask for us to tell them a joke in order to get candy. Nobody could think of one but Farley and me.

"What's a flower's favorite kids channel? Sprout." I said feeling my cheeks heat up slightly as they blinked at me yet gave me candy.

"Never heard of that one." the lady said making me huff as she gave the others candy but Farley stopped her from giving him any.

"What's a skeletons favorite type of music? Rap." Farley said and surprisingly the lady laughed while giving him candy.

"You both are so corny." Vic shook his head smiling as we walked to the next house making me pout.

"Corny as a candy corn?" Farley asked and Vic made a face.

"No more please," Vic said as we approached what seemed to be a very long line to a huge house.

"We could just go to the other houses," Lily suggested.

"But this one has a line Lil, a line! Meaning it must be better and cooler than the others." Cory said grinning as Lily rolled her eyes.

"You got a point," Vic said looking at Cory who rolled his eyes looking away.

"I agree with Lily on this one, the line is way too long. We could just come back after going to the other houses." Farley suggested.

"I have to go home early remember," Clyde spoke up and then everyone looked at me making my face heat up.

"What do you think?" they all asked me, making me blink.

"U-Um I don't know...maybe ones who want to go can go then come back and ones who want to stay can stay," I said and they all looked at each other nodding.

Lily and Farley left which Clyde eventually decided to go with them as well. That left Vic, Cory, and I to keep waiting in line. We moved up at least eight times before the others came back.

"We got so much candy!" Lily said squealing happily as Clyde nodded with her smiling and showed me.

Farley tried to get in the line with us and so did the other two when a guy put his arm in the way.

"No cutting in the line!" the man grumbled and Cory turned glaring while the line moved up so Vic not noticing what was going on moved on up.

"Um...sir there are my friends they just left the line to go to other houses while waiting for the line to shorten." I tried to explain as Lily nodded quickly but the man only glared.

"They left the line they have to go to the back." the man said point behind him with his thumb and when I looked the line was longer than before making me gulp.

"I don't have all night," Clyde said frowning as Farley sighed.

"Get in line." Cory quickly whispered tugging Lily in next to him which Clyde followed and they moved on up where Vic was. I was about to pull Farley in with me but the guy put his arm in the way.

"Back of the line, kid." the man muttered.

Farley rolled his eyes and started heading to the back. I frowned and grabbed his arm pulling him in the line as the man yelled then ran us up to where the others were. Lucky for us the man was people away from us. But I bet he would glare or be glaring at us if he saw us. We moved up more in the line when suddenly I heard a loud c***k which I guess other people did because people jumped and some kids yelled. It began to rain and I heard crying most likely from babies.

"Ugh, it's raining now?" Vic groaned as we were just now getting closer to the huge house.

"Rain or not we waited in this line for maybe an hour. I'm going to see what they have up there." Cory scoffed as people from the line started to leave.

"But maybe I should head home...granny doesn't like storms," Clyde said and jumped when there was another c***k of thunder.

"We're up here now," Farley said when we got to the front and there was a bald guy with a red beard who grinned.

"Enjoy," he said opening the door and we all glanced at each other before heading up the stairs then inside.

The lights soon turned off. I screamed and heard others scream too. I stepped back bumping into something or someone.

"Oakely?!" a voice yelled.

"Lily?!" another voice yelled.

"I don't like this.." yet another voice mumbled.

I tried walking back in the darkness then remembered I had my phone. I used my flashlight and turned to see Farley who also decided to do the same. I looked at me seeing Vic who was trying to open the door but it wouldn't budge.

"This is a haunted house," Cory said in a spooky voice doing jazz hands but he looked annoyed.

"It did say that by the door on the sign," Farley said as he headed up the stairs.

"Guess I didn't catch that." I pouted as Clyde glanced around.

"Where's Lily?" Cory asked using his phone as a flashlight then we heard a scream.

I glanced up no longer seeing Farley and ran up the stairs. "Oakely! Wait!" I heard Vic yell as I ran up only to bump into Farley falling down on my bottom.

I stood up rubbing my bottom. "Ouch..what are you staring at?" I asked and saw a person with a chainsaw chasing Lily.

"Get away from me!" Lily screamed running.

"This haunted house isn't that realistic," Farley mumbled as I heard the other coming up the stairs then heard a c***k of thunder.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to suspect Vic but instead, I saw a zombie. I screamed jumping and grabbed Farley's arm running.

"Wha-What is it?" Farley asked as we ran.

"We got to get out of here! Even if it's fake I don't like it here!" I felt like I was going to cry and I shivered at the memory of the zombie's face.

"Well, first we should go find the others," Farley said looking around the house suspiciously with his flashlight on his phone.

"There are stairs!" I said pointing to them and he nodded before we ran over to them then down them.

I heard Lily's screams still then another c***k of thunder next lightning. I frowned glancing up from where we left then saw Farley heading to what seemed to look like a kitchen. He turned the knob and surprisingly the door opened. Lots of people were clapping for us, we made it outside. It wasn't that scary, glad we didn't pay money to go in. Lily came.out shaking with fear and Cory huffed helping her out with Vic behind and Clyde by his side who also looked scared.

It was still raining out as we all walked to Clyde's well Lily and Cory left since their places were close by I guess? Leaving Farley, Vic, Clyde, and I. We all waved Clyde goodbye before he went inside his granny's house. We soon walked all the way to my place. They both were so kind to walk me all the way here. I think we should have taken a bus or taxi now that I think about it. Nothing wrong with exercise but it was still raining. I waved them goodbye and told them goodnight before closing the door then locking it. I looked down at myself to see I was soaked I began to sneeze as I checked my phone for the time. It was seven-forty p.m.

"Got a lot of candy?" A voice asked and I jumped screaming then turned to see dad blinking at me from the doorway of the kitchen.

"I guess so but probably not as much as Clyde, Lily, and Farley," I said and dad chuckled walking over to me with a towel.

"Maybe next Halloween you should bring an umbrella." dad said throwing the towel over my face.

"Maybe," I mumbled drying my hair them my face before laying the towel over my shoulders. "I'm gonna take a shower!" I yelled as I heard the doorbell ring.

"There's no more candy! I have a sign out there!" I heard my dad yell before I went inside my room.

I took a warm shower and put on my pajamas. Like every Halloween night, dad and I would watch Halloween specials and etc on TV while eating dinner. But this Halloween night was different. Mom wouldn't be telling us both to go to sleep. And another thing is that when I sat down on the couch dad was smirking as he put on a scary movie. I knew after that movie I would probably have nightmares.