บท 16: Week 8 - pt 2
30th October
Connor and Autumn met by the bridge. ‘Look I’m sorry about the guys last night okay.’
‘It’s fine Con really.’
‘They tend not to think before they talk.’
‘It’s fine really.’
‘Come on we best meet them or they’ll have something else to talk about.’
‘Sure.’
They walked away from the bridge walking into town to meet there friends outside of the bowling ally. ‘Well on time impressive even for you Con.’
‘Well were here shall we all go in.’
‘Yeah.’
They all walked in laying swopping their shoes for bowling shoes. ;just remember to get the right weight this time guys and it’s not a competition.’
‘Ain’t it there’s six of us so we may as well group the looser buys lunch.’
‘And the winner.’
Gets to choose where we go for lunch.’
‘Sure why not.’
‘Con.’
‘Its fine babe I’ve got this.’
‘No you ain’t you lost last time.’
Only because the teams weren’t equal they are now.’
‘True so me and the guys on one team you, Dan and Autumn the other. May the best team win.’
They all crashed hands Autumn unsure this was a wise idea. They all picked up their bowling balls,and began.
‘Here I’ll show you babe.’
‘I’m fine Con.’
‘Go lighter babe.’
‘Sure.’
She picked up the bowling ball. Walking over to the lane.
‘Here I’ll show you.’
‘I’m fine Con.’
‘Leave her to it Con she said she’s fine.’
‘Just let me show you.’
‘Fine.’ She said huffing.
He pulled her arm back. ‘Stretch your legs out babe.’
They laughed.
‘Shut it guys. Just stand like you would if you were stealing yourself on a bus.’
She altered her stance.
He manoeuvred her arm back. Lean forward and look at the pins imagine them then let go of the ball.’
‘You can loose me now Con your bonner.’
‘It’s where it should be.’
She looked at him Taylor stared back at her. She reflected in his glasses. ‘You think that you’ve got it now.’
‘Yeah.’
‘Come on we’ve only got an hour.’
He loosed her she loosed the ball it rolled faster and faster down the lane crashing into the pins. They all bounced crashing down. Connor and Daniel hugged her.
‘You don’t this before Autumn.’
‘A few times.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me.’
‘I tried you wouldn’t listen so I let it run.’
They all played the ten games Connor, Dan and Autumn in the lead.
They all shuck hands. ‘Good game guess we’ll be paying for lunch.’
‘Guess you will. And I guess we’ll be choosing where.’
‘You will. Autumn seen as you knocked down the most pins you get to chose.’
‘Not to dear mind.’
‘Jae.’
‘Just saying. So where’s it to be Autumn?’
‘Latinos.’
‘Good choice you been there?’
‘No but I’d like to.’
‘Your wish is our command.’
They changed their shoes handing then bowling shoes in before heading for Latinos pizzeria.
‘You’ll lie it there red.’
‘Yeah the most expensive pizzeria well done Autumn.’
‘My pleasure.’
They all walked into Latinos sitting down ordering a table size Margherita pizza for them all to share and cokes.
‘Well I for one am stuffed.’
‘Me too.’
‘So how do you like it here Autumn?’
‘It the best pizza I’ve ever had.’
‘Told you come on guys cough up it’s only fare.’
They all put to the bill paying before leaving the pizzeria heading home.’
‘We’ll see you tomorrow night guys nine pm don’t forget.’
‘We won’t.’
‘It’s going to be a good night.’
‘It is.’
‘So what you all wearing.’
‘You’ll see.’
‘Well we’ll see you tomorrow.’
Connor and Autumn walked towards the river. ‘I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing.’
‘Guess you’re just going to have to wait.’
‘I guess I am.’ He looked at her. ‘So are you still stopping over.’
‘If your mom don’t mind having me.’
‘She fine babe. You’ll be in the spear room if that’s okay.
‘It’s fine Con .’
Halloween
31st October
After a restless night at Connors she had returned home to get ready for the party
which her mom was not to sure about after her sleepless night. She’d woke only three hours ago with only four hours sleep her and Connor had stoped up till one talking and watching films until they had both crashed on the sofa him saying the guys had text to see how she was and asking if everything was still okay for tonight. He’d told them she hadn’t slept much, but she was fine and they’d be there no matter what. Autumn still wasn’t sure about tonight, but she didn’t want to let Connor and their friends down she’d told them she’d be there no matter what she’d also got a curtesy call off Stenton reminding her what time the party started and not to be late cause everyone would have eaten and drank their way through everything by ten. She told him they’d be there on time.
Connor knocked the door. She opened it in her long black and red dress, which dropped across the floor despite the four inch heel boots she’d got on. Her hair held high by lots of hairspray, her makeup dark, her lips a bright red, nails black to match her eyeliner.
Connor smiled though she could not see him do so through his Frankenstein’s mask. ‘Nice, guess your part of the Addams family now.’
‘And you look fab my vampire princess.’
‘I’m off now mom.’
‘Enjoy yourselves. No getting into trouble.’
‘We won’t Miss. Cleveland.’
‘Good to hear it. I’ll see you tomorrow Autumn and remember your manors your in Someone else’s house.’
‘I will mom bye mom.’
‘Bye Miss. Cleveland.’
‘Bye.’
Autumn closed the door.
‘So I take it you got the memo off Stenton ?’
‘Yeah he called.’
‘I’m sorry babe he called me. He thought we might be together he begged for your number.’
‘Guess he’ll never stop calling now.’
‘He’s more of a teaser babe and I’ll have a polite word okay. ‘
‘Okay.’
‘Come on the guys are waiting.’
She walked by his side nervously. She hoped this Halloween wouldn’t be like the last.
Dan, Ashby, James and Harry stood waiting in their ghoul and Dracula’s outfits.
‘You and Autumn should pair up Dan!’ Harry cracked.
‘Yeah two vamps together.’
‘So are we going to get to this party before Stenton sends out a search party.’
‘So he call you to.’
‘And Autumn.’
‘Didn’t know he had her number.’
‘He didn’t.’
‘So how he call you.’
‘He begged.’
‘He won’t leave her alone now Con.’
‘He will.’
‘So we staying there till midnight.’
‘We are.’
‘What’s happening midnight?’
‘You’ll see.’
They all walked towards Stenton’s She looked at Connor nervously. ‘It’ll be fine babe, just chill.’
It was easy for him to tell her to “just chill” when she and no idea what was going on.
‘The party’s round the back. Stenton said to use the gate it’ll be open.’
‘Sure.’
They walked around the side of the house, the music loud.’ Won’t the cops come?’
‘His dad’s a cop they all know the drill.’
‘Oh okay.’
Harry opened the gate and they all followed him in closing it behind them. ‘Guys.’
‘Stenton.’
They slapped hands with the tall Latino grim reaper. ‘Glad you could make it.’
‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
‘Nice to see you made it red.’
She smiled briefly thinking she had no choice if he hadn’t have bugged her Con and the others would, he handed the drinks around. Everyone in their year was there dancing all wearing different Halloween costumes.
‘Come on Autumn, guys. Enjoy the party.’
‘We will.’
They all walked away. ‘Just relax okay let your hair down, though it may be a little hard with all that spray in it.’
She looked sarcastically at Connor who smiled. ‘Come on let’s dance.’
‘Bu…’
‘Come on babe live a little.’
‘Okay.’
‘Come on guys.’
Connor pulled Autumn with him the guys following. They danced for a while, he could tell she wasn’t completely comfortable with it. ‘Just relax we’re all friends.’
They danced a little longer Autumn began relaxing having a few more drinks.
‘Come on Con.’
‘Bu…’
He took her had pulling her with him without initiating any arguments. ‘Great party Stenton.’
‘Not staying.’
‘Autumn has to get back.’
‘Sure maybe you can stay a little longer next year.’
‘Yeah sure.’
‘Later red.’
‘Yeah later.’ She said confused yet said nothing.
Harry closed the gate behind them.
‘I don’t have to get back yet.’
‘I know just his parities go on forever.’
‘Oh okay.’
They walked away talking
‘So are we ready to do this Autumn?’
‘I guess.’
‘Good cause we’re going in there.’ James said pointing to the graveyard.
She looked over at the creepy flur de lyes gates, the mist making it hard to see anything passed it, she swallowed. ‘Oh no.’
‘Oh yes.’
‘I’m not going in there.’
‘Come on Autumn it’ll be fun.’
‘How are you going to get in there?’
‘Easy, just follow us.’
She gripped tightly on to Connors hand. He looked at her. ‘It’ll be okay babe.’
James pulled out the skeleton key opening the gate. It creaked. ‘Come on guys.’
‘Where did you get that from?’
‘My bro, he works here he lets me in. He gave it to me, it’s the spear.’
‘Oh.’
‘Come on.’
They all walked onto the cemetery together, looking around. The grave stones spooked Autumn. ‘It’s okay.’
‘So are you ready Autumn?’
‘I guess.’ She looked around they’d gone this was Taylor all over again. She panicked. ‘Guys where are you?’
The grave yard was so silent on this Halloween night which made it feel more spooky than any other day. ‘Guys.’ She began to freak.
A shadow over shadowed her, she looked up at the grim reaper. ‘Shit Stenton you scared me. What the hell are you doing out here. I thought you were still at the party.’
The Reaper stared at her saying nothing. ‘Where’s the guys?’
He stood silently lifting up his scythe, swinging it. She screamed turning and running. She ran over the uneven ground, the reaper closing up on her. Her ankle snapped and she went down. Her head bouncing off the jagged rocks. ‘Autumn you okay, Autumn.’
Her eyes flickered, slowly opening. Slightly fuzzy, his perfect eyes shone under the lamp of the graveyard, behind his designer glasses. ‘Taylor.’
‘I’m sorry Autumn. We never meant to scare you it was Rudgey’s idea.’
‘Like the board.’
‘We thought you could handle it.’
‘You nearly fucking killed me.’
‘I’m sorry babe.’ He leaned forward pressing his lips on hers kissing her.
‘Autumn.’
‘Is she okay.’
‘I don’t know. Autumn.’
‘I told you not to get her involved after the other day.’
‘Daint stop you been in on it did it.’
‘Wake up babe.’
Her eyes flickered. Connor pulled his mask off the green dye compressed on his face. ‘Con.’ She said groggily.
‘You okay babe?’
‘Where were you?’
‘Here babe.’
‘Why did you leave me?’
‘I’m sorry I should’ve warned you.’
‘Where’s Stenton?’
‘He’s not here.’
‘But I saw him, the reaper.’
‘That was my bro Autumn. He shit Dan and Con up before now.’
The cloaked male stepped forward pulling his hud off, his dark hair hung over his face. ‘I’m sorry babe I never meant to scare you.’
‘And the scythe?’
‘My spade.’ He said showing her, pushing it into the ground. ‘We best take a look at that ankle. Come into my office.’
They helped Autumn up going into the office she sat down, he sat opposite her touching her ankle. She jumped. ‘It’s sprained babe.’
Autumn looked at Connor and their friends as he held the cold compress on her head. ‘And you thought this was fun?’
‘Yeah.’ James laughed.
She stared angrily at him cutting his laughter short.
‘Chill Autumn we got Stenton and the others out here last Halloween and got a few of Gaz’s mates to shit ‘em up. Boy was they shitted best fucking night ever.’
‘So he had a party instead.’
‘He always has a party. We just thought we’d bring you in here this year just so you could see how it worked, then next year you could join us. We didn’t expect you to pass out.’
‘I hit my fucking head!’
‘Let’s take a look at that.’ He said knotting the bandage.
Connor took the compress of her forehead. ‘Looks okay, you’ll have a bump tomorrow maybe a bruise.’
‘How am I going to explain this to my mom?’
‘Lie.’
She looked at all of them.
‘It’s for the best Autumn. We’re not supposed to be in here Gaz could loose his job.
She looked at them in defeat. ‘Fine.’ She huffed.
‘Thanks. Gaz we best be going.’
‘Sure guys and keep an eye on her.’
‘Will do.’
Connor helped Autumn to her feet. She looked at Gaz. ‘Thanks.’
He smiled.
They all walked out of the cemetery office through the gates.
‘We’re sorry Autumn. The guys thought it was class, so we thought you would too.’
‘It’s okay.’
‘We’ll see you Monday.’
‘Sure.’
‘Bye Autumn.’
‘Later guys.’
Daniel looked at Connor who nodded. ‘We’re really sorry red all of us.’
‘Sure.’
‘Come in let’s get back. Guess you’re tired.’
‘A little.’
‘Come on.’
He held her to steady her down the toad. He closed the door behind them. ‘Come on your room is next to mine.’
‘Can I use the bathroom.’
‘Yeah just try and keep quiet.’
‘Okay.’
She hobbled up the stairs. Closing the bathroom door, refreshing. She opened the door. ‘You okay babe.’
‘Yeah.’
‘I’m sorry okay.’
She looked at him solemnly.
‘Your room is next to the bathroom.’
‘Can you keep me company, till I fall asleep.’
‘Sure, let me just get this off and I’ll be in.’
‘Thanks.’
‘My pleasure.’
Autumn hobbled into the room . Connor closed the door lying beside her. ‘You okay babe?’
‘Yeah just my head hurts.
‘I can’t give you nothing you’ve been drinking babe.’
‘I know.’
‘I’ll keep an eye on you. How’s your ankle?’
‘Sore.’
‘We’ll rest it up tomorrow okay. What time does your mom expect you back.’
‘About six.’
‘Good you can rest til then.’ He leaned forward. ‘I’ll warn you next time okay.’
‘I’m not doing another Halloween Con.’
‘Come on babe it’s fun.’
‘Is it?’
‘Yeah. You just need to relax a little. Let your hair down.’
‘I’ll try.’
He smiled pressing his lips on hers kissing her. He moved away. ‘Sweet dreams babe.’ He said lying by her side holding her close. She lay nervously looking around the room slowly closing her eyes.
1st November
Autumn slowly opened her eyes she was alone. Had Connor gone to bed?
He edged around the door. ‘So you’re finally awake?’
‘Yeah.’ She looked at him. ‘Did you go to bed Con?’
‘No, I must’ve dozed off watching you. You say some weird shit in your sleep.’
‘What sort of weird shit?’
‘Not sure. None of it quiet made sense. So… are you coming down.’
‘Yeah.’ She said pulling herself up. Hobbling over to him.
‘Put your arm round me babe.’
She placed her arm around him he steadied her . ‘You ready.’
‘Yeah.’
‘Let’s go.’
They walked slowly and steadily down the stairs. He helped her into the sofa. Placing her ankle on a cushion. Stay here whilst I do us both a coffee.’
‘Okay.’
He smiled, turning walking out of the lounge.
He placed the coffees down sitting next to her. ‘You sure that you’re okay babe? You sounded as if you were having a nightmare.’
‘I..I.’
‘It was last night wasn’t it?’
‘They all thought it was funny Con.’
‘Who the guys?’
‘No Taylor and his friends..’
‘What happened babe?’
She looked at him.
‘They pull the reaper shit on you too?’
‘On all of us, they thought it would be cool to go into the cemetery on Halloween at midnight. Me and my friends were fourteen they thought it would be fun to tell ghost stories and go into the cemetery. They all disappeared we all went in splitting up. He came out of nowhere Con and came at me with a scythe. I had no idea where my friends were, I screamed and ran he followed. It felt so much like that night I broke my ankle and had severe concussion from the blow to my head.’
‘I’m sorry babe the guys pull the same trick every year. Gaz likes the glory of shitting everyone up, he never meant to.’
‘I know.’
‘So who was the reaper?’
‘I don’t know Taylor was there when I came round no one else. He took me to hospital I couldn’t hardly talk. Sam picked us up, they argued about his foolishness. Mom was pissed she wanted me to stop seeing him.’
‘At a guess you didn’t.’
‘Mom disapproved but, I loved him guess I was a fool.’
‘No not at all. We all fall in love Autumn, we all have to make our own mistakes.’
‘Maybe I shouldn’t after the pool.’
‘You should’ve left him,.’ He said angrily.
‘He said it wouldn’t happen again.’
‘Until the next time right.’
‘Yeah Halloween.’
‘Why stay with him babe? And don’t say cause you loved him.’
‘He was different when we were alone. I guess he had something to prove to them, prove I wasn’t holding him back.’
‘You should’ve left him Autumn.’
‘It wasn’t that easy Con. I tried he turned it around so I wouldn’t. He made damn sure I’d stay around.’
‘I’m sorry babe.’
‘It’s okay I just got into deep and I couldn’t get back out. I loved him Con and he left me alone to pick up the pieces making everyone around me hate me.’
He pulled her close. ‘I’m not like that Autumn, I know you want nothing more than friends and I respect that.’
‘I wish I was dead Con.’
‘Don’t think like that babe. He obviously had issues a lot more than you knew about and he was prepared to tell you about. It wasn’t your fault okay.’
‘But they’re dead and I’m not.’
‘Don’t feel guilty babe you shouldn’t have to feel guilty for their fall you got through it they could’ve too.’ He kissed her brow. She lay her head in his chest.
‘Say you’ll never leave me.’
‘I promise babe.’
Tears slipped down her face onto his tee-shirt. ‘You can borrow some of my clothes.’
‘Thanks.’
‘We’re friends babe.’
After lunch they dressed walking slowly to the lake house their arms round each other.
Autumns mom opened the door. ‘Oh my god Autumn what happened?’
‘Damn dress got caught under my shoes. I tripped over.’
‘Are you okay.’
‘I’ll survive.’
‘Thanks Conor.’
‘My pleasure.’
‘I’ll see you Monday.’
‘Sure thanks Con.’
‘Anytime. Later babe.’
‘Later Con.
He walked away as the door closed. ‘Sit down honey I’ll do you a drink.’
‘I’m okay mom.’
‘I told you that dress was too long.’
‘I know.’ She said sitting down.
Her mom placed the drinks down sitting down. ‘So how was it last night?’
‘Good.’
‘And Connor.’
‘He was a gentleman.’
‘Glad to hear it.’
3rd November
Autumn sat by the lake she’d spoken to Connor briefly on the phone yesterday he’d
seemed so distant like he had something on his mind but had chose not to share it with her. She’d begged him to meet her her moms was giving her a headache fussing over her.
Connor kissed her cheek sitting next to her. ‘So your mom.’
‘She’s giving me a headache she hasn’t stopped fussing since I came back Friday.’
‘So you called me to get you out the house.’
‘You didn’t mind did you?’
‘Not at all anything for you.’
She looked at him. ‘What’s up Con you seem like your in a grump with me have I done something wrong?’
‘No why?’
‘You seemed a little off on the phone yesterday I said you could come round.’
‘I know....Babe.’
‘Yeah.’
‘How’s the head?’
‘Fine.’
‘And the ankle.’
‘Fine Con what’s wrong?’
He suddenly turned knocking her to the grass his eyes felt so cold today, unlike any other. ‘Did Gaz come round?’
‘Yeah yesterday, he changed the dressing. Why didn’t you just ask on the phone Con?’ She asked nervously.
‘Did he stay?’
‘For a while why?’
‘Did he do anything?’
‘No, he’s like thirty Con. Please.’
‘Just Jae and the guys were making jokes that he had a thing for you. I’m sorry… I..’
‘He’s just sorry like you are Con. I’m not interested.’
He smiled. ‘So are we still on for Saturday?’ He asked his eyes softening.
‘Yeah if you still want me to come with you.’
‘I do.’ He pressed his lips on hers kissing her hungrily. He moved away. ‘I’m sorry babe I won’t listen to them again I promise.’
‘It’s okay Con.’
He lay besides her. ‘So are you still okay for school tomorrow.’
‘Yeah my ankle’s not too bad I think I need a break from mom fussing over me.’
He smiled. ‘I’ll meet you okay.’
‘Okay.’
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