Free Prom Queen of Disaster by Joseph James Hunt Page B

wrist and second at the neck. It had probably been a gift Char’s mom was given. “So, what’s first?”
    I pulled up the notes on my phone. Everything we’d discussed was on there. “Last minute decorations, so, all decorations. Snacks, soda, solo cups, costume touches, and Halloween makeup, or just makeup. Also, still have to decide on the film to show in the background and a playlist.”
    “Obvi a HALLOWEEN film, Michael Myers and all that,” Ava said. “As for music, I have a Spotify playlist.”
    “Check those off then,” Char said.
    We took Char’s mom’s Range Rover. It fit all five of us perfectly, with room for shopping. Target was our one-stop shop. We grabbed a shopping cart and strolled the aisles, throwing everything Halloween themed in. From the success of last year, this year had massed over 100 RSVPs, and we needed enough of everyone.
    “Chips and dips!” Libby said. “I know I get real hungry.”
    “On the list,” I said.
    “We should have a list of people, and if they’re not on, we can turn them away,” Char said. “I might need their vote, but I can’t have them thinking we’re besties.”
    “I’ll create it,” Ava said. “We should get someone to work on the door too.”
    Char waved her hand at her and smiled. “Overkill.”
    The cart was almost full. “Okay, let me take a picture,” I said. They gathered around, pointing into the cart and smiling.
    “Hashtag, you’re not invited,” Ava said.
    “Halloqueen, Queen for Halloween, crown me already,” Char added. “Any of those hashtags, because you know, I’ll be prom queen.”
    “Isn’t that bad luck,” Libby asked. “Tempting fate.”
    “Luck?” Char laughed. “We create our own luck, if you don’t put it out there, how the hell will it ever know what you want?”
    “Well, I want a bag of Cheetos,” Hannah said.
    “Ask, and you shall receive,” Char said, grabbing a bag from the shelf.
    I’d purchased a black lace mask; it went perfectly with the black dress I’d bought. It fit and it squeezed my boobs in the right way. It was an all-black fantasy, from mask to heels. My mom hadn’t seen the dress yet, and the thought of her asking to see it before I left for Char’s frightened me.
    We took a pit stop at my house before going back to Char’s. My mom invited everyone in for lemonade, grilling my friends about the party and making sure there was a curfew in place, which there wasn’t, but thankfully Char was an expert in lying to parents and teachers.
    I phoned Dylan from my room.
    “Hey babe,” he answered. “Are you prepared for tonight?”
    “Yeah, just home before heading to Char’s,” I said. “Her mom’s bought alcohol, but, I’m not sure I’ll be drinking.”
    “Really? Why?”
    “Homecoming has got me all weird,” I said as a healthy reminder.
    “That was pure ethanol,” he said. “And weeks ago now. Plus, there’s no science lab at Char’s for that to happen.”
    “Well, I mainly called to ask what you were wearing tonight,” I said. “I have this real cute dress, think I showed it you, but anyway, it’s the black one, with the boobs, I’m sure you know. Well, I’m wearing that.”
    He chuckled as I prattled on. “I know the one,” he said. “I told you, Edward Cullen, I have the sparkles and shit.”
    “You were being serious?”
    “I lost a bet, and missed a three pointer, so I have to,” he laughed. “But I’ll have the hottest girl at the party, so I still win.”
    He melted my body to a warm sticky mess. “Love you,” I said. “I have to go.”
    “Love you,” he said. “See ya later.”
    I had all my things in a bag, and thankfully my mom didn’t ask to see what I was wearing. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and asked her to give one to dad.
    “Is it okay if Kaleb comes?” Ava asked once we were all in the car.
    Char took a moment to respond. “What do you mean? Of course he’s coming, he’s the mascot, it wouldn’t be the team without him,” she