Surprisingly enough Aaron and I continue to talk for a while longer. By the time we hang up it is a little passed midnight. I call back Maru, hoping she'll still answer.

"Hello," she says when she picks up.

"Hi," I reply.

"Lux, I'm sorry. I always put my foot in my mouth when I shouldn't. I'm really sorry I yelled at you."

"That's not what upset me Maru," I can't help but reply.

"What?"

"I'm not upset because you raised your voice at me but because of the things you said about Aaron."

"Oh," she says then stays quiet.

"You're not going to apologize for the things you've said?" I deadpan.

"Look I really am sorry. I hate when we fight, but the thing is I can't apologize for the things I said because I genuinely don't think Aaron is a good guy. I can't apologize to you if it's not sincere."

I let out a sigh.

"If you just give him a-"

"I'm sorry Lux, I don't mean to be like this but you know I don't give chances, especially with guys like Aaron. I just can't. Please let's not let some guy be the reason we fight. I really am sorry for hurting you. Can we be okay now?"

I slump on my bed, clenching and unclenching my jaw.

"Fine," I say not exactly content but too tired to continue. We hang up after another five minutes and I let out a sigh. I open my messages to open what Sage left me.

Sage: Are you ok?

Me: yeah, we'll talk tomorrow. Tired.

Sage: Ok

I turn my phone off and get to sleep, letting my mind go clear and away from the events from today.

The following day went by quickly. I was still a little upset with Maru but I let it slide not wanting to go by my day in a bad mood. I saw Aaron in the hallways. I don't know what it was, or why, but anytime the bell would ring and I would walk to my next class I would look through the hallways for Aaron. It's not like we would stop and talk, not like we had the time to seeing as which we needed to get to class, but we would smile at each other, wave and even just give the simplest of glances. And I would be lying if my heart didn't skip a beat each time we saw each other.

After school I had to go to work. I brought my uniform with me seeing as which I had to be at work earlier than usual. It was pancake and waffle week in which we give free pancakes and waffles each day from five to midnight.

"Ready to go?" I ask Nat when I see her in the hall. She nods her head and we walk toward the main exit and to the parking lot.

"So lunch was just a tad bit awkward," Nat says as soon as I start driving away from school.

"Yeah," I reply.

"Did you and Maru talk?" She asks.

"Yeah," I say, "she apologized but she doesn't like Aaron. She said she was sorry for hurting me but not sorry for the things she said about Aaron because she doesn't exactly like him."

"Give her time," says Nat, "I'm sure she'll come around and see what a cool guy he is. I just think she's being defensive because of Julian."

Julian is Maru's ex boyfriend. He used to go to our school last year but he moved to a different city this year. He was a junior when we were sophomores and he dated Maru for almost six months.

That is until he broke up with her and broke her heart. Julian used to carry himself like Aaron. He was so confident and at time obnoxious. At first he was cool; there was just something about him that made you want to know him even though you knew he brought trouble. In the end he was a jerk. He treat Maru in ways she didn't deserve and at times she didn't even realize it. That is until he cheated on her. It took her over a month to get over him, and even now just the thought of his name left Maru uneasy.

I nod my head and continue driving until we reach the diner. As soon as Nat and I walk in the smell of waffles and pancakes hits us. The diner is busy and we could tell by the fact that each of our coworkers were incredibly focused on what they're doing instead of relaxing a bit like usual.

When we walk toward the front of the diner I spot Eric. He turns around and our eyes lock but instead of his usual carefree expression he gives me one full of pity.

"Hey what's wrong?" I say when I get to him.

"Lux please come in my office," Mr. Peyton suddenly says.

"Dad I told you it wasn't Lux. She wouldn't do it."

"Eric get to work," Mr. Peyton says ignoring Eric and then turns to Nat, "You too Natalie. Come on Lux."

I follow Mr. Peyton to his office unsure of what is to come but knowing it is nothing good. He motions me to sit and I hesitate to do so. He sits as well and sighs unhappily.

"Only a couple months ago were you employee of the month. You've always been a good worker from what I've seen. You've become my son's friend which I thought was good. But maybe it wasn't. We trusted you a little too much."

"Excuse Mr. Peyton," I say, "I'm sorry for interrupting but I'm really confused about what you're talking about and I-"

"You worked here last Wednesday did you not?"

"Yes sir."

"You also closed the diner that night, right?"

"Yes."

"On the following day we had some missing money."

"Missing money? I don't think that's correct sir. I made sure and counted everything from what we sold that day."

"I know you did, I checked the camera footage. You were the only one that checked the money that night and suddenly the next morning the money was missing. There's only one explanation for that."

"I did not steal that money Mr. Peyton. I wouldn't do that-"

"I didn't want to believe you did. Which is why I'm barely telling you now. I wanted to think things through. Check the recordings on the camera. I even counted the money again and again but I couldn't find anything that said you didn't steal that money."

"You said yourself that you looked at the camera footage, I can assure you if you look through it again it will show that I didn't take any money and-"

"Maybe you put it in your pockets from where the camera couldn't see. There's no other explanation Lux. No matter what you say or even what Eric says. I cannot tolerate this. So because of this, I'm going to have to ask you to leave-"

"Please Mr. Peyton. I didn't do this, I promise. This isn't fair-"

"Enough Lux. I need you to leave, your will receive your last payment a week from today-"

"Mr Peyton-"

"The door is right there. Goodbye Ms. Callaghan."

I stare at him in shock. He points to the door, his face blank. I stand up and walk out of his office feeling worse than ever. On my way out I bump into Nat and Eric.

"Lux," Nat says.

"I'm so sorry my dad did this to you. I told him it wasn't you but he wouldn't listen and-"

"Just forget it," I say.

"But Lux."

"Nat I will come back to pick you up once your shift is done. I'm going home."

Eric gives me a sad look.

"I'll give her a ride," he says, "don't worry about it. And I also will talk to my dad again, okay?"

I let out a sigh and nod before walking away and to my car. Once I'm inside I put on my seat belt and turn on the engine. I look through the playlists in my spot if and find the one I play when I am most upset. I turn the volume all the way up and tears well up in my eyes as I sing along.

Eric calls me a lot the days after I was fired. I don't answer any. It's not because I'm mad at him but mostly because the thought of work again makes me upset.

When I tell my parents that I was fired they almost run to the diner to demand I have my job back. I almost had to hold my dad back from leaving the house.

"What a stupid ass boss," my dad says.

"Dad," I scold.

"I'm being serious. He doesn't even have evidence and he's already firing you. What a bunch of bull."

"I'll get another job," I say, "Its not like I always want to smell like pancakes and burgers when I come home from work."

"Its just not fair Lux," he says.

"I know," I say frowning, "But in most cases like this the employee doesn't win. I don't want to go into a fight that'll be useless. I'd rather just find another better job instead of spending my next couple of days mad and fighting with a boss that won't see what's right and wrong."

Dad let's out a sigh and walks over to me, enveloping me in a hug.

"I know," he says, "I just hate the thought of people thinking bad of you."

"Its okay dad. Let's think of something else like the fact that we need to buy lots of candy before it runs out for Halloween this Friday."

"Oh my god," he says, "How could I forget?"

"Let's go buy some now?"

"Sure, let me get my jacket. Also can you call your mother she's been bugging me to tell you since the wedding is in a couple days."

"Okay," I say and take my phone out as he goes to get his jacket."

The phone rings for only a few seconds before my mom answers.

"Anna is pregnant and Elizabeth is engaged," is the first things she says.

"Who?" I question.

"They're your cousins," she replies, "well at least Anna is. I think Elizabeth is your second cousin. Or is it third?"

"I don't understand," I say to her.

"All your cousins are in relationships Lux," she exclaims, "even your brother has Ethan."

"Okay?"

"I want you to bring a date," she says.

"What? Why?"

"Did you not hear the part when I said Anna is pregnant and Elizabeth is engaged?"

"So?"

"The wedding is this Sunday! So bring a date. Find a one. Buy one. I don't care how, just bring one," with those last words she hangs up. My dad stares at me, jacket in hand, in confusion.

"What-"

"Anna is pregnant and Elizabeth is engaged so now I have to bring a date."

"Who?"

"I don't even freaking know," I groan as we walk out the house.

The week goes by fast and by Friday people bring their costumes. The office is filled with people who brought masks and props--mostly freshman--and of course the usual girls who bring the shortest dresses as their costumes. Sage and Ethan dress up too in a couple costume that I don't quite understand. I decided to keep low this year, not really feeling the Halloween spirit.

By the end of the day everyone is talking about Jimmy Helms' Halloween party. It is no surprise that many people are going, his parties are after all the best ones.

"What do you guys think? Should we go this year?" Asks Maru.

By the week things between she and I have calmed down a bit and I've come to terms with the past argument we had.

"Maybe," says Nat and they look at me.

"You guys should go," I say, "But I can't. It's tradition to spend Halloween with my dad, passing out candy."

"It won't be as fun without you though," says Maru.

"You guys should still go."

"Go where?" Asks Sage.

"Jimmy Helms' Halloween party," says Nat.

"Ethan and I are going, it's going to be sick. Every senior is going as well."

"Then it's set," Maru replies, "we're going."

Nat nods and we all walk out the doors of the school and toward the parking lot. We part our ways and head to our own cars. When I reach mine I find Aaron leaning on it.

"Well look what the wind blew in," I say.

"Not just the wind," he comments and I make a face as he laughs.

"You're disgusting," I said.

"You just think dirty."

"Only because you implied it."

Aaron let's out a laugh and stands up straight.

"What's up?" I say to him as I unlock the car.

"Are you going to Jimmy Helms' party tomorrow?" He asks.

"No," I say, "I'm passing out candy with my dad. It's kind of like a tradition we do together."

"Oh," he says.

"Yeah, what about you?"

"Maybe. Probably."

"Well enjoy it," I reply with a smile, "don't get to crazy."

"I won't."

"I'll see you Monday then?"

"Yeah."

"Bye," I tell him.

"Bye."

I get in my car and drive home. Once I'm home I help my dad set any last finishing touches to the decorations and I fill the bowls with candy. Dad and I eat dinner and after we're done we have our first trick-or-treater. The night continues and brings more kids. By the time our first bowl is finished I go back and get more candy before the doorbell rings but unfortunately as I'm pouring the candy the doorbell rings and I hurry to open it.

"Aaron?" I ask.

"Hey," he says.

"What are you doing here? And also what are you wearing?"

"I'm a vampire can't you tell?"

"No really."

"Like the one from Twilight."

"Edward?"

"No Jacob."

"Jacob is the werewolf not the vampire," I say.

"Oh fuck," Aaron says, "I told everyone I was Jacob. This is the last time I trust Gaby."

For some reason this makes me crack up and I can't help but let out some laughs.

"What are you doing here?" I ask again.

"Can't you tell? I'm gonna help you pass out candy."

"What? Why? What about the party?"

"Um Omar, Bianca and SoHo decided not to go so I wasn't gonna go either."

"Oh really? Why not?"

Aaron merely shrugs before stealing a Twix from the bowl. Suddenly my dad walks in and sees Aaron. Aaron immediately walks over to him and shakes his hand.

"Nice to see you sir. Just came by to see if you needed some help passing out some candy."

"Nice to see you too Aaron," says my dad and he looks over to me with a knowing look before continuing, "and yes that would be great."

Aaron smiles and the doorbell rings.

"Can I get that?" He asks a little to excited. I let out a laugh and nod as I watch him open the door to great the children.

The night goes by very much like this. With Aaron answering the door and playing with the children. When the night ends I bid Aaron goodbye and he leaves, with lots of candy of course.

I walk up to my room and lay down, getting ready to finally sleep. Before I do I check my phone and get on Instagram. My eyebrows knot together as I see the first picture that pops up on my feed. It was posted by Omar. He's wearing a pirates costume and is posing with two other girls. From behind I can make out Bianca and SoHo sitting on a couch. The caption 'Time to partyyyyy' underneath the picture.

"I thought they didn't go," I say to myself, "why would Aaron lie?"