22. Costumes & Unexpected Visits

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"I can't believe you two forgot to get a costume. We told you weeks in advance," Bella said with annoyance in her tone.

I rolled my eyes and continued looking through the racks. Halloween was tomorrow and somehow Niko convinced Bella and the rest of us to go to a party that was being thrown by one of the soccer boys. How he managed to get Axel on board was beyond me since there was tension between the two.

"I was busy with dance," I replied.

Weeks had passed since I decided to go back and not quit dancing. Except I wasn't going to partake in the next round of competition. Sure, I was going to learn the waltz but that was just in case one of the girls got hurt. I didn't have a partner and didn't want to find one since I don't think I could trust Niko again with it. I was fine with helping with the choreography, it made Val ten times happier knowing I won't be dancing on stage next to her. I'm sure this decision was one I'll regret in the future, but it wasn't one I was regretting currently.

"To be fair Bella, I thought you were joking about going to the party," Axel said from the other side of the rack.

"How did Niko convince you anyway?" I asked as I looked over an angel costume. Bella was anti-parties, anti-everything that meant having fun. Which was why we never attended parties, well with her knowing of course. Axel and I went to a few parties throughout the year, it was never anything exciting except for the thrill of drinking underage. I never was one to engage in drinking though, I was always looking over Axel since he did occasionally partake. Not only him but Vince would join us too. It was always behind Bella's back which I did feel bad about, but I also wanted to experience it; I didn't want to regret it after I graduated.

Bella sighed. "Actually, Vince was the one who convinced me. He wants to party with his soccer friends. Also, don't get that basic ass costume."

I put it back on the rack and continued looking. "He has always tried convincing you. Is this time different because of a certain fight you had a while back?"

"Not entirely because of that reason but also because I've been thinking a lot about after graduation. I've never gone to a party, and I want to experience it at least once."

I was a little surprised by her answer. It felt a little relieving that I wasn't the only one thinking about graduation and the future.

"Hmm. Did Vince get the pumpkins already?" I changed the subject. Axel was a couple of racks in front of us so he probably couldn't hear us.

Bella checked her phone. "Yeah, he did. Can't believe we also left this last minute."

I chuckled. "To be fair Bella we decided last minute to carve pumpkins. Did he also get the tool?"

"Yes, he did."

I pulled out a costume and held it out to her. "What do you think?"

She examined it and shrugged. "It's better than being an angel."

I smiled. "Guess we're going with this one. Axel have you found one already?"

He looked up. "Yeah, I'm stuck between a police officer and a scientist."

I cringed and gave him a look.

He shot me a glare and kept looking through the racks.

"How are things with Axel?" Bella whispered.

I cringed again and avoided her gaze.

"Nothing has changed. We are the same as we have always been. A couple of besties."

She scoffed. "Besties don't almost kiss more than three times."

I shot her a glare.

"You're right Bella but what can I do when he keeps putting walls up every time I try to get closer."

Bella shrugged.

"How's Charity? I rarely see her with you now." Ever since Axel rejected her, or turned her down, she's been having out with Val more. I know Bella was kind of saddened since she thought Charity was going to become one of her best friends.

"She told me she just needs time away from us since I'm always with you guys and she doesn't want to be around Axel."

"Hmm, that sucks. You think she only befriended you for Axel?"

Bella scoffed. "No!" She looked unsure. "At least I want to see she didn't. She didn't even know Axel when I befriended her, I think."

I chuckled and picked up another costume from the rack. I showed it to Bella.

Her eyes lit up. "It'll make it seem like you two are a couple."

I grinned. "Exactly." I turned to look at Axel and held the costume up. "Axel, I found you one. We can go matching."

Axel looked unsure. "I'm down but are you sure? People might get the wrong idea."

I waved him off and played it cool. "Psh that's no problem. Want it or not?"

He reluctantly nodded and walked over to us.

"Now I know what you mean when you said he puts up his walls. Geez, he used to be excited over matching with you. You sure he doesn't have another woman?" Bella whispered so only I could hear.

I elbowed her and gave her a forced smile when Axel joined us. "Let's go since we still have to carve pumpkins."

--

After a long drive home, we finally made it to our neighborhood. It was already dark outside, and I was certain that it was freezing. With the weather lately, I was a little surprised we haven't gotten any snow.

"Meeting back at my place?" I looked at the two.

Bella nodded and opened the door. She then took off running so she wouldn't be in the cold.

I glanced at Axel who was already looking at me. I could feel my face heat up.

"Do I have something on my face?" I asked and freaked out hoping I didn't look stupid right now.

He laughed. "No, but I'll see you later."

That is odd and awkward. What should I say?

I nodded slowly and started exiting his car. "Alrighty then see you when I see you!" I immediately cringed and grabbed my things and bolted. I could hear him laughing behind me but that didn't help with my embarrassment.

Once inside, I quickly changed into sweats and a baggy tee. My parents were, like always, not here because work is more important. I didn't bother and that was the problem. Their kids shouldn't be used to their absence.

I shook away the thoughts and prepared everything in the dining room since the kitchen wasn't big enough for all of us. I walked into the living room and turned on the TV that hung over the fireplace that was lit. I had also lit some candles so the place could smell like a "home."

I flipped through the many apps and finally settled on Twilight, although I knew they would make me change it once they all arrived.

Once back in the dining room I did a quick sweep to see if I needed anything else. I put out a couple of snacks out and some drinks in case they were hungry. The plan was to order some food once we were all here.

I looked around the dining room with a smile on my face. Everything was perfect and it smelled amazing. I silently thanked my parents for not going the modern route with all white when redoing the house. They went for a more rustic look that reminded me of the cabin Axel's mom used to take us to for winter break.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. I rushed to greet my friends but was surprised to see my sister Lillian.

"You have a bad habit of not locking the door," Lillian grumbled.

I stood there surprised, not sure if I was dreaming or if she was here.

"Lillian? You didn't tell me you were coming down," I said as I watched her hang her coat on the coat rack.

She pulled off her knit hat and smoothed out her dark hair. "Last minute decision. Needed my winter clothes and Valeria needs help with something." She took off her shoes and looked at me.

She looked the same as she always did besides her hair being a bit shorter.

"I'll be in my room doing homework if you need me."

I didn't get the chance to respond since she was already heading for the stairs. Typical Lillian behavior, locking herself up in her room. I was curious to know why Valeria needed Lillian and why she didn't bother asking me.

There was a light knock on the door seconds after. I rushed to open it to see Vince, Axel, and Bella, their hands full of things.

I held the door open wider so they could walk in.

"Lillian here?" Axel asked as he walked past me.

I nodded. "Yep, had no idea she was coming."

I followed them into the dining room where they set everything down.

"Good thing Vince bought extra pumpkins. Invite her to join us," Bella said sitting down.

I shook my head and sat across from her. "No, she came and instantly went to her room."

"We're going to get the rest of the pumpkins since you two obviously won't help," Vince said with a playful glare.

Bella shrugged. "I already helped."

Vince and Axel walked out into the hallway and disappeared. I turned to look at Bella, I could see the wheels in her head were turning. I had somewhat of an idea of what she was thinking.

"Bella, no."

"C'mon Julian will be here. It's the perfect chance for him to get to know her better," she said with a grin.

I scowled. "Bella, Julian barely likes us. We barely know anything about him, why would I let my sister get to know him?"

She rolled her eyes and got up from her seat. "Doesn't matter. You better invite her while I go change the movie."

I didn't move from my seat, there was no way I was going to invite Lily to join us tonight. I pulled out my phone and contemplated texting Valeria. I really wanted to know what my sisters were doing that I wasn't getting involved in.

"That should be it," Vince said walking into the dining room.

I looked up to see Axel and Vince now accompanied by Julian and Niko. Julian was looking around, studying all the family portraits. Although our family wasn't as close as I'd wanted it to be, my mom always made sure to have us take family portraits.

"Hey guys!" I stood to greet Julian and Niko. I gave Niko a quick hug and an awkward one for Julian.

Vince clapped his hands and Bella joined us. "Before we start what are we eating?" Vince asked as he took a seat.

Axel pulled a chair out next to him and motioned for me to sit. I obliged and pulled out my phone to look for food places. Niko sat on the seat next to me and Julian sat across from us.

"What are you guys in the mood for?" Bella asked.

"Chinese?" Vince asked.

I looked up from my phone. "Chinese does sound good," I said.

Lillian walked with a frown on her face. "Sorry didn't mean to interrupt. Just heard talking. Hey, haven't seen you all in months." She had changed into leggings and an oversized sweatshirt, her hair now into a messy bun.

I glanced at Julian who looked at her frozen. I stood up, the scrape of the chair snapping him out of it.

"You weren't interrupting anything Lily. I actually told Mari to invite you, but I don't think she did," Bella said with a smug smile.

Lillian walked over and looked at the pumpkins.

"We're going to carve pumpkins and have extras. We were just ordering food, are you hungry?" I asked her. Everyone was watching this interaction and I hated it since it seemed like I was being awkward.

Lillian thought about it for a second. "I was actually hungry. What are you guys ordering?" She sat down next to Julian who was turning the slightest shade of red. I would've laughed at him but that probably would make him dislike me even more if he did.

"Chinese," Vince answered before me.

Lillian nodded and didn't say anything.

"Vince, you can place the order and I can go pick it up if you want," Niko spoke up.

"Don't worry I can go pick it up while you guys do what you were going to do," Lillian spoke up.

I looked at her unsure. "You just drove hours to get here. You sure Lily?"

Lillian nodded and got up. "Yeah that's fine. Let me just go get my wallet. Mari already knows my order." She walked out and I let out a breath of air I didn't know I was holding.

Vince started putting in everyone's order.

"Psh Julian," Bella whispered.

I glared at her, but she avoided looking at me.

Julian looked at Bella and didn't say anything.

"Offer yourself to go with Lillian," she whispered again.

I scowled and got up to smack some sense into her but Niko grabbed my arm and shook his head. I looked at him confused. He motioned for me to get closer.

"Let him go with her," Niko said.

"But she's my sister," I glared at him too for helping Julian try to get it with my sister.

He shrugged and smirked. I wanted to smack him too but Lillian walked in ready to go.

"Everything ready to go? Just text me the order number Vince. Still have my number, right?"

Vince nodded and continued tapping away at his phone. "Already paid for."

Lillian started to walk away but Julian abruptly stood up which made her look back confused.

"It's already dark and late. I'll go with you," Julian's deep voice rang out. I was a little surprised he had the guts to actually invite himself. "If that's alright with you," He quickly added.

Lillian smiled and motioned for him to follow. He quickly walked after her like a lovesick puppy.

I scowled and glared at Bella for giving him the idea to get some alone time with my sister. I still had hope she and Mariano would become something.

"Bella, you have five seconds before I go and smack you," I said as I walked around the table. She laughed and got up from her seat, ready to dart off. I took a deep breath and followed after her. This was going to be a tedious night.

 -- NOT EDITED

QOTC: Fave song at the moment?


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