I stood behind the register, staring out the large panel windows. Halloween/Kendall's birthday, was tomorrow and the town had been put under curfew. We've always had this curfew put in place that no one paid any mind to, but given the recent death of Caitlin and the amount of people going to be out on Halloween, there will be cops everywhere. No one out passed twelve and that's final.

Caitlin.

My eyes squeezed shut at the thought of her name. I just saw her that same day... I just- I don't understand. My grip on the counter tightened as various thoughts invaded my mind. The police report said she was suffocated by a pillow of all things shortly after I left the hospital. The surveillance systems were down for a few minutes giving the killer just enough time to slip into the hospital through an emergency exit, into Caitlin's room, then back out undetected.

If Demetri and I stayed longer, maybe we could've...

"Luna?" Adam asked from his counter seat. "You alright?"

When did he even come in? I pinched the bridge of my nose quickly before giving him my undivided attention. Adam flashed me a warm smile that made all the bad feelings melt away.

"I'm ok," I lied with a faint smile. "Just thinking about-"

"Caitlin," Adam answered with the suck of his teeth. His tanned hands ran down the side of his face. "None of it makes sense. When is this going to end? When is this psycho going to be satisfied?"

I sighed, accidentally resting my elbow on the napkins I wrote on. Adam's eyes moved to the napkin and I shoved it away before he could get a better look at the lyrics. He shook his head at me.

"Are you ever going to play any of your songs for people to hear?" Adam asked, amusement twinkling in his eyes.

My lips thinned.

"How'd you know I-"

"You would pretend to write notes in class but secretly be writing lyrics the whole time," Adam blue eyes sparkled as he spoke. "I'd also hear you quietly humming melodies."

My cheeks heated. That was beyond embarrassing. The stuff I wrote in class was always half assed and me messing around. I hope he doesn't think that's the best type of material I've got.

"I don't know, I'm not ready for that type of thing," I answered honestly. "It's not for anyone else's ears. I write for myself."

"But I bet you have a beautiful voice that would definitely shock a couple of people," Adam complimented with a nod from his head. "Soon they're going to start printing sign up sheets for the school talent show."

"I'll let Seth and Diego know, there's no doubt in my mind they're going to body that competition," I told him.

Seth's always runner up against Kian Black. Now that he's transferred to Roosevelt there's no longer competition for him.

"Look, I'm not saying you should definitely sign up," Adam said. "I'm just telling you to think about it." Adam got up out if his seat and smiled. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

The thought of tomorrow had me internally screaming.

"My friends want to hit up that creepy house on Elk Wood," I told.

"The old Hanson house?" Adam asked with a raised brow. "Isn't that place haunted?"

The Hanson family's house was burned down over eleven years ago, and it was no accident. Evidence had been found to prove it was arson, but the arsonist was never caught.  A family of four with no survivors. It's marked as one of town's first tragedy's. Though, the two children's bodies were never found which started rumors. Half of town thinks they're bodies were burnt so bad, all that was left was ash. The other half believes those kid's turned into ghosts and now they haunt the Hanson house.

"They want to go ghost hunting," My eyes rolled. "They think it's going to be 'fun'."

"Hey, it could be, just be careful," Adam turned towards the direction of the door with pumpkin stickers all over it. "Do you mind calling when you get home tomorrow? Just want to make sure you're ok."

My heart stuttered at his words and at his devastating white smile. 

"Sure," I grinned from ear to ear.

The excitement was overwhelming. Adam and I have texted but never called. This was progress, surely, I think.

I watched the back of his sandy blonde head leave and my thoughts seized my mind again. A sigh rose from my chest.

What's the point? A guy like that wouldn't go for me. I'm too... myself.

I eyed my reflection in the napkin stand and frowned at what I saw. Chubby cheeks, eyes far apart, some small bumps on my forehead, the tip of my nose is too pointed. And don't even get my started on my body. Or my personality.

The tips of my fingers pinched the side of my face hard, wishing I could just rip my cheeks off. I used to do it a lot back than. I've never been really comfortable in my own skin, but at least it's not as bad as it used to be. Maybe I just need to start working out again and really commit this time.

I wish I could've been born in a different body, with a different personality. I'd be someone far more outgoing and charismatic. Speaking of charismatic.

"But momma-"

"Don't you momma me Cyrus," Mary, JJ, and her son bursted from the kitchen. "Kryptonite ain't opening anytime soon."

"We can't risk it son," JJ rubbed the top of his balding head. "Our diner is now a target thanks to you're little night club. We can't afford anymore teenagers get shot here."

Cyrus had deep bags under his clear blue eyes. He ran his fingers through his already disheveled hair.

"I put everything I had into Kryptonite. I'm not going to let this psychopath ruin all my hard work," Cyrus told firmly. "I'll double security, no triple it to make sure nothing like that happens again."

"Cyrus, it's too much of a risk," Mary said.

"A risk we should take," Cyrus told sternly as he pulled at his hair. "This town is so fucking miserable. We can't let that psycho take everything away from us. Make us all afraid to go out. We're not living anymore, we're just surviving."

"Quiet now boy. A girl almost lost her life downstairs and ended up dying days later. Shame on you for wanting to roll the dice on the situation just because you want your club opened back up," JJ argued. "I raised you better than that."

I inhaled sharply before turning around. It's none of my business. I shouldn't even be doing this. What if JJ or Mary get mad at me for defending Cyrus? They have all the reason to want to reopen Kryptonite. That be so...

"JJ, I-it's important to Cyrus. He's been talking about opening Kryptonite since he was in high school and we were all just pre teens," I reluctantly spoke up. "It's more than just his hobby, it's a passion project. All those sleepless nights and hours he put into the club. I completely understand why you don't want to reopen, but c-consider this. Cyrus triples security like he said he would and we'd have Kryptonite close thirty minutes before midnight. So that e-everyone can leave before curfew."

The look of apprehension on JJ and Mary's faces made my palms sweat. Cyrus was awe stricken. I'm sure he hasn't heard this many words come out of my mouth all at once. I stood up straighter and clenched my fists together, staring at JJ.

"Your diner is an escape for so many depressed people. It's one of the few happy spots in town. Regardless of what happened, this place is not tainted for everyone. And I bet neither is Kryptonite. It can become a safe space if Cyrus uses the resources he has carefully, w-which I know he will," I turned my attention between all three family members. "Y-You don't have to agree with me. All I'm asking is for you to give Cyrus a fair chance and reconsider."

I exhaled after that speech. Talking was exhausting. This reminded me of times I'd have to give a presentation during class only this time I wasn't shaking and stuttering over every single one of my words.

I'm... speaking up for myself. For others! I chuckled in disbelief.

"I don't think I've heard that many words come out of you there Luna," JJ smile warmly. "It's nice to see. As for the Kryptonite situation-"

"Pops-" Cyrus tried to speak.

"Ah," JJ raised his hand. "I'm sorry son. I don't want any more people getting hurt here. However, if it really means this much to you so much so you make the quietest girl speak in full paragraphs on your behalf, we can sit down and talk about it. I'll hear you out, but don't expect me to change my mind."

JJ went back inside the kitchen and Mary followed after she smiled and squeezed my shoulder. I turned my attention to an opened mouthed Cyrus. Behind him were equally stunned Diego and Kendall.

"Holy shit, where the hell did all of that come from?" Diego asked with wide eyes.

I chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"I knew it!" Kendall pointed at me. "I knew you had something like that in you."

Cyrus was cheesing from ear to ear.

"Pops in going to actually hear me out," Cyrus grinned with gratitude. "Thank you so much Luna."

He gave me a tight hug before walking back to the kitchen. Diego and Kendall would not let would I just did go. The rest of my shift was filled with small praises and cheeky winks and looks here and there.

Closing time came and I was waiting outside by Kendall's car. She and Diego were talking about going down to JJ's ranch for spring break that was right down the beach in Florida. They'd have to volunteer a little of their time to help around, but it was worth it for all the things they could do down there.

I already promised my Tia Rachel I'd go to her house and spend some time with her for spring break, so there's no point in sticking around and hearing about how to tend to the wheat crops.

My phone vibrated in my hand as I unlocked it. I furrowed my eyebrows at the text from an unknown number.

Hi Luna. Glad to have found your unlocked phone on top of JJ's roof after Krypt's opening. Sorry it took so long to send a text, I was too busy trying to dig into every corner of your precious cellular device. Pity to find only singing videos, maybe they could come to some use later but highly doubt it. This doesn't mean the end of my in person notes, this just means we have another direct line of communication. Enjoy Halloween tomorrow night. I'm sure it'll be quite the scream fest.

~~~

"Hold still," I instructed.

"I can't, this feels weird," Mason shook his head.

"Well it's going to feel weird if you don't stop moving," I gripped his head in my hands and made it come to a stand still.

Mason sat up straighter in my black squeaky desk chair.

Halloween was never a holiday I cared for much. I'm not so much of a candy junkie, nor am I into the whole horror aspect of it. The dressing up is fun, but this holiday held a whole different meaning for me as of freshman year.

The holiday fell on Kendall's birthday which should make it extra special. Now, it's been tainted for all of us. Kendall has vowed to never have another party since her disaster quince. She's ok for hanging out with friends and getting a batch of cupcakes. I was going to come back to her house to sleep over, after going back to my house with Mason to get my stuff.

Tonight I'd take off the brooding facade and probably cry my guts out when Kendall falls asleep. Two years since the incident, two years since everything happened and it happened on this very day. I can still remember the perfume I used, the stench of tequila, the oblivious laughter... and the sound of piercing screaming.

I shook my head trying my best to focus my thoughts somewhere else. 

I thought that I'd just get dragged to some Halloween party on the nicer, whiter side of town. Believe it or not, I'd prefer that over going ghost hunting at the Hanson house. Who willingly does that?!

It's not that I think ghosts are real, there could be homeless people crashing there. And other much more dangerous individuals...

My thoughts were being consumed by this person, this stalker. I could take the victim approach and wallow in my own self pity, but I'm no victim. I've got blood on my hands, I guess this is the universe trying to make me repent for what I did.

Repent... what the people being targeted for all have in common is dirt. Something awful that we've all done that we're ashamed of. Now the killer is holding stuff over our heads.

"You done?" Mason asked.

"Almost... and there," I backed away. "Go look for yourself."

Mason stood on his bare feet and walked to the long full body mirror I kept on my floor. I've outdid myself with the clown makeup. It's not very difficult to try to look like the joker when you have my brother's face.

"Nice job irmã," Mason ruffled his green spray painted hair.

"Thanks, though I don't really see much of a difference..." I wickedly grinned.

Mason shoved me lightly. The melting effect of the red lipstick and black eyeshadow against the base of his white painted face, made it look all the more like the comic book character.

"Boo!"

Mason and I jumped at the sound of a young girls voice. We both turned to find little Isabella Garcia dressed like a witch, standing in my bedroom.

She giggled and twirled around.

"Did I scare you?" She asked.

"Sure did mariposa," I replied taking off her hat, ruffling the hair on her head.

"How'd she get in here?" Mason asked, still a bit startled.

I pointed at the window and narrowed my eyes at him.

"The window you doofus."

"I forget you and Demetri got that connected roofing thing. Does he swing by a lot?" Mason raised an eyebrow.

I nervously rubbed my arm.

"No," I stated. "But she does."

I nodded my head at the little girl who came and wrapped her arms and legs around Mason's leg.

"Do the thing!" Isa commanded.

Mason sighed before walking around the room with Isa still attached to his left leg. Each step was followed by the wholesome sound of child laughter.

"Isa! Estás allí?" Demetri called from his room. He was in a black t shirt and his hair was wet. No traces of a costume yet.

All of us froze, Isabella quickly stood up from the floor and faced her brother.

"Si hermano. I was only here for a second."

Demetri cocked his head to side giving his little sister a pointed look. Isabella frowned.

"It's dangerous to climb over there. Come back here," Demetri stated before setting his attention on Mason and I. It alarmed me the way my nerves jolted when he looked at me. "I'm going to drop Isa at her friends house for trick or treating, so I might be a little late."

Isabella hugged my hips before crawling back through the window and into her brothers room.

"No sweat, just make sure you bring the lawn chairs you have in your attic," Mason said.

Demetri nodded, sending me one last stare as he shut his window.

"Is he in a bad mood?" I asked with my brows pulled together."

"Carly cockblocked him and this girl this morning and got into another explosive fight," Mason's eyes rolled. "Demetri ended up telling that bitch off and made things more ugly."

My lips pulled into a frown. Demetri's still Demetri. Regardless of the different sides I've seen of him, I can't forget what type of person he is down to his core. At least now, I can tolerate him more, but that's as far as our acquaintanceship, newly found friendship goes.

"Hey, you ok? I know it's a hard day for you," Mason squeezed my shoulder.

My eyes drifted down to my feet. Images flashed in my mind of my feet bloody heels, covered in shards of glass. I stepped away abruptly and looked back to find the image gone.

"Luna?" Mason asked concerned. "What happened?"

"Nothing," I shook my head from side to side, chewing on my lip. I had the instinct to bite down hard to distract myself but I refrained. "I thought I saw a bug."

Mason was eyeing me with that disbelieving look.

"Luna," He said in a parent like tone.

"Mason," I mocked him. "You know this is going to be hard for me. Don't make it worst by grilling me."

"I'm not grilling you. I just want to make sure you're ok."

"And I will be," I stated through my teeth. "I'll be surrounded by the people I care about... in a haunted house. Certainly a good choice of place to go for my mental health."

Not to mention my stalker being out and about. Today was not a good day. All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and stuff my face with ice cream. Maybe scratch at a few of the scabs I have on my legs.

"You don't believe it's actually haunted do you?" Mason asked. I stood silent. "Oh come on Lu, ghosts are a bunch of bullshit."

"Tell that to the stories our tias and tios and avós told us on our trip to Brazil last year," I glared at him. "There's some weird spiritual freaky stuff out there and I don't want to go looking for it."

"You're being a baby."

"And you're being an idiot but that's what you're best at doing."

Mason rolled his eyes at me and walked to open my door.

"Get dressed, we're leaving soon."

He shut the door and left me alone in my room. Immediately I took my nails down my leggings to my upper thighs and dug them into my flesh. If I could scream, I would've.

And it wouldn't be from the physical pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry it took me a while to update guys, I've been busy preparing to move. But I'm back, and next chapter will be coming sooner than you think.

And I may have a thing or two up my sleeve coming your way as well 😉. Tchau for now!

Question of the day: Day or Night?