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Chapter 1
Maia
I stand in front of my full-length mirror and study my costume once again. I tug on the skirt and wish it would magically stretch longer. Stupid thing.
Today’s Halloween, my favorite holiday, and Alex is taking me to a costume party. I spent the day skipping classes, prepping my costume, and bingeing my favorite scary movies in anticipation of tonight’s party. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.
I just hope Alex likes my costume. The tilt-a-whirl spinning in my belly makes me feel sick with what he might say. I went with a sexy witch, complete with fishnet stockings, tall black combat boots, a lacy corset with a matching lacy black skirt, a long black curly wig, and black witch hat. I jazzed all of the pieces up myself by sewing on patches, threading strings of glitter into the wig, and adding jewels onto the hat.
Last, I made my bracelets, necklace, and earrings. Jewelry making has been a hobby of mine since I was a little girl, and making new pieces to add to my collection is my favorite part.
I finished the look with black eyeliner, eye shadow, and even black lipstick. Can you tell what my favorite color is?
Lately, he’s made a few comments on my clothing, and I’ve brushed them off with a laugh. But now I catch myself second-guessing my outfit choices.
After a few more unsuccessful tugs on my skirt, I check my wig and makeup one last time, grab my purse and phone, and head out the door. Alex waits for me in the lobby of my apartment building, and he barely smiles when he sees me, a slight upturn of his mouth, his eyes cold as he takes in my costume. Is he already in a grumpy mood?
“Hey, babe.” He kisses my cheek and takes my hand, leading me outside. He doesn’t stop until we reach his car, then he turns on me.
“Your skirt is too short. What were you thinking?”
I look away as my cheeks heat and my shoulders sag. Should’ve listened to yourself. You knew he wouldn’t like the skirt. I don’t answer as I climb inside his car. I’ve learned it’s best not to say much because I won’t win no matter what.
When he slides behind the wheel, he looks at me before starting the engine. “You think I want all the disgusting pigs looking at my girlfriend’s legs all night? How embarrassing, Maia.”
“I’m sorry. But disgusting pigs? Aren’t these guys your friends?”
Alex rolls his eyes and ignores my question. “I’ve been through more relationships than you. I know how these things work. You know I know more than you do.”
“Okay, I said I was sorry. There weren’t many choices at the costume store,” I lie. It’s ridiculous I even need to.
As he pulls out of the parking lot, he flips through the radio station. After a few minutes, he sighs. “Look, let’s just try to have a good time tonight.”
He scowls at me before setting his eyes back on the road. He’s acting like I’m the problem, like I’m the reason the night is off to a shitty start. Surprise, surprise. My mood sours. I stare out the window the rest of the way. My mind drifts to when I first met Alex over the summer.
He was charming, sweet, and generous. He took me out to dinner and the movies, and he bought me chocolates and flowers. It seemed a bit over the top, but what did I know? He’s my first real boyfriend, and he swept me off my feet.
As September turned into October, he slowly changed into someone I don’t recognize. I pretend it isn’t happening, pretend he’s just stressed from classes or his demands from his father about the family business. He deals with a lot of pressure.
And besides, maybe Alex is right. He does know more than me. Especially when it comes to relationships. I knew I should’ve found a longer skirt, but I did what I wanted and now look. He’s mad at me, and our night is shitty because of me.
“I’m sorry, Alex,” I find myself saying again. “Let’s stop at a store, and I’ll find a different skirt. I’m so sorry.”
“Are you crazy? We’re already late as it is. Better hope no one looks at you the wrong way.”
I bite my lip. Guess my apology means nothing.
A part of me wishes I was back at my apartment, listening to music and making jewelry. But I love Halloween. And I’ve been excited about tonight. I refuse to let him ruin it.
I’m determined to have a good time whether he likes it or not.
* * *
As soon as we arrive at the party, Alex turns on the charm. Typical.
He grabs us both a drink before he finds his friends sitting around the backyard fire. One of his arms is wrapped firmly around my waist, leaving me without much breathing room, but I smile and sip on my drink while I people watch.
Across the yard, I spot Lennox and Everleigh, along with some of the guys in our friend group. They don’t see me, but I make a mental note to find them in a bit. A lot of people stop and talk to Alex and me as they mingle through the party. Drinks flow, joints are passed, and a game of bobbing for apples begins.
