At the end of summer, in the small town of Pine Oak, TX, Fall was the most anticipated season of the year in the Herrera Residence. Why? Because it triggers the beginning of the best traditions: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. That’s according to Amelia, an eager and imaginative girl, who couldn’t wait to dive into the festivities, starting in October. This year, she had a plan to make it the most memorable Halloween ever.
Amelia’s house rested on two acres of land with a long wide empty horse stable in the back. The stable was an old shabby building and looked like it had seen better days, but it was sturdy and full of character. The property was surrounded by oak trees that had already begun to change color. The driveway entrance was long and while it was a scenic ride during the day, it creeped Amelia out at night.
Every year, Amelia’s parents threw a party for Halloween where family and friends go together. She decided to address this year’s Halloween party with a spooky twist. She would transform the stable into a haunted house, complete with cobwebs, eerie lights, and a fog machine that would make everyone feel a bit queasy. But Amelia knew, for this to be successful, she needed the help of a certain someone. Someone who knew a thing or two about spooky things. Someone, who was spooky herself.
....
“Nope! Not happening,” says Olivia, Amelia’s older sister. Olivia heads to her room, her eyes focused on the latest issue of Seventeen Magazine. Amelia quickly catches up to her.
“Please Oli? It’ll be fun,” pleads Amelia.
“You don’t even like haunted houses. You scare too easy.”
“No I don’t.”
Olivia shoots her a sideways glance. “Really?”
“Really,” says Amelia, confidently.
Olivia lowers the magazine and slowly moves in closer to Amelia’s face and whispers, “Chucky”.
Amelia immediately squeals and scurries behind her sister. Olivia laughs.
“That’s not funny!” Amelia says.
Olivia couldn’t resist. She lays down on her bed and goes back to her magazine. Amelia sits beside her.
“Come on. Just this one time.”
Olivia looks up from her magazine. “Why are you so up for this suddenly? You think your valiant effort is going to win more candy?”
Amelia looks at her confused. “My what?”
Olivia rolls her eyes, “Your courage.”
“Oh, no. I just want everyone to have fun.”
“Wouldn’t you prefer to watch TV and eat candy instead? I hear Boy Meets World is having a Halloween special. Grownups are not up for kiddy activities. Trust me, I know. All they want to do is sit around and talk. They’re like weary old people with a huge distaste for fun.”
Her sister had a point, and it was no exaggeration. She was talking from experience. Grownups have never really shown any interest in kids’ activities at these parties. It was always the same. Men in the garage, women in the kitchen, and kids outside. It was pointless to try. Still, Amelia had an idea, and she needed her sister’s help.
“Face it. It’s going to be just another typical Halloween night,” says Olivia.
Amelia looks deflated. She gets up, walks to her bed, and lays down.
Olivia watches her sister quietly stare at the ceiling. A few moments of silence pass. Olivia sighs and rolls her eyes. Then, slams the magazine hard on her belly and sits up.
“Fine! I’ll help you.”
It worked, Ameila thought to herself. She knew how to make her sister feel bad and loved to take advantage. She sits up, excited to tell her the plan, but her sister quickly raises her finger.
“But on one condition. You take my days on dishes for the rest of the month.”
It was a small price to pay for a haunted house party. Besides, they have a dishwasher.
“Deal!”
“So, what’s the plan?” says Olivia.
Amelia smiles, then winks at her.