I adjusted the corset on my costume and took one last look at myself in the mirror. I looked great. And I hoped Dane would think so too. Tonight was the annual Halloween Dance. It was a favorite of the other students, but it was my first time tonight.
The dress code? Anything paranormal or horror related.
So, I was going as a vampire—a rather sexy vampire, at that. My boobs bulged from the tight black bodice of the dress I had picked up at the local thrift store. The skirt was made from black and red tulle, and the sleeves were lacy and puffy. I had on bright red lipstick and dark-winged eyeliner. I also had a set of plastic vampire fangs, which I would slip in later. They were in my purse now as they were uncomfortable. I wondered what Dane was dressing up as…
As I thought of him, I saw a flicker of movement through the window. I smiled when I saw Dane moving about his room. He wore jeans and a white t-shirt, through which you could see the shape of his abs and the bulge of his biceps. I stood at the window while I checked I had everything and wondered why he was dressed casually and not in costume… when he turned, and his face gave me a start. He smiled, gave me a small wave, and gestured for me to come outside. I smiled and ran to the door. Dane was coming out of his front door when I opened it, and I could see his face more clearly.
He was a zombie.
I laughed. “Nice costume.”
“Thanks. You look amazing too.” He walked over to me and leaned in to kiss me, but I pulled back.
“Oh, my make up! I worked on this for ages. I don’t wanna smudge it yet.”
He put his hands up in surrender and settled for giving me a peck on the cheek.
“Sorry. So, are you excited for tonight?”
“Yes. I can’t wait. So, what exactly goes down at these things?”
“Well, there’s the dance, of course. The teachers get a little nervous because most girls come in sexy outfits and grind against the guys. The dancing gets a bit… risqué. They even spike the punch bowl. But that’s not the best part.”
“What’s the best part?”
“Well, one of the classrooms is designated as the Rendezvous Club. That’s where all the fun happens.”
“Sounds… scandalous.”
“It really is. It’s where teens go to make out or hang out in private with their dates. It’s set up like a speakeasy, but with no alcohol, of course. Most of the time, someone will sneak some booze in there.”
“Sounds cool, but I really wanna just go hang out with Stacey and Ashton and for you and I to dance.”
“We will. Oh, and I forgot to tell you the best part. There’s an after-party.”
“After-party?”
“Yep. No adults. Free booze and food. Loud, inappropriate music. This year it’s at a new, top-secret location, but I have the scoop.”
I smirked. “Oh, yeah. What is it?”
“It’s at the old psych hospital next to Summervale Cove Lighthouse.”
My heart kicked up its pace a notch, and my stomach fluttered. The same psych hospital I needed to break into.
“Really? Well, then, I can’t wait.”
This was my chance. Once I was inside the psych hospital, I would sneak off and find what I needed, and no one would ever know.
When Dane and I walked into the school hall that night, hand in hand, the party was already in full swing.
“I’ll go get us some drinks. Be back.” He kissed my cheek and walked toward the drinks table.
I spotted Stacey standing with Ashton, the other band members at the side of the room seated at one of the tables. There were two other girls there, obviously the other members’ dates.
“Hey, Stace.”
She turned and smiled when I tapped her on the shoulder, as the music was too loud to hear.
“Hey, girl! Oh, my God, you look hot!”
“You do too.”
Stacey was dressed in a short silky red dress and a matching pointy witch’s hat. Her hair was down, and she had dyed strands of it red and pink. She also had stockings held up by garters and black velvet heels. The other two girls were dressed as a sexy fairy and another sexy witch, but in purple, respectively. I could see what Dane meant by risqué now.
“Where’s your other half?” asked Ashton, coming over to hug me.
“Hey, Ashton. Dane’s just gone to get some drinks. I can’t wait to hear you play later.”
“Thanks, it should be better than the rehearsal,” joked the bass player, Dylan Storm. But no one, especially Stacey, found it funny. I decided to intervene.
“Hey, wanna dance?” I asked her, taking her hand.
“Sure.” She downed a red solo cup of something on the table and followed me onto the dancefloor.