6 Chapter 5

"No."

"No? Why?"

"Because you have something to do today. A haunted house then a concert, or something."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. Can you sing?"

"I'm self taught but yeah."

"Great. You can sing this part." I handed her the part she's to sing. "It's not much but-"

"I got it."

"Got it?"

"Yup! Just leave it to me." She gave me a thumbs up and a smile.

"You should probably wear something festive."

"Festive?"

"Yeah. it's going to be cold tonight so you should probably wear one of my mother's halloween sweaters."

"Sounds like a plan!"

She left to go get dressed and I sat on my bed thinking about the best way to properly ask her to be my girlfriend tonight.

"Hey, Hunter!" she called for me from the bathroom, and I listened and went to her."

"Yeah?" I said peeking my head in.

She had her hair held up onto her head in a sort of a messy bun. "Can you do my hair?"

"Yeah, I can."

Is that weird?

"Can you do a bun for me?"

"Sure." I went behind her and put her hair up in a braided bun. Once I was done, I removed my hands and placed them delicately on her shoulders. "There. I braided it so if it came undone it would still look nice."

"Thanks. You're always one step ahead."

I smiled at her compliment. Despite everything, she's still a pure angel. That mask of hers is a good one, but how long can it stay on before shattering into pieces?

"You're welcome. My parents know about today, so we should leave and get there early so we can play through the song for you."

"Got it. I don't have anything to bring with me so I'm ready to leave."

"Let me pack my car, then we can go."

"Okay."

I left and got my guitar, phone, wallet, and the jewelry box. I put the guitar in the back, and everything else in my pockets. Emily said goodbye to Storm all baby talk and got in the passenger seat of my truck.

"Too bad Storm can't come." she said as she buckled in.

"Yeah, but I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself." I drove out of the driveway to the field we were meeting at.

It was a public event so a lot of people came. We went through the song with my band members before everyone arrived. Of course Emily had to get the apple cider and some homemades sugar donuts. I stayed by her joyful side as we went around the place, playing fair games and whatnot. When it was time for the haunted mansion, I left her to get into character. I told her that she didnt have to go in if she didnt want to. I'll see what she does.

Emily

As long as someone doesn't harass me I should be fine, right?

If I get scared then that's okay too. That's what haunted mansions are for, after all. At least from what Hunter told me. I got in line and waited for my turn to enter. When I did, it was pitch black with black lights and glow in the dark lights all around the place. Distant screams could be heard. I cautiously walked around the place, and followed the path to the end. People jumped at me, but I didn't even scream because I'm used to it. But it's not until the end where someone jumps at me with a knife. I knew the blood dripping from the blade wasn't real, but it still freaked me out. I ran in terror. I reached the end and I went to award myself and calm my nerves with apple cider and donuts. The sun was setting and I left the crowded area and joined the fall leaves trees to watch the sun set.

The screams stopped which meant that the event was over. I was content from where I sat, by the trees, watching the sun set, and drinking my cider, by myself. Hunter walked up behind me, I knew he was coming from the sound of his feet crunching the leaves against the dirt beneath them.

"Did you have fun?" I asked as he sat beside me.

He hugged me tightly in his arms, and his breathing was unsteady. He pulled back and his face looked defeated. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For scaring you like that."

"So you were the knife guy! Well it's okay because that was your post. I wanted you to have fun."

"But you looked so terrified of me."

"I wasn't."

"Lies!"

I shoved a doughnut in his mouth. "I'm fine. Don't worry." I drank my cider as he scarfed down the sugary doughnut. "I did have fun though. Thank you Hunter."

"I'm glad you did. Next time I won't scare you like that. Deal?

"Deal." I smiled.

We watched the sunset together and during that time I felt at home. I had no anxiety running through me. I felt safe and content. For once I couldn't help but smile, and I reached for the hunter's hand to hold it. His hand accepted mine and we sat there a while longer, not saying anything yet enjoying everything. Together. As if we were one. He is my soulmate, and I am his. And I couldn't be happier.

"Let's go sing." I said after a while.

"Are you ready?"

"Are you?"

He laughed and nodded, and we headed off to sing.