Halloween Night Dilemma Solved

<p>"You're going to that party." Ava sighed and tossed her bag onto her kitchen table. "Mia, this isn't just a casual Halloween get-together with a few close friends. It's a massive gathering at some fancy house, where everyone is dressed in provo*cative animal costumes, grinding on guys they wouldn't even acknowledge otherwise." Mia chuckled on the other end of the phone. "You really know how to paint a vivid picture with your words." "Whatever. I'll just stay home and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters." "Come on, do you really expect me to believe you bought candy for those kids?" Ava bit her lip and started rummaging through her kitchen cabinets. "I could always give them apples." "And get our house egged? No way!" Ava groaned and slammed the cabinet doors shut. "I don't care. I'm not going to that party." Mia sighed. "You need to make new friends since I'm not around anymore. Just go, stand in a corner, and observe. Grab a juice, listen to some house music." Ava rubbed her face in annoyance. "What a persuasive argument."<br/><br/>"Just go. It's tough for me to know that my little sister is at home alone, without any friends. It weighs on me, and I feel terrible for leaving you behind. It would mean a lot to me and put my mind at ease if you just went, even if it's just for an hour."<br/><br/>Ava felt herself giving in to her sister's desperate plea. She let out a defeated sigh, and her sister's face lit up with victory. She knew exactly how to tug at Ava's heartstrings. "What am I supposed to go as, though?" Ava mumbled as she collapsed onto the couch. "I can't solve all your problems for you, kid," Mia said calmly.<br/><br/>"Hey! This was your idea, and I'm only going because you asked me to. Don't expect me to do any of the work," Ava snapped with a pout.<br/><br/>"Well, when does the party start?" Ava glanced at her watch. "It's in about an hour."<br/><br/>Mia expressed her disapproval with a sound. "Way to wait until the last minute. Okay, I have a red hooded cape in my closet. Just put on a white dress and go as Little Red Riding Hood."<br/><br/>Ava raised an eyebrow skeptically as she entered her sister's room and peeked into her closet. "Why do you have a red cape?"<br/><br/>Mia grinned mischievously. "Long story. Just go have fun and meet that cute boy I've been telling you about."<br/><br/>"Oh, you mean the cute, funny, normal, non-hor*ny, non-creepy, sweet, good-looking guy that I'm magically supposed to stumble upon?" Ava replied sarcastically.<br/><br/>"Yup!" Mia said cheerfully.<br/><br/>"Did I mention that he doesn't actually exist?" Ava retorted.<br/><br/>Mia tsked and started gathering her things. "Look, I don't have time to deal with your pessimism. I have to go to a work dinner. Have fun, and call me tomorrow to tell me all about it."<br/><br/>Ava suppressed a smile. She could easily pretend she went to the party and talk about how much fun she had and how wasted she got—<br/><br/>"Oh, and I need photographic proof, or I won't believe it. Love you! Bye!"<br/><br/>Ava returned the sentiment halfheartedly before grabbing the red cape. She knew she didn't own anything white, let alone a white dress. The best option she had was probably a white T-shirt, but she knew Mia wouldn't approve. Determined to find a suitable outfit, she rummaged through her sister's closet until she discovered a simple, plain white skater dress. Surprisingly, her sister owned something so laid-back, and the lack of blinding colors pleased Ava.<br/><br/>Grumbling, she walked back to her room and tossed the clothes on her bed. She had no idea why she was going along with this charade, and honestly, she wasn't sure if she was up for it. She knew that even in a drunken haze, people would still stare and gossip about her.<br/><br/>She knew that tomorrow rumors would spread about her engaging in se*ual activities in a bedroom, or finally getting together with Daniel, or even assaulting some girl for talking nonsense. None of it, however, would hold any truth. The rational part of her brain urged her to stay home and maintain a low profile, but she couldn't help feeling infuriated. Why should she confine herself at home just because some people lacked the ability to mind their own business? She deserved to have her own fun. To hell with everyone else.<br/><br/>Perhaps one day, she would simply run away, leaving behind all the toxic individuals and seek a brighter future in a different country, just like her sister did. There was nothing tying her down to this town. She had nothing that made her want to stay. Or maybe she would stumble upon something that would make her never want to leave, something that would make enduring all the gossip and criticism worthwhile. She lifted the dress up and stared at it for a moment before proceeding to get dressed.<br/><br/>"I hope this isn't a mistake," she whispered to herself, a hint of uncertainty lingering in her voice.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></p>