It's almost Halloween

 It was fitting, Ari guessed. He needed to celebrate somehow. He'd finally got on at the lab in the nearby hospital. Oh, he felt he had to go through lots of interviews for it, but finally, he got that eight to four job with weekends off. Yes, just what he'd been looking for.

No more crazy weekends of soothing someone that the volunteer hadn't meant to sideswipe their car while parking the van in the library parking lot. Oh, it was more than being a  happy face sometimes. It could make him stir-crazy. Besides, he wanted to get another car. They really needed two cars. Of course, he hadn't found a good used one as of yet. He might have to buy a new one which of course, would be for himself.

"But we'll all got to the Haunted House," he announced when most of the guys were over for pizza.

"But..but.." Jade looked at him then as if he was over the top. "I don't even like Haunted Houses."

"Nonsense," Ari had said. "We're all going." Of course, cashing out Pan and Rox, along with Mona and Hoyt just about maxed out the October budget. After all, Jade was always on top of the money matters.

He sighed. "It can be done." He smiled at everyone then made a toast with the beer bottles about how Ari was the best and then chowed down on all the pizza from Zino's which was the best in town. 

"You could have gotten it at Mel's. It would have been cheaper and much better." She told him later when it was time to clean up. He knew that snarl of hers. She was pissed that he'd wanted to celebrate this milestone.

Ari kept grinning. Yes, he wanted to entertain. Although, he just didn't get how some could do it. As of late, he had heard from Justin. He'd been to Athens. He was a world traveler. Of course, he did admit most of it was a lot of walking, hiking, and some stays in hostels. 

"But you're all alone?" Honestly, he thought his almost doppelganger might have suicidal tendencies. Justin wanted to go to Israel but at least Ari talked him into coming to the States. Didn't he know of all the unrest in some of these countries? Of course, he hadn't mentioned to Jade about the new guest. But that was after Halloween anyway.

Pan knew Rox was nervous about going to the Haunted House. A couple of weeks ago a biker gang had done some road rage racing in the parking lot of where the place was near the craft store. They'd busted through the front entrance. Not all was lost. Just a front repair. Although, the prices were sky-high. It seemed they were having to pay for security now. 

"Maybe there's a reason we aren't supposed to be here," she was anxious as if she would have had a better time watching a marathon of Scream movies with Nonnie. 

"Oh, come on. Ari already paid." Pan didn't mean to fret. What was wrong with her.

"He's your friend," Rox said. Pan drew a frown as they were on their way to meet up with Mona and Hoyt.  

"What is that supposed to mean?" He didn't want to argue. He knew how she felt about Mona. She was afraid to be around her or she might get snide and say something she'd regret.

"It's just," she seemed so down. "I ...I know how Jade, feels about me too."

"Why can't you get along with people?" He snapped.

"I don't know," her eyes lit as if maybe she was the Corpse Bride after all. "It's in my blood." She crossed her arms. 

It was then he noticed the alcohol. She'd been drinking, but he knew it would take a lot to get her going. That bony body of hers could withstand a lot.

Pan winced. He hoped she didn't start anything with anyone. He knew he'd get the brunt of it. He pressed his lips tight and hoped for the best.

Soon enough they were in line waiting to go in line with everyone. Of course, Rox wasn't dressed in much. She was the only one who had dressed up. Evidently.

"Aren't you cold?" He asked.

"No," she shrugged as if she was just too hot to handle. Perhaps more than one way. That smirk on her face just made him want to go home and hide out behind his computer. 

Before he knew it, some guy handed her a card. She thanked him and was all smiles. She talked to him for a bit, getting out of line. It was dark in the parking lot. He hadn't a clue what was going on.

"What was that about?" Pan wanted to know with his hands on his hips. Suddenly, he felt like he was her dad and couldn't gt through to a teenage witch.

"Oh, modeling. Some Goth thing," she told him.

"A Goth thing?" He grimaced. "You aren't going to do it are you?" After all, wasn't that just an October thing. It would be November in a day or two.

"Why not?" She drew her head up like a snake. She was a beautiful snake, but who could trust a snake?

He grabbed her hand. He didn't want her going anywhere. He didn't want to lose her tonight.