The following day at Crown was bustling with energy, as the school had decided to kick off the semester with a highly anticipated Halloween event. In preparation, classes had been shortened on Tuesday, granting students the gift of extra time to get ready for the exciting night ahead.
After classes ended, we were instructed to head back to the dormitory, where preparations for the evening's festivities would unfold over the next few hours.
As I walked down the vibrant hallway, the air was thick with anticipation, and a general announcement echoed through the building.
"What a strange thing to encourage students to do," I mused aloud as I made my way to our cozy room with Coco by my side.
"Indeed!" she replied with a chuckle, and we both laughed as we crossed the threshold into our shared space. However, we didn't immediately begin preparing for the event; I felt time was on our side, and honestly, I craved a few hours of rest to recharge. These days had been relentlessly busy.
I sank onto my bed, allowing the softness of the mattress to embrace me. Soon enough, I drifted into a peaceful slumber, blissfully unaware of my surroundings. Thankfully, my dreams were absent, leaving me to toss and turn freely as my body seized the moment to regain its balance and vigor.
Eventually, I stirred, blinking at the ceiling and taking deep breaths. Leah entered the room, setting her bags down on her bed.
"How was work yesterday, Carol?" she asked, casting a glance my way.
"It was fine... Didn't expect Harper to be such a tough kid," I reflected, a small smile creeping onto my face. "But I can handle her."
Coco, who was eavesdropping, looked puzzled. "You didn't mention anything about work," she pointed out, her gaze shifting to my bed space.
"Yeah, I didn't think it was appropriate to share my money troubles," I replied softly. Coco sighed, her expression laced with pity, and I sensed her growing desire to be included in what was happening between Leah and me. She seemed out of place and I felt bad for not indulging her, but then not everyone should know my secrets.
Feeling slightly awkward, I turned away and searched for something to occupy my thoughts.
Then, a gentle chime resonated through our room, signaling that the home system was about to make an announcement, brightening the atmosphere.
Suddenly, a transparent table materialized in the center of the room, its silver light shimmering beautifully around us. A vibrant orange bowl sat atop it, flanked by three delicate glasses of red wine. The glasses, crafted from fine crystal, gleamed enticingly, while the bowl overflowed with cupcakes adorned with bright red, orange, and black icing, each one more tempting than the last. The inscription read: "Trick or Treat."
I sprang from my bed as I noticed Leah and Coco heading towards the enchanting table. We circled it, our faces alight with happiness as we clasped our glasses filled with the ruby liquid.
"To peace?" I proposed, clinking my glass with Leah's before extending to Coco.
"To love!" Coco declared, tapping her glass against ours again.
"To continued friendship," Leah added, and together we raised our glasses in a toast and sipped the sweet wine. It was a delightful nectar, and I couldn't help but wish for more of this delectable drink at the festivities later.
Next, we reached for the cupcakes. Leah seized the black one, seemingly aware that no one else would dare to claim it. Meanwhile, Coco and I both reached for the red one, exchanging glances that conveyed a playful challenge of who would relent first. Ultimately, I found peace in harmony and reached for the orange one instead. We indulged in the sugary treats, each bite a delightful burst of sweetness, perfectly complementing the moment.
"Maleficent!" Leah responded instantly, and the system quickly agreed to her request. Suddenly, a dazzling green orb flashed onto her bed, revealing a stunning gown, majestic horns, and a staff resembling that of the iconic Maleficent.
'Impossible,' I thought inwardly, a wave of excitement washing over me. I had assumed we'd be left alone to fend for our dresses, but it was surprising that the school would provide it. Yet again, I was surprised by how my family was able to send me here. We weren't rich, so what was this? How did it happen? I certainly wasn't a scholarship student because this feels too good to be true.
Coco beamed with delight as she revealed her desire to dress as the Evil Queen. Instantly, another orb in the room flickered to life, casting a warm glow that revealed her bed adorned with a shimmering crown, a flowing black cloak, and a vibrant red apple, perfectly completing her enchanting transformation. "Oh my goodness, thank you! This is dazzling!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement as she dashed toward her bed to admire her regal ensemble.
"
I had envisioned myself choosing the Evil Queen as my costume, but Coco had swooped in and claimed that role before I could even voice my intentions. A wave of uncertainty washed over me as I pondered what captivating character I could embody instead.
"Just give me a minute!" I called out, my voice echoing slightly as I nervously bit my nails, searching my mind for the perfect idea.
Finally, inspiration struck. "I'll go for the Mother Gothel look!" I announced, my excitement bubbling over as the transformation began. Items began to materialize in the room around me—a dark purple flowing dress that evoked the grandeur of medieval times, accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful black cloak that swirled like shadows. At the side lay a golden flower, its petals shimmering with an enchanting allure, igniting a thrill within me that I could hardly contain.
In my excitement, I had completely lost track of everything, forgetting that i had an important job and should be elsewhere around 4:30 pm.