# Chapter 9: The Halloween Party
**Evening, 8:30 PM**
Kayla stood in front of her mirror, contemplating what to wear to the party. Maybe it would be better if she didn't go at all, but then Ashley's pleading face flashed in her mind. With a resigned sigh, she pulled out a demon costume—complete with red lenses, a cute pair of horns, and a long tail.
As she slipped the outfit on, she couldn't help but admire her reflection. The costume hugged her curves in all the right places, and the vibrant red made her blue eyes pop. Satisfied, she made her way to the door, grateful that Akim had left early after their meeting.
Outside, she could hear the familiar sound of a car horn, which indicated that Roman was busy with his car repairs.
Closing the door behind her, Kayla's gaze landed on Roman, who was under the hood of his car, seemingly lost in his so-called "peaceful kingdom."
An idea struck her, and she grinned mischievously. Sneaking over, she opened the driver's side door and slid into the seat. With a devilish giggle, she mashed the accelerator, causing the car to lurch forward slightly before she hit the brakes.
"What the F**k?" Roman shouted, his voice laced with irritation as he emerged from under the hood, his handsome forehead creased with displeasure.
Kayla stepped out, her wild grin only growing wider. The sight of the vein popping on his forehead was oddly satisfying.
"KAYLA!" he yelled, clearly annoyed.
"Oops!" she giggled, feigning innocence.
Just as she took a step away, Roman closed the distance between them, pinning her against his car with a smirk. His large hands held her waist firmly.
"So this is it, huh? Where are you going dressed like a Halloween mother?" he teased, his breath warm on her face, making her heart race.
"It's none of your business, Roman. Now move; I'm late for a party," she replied, trying to maintain her composure while feeling flustered by their closeness.
"First of all, take this," he said, pulling out a blue silvery pendant that matched her costume perfectly. He fastened it around her neck, making her blush. "You're all set," he smirked, stepping back to inspect her.
Kayla felt a mix of annoyance and warmth at his attention. "Thanks, I guess," she said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile.
---
Arriving at the party, Kayla took in her surroundings. The house was nice but not nearly as grand as her own. *What a half-broke family,* she thought, scanning for signs of luxury—there were none. No swimming pool, no lavish decorations. This was going to be the most boring party she'd ever attended.
As she entered, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. Shock and surprise washed over her as she realized: *No one was wearing a costume.* Panic set in. "Oh no, this is a trap!" she thought and was about sneaking her way out when she heard a voice coming from the crowd making everyone turned towards her.
"What's this? A costume party or Halloween?" a guy yelled, and laughter erupted from the crowd. Maxwell, the idiot, was laughing hysterically while holding Ashley in his embrace.
Kayla's heart sank. *IDIOTS,* she thought, fury bubbling beneath the surface. She turned on her heel, desperate for fresh air.
Standing on the balcony, she stared at the sky, where stars twinkled brightly, their beauty contrasting her growing irritation. Just then, she felt a hand on her waist.
Before she could think, she turned and slapped his face. "What is wrong with this dude? Doesn't he get the hint?" she thought angrily.
"Ouch!" Maxwell rubbed his cheek, bewildered. "What did I do this time? I know I didn't say anything inappropriate!"
Kayla narrowed her eyes. "You stand here to ask why I hit you? You really want to know?"
He nodded earnestly.
"Fine," she said, stepping closer and slapping him again. "The first one was for touching me, and the second is for letting Ashley humiliate me."
"But I'm not Ashley!" he protested, making her glare at him.
"Listen carefully: every time your stupid girlfriend tries to humiliate me, I will slap you. It's either on the cheek or I'll knock your head," she said sternly.
"But—"
"Shh! One more word and I'll make you regret it," she warned.
Maxwell pursed his lips, cursing Ashley under his breath. "Okay, I'm sorry. I promise it'll never happen again."
*SLAP!*
"What did I do this time?" he asked, bewildered.
"When I want you to talk, you talk. When I want you to shut up, you shut up," she snapped.
"Okay…" he said, looking genuinely confused.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm out," she declared, storming off. Anger fueled her thoughts. Maybe later she would show Ashley what she was made of.
Now in a secluded area away from the crowd, Kayla took a deep breath, trying to think of how to punish Ashley and her minions.
"Kayla!" a voice called, but she was too irritated to respond.
"Kayla "
" Kay "
"WHAT? WHAT IN GODS NAME IS WRONG WITH THIS PEOPLE? "
"WHY DON'T YOU GUYS JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?" she yelled, her frustration spilling over.
"I REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO PUNISH ASHLEY, AND YOU GUYS AREN'T HELPING!" she demonstrated, gritting her teeth in annoyance.
"Sorry, we didn't mean to—"
"Now shoo!" she yelled angrily.
"Alright…" they all sighed.
"Kayla, are you still mad? I brought some chilled soda for us to drink, so I was thinking—"
"Give me!" she snatched the soda from Maxwell and gulped it down in one go.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know something like this would happen. Besides, you look cute in your outfit," Maxwell said, trying to lighten the mood.
"I hope you liked it," he added as he sat beside her.
"Anyways, I—"
"Oh, my love! Here you are!" Ashley's high-pitched voice cut through the air, and once again, Kayla felt her anger skyrocket.
---
Standing there, Kayla felt a surge of determination. This was it. She would not let Ashley or anyone else ruin her night. The party might be lame, but she could make it interesting.
With a plan forming in her mind, she turned to Maxwell. "Let's go crash their little party," she said, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"What do you mean?" he asked, confused.
"Just trust me. I'm going to show them what happens when you mess with Kayla," she declared, a fiery determination igniting in her chest.
With that, she stormed back into the party, ready to turn the tide in her favor. She would make sure that Ashley and her minions regretted ever crossing her. The night was just getting started, and Kayla was ready to take control.