~ Clay

A Halloween party, huh?

As I look at my reflection in the mirror, the insignia on the front of my medieval knight costume glistening, I frown.

I’ve never been a big fan of Halloween, never walked through a field of pumpkins, never tried carving one, never gone trick-or-treating. In fact, the only Halloween party I remember attending was the one in high school with Andrea, where we went as Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker. Even then, I felt weird wearing a costume.

Now, weird doesn’t even begin to describe it. I look ridiculous in my red cloak and black tights and I feel ridiculous, like a clown.

How on earth did John pull this off every year?

Then I remember the look on Rose’s face and I understand. Being a father means having to act and think like a child sometimes, having to look silly and do silly things every once in a while, because ultimately, it means putting your child’s happiness above all else, no matter what the cost.

I adjust my cloak. Ah, I think I’m getting the hang of this now.

I go downstairs, wondering how Rose looks in her princess costume – what else would she dress up as? At the landing, though, I stop, stunned by the vision I see in the living room.

A fairy.

Andrea said she would dress up as one but I didn’t think she would look so…hot.

Her auburn hair is tied in a loose braid draped over one shoulder, a crown of colorful flowers atop it. The strapless bodice of her dress, covered in glimmering blue and green beads, hangs from her breasts and hugs her slim waist just above a rainbow-colored tutu, which billows around her thighs. Her long legs are clad in thin stockings dotted with tiny hearts and butterflies while on her feet are silver wedge sandals, the only thing dissuading me from thinking of her as a ballerina. Of course, she has a pair of fairy wings on her back, but just small and transparent, elegant like the rest of her costume.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more enchanting fairy.

Yes, I admit I’m completely under her spell, enchanted, captivated.

Aroused.

It’s taking everything I have not to just walk over to her, grab her, kiss her and God knows what else.

Everything else.

And here, I thought Andrea looked hottest in a swimsuit.

For a moment, I just stand there, staring at her even as I try to calm myself down then she turns her head and our eyes meet, hers wide with surprise and then glistening with admiration as she draws in a deep breath.

Ah, it seems the effect of a costume is mutual.

“You look…dashing,” Andrea says as I slowly go down the rest of the stairs, my hand on the hilt of the sword at my hip. “I thought a knight would suit you.”

“As a fairy suits you,” I tell her. “I’m afraid you have me under your spell.”

She blushes, pulling her tutu lower. “I wanted to get a…different kind of fairy costume but this was the only one left. All the good ones have already been rented out.”

“It’s perfect.” I stand in front of her. “I especially love the…” My gaze wanders to the front of her bodice but I quickly tear it away. “The wings. And that crown in your hair.”

“Oh.” She touches her crown. “Thanks. I like your costume, too. I especially like your cloak.”

“Really?” I give her a whirl.

“And your sword.”

“My sword?”

“Yeah. It looks formidable.”

I pause. She is referring to the sword hanging from my hip, isn’t she? After all, I did manage to calm myself down.

“Would you like to see it?” I try to pull the sword out of its sheath but for some reason, it’s stuck. Again. “Shit. This is the second time it’s happened.”

“Here. Let me help you.”

Andrea places her hands on the hilt and pulls. This time, the sword comes out.

“Ah.” I grin as she inspects the fake sword, running her fingers across the long, plastic blade. “It seems it needed a lady’s delicate touch. Or maybe you’re just good with swords.”

She hands me back the sword. “On second thought, I think you should put that away.”

“Sure you don’t want to play with it anymore?”

Andrea frowns.

“Play with what?” Rose asks, joining our conversation.

And just when it was getting good, too.

“Nothing,” Andrea answers, walking to the bottom of the stairs where she performs a curtsy in front of Rose, who is wearing a beautiful blue and gold gown. “You look absolutely lovely, Your Highness.”

Rose giggles.

“Your wish is my command,” Andrea adds.

“As I am at your service.” I bow. “Just say whatever you desire and it shall be done.”

Rose smiles. “Okay. Then let the games begin.”

---

Apple bobbing. Monster bowling. Ghost piñata. Mummy wrapping. Tissue roll stacking. Pin the tail on the cat. Candy taste test challenge. Who knew there were so many Halloween games kids could play?

For a moment there, I thought the games would never end but finally, Rose is asleep on the couch. I bring her up to the bedroom, cradling her in my arms like a baby and as I do, I imagine how she was like as a baby. So far, I haven’t seen any baby pictures lying around.

Was she chubby? Was her skin lighter?

She’s definitely heavier now, maybe even more so than the first time I carried her.

It’s strange how quickly children can grow and how they capture your heart every step of the way.

Placing her down on her bed, I take off her shoes, pull the covers up to her chin and plant a kiss on the top of her head.

“Good night, princess.”

She stirs but doesn’t wake. I leave the room quietly, heading downstairs to find Andrea munching on some of the leftover candies.

I take a deep breath.

Finally, the two of us are alone.

“Are you sure you should be eating that many sweets?” I ask as I walk into the room, sitting on the couch beside her.

“I’m just trying the ones I didn’t get to taste yet,” she reasons, popping another candy into her mouth. “I still can’t believe I didn’t guess the berry flavored Sour Patch Kid. That’s one of my favorites.”

“Everyone gets their taste buds messed up every now and then,” I tell her, leaning back.

She says nothing, picking another candy from the bowl and trying it.

“Halloween must be your favorite holiday,” I observe out loud.

“Not really,” she says. “I like every holiday. What about you?”

“I don’t like any of them. I usually work holidays.”

“I figured.” She offers me a bowl of candy. “Do you want one?”

“No, thanks,” I answer, my gaze wandering to what I do want – her arms and legs, her skin lusciously creamy.

“Suit yourself.”

Andrea continues eating then suddenly puts down the bowl, coughing.

I sit up. “What’s wrong?”

She answers with another cough.

I pat her back. “I knew too many candies were bad for you.”

“I wasn’t choking,” she says, giving a final cough. “It just tasted so horrible.”

She waves her hand in front of her mouth as she looks around.

“Where’s that glass of water?”

I know I should have fetched her a glass. I know I should have held back. Instead, I pull her close and kiss her.

I’ve been wanting to do it all evening, ever since I saw her in that costume.

And boy, is it worth the wait. I can taste something unpleasant, true, but that’s nothing compared to the sweetness of her mouth, of its magical warmth that sends heat all the way to my groin.

Now, this is my kind of Halloween treat.

Andrea pulls away, placing her hand over her mouth.

“Why did you do that?” she asks as she moves farther away, blushing.

“Because I thought you wanted to take the bad taste out of your mouth.” I wipe my own mouth with the back of my hand. “Though I must say it doesn’t taste so bad.”

She frowns, standing up. “You’re right. Too much candy is bad for me.”

“And because I wanted to,” I add as she walks away.

She stops, sighing. “Clay…”

“You told me not to ruin everything.” I stand up and approach her. “Which gives me hope that everything has not yet been ruined.”

She says nothing.

I grab her arm, making her face me. “Andrea, I know you’ve been telling me not to think of the past. Fine, let’s not think of it. But let’s not deny the present either – not this.” I move my hand up to her cheek to stroke it gently. “The past may be ruined but we can have something new, something better.”

She steps back. “I doubt that.”

“Andrea…”

“I’m going to bed. Good night.”

Off she goes again.

I go back to the couch, finally deciding to try a candy from the bowl, though even that can’t make me forget the taste of Andrea’s mouth against mine.

Damn it. When is she going to admit that there is something between us? That she still feels something for me?

Frankly, I’m getting frustrated. If I could give up, I would. But I can’t. I want her too much. Besides, she’s already a part of me, a part that’s been missing for so long.

I have to get her back.