His Flower [DISCONTINUED]

22: Halloween Party

The moment between Antonio and I had never been brought up again. However much I could avoid the guy, I couldn't avoid the truth. The two of us had nearly kissed. We probably would have, if I hadn't leaned away.

I thought a lot about that night. Even now, as Lily and I got ready for the Halloween party.

We—she—decided that we should go as bloody cheerleaders. Literally, bloody. We had that corny fake blood you buy from the Halloween store. Though, I wasn't exactly complaining. With our matching tiny skirts and pigtailed hair, we were certainly a sight for sore eyes.

"Romano says he's outside," I read the text message on my phone before glancing up at Lily. "We should get going."

The two of us had spent the last hour getting ready for the Halloween party in my bedroom. It was being thrown by a senior from our school, and I sincerely hoped no one from Downsview Academy was going to show up.

"Okay," Lily replied, finally prying her eyes away from the mirror and bouncing out of my room. "We look hot!"

I giggled, not bothering to deny it. As we hurried downstairs and hollered goodbyes to Jo, she waved at us from the dining room and bid us a good time.

Outside, Romano had been leaning against his shimmering red Porsche that was parked across the street. He whistled as we approached him.

"You two look hot." He sounded almost proud.

"That's what I just said!" Lily beamed.

We arrived to a stop in front of him, and I surveyed his costume. Romano wore black, baggy clothing. A leather jacket was slung across his shoulder, and a thin golden chain was wrapped around his neck. His curly hair, which was usually perfect, looked rather messy. A number of fake bruises lined his face.

"What are you going as?" I asked in confusion.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm Antonio," he boasted. "I've even got the cigarettes to prove it."

He pulled out a pack of fake cigarettes from his pocket. Lily and I burst into laughter.

"He's gonna kill you when he sees that!" I shook my head in amusement.

Romano only grinned before getting into his car, as we did the same. With that, we were off, maneuvering our way through the trick-or-treating children and jamming to the radio. By the time we reached the party, it was already in full swing.

"Hey, do you think anyone from the private school is gonna be here?" I asked as we emerged from the car.

"Definitely," Lily scrunched her nose. "I already recognize a few."

I sighed anxiously. "What about Antonio?" This time I looked at Romano. "Is he here too?"

Romano nodded. "Yup. Knowing my cousin's anger issues, I'll be surprised if there's not a fight tonight."

Lily chuckled while I grimly nodded.

"C'mon, let's go," Lily latched onto our hands and pulled us into the house.

My eardrums were immediately assaulted with the blaring noise.

"Let's start off with some drinks," Romano yelled over the music.

We nodded and he led us through the house. A number of people waved at us—some of which I didn't even recognize through their costumes. I supposed that I was gaining some traction through my friendship with Romano. Almost everyone in this town was friends with him, so they knew of us by association.

"Here you go," Romano interrupted my thoughts and handed me a red solo cup.

I sniffed and winced at the bitter scent of the drink, before slowly taking a sip.