Only a few days until Halloween, but my costume
is far from over. Haven disguises herself as a vampire (no kidding),
Miles as a pirate – I dissuaded him from dressing like Madonna in the metal bra period – and me, it’s a secret. My idea of
genius turned out to be a little too ambitious, and I’m starting to have serious doubts.
I admit, I couldn’t believe it when Sabine suggested we organize a party. I didn’t think she was interested in that kind of thing, and then I said to myself that if we managed to get five guests together, it would be the end of the world. But it turns out that Sabine has a lot more relationships than I thought: it took her barely two minutes to fill two and a half columns, while my poor list is limited to my two friends and their possible riders.
Sabine ordered the buffet and drinks from a caterer,
I made Miles in charge of AV (meaning he’ll plug his iPod into the system and rent horror movies), and Haven is in charge of the cakes. So the decoration committee
sums it up for Riley and me. And Sabine having given me a catalog and a credit card, with the instruction to “treat myself”, we spent two afternoons transforming the house, vaguely Tuscan in style, into a sort of haunted crypt that would chill you. THE
blood. We laughed! Which reminded me of the days when we decorated our old house for Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving. And then doing something together allowed us to bicker less.
You should dress like a mermaid, Riley advised me. Or
like these young people in the reality TV series that we film in the county.
Precariously balanced on the penultimate rung of the ladder, I hang up yet another fake spider web.
Don’t tell me you watch this stupid stuff?
What do you want ? My TV has its quirks.
In surprise, I turn around, eager to know more about life
after death, the details of which she distils to me in dribs and drabs.
Do you have a TV with a digital recorder? She fishes out a string of lights from a box and unrolls it.
How naive you can be! We could make you swallow
anything ! By the way, don’t you want us to swap roles? It’s ridiculous to insist on going up and down this ladder, when with a little levitation I could resolve the matter in no time!
I shake my head. She’s right, but I’d rather have some semblance of normalcy in my life.
Come on, tell me how you’re going to disguise yourself,” she continued.
Does not insist. I don’t see why you would be the only one keeping your secrets.
I fix the spider web in a corner and climb back down the ladder to judge the effect.
She crosses her arms over her chest with that little pout that made Dad fall in love, but never Mom.
It is not fair !
I grab a phosphorescent skeleton whose limbs I unravel.
Don’t cry, you’ll see him at the party. She almost squeals, her eyes wide.
Because I’m invited?
I burst out laughing and placed the skeleton near the door, where he would greet the guests.
As if I could stop you from coming!
And will your darling be there?
I sigh, exasperated. His little game is starting to bore me.
You know very well that I don’t have one.
Oh, I’m good. Do you take me for an imbecile? Do you think I forgot the existential debate about the blue or green sweatshirt? I can’t wait to meet him. Finally, to see it, because
I imagine you won’t introduce him to me. Which is very rude, if you ask me. Just because he can’t see me doesn’t mean…
You are really annoying! He’s not invited anyway! And There you go ! She got me!
She opens her wide, delighted eyes and bursts out laughing like a little girl.
crazy, throws her garland in the air, and begins to jump and twirl on the spot.
Yay! I knew it ! I knew it ! I knew it ! I knew it ! she jubilantly punched the air with her fists.
I let out a big sigh. How could I have fallen into such a crude trap?
You don’t know anything at all! I’m not going out with him, okay? He’s a boy that I thought was cute, before realizing that he’s actually a runner, so I gave up. Period. Besides, if you want to know, I don’t even find him cute at all anymore. Seriously, it didn’t even last ten seconds, this
story, and again, because I didn’t really know him. And then I’m not the only one, imagine, Miles and Haven almost gutted each other because of him. So now you stop this little
ridiculous dance and you get back to work, see?
Obviously, I realize that I have said too much to be credible. But the damage is done, and all I have left to do is watch her flutter around the room, humming.
I knew it ! I knew it !
On Halloween night, the house is absolutely fantastic. Riley and I put cobwebs in the windows with big black tarantulas in the middle. Bats are
hanging from the ceiling, mutilated and bloody limbs
(fictitious, of course) invest every corner, and a crystal ball sits next to a battery-powered crow whose eyes come to life and
shine when it opens its beak: “You will regret it. Croaaa. You will regret it. »
We hid zombies dressed in rags
bloodied where you would least expect it, placed two
cauldrons of steaming potion (dry ice mixed with
water) on either side of the entrance, and scattered skeletons, mummies, rats and black cats, gargoyles, coffins,
black candles and skulls everywhere. Lighted pumpkins and flashing fairy lights decorate the garden while floating globes light up the pool. We have
even camped Death, life size, with his hood and his scythe, on the lawn.
Riley contemplates her corset of purple shells, her red hair and her tail dotted with beautiful metallic green scales.
So, what do I look like?
I’m busy powdering my face with white makeup while looking for a way to get rid of her, while I put on my costume, just to surprise her for a change.
To your favorite Disney character. She smiles.
I take it as a compliment.
I tie my hair in a bun before putting on the huge blonde wig of my costume.
And you will be right.
So, what do you dress in? Are you going to tell me at the end? This suspense is killing me!
Overcome with laughter, she holds her stomach while rolling on the bed, where she almost breaks her face. She loves to turn death into
derision. She howls with laughter, but it sends shivers down my spine. I pretend not to have heard anything.
Would you like to do me a favor? Go see where Sabine is
with her costume, and let me know if she decides to wear her fake nose with the big hairy wart. Her witch outfit is awesome, but not the nose. It’s definitely not the kind of thing that appeals to men.
Does she have a friend? Riley is surprised.
With that nose, she won’t risk it.
Riley rolls off the bed and crosses the room, carrying her mermaid tail behind her.
But don’t make any noise and don’t try to scare him, understand?
I watch her walk through the closed door, shivering. I’ve seen it done a billion times, but I still can’t get used to it.
I’m going to look for the cover hidden in the back of the dressing room. I take out a magnificent black dress with a square neckline, sleeves
transparent three-quarter length, and a super tight corset lined with small
shiny ruffles, like Marie Antoinette wore at the masked ball (well, Kirsten Dunst in the film). I struggle with the zipper before styling the gigantic platinum blonde wig
powdered with puddings (I’m blonde, of course, but I don’t have that much hair), applies lipstick and ties a black silk mask over my eyes. A pair of long rhinestone earrings completes the ensemble. Finally, I look at myself in the
ice and, delighted with the result, I perform a pirouette and a little curtsey.
Riley arrives in the meantime.
Mission accomplished ! We were hot, but ultimately it’s okay.
She started by putting on the fake nose, she took it off, and then she put it back on, she looked at herself in profile and she took it off for good. I swear, I had a hard time stopping myself from snatching that thing off him and throwing it out the window.
She drops onto the wheeled chair in my office, propelling it with the tip of her fin.
Relax! Last I heard, she put it on the edge of the sink. A guy called to find out how to get there
so far, and she told her that you did a great job with the decoration, that she can’t believe you did it
going out alone, etc. You must love getting compliments for both of our hard work, right?
She stops, taking the time to examine my costume with an appreciative eye.
Marie Antoinette ! Who would’ve believed that ? I didn’t know you were a brioche fan.
I roll my eyes.
For your information, know that this brioche story is a myth. She never said that, it was just a rumor started by the tabloid press. Don’t believe what the newspapers say.
While talking, I check my makeup in the mirror and
balancing my wig, praying it stays in place. Suddenly, I catch something in my sister’s expression, the reflection of which I see in the mirror.
Are you okay, Riley?
She closes her eyes and bites her lips.
No, but have you seen us both? You are disguised
as a teenage queen with a tragic destiny, while I would give anything to just be a teenager.
I would like to console her, but something stops me. I
I’m so used to her presence that I sometimes forget that she’s not real and will never grow up to be thirteen. And
then I remember that it’s all my fault, and I feel even worse.
Riley, I…
She gracefully wags her tail and begins to float above the chair.
It’s okay, don’t worry. It’s time to welcome our guests!
Haven is accompanied by Evangeline, her codependent friend who, lo and behold, is also dressed as a vampire. Miles brought Eric, a guy from his acting class, who looks pretty cute under his Zorro mask and black cape.
I can’t believe you didn’t invite Damen, attack Haven from the start, skipping the “hello”.
It’s been a week since she found out that Damen wasn’t on the list.
I let out an exasperated sigh. I’m tired of repeating the obvious to him, of reminding him again and again that Damen
is more interested in us since he systematically has lunch with Stacia, and at the start of classes he doesn’t leave his table and
has fun making white roses appear everywhere. Not to mention the portrait he is painting while drawing, the Woman with Yellow Hair, who looks more and more like Stacia.
I also don’t see why I should bring up the fact that, apart from the red tulips, the mysterious message and an intense but unique look, he hasn’t spoken to me in almost two weeks.
He wouldn’t have come anyway, so… He must be somewhere with Stacia, or the redhead, or…
My voice breaks.
Haven gives me an inquisitive look.
Which redhead? There’s a redhead in the story, too?
I shrug. The fact is, he could be with anyone, as long as he’s not here, with me. Haven sighs.
You should see him, she tells Evangeline. He is
amazing, this guy. Handsome like a movie star, sexy like a rock singer, and even a little illusionist around the edges.
Say instead that it’s an illusion, if I understood correctly, retorts Evangeline. After all, perfection doesn’t exist.
Haven gives me a reproachful look while playing with her black velvet choker.
Damn, yes. You would understand if you saw it. Whatever happens, don’t forget that he’s for me, she continues. I saw it first, before I even knew you.
One glance at Evangeline is enough for me to take note of her
aura dark and opaque, her fishnet stockings, her tiny shorts and her little mesh top. She’s the kind of girl who’s not afraid.
You know, if I lend you some fangs and some fake blood, you could make a great vampire too, offers Haven.
I can feel his inner tug. On the one hand, she is
my friend, and at the same time she is convinced that I am her rival. I shake my head and guide them to the other side of the room, hoping that she will eventually forget about Damen and move on. Sabine chats with her friends, Haven and Evangeline pour in
sweet alcohol in their glasses, and Miles dances with Eric. Riley plays with throwing the wick of Eric’s whip in the air, left and right, watching to see if anyone notices him. I’m about to signal her to stop if she wants to stay at the party, when the doorbell rings. Riley and I race to open the door – it’s our little game.
I’m the winner, but I forget to wink victoriously at Riley when I see Damen in the doorway. He has a bouquet of flowers in one hand, a hat with an old gold border in the other, his hair gathered in a ponytail, and, instead of his usual black outfit, he wears a white frilled shirt, a coat with
gold buttons, what used to be called panties, tights and
black pointed toe shoes. Miles is going to be jealous, I thought, before realizing who he was disguised as. My heart skips a beat.
Count Fersen, I said weakly.
To serve you, Marie, he said, giving a deep bow.
I look over his shoulder, looking for Stacia, or the redhead, anyone. There’s no way he came for me.
But… it was a secret… And then, I didn’t invite you, as far as I know…
He just smiles as he offers me the flowers.
Let’s just say it’s a happy coincidence.
I swallow hard and lead him towards the playroom. I have the
My cheeks are on fire and my heart is beating so hard it’s going to burst out of my chest if this continues, I’m afraid. I rack my brain for a logical explanation for Damen’s surprise arrival,
disguised as my serving knight, indeed.
But it’s Damen!
Haven is waving at us excitedly, her face beaming – well, as much as a floury vampire face with bloody fangs can glow. But, as soon as she
notices Damen’s costume and understands that he is
dressed as Axel de Fersen, Marie-Antoinette’s not-so-secret lover, her expression darkens, and she gives me an accusatory look.
When did you hatch this plan? she asks in a falsely detached tone (more out of consideration for Damen than for me).
We didn’t plan anything at all.
I hope she will believe me, but I know she won’t. There
coincidence is so astonishing that even I am starting to have doubts and wonder if I might not have let go
clues about my costume, even if I’m convinced otherwise.
A happy coincidence, Damen added, hugging my waist. He pulls away immediately, but that brief contact is enough to send an electric shock through my entire body.
Evangeline appears at his side and begins to play with the frill of his shirt.
You must be Damen. I thought Haven was exaggerating, but I see she isn’t. What are you disguised as?
Axel de Fersen, said Haven in a voice from beyond the grave, his gaze heavy with innuendo.
Oh, who is it? Evangeline asks casually.
She borrows Damen’s hat, places it on his head and he
gives a flirtatious look from below, before taking him by the hand to lead him further.
I can not believe it ! Haven shouts as soon as they walk away, his face twisted in anger and his fists clenched. (It’s nothing compared to the horrible thoughts racing through his head.) You
know very well that I like him. I told you ! When I think that I trusted you!
I try to make her listen to reason, but I know it’s wasted effort, that she has chosen not to believe me.
Haven, I swear it wasn’t premeditated. It’s a
weird coincidence, that’s all. I don’t know what he’s doing here. I do not
never invited him, I remind you. And then, in case you haven’t noticed, I’ll point out that your great friend Evangeline is
literally drooling over him! Haven glances at them briefly.
She’s like that with everyone. It’s not her I’m afraid of, it’s you.
I take a deep breath so as not to lose my patience and avoid laughing at seeing Riley aping Haven in a hilarious and cruel caricature.
Listen, I keep telling you that he doesn’t attract me at all! What do I have to do to make you believe me?
She turns her head away, her shoulders slump and her thoughts turn black, she is so angry.
Don’t add more, she sighs, with tears in her eyes. He likes you, that’s how it is, I can’t do anything about it. It’s not your fault that you’re super beautiful and smart. Boys will always prefer you to me,
especially if they see you without your hood, you have nothing to do with it. And she tries to laugh, without much success.
You’re making a mountain out of it for nothing. The only thing Damen and I share is a particular predilection for
the same films and the same costumes. That’s all, I swear. Hopefully she will believe me!
She observes Evangeline, at the other end of the room, who is doing a little demonstration with Zorro’s whip.
Can you do me a favor ?
I nod. I would accept anything to end it.
Stop lying. You’re not very good, she says before walking away.
I follow her with my eyes as Riley jumps up and down.
This is the best night of your life, right? Drama! Of the
intrigues! Jealousy! A quasi-bun-combing! I’m so happy to have seen this!
I am about to silence her, but remember in time that she is invisible, and that I would not look smart if I started talking out loud. And when the doorbell rings again,
despite the fish tail that she tows behind her, she
headdress to the post.
Wow ! exclaims the woman waiting in the doorway, looking at my sister and me in turn.
I note that she is not disguised, provided you forget her Californian look.
Can I help you ? I said politely. She stares at me with her hazel eyes.
Sorry to be late, but these traffic jams are crazy, you know how they are.
Are you a friend of Sabine?
She keeps squinting at Riley, as if she can see her. It may be a tic but I’m not sure, because, even if I can distinguish his aura, a beautiful purple, I curiously can’t read it.
My name is Ava. Sabine hired my services for the evening.
Are you from the catering team?
I don’t understand why she is wearing a black halter top, a
Slim jeans and ballet flats instead of a white shirt and black pants, like the others.
She just laughs and waves hello to Riley, who is
hide behind my skirt, like she did with mom when she was bullied.
Ava pushes her auburn hair back and crouches down in front of Riley.
I am the clairvoyant. And I see, Ever, that you have company.
