Page 118 of Scars Like Wings

“No! IhateJacob! He’s so fuckingloud,” Everett grumbled and groaned like a teenager.

I stifled a chuckle. “Feels like a missed opportunity that you didn’t put him in an Eevee costume.”

“They didn’t have his size.” Teddy shrugged. “But he still lookssoadorable as my little Pikachu.”

“Aren’t you happy you caught him in your Pokéball?” I booped Uncle Everett’s nose.

“I cannot stand either one of you. I would electric-shock you both if I could,” Uncle Everett said, putting his wallet and phone in one of his onesie pockets. Teddy blew him a kiss, and he rolled his eyes. “We are going to head out, kiddo. Enjoy your boring little movie night.”

“Oh, I will enjoy being not sweaty, gross, and way too close to strangers’ genitalia with a thin covering between!”

“It’s ahouseparty, menace.”

“Agayhouse party.”

“That is motivated.”

“But not untrue.”

“Chrisdoesthrow some ragers, Eevee,” Teddy conceded.

“You two will make me the first shifter to die of high blood pressure,” Uncle Everett said, opening the door to leave as a nerve feathered his jawline.

“Have fun, you crazy kids!” I said as I waved them off.

I plopped onto the couch and pulled out my phone from my shorts pocket. It was the first time I had been on it in hours. The witches at the door of the Winebary had bespelled everyone’s phones to avoid cheating during the “Things That Go Bump in the Night” Trivia Night Tournament. Simone, Maisie, and I had decided to go as the Powerpuff Girls: me as Blossom, Maisie as Buttercup, and Simone as Bubbles. Since Blackbell treated Halloween like a national holiday closing down everything including the University for the day, we had even managed to rope Rhois, Journee, and Isidora in on it with Rhois going as Princess Morbucks, Journee going as Him—which was the most iconic thing I had ever seen—and Isidora going as Miss Bellum. Naturally, with three librarians on our side, our team won. Our costumes also bagged us First Place in the Costume Contest. It was a lit night, but I was ready to spend the rest of the spooky night in and on the couch.

Unlocking my phone, the only notifications I had were from social media, some random emails, and unread text messages from Quinn. Of course, I opened the messages first:

ME

We just pulled up! Waiting to get in now! They are probably going to lock my phone so I won’t be able to text you while we are competing in case I go radio-silent for a while. ??

ME

Group Selfie.jpg

ME

Is it giving big Powerpuff Girl energy?

PUMPKIN QUEENIE ♥?

OMG! ??

PUMPKIN QUEENIE ♥?

You are the best Blossom I’ve ever seen, gorgeous! The whole gang looks badass. I love it. ??????

PUMPKIN QUEENIE ♥?

What are your plans after Trivia? ??

ME

I’ll be at home watching movies. My friends are all extroverted introverts. We like to be out long enough to show our faces before going home to relax and recharge ??

PUMPKIN QUEENIE ♥?

---