Page 5 of Dirty Tricks

I slide the door closed, giving in now so I don’t have to fend off the same request for the entire hour left before dinner.

The ears are cute, all fluffy and floppy. They feel like real fur, although I hope they aren’t. There’s a jumper, knitted from wool so soft I rub it against my cheek for a few moments with my eyes closed, enjoying the luxurious touch against my skin.

Angora, it says on the label, and I don’t mindthatbeing real. I’ve seen videos online of people combing their pet bunnies for the soft hair that gets spun into yarn. It makes me pleased to think Finn listened and paid attention enough to know I’d like it. Often, it’s like we’re complete opposites, so this surprisesanddelights me as well.

I pull on the top and the white booty shorts made from elastin denim. They have such a tight fit they look sexy. Sexier than I would have picked for myself, but it’s flattering to know Finn enjoys seeing my body.

The last item is the tail. It’s as soft as the jumper, as fluffy as the ears, except for the solid silver cone attached to it. I can’t work out what that part’s meant to be.

My first thought is it’s a tag from the shop. A busy attendant pushed everything into the bag and forgot to swipe it across the magnetic removal tool they have.

But that’s not it. It’s far too big for starters and the fluffy tail is carefully stitched to close around a bump on the metal. It’s part of the design.

I don’t understand how to wear it.

With the rest of the costume in place, I preen in front of the mirror. The top is lovely, hugging my curves without being overly clingy. The softness has me on cloud nine and I know it’ll keep me warm against the coolness of the coming October night.

There’s a vent in the shorts and I understand it’s something to do with the tail, but that’s as far as I get. When I slide back the bathroom door, the fluffy white bobble is still in my hand.

Vonnie gives a wolf-whistle so enthusiastic my face turns as bright as a berry. “I’ve got some face paint you can use to draw whiskers on,” she says, spiralling her finger as encouragement for me to twirl. “What’s up with the tail?”

I hand it across, admitting, “I don’t know how it works.”

She stares at it in confusion for a second, then her nose wrinkles and she tosses it to Jenna with a laugh. “Is this what I think it is?”

“What do you think it is?” I ask, but my voice is too quiet, and they don’t hear.

“Yup,” Jenna says, tossing it back. “Did he put lube in the bag?”

Just the word makes me squirm. I think they’re teasing, but I’m not sure where the joke lies. “It was just the costume.”

Jenna takes pity on my confused state and hands it back. “It’s an anal plug,” she says, scrunching her face again. “You’re meant to shove it up your arse.”

Vonnie bursts into shocked giggles and Jenna joins her. I plaster on a smile, but my insides curl into a ball and die.

I don’t understand the joke.

I don’t understand the costume.

All I want is to go along in the op-shop outfit I found for myself, but Finn will be furious if I do that.

I’ve been looking forward to the Halloween party for well over a month. My old school never celebrated, and I couldn’t wait to have fun dressing up, trying to work out who’s dressed as what, having them guess my costume in return.

My throat squeezes closed and the bunch of nerves behind my ear twang as I fight back tears, skin already crawling with the embarrassment of wearing something that doesn’t suit me, inside or out.

I know my friends aren’t really laughing at me. They’re uneasy about the costume, too, and it’s spilling out the wrong way.

“You can probably cut the stitches and just sew it onto the shorts,” Vonnie says, clocking my expression. “I’ve got a sewing kit in my room if you need it.”

But I can’t destroy the costume Finn bought me. He’ll be just as upset if I do that as if I don’t wear it at all.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll just wear it how it is.”

“Okay.” She gives a quick frown of concern, touching her hand to my wrist.

“What was that noise?” Jenna asks, springing to her feet.

I tilt my head, listening to the soft huffs of air. “This room used to be a storage space.” I kick the bare plank along the side of the bed where most everyone else in the school has two large drawers. “There are fans and stuff under the bed and a few other weird things about it.”

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