Page 4 of Stella’s Manster

“Ha! You wish!” My sarcasm is evident. “Most of my friends are married now and the ones that aren’t married, are looking for long-term relationships, not one-night stands with my brother. Who, by the way,” I gesture toward his costume, “thinks it’s hilarious that he’s dressing up as a convict for Halloween since he’s not a convict anymore.”

Darren holds his hands up to playfully surrender. “For the record, itisa hilarious costume. Ironic, really. It’s all I had. But also, I’m not seeking a one-night stand. I’m thirty-four. I’d like to meet someone I can start a family with.”

“Wow, never thought I’d hear those words coming fromyou,” I raise a brow.

“But what about you, Stella? You’re thirty-two and single. Where’s your Batman to go with your Catwoman?” Darren asks, pointing to my cat costume.

I inhale and hold my breath before I respond.

Darren poses a good question, but I don’t have an answer for him. I have yet to find my perfect match. A few bad choices over the years and I sort of gave up. Tonight is not the night to find Mr. Right. I’m just going to the party to enjoy Halloween with the brother I haven’t had around for years.

However, somewhere in my mind, I can’t help but think back to my weekend with my friends. All that spell stuff Clarissa made us do, was supposed to come true on a night with a full moon. Tonight is the first full moon of the season, but I’m not expecting my life to change.

But if it did, I wouldn’t be mad at it.

“I don’t need a Batman to go out and have the time of my life,” I answer with confidence. “I’m just glad you’re here,” I say, smiling at my brother before reaching out to hug him. In our quick embrace, my hand brushes the back of his head, feeling where he shaved off his dark hair. Darren said it’s a new start for him, and I’ll be happy to be by his side through this change.

Darren hugs me back.

“In all seriousness, I’m glad I’m here too. And this time, I’m not going anywhere,” he promises me. We’ve been bound by the hip since we were kids. I don’t ever want to be separated from him for so long again. “Let’s get some more cookies before we hit the party. They’re delicious.”

I laugh and nod in agreement. We spend a few moments laughing and chatting while eating cookies in my kitchen before we get in the car and drive to the party.

We hear the music from a block away. Parking down the street, Darren and I arrive and go inside to meet up with some of my friends.

It’s packed full of people. I follow Darren through the sea of dancing costumed people to get to the kitchen. Platters of finger foods, cookies, candies, and alcohol on the kitchen counters, along with a huge bowl of spiked punch. The kitchen is crowded like the rest of the house, but we manage to slip our way through to reach the food and drinks.

“Want some punch?” Darren shouts over the music as he grabs a plastic cup from near the punch bowl.

I stare back at him for a moment and momentarily freeze.

I only wanted to get my brother back into regular life and freedom. I didn’t think about the availability of alcohol or the fact that I’d be drinking it right in front of his face. Taking him to this party might’ve been a terrible idea.

Before I can answer, Darren holds out the cup of spiked punch and says, “I’m a big boy, Stella. You can drink in front of me,” he chuckles. “It’s okay. I can handle it.” He lifts the cup higher. “Honestly, I’m not even the slightest bit interested in having a sip. And, besides, I brought my own drinks.” He pulls a bottle of water and an energy drink from the pockets of his jumpsuit and smirks.

Sighing with relief, I take the cup from his hand. “Are you sure?”

Darren tilts his head. “Yes, I’m sure. I promise I’m not the same guy I was years ago. I’m going to get it right this time.”

Mom would’ve been so happy to hear her son say those words. I know she’s smiling down on Darren now.

I bring the cup to my lips and take half a sip when a loud crash from somewhere in the house, startles me. I whirl around to see the crowd of guests completely shocked, letting out gasps.

“Police! On the ground!” booming voices shout over the now cut music.

“What the—” I turn toward Darren with wide eyes, but someone runs into me from behind, knocking me into the counter. The punch spills all over me as I crumble to the ground. The platters of food crash all around me as people panic and try to rush out of the kitchen as if this were a high school party getting busted for underage drinking.

“Darren!” I call out in fear of getting trampled, watching him get swept up in the sea of people. He pushes through people, trying to reach me. But just before he does, a powerful voice belts out behind him.

“You! On the ground!” One of the officers shouts as he enters the kitchen with his gun drawn, pointing right at Darren.

All too familiar, Darren immediately complies. He tosses his hands in the air, looking confused and scared. I watch from the kitchen floor as Darren lowers himself to the ground on his stomach and three police officers swarm him, handcuffing him.

Impulsive, I shout at the police officers, “What are you doing? He hasn’t done anything!”

“Darren Gold, you’re under arrest for drug distribution,” one of the officers says as they lift Darren to his feet.

“What?” Darren protests. “I didn’t do anything! I was released! I’m a free man!”

---