short stories

secret - pt2

"I think we look cute," he said, pointing at his costume. "But I look cuter."

"You know, most boyfriends," she paused to hand him her bag and to tie her shoelaces. "Would've taken that moment to compliment their girlfriend."

"You don't need complementing," he said, handing her hers back. "You should already know you're cute."

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." She sighed and turned back. "Friend, you're my friend, got it?"

"Mhm, whatever you say." She glared at him as she pulled open the door, stepping in. He followed her in and smiled to see her head to the front desk, signing her sister out of daycare.

"Which one?" Carlton asked, bending down by Evelyn's ear. She finished signing her name before turning.

"Ladybug costume," she said, pointing. Carlton grinned.

"She's fucking adorable," Carlton whispered. "You look just like her."

"You're so dumb it hur-"

"Ev!" Ellie shrieked. Evelyn smiled as her sister ran towards her. She dropped down to hug her little sister. "Time to go trick or treating- got lots o' candy already!" Ellie showed her sister the bag and Evelyn feigned shock.

"Woah, look at all of that!" Evelyn gasped. Ellie giggled, quite proud of herself. "We're gonna have lots of candy this year," she explained as Ellie took her hand. "This is my friend Carlton, El."

Ellie looked up at the teenager. He was much taller than her sister- almost as tall as their dad. "Hey there," Carlton said, waving.

"Hello," she whispered, a little shy. Evelyn laughed.

"He's gonna come with us okay?" Evelyn asked. "And he said he'd share his candy with you."

"I did?"

"Candy!" Ellie gasped. "Got lots," she said, holding her bag up for Carlton to see as they began to walk.

"I saw, what a lucky duck you are," he said. She nodded. "Lucky ladybug, I should say." Ellie nodded again and Evelyn smiled as she shook her head They walked down the sidewalk and crossed the street to head to the neighbourhoods. It was almost five and kids were already out and about, ringing doorbells. "You like my costume, Ellie?"

Ellie looked up at him. "D-acula," she said with a point. He nodded.

"I've even got fangs but your sister won't let me wear them." Ellie giggled. "She's scared of them."

"I'm not scar-"

"Ev scared!" Ellie giggled. Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"Oh, what the hell."

They trick or treated for not even an hour before Ellie's bag got too heavy for her to carry, eyes too heavy for her to keep open. "You okay, there, ladybug?" Carlton asked.

"Uh huh," she whispered, wobbling around, holding tightly to Evelyn's hand.

'You sure- look a little tired." Ellie yawned to prove it.

"Nuh uh."

"Mhm," Evelyn said. "It's past your bedtime now, isn't it." Ellie began to whine, clearly tired. "I think it's time to head back home, okay?"

"Want more candy, Ev," The little girl mumbled, hugging her sister's leg as they stopped walking. Carlton chuckled.

"How about you have a little nap, I'll get you some more candy and we can trade all our favourites, okay?" he asked. Ellie blinked at him. "Here," he whispered, scooping her up.