JIKIKA

Thursday - Halloween Morning, 8:05 am

"HALLOWEEN IS COOL" Halloweentown was playing on our tv as we cleaned and smudge the house especially our room.

Yami and I had decorated the house during the beginning of the month, we take this holiday very seriously. My sister was in charge of down stairs and I was in charge of our room.

In reality our room was the attic but before I moved in and before her mom passed I think—So probably when they first moved in together as a family, they renovated and did construction on the attic to make Yami a room so the second bedroom could be an office for her mom.

Yami doesn't talk much about her mom, probably because it's too painful. Rue and Yami both lost a parent from cancer, though her mom had breast cancer. I was still living with my parents at the time but we've all known each other since we were kids.

She was beautiful though, Elana had thick long black hair, beautiful long lashes and the sweetest smile. English wasn't her first language so they mostly spoke spanish in the house, even her dad.

Darius, Yami's dad, learned spanish when him and Elana first started dating. I thought it was sweet he learned her language to he able to communicate better. Something I wish my parents did.

My dad refused to learn korean for my mom, but I guess it worked out due to my mom being fluent in english.

So moral of the story is Yami and I's room was just a big renovated attic that actually had real stairs leading to it instead of some rickety pull down ladder. Shit was cute too, her parents gave Yami french doors instead of a regular door, a skylight, big windows. and walk in closet, best of the best for their only child.

"Downstairs is finished" My sister said wiping her forehead as she walked into our room.

"Damn nigga, already?"

"To be fair all I really needed to do was dust, sweep, mop and smudge" She shrugged

I forget nobody really goes in the living room anymore besides dad.

"Shittt, you tryna help with the rest then?" I asked as I put the sweeper away.

"Fuck it" Yami said cracking open a water bottle she had brought up, "What's left?" she asked taking a drink

"Really just the palo santo and smudging" I said giving the palo santo to her and I lit the the ceder and lavender mixed bundle.

Both are great to use for cleansing and driving out negative energy

"Sayless" My sister replied lighting up the palo santo

The two of us walked around the room waving the smoke through the room making sure to get each corner. All the windows have been open since the weather went from 80 to 68 which is the most important part of cleansing.

"We going to school today, sista?" I asked knowing we was gonna be late as always

"Might as well, we really not gonna do shit. Everyone finna be in costumes n shit, Cassie invited us over after school to get ready with all them and then Daniel's party later tonight" Yami informed me on the plans for today

"I still dont know what I'm gonna wear"

Yami stopped in her tracks and looked at me with wide eyes, "Sista, the fuck you mean you don't know what you're gonna wear?"

I shurgged still walking around the room, "I could pick so I have three costumes"

"You bought three costumes?" My sister looked at me crazy

"BITCH YOU HAVE TWO DONT LOOK AT ME CRAZY, ITS ONE MORE"

"...Fair enough" Yami nodded going back to what she was doing

"What's your costumes again, blood?" I asked forgetting if she was going as bubbles again this year or not

"The cheer outfit from Jennifer's body and a playboy bunny" She replied, "Silas is gonna be Hugh so Imma go as that to the party and be Jennifer at school"

"Shmart" I nodded, "Well my dear friend, I'm affraid to inform you that none of my outfits are school appropriate

"None of our outfits be school appropriate" My sister argued

I rolled my eyes setting the smudge stick on a small metal plate to let it burn until it went out, "Okay but STILL"

"What are we working with here?" She asked walking over to the closet

"Goth starfire, raven, and freddy k" I replied as I walked to the closet with her. I pulled out my outfits and Yami scoffed

"Bitch just be starfire at school then freddy at the party" Yami said taking the outfit off the racks and laid it on my freshly made bed, "that's literally what me and Maddy wear at school"

"Fine" I rolled my eyes knowing she was right

Yami started with her hair because she was straightening it for the day, and that shit takes a minute since she got her mom's hair.

I wanted to wear a wig for my costume, but I needed Yami's help for that.

"Treyway, I need your help" I reached underneath my bed and pulled out a bag that held my wig in it, "I wanna wear this wig for my costume, can you put it on for me?" I asked

"I got you" She smiled

For the next 40 minutes Yami was putting the wig on me. She did that shit professionally too, bald cap n all.

Yami cut some bangs for me and the straightened my hair then moved out of the way so I could see. Not gon lie, she killed that shit too.

"DAMN BITCH" I said in shock, "you made me look good hoe" which was my way of thanking her

I grabbed my makeup bag and pillow from the couch then sat in front of the big ass mirror we shared. While I started on my makeup Yami was starting on her hair.

"Slim, put on some music" My sister said straightening a piece of her hair

"Got you" I grabbed ny phone and connected it to our bluetooth speaker, I played Roll in Peace by Kodak and X then went back to my makeup, "You and Maddy been closer?"

"Yeah, it feels like im replacing Cassie in a way, which I dont wanna do" Yami said focusing on her hair

"To be honest, I think she might have a crush on you" I said looking at my sister through the mirror

"Really?" My sister scrunched up her face looking at me

"Girl" I give Yami a look, "she always calls you to come over, she's touchy with you and protective"

"Maddy is not protective over me" Yami shook her head disagreeing

She's so oblivious even if a billboard said it shit would go over her head

I sighed heavily, "You dont see the look she gives whenever Silas touches you?"

"Silas touches me a lot"

"Exactly"

A silence fell for a few seconds before Yami spoke, "Never gonna happen". I threw my hands up in the air in defeat but my sister continued, "She's in love with Nate"

"Probably cause she's in the closet, dumbass" I say matter of factly, "speaking of, is she okay from what happened at school a few weeks ago?

"Yeah, but a whole investigation was made. She did wanna press charges and shit was a whole mess" Yami shool her head

She doesn't want to admit it but she hates Nate for more reasons than him just being "weird"

An hour and a half later Yami and I were finishing up with getting ready. She had on her Jennifer Check cheer costume and then ut on socks that came mid ankle with white forces

...

...

The costume was real cute and wasn't that cheap party city material— meaning it wasn't see through.

My costume was a little bit more complex and had multiple parts to it but in the end I was definitely feeling myself a little.

...

(yall she ate this DOWNNN)
...

After I got out of the bathroom finished with my outfit, I walked out to get my boots.

"HOLD ONNNN" Yami screeched doing a excited dance, "SISTAAAA"

"BITCH SHIT UP" I laughed yelling at her, "Let's go I'm over your loud ass"

"Mad cause I'm right" Yami scoffed as she grabbed her keys, "alright marmaduke, lets go"

"MARMADUKE?" I asked floored

"Yup, that's your new nickname" She nodded then left out room going downstairs

"Ouuu Imma suffocate you in your sleep"
I said grabbing my stuff and following her.

The two of us left the house as I locked the door behind me and went to the car. Yami already had it started so when I got in and buckled she backed out of the driveway.

Yami had aux and put on a boogie on our way to school

11:30 am

"SHE TRIED TO PUT ME IN THE FRIEND ZONE" I yelled feeling the lyrics deep in my soul, "FUCK IT I'LL BE IN THAT FRIEND ZONE"

Yami laughed at me as we pulled into the school parking lot. We had to park in the back like Rosa, a few other students pulled up at the same time as us and were in their costumes as well.

Both of us got out of the car and went inside of the school building. It was about to be lunch so we just went to the cafeteria sitting at our normal table.

"I texted everyone and told them we were in the cafeteria" Yami said typing away on her phone.

I was hungry so I told Yami I was gonna go get food. On my way up to the line that was empty the lunch bell rang signaling our friends will be here soon.

I grabbed a chicken salad, chips and apple juice for Yami and two pizza slices, one for
me one for rue, along with chips and water.

When I got back Silas, Rue, and Jules were at the table. I gave Yami her food and sat next to the other side of Rue to eat mine.

"Here, I got you a slice" I said to Rue pushing my tray between us

"Oh shit, thank you" She smiled putting her arm around me, I made eye contact with Jules in that moment and we just stared at eachother

Weirdo Bitch

"Where's Aaron" Rue asked Silas but he just shrugged

"That nigga always doing something" I shake my head

"Rue what's your costume gonna be tonight?" Yami asked the curly haired girl next to me

"Marlene Dietrich" She smiled taking a bite of the pizza slice

"Im gonna be Juliet" Jules smiled. Nobody said anything besides Rue saying her costume was fire, the rest of us just sat and ate our food.

After lunch was over we were allowed to have a "free period" and went to the library because the chairs were comfortable.

For the rest of the school day we just chilled and only went to our last period class, which was cooking class.

Halloween Night, 6:00 pm

"I think we're almost ready guys" Lexi said as she looked at all of us. I was snickering hard as fuck with Yami, it was hard to take Lex seriously while she's dressed up as Bob Ross.

"Yami your costume is so cutee!" Cassie smiled as she touched up my sisters hair

I caught a glance at Maddy and she looked annoyed, I chuckled to myself. Yami was eating the girlies up though with her costume, honestly it looked like something she would wear regularly.

...

...

"Thank you, Cass" Yami smiled obviously not noticing Maddy's actions

"Cassie can you hurry up? We're gonna be late" Maddy rolled her eyes

"Sorry...Yami just needed a touch up" Cassie apologized quietly

"It's my fault, sorry guys" Yami took the blame for Cassie, "I asked her to because I saw some curly parts in the back"

"Its fine" Maddy accepts Yami's apology but not Cassie's

While that was happening I added some fake blood to my face. Yami took off the wig for me so I was back to my short black hair but I didn't mind, that shit was getting itchy.

My costume was cool though, you could actually tell I was trying to be Freddy instead of some wear ass stripped sweater and boots.

...

...

Only downside was a potential nip slip, but hey at least they got a show.

"All done! We can leave now" Cassie said as she turned off her straightener and grabbed her phone.

"Finally" Maddy mumbled and grabbed Yami's hand leading the two downstairs.

"Okay, is it me or is Maddy acting weird?" Lexi spoke up

"I didnt want to be the one to say it" I agreed knowing the reason why. It was so clear..I don't know how these fuckers keep missing it.

"I don't know" Cassie shrugged, "she's just been going through a lot. Probably just stress" Cassie said now leaving the room as well

"Yeah..." Lexi nodded and the both of us followed. When we got down stairs Maddy had kissed Yami on the cheek then left the house closing the door behind her

"Where did she go" I asked Yami

"Nate came to pick her up" She said with a stank face

"Not surprised" Cassie sighed

There was a knock on the door and we all looked at each other confused. Lexi was the brave one to open it, there stood Rue, Jules and Kat.

The three stood there in shock looking at Lexi's costume. "Im Bob Ross" She explained, "the painter..from PBS"

They nodded but Kat broke character and started to laugh making the other two laugh, Suze started to laugh as well, "The whole point of Halloween is to look attractive"

"No its not" Lexi disagreed

"Oh really?" The Howards' mom spoke, "you look around and tell me how many of your girlfriends are dressed up as 50 year old men and report back to me"

"Your costume is cool Lex, dont trip" Yami patted her back making Lexi smile

"Is mine too much" Cassie said drawing the attention to her

We all shook our heads in disagreement, "Nah" "Not one bit"

All of us said our goodbyes to Suze and then walked our way to the party. Rue and Jules were holding hands until Jules let go and walked on her own, she reeked of alcohol and Rue was in the process of being sober so this wasn't a good mix.

Rue looked saddened at Jules' action so I decided to fill in her place. I took Rue's hand in mine and she looked over smiling at me.

"Thanks" She muttered and I just nodded

7:30 pm

We were all in the kitchen getting drinks, well besides Rue and I. Jules was supposed to be her sober companion according to Rue, but failed miserably.

Loud music was blasting all thought the house and soon saw Silas come in dressed as Hugh while Aaron while behind him dressed as spooky from on my block.

"Baby!" Yami squealed hugging her boyfriend tightly

Silas laughed at her reaction and hugged her back. He swiftly stole my sister after making a drink for himself and took her to the living room to dance.

"Your costume looks good Kika" Aaron said making a drink for himself.

"Thanks" I nodded awkwardly

"Lets go dance!" Jules said and pulled Rue with her, I looked at Kat and Lexi then followed the duo.

Yami and Silas were grinding on eachother when we got into the living room, I didn't feel like dancing and I guess neither did Rue because she sat down with me. Lexi joined us as well, the three of us just watched our drunk friends have fun.

Rue seemed upset about something, I guessed Lexi noticed before me and asked, "Are you okay?"

"I dont know" Rue shook her head with one leg resting on the other

"Does she normally drink?" I asked out loud referring to Jules. Rue shook her head, "No."

"Then something is definitely going on" Lex added as the three of us watched Jules dance, "this must be weird for you"

Rue looked at Lexi confused so she continued, "being a teenager but not being able to do teenager stuff" Lex smiled sympathetically

"Well when I'm an adult I wont be able to do adult things either" Rue shrugged

I was looking around the party when I spotted Gia with Roy and Troy, "Is that Gia?" I asked

Rue and Lexi both turned around to see what I was looking at, "You gotta be fucking kidding me" Rue said now pissed off. Just another added inconvenience tonight..

Rue stormed over to where they were with Lex and I following close behind

"What are you doing here?" Gia asked taken aback from her sisters grand entrance

"The fuck are you doing here?" Rue switched the question around. The apple isn't falling far from the tree.

"Getting lit" Roy or Troy said, I don't fucking know the hood boogers look the same to me

"I'll deal with you later" Rue points to Gia but turns her attention to the boy next to her sister, "but you, get the fuck up"

"What-"

"I said get the fuck up" Rue forcefully grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him off the couch

8:00 pm

Rue and I got separated because Jules had dragged her off somewhere. Thankfully Yami came back to chill with me while Silas and Aaron were playing beer pong with the other guys.

"I don't know, halloween isn't really hittin this year" Yami said to me as we drank whatever alcohol mixture we had chosen. I think I mixed Henny and Malibu in this bitch because my eye sight was looking a lil Stevie Wonder.

"We should of went trick or treating" I nodded agreeing with her. Suddenly Rue raced passed us heading to the door, Yami and I looked at each other before following our curly haired friend

"Rue?" I said as we reached outside where she was, "What happened?"

Rue turned around to us with tears in her eyes, "um..I'm a burden"

"What?" Yami asked looking at Rue sadly. We both knew this feeling too well, something all of us bonded over but it hurt to see Rue so upset.

"I-I'm sorry-Just im a burden and it is what it is, and its embarrassing, and it's stupid but um its true ... and I'm sorry" Rue stuttered though her sentence

I hugged her tightly not wanting my friend to say those kinds of things about herself because they aren't true—far from the truth, "Rue don't say that" I said to her, "you're not a burden"

"FAR from a burden" Yami agreed rubbing Rue's back. I wondered what had her so upset but then Jules came outside.

"Ruee!" Jules smiled drunkenly, "what's wrong?"

"I think we're gonna head out" Yami said to Jules who didn't like that idea.

"No nooo" Jules said coming up to us, I let go of Rue but still stood next to her, "it's just cause you aren't dancing with me" Jules wrapped her arms around Rue

"Thats not it Jules" Rue frowned pulling out of the hug lightly

"Jules..you're soaking wet and drunk" Yami said

"Your dry and dressed as a basic playboy bunny" Jules came back at her. Yami looked at me and I looked at her before I started to laugh knowing she got my sister fucked up.

Jules was boutta fuck around and find out

"Bitch I'll down you in the pool, don't fucking play with me" Yami said to Jules

"Yami-" Rue tried to interrupt but my sister wasn't having it

I didn't want to cause a scene cause these are white folks, and we're black.

"We're gonna leave now" I said grabbing Rue's hand

Jules rolled her eyes, "Don't be boring" she scoffed, "everyone in this town is wo fucking boring. I cant!"

"Um..would you like to come with us Jules?" Rue asked and Yami scoffed loudly

Jules shook her head no and I felt a wave of relief come over until Rue asked, "How are you gonna get home?"

"I don't knoww" Jules laughed and spun around still very drunk, "and i don't care" she said going back inside

"You ready?" Yami asked Rue but she shook her head.

"I cant leave her" Rue sighed and went back inside, I shook my head annoyed and went back inside to follow Rue. I was gonna get this bitch home and away from this shitty situation.

Rue followed Jules all the way to the kitchen and was attempting to stop her from getting another drink.

"Yo, I cant" Yami shook her head, "text me when you're ready to leave, I'm boutta go find Silas." I was about to reply but people started chanting.

"NATE"
"NATE"
"NATE"

The crowed yelled as him and Maddy walked in like they were the queen and king of England. Nate lead them to a table that had more cups and drinks on it, he picked her up sitting Maddy on the table then kissed her.

Jules stood there staring at the whole interaction with wide eyes like she saw a ghost. Rue looked at Jules then saw who she was looking at and something had to of clicked inside or her because suddenly Rue was completely tense and clinched her fists.

"Lets go home" I told Rue having a bad feeling, she thankfully listened this time but didn't take her eyes off of Nate.

"Wait- where are you going?" Jules asked Rue but we ignored her and left the party

"I hate that motherfucker" Rue said still pissed off as we walked down the sidewalk, "I'll kill him"