"I just don't get it."

Wincing, you try once again to explain your costume. "Look, I'm wearing aviator goggles and a flight jacket, right? And I'm carrying a shovel. Because I'm the ace of spades, see?"

Your friend Adam raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, no, that's… that's clever. Definitely. You should go with that."

"Screw you," you reply, going back to scarfing orange and black M&M's and watching Freddy vs. Jason. Whatever, some people have no appreciation for subtle humor. Changing the subject, you say, "Remind me again what you're doing tonight?"

"I told you, we're going to the cemetery to have a party - Mike's bringing some food, Smitty's got drinks, and Tom promised to make a Halloween mix. We're gonna hang out, tell some ghost stories, and make fun of whoever wants to leave first. You should come." Grinning, he adds, "You know, Jamie asked me earlier if you were going to be there… maybe you two can hold hands to keep from getting scared."

Privately you think that doesn't sound like such a bad idea, but instead you sigh. "Yeah, but my mom was hinting that she wants me to take my little brother out trick-or-treating. And Jason and Beth said something about stopping by later to watch some scary movies… I don't want to leave them hanging."

"Your loss," Adam shrugs, snapping the last piece of his Hellboy costume into place. "Well, you know where to find us if you change your mind." Rising, he walks to the front door and exits just as your mother comes downstairs.

"Oh, there you are, dear. Listen, are you going to be able to take your brother trick-or-treating? I would, but I have that last-minute Halloween party to go to. I know it would mean a lot to him if you'd be willing to."

Before you can answer, the doorbell rings. "Hold on, Mom, I'll be right back." Answering it, you find Beth and Jason on your front step, smiling and holding what looks like every horror film Blockbuster had on their shelves. "Let us in, bitch, it's cold out there," Beth says by way of greeting, sliding past you into the entryway. Jason gives you a grin and follows her as you hang up their coats; but before you can catch up, your cell phone buzzes.

What now? you groan, seeing it's a text message from your friend Erin. Opening it, you read: going to smash pumpkins and TP houses. you in? meet @ my place in 10. Weighing your options, you walk back into the main room to find your mother looking at you expectantly and Beth waving a DVD in the air. It's time to make a decision.

If you decide to take your brother trick-or-treating, click HERE.

If you want to attend the graveyard party, click HERE.

To indulge your delinquent side with Erin, click HERE.

If you'd rather just stay in and watch scary movies, click HERE.