Andlat's Story Spot

“How about this?” Janet asked, pulling out a fuzzy white rabbit costume. “I know you like Bunnydale!” “No way!” Tommy said. How had this happened? Eric and Jake had left him in Janet’s care and no matter how many costumes she held up, he knew he would never find a Halloween costume in the Three and Under aisle. Janet gave his hand a squeeze. “I know you were a cutie pumpkin last year, but maybe you could do it again this year!” “No way.” Tommy snarled. “Oh, right. You're a big boy now. Your brother told me you're almost totally potty trained!” Janet beamed as if that was a great accomplishment for a boy in ninth grade. “Are you still dry?” “Yes!” Tommy jumped away from her before she tried to check, trying to redirect both the conversation and the costume search. “I think there's more costumes over here.” He turned the corner, desperate to change the conversation. “Oh!” He nearly walked into a wall of pink frills and sparkles. “Those are girl costumes, silly.” Janet ...

"Did you get it?" Max asked. He was so excited, Dan thought, that he actually looked away from his computer. He grinned and nodded. "Course I did. Party's tonight, isn't it?" "Can I see it?" "Calm down. Had to pull a lot of strings to even get them to agree to let you come to the party. Don't go ruining it by acting like some dorky little kid." "I'm not some little kid!" "But you are a dork? Interesting." He laughed. "Just kidding bro. You're not a little kid, so then start acting like it, dude. It's all juniors and seniors. You're the only ninth grader who was invited, so don't blow this." "Can I see the costume?" "It's pretty sophisticated. I'm gonna have to help you put it on, but trust me. It's boss." "Really?" He grinned from ear to ear. "But I really think you shouldn't see it until you've got it on." He frowned. That s...

“We’re going to Jake’s?” “Yes!” Eric said. “Geez, don’t you ever listen?” “Why do you have so much stuff?” Eric sighed. “God, you’re so darn nosey. Haven’t you learned that that gets you into trouble?” He smirked. “‘speically since we’re going to Jake’s.” Tommy blushed. Ever since the tiger incident last Halloween, almost every time Eric and Jake got together, they seemed to trap Tommy in some sort of babyish predicament. He had gotten good at avoiding them, but now? Now he had no choice. “If you must know, Jake and I are gonna go do some pranks.” “Yeah, right. I bet you’re gonna sneak out for trick or treating even though you said you’re too old. Bet your costume’s in there!” He got a peek at something orange before Eric jerked the bag away. “Swear to god, we’re doing pranks.” He said. “And what? I’ll just sit at his house?” “You can come with us if you want.” Eric shrugged. “But we run faster than you.” “That’s stupid.” Tommy groaned. “Well, whatever. Watch scary movies or ...

"But why, mom?" "Because." She said, sighing wearily. "It's your turn this year. You just have to take Eric around the neighborhood." "None of his friends need a freaking chaperone." "Watch your tone, young man." Mom replied, frowning. "It's our rule as a family. You should feel flattered that I consider you mature enough to do it." "It's Halloween!" "So? Do you have plans?" "No..." "You'd spend all night pouting if I made you hand out candy while I took Eric out,so this works better." "But" "No buts, mister." That was how Tommy ended up walking out of the house with his brother Halloween evening. Eric was dressed as a vampire, probably the dorkiest costume imaginable in Tommy's mind. "Why are we going so early?" Tommy asked irritably. "I told you!" Eric said. "I need to go over to Jake's house first. It's his firs...