Member-only story
Thirteen Before Midnight
Blood dribbled down Madeline’s chin as her mother hugged her. The fake blood tablet wasn’t supposed to burst until Hope’s house, but her mother’s suffocating embrace wrecked that plan.
“Mom, you’re squeezing the blood outta me. Literally!”
“I can’t believe you’re spending Halloween without me.” Her mother’s eyes glistened. “I didn’t realize last year was my last time taking you trick-or-treating.”
“I’m thirteen! We made a deal. Straight A’s, excellent character awards, and I get to spend Halloween with Hope.” Madeline adjusted her black cape. Blood stained her pale chin, making her plastic vampire fangs look sinister.
“Are you sure I can’t drive you?”
“It’s a block away, Mom.” She waved goodbye and disappeared into the evening, which had taken on an almost dreamlike blue tint.
Madeline passed mummies, witches, and princesses before reaching Hope’s house, glowing with orange and purple lights. Hope sat outside dressed as an angel.
“Cute,” Madeline scoffed.
They’d only become friends three weeks earlier, but their mothers had met, and Hope’s parents seemed normal enough.
“Your blood looks so real!” Hope squealed.
