I waited for Beckys response.
Okay. Text me when you know, she finally said.
I felt awful keeping Becky in the dark about Alexanders party. She was my best friendI included her in everything. For that matter, she was the only one Id ever included. If it wasnt for Becky, Id have been totally alone all of my life. This was the thanks she gotbeing excluded from an intimate gathering hosted at the Mansion. But I had to remind myself of the reason I was having the party in the first placeto keep her safe and mortal.
I was really shaken by my dream. Imagining Becky as a vampireand how much she enjoyed itjolted me. I liked my best friend just the way she was.
But the dream felt so real. The fact that my best friend became a vampire before I became one haunted me. I was struckby jealousy. No one in this town wanted to be a vampire more than I did. Not Becky, or a Pradabee, or an unsuspecting soccer snob. If anyone was going to be bitten in this town, it was going to be me.
When the final bell rang, marking my freedom from the doldrums of Dullsville High, I met Becky at our lockers. Do you mind dropping me off at Annies Antiques? I asked.
Ill go, too, she said as she loaded her books in her backpack and I unloaded mine into my locker. I have nothing to do this afternoon.
I was planning on buying goodies for the party. How could I do that in front of her?
Are you sure? I asked. You know how I can dawdle forever. I dont want you to miss doing your homework.
Ive already finished it during study hall, she said proudly.
Then why are you taking home all your books?
The real question is why didnt you take any of yours?
Becky was as good a student as she was a friend.
I have things on my mind, I said. I planned on doing my homework in the morning.
She shook her head, as my mother had done a thousand times.
We exited the building, got into her truck, and drove the few miles to Annies.
Annies Antiques was one of my favorite haunts. A Victorian-style home was turned into an antiques store, each room filled with knickknacks, furniture, and artwork.
Annie greeted me with a warm hello. She was one of the few store owners who didnt judge me by the way I was dressed, assuming I was going to vandalize or shoplift. The antiques store was also one of the few stops in Dullsville where I regularly bought merchandise.
She wore an oversized leopard-print shirt with a black faux-fur collar and black rayon pants. Two golden retrievers roamed throughout the rooms and slept by Annies stool. What are you looking for today? she asked.
Nothing in particular. Just browsing.
I got some new things in that might interest you, she said, pointing to a nearby doorway.
I strode across the Victorian homes hardwood floors, which were weathered by all the foot traffic and furniture being moved in and out. On a small table covered with black lace fabric were items from Halloweens past.
Coveting all the goodies, I gathered as many things as I could hold, as if at any moment there could be a swarm of competitive shoppers.
You could use a shopping cart, Becky said, helping me place the various decorations on the counter.
Look at these! Becky presented me with three fake tombstones. You can put them in your room.
Absolutely!
I found a box of skeleton lights perfect for hanging by the gazebo.
Im not sure that all the bulbs work, Annie confessed when I brought them to my already rising pile of merchandise.
It doesnt matter, I said, unfazed. They are a must-have.
I found some lace place mats, dragon-headed candlesticks, and a ceramic raven.