I had arrived at my best friend Hayley's costume party. She had one now and then, and plenty of people from the neighborhood would show up. It was traditionally a costume party--everyone would dress up so as to be almost completely unrecognizable. That day, I was dressing as a skeleton. I wore a skeleton hoodie and leggings, as well as some black shoes. I had also painted my face to look like a skull's, and my hands to look like skeleton hands.

After a few moments, Hayley, dressed as a punk rocker, opened the door. We had already told each other what we were dressing as in advance, so I knew it was her. The music was twice as loud with the door open. "Hi Tyler, come in!" she shouted, and I entered the apartment.

The hallway led into the living room. People, dressed in elaborate costumes, were everywhere. Some sat on the chairs and couches, while others stood around and joked and laughed. I was pretty sure I could see people dancing out of the corner of my eye, in the dining room. A folding table sat against the wall, covered in snacks, including enough candy to give a whole busload of kids a sugar high. Hayley really loved candy. Beneath the folding table were several coolers, presumably full of beer. Seeing as I wasn't big on drinking, I got a coke from the fridge instead.

"You look great!" Hayley shouted. The music was so loud; I wondered how the owner of the apartment complex hadn't stormed upstairs to complain. Maybe Hayley had bribed him with any leftover candy.

"Thanks, you do too!" I shouted back. Her hair was dyed orange, as usual. She was wearing a choker, a black band t-shirt, ripped black skinny jeans, and doc martens.

For most of the beginning of the party, I wandered around. I wasn't much of a social person. I had always had one good friend (namely Hayley), but beyond that I was sort of a loner. That was fine with me, though; you learn more about people by just listening rather than joining in on the conversation.

_________________________

Art by C. HENRY (I think that's what it says xD)