It was October 13th, and I was getting excited about the Halloween party Gary and I was invited to. Every year our friends, Dan and Pam, put on a private costume party for a selected group of friends. It was curious, but this was the first year we were invited to the party. When I asked Pam why we weren't asked before, she replied; "
The other members of our group are hesitant about bringing in new people to our party. This year, they were interested in bringing in some new blood into the group. I suggested you and Gary, and they approved! So here you are!
" I felt her explanation was good enough, and I was thrilled to be included. I knew there were doctors, lawyers, and CEOs that attended this gala event. Pam added that we needed to wear costumes that depicted something very creative!
Gary and I thought about our costumes over the weekend, and Monday we went out to get them. We thought we came up with the most original costumes and accessories to wear for the party. We first stopped at Garden Ridge and then Home Depot. When we got home I found our invitation in the mail. For the first time in years, I was looking forward to the festive evening.
We arrived at Dan and Pam's house at 7:45 PM. That gave us enough time to put on our costumes before we knocked on the door at 8. I noticed that there were a lot of expensive cars in the driveway and along the street. I said something to Gary, and he was surprised. "
Wow, there's a Lotus, several large BMWs, a Ferrari, and several Corvettes! I don't think we'll challenge them in status,
" he remarked.
We walked up to the door and rang the bell. When the door opened, a large man dressed in a tuxedo asked to see our invitation. Since my costume didn't have any pockets, Gary handed the black card to him. "
Everyone here has to wear a mask,
" He stated. We were stunned that we didn't know about that requirement. "
Follow me and you can pick one out.
" As we walked through the door, we turned right and walked into the study. There on the desk were about 14 masks for us to choose from. Gary picked one that only covered his eyes, and I picked a feathered one that covered my entire face. The doorman shook his head in approval and led us into the ballroom.
At the double doors, the doorman announced our arrival. Looking toward me he announced: "
Please welcome The Brick...
" and looking toward Gary he said;
"...and the Bricklayer.
" I was wearing a huge brown styrofoam rectangle with ACME written down the middle. Gary was wearing white overalls, a painter's hat, and had a trowel and bucket with him. Everyone laughed and clapped in appreciation. I felt that we had made a good costume choice.
When we went into the room, I noticed that the lighting in the room was dim and lit with red lamps and candles. There were cobwebs hanging around the room, and the furniture was covered with old sheets giving it a ghostly appearance. There was a layer of fog floating along the floor, and eerie organ music was playing in the background. Looking around the room I saw a couple dressed as a Medieval King and Queen, a male and female police officer, a couple dressed as clowns, and even a couple dressed as an angel and a devil. There must have been about 30 couples there including us.
"
Hello there, I'm glad you could make it!
" one of the ladies said to us. It sounded like Pam, but I wasn't sure. "
We're glad to be here,
" Gary replied not wanting anyone to suspect we were the new couple. "
Make yourself at home, mingle, and have some drinks and snacks. But don't exchange names. The games will commence at 10,
" she said. "
And by the way, your costumes are fabulous!
" she added.
We mingled, and everyone was friendly. But it was very hard not asking anyone what he or she does for a living, or introducing yourselves. It was difficult talking to strangers about nothing in general. We had a few drinks from what appeared to be a bubbling red cauldron, and began feeling comfortable with everyone there.
Sharply at 10 PM, the lights flickered, and on the upper balcony the doorman announced; "
Let the games begin.
" And for the next hour and forty-five minutes, we played four rather fun
adult
games. Gary was teamed up with three of the women, and I was teamed up with their husbands. At first I was angry with him getting their attention, but when I received attention from the men, I forgot about Gary. In the back of my mind I wondered what the rest of the night had in store...
Just before midnight, the sky began to explode in light and the roar of thunder shook the windows. I could hear the rain and hail pounding on the roof. It was such a spooky feeling. In fact, it was a night I expected Halloween to be like. I looked around and everyone seemed to be moving here and there with a preplanned purpose. I thought it was funny I never ran into Pam or Dan once.
At midnight a large bell chimed in the hour. Again at the top of the balcony, the doorman stated; "This year the costumes were better than ever. It was close, but the winner of the contest is The Brick and The Bricklayer. Would you please come up to the balcony to accept your prize." Everyone applauded as we made our way up the staircase. When we got to the top, we were given a large gift-wrapped box. "
This is not to be opened until you get home, do you understand?
" the doorman said in a commanding tone. "
We understand,
" I replied and we walked down the stairs.
After everyone congratulated us, we were escorted out the door. I thought it was strange that we were the first
and only