This party is too crowded, but I guess that was to be expected on Halloween night. It’s the perfect night for everyone to let loose and be someone else—look like someone else. I couldn’t even tell you who have the people here are. Everyone’s fully immersed in their roles.

We came to this party separately, seeing as you wanted to get ready and pregame with your friends. So, I’ve been here for about 20 minutes now, having shown up with a few of my friends who’ve promptly dispersed into the crowds following girls in skimpy costumes.

I’m leaning up against the wall, a beer in my hand, waiting for you to show up. It’s kinda hard to see through this stupid mask though. Don’t know how I got Mitch to talk me into wearing it. You had begged and pleaded for me to dress up, but I’m not about all that. I came in just my regular clothes, telling people I dressed up like myself. Mitch was so embarrassed for me that he gave me his Ghostface mask. You have no clue that I’m wearing it, and I’m kind of excited to see what your reaction will be.

My eyes are peeled on the front door of this frat house, and finally you walk in. Your whole friend group came as slutty insects, you being a ladybug. You look somehow both adorable and completely sinful. I watch as your eyes scan the heavy crowd, no doubt looking for me.

That’s when the plan forms in my head.

As you walk further into the party, heading for the drinks table with your head still on a swivel looking for me, I make my way over to you. Maybe obtaining this mask wasn’t such a bad idea? Gives me the chance to do a little…loyalty test if you will.

I down the rest of my beer behind the mask before I get too close, giving my new character a reason to get close to you. The overhead lights get dull as I enter the kitchen, only three steps behind you like some kind of stalker. You don’t even look back, eyes pointed forward over the crowd as you grab a seltzer, still looking out for me.

I sneak up beside you, dropping my voice to a deeper octave to hide my identity. “I like your costume…”

You peer over at me, taking in the mask, and luckily not the person behind it. I’m really hoping you can’t tell that it’s me. Your face doesn’t look very impressed, so that might be a good sign.

“Thanks…” you mutter. Fine enough answer, but I’d rather you had started screaming ‘I HAVE A BOYFRIEND’ instead.

“You might just be the sexiest little ladybug I’ve ever seen,” I lay it on thick, letting you know of my stranger’s personas intentions. I take a small step towards you, caging you in, anticipating your next move.