Mischief Night Magic
Sequel to 
Cemetery Shenanigans
Part Two: Making Plans

The English language is full of idioms. One of the simpler ones is “Time flies when you're having fun.” I'm not sure how true that is, but it seemed I soon lost myself in my work. The simple act of bending down, picking up a weather worn trinket and tossing it into the trashcan before moving on to the next one was like a simple form of meditation to me.

Looking back, yes it was back breaking work, but that only because I was so out of shape. Despite my slim figure. I was in terrible shape. Weeks of doing nothing but sitting in front of the glowing screen of my television in my room, playing countless hours of mind numbing video games had sapped the body of its vitally. I came to the understanding that I'd abandoned all social life to acquire the skills of a gamer. And my friends who had followed me on this path were the kind that kind of twisted me. 

I found myself wanting more from life. The fresh air seemed to almost heal my lungs, the sweat that was pouring from my brow almost seemed like a shower to wash away the former life I'd once led. As the hours melted away, I found myself coming up with plans. I resolved to do better in school, to really buckle down and get ready for my Junior and Senior Year next year. Those would be critical. 

To start looking into college applications too, instead of doing what my dad wanted me to do. My dad told me college would be a waste of my time and his money. Every so often he would in a frank tone of voice tell me that I needed to get a proper haircut, go ahead and start manning up. Because I only had three roads ahead of me. The first one was to let him use his connections and get me hired at Benton Brickwork as a clean up guy. Then with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work I could climb the ladder like him and become a foreman. 

The other choice was to follow in my uncle's footsteps and join the local road crews. My uncle worked with the county and helped keep the roads between Yazoo City and Benton Clean as a whistle. It was a good career I guess. The third and final career choice for me was to go ahead and join the army.

“I gotta find a way to pay for college too.” I added as I peered up into the sky. In my old life I was content in drifting from one day to the next. I never really bothered to plan for anything. But since my meeting with Gwen, things have changed. I felt myself starting to change as a person, my way of thinking was starting to change.  If I was going to live the rest of my life as 'Heather Delilah Soenksen' I needed to start getting myself together.

“Hey Heather!” Cried Gwendoline Potter as she appeared on the scene. She paused and looked around and nodded her approval. “Good job girl! Looking good. Keep this up and I might even make you my full time helper.”

I blushed at the praise.

“Okay, its twelve o' clock on the dot. Break time. Why don't we head back to my cottage. I can fix you something to eat and we can chat and catch up.” She paused. “This would be a good chance for me to learn a little more about my newest helper!” Gwendoline said with a caring smile.

At first I was going to decline Gwendoline’s offer for lunch. But then my stomach started to growl and a small bead of sweat, much like the sweat drop you see on Saturday morning anime's appeared at the back of my head. I'm not going to lie to you, I was a few pounds overweight and I was doing my best to slim down as fast as possible. I really hated how chubby my tummy appeared.

All of the other girls had curving bodies and flat tummies. But my gamer diet of pepperoni hot pockets, mountain dew and instant ramen  had really packed on the pounds. Not a lot, just enough to make me hate myself. Also doordash had proven a thorn in my side as well.

“Can I keep working?” I said blushing. “I still have so much to do..”

“Nonsense girl. You've been going hard for five hours. You need a break, and I need a break too. Besides what we don't get done today we can do another day. Weather permitting of course.” 

Then it seemed that Gwendoline had noticed my stomach starting to growl, she looked up at me and smiled a little smile before shaking her head to the left and then shaking it to the right.

“And besides, it seems like you're hungry. You're a teemager and teenagers need to eat. Come on, the weather app. My phone says it's supposed to get nasty this afternoon. We'll call it a day here and over lunch we'll decide on another day to come back and finish cleaning.”

“Sounds good.” I said smiling and with that I tossed the last few trinkets I'd collected into a nearby waste can and followed Gwendoline back to her cottage. Once we reached the cottage I was ushered inside the cottage and into the kitchen. 

The air inside the kitchen was warm and cozy. Gwendoline and I'd gathered around the old wooden table that seemed to be the center of the kitchen. The lunch Gwendoline had fixed was a simple one, a small bowl of rich, thick tomato soup. And a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Simple, feeling above all southern to the core.

“So.” Gwendoline said as we settled in to enjoy our meal after Gwendoline had said grace 

“So,” Gwendoline decided to start things off. “Tonight is Mischief Night, that is the night before Halloween. Have any plans?” She asked as she stirred her soup with her spoon. “Going to smash any pumpkins? Or do you plan to fork someone yard?” She asked.

I shook my head. 

“Not really, my friends wanted me to help them fork the Potter's front yard.” I said as I stirred my soup. “I told them they really needed to mature or they'll end up alone on prom night.” I rolled my shoulders. 

Gwendoline blinked and blinked again.

“Also they wanted to egg the Brewer House, you know Kayla Brewer, the woman who owns Brewer Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch out here on the highway. Her wife is the hostess of the 'Heather's House Party' and their daughter Madeline is the belle of the town.”

Gwendoline nodded her head again.

“I told them to fox off and then scolded them for picking on people. I told them even though those were nothing but harmless pranks. They targeted people in the LGBTQ+ community and they have enough to worry about without two simple minded metalheads causing them trouble on Mischief night. “

“Good for you!” Gwendoline said. “But how did your friends take it?” 

“They said I've gone 'pussy' on them and that if I was going to be such a wet rag on them. I could somebody else to hang out with. I told them fine and so I broke off a friendship that had been solid since middle school.” I said, sighing.

“You can tell a lot about a person by the friends they have.” Gwendoline said. “It seems like that group of friends was nothing but trouble. And I'm glad you've decided to break off that friendship though it must have been hard. I'm sure you deserve better friends. And you will find better friends.”

I nodded my head.

“Yes, it just struck me, that most of my friends wanted to prank people that belong to the LGBTQ+ community. I know Benton for its size has an amazing number of people who fall within the LGBTQ+ banner. I mean you can tell because of the number of rainbow flags are often seen downtown.” I said taking a bite of my ham and cheese sandwich.

“There is some really progressive leadership in the city.” Gwendoline said, “Benton is not really growing, but it's enduring. I mean it's always going to a small town. But it has so much going for it to be such a small town and they do so much. There are some really good people on the board and the mayor is really small business friendly. While other townships in the delta have a kind of dying downtown area. Benton main street is booming. You have so many wonderful little shops and stuff.”

Silence fell over us.

“So,” Gwendoline said as she tried to break the silence. “Since you're not going to go causing trouble through the town tonight. Why don't you spend the night here.” She paused. “We can have a little sleep over. It would be like a slumber party! Oh I could give you a make-over too!” Gwendoline seemed to grow more and more excited with each minute that seemed to tick on by. 

“Sure..” I said blushing a little. “Can I use your phone to call home? My phone is kind of dead.” I said, flushing red. “I kind of forgot to put it on charge last night. And I was going to listen to some creepypasta while I was clearing up. But I'd noticed my phone was dead.”

“Of course.” Gwendoline said. I'd expected her to reach into her pocket and pull out her phone. Instead she turned around in her chair and pointed toward a phone that seemed fixed to the wall. “I don't normally carry my cell around with me. But you can use the house phone. Be sure to dial the area code first, otherwise you'll get a 'This call can not be completed' message.” She said as she returned to eating her soup.

I nodded my head and got up from the table and made my phone call. 

The phone rang at least a half of dozen times before my mom in a half asleep voice picked up the other end. I could tell she was half asleep because she sounded dead. She also sounded spaced out.

“Hello?” Came the groggy voice on the other end of the line. 

“Hey mom.” I said, taking a deep breath. “Would it be okay if I spend the night over a friends house tonight?” 

“Sure,” Mom said. “Just don't cause trouble tonight is Mischief night after all. I don't want to see you making the local paper or News Channel 12 or Three On Your side.” She said trying to inject some humor into the conversation. I could tell though she was still half asleep. And would soon fall fast asleep again.

“Right.” I said looking up the clock that hung on the wall of the cottage. It was one o' clock in the afternoon. Dad should be coming off his lunch break right now. He would still have about an hour or so to go before he could clock out and go home for the day. Dad normally worked the six till three shifts each day. 

“Could you tell daddy about me spending the night at a friends house?” I added it as an afterthought. I felt myself starting to flush red with color. Fifteen year old  boys never called there dad's 'Daddy' normally it was just 'Dad' or 'The old man'. 

There was a pause on the other end of the line.

“Sure.” And my mom discounted the call. Leaving me speechless as I held the head piece. Slowly I returned it back to the cradle. 

“Folks said it's okay.” I said as I turned to Gwendoline.

“Good.” Gwendoline said. “So, if I recall correctly you go to Benton High School.” She said smiling. “I know this for sure, because my niece's best friend attends Benton High School, and they were going to hold their first annual Halloween Dance.”

I blinked and blinked again.

“I was thinking about it, but I don't have a costume.” I said 

“Well, I know Spirit of Halloween just got a last minute shipment of costumes. I'll tell you what. While I wash these dishes and put them away. Why don't you go ahead and get a shower.” Gwendoline said with a smile. “Then you can get dressed. Then we can head into town to collect the supplies we need for our little party. We'll even swing over to Spirit and see if we can't find you that perfect costume.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I said smiling.

“Good.” Gwendoline said. “Now, why don't you go get that shower.”

And so I did. And here another chapter comes to an end

Mischief Night Magic
Sequel to
Cemetery Shenanigans
Part Three: Learning the Curve

“Okay Haddy.” Gwendoline said to me. “Before we go shopping I want you to get a good shower, I want you to deep condition your hair. I want you to shave under your arms, and to shave your legs too. Don't worry about your nether. I'll make an appointment in town with the stylist to handle that when prom and other major events come around.”

I blinked and blinked again.

“Just go get your shower.” Gwendoline said as she collected the plates from the table. “And be sure to get everything out of your pockets and put them in your dresser drawer. I've decided that that spare guest room will be your room from now till whenever I guess. I have some spare clothing too, so I'll lay out an outfit for you.”

“Okay. Thank you.” I said smiling. I was still searching for words, searching for words to express how I felt at this moment. For the first time in several days I felt at peace. I felt normal. It was like the missing pieces of my puzzle had been found and nudged into place.

I found the guest room and once more I emptied my pockets. My pockets held the normal junk I think you would expect a novice ghost hunter to have. Plus a few extra things that would make you raise an eyebrow. On the dresser I placed a Swiss Army knife, a leather zip purse that held an assortment of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. I think the total value came to around three dollars fifty cents. Or so did when I last counted it. An old leather pocket book that held an assortment of bills. Plus my Student ID. And my Mississippi Learners Permit. And finally a simple wooden Rosary.

Once I'd empty my pockets, I moved toward the shower. I quickly undressed, and stepped into the shower, the stream of hot water seemed to wash away the grit and grime. The warm steam seemed to open my lungs and once more I felt human again. Once I was soaked to the bone, I looked down and spotted a pink, safety razor sitting on the edge of the shower. Beside it was a bottle of shaving foam. I took a deep breath, I've shaved before, so shaving under my arms and legs should not be that hard. I mean really, how hard could it be?

Twenty minutes later, and I'd somehow managed to shave my legs and under my arms. Without cutting myself too bad. Once that little chore was done I tossed the razor into the paper waste can. I had dulled it to the point of no return in chopping away the forest of my tiny hairs that had covered my underarms and my legs.

“Hey Haddy!” I heard Gwendoline call out behind the bathroom door. “I'm leaving a bundle of clothing out by the door. “Once you towel off, be sure to go ahead and get changed and come find me okay! I want to get to Spirits before the after school rush crowd hits them.”

“Yes ma'am!” I called out as I started to towel off. I could not believe my luck, this was really going to happen! I could feel the butterflies starting to twirl around my stomach. I mean I'd often daydreamed of going out as a girl before. Anyway once I'd towed off I stepped out the doorway, I quickly noticed the bundle of clothing Gwendoline had left out for me.

Sitting in a neat, folded stack was a red skirt, a white blouse with mother of pearl buttons running down the middle. A cream colored sweater, a pair of white stockings. And on top one would find a satin bra, and french cut panties. My face steamed red as I noticed the bra and panties were the same color. To the side one would find a pair of high leather boots with a slight heel.

“Right.” Gwendoline said. “I noticed last time your bra and panties were a different color. You're a young woman now, and the first lesson all mothers teach their daughters is to match. That means your panties have to match the color of your bra. You don't want to be mismatched, that's the first big no-no of being a girl.”

I noticed that Gwendoline was wearing similar clothes. She wore a long, woolen skirt, red in color like the one she had laid out for me, and a cream colored sweater on top. Her long blonde hair hung down around her shoulders and a blue headband kept it from falling into her eyes.

“You have a lot of catching up to do young lady. I'm going to have my work cut out for me in the coming weeks it seems.” She said with a sigh. “But I guess that comes with being a big sister. And I am your big sister now.”

I blinked and blinked again, totally taken back by the “Big Sister” comment that Gwendoline had made. To be honest, I'd always wanted a big sister, or a big brother. I was an only child. Now, some might see being an only child as a blessing. But to me it was a curse, the first six of my life were very lonely. Sure I'd had friends at preschool and stuff, but those were not really friends. Those were just kids I was forced to be around.

“Something wrong Haddy?” Gwendoline asked as she peered at me.

“Oh no nothing..” I said I felt my cheeks bloom with color once again. “I was just thinking. Also when did you start calling me 'Haddy'?”

“Oh 'Haddy' is a nickname for 'Heather' , it's kind of my secret nickname for you. Most girls have nicknames for each other that they only use when they're alone. Now if you were acting a brat and I was to call you 'Heather' that would be a warning. Kind of like how a yellow light is a warning to slow down and prepare to stop. If I was to say 'Heather Soeksen' then well that is a cue to kind of cool your heels before you get into some really big trouble. And if I was to yell 'Heather Delilah Soeksen' Then pretty much you're in for a warm bottom.” Gwendoline said,

I just nodded my head along with her words.

“Okay that enough chit-chat.” Gwendoline said. “You need to get dressed before you catch a chill.” She said looking dead at me and then as an after thought she added. “And you should have really shaved your nether region.” She added. “It looks like a bush.” She paused. “And that another thing we need to work on, your personal hygiene.”

I froze. It had just dawned on me that I had been standing in front of Gwendoline for the last five minutes, naked as the day I'd entered into this world with everything on full display. Gwendoline though, did not seem to mind.

“There no need to shy around me, were sisters now. Sisters sometimes see each other naked, not all the time, that would be weird. Just sometimes.” Gwendoline said shrugging her shoulders. “Now hurry up and get dressed. I have a shopping list a mile long. And I would love it, if we could make it to Dollar General before they ran out of Halloween candy. I don't feel like scraping eggs off the side of my cottage because I ran out of candy. And I don't want to spend All Soul's Day collecting broken plastic forks and struggling to get toilet paper out of the willow trees and shaving foam off my car. “

I blinked and for a moment I forgot I was standing there naked as the day I came into this world.

“Oh it's the same every year. Some kids come knocking on my door. There is this weird rumor going around town that I'm a witch. Can you believe that me Gwendoline Mary Potter a witch of all things.” She seemed to chuckle a little.

I nodded my head and slowly started to go back into the bathroom.

“Anyway, some kids, normally teenagers that are just a little too old to be out trick or treating come knocking on my door. Normally they want me to perform a spell for them or see some magic performed. I normally just tell them off and tell them to go home before I call the police on them. Because like I said before teenagers don't need to roam around the grave at night. Weird things happen out there. I've seen all manner of strange things since becoming the gravekeeper here.” Gwendoline heaved a sigh. “I mean you've seen it with your own eyes right?

“I guess.” I said, trying to remember that fateful night I first stumbled into Gwendoline's cottage wearing an old wedding dress I found stuck away in an old steamer trunk that had been shoved into a cobweb covered corner of my grandmother's attic. I remembered the dress kind of smelled like moth balls and barely fit me. But I did remember being chased by something, some crazy woman with a sharp axe who had blood red eyes and a wicked smile.

“Anyway you need to get dressed. We have a lot of shopping to do. First we need to hit up Spirit of Halloween and find you a costume. Then we need to swing by Dollar General and pick up some Halloween Candy, and some basic items for you. Like your own hairbrush, your own body wash, your own razor, your own shaving foam.” She rattled off the shopping list in a sing-song voice.

I nodded my head and retreated with the bundle of clothing clutched closed to my naked chest. I returned a few moments later dressed in borrowed clothing. Once more I felt complete. Once I was dressed, I started to move from the bathroom into the hallway and down toward the living room. As expected I found Gwendoline sitting in one of the old, overstuffed chairs, a yellow legal note pad sitting upon her lap and a black ink fountain pen being balanced in her hand.

“Hey kiddo.” She said as she looked up from her notepad.

“What are you writing?” I asked. At that moment I felt myself overcome by curiosity.

“Just writing out a list of things we need when were knocking around town.” Gwendoline said with a little smile. “Also making a list of clothing items you're going to need. I mean it's true that big sisters often pass down stuff like shirts, blouses, skirts and stuff to the little sister. But I kind of want you to develop your own style.” She said with a small smile. “So one day, maybe before Thanksgiving I'll pick you up at your house and drive you to the either North Park Mall or Metro Center Mall.”

I nodded my head. And took a deep breath.

“Hey Gwendoline, would you mind if I ask a question?” I asked, the words seemed to shoot out of my mouth. I wanted to ask the question before self doubt took hold. That or before my courage failed me. That is one of my major weaknesses. I often overthink things and get tongue tied when I'm talking to a person face to face. When I talk to somebody, say on Discord or through Email. I have the comfort of reading what I'm saying before I press the enter key. That in itself gives me a small measure of comfort.

“Sure.” She said as she pushed the legal pad to the side. “That's what big sisters are for.”

“Do you really think I'm a girl? I mean I don't have breasts like a normal girl my age does, and I have a you know?” I pointed down to my nether region with my index finger.

Gwendoline blinked and leaned back in her chair.

“Heather, when I first laid eyes on you that night. I knew you were a girl trapped inside a boy's body. How you might ask? Simple, because you had taken time to fix your hair and make-up like any woman would do on her wedding day. You also had if I'd recalled correctly stuffed the bra you were wearing.” She said in a simple, matter of fact tone of voice. “Sure you have some plumbing issues that need to be worked out. And sure the boob fairy needs to come visit you and bless your chest. But all those we can work out in time.” She added as she stood up from her chair and slowly she moved toward me.

“What matters now is you come to love who you are.” She added as she drew her arms around me, a few seconds I felt her pulling me close to her chest. She then pulled me close to her bosom. “And as your big sister. I'm going to be there to guide you. But I can only walk beside you, its up to you to do a lot of the work yourself.”

For a moment a peaceful silence filled the room as Gwendoline snuggled me. A few minutes later, she released me from her hold.

“Okay, little sister, we have a lot of shopping to do. So we need to get a move on.” And with that another chapter in this strange and wonderful saga comes to an end.

Mischief Night Magic
Sequel to
Cemetery Shenanigans
Part Four: Basic Supplies

Dollar General's are ubiquitous to small southern towns. If a settlement can support a hundred families, then you're sure to find a Dollar General there. In Benton, you have only three real places to shop. If you're looking to buy fresh meat, fresh produce and fill your pantry then you're going to go to the Sunflower Food Store. If you're looking for something special, say local specialty goods then you're going to hit up Potter's Mercantile. For everything else there is also Dollar General.

Dollar General is your one stop shop for everything from toothpaste to oil for your lawnmower. Also going to one is an adventure within itself as normally the stock sits on the floor. Also shopping at one can be a hazard to one's health as the isles are often crowded with buggies of stock, and littered with boxes. Anyway it seemed that Dollar General would be our first stop.

Now Benton has two Dollar Generals, the first one was located at the end of Main Street, which was a slightly bigger and upscale Dollar General. That was called a Dollar General Plus and carried a bit of fresh meat and a bit of fresh produce. And since that was the closest one to us, that was the one that Gwendoline and I decided to stop at first.

Now this was the first time I'd been out and about in full garb. So I was more than a little scared as Gwendoline pulled into the parking lot. She turned off the engine of her car and turned around and smiled at me. I noticed her smiling at me, and without thinking I reached up and wrapped a loose strand of my hair around my fingers. Her smile widened into a grin as she watched me play with my hair. Finally after a few minutes I could not take it anymore.

“Something the matter?” I asked as I turned away from my new found big sister. I could see my own reflection in the mirror above me, the face that peered back at me was not of a teenage boy. But of a teenage girl, a heart shaped face framed with strands of brown hair. Ones whose lips have been painted a light pink color and who's cheek bones seemed to glow like roses.

“You ready?” She said as she turned toward the shop. “Are you ready to take the first big step into womanhood?” She said as she hugged the steering wheel. She paused and then turned around. Her full attention was on me. “Are you ready to show the world who you are inside?”

I blinked and looked down at myself. It was hard to believe how I started that morning. This morning I wore an almost thread bare flannel shirt that was coming apart at the sleeves, a pair of fading jeans and a pair of old cowboy boots. You know your average run of the middle work clothes. That was this morning, it was now early afternoon and I was now wearing a nice, red woolen skirt, a white blouse, and a cream colored sweater for warmth and some really nice leather boots. And I'm not ashamed to say the lacy bra and panties that Gwendoline lent me made me feel more feminine than I could have ever hoped for.

“Yes.” I said after waiting a few moments.

“Cool. Oh and this is just a test run. Black Friday, you and I are so going to hit up the malls. I mean it, Friday we are going to launch an all out attack on Northpark. Then you are going to spend the night with me, we are going to regroup and Saturday you and I are going to attack Metro in full force.” She said with a wicked little grin. “It's going to be balls to the walls, shop til you drop, hunt them deals madness. And girl you are going to love it, trust me, once you taste the thrill of the hunt, there no turning back.”

I tilted my head to the side and peered toward Gwendoline. It seemed to me she was speaking in riddles. Gwendoline clearly saw the confusion on my face and taking a deep breath she sighed. If this was an anime, which sometimes I'm sure it is. A little white cloud would have appeared as she breathed out her frustrations.

“Okay. Heather girl. Here's the thing. You need a whole new wardrobe. And sure you can get some deals with the resale shops around here. But.. sometimes it's fun to spend hours just roaming around the mall looking for deals. Plus if you shop smart, which I do. You can get some good deals. And also, you need to learn how to shop. How to hunt out the best deals. How to stretch your money. And as your new big sister it's my duty to teach you how to get the most bang for your buck. Starting now.”

I blinked.

“Yep, see if you're going to spend the night with me, you need to have your own stuff. I mean I can't have you using my shampoo, my razor blades and my hairbrush all the time. And also you need your own deodorant. Because right now, and no it's not that noticeable, but you kind of smell like sweat. I mean you smell like soap too. And your hair smells nice, and the only reason I notice it is because I'm so close to you. But its a faint musty scent that needs some attention. Plus, like at the dance, you don't want to start dancing and flirting with a cute boy and when he goes for a kiss, he catches the winds of your sour smelling armpits. Major turn off. Or turn on depending on the boy..”

My face twisted in confusion.

“Listen. I'm just saying I've had some pretty weird boyfriends before. Like okay one boy instead of wanting to see pictures of my boobs, wanted me to send him pictures of my feet. Like he wanted to rub them and lick them and suck them. It was weird and we broke up after three or four dates. He was also bad in the sack and the only way he could get it up was if he could touch my feet.” Gwendoline shuttered a little.

“Oh.. My.. God..” I said jumping out of the car. “I'm going to pretend I did not hear that!” I said and then I noticed I was standing in the parking lot, and nobody was giving me a second glance. Nobody even seemed to notice my little outburst. I looked over to my right and noticed Gwendoline smiling a little as she peered at me.

“If your done being a little drama princess. We really need to get this show on the road.”

And I agreed with her. And with that we walked into the store. And the sight that greeted us was pure bedlam. The store looked like a tornado had blown through there. Boxes of unopened stock lay scattered about. And it seemed only one poor, confused guy was working. And judging by the look on his face he had no idea where to start. Poor guy, if I was him I would have thrown my hands up in the air and walked off. Anyway he seemed like the only one working.

“...” I blinked and turned toward Gwendoline. “You know, we could just go to the Sunflower Food Store ?” I suggested.

“NO! We're here and damn I'm going to find some Halloween candy if it's the last thing I do!”
Walking across the sales floor of a Dollar General is like walking across a battlefield, one that is littered with boxes and discharged stock. It's like digging for buried treasure, or searching through the ruins of a once great city. But despite my protest, Gwendoline was dead set on spending her money here. At last, we stumbled upon the Halloween section. And much to Gwendoline's relief she found her treasure trove of Halloween candy.

And she dove on it. I swear she brought out the whole display.

“Be sure to check the date. It could be from last Halloween.” I said as I stood there, looking at the rack of cheap costumes. I shuddered at the thought of wearing one of those to my first dance.

Gwendoline looked at me and for a second I thought she was going to chew me out, till she flipped the package over and looked at the date. After checking to see if the stuff was still good she tossed the bags into our shopping cart, or should I say buggy. Now the buggies at Dollar General were painted this bright yellow color and most were chipped and broken up. Ours seemed to be the newest of the lot. I'm sure that soon some kid would steal the thing. Or somebody would take it and use it as a make-shift wheelbarrow.

“Okay, now we need to head to the personal health aisle that should be toward the far side of the store.” Gwendoline said as she looked up in a vain attempt to read the signs.

“Keyword there sis 'Should be'.” I said as I took a deep breath. “Like everything in this disorderly, disorganized store. Nothing will ever be where it's supposed to be.”

Gwendoline sighed and nodded her head.

“Also we need to get you a new nightgown. I can't keep lending you clothes.” Gwendoline said as she wrapped her fingers around the buggy and started to steer it out of the crowded Halloween isle.

I must confess that I admired Gwendoline's driving skill as she navigated the crowded isle that was littered with boxes, and products. The isle's were narrow with hardly any room to turn around in. Finally though we found the personal health section. I was amazed at the sheer amount of beauty products they carried most seemed aimed toward tween, or teenage girls.

“Okay shampoo.” Gwendoline said as she reached up and tossed a bottle of unscented shampoo into the buggy. “Razor blades.” She tossed a pack of six pink disposable, plastic razor blades into the buggy. “Shaving cream.” She tossed three bottles of shaving cream into the buggy as well.

While all this was going on, I just stood there watching and blinking. Then something drew my attention toward one of the plastic bottles. It was a bright rainbow colored bottle and the picture on front of the bottle was that of a majestic looking unicorn. Without thinking I reached up and tossed two of the bottles into the buggy. Gwendoline blinked and without skipping a beat said.

“Okay that takes care of deodorant. Now we need it.” She picked up a wooden hairbrush and tossed it into the buggy. “A hairbrush.” She said as she checked off another item from the shopping list she had stashed in her mind. “And some hair ties. Always gotta have some hair ties.” She said as she tossed in a bundle of hair ties. “You can never, and I mean ever, have too many hair ties.”

I nodded my head. It seemed there was a lot more to being a girl than I thought.
“Okay that's enough to get us started. I'll let you use some of my make-up at home for the dance. But soon enough we'll need to get you a basic make-up kit. Cause if I'm right and I'm normally right about these types of things, you'll soon prove popular with the guys.”

I rolled my eyes at the last comment. I mean up till now I've gone the whole of my life, some fifteen years or so without even going on a date. Much less attended any kind of dance. But all that was about to change it seemed.

“Don't roll those pretty little eyes at me Heather.” Gwendoline said in a scolding tone of voice. “Or else you might find yourself going over my knee right here and now. And I mean that, I know teenage girls can be sassy little things. But remember, I'm your big sister. And I also control the purse strings too.” She added as she added a few more things to the buggy.

“Yes ma'am.” I said without thinking as I watched Gwendoline add more items to the buggy. “Also who's going to pay for all of this?” I asked as I watched her wheeled the buggy toward the clothing section that was located just in front of the check stands. Only one of the check stands seemed open and standing behind the cash register was a board looking teenager. One glance at her face told you she wanted to go somewhere else.

“I'll going to buy this stuff and your costume from Spirit. And maybe your first bra and matching panty set from Victorian Secretes. I strongly suggest you get your first brat from panty set from there. And that you let them measure you. You can also get some really nice scents from there.” Gwendoline paused. “Bra shopping is something girls do together because well you'll see. Let's just say there a nasty rumor going around about some weirdo who's stalking the mall. Like on one of my Facebook groups I'm part of. Somebody said some girl got raped in the movie theater behind the mall. So I'm going to be with you a lot. Safety in numbers and stuff. Plus I'm the only one with a valid drivers license.”

I nodded my head. Well after that little bit of talk Gwendoline picked out a nice, soft fleece nightgown for me, some socks, and a few extra pairs of underwear. Then we waited, and waited, a line that circled halfway around the store had formed while we had been shopping. And with only one register open, the line only seemed to inch forward every few minutes. At long last though it was our turn.

It was pushing five when Gwendoline and I left Dollar General. Gwendoline looked tired and so was I. But we still had one more stop to make. And with that in mind we loaded up Gwendoline's car and headed out for our next stop. Spirit of Halloween.

Mischief Night Magic
Sequel to 
Cemetery Shenanigans
Part Five: Costume Shopping 

It was around twilight when we left the parking lot of Dollar General. As we drove through the narrow streets of Benton, toward our next stop. Gwendoline seemed a little lost for words. She seemed lost in thought, she kept looking over me, and every time she would look at me she would smile. I returned the smile with one of my own. 

“You know. This is kind of fun. It's been ages since I've been into town. The town is really changing. I remember when I was your age. Benton seemed like the ends of the earth. That back before they started building the town up. At one time I was afraid Benton was just going to dry up, you know. Back in the early two thousands they closed up the saw-mill, and once the saw-mill folded we thought the final nail had been driven into the coffin. You know, Benton seemed to just bleed business and downtown looked like a ghost town.” She said as she slowly drove down the crowded downtown area. Both sides of the street were packed with business that seemed to be doing a booming trade.

“But you live in town?” I said blinking. I normally let Gwendoline ramble when she starts talking about the past. It's fun to just sit back and listen to her talk about growing up in the early two thousands.

“I do. It's just I don't get out much. I have no reason to.” She said, “Besides the once a week trip to the supermarket. And the twice a week trip to the post office. I really have no reason to leave the cemetery. And I get most of my stuff from Amazon anyway.” She added as she peered toward me. 

“So.” I said, taking a deep breath. “Where did you go to school? I'm sure you went to Benton Academy, I mean most of the Potters attend Benton Academy right? I mean from what I can tell, the Potter family pretty much founded the school.” 

“Yes, it's kind of a family tradition, you know. I mean old man Sherman Potter is the one who donated the land the school was built on and put up five thousand dollars for the construction of the school. That was back when five thousand dollars was a lot of money. It's still a lot of money, don't get me wrong. But back then  minimum wage was like twenty five an hour. And cokes were like a nickel a piece and a quarter could get you into the movies and another quarter could buy you a large popcorn and a large drink.” Gwendoline said. She then paused. And then as if it was nothing more than an afterthought she added. “That was before my time.”

I nodded my head and a peaceful silence seemed to fall between us. Fifteen minutes later, Gwendoline and I were pulling into the parking lot of what I must say is a Halloween superstore. The mascot of the store, a smiling grim reaper knock off, peered down at us. The store was located on Cotton Exchange Street and used to be an old cotton warehouse. Beside it was “Little John and Robin Hood Tavern” which was closed for now. And above the tavern was the old “Way Cafe” rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a teenage girl who killed herself. Benton seemed to be crawling with ghosts.

“So.” Gwendoline said as she stepped out of the car. “You know what you want to be?” She said as she started toward the front door.

“Not really.” I said, rolling my shoulders. “I wanted to cosplay as Alice, but then somebody told me that Lily Potter's going to be Alice. So that scratched that idea.” I added.
“What's wrong with there being two Alice's?” Inquired Gwendoline as she shifted her attention toward me as both she and I walked into the shop. We were greeted by a blast of warm air and the creepy cackle of a witch.

“It's a major social faux-pas to go show up for a dance wearing the same costume as somebody who's way higher on the social ladder than you are. Doing that gets your hauled before the cheerleader court. And the last girl that was hauled before the cheerleader court went fishing for brown trout and got a nice haircut out of the deal.” I said with a sigh.

Gwendoline blinked and blinked again.

“Okay.. so.. what are you going to dress up as?” Gwendoline asked as she and I started to move toward the teenager/young adult section of the store. Both she and I were so engrossed in the conversation that we totally tuned out the weird sights and sounds that surrounded us. That included that tree with the creepy eyes that moved its withered branches up and down while making a rattling sound.

“First off. Nobody says 'Dressing-up' anymore. We call it 'Cosplaying' that the proper term.” I said as I started to browse the racks. “And I don't know, thinking about some kind of maid outfit I was going to go full bunny suit, but I don't think you'll approve.”

Gwendoline rolled her eyes at the bunny suit comment. 

“Heather, you don't have the rack for one yet. Next year though sweetheart. The boob fairy might have finally made her away from visiting you and might have finally blessed that flat as a board chest of yours. But till then let's try to think with our heads and not our libido's.” Gwendoline said with a small smile as she stepped back and watched me dig through the rack of clothing.

“Whatever. So what are you going to be this year?” I asked as I kept flipping through the racks. Most of the costumes seemed sealed in some kind of plastic bag, so I could only judge the contents by the cheap looking photo stock photo that was in front.  Most of them seemed boring and dull, with such names as  'Sexy Nurse' and 'Flirty Alice and my personal favorite so far. 'Alluring Little Red Riding Hood.' What in God's good name did that even mean?!

“Oh I'm going as Benton's most enduring urban legend.” She said, smirking a little. “The one that's right up there with the 'Man Eating Tree' and 'The Headless Horsemen'.” Gwendoline as she found a nearby bench to sit on while I did my shopping. 

“Oh?” At last I'd seemed to stumble across a costume that was both within my price range and one that totally fitted my taste in fashion and hobbies. The costume was a black and white Lolita-Gothic inspired maid dress that was sexual enough to be alluring and yet modest enough to past the strict dress code that some old as the earth teacher would try to enforce. The package simply said. “Japanese Maid”.

“Yes.” Gwendoline said, smiling sweetly. “I'm going to be going as the famous 'Bloody Bride' , the ghost you really wanted to get a picture of. In fact you wanted to get a picture so bad that you trespassed into the city's cemetery in hopes of snapping a picture of her.” Gwendoline took a moment and paused. “Instead you got a scolding and a spanking.” 

“That was a long time ago.” I said puffing out my cheeks in a pout.
“Do you really count a week and a few days as 'Long time Ago' my sweet, but bratty little sister. Who needs to watch her tone of voice? Before she finds herself going over my knee again. Trust me, I'm not above pulling you over my knee right here and now, and giving you a good hand spanking over that skirted bottom. And when we get home. I'll be sure to make that a bare bottom spanking.” Gwendoline countered.

“It seems like a long time ago.” I added.

Gwendoline went silent at that remark.

“Okay, did you find something you like?” Gwendoline asked as she peered at me.

“Sure did.” I said holding up the clear plastic package. I swear I saw the gears inside Gwendoline's head starting to turn as she peered toward the package. Finally she rolled her shoulders and heaved a heavy sigh. 

“I was hoping for a cute, pink princess costume. But I guess you're at that age when cute costumes seem boring and you want something to draw attention to your developing body. So I'll give this one the Gwendoline seal of approval.” She said, hanging her head. She then lifted her head and a mischief smile came across her face.

“Also I wanted you to know that I'd volunteered to be one of the chaperons at the dance.” Gwendoline said with a smile. “After all, I have to keep a careful eye on my little sister, who is after all attending her first real dance and being social for the first time in her life.” 

“Why would I need a chaperon?” I inquired as I started to check out the stand. Another girl around my age was working the cash register. She was dressed in a kind of a knock off vampire costume. She looked bored and her eyes seemed glued to the clock above her head. No doubt she was counting down the remaining seconds, minutes and hours of her shift.

“Because some young, gallant, gentleman may try to talk you into the backseat of his car and try to put the moves on you. And while you can't become pregnant. I'm going to treat you like you can.” Gwendoline said in a matter of fact tone of voice.

“How about I want to have a little fling.” I said without thinking as the board girl started to scan items. Without thinking I added some temporary blue hair dye to the shopping list.

“Then I'll enroll you in a six week safe-sex course they give out once every three months at the local free clinic. And once you've completed the course. I'll allow you to chase any man you want too. Also I will demand that you carry with you a condom for your safety and his.” Gwendoline said in a matter of fact tone of voice. “And that you get tested after each little encounter.” 

My face turned beet red.

The girl behind the register just blinked and peered toward me and Gwendoline before in a bored tone of voice said.

“Okay your total comes to thirty three sixty two.” She said as she peered toward both of us. I felt like she was secretly judging me. It really put me on edge.
Without saying a word Gwendoline stepped forward and handed the girl her plastic debt card. The girl ran the card and a few moments later handed the card back to Gwendoline with a paper receipt. She then placed the costume and the hair dye in a plastic bag and handed it to me.

“Thank you for shopping at Spirit's. And have a spooky Halloween.” 

As we were leaving the shop. I turned to Gwendoline and said.

“I feel that girl was judging me.” I said as I drew closer to her.

“Oh she was. Girls judge other girls. The way you were talking gave off the impression that you were loose. And given you look twelve instead of fifteen and the fact that you're only fifteen. I'm sure that gave the girl the wrong impression of you.” Gwendoline said with a sigh. “But don't pay it much mind. I'm good at sewing and I can sew some padding to help fill out your a little more.” 

I blinked and blinked again.

“So, why are you going to go as the famous 'Bloody Bride'?” I asked as I stepped into the car.

“I have my own reasons. Also since I paid for your costume would you mind helping out with the 'All Soul's Mass. Fr. Bell, the new rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church will be conducting the service at. St. Christina the Astonishing. That is a small Anglican Church located in the cemetery. Fr. Bell says Mass there every Friday at noon and during Lent leads a small congregation in Stations of the Cross before Mass at Noon.”

I blinked. 

“St. Christina the Astonishing is like this small stone looking Gothic church that is located on this hill that overlooks the graves. It's kind of new, like it only opened its doors in two thousand eighteen. It has a small, but faithful congregation of around seventy five people who attend Mass each week. And around twenty five people attend Morning and Evening Prayer the other days. St. Christina the Astonishing is more 'Anglo-Catholic' that St. Mary's and they tend to favor the Anglican Missal over the Book of Common Prayer.”

I nodded my head.

“I guess we need to get you a Sunday Dress too.” Gwendoline said with a sigh. “Fr. Bell is going to start holding an Eight O' clock Mass on Sunday morning for St. Christina the Astonishing. Before going to St. Mary's Episcopal Church for Ten O' Clock Mass.  And before you say a word. I'll be picking out the Sunday dress. There is no way in God's green earth I'm going to let you walk into St. Christina the Astonishing dressed like some little Jezebel. Those other little tramps at First Methodist and Second Presbyterian can attend services looking like Memphis street walkers. But not my Heather, oh no. Trust me on that.”

I was afraid to say anything so I just nodded my head.

“You're going to be veiled like any proper Southern Belle!” She hooted. “And the dress is going to be fitting and modest. When you go up to take communion you're going to picture a perfect example of how a young woman should be!” She added. “That or my name is not Gwendoline Maria Potter!”
“Okay...” I said smiling. “I can't wait!”

And with that another chapter comes to an end. Stay tuned for one more chapter left in 'Mischief Night Magic'. And that one is a real page turner. Trust me, you don't want to miss it.

Mischief Night Magic
Sequel to
Cemetery Shenanigans
Part Six: A Serious Conversation

Full darkness had fallen when Gwendoline and I returned from our shopping spree. We were both tired and so Gwendoline decided to order pizza. Thankfully the local Pizza Hut was only a half mile away. An hour later, Gwendoline and I were sitting around the small wooden table in her kitchen. The smell of spiced tomato sauce, melted cheese, garlic and pepperoni teased our nose's and made our mouth's water. Gwendoline had ordered a pizza feast. Two medium pizzas, mine a pepperoni lover and hers a supreme. A large cheese bread and enough soda to float a boat.

Gwendoline said grace and we dived right  in. Outside we could hear the wind picking up. True to form, the weather had changed once again. The weather at the onset of the day reminded me of an Indian Summer. Now it seemed Winter would return as the wind was almost howling across the barren landscape. I heard the old furnace kick on and soon a pleasant warmth had settled in over the house.

“So.” Gwendoline said. “Judging from what I've seen. It seems that Heather is here to stay. So have you told your mom and dad about this?”

I blinked and blinked again.

“We need to start making plans. Like I want you to enjoy being a girl. And I want you to go to all the dances, get dolled up, find a boyfriend and just have a magical high school experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.” Gwendoline said slowly. “But high school is going to end before you know it. You'll be eighteen before you know it. And then you'll be faced with a lot of choices to make.”

“Such as?” I said finishing off my slice of pizza and reaching in for another one.

“Settling on a career, and getting some career training. Seeing how far you want to take being 'Heather' for one thing. Finding that special someone for another, and maybe settling down and starting a family. Like do you want to go to a junior college first? Or go straight to a four year university? These are questions that don't need to be answered right away. But questions we need to keep at the back of our minds.” Gwendoline said as she reached for another slice of pizza.

“Well dad wants me to drop out of school as soon as I can and get a job.” I said as I peered toward Gwendoline. “And if I finish school, he wants me to go directly into the army.”

Gwendoline nodded her head.

“What do you want to do?” Gwendoline asked me as she peered into my eyes. “It's your life. It's up to you to make something of it.” She added.

“I want to finish school. Dad never finished high school. He dropped out and started working as soon as he could. Mom finished though and got some training through the local hospital and became a nurse. Dad wants me to follow in his footsteps and start working at either Benton Brickwork or Yazoo Chemical. He says being a chemical man is a damn good living. He also says it would ruin your health, but he also says he wants to live forever in this stinking piss pot world of ours.”

Gwendoline nodded her head. And motioned for me to keep talking.

“So really according to my dad I have two choices. I can either drop out now and go to work with him at Benton Brickwork. Or I could finish and go into the army. He's really hoping another war will break with Russia.” I said, sighing. I noticed Gwendoline raised an eyebrow when I said that.

“He's hoping for another war, so I can be shipped off to fight in it. You know, shoot a few guys, kill a few guys. Get a chest full of medals and return a big 'War Hero'. Since I don't play any sports, and I can't become the famous 'Sports Hero' he always wanted. He says becoming a famous 'War Hero' like his hero John Wayne is the only way I can become a man in his eyes, other than dropping out and going to work working the six to three shift five days a week.” I said with a sigh.

“No offense.” Gwendoline said. “But your dad sounds like a real asshole.”

“He's from a different generation.” I said, sighing. “Dad used to take me hunting when I was little. But he stopped when I started crying because I saw him shoot a deer. It was a mommy deer and her two babies. They were feeding and he just shot them dead. All three of them. When I started crying he yelled at me for being a 'sissy' and said mom had spoiled me too much.”

Gwendoline shuttered a little as I'm sure her mind conjured up the mental image I was trying to paint.

“So how would he respond to finding out his son is really his daughter.” Gwendoline asked as she peered at me. She looked me dead in the eyes as she asked that question.

“Oh that's simple enough.” I said with a sigh. “He'll either kick me out of the house or kill me.”

Gwendoline nodded her head.

“First things first. After the dance I'm going to give you my number. I want you to know something though. In Benton there is a group of people that look after people like you. They provided shelter, employment and yes even career training. I can put you in contact with those people. If you ever feel threatened, Or you dad ever decides to kick you out of the house, I want you to call that number as soon as possible and I'll come find you and bring you here.” Gwendoline said as she leaned back in her chair.

“Yes ma'am.” I said, taking a deep breath.

“Second. I want you to really crack the books. I don't think you want to drop out and start working shift work down at the Benton Brickwork. And I don't see you joining the army either. So get them grades up, and next year you and I will start looking around and see what kind of classes you can take to get a head start in any career field you might like. That's another thing I want you to start doing next year, I want you to start thinking about a career.” She paused. “And no, ghost hunting is not a career.”

I giggled a little at that.

“Okay princess.” Gwendoline said. “You have a big day tomorrow. So you're going to need your beauty sleep.” She said in a teasing tone of voice as she stood up. She pushed her chair back and smiled at me as she started to collect the glass. It took her only a few moments to collect the glass and the now empty pizza boxes. I hovered around for a few extra minutes though. You know to help her wash the dishes that had been left over from lunch, to dry them and to put them away and to clean off the table.

Once the table was cleaned, and the trash was hauled out of the kitchen into the trash can and the trash can was hauled off to the edge of the driveway so it could be emptied tomorrow morning when the trash folks came around to collect it. And once a final check was made around the cottage and Gwendoline deemed everything in tip-top shape I was told to get into my nightgown, brush my teeth and crawl into bed. I did not have to ask twice. I can't tell you how food it felt to nestle into the warm covers, wearing my new fleece nightgown in that little pink room that I had come to think more of my room than the cold, bleak, room I was used to.

Yes dear readers, as I nestled under the warm blankets, I felt myself drifting all into the land of Nod. And with that my second adventure with Gwendoline comes to an end.