"Aren't they all just so adorable?" Marie whispered, as she stuffed some candy into a new bride's candy bag. "They make me remember the days when I was young."
Danielle smiled as she nodded. Those were days she wasn't really all that fond of remembering. Having been the popular 'pick on student' wasn't something anyone really wanted to remember all that well. Having to move, every few months hadn't been much fun either, but that didn't happen until after...
"Treat-or-Treat!" a group of costumed clad kids yelled, interrupting her thoughts, as they came-up the walkway to surround the open door,with treat bags half full of candy open and, ready to receive more treats.
Marie laughed again and started filling the nearest one with tootsie rolls. "And what are you?" She asked the last one as he held his bag open towards her waiting for his treat.
"I'm a ghost," he whispered, in a ghostly, little boy's voice. Danielle smiled at his father who was standing just behind him on the overly decorated porch. He was good- looking. She could see how women would be easily attracted to him, married or not.
She licked her bloody-red lips. He made her hungry. Maybe she'd feed tonight. The urge was strong. He was lean and looked to be in good physical condition. If she were careful she could keep the feeding going longer than normal, she thought. If she could do that then maybe she wouldn't have to move away so soon.
"Hi," he found himself saying, "My name's John, "I live just down the street," he pointed toward the greenish house with the mousy black trim. She almost laughed because just this morning she'd made a few negative comments about that house.
"It's nice to meet you." He held his hand out in her direction. He had the overpowering desire to touch her. Still, he had no idea why.
She smiled, knowing his desire. It was always better to keep them enthralled. He'd taste so much better, so much sweeter, if he had to wait.
She tilted her head backwards and let her long black hair fan out around her waist. Her big, blue, almost black eyes greeted him with a sparkle.
"I'm Danielle," she answered, pulling her short little shirt down to meet her tiny little skirt, just covering her tanned tummy and waist line. Tonight, she'd dressed up as the devil's little angel. The jewel in her belly-button sparkled in the dim light. John noticed it first. It was almost like a promise to him.
John's eyes drank her in, and his hand dropped absentmindedly to his son's shoulder in front of him. The shape of her skinny little body excited him in ways he had no idea he still possessed. After years of married life, the sparkle of sexual excitement had left his life. He'd only recently gotten the idea about having an affair. But, Marie was a neighbor, and if he wanted to keep peace in his household he'd keep these thoughts to himself. He tried to look away. She was just so amazing!
"Well," he said in an unnatural squeaky voice. He cleared his throat hoping to make the mousy sound disappear.
"Son, let's get to the next house." He tried to smile at Marie. He just had to see her again, perhaps. As they began walking way he asked.
"Will you be attending church this coming Sunday?"
Marie handed the empty bowl of candy to Danielle because she saw a new group of kids approaching, and it needed refilling before they arrived. Marie had already dismissed John and was captivated with the new group of trick-or-treaters approaching.
"Will you fill that up, dear?" she asked.
"Of course, we will be in church this Sunday, John. Marie answered absentmindedly. We've never missed a day in thirty years."
"Of course," John replied now feeling slightly angry because the squeak had not left his voice. He glanced at the door where Danielle had disappeared and felt an overwhelming desire to dash in after her just to be in her presence.
Danielle returned with the bowl filled with fresh candy and smiled as she saw him walking way slowly. She knew the effort he was experiencing just walking away. He'd been without that special feeling for a long time. He was fresh meat. She grinned as she handed the bowl to her aunt.
"Who's he?"
"Well," answered her aunt with a large frown on her face, "he sure thinks a lot of you, girly. I saw him looking you up and down. Keep your distance. He is a married man."
She waved at the group as they came up onto the porch all smiles. Holiday cheer seemed to radiate from her persona, and it bathed everyone around her with its light.
She'd already forgotten the conversation, Danielle thought, and was happy for that. Then her aunt added as if it were an after though.
"There are lots of problems in that house. You don't need to get involved in any of that."
"Aunty Marie," Danielle smiled mysteriously at her Aunt. "You know I've no interest in men."
"Not after that high school incident; I realize that," replied Marie, "but that was a few years ago. You do need to be moving on, Danielle."
She started filling the bags in front of her with candy. Danielle stepped back inside. Her right hand was starting to feel numb. She'd need to feed soon. She opened and closed her hand in an attempt to keep some feeling in it.
