“Don’t be so dramatic, Ivy,” the girl with the studded collar said. “It’s not the whole school. It’s just the kids in our community from middle and high school. A hundred people, tops.”
Olivia suddenly understood why she hadn’t seen any posters at school: this was an exclusive all-Goth affair. How intense! she thought excitedly. Maybe that’s why they’re being so secretive.
“Since you came up with the theme and it’s your house, Ivy, I think it’s only fair that you be head of decorations,” Melissa said.
“I still have to ask my dad,” Olivia muttered, while thinking, Head of decorations! How cool is that?
“All in favor, say aye,” Melissa commanded.
Everyone said, “Aye,” even the Beasts.
“Great!” shouted Olivia. Wait, her sister wouldn’t be so excited. She rolled her eyes. “I mean, great,” she said sarcastically.
Olivia was still walking on air when she and Sophia emerged from the FoodMart after the meeting. Halfway across the parking lot, Sophia spun around to face her.
“That wasn’t like you,” she said in a quiet, firm voice.
Olivia’s heart sank. Sophia’s seen through the switch! she thought.
“That idea,” Sophia went on slowly. “The way you spoke up. Really, the fact that you came at all.” Her lips curled into a smile. “Thank you so much, Ivy!” She started talking really fast. “It is such a seriously big deal to be on the planning committee for the All Hallows’ Ball at all, and my best friend”—she grabbed Olivia’s hand proudly—“my best friend, came up with the theme, is hosting it at her house, and is going to be head of decorations! And guess who she is going to appoint head of photography? This is deadly!” Sophia concluded, throwing her arms around Olivia in a huge hug.
Olivia couldn’t help smiling and leaping around with her, at least a little bit.
“Enough!” Sophia cried, throwing her scarf over her shoulder. “I must go home and study algebra. But I will talk to you later.” She gave a little wave and took off in the dimming autumn light.
Olivia knew she should hurry home, too. She’d promised to be home by seven; her father was grilling veggies on the new barbecue for dinner. But she decided it was okay if she paused for just a second. After all, she had made it through the meeting. Not only that, but she had really contributed. Her parents would be proud of her if they knew. She felt like she was really going to love Franklin Grove. That is, as long as Ivy didn’t kill her.
As she stopped off in a restaurant’s bathroom to change clothes, Olivia prayed that her sister had had a good date with Brendan. Actually, she hoped Ivy was more overjoyed than she’d ever been in her entire life, because, if not, she probably wasn’t going to handle Olivia’s news very well. After all, not only was Ivy—the official Antiperky—going to have to plan the All Hallows’ Ball, she had to convince her father to host it, too!
Chapter 7
Ivy kicked off her boots, fell back on her bed, and grabbed one of her black cat pillows to her chest.
As her head swam, her heart went under.
What did he mean when he said he was scared to death? she wondered.
I can’t believe I spilled my drink! But at least I didn’t have to answer his question about whether I have a sister.
Was it an accident when his hand brushed against mine on the escalator?
He said we’d keep a running tally in air hockey. Does that mean he’s going to ask me out again?
I never want to forget the look on his face when he said good-bye.
The phone rang, making Ivy jump. It rang again.
Maybe it’s Brendan! She rolled over and picked it up. “Hello?”
“Greetings, Madam Head of Decorations,” Sophia declared dramatically.
Ivy had completely forgotten about Olivia and the meeting. She sat up with a jolt. “Hi, Soph. What’s up?”
“The deadliest All Hallows’ Ball in history, that’s what’s up,” Sophie replied delightedly.
The All Hallows’ Ball? Ivy wondered.
“I’m supposed to be studying,” Sophia barreled on, “but I just couldn’t stop thinking of ideas. Like, what if you could have your picture taken with a cutout of that short old guy who was Grandpa on The Munsters?”
“The Munsters?” quavered Ivy.
“You know, that old TV show.”
“Uh-huh,” Ivy admitted. She was starting to feel seriously ill.
“Or I think it would be killer if we had coffins near the entrance, and you could get your picture taken getting out of one, right next to your date getting out of his coffin. Isn’t that killer?” Sophia rattled on.
Ivy was dumbfounded. What did Olivia do?
“So?” Sophia asked expectantly. “What do you think?”
“Since when does it matter what I think?” Ivy asked, a little testily.
“Uh, since you came up with the theme, got elected head of decorations, and agreed to have the ball at your house,” Sophia answered matter-of-factly.
WHAT? Ivy’s head pounded. She lay back down on her bed.
“Speaking of which, did you talk to your dad yet?” Sophia asked.
“No, I did not speak to my dad yet!” Ivy answered incredulously.
After a long pause, Sophia said, “Ivy, are you feeling okay?”
“I . . . er, I’m sorry, Soph. I just ...have a really grave headache. Can I call you back later?” Ivy managed, and then she hung up, her hands trembling. I never should have let Olivia go to that meeting! she thought in a panic.