The autumn festival was fading into a lively memory, the lights dimmed, and the laughter echoed less loudly in Sara's mind. With Halloween approaching, Manilla transformed into a festoon of pumpkins, hay bales, and decorations. While the sights and sounds delighted many, they only deepened the feelings of loneliness and confusion within Sara. Kara and Edward's whirlwind courtship had taken center stage, and Kara felt more like an extra in a play she had never auditioned for.
At school the following week,Kara floated around like a cloud, her joy palpable, and it seemed everyone noticed. "You and Edward are the cutest couple!" their classmates would say, and Kara would blush, her eyes shining with happiness. Sara tried to be supportive, cheering her sister on, but inside, she wrestled with a deep sense of loss.
One lunchtime, Sara sat at their usual table but felt disconnected from the chatter around her. Kara was at the other end with Edward, her laughter ringing like a bell, drawing attention to her like magic. Sara pushed food around her tray, barely tasting anything. Jill sat beside her, sensing her friend's sadness.
"Have you talked to Edward at all?" Jill asked, looking concerned.
"No, I don't want to make things weird," Sara replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kara really likes him, and I don't want to get in the way."
"But you're allowed to like him too!" Jill insisted. "Just because Sara is dating him doesn't mean you have to hide your feelings."
Sara sighed. "I guess… but it's just complicated. What if I like him, and it ruins our sisterhood?"
"Then you need to talk to her," Jill suggested. "Honesty might help rather than pretending everything is fine."
It was a good idea, but Sara didn't know how or when to bring it up. Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Sara followed Jill to their next class, her heart heavy.
That afternoon, the school organized a special art class for Halloween decorations, a perfect project for Sara. As she sat at her desk, she poured her feelings into her artwork. Pumpkins, ghosts, and shimmering ghosts took shape under her hands. She loved to create, and art made her feel a little freer.
But while she painted, her thoughts drifted back to Edward. What if she had a chance to speak to him? Would he see her as someone interesting, or just as Kara's quiet sister?
Later in the week, Kara announced they were hosting a small Halloween party at their house. "It will be so much fun! You should help me decorate!" Kara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Sara forced herself to smile. "Sure, I'll help," she said, although an anxious knot tightened in her stomach. She felt torn. On one hand, the idea of decorating and celebrating Halloween with friends was exciting, but on the other hand, it meant being around Edward—and Kara.
As the party day approached, Kara and Sara spent the evening transforming their living room into a spooky haunted house. They hung paper bats from the ceiling, carved pumpkins into funny and scary faces, and strung orange lights along the walls. Through the entire decorating process, Kara chirped about her plans with Edward, which made Sara feel like she was on the outside looking in.
One evening, while they were working, Kara asked, "Sara, you okay? You've been a little quiet lately. Is something bothering you?"
Sara hesitated for a moment, the words swirling in her mind. "No, I'm just… thinking about the party."
Kara nodded but didn't seem convinced. "You know, if you want to invite someone, feel free! It's not just my party."
Sara's heart raced at that suggestion, and she thought of Jake again. "Um… maybe," she stammered. "I'll think about it."
As the first guests began to arrive, Sara felt waves of anxiety rush over her. Kara was dressed as a witch, complete with a pointy hat, while Sara had thrown together a simple ghost costume. She watched as Kara and Edward greeted their friends, standing close to each other, energy crackling between them.
The party got underway, full of laughter and games. As the night rolled on, Sara found herself in the kitchen, pouring drinks for the guests and trying to avoid the inevitable conversation with Edward.
But then, unexpectedly, Edward walked into the kitchen. The sound of laughter faded slightly as Sara turned around and almost dropped the cups she was holding. "Oh! Hi, Edward," she stuttered, her heart pounding.
"Hey, Sara! Great decorations. It looks amazing in here," he said, flashing a charming smile that made Sara's stomach flip.
"Thanks! I, um, helped Kara with all of it," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I can tell! You're really talented," he complimented, leaning against the counter. For a moment, Sara felt like she was floating on air.
"Thanks," she managed to say, feeling shy under his gaze. "What's your favorite part of the party?"
"I love the pumpkin carving contest, but it's hard to pick a favorite so far. Your decorations make it all feel really festive," he replied, his enthusiasm genuine.
The conversation flowed more easily than she expected, a comfortable rhythm forming. But before she could get too comfortable, Kara peeked into the kitchen, smiling brightly.
"Hey! There you are! Let's get you guys back to the party!" Kara said, interrupting gently as she stepped into the kitchen.
Sara could see the flicker of disappointment on Edward's face when he turned his attention back to Kara. "Sure! Let's go!" he said, following her out.
Sara watched as Kara and Edward walked side by side, laughing and chatting. Sara felt something shift within her—a mix of warmth for her sister's happiness and a deep pang of heartache.
Being around them was both joyful and painful, and she realized that navigating the tides of her emotions was going to be a challenge. This Halloween wouldn't just be about costumes and candy—it would also test the strength of Sara's feelings for both Edward and Kara. As the party continued, Sara resolved to figure out her own path amidst the confusion, balancing her desire for connection with the bond she shared with her sister.