39. Evvy
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
evvy
Zack’s rough fingertips dig into my hand as we make our way down the wooded trail.
To everyone else, I’m sure it just looks like he wants to be close to me, but I know how jumpy he is inside haunted houses.
Or in this case, a haunted woods walk. So the fact that he’s doing this for me makes me melt.
It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that this is my life now.
Some days, I still wake up and wonder if I dreamed of him being back in my life, but then I look over and see him and my world turns right again.
It was especially hard while he was away the past few nights.
The absence allowed my mind to do what it does best—-worry, overthink, and anxiously question everything.
When given too much free time, my brain lets the insidious thoughts creep in and the self-doubt takes over. It’s something I’m working on.
But all this? This is something I never could have imagined.
I’ve spent most of my birthdays alone. Bailey always made sure to call, but other than when we were living together, geography made it difficult to visit.
But now, I’m surrounded by friends who have come to feel more like family.
In a relatively short period of time, this group has welcomed me and made me feel like I’m part of something.
These guys spend so much time training, and just got back from an away series, but they’re choosing to be here for me.
For maybe the first time ever, my heart feels whole.
“What the fuck?” Marsh shrieks and latches onto West like leech in a lake. The scare actor, dressed like a zombie, chases them a few feet down the path before eventually retreating behind a tree. “Why, Evvy. Why? This isn’t cool!”
“Dude, if you wanted a hug so badly you could’ve asked.” I can’t see West’s face clearly, but I imagine he’s grinning from ear to ear.
“What? No!” Marsh leaps back. “You grabbed me.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Nate teases. “Can we get this on film? Does anyone have a night vision camera?”
“Do you want to be able to hold your stick this week? Pull out a camera and see what happens,” Marsh threatens Nate.
Strobe lights flash against a backdrop of fog up ahead.
As we get closer, the entrance to a tunnel comes into view.
Fabric hangs from the trees to create the illusion.
My jaw drops as I stare in awe at the effect.
My brain short circuits when I remember this is Josie and Brent’s yard and not an actual haunted production.
“Like it?” Zack whispers in my ear before pressing a kiss to my temple.
“How?” I have no words. The guys have been home for less than eight hours, so I have no idea how they pulled this off, or where the actors are from.
“A local theater company with a little extra help from a lighting designer.” Zack pulls me into his side. “But I have no idea what scares they set up because I wanted to be surprised right along with you.”
Just as Zack finishes that sentence, someone creeps out from behind a tree and comes up behind his shoulder.
I see them first, but Zack’s too busy looking at me to notice.
The actor lets out a loud breath in Zack’s ear and he jumps so high that both feet leave the ground.
His shriek is ear-piercing and sets off a chain reaction of screams from the rest of the group.
It’s a good thing the neighborhood is made up entirely of his teammates, otherwise someone might send search and rescue out for us.
“How are you so calm, Evvy?” Josie holds her hand to her chest as she practically hyperventilates. “And you’re laughing? How?”
“I live for this.” I’m doubled over in laughter as the rest of the group debates who to send through the tunnel first. I step forward. “Since the professional hockey players don’t seem to be very brave tonight, I’ll sacrifice myself.”
“Sounds good to me,” Marsh mumbles.
“Watch it!” Zack warns.
“It’s her birthday and she loves it. If she wants to go first, then be my guest,” Nate says through heavy breaths.
Zack stands close behind me, placing a hand on each of my shoulders as we make our way through the narrow tunnel. We’re halfway through when the sounds of eerie whispers echo around us.
“Move faster, Evvy!” Bailey begs.
“Someone’s behind us!” Josie screeches.
“You’re fine. They can’t touch you.” I turn my head back toward Zack. “They can’t, right?” The usual haunted house motto is don’t touch the actors and they won’t touch you. But for Zack’s homemade production, who knows?
“She’s right. They can’t touch you,” he confirms.
“That doesn’t make this any better!” Bailey calls out from behind.
The tunnel opens up to a small clearing in the woods.
The group fans out behind me as I attempt to get a closer look at what’s around us.
The trees are thicker here, blocking most of the moonlight.
I can’t tell which way we’re supposed to go.
A spotlight clicks on overhead, illuminating our surroundings.
Dolls. Everywhere. Literally everywhere. Creepy, possessed-looking dolls scattered all over the ground, sitting in trees, and suspended in the air. The kind of dolls that look like they’ll torment you the second you close your eyes. Absolutely nightmare-inducing and I love it.
“What the fuck,” Nate groans. “I didn’t sign up for this. I don’t do dolls. They’re worse than clowns. They’re going to turn on us. Haven’t you seen the movie? They’re going to suck us into those creepy little bodies and we’ll be trapped forever.”
I can’t help it, the laughter takes over. It’s made even better when an actor, dressed as a doll, comes out of nowhere and approaches Nate. I think I see the moment his soul leaves his body.
“I hear you like dolls,” the actor hisses, moving even closer. Nate tries to run but the actor stays right on his tail.
“His name is Nate!” I call out, offering him up on a silver platter.
“Nate, what a lovely name. Don’t run, Nate! I just want to be your friend. Don’t you want to be my friend too?” The woman calls after him in the most evil, hauntingly creepy voice.
“Pure evil.” Zack chuckles. “My girl is pure evil.” He pulls me into a hug as I continue to vibrate with laughter.
Nate comes smashing back into the middle of our group, and the actor retreats to the cover of the woods.
He has a case of word-vomit as he takes heaving breaths.
“Someone get behind me…and on either side of me. Do not let that happen to me again! I’m gonna need to move. I can’t look at these woods every day.”
West barks out a laugh at the star goalie. “What was it about wanting to record this? Should we take it from the top? I’ll be sure to get your good side.”
West pretends to take out his phone and Nate gives him a playful shove, muttering, “Motherfucking rookie.”
“About that…Marsh, how is your mom?” West turns to look behind him and Marsh takes off like a rocket.
“You better fucking run, rookie!” Marsh chases him up the path ahead and straight into a group of zombies. Marsh retreats, leaving West to fend for himself, then yells, “His name’s Bax, or West, or just call him a rookie! He loves that!”
“Help me! Help! No! Not this!” West begs as the actors surround him.
We move closer and watch as they chant different versions of his name.
He spins in circles, looking for a way out.
When he finally breaks free, he collides with Bailey.
“Oh, hi there. Just out for a stroll. I didn’t see you there.
” He tries to play it cool, as if she didn’t just witness the hilarious spectacle.
West flashes her a sheepish grin before dropping his chin to his chest.
“If that’s what you need to tell yourself.” Bailey snorts, giving him a little pat on the back. Poor West’s confidence deflates faster than a popped balloon. I’d feel bad if he hadn’t been ragging on the rest of the guys all night.
I make my way down the trail and see that we’re nearly out of the woods. Brent and Josie’s house comes into view and I hear the sound of a chainsaw revving. Of course they included a classic chainsaw chase scene. Stepping to the side, I watch everyone run, screaming like their lives depend on it.
This particular actor directs their focus on Bailey and she screams, “Never again, Evvy. Never again! You’re so lucky I love you.” West is a few steps ahead of her and she reaches for his hand, like she’s hoping his momentum will take her away faster.
“Evvy, we need to have a talk about your extracurricular activities,” West jokes as he runs, almost knocking himself and Bailey over as they make a beeline for the house.
We finally make it to the driveway, and everyone gasps for air, standing in the safety of the illuminated jack-o'-lanterns. “I don’t know how to thank you guys. This was absolutely incredible.” The fact that none of them care for horror or haunted houses, but still did this for me anyway, fills me with joy. “I don't deserve all of you.”
“Are you kidding? You’re the best thing that’s happened to us in a long time.” Josie reaches for my hand, threading our fingers together.
“Hey! What about us?” West points between himself and Zack. “Are we chopped liver?”
“More like bland toast,” Josie jokes. West drops his mouth open, feigning shock. “Just kidding! We love you too. Group hug!” Josie shouts.
I’m tangled in a pile of arms as they all wish me a happy birthday. My heart cracks open and the tears spill. Happy tears are becoming a thing for me, and I’m okay with it.
* * *
I watch in amazement as West takes down his fourth plate of pasta. A horror movie plays on the inflatable projector screen floating in the lake, and a fire rages in the fire pit just off the shore.
“Good food selection,” West mumbles between bites.
The rest of us have moved on to roasting marshmallows. I’ll take s’mores over birthday cake any day. My stick hangs over the fire a little too long, igniting my marshmallow. I quickly blow it out, but it’s more charred than toasted.
I’m about to toss it into the fire when West stops me. “That’s a perfectly good marshmallow. Don’t waste it. Gimme.” He motions with his hands. I hold out my stick and West pulls the gooey glob off with his fingers before popping it into his mouth. “Mmmm,” he hums.
“That’s sick,” Marsh groans. “You’re eating marshmallows with Alfredo sauce?”
“Don’t yuck my yum,” West teases.
“That yum deserves to be yucked, rookie.” Marsh makes a fake gagging sound as West shovels more pasta into his mouth. “Wait, is that a sex thing?”
“Hold up! Alert the news! I knew that and you didn’t?” West beams as he slow-claps for himself.
“Just testing you,” Marsh declares, sticking another marshmallow into the fire.
“Forget unhinged group chats, up close and personal is where it’s at. I feel like an explorer observing a new species for the first time. Pro hockey players outside of their natural habitat—fascinating.” Bailey puts her elbows on her knees, resting her chin in her hands while stifling a laugh.
“If you’re looking for something even more up close and personal—”
“Don’t finish that sentence!” Zack cuts Marsh off.
“You wish, shrieky boy.” Bailey laughs with her whole body and Marsh scowls, clearly not used to the rejection. He’s saved from humiliation when his phone rings and he walks away to take the call. I can hear him being his usual grumbly self but can’t quite make out what he’s saying.
“Wait! Who said our group chats are unhinged?” Brent tilts his head, eyeing the group. He takes a big bite of his s’more then points at each one of us. “Fess up! Who’s the rat?”
“You just processed that? Are you sleeping?” Josie studies her husband.
“Your wife.” I laugh, and Josie throws her hand over her mouth.
“Evvy, it’s your birthday, but this might be unforgivable. Girl code!” Josie leans back, crossing her legs. “Besides, I would never…those group chats are top notch. Totally normal.”
“Sure, honey.” Brent kisses her cheek and Josie laughs.
“How cute,” Marsh teases as he approaches us.
“That your date calling?” Nate asks between bites of his s’more.
“I don’t date.” Marsh flops onto the couch. “It was my mo—you know what? Never mind.” He glares at West who’s cackling.
“Am I missing something?” Bailey asks.
“No!” Marsh shouts.
“Yes,” West says, simultaneously, still laughing.
“Fascinating.” Bailey shakes her head with a grin.
* * *
I’m nestled into Zack’s side as we relax on his outdoor sofa.
The movie ended long ago and the screen went dark.
The full moon hangs low in the sky, illuminating the lake.
Sparks popping in the campfire and water lapping the shore are the only sounds breaking through the stillness of the night.
My heart feels so full. This is hands down the best birthday I’ve ever had, and I’m so incredibly grateful I got to spend it with all of my favorite people.
Our friends left after we finished making s’mores. Bailey’s been staying in Zack’s guest room, and she announced she was heading to bed about twenty minutes ago. It’s not even very late, but she gave me an exaggerated wink before leaving, so it was clearly a scheme to give us some alone time.
Zack’s thumb traces my little black cat tattoo, adding to the warm, tingly sensation brewing inside of me.
“Thanks for tonight. This was truly spectacular. I don’t know what I did to deserve all of this, or all of you. This was so special.”
Zack’s fingertips gently grip my chin, tilting it up toward him, and his lips just barely brush mine before he pulls back. “You deserve to be happy. Anything for you, my Halloween girl.”
“Anything? Because there is one thing that could make this even better.” It’s impossible to hide my devious grin.
Zack blows out a sigh that turns into a chuckle. “Dare I ask what?”
“You’ll see.” I take his hand and pull him off the sofa.