confessions

       “good point. as we all know, ghosts can’t get you when you’re safe in your own bed.”

     “exactly, so i have a pretty foolproof plan here if that ghost tries to strangle me in my sleep tonight, right?”

      “what, you don’t believe me? oh, you’re an aquarius then? i hear they’re really independent, but they’re scared of love. you’re looking at a closeted astrology nerd. what did i say wrong?”

     “i don’t know --- should i believe you? hmm.. interesting. not gonna say if you’re right or not, but interesting. and did you even hear yourself, jay?”

      “well, sorry, i was just trying to give my two cents. haunted houses are not ideal. how is your mom, by the way?”

     “not a very helpful two cents if you ask me. and she’s okay, i guess. she went on another one of her ‘ inspiration trips ‘ because she got writer’s block ... again.”

     “i wish i could say i’m sorry, but i’m not the one who died in your house, alaska. maybe you should just move, it seems like the safest option. i heard orange county is lovely.”

     “it’s not like i asked to live in a haunted house, ben. well, if the topic of moving ever comes up at the dinner table, i’ll make sure to tell my mom that ben greene suggested orange county.”

    “maybe because it is. i’ve been in your house, al. i’ve seen shadows. not just around halloween.”

     “okay, you can’t just tell me that all of a sudden, ben --- now i’m never going to sleep tonight thanks to you.”

    “i would’ve been up for the rest of the night. did you go investigate it at all?”

     “no way! like getting murdered in your house is bad enough, but getting murdered by a ghost? i’d prefer to stay under my covers, thank you very much.”

          “sorry, babe. the last thing i would ever want to do is hurt you. oh, you were employee of the month once? was it a good month, at least? like february? or june, that’s when my birthday is. i’m not doing anything to your mouth. but i could.”

     “mhm --- sure, jay, sure. hey, one time is still better than no times at all. and it actually was february, which is coincidentally when my birthday is. ew. i’m gonna ignore that you just said that, thank you very much.”

          “i’m holding the applause because i am not applauding. you won by default, and by the fact that i didn’t want to banter over it anymore. and thanks, that’ll be helpful. did you know peppermint tea is my favorite? i hope yours is good. so.. you’d want to see me if we weren’t in public? alaska, i’m flattered.”

     “ouch, listing --- you cut me real deep. oh, i’ll have you know that i make the best peppermint tea --- i was employee of the month once for reason. n-no, that’s not what i meant at all! don’t go putting words in my mouth now, jay.” 

     “fine. you win this round, arizona. i certainly will come around more often, where is the place again? i forgot already. what, are you saying you don’t want to see me in my birthday suit? it’s quite the sight, al, you wouldn’t be disappointed.”

     “i know, i know --- hold the applause, please. and i’ll text you the address or something; it’s not too far, don’t worry. um, yes? i’m pretty sure no one wants to see you --- at least, not out in the open at a party of all places.”

      “let’s just say we are both lacking creativity and motivation, because it’s kind of true. i guess that’s true. think you can get me a discount if i come around more often? of course i’m going to be there. a party without jace listing? that’s nonsense.”

     “yeah, but i’m just a little bit more creative and motivated than you. just a little. and yeah, i guess --- but only if you do come around more often. and true, true. okay, i’ll only go on one condition: you actually wear a costume.”

      “hey, my costume idea is golden. and it doesn’t cost anything, so i definitely win. don’t people who work in food rarely eat in their work place? or is that a myth? i forgot you and oliver were neighbors. that’s convenient?”

     “i think you’re just being lazy, jace listing. and considering i get drinks off at a discount, it’s pretty beneficial for me to eat there. oh yeah, sometimes i forget, too. but yeah, i guess --- i assume you’re gonna be there, too?”

      “wow, alaska, and youi’m the one lacking creativity. and really? i guess i could stop by. are you going to oliver’s party tomorrow?” 

     “hey, at least i’m actually wearing a costume unlike some people. but yeah! the drinks are great; take my word for it. oh, i didn’t even know there was a party, but sure, since i’ll be right next door anyways.”

    “oh, god. intellectually i know ghosts are ridiculous, but it always feels so different when it’s four am and i can’t sleep.”

     “i usually don’t believe in anything too ‘ supernatural ‘, but ghosts are an entirely different story --- stuff fell over in my kitchen last night, and i was the only one home. talk about scary.”

    “i’ve never really been that creative, rhode island. what would you prefer me to go as, han solo? the great gatsby? a prince?”

     “you could always take the easy way out like me and wear cheap cat ears and draw whiskers on your face --- by the way, all halloween drinks at bâton fous are half off today and tomorrow, so you should definitely come and stop by.”

“I’m not even going to wear anything to this costume party. I’m going as a nudist. That’s my costume.”

     “that’s such a lame cop out, listing. not all that creative, if i do say so myself.”

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”