#ac093

THE PAST – October 31, 2011 EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Halloween had never been something that Ginny had gotten the opportunity to celebrate – one of the many downfalls of spending the first near seventeen years of her life locked in a basement. She had heard about the holiday from her older brothers, having watched them bounce down the stairs once they returned from trick-or-treating, showing her their elaborate costumes and letting her pick a few pieces of candy from their baskets before sitting with her for hours telling her all about Halloween in the ‘neighborhood’, as they called it. It seemed like a brilliant affair, one that she knew she would never get to participate in, but one that she remained grateful for as it was one of the few nights a year that her parents let her brothers spend a few hours with her. Taking in a deep breath, Ginny pulled the sliding glass door open, stepping out onto the large front porch of the house she was staying in, small smile gracing her lips as the cool October air hit her skin. It was a beautiful night, perfect for Halloween, or so she assumed. Tapping the bottom of the cigarette package on the palm of her hand, she used her perfectly manicured fingernails to pull the cellophane from the box, tossing it to the patio table before plucking a thin stick from the box, wasting no time in lighting the end and inhaling deeply. Just what she needed. With another deep inhale, a quick hold of her breath, and a slow exhale, Ginny pulled the patio chair closer to the wall of the porch, propping her feet up on the concrete block as her blue hues stared out towards the neighborhood street. The sounds of children laughing filled her hearing, voice of their parents following close behind as they chatted amongst themselves, keeping their distance as their kids ran ahead, but staying close enough to remain protective. A pang of jealousy shot through her as her eyes travelled to the costumes – Disney princesses, various animals, Devils and Angels, each and every one adorned with the bright smile graced upon the faces of the children. They were so young, so happy, so innocent, and she was so envious. Hitting the cigarette once more, she leaned over the side of the chair, putting it out on the floor of the porch before dropping it onto the table and returning her full focus to the holiday night happening in front of her. Her first Halloween outside of the cult, the first Halloween she was able to celebrate and here she was. All at once, it didn’t seem so much like a brilliant affair.