THE BLOCK ESTATE
THE LIVING ROOM
9:00 PM
October 23rd
“Stop acting so scared,” Massie said. She smacked Claire's hand away from her mouth, putting an end to the irritating nail-biting sounds. “You're acting like you've never lied to your parents before.”
Claire was about to respond but was silenced by Massie's palm.
“Shhh.”
They were pressed up against the leopard print wallpaper just outside the living room, waiting for the perfect time to interrupt their parents' conversation.
“What about The Producers?” Kendra asked her husband. “You liked that play.”
“No, dear, I said I didn't hate it.”
“Well, I hated it,” Jay said.
“You hate anything that doesn't take place on a football field,” Judi said.
Massie looked at Claire and rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe their parents talked about such boring things.
“Okay, we're going in,” Massie said. “Remember, even if something I say sounds strange, go with it.” Then she grabbed Claire by the elbow and pulled her forward into the room.
“Hey, everyone.” Massie squeezed Claire's arm.
“Hey,” Claire said, right on cue.
Massie took a deep breath. The familiar smell of coffee and burning wood filled the air. Massie instantly relaxed. She had worked this room a thousand times.
“Claire and I just wanted to say happy birthday to Dad one more time before we went to bed,” Massie said.
“Y-yeah, happy birthday, William,” Claire added. Her voice was strained and her smile forced.
“Wanna ask them?” Massie turned to Claire. She knew Claire would have no idea what she was talking about and hoped she would play along.
“No, you should,” Claire said. “You're such a good asker.”
“Thanks.” Massie looked at Claire with a humble smile and puppy dog eyes, hoping her parents would believe affection and respect flowed effortlessly between them.
“Mom, Dad, Judi, Jay,” she addressed her audience. “Claire and I were talking before bed, which we've been doing ah lot lately, and—” She paused for effect.
Claire nodded in agreement.
Massie continued. “We were thinking about maybe having a Halloween party at the house this year.”
Massie looked for her mother's reaction first, because it was the only one that mattered. Kendra presided over all things related to the house, school (before, during, and after), spending money, sleepovers, punishments, and food. Her dad only stepped in when it came to grades, curfews, and loud music that needed to be turned down.
Kendra had a delicate white mug with gold trim raised to her lips but put it down before taking a sip. The clink of the china was the only sound in the room. Massie couldn't stand the silence and rushed to fill it.
“Of course, we would stay in the backyard so the house doesn't get dirty,” she added quickly. “Oh, and Claire has a great idea. Wait till you hear it.”
Massie knew it was crucial for her parents to think that she and Claire had spent hours discussing this and that saying no to the party would be like saying no to their first steps toward friendship.
“Go on,” Massie said. “Tell 'em.”
Claire stared right back at Massie and asked, “Whhhat?” through her teeth. It came out sounding like, “Ahhht?”
“Ehmagod, you are sooo modest.” Massie put her arm around Claire. “She thought it would be cool to invite a few boys to the party, too. You know, just to balance things out and to get some interesting costumes in the mix.”
Massie discreetly pressed her arm down on Claire's shoulder, reminding her to play along. Claire brushed her hand against the back of Massie's leg to say that she would.
“Claire, that was your idea?” Judi asked. She sounded pleasantly surprised.
“Looks like our little Lyon is one big dog,” Jay replied, and followed up with a phlegmy laugh.
“Don't tease.” Judi slapped her husband's arm playfully. “I think it's perfectly normal that she's ready to interact with boys.”
Massie could feel Claire starting to squirm under her arm.
“So Mom, can I?” Massie asked.
“Can you what?”
“Can I have the party?”
“Can you have the party?” Kendra looked from Massie to Claire and then back to Massie again.
Massie's mouth dried up and a rush of prickly heat shot up the back of her neck.
How could I make such a stupid mistake?
“I assumed you two were going to co-host.” Kendra tapped the side of her mug with her bloodred acrylic nail tips.
“Especially since it was Claire's idea to have the boys in the first place,” Judi said. She leaned in toward the dessert tray on the coffee table, snapped off a piece of biscotti, and popped it in her mouth.
“Oh, we're definitely co-hosts,” Massie said. “We've already started working on our list.”
“I hope your brother, Todd, is in on it,” Jay said to Claire.
“Of course he is.” Claire stuffed her hands into the side pockets of her cords.
“And how many kids did you plan to invite from your grade?” Kendra asked her daughter.
Massie paused. If she said “everyone,” her mom might worry about noise or mess. But if she said “almost everyone,” her mother would be angry she was leaving people out.
“Everyone,” Massie said, deciding that when it came to her mother, it was always best to include. She held her breath while she waited for a reaction.
“We'll sleep on it,” Kendra answered.
Massie stomped her foot and put her hands on her hips.
“I need to know—” Massie felt Claire tap her on the back of the leg. “I mean, we need to know tonight,” she said. “Halloween is only a week away, and we want to get Landon Dorsey to plan it.”
“Who?” Claire asked.
“She's the best party planner in the entire 914 area code. There is nothing that woman can't do,” Massie said.
Kendra looked at the girls one last time and sighed. “I'm okay with it if you are,” she said to the other parents.
“Have Landon call me with the cost,” William said.
“Thanks, Daddy.” Massie ran over to the couch. She hugged her father and planted a big kiss on his balding head.
“What about the cell phone?” Claire whispered to Massie.
“Huh?” Massie said. She was busy massaging her father's shoulders.
“You told me you'd help me ask for a cell phone.”
Massie started karate chopping William's back.
“Honey,” Jay said to Claire. “You know the rule. NO cell phones until you're sixteen.”
“I know.” Claire looked down at her fluffy pink slippers.
“Well, g'nite,” Massie said, her voice bursting with cheer. She kissed her parents and headed off to bed.
Claire ran out after her.
Todd was sitting on the hardwood floor outside the living room, playing his Game Boy on mute so he could eavesdrop.
“Hey, Massie, how 'bout for the party I dress up as a rock star and you can go as my stalker?”
“Hey, Todd,” Massie said. “How 'bout you dress up as a roadside raccoon and I'll go as a speeding truck driver?”
“Are you serious?” Todd asked Massie. “I love that.”
Massie ignored him and was speeding toward the stairs when she saw that Claire had followed her out of the room.
“I can't believe you tricked me like that!” Claire shouted at Massie. “I thought we had a deal.”
“Then DEAL!” Massie shouted back.
“Good one!” Todd slapped his hand against his faded jeans. “Hey, who wants to make root beer floats?”
But all he got in return were heavy sighs, stomping feet, and slamming doors.