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Fourth excerpt from the diary of an old woman, Martina. |
October 31, 1971 Here they come, I thought to myself as I looked out my window at the gorgeous princess and the regal queen. Both had their chins up and little smiles peeking out of their regal, I’m-trying-to-look-haughty-but-it’s-just-not-in-me faces. I quickly turned and started making stunned faces into the mirror, deciding which would be best. Then the doorbell rang. There they are, I schooled my face, wanting to look like I didn’t know it was them at the door. The doorbell rang again, and I smiled as I heard Bobbie lightly scolding Angela for being impatient. Then I swung open the door. “Trick or Treat!!” came the excited yell as soon as the door started to move. “Well now, look at the b-e-a-utiful princess standing at my door. To what do I owe this honor, your highnesses?” Angela giggled, knowing I knew it was her, but falling for my act anyway. “It’s Halloween!” “Oh,” I said, “Is it really? Do you maybe, possibly, perchance, perhaps, conceivably, imaginably, feasibly,” I took a breath, “Want something?” More giggles, “Candy!” Angela yelled, bouncing up and down in her excitement. I looked taken aback, “Candy? Why would anyone want that? It rots your teeth. How about some nice,” I paused. “healthy,” I paused again, “yummy,” pause. Angela about exploded, she was so impatient. “Yeah? Yeah? What?” she screamed. “Turnips.” Shocked silence. “What?” “Turnips,” I said again, trying not to laugh. “Are you kidding me? No one in their right mind would ear turnips, not even my mom!” Bobbie blushed a little and shushed Angela. “I’m sure this nice lady isn’t going to give you turnips. Maybe some broccoli, but not turnips. Besides, maybe she likes turnips.” Angela turned A little red. “Well then little girl, if your mom doesn’t want me to give you turnips, I guess I’ll have to give you some candy.” I sighed as If the world as I knew it had come to an end. Angela looked puzzled for a minute, then a huge grin split her face, lighting up the dark night. “You know who I am,” she accused. “I’m Angela!” she yelled before I could say anything. “Really? Well, I guess your costume is just so good, I didn’t recognize you.” I smiled and reached inside for my bowl of candy. “I guess I can give you some of this now that I know it’s you.” “Are you coming with us?” she asked. I shook my head, “I have to go to work.” Her little face dropped. “But maybe,” I added, “I can go to a couple houses with you.” Her smile came back and she started nodding her head and jumping up and down again. “If you’re good, that is. If you’re not good, I don’t think I can come with you at all.” She immediately stopped jumping, but still had an eager expression on her face. Then she grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the street. “Come on, let’s go! We don’t have all day!” Laughing, I grabbed my keys and locked my door behind me. |