Chapter 8

For the rest of the day, I feel sick. I'm in constant fear, panicking over Bob's return. Everything was so perfect…me…Atti…

Just this morning, my life was going just swell. And then my childhood bully shows up out of nowhere. I can't help but shake the feeling that he is up to something, something that will destroy the delicate romance that has blossomed between me and my true love.

At lunch, Atticus tried to cheer me up by asking me out tonight for the annual Maycomb High School: Ad Astra Per Aspera Halloween Pageant. This year's theme had to do with the main food groups to promote healthy diets in high school. "I've always wanted to dress up as a piece of ham," Atticus says cheerfully. "If I ever had a daughter, I'd probably dress her up as a ham too!" he says forshadowingly.

"I-I'd enjoy that a lot. I'd bet you'd look pretty sexy as a ham," I managed to get out.

"You should go as a peanut! I hear the judges are quite fond of them," Atticus suggests. "So I'll pick you up later, say around 7:00?"

I nod in confirmation.

Later that night I get dressed in my styrofoam peanut shell, along with matching gloves and a pair of sandy gray boots. I prepare my sash reading "Mr. Peanut" and finish the look with a sparkling tiara. I take a deep breath, I'm nervous. What would Atticus think…? Will I live up to his high expectations?

The doorbell rings, startling me slightly. I rush to the door as fast as my costume will permit. Once I managed to half-run, half-wobble to the door, I jerk it open as fast as I could. It reveals the stunning man I am lucky to call my boyfriend.

Atticus is dressed to perfection as a ham. He had taken chickenwire and covered it with a brown canvas to create the form. He wears a matching sash across his costume that reads "Mr. Ham" to compliment mine. He's also wearing a tiara similar to mine.

"Atti…" I say, unable to trust the words coming out of my mouth, "you look exactly like a ham with legs."

He laughs, taking my non-damaged hand in his, "You're just way too cute."

We head off into the limo Atticus had ordered for the occasion, to the party, free of worries about Bob Ewell and his stupid face.

A/N: It's been a little over the six months that we promised, but never fear! We're back! Date time, a halloween special, just in time for the beginning of the season! Threes to all our supporters. Mayella, if you're reading this, please break up with your boyfriend/girlfriend/just friend. Just our advice. -Dasie and May