Turn and run

Leanne wasn’t about to hang about and see what the clown wanted with her or even if it was really Dan. She turned and raced hurriedly down the corridor away from the approaching menace. She glanced over her shoulder as she rounded the corner, turning back just in time to stop herself from crashing into a familiar figure.

“Dan!” she squealed excitedly. She wrapped her arms around his body, her happiness at seeing him again after so long clearly evident. It also meant that he couldn’t be the creepy clown. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Her voice was muffled as she buried her face in his muscular torso.

“Hey, Leanne!” he replied. “I’m glad to see you too.” Dan returned the hug before gently easing her away. “What’s up? I haven’t seen you for a while. Thought you’d left without saying goodbye.”

“You don’t… You don’t remember what happened?” she asked nervously.

Dan shook his head. “Not much really,” he replied. “I’m still kinda sore though.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.” Leanne slid her arms from Dan’s waist and stepped back.

“Nice dress,” he grinned. “What are you supposed to be? A sexy French maid?” Dan laughed but Leanne didn’t answer. She peered back over her shoulder searching for the clown but there was no sign of anyone. “Where’d you get it?”

“Gary lent me it,” she told him. “I bumped into him when I was looking for you and he said you were downstairs. He gave me this because my original clothes… Well, I’m just glad to see you’re alright.”

“Of course,” he smiled. “And it looks like you’re all ready for the party.”

“Party?” queried Leanne. “What party?”

“We always have a little Halloween party,” replied Dan. “We do it every year. Didn’t Gary tell you? I thought that’s why he gave you the outfit.” Leanne shook her head. “Well you’re more than welcome to come along this year. Especially since you’re already dressed for it.”

“Where… Where is it?” she asked.

“Just down here,” Dan pointed back the way Leanne had come. “I’ll show you.” He led her along the corridor and around the corner. Leanne peered nervously where she’d last seen the clown but it was empty. “Here it is.” The young woman turned to see Dan with a wide smile on his face holding a door open for her to enter. Music and voices could be heard from inside, the party obviously already underway. Leanne smiled nervously and stepped forward.

As she stood at the doorway she saw a large room scattered with a few tables and chairs. A mix of residents and staff stood around in small groups talking, a few making lame attempts at dancing. Almost everybody was in costume and she quickly scanned the room for the clown. Luckily there was no sign of him and Leanne stepped inside. She turned back to face Dan just as he was about to leave.

“You’re not coming?” she asked, rushing after him and grabbing his arm.

“I’ve gotta go get my costume,” he grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”

“What costume is it?” Leanne asked nervously.

“It’s a surprise,” he replied with a wink.

With that Dan was gone, leaving Leanne all alone fearing the worst as she imagined what Dan’s costume might be.