All Hallow's Eve

They nodded vigorously, but both were chewing on their bottom lip, trying to keep their smiles in check.

"I'm going back downstairs to check on some of our arrangements. Come and get me when you're ready."

"Yes ma'am." The pair declared in unison as they saluted my sister as she opened the door to leave.

"Have fun." She said, taking one last look at me as she closed the door, the same nervous smile on her face.

As I continued to watch to door, following her departure, I felt a tub on my arm and my shopping back being whisked away.

"Let's see what you brought!" Lisa declared, turning quickly and setting it on the bed, Melina right at her elbow, both blocking me from retrieving it.

"Ladies please. Don't do that. I can take care of it. Thanks." I begged them. But it didn't matter. Within seconds, I could see the contents being pulled out and laid carefully on the bedspread.

"Very interesting costume!" Melina cooed with obvious excitement, holding up the red wig I had set carefully into the bag. It was shoulder length with curls to give it some body. "A little too much red for your complexion I think. I picture you as more of an dark auburn." Her smile grew even wider as my uncomfortable appearance. I could feel the blood rushing to my face and small beads of sweat forming on my slightly receding hairline.

"Your makeup here is pretty close too but just a shade or two off. We can work with this." Lisa added.

"Work with what?" I asked, now thoroughly confused.

"Your sister was nice enough to mention what you were thinking of doing for the party and we offered to help out with your . . . preparations." Melina said with a smile as she set down the wig and stepped forward, taking my hand.

"She told you?" I asked. "Katie didn't know what I was wearing tonight."

"No. She didn't exactly what you were going to wear to night, but she had a pretty good idea about some of what you had in mind." Lisa said, holding up the lace bra from my shopping bag. She set it down on the bed with the other items, stepped forward and took my other hand.