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here I was in the costume shop with my friend Jenny. Another year another Halloween Party, it has been years since I have been single, too long. My love for Dave took over my life and I could not imagine my life without him. Damn it, I planned a future with that guy, and look where it all led...tragedy.

I hate Halloween. I used to love the whole shin-ding but it was all because of Dave. It was our favorite time together. I can't even recall the last time I went to a party, Halloween or otherwise alone. I feel so miserable right now and being here doesn't help.

'Hey...earth to Clare" A snap of the fingers infront of my eyes brings me to the reality I seek to escape.

'What' I snapped back and saw hurt in her face. 'Sorry...I really don't like this. Why do we have to do this? Am not up to this anyway'

'No, no, no...being sad and hurt is one thing but I am not going to let you do it alone...and at home'

'Please let me be, don't force me. Can't you just go and have fun with Joe? ill only be the popper at the party'

She laughed. 'Well you can be my popper... I don't care'

I heaved out a long breath feeling all the weight go to my chest even after the long release.

She grabs my hand, I don't face her until she tightens the grip, forcing me to look at her.

'look I know this is not the best time of the year for you, but do not look at it as a reminder, see it as an opportunity to forget, meet someone, and start anew'

I nodded not really wanting to.

'No, no I know that look, don't think that'

'I don't want to fall in love again.' My heart being broken once was more than enough.

'But sunshine, that what it is for. If it not broken how do you know it was love you felt. If it wasn't, you have to let it in to mend the broken heart. It is part of life, the vicissitudes'

I looked at her. God she was the best, always there. I hugged her for a long minute, enjoying the fact that she was there for me.

'Thanks'

'Any time'

'Now' I say starting to rummage through the tons of clothes on the rack. 'Let get you into a sexy costume that will drive Joe mad'

'Yes, yes, yes.'