"You know, Mom, I think Jack is really old enough to take himself trick-or treating. I'd just cramp his style, and besides, I kind of told Adam I'd meet him for a small par- .…tially-completed project we're working on. Top secret, can't really go into it."

Your mother raises an eyebrow but says nothing, just nods assent and heads back upstairs. You sigh in relief and turn toward your friends on the couch. "Hey, guys, sorry to bail but I did tell Adam I'd make an appearance. You want to come with?" If they hear you they give no sign, engrossed as they are in Night of the Lepus, so you simply roll your eyes, promise you'll be back later, pull on a jacket, and step outside.

The wind whips by you as you walk down the street; on either side you see young ghouls and goblins making their rounds, their numbers steadily decreasing as you leave the confines of your neighborhood and make your way toward the graveyard. Looking up, you spot a three-quarter harvest moon, partially obscured by heavy cloud cover. After what seems like a longer walk than you remember, the cemetery gates appear before you… straining your ears, you can just hear the faint sounds of music coming from deep inside. Looking both ways to make sure no one's around, you stroll away from the gates over to the side, then hoist yourself over the fence. Wending your way past ancient, crumbling tombstones, you half-walk, half-jog toward the center, where you now see the glow of an electric lantern and shadowy figures huddled around it.

Sauntering up to the group, you see a dozen or so people you recognize, some close friends of yours, a few casual acquaintances. Someone has brought iPod speakers, and you hear the familiar strains of "Dead Man's Party" emanating from them. Spotting Adam, you head over and exchange greetings.

"Hey, knew you'd come through!" he says with a grin. "Seriously, glad you made it. Any problem getting away?"

"Nah… Mom was cool, although Jason and Beth are sacked out on my couch watching movies."

"Those lazy bastards," he says, rolling his eyes. "I invited them, but… well, whatever. Grab yourself some food and a drink if you want. Or if you'd prefer," he adds with a grin and a nod, "Jamie's right over there."

Your heart leaps as you glance over at the tall, slim form standing under a nearby tree, talking animatedly with a mutual friend. Wavy dark hair, eyes deep enough to get lost in, and an athletic build… it's no wonder you're so hung up. Running your tongue over your teeth to dislodge any stray M&M bits, you walk over to say hi.

"Hey Jamie, Phil… good to see you guys. Happy Halloween!"

Maybe it's your imagination, but Jamie's eyes seem to light up at your approach. "There you are! Adam said you might be coming, but I wasn't sure. I'm glad you're here… you can keep me company during the scary story contest." Before you can reply, Adam's voice rings out.

"Okay, people, we've had a request for a graveyard game of hide-and-seek. Is anyone else interested?"

You hear numerous voices raised in assent, but also a few groans and choruses of "No, stories first!" It's hard to tell who seems to be the majority… before you can resume your conversation with Jamie, Adam approaches.

"Hey, I hate to put this on you, but we seem to be deadlocked. What do you guys think?" Jamie just shrugs, so Adam turns to you expectantly. Looks like it's your decision.

If you want to play hide-and-seek in the cemetery, click HERE.

If you'd rather tell spooky stories, click HERE.