incognito

A hint of fall was in the air. There was just something exciting about this time of year. It gave Ellie goosebumps as she went back into the house to grab a sweater. She looked through her crocheted hats too. She couldn't find many of them. Just a few. She grabbed her "bad hair day" tam. She wondered what happened to the one with the bear ears. She seldom wore it, but she loved it, just the same. It was gone. Possibly, Kyle had taken it. She wouldn't dare ask. He was being so snide, lately. She wouldn't talk to him unless she had too.

Eric was off running. It wasn't even seven yet and it was almost twilight. But still it was nice enough for a walk about. She took Henry with her. Really, she needed to spend more time with her old cocker spaniel. Of course, he knew exactly where they were going. The park. So she picked up her step because he was definitely ready to go.

She was smiling. It felt perfect. She hadn't felt this pleased with everything in quite a while. Things were going smoothly with the apron she was making in sewing class. She'd made a clutch purse out of bandanna. It felt amazing to be creative, at least even in her mother's class. And she wasn't at home listening to some 80's tune that Kyle had on during a video game.

So what could go wrong?

Possibly the fact of seeing her hat with the ears on someone at the park. Yeah, that was her hat. She'd made that hat and someone was wearing it.

"Hey," She approached this mystery person, thinking she might know who was wearing her hat. If only they'd turn around from the merry-go-around, she'd know for sure. But their face was covered. They had a dark bandanna over their face.

Ellie froze. This was freak'n crazy. Who'd do such a thing, in September?

Well, she could only think of one person she saw from time to time at the park who always annoyed her. Who always asked her questions and suggestions on how to be popular.

"Roger?"

The mystery person hopped off the merry-go-round and went running. Ellie decided to chase this person dragging Henry along with her.

"Roger!" Ellie called, "Is that you!"

No answer.

Of course, Henry was slowing her down. "Come on Henry! You can do it!" She kept running trying to catch up. She finally saw him disappear into the abandoned house.

She stopped. then wondering if she should dare go in. She thought of her time with Kyle there. This was not going to be one of those moments. Ellie petted Henry trying to decide what to do. Why did Roger have to be so mysterious? Was it really that important that she had to find out? She decided to walk away then.

Ellie felt like seeing Eric.