Pumpkin Pressure extended preview

Pumpkin Pressure.

Greta narrowed her eyes. “I have to do what?”

Harold laughed. “We are all putting out jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.”

She put her hands on her hips and snorted. “I am not doing any such thing. You already know, I think this is nothing but a stupid holiday!”

He narrowed his green eyes. “Yes. You have told us that every year. But we really think you should get into the season this year, Greta.”

“Why? We don’t even have anyone that trick or treats around here. What is the point?” She slammed her foot on the ground. “There is no bloody point, Harold!”

He laughed. “The point is to have fun. That is what this holiday is about. Having fun.”

“I am not wasting a bunch of money on some stupid—”

He sighed. “Well, I guess you can have your opinions about Halloween, but we as a neighborhood are committed to celebrating it.” He turned around. “And we will not let you stop us from doing that again.”

“What? How can I stop you?” He walked down the small path on her lawn. “Hey.” She stepped out of her door. “Herold, what are you talking about?”

He shrugged as he reached the sidewalk. “I guess you will have to wait and see.” He smiled at her. “But all I will say is we are tired of your laziness on the matter.”

He waved at her before walking away.

Greta snorted. “Lazy?” She turned around. “I don’t have to take part in this holiday. Who do they think they are forcing me into this. Ugh!” She slammed the door behind her. “The only good part of this time of year is the horror films and food. Speaking of which, I think I am going to order myself some candy and stuffing before curling up to a good movie.” She smiled as she entered the next room and powered up her laptop. “Well, let’s see here. I think—”

She arched her eyebrow in frustration as she heard scrapping at her front door. “What the hell?” She stood up. “I bet it’s those kids from Terryview again. My neighbors gave them my address as a way to get me to get into the Halloween spirit. I swear if they screw up my house one more year!” She opened her door. “Now scram, you bra. . .” She looked down at her doorstep. “Huh?”

She expected to see her lawn, or the side of her house defamed, but instead, she saw a lone pumpkin. Greta narrowed her eyes. “Very funny.” She picked up the small orange ball. “I see now. You are going to decorate my house for me. But you all forgot one thing. This thing isn’t even carved.” She snorted. “You people don’t even know how to get the Halloween thing right yourselves.” She rolled her eyes before tossing the pumpkin into the garbage. “Idiots.”

As Greta walked back into the house, she was shocked to realize another pumpkin was sitting on her counter. “What the hell?” She rushed forward. “How did this get in here?” She narrowed her eyes. “Seriously, who the hell is skulking around my house?” She raised her voice. “Devin, if I find you in here, I am going to smash your face in. This is going too far.” She could hear something moving outside as she tossed the gourd into the trash.

“What the hell?” Greta rushed outside and was greeted by jack-o-lanterns, spooky skeletons, and a black cat figure on her mailbox. “Ughh.” She quickly tore everything down. “What is wrong with you people. I said I don’t want any part of this!” She picked up one of the jack-o-lanterns. “Why can’t you all leave me alone!”

Greta tossed the pumpkin into the street, hitting a woman in a witch outfit. “Oh fuck.

I am so sorry.” The lady shrieked. “Oh crap.” She laughed defensively as the lady walked up to her. “Umm, I am sorry about the costume. If there is anything I can do.”

“Costume?” The woman gave an unsettling laugh. “You think this is a costume.” Greta gulped as she noticed the woman’s wrinkled face. “Young lady, who do you think I am?”

“Umm. One of my pesky neighbors?”

The woman laughed again. “No. Of course not. I am a witch!”

Greta was the one to laugh this time. “Ya right. You would have to be pretty bonkers to believe you were a real-life witch.” She gulped as her lips were suddenly zipped tight.

“Oh, hush now. You are already in enough trouble with throwing that gourd at me. Do you really want to make things worse by doubting me?” The witch paced back and forth, rubbing her bumpy chin. “Now then. What to do with you?” She narrowed her eyes, noticing the shadowy figures trying to decorate Greta’s house. “Hmm, who are they?” The witch unzipped Greta’s lips.

Greta rubbed her fingers over her mouth. “My stupid neighbors. They are trying to force me to celebrate Halloween.”

The witch narrowed her eyes. “Well then. Is that why you decided to assault me with that pumpkin?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say—” She ran her hands over her mouth as her lips were sealed once more.

“I think I get the picture. A grown woman who thinks Halloween is a joke.” The witch crackled with laughter. “Well, we can’t have that.” She looked at Greta, a big grin forming on her face. “I think I know just what to do with you now.” Her long yellow nails dragged along Greta’s chest. “Now go back into your home and enjoy the night. Your neighbors won’t bother you anymore.”

Greta’s eyes widened. Was the witch really taking her side?

“And to make sure here is a little magic to help.” The strange woman threw some dust over Greta. “Now, enjoy your night.” She laughed as she walked away. “Enjoy your night.”

Once the witch was out of sight, Greta’s lips became her own again. “Ugh.”

She shook her head. “That was strange.” She turned around and slowly walked to her home. “But I hope whatever she did will actually work. I want one year where I can have this night to be one of peace.” She sighed. “Huh. It does look like my neighbors are not trying to decorate my house at the moment so that is something.”

Greta opened her door and walked inside. “Maybe I can finally have a chance to order that food and curl up with a good horror flick.” She smiled. “I can’t wait!”

Greta slumped down on the couch, suddenly feeling exhausted. “Ughh. Maybe I should take a moment to rest instead.” She stretched her arms. “I. . .” She yawned. “I just need a small nap.”

Before she knew it, she found herself fast asleep.

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