NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Soap Family
Once upon a time in a cozy little town, Soap decided it was high time to surprise his beloved wife, Y/N, with a special Halloween treat. The crisp autumn air had begun to settle in, painting the leaves with brilliant shades of gold and crimson, and he knew just how to utilize the holiday spirit. With the twins, Marco and Macy, both teenagers with an eye for creativity, Soap rallied them for an adventure: a trip to the Halloween store.
The morning was bright, and the trio set off in their trusty SUV, the excitement palpable. "Can we get those fog machines?" Marco asked, leaning forward in his seat, his curly hair bouncing. Macy, who loved all things sparkly, added, "And can we have glowing skeletons? They'd be so cool on the porch!"
"Alright, alright," Soap laughed, swerving slightly to avoid a rogue squirrel. "But remember, it's a surprise for your mom, so no crazy ideas that'll scare her!"
At the Halloween store, the aisles were a riot of color—gory decorations hung beside whimsical ones. The twins gallivanted through the aisles, picking out ghostly banners and rubber bats, while Soap focused on the lights and pumpkins. Each selection seemed to ignite more laughter and cheer in the air, their excitement swirling like the leaves gusting outside.
With bags full of decorations, they returned home, their spirits high. They set their things down and got to work, transforming their living room into a haunted wonderland. Marco ran to retrieve the ladder for the hanging decorations, while Macy carefully placed plush pumpkins everywhere, giggling as she accidentally scared her dad with a particularly big one.
"You should see your face!" she teased, her eyes sparkling.
Once the decorations were up, the trio moved to the kitchen, their next adventure unfolding with flour, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies. They rolled the dough into monster shapes, giggling and trying to make recipes that resembled ghosts and bats. Soap had never been more grateful for the mess—a flour-covered counter and laughter echoing in the air was much better than a quiet house.
Just as the last tray of cookies went into the oven, they heard the familiar sound of Y/N's car pulling into the driveway. Soap turned to the twins, a giddy smile spreading across his face. "Hide! Make it look good!"
As Y/N stepped into the house, she was greeted by a soft glow from the fairy lights and the unmistakable scent of cookies wafting through the air. Confusion and curiosity flickered across her face as she stepped forward, her heart swelling at the sight before her. The house was transformed, a delightful Halloween haven laden with decorations and autumn warmth.
"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide. Soap and the twins sprang from their hiding spots, grinning from ear to ear.
"Surprise!" they shouted in unison, and Y/N's heart melted at the sight of her family's effort to create something special just for her.
She laughed, clapping her hands together, "This is amazing! You all are the best!"
After gleefully exploring every corner of the decoration-laden house, Y/N made her way to the kitchen, where the intoxicating smell of baked cookies filled the air. The family gathered around the table, and as they shared the warm, gooey treats, the day rolled on into night.
With a cozy blanket spread across the living room, they settled down to watch their favorite Halloween movies—classics filled with laughter and a few light scares. The flickering screen reflected their smiles, the warmth of their family bond filling the room as they whispered jokes and shared stories.
That night, enveloped in the love and joy they built together, Y/N felt a profound gratitude. This was family—the essence of togetherness wrapped in festive delight, her heart warmed by the knowledge that no matter the seasonal change, their love was a constant that would always light their home.