Halloween was in one week, and Max Coln didn't even have a costume. He begged and begged his mom to take him to the store to buy one or to make one for him. She got frustrated whenever he did this as he waited to the last minute every year. He always demanded that she purchase one of the more expensive costumes, and he always begged for two. Why the Hell would he ever need two Halloween costumes? He would just grow out of it the next year, and he knew this but was way too indecisive. His mother often gave in after he threw the wildest of public tantrums just to get him to stop. It would be entirely different if he was a little kid, but he wasn't; he was fifteen. Every year was the same scenario. He'd wait til the week of Halloween, and then start his whining and complaining. If that didn't lead him anywhere, he'd start screaming at the top of his lungs about how his mother didn't love him. She loved him as best as she could, even through his horrid behavior.

This year was no different. After a long Thursday at school, Max slammed the front door shut as he always did, even though he knew he was not supposed to.

"Max, how many times have I told you NOT to slam that door?” she asked as she heard him start up his X-Box 360.

"Aw shaddap, Mom! God! It's just a freaking door!” he shouted up the stairs.

"Don't forget about the several doors you have broken over the past few years!” she shouted. "No X-Box before homework, dinner, and shower, young man."

"What?! Aw, come on! You gotta be kiddin' me! It's just one game!"

"I do not care. Get to your room now, or else.” she said in a stern voice.

"Or else what, dumbass?” he asked with an attitude in his voice.

"Or else your father will be dealing with you.” she replied and he bolted upstairs. His father was a force not to be reckoned with.

After dinner he bounded down the stairs with an advertisement in his hands.

"Look! Look at these awesome costumes at Party City! Let's go buy these ones now, guys! I've made a list of four that I want this year!” he cried with excitement.

"Whoa, son! This ain't Christmas, ya know? You get one costume, and with your bad behavior you’re lucky you're getting any?” his dad bellowed.

"What bad behavior? I said a couple things that you thought were "smart"? So? Big deal? You should see what the others kids say and do, and they get whatever they want!” he yelled.

"Maxwell Coln! I do not give a rat's ass about what anybody else does! They are not my children, not my responsibility, but you ARE! You are this close to getting grounded.” his father said, trying hard not to yell.

"Ok. I'm sorry.” Max said with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.

"Oh, Henry, let him get a costume this year.” his mother said.

"Fine, fine. You can get one, Max", he told him.

Max left on his bike to go to Party City, only to find it closed.

"Are you freaking kidding me?! A week before Halloween and you’re closed?! Stupid asses!” he screamed to no one in particular.

He peddled around town and eventually made it to the outskirts. As he was riding he slammed on the brakes. There was a small cottage to the left. It had a sign in the window that read: HAND MADE MASKS HALF OFF.

"Awesome. I'll probably be able to buy candy and other stuff!” he said to himself. Max locked his bike to a streetlight and walked inside. There was a little old woman inside.

"Hi. I'm here to buy a costume.” he said as he walked up to the sales counter.

"Oh, I don't think you want these costumes. They're quite hideous. You should try the Party City in town. It’s got great costumes.” she told him with fear spread throughout her voice.

"The stupid idiots are closed. So I'm buying one from here. Halloween party is tomorrow.” he told her.

"I strongly urge you not to buy one from here. It's not safe.” she warned him.

"Jesus, lady. Just sell me a damn costume, will ya? I mean that is your job.” he laughed.

"Fine. Suit yourself. Don't say you were not warned.” she pointed to the back room.

Upon entering he was greeted by an old man, who appeared to her husband.

"Right this way", the old man instructed and led him to a work area. "You'll need to be fitted first."

How much will this cost?” Max inquired.

"We will discuss that later but not much, so don't you worry. Sit here.” he had Max sit on an old seat while he fetched his tools.

The old man strapped max down when he returned so Max couldn't move.

"What the Hell is this for?!" Max screeched at the top of his lungs.

"It is so you do not squirm.” the old man replied menacingly. Then he took out a small knife and began to peel Max's face back.

"Ahhhggghh!!” Max screamed and tried to free his arm to stop the old man. When his face was completely gone, the old man replaced it with a mask and sewed it on.

He undid the straps that held Max down. The mask started to take over Max.

"This will do as your payment.” the old man said with a smile and a gleam in his eye.

"My face.” Max managed to choke out.

"You were warned, but you did not listen. Have a happy rest of your life.” he laughed.

SDK Horror Fest