"Yes, I know," Simon sighed as he closed his school books, knowing that it was useless to ignore his sister and try to study.

"Then you must know that today is October 31st," she stated as she pointed to the calendar he had on his desk.

"So, it is." He nodded as he glanced at the clock.

"We must get dressed to fool the evil spirits that lurk in the night." River suggested as she stood up and pulled her brother out of his chair.

"Do we?" Simon laughed as he followed his sister down the hall.

"Yes," she insisted as she dropped his hand and opened the door to the parlor. "We must trick them on this eve- or we shall perish."

"Then we must have the best costumes," he agreed and River flashed him a bright smile in reply.

"You must dress up as the regal prince and find your true love," she sighed wistfully.

"Do I?" Simon chuckled as she grabbed his hand to pull him further into the room.

"Yes," River grinned as she motioned to the settee and his mouth dropped in response to the regal military uniform draped over it. "A regal prince," she whispered once more.

"River," he gasped. "How did you manage to-"

"I have my ways," she grinned as she pushed him closer to the settee and he reached out to touch the fabric.

"It's amazing," he gushed as he pulled it up to his chest.

"A regal prince indeed," she smiled as she touched the suit jacket. "Go, try it on."

"What about you, mei-mei?" He questioned as he turned to her.

"It's a surprise," she grinned once more, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "Hurry, we do not want to be late."

"Where are we going?" He questioned slightly confused.

"Trick-or-treating."

~

Simon dressed quickly and paused only a second to look at his reflection in the mirror. He couldn't help but smile; he has never looked more grown up and sophisticated in his life.

"Simon!" River's voice rang out, interrupting his train of thought. "Hurry Simon."

He smoothed down his lapel and made his way down the stairs to see his sister standing there in her costume. "Oh, mei-mei."

"Like it?" She purred as she spun around, the layers of white silk fluttering around her. "I'm a fairy princess."

"It's perfect mei-mei," he grinned as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Every prince needs his fairy princess to watch over him," she smiled waving her wand around him. "Your wishes shall come true tonight."

"Will they?" He chuckled as a servant opened the front doors for them and led them down the stairs to their awaiting carriage.

"First a carriage to the dance," she smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Cinderfella."

"Cinderfella?" Simon repeated, a lopsided grin appearing. "Is that so?"

"Ai," she laughed as she pushed him closer to the carriage and he helped her up.

~

The night was clear and the leaves were bright red and orange, fall had already begun and the nights were cooler.

"Here." River stated and the driver stopped the carriage. "Look!" She exclaimed as she leaned over Simon and pointed to the lights flickering in the sky.

Simon smiled as the door opened. "It's beautiful, mei-mei."

They climbed out of the carriage to be greeted by music and laughter. "Hurry," River urged as she pulled on his sleeve. "We can't miss her."

"Who mei-mei?" Simon questioned as he followed closer behind her.

"Your princess," she smiled and dashed in front of him, disappearing into the crowd of children of all ages, dressed in vibrant colors.

"My princess?" He repeated as he tried to keep up with her, but failed. He wandered through the others milling around, eating, and sharing candy with each other.

He was feeling slightly out of place and took a step back. He followed a path toward the back and sat down on what appeared to be the rim of an old wishing well.

"Shiny," a soft voice whispered in awe and he turned quickly to see a girl leaning over the far side of the well. Her fingers outstretched to touch the water below.

He froze as the moonlight reflected off the water and bathed her face in light. She was beautiful, the most enchanting thing he had ever seen.

She suddenly looked up at him, their gazes locking briefly. His mouth dropped slightly, trying to find the words to speak as she flashed him a bright smile.

"Hi," she stated cheerfully as she stepped away from the well and crossed over to him. "You a prince or somethin' fancy like that?" She inquired as she studied him briefly.

"Uh, yeah, a prince." Simon stuttered, his tongue feeling heavy as he continued to stare at her.

"Do I got somethin' on my face?" She questioned as she rubbed her hands over her flushed cheeks.

"No," he quickly replied as she smiled up at him and he returned it.

"Kaywinnit Lee Frye!" A rough voice called out and she turned her head quickly to the voice.

"I gotta go," she smiled meekly as she glanced back at Simon. "My pa would be plum mad if he found out I was crashin' the fancy shindig." She giggled and turned to leave.

"Wait," Simon gasped as she spun back to face him. "Stay. You can be my guest." He suggested as he offered him his hand.

"Shiny," she grinned as she reached out to him. "But, I ain't got a fancy costume."

"Costume?" Simon repeated, not even noticing that she was only wearing a faded jumpsuit covered with paint and other streaks of grime.

"Kaywinnit Lee Frye!" The voice called out once more and she frowned, dropping her hand away from Simon's.

"I better go," she sighed, forcing a smile to her face. "Bye."

"Can I see you again sometime?" He questioned, desperately needing to see her again, not really understanding why.

"No," she whispered. "Ain't from here, just visitin' with my pa."

"Oh," Simon gasped as he glanced around the park, before he settled his gaze back onto her. "Good bye, then."

She nodded, frowning as she offered him a small wave. "Bye, my prince."

He blushed. "Bye, my sweet princess." He smiled, leaning over and brushing a small kiss on her cheek.

She gasped, touching her cheek, a bright smile crossing her face.

"Kaywinnit Lee Frye!"

She jumped up as the voice sounded closer. "Bye," she giggled once more and pulled him into a quick kiss.

Before Simon could respond, she turned and ran off into the night. He touched his lips and wished that someday their paths would cross again.

River smiled from afar, "your wish shall come true, one day."

The end.