The Halloween 00's

It was Saturday night. The date was October 27, 2001. Kevin Sr. and his two oldest sons were getting ready to watch game 1 of the 2001 World Series.

The first game of the series was set to take place in Arizona. It was set to start at about 8 at night in the eastern time zone, and at about 6 at night in the mountain time zone. It was the second World Series of the '00s.

Since Steve didn't want anybody to bother him during this big event, he had Matthew to look out for any potential incoming calls in Steve's room. "Ok, Matthew, if anybody calls the phone in my room just say that I'm extremely busy with something. And that I can't come to the phone right now. This will be your job until I come back to my room. Got it?", said Steve. "Got it.", said, Matthew. "Great! Thanks for holding down me and Kev's room while we're gone.", said Steve.

Then Steve left the room. When Steve came out of his room, Kevin was standing right there. "Did you instruct Matthew on what to do while we're away.", said Kevin. "I sure did bro. He said he didn't have a problem with it.", said Steve. "Awesome! Now let's see the Yankees beat the Diamondbacks by 20 runs.", said Kevin.

"I'm right there with you.", said Steve. Then Steve and Kevin went to the living room to watch the Fall Classic with their dad. They entered the living room.

Kevin Sr. was seen in the living room drinking his beer. The pregame show just started as the two eldest brothers entered the living room. After that, the three guys had their eyes glued to the television screen.

After about 15 minutes, Matthew got bored and handed his assigned duties over to Dexter when he walked up to Matthew. Matthew then walked away to his room. Then the phone rang while it was on the floor.

Dexter just barked at it while it was ringing. Then the phone stopped ringing. Anna then came up to Kevin and Steve in the living room.

"Boys, me and your dad have decided to purchase Halloween costumes for the whole family. What do you guys want to dress up as this Halloween?", said Anna. "Mom, the World Series is about to start!", said Kevin. "Yeah, right now is not a good time mom.", said Steve.

Then Anna just sighed. "Alright, fine. But you have until Tuesday to decide what you want to wear. Understood?", said Anna. "Understood.", said Kevin. "Understood.", said Steve.

Shortly after that, the game started. The first pitch was thrown. And the 2001 Fall Classic got underway.

Meanwhile, the phone rang in Steve's room again. Dexter barked at the phone when it rang. Then the phone rang for the third time and Dexter barked at the phone yet again. Then the phone rang for the fourth time, and Dexter barked at it again.

Then Steve sparked a conversation with his brother in the living room. "So, have you thought about what you might wanna dress as this Halloween?", said Steve. "I've already decided. I want to go as The Undertaker.", said Kevin. "Nice. Well, if you're going as The Undertaker, I might as well go as Kane.", said Steve.

"Well, The Undertaker and Kane are brothers, so I guess it makes sense.", said Kevin. "Hey, Dad did you ever wrestle back in high school?", said Steve. "I sure did. That was real wrestling back in my day. I don't watch that trash on TV they call wrestling. It's all fake, and it's not even real sports like basketball, football, baseball, hockey, or this World Series.", said Kevin Sr.

"Yeah, we're already smart enough to know that WWE is for entertainment purposes only.", said Kevin. "It'd be cool if all of it was real.", said Steve. "Yeah, I don't know about that one Steve.", said Kevin.

Meanwhile, Dexter was occupying his time chewing on something in Steve and Kevin's room. Then the phone rang for the fifth time. Dexter then barked hard at it. It rang for the sixth time and Dexter barked at it again.

It rang for the seventh time and Dexter barked at it hard again. This was gonna be an ongoing theme throughout the night until the game was over, and Steve and Kevin retired to their rooms. Then the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees 9-1. They now led the World Series 1-0.

"Well, that game was a bummer.", said Kevin. "The D-Backs took the Yankees to baseball school.", said Steve. "Well, at least there's football tomorrow.", said Kevin.

Kevin and Steve then retired to their rooms. "Dexter, what are you doing in here buddy?", said Steve. "And where's Matthew?", said Kevin. "Looks like Matthew ditched the assignment. I'll get Cody to handle the phone when game 2 starts.", said, Steve.

"Well, I'm gonna get ready for bed. Can you get the dog out of here?", said Kevin. "Sure thing.", said Steve. Steve threw something outside of their room for the dog to chew on, and he went outside. Kevin and Steve were already in their pajamas, so all they had to do was fix their beds and turn out the light. Once they did that, Kevin said "Goodnight.", and Steve said "Goodnight.".

***

It was Sunday morning, and Steve got up. And so did Kevin. Steve picked up the phone to check the voicemail.

"Dude, there's a bunch of messages in our voicemail.", said Steve. "From who?", said Kevin. "From our friends, they want to know if we wanna join them to go trick-or-treating as a group for the first time?", said Steve.

"I think that'd be a great idea. You and I never went trick-or-treating before. And I don't think any of our friends haven't either.", said Kevin. "Well, if it's alright with you, you can count me in.", said Steve. "Great! Now we just need to hear what our parents will say.", said Kevin. "I'll ask them later on today.", said Steve. "You do that.", said Kevin.

Then Anna knocked on Steve and Kevin's door. "Guys. Time for breakfast.", said Anna. "Alright, mom. We'll be out in a minute.", said Steve.

"I guess I'll ask them during breakfast.", said Steve. "Now that's the Halloween spirit!", said Kevin. Then the two proceeded to leave their room and go eat breakfast.

***

When Kevin and Steve came out to eat breakfast, they saw toaster pastries on their plates. "Cool! Pop-Tarts!", said Kevin. "They're not Pop-Tarts honey.", said Anna.

"They're not? Then what are they then?", said Steve. "They're just random pumpkin-flavored toaster pastries I decided to pick up at the grocery store.", said Anna. "It's almost Halloween, and I and your father should be putting up the Halloween decorations around the house real soon.", said Anna.

Steve took a bite of it. "You know what, these things taste pretty good.", said Steve. "Oh yeah. Steve wanted to ask you something, mom.", said Kevin. Then Kevin Sr. came into the room to have a cup of coffee and read his newspaper.

"Oh yeah? What is it, Steve?", said, Anna. "It's something I wanted to ask mom and dad Kev.", said Steve. "Mom, Dad, a bunch of our friends from school wants me and Kevin to go trick-or-treating as a group for the first time this Halloween.", said Steve.

"And since I and Kev never went trick-or-treating before, we were wondering if you would be ok with it.", said Steve. "Of course we'd be ok with it Steve.", said Anna. "Just remember boys that if you see any candy that's already open, you don't eat it.", said Kevin Sr. "And remember to stay safe out there.", said Anna. "And don't walk into anybody's homes if they ask you to. Can we trust you guys to follow these few simple rules?", said Kevin Sr.

"You sure can dad.", said Kevin. "That's great to hear.", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, and one more thing.", said Kevin Sr. "What's that dad?", said Steve.

"Game 4 of the World Series is on Halloween night, so if the D-Backs go up three games to nothing, you're gonna have to choose between going trick-or-treating with your friends or risking the chance of missing the World Series.", said Kevin Sr. "But if both teams win at least one game in the series, we won't have to watch it since that guarantees a game 5 in November.", said Kevin. "You are right on the money my junior self.", said Kevin Sr.

"So the team we're rooting for has to win at least one game, and we're good to go trick-or-treating on the 31st.", said Steve. "If not, we're gonna have to choose.", said Steve. "And I don't want to choose.", said Steve.

"But why have the World Series on Halloween night?", said Kevin. "MLB games were postponed this year due to the September 11 attacks.", said Kevin Sr. "Last night was the latest start date for a World Series ever.", said Kevin Sr.

And just for my readers out there. The 2009 World Series broke this record by starting on October 28. Just one day later than when the World Series started in 2001.

"That explains a whole lot.", said Steve. "When is game 2 dad?", said Kevin. "This evening.", said Kevin Sr. "So the Yankees have to win tonight.", said Kevin. "And they better.", said Steve.

***

Later on that day, it was the evening. Kevin Sr., Kevin, and Steve got together in the living room once again to watch game 2 of the 2001 World Series. And once again, Kevin Sr. was seen drinking another beer while the pregame show was on.

"Kev, I know we're always hardcore Tigers fans, but for this night only, we're Yankees fans.", said Steve. "You're so right little brother. For one night only.", said Kevin. "Did you tell our friends about the importance of the Yankees getting one win in this series?", said Steve. "I don't think we told them yet. I could be wrong.", said Kevin.

"I'll tell them tomorrow at school.", said Steve. "Good idea.", said Kevin. "Now is not the time to take one's eyes off of a television screen.", said Kevin.

Then all three males sat there in anticipation of the first pitch. Then the first pitch was thrown. Meanwhile, Dexter walked by Steve and Kevin's room and suddenly heard the phone ring. He barked at it once it rang.

A little later on, Anna came to the living room. "Steve, Kevin 2.0, your phone keeps ringing. Do you want to answer it and see who it is?", said Anna. "Oh, it's just a bunch of our friends who asked us if we wanted to go trick-or-treating with them.", said Kevin. "Yeah, we're gonna tell them all about whether we're going or not tomorrow at school mom. It's World Series time right now.", said Steve.

"Well, the dog keeps barking at the phone every time it rings.", said Anna. "Yeah, I don't think he's ever heard our phone go off before.", said Kevin. "Well, I guess that kind of makes sense.", said Anna. "Alright, enjoy your game fellas.", said Anna.

Then after the game, the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees 4-0. They shut them out in game 2. After the final pitch of that game was thrown, Kevin and Steve were in the living room just shaking their heads in disappointment.

"A shutout?!", said Steve. "A shutout?!", said Steve. "A shoutout?!", said Steve. "What gives?!", said Steve.

"If the D-Backs win the next game, we'll have to choose between watching the World Series and eating all that sweet Halloween candy.", said Kevin. "We've got to tell our friends about this?", said Steve. "Do we have to? I don't want to disappoint them if we can't go trick-or-treating with them.", said Kevin. "I'm afraid we're gonna have to.", said Steve. "Alright, fine.", said Kevin.

"Now, I'll be the one to tell them either at lunch or recess.", said Steve. "You do that. But when is game 3?", said Kevin. "Let me look on the TV Guide channel real quick and find out. Then we can finally go to bed.", said Steve. "Alright, I'm heading to bed now. See you there Steve.", said Kevin. "Alright, Kev.", said Steve.

***

The next morning, Kevin and Steve were getting ready for school. While they were eating breakfast, Kevin decided to ask his little brother something. "So, did you check TV Guide?", said Kevin. "I sure did.", said Steve. "And?", said Kevin.

"Game 3 is gonna be on the night before Halloween.", said Steve. "Great! That's good timing to know whether we'll have to make a decision or not on Halloween.", said Kevin. "Guys, have you decided on your Halloween costumes yet?", said Anna. "We sure did mom?", said Steve.

"I want to be The Undertaker.", said Kevin. "And I want to be Kane.", said Steve. "You guys want to be who?", said Anna.

"They're both wrestlers mom.", said Kevin. "Yeah, WWE wrestlers.", said Steve. "Oh, I see now. We're gonna try our best to find both of those costumes at Northland Mall.", said Anna.

Then after a little while, the school bus came. "Alright, let's go Kev.", said Steve. "See you guys when you get home! Love you!", said Anna. "We love you too mom!", said Steve.

Then Steve and Kevin got on the bus. Then Steve immediately glanced at me sitting by myself, and glancing out of the window. Steve then decided to sit next to me.

"' Sup?", said Steve. "' Sup?", I said. Then the bus drove off to school.

"Steve, why haven't you been answering your phone all weekend. I and the rest of the gang have been trying to tell you about you and Kevin going trick-or-treating with us on Halloween night.", I said. "Yeah, I know man. I got the boatload of messages on my voicemail.", said Steve. "So, are you and Kevin going?", said Kevin.

"If the Yankees win tomorrow night?", said Steve. "What?", I said. "Well, you see, me and Kev have been watching the World Series all of last weekend. The World Series is the championship series of Major League Baseball. It's the best four wins out of seven games. And the Diamondbacks, who we want to lose have already won the first two. If the-", said Steve. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Timeout!", I said.

"Please start over. But explain it in simpler terms this time. And go!", I said. "If the Yankees lose tomorrow night, I and Kev are gonna have to choose between watching the championship series of MLB or go trick-or-treating on Halloween night.", said Steve. "Do you get it now?", said Steve. "I think I get it. I don't think I and the rest of the gang are gonna have a problem with you not trick-or-treating with us if you got something really important to watch on TV that same night.", I said.

"Thanks for understanding. But I still don't know how the rest of them is gonna take the news.", said Steve. "Then we'll tell them together.", I said. "Or me, you and Kevin tell them together.", I said. "That's even better.", said Steve.

"It can be shortly after recess starts.", I said. "I like the way you think.", said Steve. "Yeah, I don't have a problem with that.", said Steve. "Thanks.", I said. "Your welcome. Good talk dude.", said Steve.

***

Moments later, it was now the start of recess. Me, Steve, and Kevin were standing together on the playground. We were getting ready to tell our friends about the situation with the World Series and Halloween night.

"Alright, guys, you ready to do this?", I said. "I was born ready.", said Kevin. "I was born ready after him.", said Steve. "Alright, let's go then.", I said.

Then all three of us proceeded to walk up to the rest of our friends. They were all standing together just talking on the playground. "Excuse me, guys. I think Steve and Kevin got something very important they want to tell you.", I said.

"What is it, guys?", said, Ariana. "It is concerning Halloween night.", said Kevin. "Yeah. You see, game 4 of the World Series is on Halloween night.", said Steve. "Does that mean you can't go trick-or-treating with us?", said Amanda.

"It doesn't mean that at all. We'd love to go trick-or-treating with you.", said Kevin. "But see, the problem with that is this. The Yankees, who we are rooting for, have to win tomorrow night. Or else we'll have to choose between watching the World Series or go trick-or-treating while risking the chance of missing the World Series.", said Steve. "Are any of you baseball fans by the way?", I said.

"Of course we're all baseball fans.", said Brad. "Great! So all of you understand where Steve and Kevin are coming from.", I said. "Yeah, but we all agreed not to watch the World Series this year. Because of one of the World Series games being on Halloween night, we all agreed to not watch it this year for all of us to go trick-or-treating.", said Nathan.

"And you two need to choose not to watch the World Series on Halloween no matter what happens.", said Amanda. "Yeah, I agree with Amanda on this one. It's not like the Tigers are in the World Series. If that was the case, we'd all be glued to our televisions screens instead of going to strangers' homes for candy.", said, Ariana. "But the Tigers are not in it this year, so why would you watch the World Series this year when we could all go trick-or-treating for the first time.", said Nathan. "So, what do you say guys?", said Brad.

"I don't know about that one.", said Steve. "I'm with my brother on this one. The World Series is something that only happens only once a year.", said Kevin. "If we miss the World Series, even it's our choice, we won't see another World Series until 3rd grade.", said Steve. "It'll be a very tough decision for me and Steve to make if the Yankees lose tomorrow night.", said Kevin.

"I hope you guys understand where we are coming from.", said Steve. Then Amanda just sighed and said "Alright, fine. Whatever you decide to do on Halloween night will not end your friendship with us. Just know that if you decide not to go trick-or-treating on Wednesday night, we will be very disappointed.". "Yeah, so try your best not to let all of us down.", said, Ariana.

"Yeah, it would be a bummer if you two weren't with us for our first-ever time going trick-or-treating.", said Nathan. "We'd have to wait until 3rd grade if you're not there with us.", said Brad. "Don't worry guys, we'll try our best not to let you down.", said Kevin. "Although, we can't control what happens in the World Series.", said Steve. "That's true Steve. We'll just have to watch the tube, and see what happens.", said Kevin.

"And when did you guys become Yankees fans.", said, Ariana. "We're not. We're Tigers fans. We just chose somebody to root for in this year's World Series. And we chose the Yankees.", said Kevin. "Well, they better win the next time.", said Amanda. Then the conversation ended.

***

It was now the day of game 3 of the 2001 World Series. After the babysitter left, it was almost time for game 3 to start. It was already the evening, and Steve, Kevin, and Kevin Sr. got together in the living room once again to watch the third game of the series.

Just before the pregame show started, Kevin Sr. got another one of his beers from the refrigerator. Then the pregame show started as he cracked open his can of beer. Then the two oldest boys came into the living room.

Then the first pitch was thrown. "Hey, Kev, you wanna try and jinx the Diamondbacks?", said Steve. "I don't believe in jinxes.", said Kevin. "If you don't believe in jinxes, go on the web and figure out when was the last time Detroit won the Super Bowl. Or the last time the Cubs won the World Series.", said Steve.

"Let me tell you something about jinxes man.", said Kevin. Then Kevin paused for a few seconds. "On second thought, jinxes sound like a great idea.", said Kevin.

"That's the Halloween/baseball spirit.", said Steve. "But how are we gonna do that?", said Kevin. "We don't say anything for the entire 1st inning. That'll take away the luck of Arizona.", said Steve.

"I'm right there with you, but the 1st inning already started.", said Kevin. "Oh yeah, you're right.", said Steve. Then several seconds passed by. "The 2nd inning.", said Steve. "Great thinking. Yeah, let's do it.", said Kevin. "Deal.", said Steve.

Then the 2nd inning started. You didn't hear a peep out of Steve or Kevin. And the game continued while it was still in the 2nd inning.

Then the 3rd inning started. "Ok, I think that did the job.", said Steve. "Let's hope so. Or we might not get any candy corn tomorrow night.", said Kevin.

Then moments later after the game, Steve and Kevin were two very happy kids. The Yankees beat the Diamondbacks by a score of 2-1 and the series was now 2-1 in Arizona's favor. "They won! They won! They finally won!", said Steve. "They won! The Yankees finally won! We don't have to choose!", said Kevin. "Candy corn, here we come!", Steve said with a big smile on his face.

"The jinx was a success.", said Kevin. "I'm very happy for your guys. You know, you guys remind me of what I felt when I use to go trick-or-treating at about your age. Getting that sweet candy was a great feeling, and now it's passed down to you since you don't have to choose anymore.", said Kevin Sr. "You are so right, dad. We're so excited right now for tomorrow night. I can't wait to tell our friends we're good to go trick-or-treating tomorrow.", said Steve.

"Me too.", said Kevin. "Well, I guess it's time to retire to our rooms once again.", said Steve. "Yeah, we're gonna sleep well tonight.", said Kevin. "I'm gonna dream of Halloween candy tonight.", said Steve.

"Well, goodnight boys. Your mother wants you to put on your Halloween costumes right after you get home from school tomorrow. We're gonna take some pictures of you two before you go trick-or-treating. Got it?", said Kevin Sr. "We got it.", said Kevin. "Goodnight dad.", said Steve. Then Steve and Kevin both left the living room.

***

It was Halloween at recess time during school. I, Steve, and Kevin approached the rest of the gang on the playground. "So, have you guys made your decision?", said Amanda. "And you guys better not choose baseball over Halloween.", said, Ariana. "We chose Halloween.", said Kevin.

"We chose to go trick-or-treating. The Yankees won, so we don't have to make a choice.", said Steve. "So, we're all set for tonight.", said Kevin. "That's great! I'm happy to hear that your team finally got a win in the series.", said Brad.

"We're all curious to know who you'll be dressing as this year.", said Nathan. "I'm gonna be The Undertaker.", said Kevin. "And I'm gonna be Kane.", said Steve. "Nice, well make sure to be completely ready before dawn. Then we can all leave my place once it gets dark.", said Amanda. "Sounds awesome Amanda.", said Steve.

"Alright, well, see you tonight guys.", said Amanda. And then the rest of the gang left from our spot on the playground. "I'm glad everything worked out for you guys.", I said. "Hey, you guys wanna go on the monkey bars?", said Steve. "Sounds cool to me.", said Kevin.

"Let's go.", I said. Then we ran to the monkey bars and got on them. It was only hours until we all finally experienced the joy of trick-or-treating for the first time.

***

Now Steve's parents had recently hired a babysitter to watch over the boys and the dog while they were at work. The babysitter was a female who was an adult and was 23 years of age. And her name was Ashley.

It was after school. Steve and Kevin went inside the apartment complex. They knocked on the door and the babysitter let them both inside.

"Hey, guys! Your mom wanted me to make sure you put on the Halloween costumes you wanted right after you got home from school.", said Ashley. "Whoa! It looks just like the real thing they both wear on TV!", said Kevin. "I know this is nice.", said Steve.

"Let's go in our room, and put these on.", said Kevin. "Way ahead of you.", said Steve. Then the two boys left the living room and entered their room.

Moments later, they came out looking like a miniature Undertaker and a miniature Kane. "Nice outfits fellas.", said Ashley. "Thanks, Ashley.", said Steve. "We look scary in these costumes. This might just be the best Halloween of our lives.", said Kevin.

Moments later, it was the evening. The babysitter just left after she got paid. Steve's parents just got back from work.

"Ok guys, let's take some pictures before you guys leave.", said Anna. She was dressed as a witch. Kevin Sr. was dressed as Chewbacca.

Cody dressed as Frankenstein, and Matthew dressed as Darth Vader. "Alright, mom.", said Kevin. Both Steve and Kevin then got into the frame of the picture. "We're ready whenever you are.", said Steve.

"Alright, say cheese!", said Anna. "Cheese!", said, Steve and Kevin. Then Anna took a memorable photo of Steve and Kevin dressing up on Halloween.

"Alright, now all four of you boys come in the shot.", said Anna. Then all four boys did just that. "Say cheese!", said Anna. "Cheese!", said all four boys.

"Honey, why don't you come to join them?", said Anna. Then Steve took a sip of his beer and got up to join the rest of the males. "Once again, say cheese!", said Anna. "Cheese!", said all the males of the household.

Then Anna put her camera on a timer. She joined the shot herself. "Cheese!", said all of Steve's family.

"Come on mom! We don't have much time left. They told us to be ready by sunset.", said Steve. "Alright, you kids have fun.", said Anna. "And guys, try not to eat all of your candy in one night.", said Kevin Sr.

"See you guys.", said Kevin as they both left. "See you mom, see you, Dexter.", said Steve as they both left. Steve's parents both waved goodbye.

***

That night, Steve and Kevin walked up to Amanda's place to knock on the door. She opened the door for them. "Hey, guys, come on in.", said Amanda.

The whole gang was there at Amanda's house. "So, you guys ready to do this?", said Kevin. "It has to get completely dark. Remember?", said Steve. "Oh yeah, I completely forgot about that part.", said Kevin.

Moments later, it got completely dark. "Alright, I think that's dark enough. Let's head out.", said Amanda. Then the whole gang left Amanda's place.

"Alright, whose house should we go to first?", said, Ariana. "How about that house over there. It says trick-or-treaters welcome on the front door.", I said. "And it's got some pretty sweet Halloween decorations.", said Steve.

"Alright, let's start there.", said Amanda. Then the gang walked right up to the house. Nathan knocked on the door.

The door opened, and an old lady was standing there. "Trick-or-treat!", said the whole gang. "Well, happy Halloween kids! Here are some Kit-Kats for the redhead, some Mr. Good bar's for the blonde, and some Hershey's Kisses for the professional wrestlers.", said the old lady.

"Wait a minute! You watch wrestling?!", said Kevin. "Every week.", said the old lady. "I'm a big fan of The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.", said the old lady. "Nice.", said Steve.

"Nowhere is my mixed bag of goodies to give to the rest of you young folks.", said the old lady. She then proceeded to give each one of us at least some amount of candy. "Alright, have a wonderful evening collecting more candy. And stay safe out there. This is Detroit by the way.", said the old lady.

"Alright, thank you, lady.", said Amanda. "Have a nice night.", said Kevin. And then we all proceeded to leave the premises of that house.

"Well, it seems like our first ever house while trick-or-treating wasn't all that bad.", said Steve. "Yeah, and we got quite a bit of candy as a result.", said Brad. "Why don't we do this every year.", said Nathan. "Nathan, you've read all of our minds.", said Amanda.

"Well, you guys wanna continue the night getting candy from strangers?", said Steve. "Sounds like a plan.", I said. And then we proceeded to go to other houses to continue trick-or-treating.