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「Steven，萬聖節有咩節目？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6U6tb4A05
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGNhvoY5xR
「唔，暫時未有。萬聖節⋯⋯重有兩個星期。」我望一下茶水間牆上的月曆。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35fvfPlBXL
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZGgc36obH
這個把頭湊到我面前，呵氣如蘭的女生是我的同事Emma。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlqO5aNdIq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY2Sx9Qlrm
Emma是土生土長的英國女孩，留一頭柔順的及肩棕髮，五官標緻得像洋娃娃。不過，最讓人留下印象的是她衣服上甜甜的香氣。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLHJvNXEzp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtRZZtSvHL
喔，那是Jo Malone 香水，英國梨與小蒼蘭味，某次在她家裡的浴室看到的。鏡子中的除了香水，還有兩條卷纏在一起，感受歡愉與節拍的肉蟲。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlLzqpv5ee
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8YYXGybnq
在浴室做愛是一種情趣，迴音大，從鏡子能看到對方享愛的表情，而且事後梳洗也很方便。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6AJlET0qJ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM7XldOEqs
不要誤會，我和Emma不是男女朋友，只是大家都喜歡文化交流，某些方面都投契，僅此而已。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IGfnvQnXW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeIpF4jBuT
話說回來，我姓史，且叫我史提芬吧，二十七歲的單身白領，去年從香港遠洋來到英國伯明翰。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ891PxCPHRg
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7BupwNo5I
原因你懂的，說太多又蘇玉華了。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljmMyKtGMU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCTOYG5LxU
為甚麼是伯明翰？457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg6tJpKj4T
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRKZ5wqBkq
因為是工業重鎮？還是因為伯明翰是英國第二大城市？457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXXMf4m0x3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhuzVaexpf
沒有那麼複雜，只是出發時正好有一間的專門做節慶活動的公司聘請，待遇不俗，而且剛畢業的女生非常多。再說，要是真的比較起來，英國有很多比伯明翰宜居的地方。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdpbijLHvO
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGI00NFecQ
總之就是這樣。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvZys9JcWQ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ794z0goRsm
要深入了解一個國家，除了從性方面，就是從傳統節日入手，像Emma每次都說我很「深入」，叫到石破天驚，鬼泣神號。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodUXdrCK7m
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyQvUKneOW
就像剛剛落幕的Solihull啤酒節，又或者我們最近忙得如火如荼的萬聖節。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzbl4Y2Lx0
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkdgFKKOg9
「31號我哋都要OT，你唔怕攰咩？」我趁著沒有人看見，手不安份地掃過她的翹臀，手指的動作更勝莫扎特的琴技。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSKI0jN27Q
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIWhwdLAJr
呸，別再聽KOL說甚麼在英國工作只有下午茶和啤酒。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWGNULUTA1
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdOcCIfEEn
還有圓渾有致的屁股。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOK3oDxB62
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpYpCjE5BN
我的工作負責跟不同商場和機構接洽，安排活動和場地佈置，雖然不用親自動手，但在活動時出現，拍些照片寫報告用。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡameoAb6F59
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk7UbFiHbm
Emma俏臉緋紅，瞪了我一眼，咬唇耳語道：「邊個頂唔順好難講呢。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmWo2AyOnQ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p7MCjyPeM
「我當然知道正日要忙。我想問你24號，星期日吖！」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFimkRlWxK2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8iGsBMI0x
「24號？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8pK40kq0V
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80GTELwXnr
「24號係你生日。」她喐起豐厚的嘴唇。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd1na2yMxG
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpClvrAIWC
吖，對了！我幾乎都忘記自己生日。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgS0EstU2S
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSO0Voq7PA
要說的是，Emma作為女朋友絕對是好選擇，只是我沒有這個想法，原因之後再說。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq47YAcn6v
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y9q02cJQg
「所以⋯⋯去你新屋慶祝？我都未去過參觀呢。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5ALJr0YW7
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez8ktYzKmx
確實，每次都是我去Emma市中心，位於Newton Street的住所，就連她家裡都放了我的拖鞋和牙刷。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS03ynk9D2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRguxq7Rnxa
我思索了兩秒，應道：「嗯。呢幾日傢俬都差唔多送齊。嚟我屋企開Halloween Party，參觀一下我間房囉。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTxT810ZMx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0E0IMfTmh
這肯定是最棒的萬聖節派對，我這樣天真地想著，甚至滿腦子都是一個成年男性該有的幻想，然後在Amazon上訂了一套魔女款式的性感內衣。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi34voq5Sh3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVCIWz5ziZ
若然，如果沒有發生那件事⋯⋯457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIgE6yR2jR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJZ6DPWpHb
＊457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWW1oaCbg6
10月24號。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOZl8XRrwv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UVE3aByim
也就是我訂的情趣內衣送達的同日上午。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbVBNUOKD7
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gnQngOwME
說來奇怪，送貨司機是一個酒槽鼻，戴鴨舌帽的白人大叔。我要說的奇怪不是他胸口的十字架項鏈；不是那部佈滿沙塵，車生堪坷的Citreon私家車，也不是擋風玻璃前的酒吧廣告牌。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdhxHIzSlV
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkojoLsCSF
酒吧名叫Sun？Sin？看不清楚，也不是重點。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIpdSHUt7r
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygFCYIbA3l
奇怪的是他的說話。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyaUjHUURy
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ayOUxJj2n
「終於有人。」司機大叔腋下夾住黑色包裏。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V1he4iTPR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMSS8fyWNf
「嗯？」我不解。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14qL2nsSM6
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbgtE1kbIK
司機大叔搖了搖頭，遞上Emma的內衣讓我簽收。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3066RbHqQ4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd57rL7RzH
「最近出門小心呀，Kid。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUicV7Z2Dqt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IkpUA73PR
我友善地問道：「呢條街治安好差？我新居入伙，對呢一區都未算熟悉。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRldj6HFkQ0
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3asWga8Tz
話雖如此，我在網上查過罪案率，這一區在伯明翰來說，治安不算太差才對。英國跟香港不同，即使是同一區，相距一兩條街或者一個公園已經差天共地。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn78mFc8rjP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSmRYmTmuu
我還記得自己剛到埗時住了一星期的Air BnB，街道一側是工地，木板圍籬破破爛爛，磚牆上噴滿塗鴉，另一邊是廢棄的工廠大廈，玻璃窗被砸碎，滿街都是Laughing Gas的銀色小瓶。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk4eHwBOJr
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyJWOfVOb8
唔，未計走廊長期充斥大麻的氣味，也不意外。那不是《哈利波特》會告訴你的事。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EvkJtfykS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL57laS0wa
「哈，治安嘛。」司機大叔壓下聲線沉吟：「萬聖節。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPY2Xpr26I
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ12ulv5EJ
「吓？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPXeOiYxhb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNA5r2wtQ4
「小心萬聖節。」他重複。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgplNJTvK0
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMapJBsxXNC
我被他混濁的藍眼眸盯得渾身不自在：「呃，So⋯⋯Happy Halloween？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPv3F4iwm6
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTm5UPOT3S
「Happy Halloween, Kid。」司機大叔輕按鴨舌帽道別，轉身上車離開。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNABZ3WtPMw
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37OWzbSdSs
我站在花園目送他的白色Citreon遠去。這時藍天白雲，燦爛的陽光穿過柳樹的綠蔭照在身上，我卻不禁打了一個寒顫。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9YjiacAVa
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbHKrDeObK
剎那間葉聲靜下來，街道好像伸長了？457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphRhSdNDY3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5lh8b0Aso
我揉揉眼：「打少啲飛機。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthzqJef6jm
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPQPyMa4hF
噏噏，褲袋電話震動。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUNQ0VbSIe
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ8LYPxFhS
是Emma的訊息，內容是茄子和心心眼的Emoji。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67qPKNgjcN
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WYo2JspJw
「啱，今日真係唔可以打飛機。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuL7w03rYz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeQ0HIONso
然後，我回了她英國國旗，扯起來了。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHnrAHLiA9
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWQDmphB6b
＊
黃昏時份。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQpwVDi4ck
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CRUPqis8Y
當我正在客廳敲鍵盤，屏幕上彈出一句句小說台詞的時候，門鐘響起來了。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dgUr7S2gf
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpkFcfts1z
題外話，我是一個銷售顧問，閒時亦是一個寫故佬，就是網絡上千篇一律的爽文。想來，這也是我移民的其中一個原因。當然啦，支撐我的夢想除了收入可觀的工作、黑咖啡、還有替我出錢買下這棟獨立屋和全新Land Rover的父母。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuk9O7uyuz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m77f3jfvI
成功靠父幹，我有多少父幹但沒有成功，也算是特例，或者只好怪家父年輕不夠努力。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5vgp5B7zf
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywf52YiuSu
我蓋上手提電腦，踢著拖鞋到玄關，開門迎接Emma。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvr3lh4PVs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gZiy4GOJa
甫開門，扛著木球棒，打扮成小丑女的Emma便跳起來把我撲倒，騎在我身上呵呵笑。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2VBRwcsdq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXXLYc5Fbp
「Surprise？」Emma 眨動大眼睛，裝可愛問道。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpcSFHVDsz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VcCv6BWt6
我的目光嘗試從Emma的低胸上衣移開，發現除了她以外還有四個人，兩男兩女。我知道這不是自殺特攻隊的設定，因為小丑女是DC角色，而死侍和鷹眼是漫威角色。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIP8upumFn
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3IqtvNIKu
其中三個人我認出來，因為我們是同事。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztK5JFybpK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUHxpgq926
打扮成死侍的俄羅斯大漢叫羅夫，負責工程和場地裝砌。他高六呎一，長得慓悍嚇人，右臂紋了普京騎熊的紋身，褲襠藏著讓人望而生畏的凶器。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FSHanj4mW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZaXOGQ0Zz
不要誤會，他是我健身室前輩。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcfna1IYnd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6jG6oGDjS
另一個長得平凡的四眼男生叫Peter。Peter來自土耳其，據說家境不俗。Peter讀英國大學畢業時來公司當IT部實習生，畢業後順理成連成為IT部的一員，負責幫客戶網頁設計。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNimyMrC5k
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9yWf88ohD
Peter人不錯，就是個性內向一點，這次打扮成鷹眼算是一個重大突破。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbf3Y0mbkF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mwfaPPdbA
「Hiya。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFFkR612G2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyvAP2HVgA
說話的是一個嬌小斯文，打扮成小魔女的金髮女生Mia。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqPcKGgXPw
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCTB032AEs
Mia，她就是我一直沒有和Emma一起的原因。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDvG50mRBH
她是公司的文員，年紀比我小兩歲，長得清純脫俗，大眼睛，睫毛鬈長迷人。如果Emma是野玫瑰，她就是夏天的小雛菊。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm81PZ8pDZA
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SLF6TBzAk
有趣的是，我和她在市中心咖啡店認識。當時我坐在她旁邊的高椅，只顧敲鍵盤的我不小心喝錯她的咖啡，之後聊天才發現她是我公司的同事。接下來自然是一般情侶發展的情節，但沒有開花結果。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx46QCd9vY
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxSMS9ST6V
原因很簡單。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA26jPgAHlt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2rmn03JTh
我跟Emma搭上了，而她某天在辦公室發現了。但願Mia沒有看到最後，Emma滿臉濁白，而我在喘氣的樣子。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmY528Ds9b
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TUihmqtoM
也許出於愧疚，也許仍然喜歡Mia，但對方討厭我是事實。畢竟沒有一個國家的女生能接受自己的準男友在其他女生臉上射精。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoh2pwnQey
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNCA21Sf2c
Mia今天來我的生日派對，絕對是意料之外。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhuTngOWuI
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMjH4Nj5ua
最後一個人是黏在羅夫身邊，眼角和唇角掛著幾行假血漿的俏護士。她是羅夫的女朋友，來自羅馬尼亞的Ella。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC25X26hwCt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N7vNP6Mdd
Ella樣子跟Mia比下去，但火辣程度絕對不比Emma低，看她護士裙的開胸拉鍊拉到肚臍上就知道了。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCcJ5r6Qjt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JxRowyt5g
「嗨⋯⋯Mia。」我在Emma身下，與Mia尷尬地對望。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwmvpXmIoK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb45m1SRF2C
「Hey，Steven！你唔會打算叫大家喺門口食風吧？」羅夫擺出死侍的招牌動作。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBmuGgs3XY
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNTGxLfecz
我爬起來一邊乾笑，一邊把他們迎進屋內。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LugJCiT3k
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykH6rF5ka0
Emma有意無意的在Mia面前喙了我的臉頰一口。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVczYvwK6xY
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nRTaXXMeO
「Happy Birthday and⋯⋯」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4FItJqIIP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLR9WLhtpv
「Happy Halloween！」她說。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3HYrB1nDs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WI2ULir1Y
大門關上，門樑的風鈴叮叮作響。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gS5iDhNQ2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5biR4FB3ke
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這時候，因為羅夫買了燒烤爐當入伙禮物，Emma正在廚房準備帶來的燒烤食材，發出陣陣嬉鬧聲。最近在學習漢語的Peter則埋首在我的手提電腦前，讀我還沒完成的甜故。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8m7WPcgPh
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuERkqSD0sa
「啪，啪，啪。一嘢⋯⋯一嘢轟入去？What？」他讀得生澀滑稽。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzhKzO60qG
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLcHVMtX9q
與此同時，Mia和Ella在與飯廳相連的溫室佈置。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp283bOVgG
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsglPjai3xw
「Steven。你間新屋真係唔錯。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0YKrFUYmT
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx17AhE5VGW
羅夫拿著啤酒在客廳和飯廳間踱步，色瞇瞇的目光不時射入廚房。坦白說，我不怎喜歡他看著Emma 的眼神，像動物對自己地盤有主權意識，又或者玩具被其他孩子不問自取的道理相同。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqRstAH4bO
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim0kZWJje6
我裝作毫不在意，繼續話題：「過得去，哈哈。而且價錢好公道。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdVF9bDezb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT31r9jWREn
「喔？幾錢成交？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4cYiYGdap
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqzNxSeyDP
「25萬鎊。」我豎起手指。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7wQIuHwwh
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVoeGyAWb7
羅夫被啤酒嗆得咳嗽：「真係咁抵？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRezACCGx0u
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs5rOEfaDv
「同區價錢三房獨立屋，平均35萬鎊，主要校網好，罪案率低，去市區都係三十分鐘，而且鄰近機場。25萬鎊確實係公道價錢。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8BdfR9Hf3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFUjzGaX73
Peter頓了一下，補充一句：「公道得誇張。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaf6q2qg5Z
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh0vq3LUrS
我走到客廳：「經紀係香港人。聽講上一手業主生意週轉有問題，所以唯有蝕讓。25萬鎊，而且永久業權，嘿嘿。」我走到客廳。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB6dxzeKcl
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdBaAAIW9b
這間屋位於Solihull，距離伯明翰市中心不遠，而且區內都有一個不錯的商場和一條綠樹林蔭的商店街，即使不出市中心都能滿足基本生活所需。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS9JeuX36e
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9CkTds7Dd
唯一美中不足的是，這裡跟商店街步行需時十五分鐘。每晚到入夜時，沿路的街燈總是一眨一眨，遲遲未修理人員維修。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZVizVUui3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zOa7wJLup
退一萬步說，即使沒有一盞街燈，25萬鎊都絕對划算。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlV61e7PuF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANZsg3DXRt
「但一個人住三房，唔會覺得陰森咩？」Peter問。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk5vjGmrZh
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4wS9RVj6q
「買定先，遲早用得到總冇壞。」我不自覺瞄看玻璃溫室的Mia。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwah4CgzyLZ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5SXIjOr8Q
「又或者，你可以邀請我做女主人囉。」Emma捧著一盤生雞肉串，突然從後湊到我耳畔輕笑。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHHdnEb7Oq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCFdov2uHE
羅夫灌光啤酒，忽然豪邁地笑道：「今晚我哋唔打算返屋企喔。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZni99d6ml
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQkoGhnJkM
我瞧看Emma一眼，後者聳聳肩。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW34CmkzSwH
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyZWFXyGfl
我推開木門：「好，哈哈！我出去起爐先，你哋隨便坐。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQhfZpKMKA
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12u7HtnGaC
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「要幫手？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MgK6MEm7G
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB8CIGwZGp
當我在花園擺好火爐的炭時，Mia走到我旁邊遞上火槍。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMrGByLhDP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t7M6RI7lM
「唔該。」我晃晃頭，尷尬地接過火槍。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAefKq4vITu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq14Z6MBrSf
兩人一度陷入沉默，站在爐邊看著啪嚓啪嚓，冒出火星和輕煙的炭火。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTZVSNsT6O
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwBFK2So1g
啪嚓。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYfaI22R3l
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zm0ZzQ2OW
我打破沉默：「多謝你今日肯嚟。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYgfKugJ3T
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeIsBNsupQ
Mia沒有抬頭，仍然注視著愈燒愈旺爐火，火光使她的杏眸顯得更明亮動人。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRFiecmjnI
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf8yjhG8lx
「唔好誤會，Emma同我講今晚係Halloween Party。不過，」她呷一口啤酒，續道：「Happy Birthday，Steven。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSh2gpKFjS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUsS7S3xWC
「多謝。」我舉起酒罐一飲而下。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx8WH879Ec
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUpHy7rAqN
接下來的幾分鐘的獨處，我和Mia談著有的沒的，彼此都心不在焉，欲言又止。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qebg2Oklx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CWDtT4oZH
裝出來的自然，往往是最不自然的表現。我寧願她狠狠搧我幾巴，總比大方得體好。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoJEDO4p44
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YV76Hlb1z
「唔，我有件事唔知應唔應該講，Emma－」Mia說到一半，俏臉突然煞白，啤酒罐失手掉落草地上。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnu6VOstfE
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLheLOCTKxS
Mia的視線越過我的肩膀，瞳孔劇烈地顫動，彷彿看到駭人的畫面似的。可是，我轉頭一瞥卻只見空蕩蕩，昨天才修剪好的草地。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4CWZn89n4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h2R8mxKUI
在我們身處的L形的花園（詳見前文圖示），我曾經見過幾次松鼠和惡巴巴的自來貓。但這次甚麼也沒有。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblzm2Iqbmu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE4o7GtJjm
「Mia？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdMMgLCetS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LZF1LG1OC
Mia回過神，裝出鬼臉：「嚇到你呢，嘻嘻。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37nXPvnM2m
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCGwgk7sNm
「喔喔，嚇到囉。」我陪笑道。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSst2KCZVrc
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvmcDDDYi6
這時候，Emma、羅夫、Ella和Peter剛好捧著餐盤走出室外，朝我們的方向走來。我瞧看那片草地兩眼，沒有把事情放到心上，開始燒烤派對。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutVHh1btvk
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6aUFbYOlo
燒烤的香氣飄升，盤中的肉都全部清空。酒過三巡，我們一邊玩啤牌，喝光帶來的啤酒、紅酒和溝紅莓汁的伏特加，而Peter跑到廁所吐了兩次後，連酒量最好的羅夫都終於打了個滿意的飽嗝。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCBZOzaaw4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5kasavaUM
羅夫的牌品比酒品差，特別在輸了幾張十鎊鈔票之後。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbaYL703V5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdcJmZFJkM
洗牌。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQKIUueU8e
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKfJusQbeY
派牌。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8yMrnAb6j
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry5LvxFSnV
「Shit，Peter。你點搞？醉到手殘呀？」羅夫咬住煙，晦氣地丟出一張牌。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdETrYIyml
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUf3zL2Wro
Joker，小丑牌。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDgPe70PDq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA4QjqwJyK
問題來了，我們玩的是德州撲克，不該出現小丑牌。而且，這已經是第二次了。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJtkeSGs6w
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWyLNjWpPL
也許因為酒意，牌上的小丑笑得格外詭異，栩栩如生，像惡作劇成功的模樣。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mFJAnlDAK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wMEuZxW2A
也許因為Peter醉醺醺，洗牌時不小心把小丑牌放過去，又或者以為大家在鬥地主。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCalwjhYJ8T
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2i83UW7Y6
「我？冇理由⋯⋯」Peter大惑不解地搔頭。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH3rIYDAhj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIshyesbVa
「好喇好喇，我哋休息一陣，酒都飲完囉。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEKa8EOS42
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrRTVzUHuO
Ella說罷便朝大家露出貝齒，紅唇拉出一抹古怪的笑容。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nzhh0jAlR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAO4r3RMM5
這個笑容告訴我們，這場萬聖節派對似乎剛剛才開始。
「大家知唔知萬聖節嘅起源？」Ella忽然問。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1uM1uZ6IY
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF0W99g7tg
「童話故事同商業社會嘅衍生品？」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmZ8pII2hP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0TkEuqpfU
坦白說，我真的不知道。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZwoNsUsr4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDziCHAqFY
作為一個節日活動的銷售顧問，這當然不是值得驕傲的事。但懂計數的都不一定知道畢達哥拉斯是誰，對吧對吧？457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg474g4n9iu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYsy2xVvvt
在我的認知裡，萬聖節有南瓜、女巫、蝙蝠、奇裝異服、商場裝飾擺設⋯⋯還有就是萬聖節的床上慶祝活動？457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCUZf557fQ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV5T7DZe4G
嚴格來說，萬聖節是資本主義的工具，道理等同網絡遊戲不時讓玩家課金的活動；主題樂園售賣能戴在身上的飾品。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOdnnAbf9w
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKWZiqU5LF
然而，Ella的答案讓我們安靜下來，室外的空氣驟時急降十度。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CUR4IBePf
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SOzJV85vh
「萬聖節真係有鬼。」Ella說。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdHSDs0M44
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCclzIGJSnn
「迷信呢。」Emma第一個反駁。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXjJgQF02x
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwqkMKGzPC
「Who knows?」Ella攤手。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsB62vzOuW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6WaHbSCjr
Emma的反駁並沒打消Ella說下去的打算。Ella變成主持，把萬聖節的起源媚媚道來。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH9y1hW3pD
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsFszYaekr
萬聖節的起源說法紛云，其中一個真實性最高的跟凱爾特人（Celt）和薩溫節（Samhain）相關。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kGnbZCH0Z
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQFW76RaDS
凱爾特人相信每年十一月一日是新一年的開始，所以在前夜十月三十一日晚上是農作物收割的節慶。在這個晚上，人間與陰間的界線變得模糊，邪靈會出人間遊走，尋找替身。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFGQeeYmea
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCaOgZ63B9
人民點起火炬焚燒動物獻祭給死神，然後在十一月一日早上把灰燼分派到各家各戶以驅除惡靈。除此以外，人們在當晚會穿上奇裝異服，發出怪聲以免被邪靈認出來。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV15btql8b
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx4FdI45rK
至於南瓜則是Jack-O-Latern 的傳說有關。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0hjyhZRLW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmJsmri9tw
Peter附和道：「Trick or treat本來都唔係小朋友嘅活動。我以前睇過資料，以前嘅蘇格蘭人認為呢一晚鬼魂會喺屋外聚會。所以等『聚會』結束，佢哋會打扮成鬼怪，將鬼魂引出村外面，同時擺放食物喺門外以餵飽餓鬼。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZoPSFmQIb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bfBXnRSC8
羅夫笑道：「咁多鬼咩？佢成日都講鬼，我一次都冇見過，哈哈！」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhNKjWEPLS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjIaiRPp5t
我非常同意，老子甚麼鬼都不信。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqflgi9Rw5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tPv78lyGB
鬼神之說並不陌生，像中國傳統的盂蘭節或者日本的百鬼夜行。小時候我還跟過外婆燒街衣和打小人。還真是457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEO82onlhB
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnb9mUT9X6
Ella彷彿早知道羅夫不信邪，又或者說服羅夫才是她本來的目的。至少我們這一刻天真的以為如此。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIw62ffESt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKHw9qYwbm
她上身微微俯前，從我的位置則好看到她的裙內的春光，兩團豐滿軟肉在晃動，而且沒有戴胸罩。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmuuYVxGpo
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJMcwLwelh
Ella瞬間察覺到我的眼神，我趕忙移開目光。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEONStCgLA5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpipKxO5Q5j
她微微一笑，嘴唇不著痕跡地造出「殊」的口型，卻沒有戳破，彷彿這是我們的秘密似的。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMXJpUpNc2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA7uroJ1ZX
我雖然好色，但那種事情怎也做不出來。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnw5vqEtwf
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5dVHpg0sD
「我早知大家唔信，嘿嘿嘿。所以我早有準備。跟我嚟，我有辦法證明畀大家睇，鬼魂真係存在。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF559ggVQE
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTSkCcuHz0
如是者，Ella帶領我們走回屋裡，自顧自地翻找背囊中的東西，然後一股腦地放在餐桌上佈置起來。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtohXEUhsF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8YnNRueXV
「Halloween當然要玩啲配合主題嘅遊戲先有意思啦。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFpLBw2QjS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonPwk4bHAN
Ella坐下來，幽幽地笑道： 「 Ouija Board。我哋揾鬼出嚟咪一清二楚囉。」457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdhmihDOxd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXQiaVgmhC
映入我們眼簾的是一塊殘舊的木板，木板上有個巴掌大，中間有圓洞的三角木牌，幾根白洋燭和一束鼠尾草。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwFXjN2klm
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROTYim1pAv
通靈板（Ouija Board），就像我們的碟仙⋯⋯457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGEZt28vnI
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7J5b9wHyc
「Happy Halloween！」Ella笑道。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagXbF2eV03
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVtgQOjF5n
門樑的風鈴在響，彷彿在催促我們快點坐下來，展開一場絕對不應該開始，而且絕對會後悔的遊戲。457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCkI6L3ZNl
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSrtXGU4Hz
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