I just realized something. We're a decade past the future in Back To The Future II and we still have to use our hands to play arcade games.. Sorry Elijah Wood!! 😅💜🕹️
This is even true with pretty much all modern arcade games like at Round 1, Dave and Busters and the like...
TW mental illness talk and animal death under the cut
Hey all, I just wanna say that I might be taking some time off for a bit.
It’s been rough for a bit, with my ocd flaring up the past month which lead to a depression period, through all this I still had to work, cause I cant afford things otherwise.
In the middle of all that mess, Fizz got sick. If you remember, she was a rescue, a runt. Someone had abandoned her in the streets when she was too young and not even weaned off from milk yet.
I did everything I could to get her healthy and strong enough to later eat solid foods, and she was okay for a while…until she wasn’t.
Her health was just, she wouldn’t have lasted long with how weak her immune system was. I had to rush her to the vet when she got a fever, and all I heard was bad news from the staff there.
She held on for a week…then she was gone.
So, I’m just here with my other cats. Fizz isn’t in my life anymore and I don’t feel well. I thought I would have her with me for a long time but, it didn’t happen.
I’m still processing, still expecting to hear her yowl for attention somewhere, still expecting her to latch on to me while I’m walking by her favorite places. I know I’m being emotional, but she was family for a short while, and I wasn’t expecting this to happen.
I still think about the times I found her taking naps in my slippers. It hurts.
Synopsis: Legend has it that Halloween is strictly for the scares. With ghouls and goblins, vampires and werewolves, witches and broomsticks, who could disagree?
However, all this friend group wanted was a little trick or treat. Sprinkle in a few party favors, loud music and a cabin in the woods, the myth was bound to come true.
Lurking around the corner is danger like never before, eager to bring this night to a bloody finish.
So join these friends as they fight to make it through a Hallween they’ll never forget.
Word Count: 2728
Warnings: realisation?
Chapter 5 - Lynnley’s POV
Series Masterlist
Stumbling through the blood my knees feel like they're about to give out. I have to physically swallow the vomit that creeps up, pushing through my discomfort for Steph.
Plunking down beside Lenny, I watch in horror the scene that meets me, screaming for answers he refuses to give.
“What the hell is going on Lenny, how did this happen?”
“I don’t fucking know Lynn, for goodness sake make yourself useful.”
“Both of you shut up,” Jason barks. “Dude tell me you got enough service to get us some hel- to get Steph some help.”
The quietness that bounces amidst the still air is deafening and my head starts spinning a mile a minute. There’s no way this is happening to us. Did the killer make their way inside the house? Did Lenny see who did this? But mostly importantly what do we do now?
Leaning over Steph, I beg her to tell me something, anything about how she got in this predicament.
“Stephanie, blink twice if you can hear me babe, please just hang in there for a little while longer. Can you do that for me? For us?” I pleaded. “You know you were always the resilient one of the group, can you please stay strong for a few more minutes? STEPHANIE, we need you,” I sobbed. “Just this once can you do what I ask? Do you always have to be this stubborn?
I so badly want to shake her awake. The slow fluttering of her eyelashes and the small smile that curves at the corner at her lips makes me want to slap her silly.
“Steph, don’t smile like that,” I begged. “Because you know as well as I do that you’re gonna make it out of here. You have to!”
Snot trickles down my nose as the tears race to my cheeks. I can't help the wail that escapes me as I watch Lenny’s hold tighten and his slow rock quicken.
Looking at Steph I notice that her skin seems paler and her eyes are sunken. Her lips are a cold tint of blue while the last bit of blood gradually oozes from the deep gash in her neck. And the smell - its pungency so heavy in the air that I dry heave uncontrollably. It’s an iron metallic type scent, much like if you were to sniff a paperclip. But however simple, I fear it's a scent forever etched into my brain, pulling me back to this exact horrific moment should I ever smell it again.
Eyes tightly squeezed shut, it does nothing against the onslaught of tears, the lump in my throat borderline painful as it swells in discomfort.
Hands clutching my chest, they do very little to ease the thumping of my heart. It feels like my body is caving in on itself, crushed by the literal weight of gravity and this fucked up night. Breathing seems all too distant and my attempts feel pointless. The only thing my body can manage is a desperate scream that tears through my throat once more.
I feel the room start to spin and clutch the bathroom sink for support to high tail it out of there. Bloody prints are the stamp I leave behind, stomach churning at what looks like a crime scene. Eyeing my knees, they’re drenched in the red liquid and I want so badly to crawl out of my skin. A glance into the mirror makes my belly do a backflip - splattered spots of blood lining my face, hair disheveled and damp and limbs that wont stop trembling; much like an addict waiting for their next fix.
Staggering into the hallway, Jason scoops me in his arms where I let out the last bit of tears my body has to offer. Hands firmly wrapped around my waist, he gently sways us, softly whispering words I can't comprehend.
After some time where all my body has to give is light hiccups and a throbbing headache I pull away, muddled and dazed.
Scanning the room I see that Em’s still boxed into the corner of the wall, Steph’s still cradled in Lenny’s arms, and Jason looks as if he’s seen ten ghosts. This night has gone on long enough and it’s about time we get some answers and get the hell out of here.
“Lorenzo, for the love of chips what happened here?”
“Your guess is as good as mine Lynn, take a good fucking look around and stop being stupid for once in your life,” he answered. “I swear you ask the dumbest questions.”
“C’mon Lenny,” Em pipes up. “It’s no need to get nasty, I'm sure you can understand we’re all a bit frazzled here.”
“Well go frazzle us a way outta here cause all you’ve done so far is lost your shit.”
“Guys, I can’t be expected to be the voice of reason the ENTIRE night, please get a grip all of you,” Jason sighs.
“Just who the fuck do you think you are?” I fumed. “You think just because you had us look into a bunch of rooms, you’re the most level headed?”
Pacing the hallways, I open and slam shut every door in my path; screaming out obscenities and frustrations alike. Stomping my heart out, I barge into the coat room and fling about hangers, clothes, and whatever else found itself into my clutches.
“Oh looky here Mr. Seargant sir, I found all these goodies for ya, do yous think yous could help us out the house now?” I mocked.
“Lynn-“
“Six years in service and all you’ve accomplished is learning how to get maced in the face. Maybe if I put a gun in your hand that’d speed things along huh?
“I know even you aren’t THAT dense,” he snarled.
“Yo, chill!” Em shouts.
“And what if I am? Tell me just what the fuck you plan to do about it,” I egg on.
“Bodies of our friends are littered around the property,” Lenny sniffled. “How on earth do you guys find it in you to be angry?”
“HOW ARE YOU NOT? Someone is actively slaughtering us and that doesn’t piss you off even a little?” Emery barks.
“It scares me.”
“Well what scares me even more is that you haven’t said jack shit about what happened here,” she retorts.
“What do you all want me to say? I found Steph this way! The real question is where were all of YOU when this happened?”
“You guys are hopeless, good fucking luck,” Jason spits over his shoulder as he tramples his way to the front of the house.
“Your choice in men never ceases to amaze me,” Em snides.
“Fuck the both of you.”
Gently laying Steph down, Lenny places a soft kiss to her forehead and exits the bathroom, making sure to close the door behind him.
“Guys, who else is in this house besides us?” Lenny questioned. “I mean did y’all hear or see anything that looks like someone may have broken in?”
“Not that I heard off, I was too busy rummaging. But if someone did find their way in the house, they would have had to make their way past Lynn or Jason.”
“I think I would’ve noticed if someone barged through the front door since my face has been glued to the damn deadlock.”
And they say I ask the stupidest questions, pfft. Albeit school wasn’t my strong suit but I could definitely put two and two together. And by the sound of it, it seems like they think the killer is-
Ohhhhh my gosh. Eyes bulging out the sockets, I drag my hands down my face, surely smudging whatever makeup is left of it.Turning to the both of them I breathlessly try to deduce the situation at hand but all that comes out is stuttering blabber; their encouraging head nods urging me to continue, but to no avail. Stopping entirely and back now stiffened, I blew out a few deep breaths, making sure to inhale slowly to really gather my thoughts as insane as they sound.
“Lenny, are you seriously suggesting that the killer stayed behind after the party and is hiding in the house with us?”
“Lynn,” Em groaned. “I think what he’s saying is that one of US is the killer.”
“What-“
“LYNN, think about it,” he whisper shouted. “This is a two bedroom, two story townhouse with no attic or basement. With the five of us searching the rooms and no one breaking inside the unit, that doesn’t really leave enough space to hide now does it?”
“Go on,” I urged.
“Soooo, whoever got to Steph must’ve slipped away from their post while we were all distracted,” Em finished.
“Well it wasn’t me,” I blurted.
Could it really be? Is it possible that one of us is behind this? No, not even! I refuse to consider that. I’ll tear this place apart until I find that son of a bitch. I don't know where or how but I bet they’re burrowed into some cowardice hiding spot like the pussy they are.
Heat pooling in my face and hands squeezed into fists, I ready myself to march in the direction of the rooms, eager to strip it piece by piece, only to be pulled back by Lenny with a firm grip on my forearm.
“No one’s back there,” he reminded. “I think the best thing we can do right about now is wait it out. My parents will be here first thing tomorrow morning, key in hand.”
“Yeah I’m with Lenny, enough of this splitting up shit. Speaking of splitting, where’s your sketchy boy toy?”
“I’m real close to punching you in the face right about now.”
“Enough both of you, let's go,” Lenny growled, dragging us into the foyer.
We meet Jason there who’s at this point trying to pick the lock himself, his hands jittery as opposed to the steady ones I’ve come to know and feel - he’s clearly unnerved. I mean, who wouldn’t be in this situation? And Lenny seriously thinks the killer is one of us? For goodness sake we’ve been trying to tear down this door since forever now. Would the killer really look for a way out of here?
We get Jasons attention and go over the plan, which is about the only solid thing going for us right now. The idea is that one of us has done the deed, when really I think we should give the house another run through. If the person responsible for all of this truly stands in this room then if they try something, we can all attack at once. I’m no super soldier but even I can admit that three on one are pretty good odds. And since Lenny’s parents are set to come here first thing in the morning for one final walk through of the house, we can call the police and let them finish the job.
“So we’re all supposed to be sitting ducks for the killer?” Jason fumed. “Reallll solid Lenny, lets just all gather around and make it easy for em huh?”
“And what about peeing? Are we all expected to go to the bathroom together?” Em questioned.
“Who could stomach such a scene,” I muttered. “I think I’d be better off pissing myself.”
“All this rides on the fact that the killer is working alone anyway am I right? Suddenly two on two doesn’t seem like such a slam dunk after all huh?”
“Just a minute ago we could barely keep our eyes open, are we really expected to sit here fully awake for a few more hours?”
ARE YOU TELLING ME YOU’RE GENUINELY ABLE TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AT A TIME LIKE THIS?”
“All I’m saying is that we should take turns keeping watch.”
“And what happens when it's the killer's turn? Fucking dumbass.”
Firmly rubbing my fingers into my temple it does very little to ease the ache, their constant arguing hurling me closer toward the edge. Albeit, those were all good questions asked, but silly me for thinking that this would be smooth sailing.
Chuckling to myself, I slap my hand over my mouth before it turns into full fledged laughter. Smooth sailing? What the heck am I even talking about. I’m basically living with Em because she thinks she “cheated death.” We’ve found Julez belly up in the lake. Steph is bleeding out on the bathroom floor. Lenny is the closest thing we have to a responsible adult right now. And I’m pretty sure my relationship with Jason is just about finished after tonight. Not to mention all of this has happened in the span of a few hours. Doubling over, tears stream down my face in tandem - ohh boy, nothing about tonight, shit the rest of my life really will be smooth sailing moving forward.
Eventually their bickering dies down and each person settles into their respective corner of the front room. A stare down ensues, with tension thick enough for me to reach out and grab it. Nothing in my life could have prepared me for the day I’d have to look my friends in the face and wonder if they were capable of committing such crimes.
Some time later, Jason breaks the deafening silence, interrogating Lenny on exactly what he was doing before he found Steph, accusations heavy in the question.
“Jason this is what we’re not gonna do,” Em lectured. “Let's just focus on staying alive long enough to get out of this house before we start throwing suspicions on each other.”
“The fact of the matter is he and Julez weren’t exactly on the best of terms and from what sugars told me, he couldn’t quite finagle his way into Stephs heart the same way he could her pants.”
“Dude! I swear I love your inquisitive nature but NOT at a time like this,” I pleaded.
“All I’m saying is everyone who's had an issue with Lorenzo has somehow ended up dead tonight so I suggest we all stay on his good side.”
“Bro, I'm not even gonna argue with you. Just know, once we get outside that’s your ass.”
“What’s with the scrutiny all of a sudden?” Em challenged. “You know I could say the same for you Jason, the same for all of us really; cause where was anyone when our friends were fighting for their lives?” she sniffled. “All we have to do is sit here til sunrise and we can’t even do that.”
As awkward as it was, I actually prefer the quiet. If it means that a screaming match breaks out every time someone speaks, then I’m happy just sitting here.
But then again, left with nothing but my thoughts scares me even more. I haven't heard so much as a floorboard creak since we’ve been down here. Could it really be that no one else is in this house and one of us is truly guilty? I can’t imagine sitting here til sunrise with thoughts like that bouncing around my cranium. I need answers and I need them now.
“So, you’re telling me that you guys actually did that to people. Isn’t that like, illegal?”
“Only if someone were to find out,” he answered. “Besides they were bad guys.”
“Yes but Jason, that’s literally inhumane, how could you even stomach that?”
“When you have people that you care about and motherfuckers who threaten their safety and that of the country, suddenly your tolerance level drops a whole lot lower.”
“I see,” I faltered. “Did it at least help? Did you all ever get the answers that you needed?”
“Most times.”
“Most times?”
“Hey, it worked about 90% of the time and last I checked, that’s still an A.”
“Sure but even today I’m sure there are more tactical ways to get people talking, that’s just pure torture,” I cried.
“That’s the point sugar, it’s a form of torture, used as an interrogation technique. And it’s because of people like me, that you can sleep soundly at night.”
Though I understood where Jason stood on the matter, I never agreed to the ways they got people talking; until now. Eyes darting around the room, suddenly waterboarding seemed plausible.
It’s not a matter of threatening safety because that line has been crossed, now is a matter of surviving; and I’ll be damned if I don't.
