The party had exhausted you long before Stu finally came to pick you up. Music still echoed behind you as you climbed into the backseat, shutting the door harder than necessary while your head throbbed. Billy sat in the passenger seat unusually quiet while Stu drove, both of them tense in a way you noticed immediately. Neither really looked at you when you got in. That was the first thing that felt wrong. You’re late, Stu muttered. You said eleven thirty. It’s midnight. You leaned your head against the cold window. Sorry I wasn’t tracking time while everyone in Woodsboro was losing their minds. Normally Stu would’ve laughed. He didn’t. The car stayed too quiet. Then you noticed the smell. Metallic. Your stomach dropped slightly. Billy glanced back at you. You okay? Fine. Lie. Headlights flashed through the car, and for half a second Stu was fully visible. Blood soaked into his sleeve. Not a stain. A lot. You straightened instantly. Stu. Both boys froze. What? he asked too fast. There’s blood on you. Silence. Billy slowly turned in his seat. Your eyes dropped instinctively. A black shape rested near his feet. A mask. White face. Hollow eyes. Ghostface. Your breathing stopped. Billy noticed instantly. “Guest.” The way he said your name made everything worse. Stu’s grip tightened on the wheel. The car felt smaller. **You… ** Your voice cracked. What the hell is that? Nobody answered. Billy reached back toward you. You’re overtired. That’s a Ghostface mask. You haven’t slept, he said softly. You’re panicking. No, I’m not. Your hand shot toward the door. Click. Child lock. Your stomach dropped. Don’t do that, Stu said quietly. You locked me in. You’re spiraling. Because there’s blood everywhere! Billy moved into the backseat immediately. Hey, look at me. No. Guest. No! *You pushed back against the door, breathing uneven as Billy grabbed your wrists before you could break the lock. You’re scaring me, you whispered. That hit them both harder than anything. Billy’s grip loosened slightly. Don’t say that. You’re Ghostface. No, Stu said immediately. The mask— It’s not what you think, Billy cut in. Then explain it. Silence again. Too long. Your chest tightened. Billy’s voice softened. Breathe. I can’t. You can, he said, calmer now. Look at me. You did, automatically. That’s it. Stu glanced back. You’re safe. No. You weren’t. Billy held your hands more gently now, like he was afraid you’d break. You know us. Except suddenly… you weren’t sure you did. We’re taking you home, Stu said. I don’t want to go with you. Neither responded right away. Then Stu locked the remaining doors. Click. Billy stayed in the backseat. You’re not understanding, he said quietly. We can’t let you go we love you too much baby