𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝

Chapter XII : Doubts and Darkness

As the day continues, I continued to punch the hanging punching bag, grunting and shouting, I sought to clear my occupied mind. Problems were resurfacing after months of peace, waving at me as they approached.

After my shift at the coffee shop, I decided to stop by the gym to find solace and regain clarity. "Fucking ghostface!" I exclaimed, frustration evident in my voice.

My father crossed his arms, looking at me. "Why don't you just give in to the darkness, son? It's not that difficult, especially if it would help you," he suggested.

I quickly dismissed his idea, throwing another powerful punch. "If you mean I have to kill Sam and Tara and everyone I love just to embrace the darkness, then no, thanks, father," I responded.

He smirked, trying to provoke me further. "It's a form of help, Y/N. You can't fight this battle if you're as weak as you are," he taunted. "Yeah, 'help.' The last time you helped me, I ended up hurting my therapist," I retorted.

"Well, he's been only messing your head more I just helped you because you're too weak for this franchise," he said, attempting to undermine me. "I'm not weak for this franchise!" I yelled, my determination shining through.

As my final blow landed on the punching bag my knuckles went through the bag as the little beads fall out the ground, a sense of catharsis washed over me. The problems ahead still loomed, but my resolve had grown stronger. The gym had provided the sanctuary I needed to gather my thoughts and reaffirm my values.

Leaving the gym, dressed in my white shirt, black slacks, and sneakers, I examined my bruised knuckles. A faint smile crossed my lips, evidence of the intensity of my workout. Shouldering my backpack, I headed towards the Blackmore school grounds, where the squad and Mindy awaited.

Approaching them, Mindy's eyes lit up with recognition. "Well, look who's here!" she exclaimed, extending her hand for a fist bump. I returned the gesture, a grin spreading across my face.

Mindy's attention shifted to my bruised knuckles, concern evident in her expression. "Those look pretty bruised. Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine worry.

Taking a seat beside Tara, I gave Mindy a reassuring smile before briefly leaning in to kiss Tara's lips and forehead. "I'm fine," I replied to Mindy, my voice laced with determination. "Just had to work off some steam. It's nothing I can't handle."

Tara, who had been observing the exchange, reached out to gently hold my hand. Her touch brought a soothing comfort to my restless soul. "You know we're here for you, right?" she whispered, her eyes filled with unwavering support.

I nodded, a swell of gratitude welling up within me. "I know," I responded sincerely. "Having all of you by my side gives me the strength to face anything that comes my way."

Mindy playfully punched my arm, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Alright, enough deep talk for now," she teased, lightening the mood. "Okay, nerds, I'm glad I could redeem myself for not identifying the killers last time."

"The way I see it, someone is trying to create a sequel to the requel," Mindy said. Anika raised her hands, looking confused. "Uhm... what's a requel?"

Mindy chuckled and replied, "You're beautiful, honey. Let's save questions for later," Sam interjected, looking at me. "Stab 1 took place in Woodsboro, and Stab 2 took place in college."

I listened attentively to their brainstorming session, until Tara voiced her thoughts. "So, we think the killer is trying to mimic the movies?" Mindy pointed at Tara and said, "That's one possibility."

"And the heroes are now in college: check. Suspicious new characters brought in to expand the suspect list and body count: check, check, and check." Mindy said.