DIET MOUNTAIN DEW • SCREAM 1996

" EPILOGUE "

" EPILOGUE "

SEPTEMBER 29TH, 1996

THE STING pulsing through Benny's eyes reminded him of just hours prior. The fluorescent light cracked through the thin parting of the boy's brown hues, and the scent of hospital greeted him from his dead-like sleep. A dull ache in his abdomen and a soft throb in the back of his head welcomed him in a bitter embrace. Benny couldn't help letting out a groggy groan at the feeling.

"Benny? Oh, thank god." The sound of his father's voice had the teen wincing as a wave of pain shot through his head. 

It took a few tries, but Benny was finally able to pry open his eyes to see the dim hospital room. His dad was sitting in the chair beside his bed, and he could tell from the purse, laying on another chair to his right that his mother was also present. Just the thought made him want to groan in annoyance. 

Now, he has to deal with a raging headache and his parents' passive-aggressive ways of dealing with each other. 

He wished Billy and Stu were with him. 

The thought had the teen's eyes shooting open and his gaze darting around the room. Unfortunately, neither one of his boy's were with him as he seemed to be placed in a private suite. Benny focused his attention on his father and croaked out, "...whe's Bill' and Stu?"

Daniel let out a sigh, his features already drooping with stress falling into defeat. "Always thinking about those stupid boys."

Benny merely gave him a look that said he wasn't going to talk unless he knew his best friends (boyfriends?) were okay. The man could understand that very well.

"They're fine, alright? Loomis and Macher are sharing a room down the hall." Daniel gave in to his stubborn son fairly, easily unlike usual. Benny could tell he was drained, probably up all night if the bags under his eyes were a sign. "Now, tell me what happened last night."

Of course, Benny huffed to himself. Who cares that he was stabbed multiple times and was almost murdered (well, at least from his dad's point of view)? Sheriff first, father second, as per usual.

"Jesus, Dan. Can't even give the boy a moment to breathe?" The voice had a smile creeping up Benny's chapped lips.

His mother, Cindy Mercer, stood tall in all her elegant glory at the room entrance. Benny traced her entire outline from her dark, curled hair to her deep, red heels. She looked the same as she did when he saw her last, about two months ago if he remembers correctly. The only difference is the tension between her carved brows and her faded frown lines. She also seemed worn out.

Cindy looked over to her son, and a soft, warm grin curled her lips; remnant of Benny's own smile. "Hey, baby. How ya' doin'?"

Benny himself softened at the familiar curl of her Southern accent. "'M good, mama."

Daniel cleared his throat to get the pair's attention. When the mother and son glanced over, they caught sight of his stern face. The man cleared his throat and spoke, "We are both very glad you are okay, Benny. But, there are still things we need to discuss. You need to give a statement about what happened last night. And we also need to discuss why you were even at a party–"

"Damn it, Daniel!" Cindy snapped and stomped over to her husband. "I told you to let him breathe! He almost died!"

"I know he did! I was the one that found him damn near drowning in his own blood!"

"Well, you sure don't act like it! Can't you at least try acting like you care about our son for one for one damn second?"

"Oh, for fuck's sakes. Those are big words for a lady never fucking around to give a shit about him! "