ꜱᴛᴀʀɢɪʀʟ- Scream¹•1996

CHAPTER ⁶-|• unwanted calls²

Outside, Monica stood there for a split second, letting everything sink in. Her shoulder-length curls blew in the wind, the sound of her heels tapping against the concrete stairs the only reality to her. The rhythmic beat of her own heart pounded in her ears. How could someone be so cruel to another human being? It seemed almost impossible. Whoever did this appeared to lack any care, but Monica did, and the thought angered her.

"Monica!" Tatum called out, waving her hand, her strawberry locks blowing in the wind. Sydney and the others stood nearby, including Dewey Riley, who seemed somewhat pitiful. Though he didn't say anything, everyone knew what he was thinking. "Stop it," Monica growled mentally.

Sebastian made his way towards the group, wrapping his arms around her. It would have excited her if they were still together, but now it just felt empty.

"Big bro, can I ask you something?" Sebastian inquired. With rolled eyes and a tap of Tatum's shoe, he proposed an idea. "How about she comes over to my house? After all, it is well-guarded."

"I don't know," her older brother hesitated, expressing concern about Monica being alone in a house with someone. "Even though she didn't get hurt, I'm sure it's still pretty traumatizing for her."

"Don't worry, she already agreed. Want to go?" Sebastian looked at Monica, who nodded. Plus, Tatum was going to be there, easing any potential concerns.

Tatum protested, "Monica, are you that dumb? Why would you want to go to his house? Come on, that's your ex-boyfriend. Be realistic!" Monica just shrugged.

"Tatum, just stop, please. It's already enough. I can't stop thinking about it, plus he's only being nice-something you can learn to do for once," Monica retorted. "I am nice," Tatum said in a high-pitched voice that spoke lies. "Yep, yeah, you are," Sebastian said sarcastically. Tatum wanted to punch him in the face. Monica growled, "Shut it, mop."

"Nobody was asking you, Sebastiavn. Sebastian the crab, shut it Blondie. Stop it. Stop it," Monica thought, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she put both hands on her chest, separating Sebastian and Tatum. "Just stop it, and I won't tell you again," she declared, and everyone looked at her. "Come on," she ushered them over, both Sebastian and Tatum.

The ride to the Macher house felt silent, and it seemed like an eternity. Usually, if they were in a car, she'd talk her mouth off, but not today. There was nothing to say, and even if she did, it wasn't relevant. Sebastian's arms wrapped around her, pulling her in close, and she allowed it. Her head found a place on his shoulder, her face feeling numb, blank, and empty. Tatum, on the other hand, sat far away from them. It wasn't that she was being petty towards Monica but towards Sebastian, who seemed to smirk at her. Monica wanted to wipe that smirk off his face immediately. Her attention oscillated between them, but not once did she say anything. Nothing was going to be said, and she was sure of it.

Upon reaching the house at 261 Lakers Turner Lane, Monica observed the large residence. It was a big house, but only two people lived there, and their parents were mostly gone. Monica felt a pang of sympathy for them. They used to spend time at the house when they were together, doing things that Dewey would disapprove of, things that even made Tatum grossed out, even though she did similar things. She took Sebastian's hand, and hesitantly, he squeezed hers.

Sebastian lifted her up, seating her on his bed. They both sat together in silence, not a single word spoken. It seemed like he wanted to say something, and she could sense it, but she didn't want to start a conversation, especially one that might end in tears and fights. Lying down, she noticed Tatum had left early, probably just making sure she got home safely. She turned around and disappeared into his car. If her mind wasn't clouded with thoughts, she might have jumped back and ran out of the house, but she didn't. Instead, he took it as an invitation, playing with her hair as he asked her.