𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑 ✓ | 18+

Chapter Two

Isabella

The soft glow of my reading lamp cast a warm ambiance in my room, where the shelves lined with books provided a refuge from the chaos of the outside world. Emily, my exuberant and relentless bestfriend, had been on a mission to extract me from this haven and thrust me into the midst of a college party. Her insistence, like a persistent melody, played in the background of my contemplative solitude.

I sighed, closing the worn pages of the novel in my hands, and glanced towards the invitation Emily had thrust into my life. The party – a realm so distant from my comfort zone that its mere thought sent shivers down my spine. The dimly lit room, filled with the scent of old books, seemed like a sanctuary compared to the unknown chaos that awaited beyond my door.

Inevitably, Emily burst into my room, her excitement radiating like a burst of confetti. "Isa, darling, tonight's the night we step out of our bibliophilic bubble and dive head fucking first into the tumultuous sea of college revelry!"

When Emily and I first met, I was just twelve years old, a little before my world turned upside down with my mother's illness and eventual passing. We lived across the street from each other, and it didn't take long for us to become inseparable.

Whether I was at her house or she was at mine, we were like two peas in a pod. Emily was my rock during that difficult time, and I don't know how I would've coped without her. After my mother's death, Emily's family graciously took me in. They didn't want us to be separated or for me to end up in foster care, so they opened their home to me.

High school was tough, I was labeled as the "ugly nerd" without any style. while Emily was the life of the party, popular and loved by everyone. Despite the hardships, Emily always had my back. She would often get detention for standing up to my bullies, and I'll always be grateful for her unwavering support.

When it came time for college, we both got accepted to UOV, which was a big deal for us. Affording it was a different story though. With some financial assistance from Emily's parents and taking out loans, I managed to make it work, but now at 19 years of age I still have some debt hanging over me.

Emily's energy was infectious, but my reluctance persisted like a subtle undertow. "Emily, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I'm not exactly a 'wild party' person. You know that," I replied, my fingers nervously tracing the edges of the party invitation.

She laughed, a sound that could wake the dead. "Oh, Isa, tonight is your night to break free from the shackles of your bookish serenity. Trust me, you'll thank me later."

As we navigated the labyrinth of my wardrobe, Emily fervently selected an outfit that screamed 'party-ready.' My glasses were replaced with contact lenses, and my usual casual attire was swapped for something that felt foreign against my skin.

As I stepped into the heart of the pulsating music and vibrant colors of the college party, I felt like a delicate flower blooming amidst a garden of vibrant blooms. The air was filled with excitement, and I nervously adjusted the hem of my unfamiliar dress, hoping to merge seamlessly into the lively crowd of dancing figures.

Emily, on the other hand, thrived in the lively chaos. "Isa, my dear, tonight you're not the quiet 5 foot 4 bookworm. You're the elusive butterfly, fluttering from one fascinating conversation to another, oh and maybe get laid.." she teased with a playful wink.

I chuckled softly. "I appreciate the sentiment, Emily, but tonight I'm content being the 5 foot 4 observer."

"Ugh, Isa, you're such a killjoy," she replied, rolling her eyes but with a hint of fondness in her tone.

"I'm just not comfortable hooking up with a stranger," I explained calmly. Emily nodded understandingly, then smiled and excused herself to go get drinks and join the dance floor, leaving me to navigate the party on my own for a while.

As Emily disappeared into the lively crowd, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Alone in the pulsing heart of the party, I scan the crowd, trying to decide what to do next. The music seems to beckon me, and with a hesitant step, I venture towards the dance floor, eager to lose myself in the rhythm and forget my worries for a while.

Standing by myself, I spotted Emily, her laughter and energy drawing me in like a magnet. She was dancing with a guy, their movements fluid and captivating. Despite the odd metaphor, Emily's vivaciousness prevented me from shrinking back into my shell. As we navigated through the crowd, I couldn't shake the unease gnawing at my insides.

The thumping bass of the music reverberated through the floor, mirroring the erratic rhythm of my thoughts and adding to the surreal atmosphere of the party.

Amidst the chatter and laughter, I found myself wandering through the house, seeking solace in the shadows that clung to the edges. The thumping music seemed to drown out my thoughts, and for a moment, I felt like an outsider observing a world that wasn't mine.  In a desperate attempt to find solace, I wandered away from the pulsating core of the party.

The basement door beckoned, promising a momentary escape from the chaos above. The muffled beats of the music seeped through, but the dimly lit space offered a sanctuary of quiet.  Opening the door, I descended into the dimness, my senses adjusting to the change. The basement, though eerily quiet, felt like a respite.

That's when I stumbled upon a scene that shattered the semblance of normality I had clung to.  A chilling tableau unfolded before me. oh god no! not a ghostface mask fucking great. He wielding a menacing knife, stood amidst the friend group, their faces lifeless.

Omg they're dead.

I froze, paralyzed by the gruesome scene that played out like a nightmare.

Yet, his attention drawn to my presence, didn't strike me down like the others. Instead, he stood there looking, he's about 6 foot 3 or maybe 6 foot 4?