DAMSEL IN DISTRESS [SCREAM 1996]

12. Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare

Cassandra walked through the bustling hallways of Woodsboro High, her mind racing. The relief of Billy's exoneration was short-lived as she refocused her suspicion on Stu. She needed to confront him, to make him slip up, and to gather evidence.

She spotted Stu by his locker, surrounded by a group of friends, his usual charming smile plastered on his face. Her blood boiled at the sight of him. Taking a deep breath, she pushed through the crowd and stood before him.

"Stu," she said, her voice sharp.

Stu looked up, his smile faltering slightly. "Cass. What can I do for you? You know I just got the smell of Cherry Coke out of my hair."

She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "Cut the crap. I know you killed Casey and Steve. And I know you're trying to frame Billy, too."

Stu's smile faded completely, replaced by a cold, calculating look. "Those are some serious accusations, Cass. Got any proof?"

Cassandra's fists clenched at her sides. "I don't need proof to know you're guilty. But I'll find it. And when I do, you're going down."

Stu leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "Good luck with that, Cass. You better be careful. You wouldn't want to end up like Casey, would you?"

"Is that a threat?" she asked, not letting it show how his words struck a nerve in her.

Stu suddenly laughed aloud and leaned against his locket. He bit the tip of his tongue and pointed at her with his nose scrunched. "Look at you all riled up. It's kinda sexy if you weren't so annoying."

Before Cassandra could respond, a commotion broke out down the hall. Two students, dressed in Ghostface costumes, were running through the halls, laughing and taunting others.

"Hey! It's them again!" Stu cheered. "Go! Go!"

Cassandra's adrenaline surged. The pranksters ran by her and without thinking, she lunged at the closest one and punched him square in the face. The student yelped and stumbled backward, his back bashing against the lockers. He ripped off the mask to reveal a terrified freshman.

Principal Himbry stormed over, his face red with anger. "Enough! Everyone, back to your classes!"

Everyone who had seen the commotion go down groaned and complained, shuffling out of the hallway.

Stu bent down and put his forehead against Cassandra's temple and whispered directly in her ear. "I'll keep an eye on my back before you stab it next." He kept their heads connected and spun around her, causing her eyes to roll at his antics.

Principal Himbry turned to the pranksters, his glare intensifying. "My office. Now."

The students groaned and shuffled off, their heads hanging. The one that Cassandra punched held a hand to his mouth. Principal Himbry turned back to Cassandra, his expression softening slightly.

"Cassandra, are you alright, Dear?"

She nodded, her hands still trembling. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just.. didn't think before reacting."

"You've been through a lot." Principal Himbry nodded. "You did the right thing. But next time, let the staff handle it."

"Yes, sir," she relented.

Principal Himbry gave her a look that said to keep her act together, then stormed into his office to deal with the pranksters.

She turned and took a deep breath. Somehow, the punch felt good. It vented some of her frustration, even if it wasn't directed at the actual killer.

The only people left in the hallway were Cassandra and the janitor, Fred.

Fred looked up and smirked. "Nice punch, kid."

Cassandra couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks, Fred."

Fred motioned a punch with the mop he held. "Like kung fu, bitch."

--

As the day wrapped up for school, Cassandra ran into Billy in the hallway. He looked tense, his eyes scanning the area.

"Hey," she called out. "What are you still doing here?"

Billy glanced around, then met her eyes. "I needed to talk to Sidney. I broke up with her."

Cassandra's heart skipped a beat. "You did?"

Billy nodded. "Yeah. It was time."

She wanted to believe him, but a nagging doubt lingered in her mind. Before she could say anything more, Billy pulled her into a hug.

She hugged him back, her emotions swirling. She wanted to trust him, to believe that everything would be okay. But with so much uncertainty, all she could do was hold on and hope.

"I punched Ghostface in his stupid face," she revealed.

"The killer isn't here.." Bily paused. "Is he?"

"Two newbie freshmen were pulling a prank," she clarified. "I think Principal Himbry might actually kill them, though."

"You didn't get in trouble, did you?"

"No. No, Principal Himbry is a good guy. He just let me off with a warning."

Cassandra pulled back from the hug and looked up at Billy. There was something so electric about their tension now. Cassandra felt free to do and say as she pleased. But, it was still fresh.

"I should get Mr. Becker's car back to him. Then.. I guess I'll head home. It's been a long day."

"It has," Billy agreed.

Cassandra's hands slid down his chest and gripped his hands. She smiled up at him, her chest clenching.

"I'll see you later," he said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Stay safe out there."

𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓇 𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒷𝓁𝑒𝓈--

wes craven i hope you understand the monster you have raised (me)