DAMSEL IN DISTRESS [SCREAM 1996]

27: 9 to 5

The moonlight cast long shadows across the lawn as Cassandra and Gale walked around the perimeter of Stu's house. They walked along the road, but didn't see a sign of Billy's car, just more teens coming for the party. The party noise itself was a distant hum, muffled by the chill of the night air. Cassandra's anxiety gnawed at her, her thoughts a chaotic mess of worry and fear for Billy.

Gale glanced at her, her face softening with concern. "Maybe Billy's just running late or stopped for some snacks. It's not unusual for people to get caught up in traffic or, you know, grab a burger on the way. It's a guy thing."

Cassandra shook her head, though the small, hopeful suggestion did little to ease her tension. "I guess you're right. I just.. I can't help but feel like something's wrong."

Gale gave her a reassuring smile as they continued walking, their breath visible in the cool air. "I understand. I've been where you are. Feeling like everything's falling apart and not knowing where to turn."

Cassandra looked at Gale, surprised. "I had no idea. I always thought of you as this strong, unshakeable journalist."

As they walked, Gale's voice took on a more reflective tone. "You know, when I was growing up, my parents thought having a child would fix their marriage. It didn't work out that way. They fought constantly, and I was shuffled between their homes like a pawn."

"Bring a third party in to fix a two-person marriage?" Cassandra scoffed at the idea. "That's horrible. Especially to throw on a child."

Gale chuckled softly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I was strong because I had to be. Writing was my escape. I wrote stories about my favorite movies and shows, but I'd always place myself as the main character. It was my way of controlling the narrative, finding solace in my own creation."

Cassandra nodded, taking in Gale's words. "So that's how you became a journalist?"

"Exactly," Gale said. "I became the main character in my own life story, and eventually, in the real world as well. I found my path through my writing, and I made a name for myself."

The vulnerability in Gale's words seemed to inspire Cassandra. "I'm not sure what I want," she admitted quietly. "I'm just going through the motions. Cheerleading is fine, but it doesn't spark anything in me. It's not a passion.. it's just something my mom paid for a long time ago and I haven't stopped because it kept me out of the house."

She recalled she and Casey's plans.. or, Casey and Steve's plans. 

"I thought I'd just travel with Casey and Steve, support them while they chased their dreams. I never really considered what I wanted for myself."

"What about your dreams? Would you have been happy like that?"

"Steve would play football. Casey would be a mom.. I guess I'd do cheerleading some more."

"But, you said you're not passionate about it."

"Maybe help Casey with their kids," Cassandra offered, then felt sad because there was no chance for Casey and Steve to have a future. "I don't know.."

Gale placed a comforting hand on Cassandra's shoulder. "You're still young, Cassandra. You have so many years ahead of you. This killer won't define your life. Your shitty father didn't stop you, and this mess won't stop you, either."

"But what if I don't make it through this?" Cassandra's voice trembled. "What if this is it for me?"

Gale stopped and turned to face her, her eyes fierce with determination. "You will make it through this."

Cassandra sighed heavily, her chest hollow at the confession. "I was on my knees for Ghostface the other night. Ready to die. Maybe this should be the end-"

"Cassandra," Gale scolded, grabbing her shoulders. "You're a strong, intelligent woman, and you have so much to offer the world. This killer may think he can control the narrative, but he's wrong. Your story is yours to write. Find your passion, your path, and don't let anything or anyone stop you."

Tears welled up in Cassandra's eyes, but she managed a shaky smile. "Thank you, Gale. I really needed to hear that."

Gale pulled Cassandra into a tight embrace, her warmth and strength enveloping her. "We'll get through this. And when we do, you'll find your way. I believe in you, Cassandra."

As they held each other, the noise of the party and the threat of Ghostface seemed to fade away, if only for a moment. Cassandra felt a sense of calm and determination wash over her. Gale's words were a beacon of hope in the darkness, and she clung to them as they prepared to continue their search for Billy.