Tainted Love (Scream 1996) BillyxOC

Chapter One: "Welcome to the loner club"

"Rena, could you get that?" my best friend, Randy asked from across the movie store.

"Sure," I said, walking over to the counter and picking up the ringing phone. "Bradly video, Serena speaking."

"Good, you're working!" I heard my brother's voice come through the phone. "Could you cover for me tonight? I'm going to Tate's."

I rolled my eyes, "Stu, Mom and Dad are leaving tomorrow. Shouldn't you say goodbye? This business trip is supposed to be at least a month."

"Nah, they probably won't even notice I'm gone. But just in case, can you cover for me?"

I could picture my twin looking at me with big eyes and a pout and shook my head. "Fine."

"Thanks, Re, you're the best!" he exclaimed before he hung up.

I set the phone back down, turning to see Randy stocking the shelves. "I didn't know your parents were leaving again," he said as he looked up at me.

I walked closer to him, shrugging. "When are they ever not on a business trip or a vacation? I swear once Stu and I learned to cook and take care of ourselves, it's like they forgot we existed. Or well, unless they need us to play the perfect family act."

He shook his head, rolling the cart down the aisle. "Parents suck," he said.

"Except for yours, your mom is great."

He smiled. "She is great to you. She just embarrasses the hell out of me."

I pinched his cheek, speaking in a baby voice just like I'd seen her do. "What do you mean, Randall? How could you ever think she's embarrassing?"

He gently pushed my hand away, playfully glaring at me. "Not cool."

The bell above the door rang out, gaining our attention, as it had been a pretty slow night. I groaned when I saw it was Steve. He walked around a little, pretending to be looking at movies, but I caught him glancing at me and Randy every so often as we went to the counter together.

He came up to us, shooting me a flirty smile that, a few months ago, I would have melted over. "Hey babe," he said, looking me up and down.

"What do you want?" Randy asked, puffing out his chest to look intimidating.

"Wasn't talking to you, geek," Steve snapped, glaring daggers at my friend.

"Well, I don't want to talk to you," I said.

"Come on, babe," he said, reaching his hand out across the counter to rest on my arm, but I stepped back. "You can't still be mad."

"You cheated on me! Of course, I'm still mad!"

He sighed, "I'm sorry, okay? I was drunk and wasn't thinking."

"I don't want to hear your excuses anymore."

"Please, Rena, just let me drive you home. You're off in like ten minutes, right?"

I glanced at the clock, seeing he was right. Damn, I hate how I thought he was so sweet when he would remember my schedule. Now it's just annoying.

"I'm driving her home, so no need," Randy said.

"Please, I'm begging you. Just let me explain and then, if you want, I won't talk to you ever again."

I looked between him and Randy, pursing my lips. Thoughts of us smiling and having a good time flashed before me, and I found myself agreeing. "Would you be okay to lock up alone?" I asked Randy, seeing Steve grin.

"Wait, Re, I don't know if you should go with him."

"It'll be okay, promise." I gave Randy a reassuring smile, to which he sighed.