A RIPPLE IN TIME

Blackout

August squeals with delight, grabs her phone, and begins snapping photos of himself and Ella, prompting laughter from Diane. Meanwhile, the jocks observe Britney and Ben chatting and express their confusion over why an attractive girl would be interested in him, stirring feelings of jealousy among them. Once gym class concludes, Britney invites Ben to join her for lunch, to which he agrees and waves goodbye. In the locker room, Ben feels a rush of embarrassment as the jocks confront him about his interaction with a pretty girl. They persist in their taunts, but Ben stands his ground, which only fuels their bullying. August steps in to defend Ben, telling Jesse that bullying is so gay and says it's so 90's. This provokes Jesse to shove Ben, but this time, Ben retaliates by punching Jesse in the face. The altercation escalates as the other jocks join in against Ben, but the teachers quickly intervene to break up the fight. The girls rush out of the locker room while Ben angrily leaves through the gymnasium exit. Britney considers pursuing him, but the other girls advise against it, insisting it's not worth her time. Later that evening at Diane's house, which she has to herself until Sunday, the girls, along with Charlie and August, decide to stay over. In the quiet of the night, Diane and Britney are awake, and Diane inquires about Britney's true identity. Britney reveals that she is from the future, sent to prevent misfortunes from occurring. When Diane asks if she is her guardian angel, Britney affirms this. As Diane drifts off to sleep, Britney stays close by to watch over her. [OCTOBER 25, 2007 — THURSDAY] At Sunnydale High, in the library, Britney and her friends are engaged in lively conversation about the latest news. August is thrilled about the release of Britney's new album, 'Blackout,' and mentions that he and his friends plan to visit Blockbuster that night to celebrate with the CD. Britney responds enthusiastically, suggesting they should all join in. Meanwhile, a group of jocks peeks through the door, commenting on Britney's attractiveness, with Jesse declaring his intention to win her over. Britney notices Ben sitting alone, engrossed in a book, and approaches him to ask if he's alright. He replies that he is fine, but she gently touches his face, noticing the bruises and cuts. She retrieves two star-shaped patches from her purse and offers them to him to cover the injuries. Curious about her kindness, he questions her motives, to which she responds that she feels sorry for how others treat him. Meanwhile, the jocks observe Britney's interaction with Ben, feeling envious, and Jesse's anger simmers. Ben asserts that he doesn't want her pity and would prefer solitude. As he stands to leave, Britney attempts to stop him, but he insists she should just let it be, leaving her speechless as he walks away. The jocks celebrate, and Jesse declares he's ready to take action. Later that evening at Blockbuster, Britney Spears' new album 'Blackout' fills the store with the song 'Piece Of Me' playing loudly. Customers are seen wearing white t-shirts featuring the album cover. August, dressed in a matching white fur band and leg warmers, dances with his gay and drag queen friends, all enjoying the music. Later that evening, as Charlie is closing the store, he continues to enjoy Britney's latest album until the music abruptly stops, leaving him puzzled. He heads to the back to restart the album and returns to the front to resume sweeping. Once again, the music cuts out, and as he walks to the back, the phone rings. Charlie picks up, and a man is on the line. They engage in a lively discussion about their favorite horror films, and Charlie becomes increasingly invested in the conversation. The man then inquires about his opinion on Murray, prompting Charlie to insult him, calling him a coward and suggesting he would be better off dead. The man then reveals himself to be the killer, and their banter continues. Ultimately, Charlie challenges the killer to come after him, to which the killer responds eagerly and emerges from the back, pursuing Charlie through the store. In a moment of quick thinking, Charlie knocks over some DVDs to hinder the killer's progress and attempts to unlock the door, but the killer appears and attacks him. A frantic chase ensues as they both dash to the back, where Charlie manages to hide in the bathroom, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse. The killer soon locates Charlie, who retaliates by kicking him down. Charlie makes a dash for the front door, but the assailant quickly catches up and pulls him to the ground. In a shocking turn, the killer uses Britney's 'Blackout' album CD as a weapon, stabbing Charlie repeatedly in the neck before discarding the bloodied disc. The following day, at the police station, Diane is in tears, lamenting that it should have been her instead. Her friends rally around her for support. Britney informs them that a second wave of murders is underway. When Diane asks what their next steps should be, Britney proposes they examine their list of potential suspects. Ella raises the possibility of a third killer, but Britney initially dismisses the idea. However, she soon reconsiders, suggesting that there might indeed be a third killer. She reveals that in 2011, Diane's previously unmentioned brother, David, who has become a renowned film director and Oscar winner, is the murderer, seeking revenge for being given up for adoption while Diane was raised by Maureen. When Diane inquires how Britney knows this, Britney advises her not to ask questions and warns that in the upcoming year, as Diane heads off to college, the killer will be Murray's mother, Elizabeth, along with a college student as part of their scheme. Ella suggests that they should investigate both Elizabeth and David, but Britney insists they focus on Elizabeth first, followed by David. Diane mentions that Elizabeth resides in Dallas, Texas, prompting Britney to propose that they travel there to question her. Lori raises a concern about whether this should be left to the police, to which Britney responds that the police will not be helpful, and it is preferable for them to handle the murder investigation on their own. Diane emphasizes the need for Elizabeth's exact address, and Britney proposes they ask Murray's father, who is likely to have information. Britney suggests that Diane should take the lead on this, and Lori offers to accompany her for safety. They all agree, and Britney states they will wait for updates at Diane's house. After parting ways, Diane and Lori head to Murray's home, where his father answers the door and inquires about their visit. Diane explains that she has just learned some news and asks to come inside. Tom welcomes them in, and they proceed to the living room. Tom expresses his belief that his son could never commit such an act, and Diane falsely concurs with him. Tom delivers a passionate monologue about his desire to avenge his son by seeking retribution against Britney for his death. Diane inquires whether Elizabeth is aware of the situation, to which Tom responds that it's better for her not to know. Diane insists that Elizabeth deserves to know if her son has died. Eager for a confrontation, Diane expresses her willingness to take action, prompting Tom to provide her with the address. They share an emotional hug, and Tom breaks down in tears. Diane reassures him that everything will be alright and that Murray's death will be avenged. Excited about the information, Diane and Lori leave, but as they do, Tom hears a noise from upstairs. Grabbing his bat, he prepares for a confrontation, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse. While in his room, the phone rings, distracting him, and suddenly, the killer emerges from the closet, stabbing Tom in the back. He collapses as the assailant continues to stab him repeatedly. Later, Diane and Lori return to Diane's house, where they excitedly inform the girls that they have located Elizabeth. Britney enters the address into her phone, revealing it to be a 22-hour and 42-minute drive. They deliberate on whether to proceed, and Britney asserts that they have no other option. August expresses concern about the possibility that she might not be there, leading them to question whether the long drive would be in vain. Britney counters that it's better to investigate than to remain uncertain. August mentions the need to reimburse him for gas, prompting an enthusiastic chorus of "ROAD TRIP" from the group. They pile into August's pink car and settle in comfortably. August, Diane, and Britney take turns driving to Dallas, Texas. [OCTOBER 27, 2007 — SATURDAY] The following day, at 7:54 PM, they finally arrive at their destination. Exiting the vehicle, they hesitate before deciding whether to ring the doorbell. Diane voices her concern about the possibility of no one being home, but Britney insists it's worth the attempt and presses the doorbell. They stand in silence until they hear footsteps approaching. With a collective sigh of relief, the door opens to reveal Elizabeth. Recognizing Diane, Elizabeth embraces her warmly, expressing surprise at their visit and inviting them inside. She heads to the kitchen to prepare some tea, but Britney cuts to the chase, accusing her of being the killer. Elizabeth appears bewildered until Britney clarifies, "You're the killer seeking revenge on your son because you know what I did to him." Elizabeth is in a state of confusion when Ella intervenes, pulling Britney aside to express her concern that Elizabeth may be unaware of the situation. Elizabeth then asks, "Unaware of what?" The friends guide her into the living room, where Diane delivers the heartbreaking news that Murray has passed away. Overwhelmed, Elizabeth bursts into tears and begins to panic, inquiring about the circumstances of his death. Diane explains that Murray was involved in a murder plot with his friend Ash, which led to a violent confrontation resulting in his death. Elizabeth's grief intensifies, and she requests a moment alone. The friends express their apologies and leave her home, feeling a deep sense of sorrow as they get into the car. It becomes evident that Elizabeth is not the perpetrator. August suddenly gasps, revealing to the group that Murray's father, Tom, was found dead in his home the previous night, leaving everyone in shock. The following day, October 28, 2007, which is a Sunday, the friends gather in Diane's room. As they converse, Diane hears commotion from downtown and notices cars in her driveway, indicating that her father has returned home. She heads downstairs, telling her friends she will be back shortly. Meanwhile, they continue discussing David upstairs. They check out the filming location for david's movie 'Devils In Paradise' at Warner Studios in Los Angeles. They confirm this as their next destination and reach a consensus. Upon their arrival at Warner Brothers Studios, security halts them to inquire about their identities. Diane introduces herself as David's sister, but the guard insists that David has no sister. August suggests they contact David directly. The security personnel use their walkie-talkie to inform David that his sister, Diane Robinson, is present. He instructs them to grant her access, and they proceed inside. Once on set, David is taken aback to see Diane. He questions her about how she discovered his whereabouts, to which she fabricates a story about finding some old files belonging to their mother. Diane asserts that she is not the target for his frustration, reminding him that their mother made errors, but that resorting to violence against innocent people will not resolve their issues. David appears perplexed and struggles to comprehend the situation. Diane then reveals her awareness of his involvement in the Sunnydale murders, to which David denies any wrongdoing. Diane insists that he is aware that Murray was responsible for their mother's death.