A RIPPLE IN TIME

Clumsy

David confesses that he was aware of Murray's intention to kill Maureen, but he was unaware that they would embark on their own killing spree. He reveals a text message on his flip phone containing a threatening note that reads, "I'm coming for you," which he claims was sent by Murray. This revelation leads Britney to realize that David was also meant to be a victim. The producers call for David, and as he prepares to leave, he offers an apology to Diane before departing. With David gone, the friends find themselves back at square one in their quest to identify the killer. The following day, October 29, 2007, at Sunnydale High during lunch, the friends discuss the latest gossip surrounding Juicy Pop. Ben approaches Britney to apologize, acknowledging that he misunderstood her intentions and that she was genuinely trying to help him rather than ridicule him. Britney graciously accepts his apology, assuring him that it's alright. Ben then invites her to hang out at his house after school, to which she agrees, inviting him to join her and her friends at the lunch table. Meanwhile, the jocks observe the interaction, puzzled by Britney's interest in Ben, and they are determined to uncover the reason behind it. Ben invites Britney to his house later that evening to hang out, and she agrees, prompting him to jot down his address. Later that night, Stella and Steve are shown in an intimate moment, which transitions into a discussion about their relationship. Stella expresses her desire for Steve to stop being unfaithful, but he insists he cannot break the habit, leading to a heated argument. In a fit of anger, Steve calls Stella a slut and storms out of the room. Meanwhile, Stella reaches out to her best friend while Steve heads downstairs to prepare a sandwich. Suddenly, he hears a strange noise from the living room and decides to investigate. Back upstairs, Stella engages in gossip with her friends until she is startled by Steve's screams. Alarmed, she begins to search the house, calling out for him. As she approaches the stairs, a killer emerges from the closet and attacks her. Stella screams as she and the assailant engage in a frantic chase throughout the house. Ultimately, she finds herself cornered in the kitchen, where she grabs a knife and prepares to confront the killer. The assailant violently pushes her against the wall and plunges a knife into her abdomen. Stella succumbs slowly as the attacker continues to strike her head against the counter and delivers a fatal blow to her skull. Later that evening, Ben is engrossed in video games in his room when he hears a knock at the door. Upon opening it, he is thrilled to see Britney. He invites her inside, and she inquires about his parents. He explains that they reside in Florida and left him in Sunnydale to foster his independence. Britney expresses concern, stating that he is too young for such responsibility, to which he concedes, saying it is what it is. Ben then leads her to his bedroom and offers her some ice cream. She agrees, and while he heads to the kitchen, she takes the opportunity to explore his room, admiring the alternative decor and noticing a photo of him with Ash. When Ben returns with the ice cream, he shares that Ash was his closest friend. He reflects on how shocking it is that Ash was involved in planning a series of murders, as he never appeared to be that kind of person. Britney and Ben are seated on the bed, enjoying their ice cream while discussing the challenges of Ben's troubled childhood. After sharing his experiences, Ben inquires about Britney's past, but she chooses not to delve into it, expressing her desire to concentrate on the future rather than the past. Ben respects her decision, and as they exchange glances, they are drawn into a passionate kiss, leading to the removal of each other's clothing and an intimate encounter. The following day, [OCTOBER 30, 2007 — TUESDAY], students are milling about when they encounter a scene of chaos: six police cars, four news vans, flashing cameras, and a throng of onlookers gathered near the campus. Britney and Ben approach the school, puzzled by the commotion. Renowned news reporter Beverly Lewis addresses the camera, stating, "A teen football player from Sunnydale, Steve Avery, and cheerleader Stella Rose were brutally murdered last night. Authorities have not yet released a statement, but sources indicate that no arrests have been made, and the killer may still be at large..." At that moment, Britney's friends arrive, and August informs her that TMZ and Juicy Pop are buzzing with news, showing her the unfolding drama on his pink flip phone. Britney, feeling bewildered, inquires about the situation, to which Diane reveals that Steve and Stella were murdered the previous night. Diane is visibly shaken, and Britney responds by noting that Stella usually sits beside her in English class. Diane then asks if the police have identified any suspects, and August informs her that they have not yet done so, but are currently questioning everyone at the school, including teachers, students, staff, and janitors. Lori wonders why the police suspect a connection to the school, while Britney raises the possibility that it might be linked to the recent string of murders. However, the group remains uncertain. Ben asks for clarification on the unfolding events, and Britney explains that it's a complicated situation. Later, during class, Britney is focused on her essay when the teacher interrupts to inform her that the police wish to speak with her. She agrees and stands up. In Principal Gray's office, the room is filled with police officers, and Sheriff Burke asks Britney where she was the night before. She replies that she was with Ben and clarifies that she had no prior association with either Steve or Stella. Sheriff Burke thanks her for her time and allows her to leave. Later that day in the school courtyard, Britney, Diane, Ella, August, Lori, and Ben are engaged in a discussion about the murder. Britney provides Ben with an update on the situation and how they found themselves in this predicament. Although Ben is initially confused, he begins to understand and inquires about their next steps. Britney admits she is uncertain but emphasizes the importance of staying together at all times. Later that evening, at August's house, he is seen lounging in his pink, leopard-print, Y2K-themed room, watching "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" while filing his nails. Dressed in pink silk pajamas, with his hair wrapped in a towel and an avocado face mask on, he is in a relaxed state. Suddenly, his phone rings, and the upbeat ringtone of "Clumsy" by Fergie fills the room. August answers, assuming it's his hookup, but the deep voice on the other end continues to engage him. They exchange thoughts on the idea of revenge, and the man inquires if August is home alone. August confirms he is, then asks for the man's identity. The man cryptically responds that August should be asking where he is, to which August presses for an answer, only to learn that the man is on his front porch. August panics, insisting that there's no way anyone is there. He heads downstairs and opens the door, only to find it empty. Convinced it's his hookup Tyler trying to prank him, he dismisses the idea and hangs up, returning inside. After securing the doors, he suddenly hears a noise from the living room. As he cautiously moves through the hallway, the assailant leaps from the closet and attacks. A struggle ensues, with August screaming as he grapples with the attacker. Although the assailant knocks him down, August manages to bring the attacker down with him. They wrestle on the floor, the assailant attempting to stab August. In a moment of desperation, August kicks the knife-wielding attacker away and rushes to the front door, but it won't open. He quickly retreats to the back of the house, pursued by the assailant, and races up the back staircase with the attacker close behind. The struggle continues as they crash into his dads' bedroom, fighting on the bed. The assailant manages to slice August's arm, but in a burst of strength, August throws the attacker out of the window. Peering out, he sees the assailant lying motionless on the ground below. August hurriedly dashed downstairs to retrieve his phone and call the police. When he glanced out the window, he noticed that the assailant had vanished. Shortly thereafter, multiple police vehicles arrived, prompting residents to emerge from their homes to investigate the commotion. Outside, August was seen sitting on the steps of his house, a bandage wrapped around his shoulder, while his father comforted him. At that moment, Britney, Diane, Ella, Lori, and Ben rushed over to August, inquiring about the incident. He recounted that he had been attacked by the killer. Just then, Beverly and her cameraman, Bruce, arrived at the scene, but Deputy Keeton instructed the police to escort August to the station. They departed with him before Beverly could capture her story. Beverly then directed Bruce to follow the police car, while Deputy Keeton ordered everyone to return indoors, declaring the area an official crime scene. At the police station, August recounted the events to his friends, who were left bewildered and uncertain about the identity of the perpetrator behind the murders. Britney suggests that the killer is completing the work that Ash and Murray left unfinished, leading them to deduce that there may have been more than two perpetrators involved. Deputy Keeton and Sheriff Olivar engage in a discussion about their suspicions regarding the identity of the killer. Deputy Keeton admits uncertainty but emphasizes the urgency of identifying the culprit before the situation escalates. Meanwhile, the friends deliberate on their next course of action when they receive a chilling text from the killer stating, "I'm always two steps ahead." The following day, October 31, 2007—Halloween—Sunnydale is abuzz with festive decorations. At school, the group of friends walks together, and August mentions the attention he has garnered following his attack the previous night, particularly noting that Juicy Pop featured him on their website. Various media outlets are seen sensationalizing his incident. August then pauses to deliver a speech, asserting that the attack has made him stronger, and concludes by encouraging everyone to connect with him on MySpace and Facebook. Later that day, during study hall, Ella is focused on preparing for her English exam when she hears someone softly call her name. Confused, she scans the room for the source. The whisper comes again, prompting her to inquire if anyone is present. Suddenly, she hears a noise from the closet. Turning to face it, she locks eyes with the closet door, and without warning, the assailant bursts out, startling Ella as he lunges at her. A struggle ensues, and after a brief scuffle, she manages to knock him down with a textbook and escapes the room. Meanwhile, Deputy Keeton is on the school grounds when Beverly approaches him to engage in a flirtatious exchange. They share a mutual attraction, and he expresses his desire to take her out, which she happily accepts. Just then, Principal Gray makes an announcement over the loudspeaker, informing everyone that student Ella Hoagn has been attacked by the assailant in the student lounge. He declares that classes are canceled for the remainder of the day and the following day, and he also relays that the Sunnydale police department has imposed a 9 PM curfew until the perpetrator is apprehended. The police officers rush into the school, prompting Beverly to inquire with Keeton about the possibility of a serial killer being on the loose. He confirms her fears and joins his colleagues inside. Meanwhile, on the other side of the school, the group of friends exits alongside other students, with Ella visibly distressed from her earlier attack. August, on the other hand, is excited about gaining 50 new friends on MySpace and 100 on Facebook.