𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 | Tara Carpenter SCREAM VI/VII

•ONE

Who gives a fuck about movies?
~Scream VI

"Why did you bring me here?" I ask Anika, pouting, my eyes scanning the chaotic environment around us.

We were at a Halloween party and things couldn't get any worse. I was a simple girl, far too antisocial and especially passionate about video games and horror movies... parties weren't my thing.

I glance at my best friend who is looking at me with a raised eyebrow and her lips painted black pursed in a frown of annoyance. Her costume was quite simple and embarrassing: a pumpkin.

A pumpkin? Really?

"You're my best friend and roommate... You needed to take a break from that PlayStation" she murmurs reproachfully, rolling her eyes in frustration. "And besides, I wanted you to meet my girlfriend," she adds with a smile plastered on her lips.

I roll my eyes at her comment.

What was her name?
Marta?
Madison?
All I know is that it starts with an M.

Her hand grabs my arm and pulls me into the crowd, making me shiver at the screams and the deafening music. The smell... of weed? Cigarettes? Probably both reaches my nostrils and I grimace in disgust, coughing at the foul odor. How could they smoke that stuff?

Anika changes direction leading me to the back of the room, an intersection between the kitchen and the living room packed with people and a ping pong table. I can see two girls talking to each other: one a short brunette dressed as a pirate and the other wearing... casual clothes? She had simple ripped black pants and a funky sweatshirt.

"Hey" Anika greets enthusiastically, leaning in to kiss her girlfriend.
The taller girl returns the kiss with enthusiasm pulling her closer.

I watch the pirate shift awkwardly in her spot.

Her eyes drift in my direction and my cheeks immediately flush red. Holy crap, she's gorgeous. A bandana held her long black hair back and her face was barely covered in makeup: lips full and painted a deep red.

Anika's voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

"Mindy, this is Y/N... my best friend" Anika says calmly, resting her head on her girlfriend's shoulder. Mindy gives me a courteous smile and shakes my hand.

"Mindy," she introduces herself with a bright smile.

"Y/N," I reply with a nervous grin.

For me that interaction was enough. I had already filled my social quota. Her eyes scan my body, probably trying to figure out what costume I was wearing. I clasp my hands nervously; the discomfort of being observed makes me feel like I can't breathe.

"You're... a lady?" she asks, furrowing her brows.

I bite my lip trying to suppress the insult threatening to spill out and take a deep breath.

"I'm Mrs. Warren... you know... from The Conjuring," I say softly, trying not to stutter and sound like an idiot.

Mindy's eyes widen as she snaps her fingers in realization, smiling right after.

"Right," she says calmly, glancing sideways at her girlfriend. She smiles sweetly and then turns to her friend beside her. "Oh... this is Tara," she murmurs, nodding towards the pirate.

I offer a greeting smile to the brunette. Her eyes were bright, bloodshot indicating her level of intoxication. I stifle a smile seeing how she occasionally swayed.

I wipe my palms on my pants.

"Do you like Anika's costume?" I tease with a mischievous smile. "She chose to be Cinderella's carriage," I wink, causing my best friend to blush. Mindy and Tara burst out laughing, making warmth spread in my chest.