Dinner and a horror show

As you enter the kitchen, you see that Neha's already started prepping for the meal. In her typical, efficient manner, she's already grated the cheese, and is in the process of beating the eggs. "I couldn't find the pancetta, so I started with everything else..."

Selene laughs at this. "Oh dear, you really are something. One day you'll make your husband a very happy man."

"My future husband damn well better know how to cook." your girlfriend responds through gritted teeth, accompanied by an irritated glance in your direction. It's strange, she's already gotten over the novelty of seeing you in your girly clothes. But she's always been far more focused and levelheaded than anyone her age has any right to be.

"Alright, alright. I'll get the pasta going. And yes, I'll remember to salt the water this time."

"Good boy!"

Selene laughs at the interaction behind her hand. For a second, you think you see something other than amusement in her eyes - joy, maybe, or triumph, but you can't say for sure. It's unsettling. But you put your momentary disquiet aside, and work on the food. A short 10 minutes later, Selene serves the steaming pasta into bowls for the three of you. You take your seats, and begin eating. The carbonara is delicious. Clearly, Selene is an accomplished cook, and Neha makes a fine sous chef. After a moment, Selene stands and walks to a cupboard, and retrieves a bottle of red wine.

"You two are of age, so I've got no problems giving you some wine. Carbonara with a lovely Italian red - a real treat, I'm sure you agree."

You gratefully accept the wine, and take a sip. You don't know a thing about wine (except that it's drunk by polite people at mealtimes), but whatever Selene's served you is delicious, and leaves a pleasant aftertaste in your mouth.

"This is really good, thank you for sharing this with us!" Neha exclaims, seemingly thrilled. You glance at her askance - there's something in her voice that seems put on.

"You're very welcome, Neha. Have as much as you like - it is best to finish the bottle off now that it's opened. And it'll get better as the night goes on, since it'll have time to breathe. "

There is a moment of quiet, as the three of you enjoy your food. Then Selene pipes up.

"So... tell me about _hot _Armand."

Neha looks at you for a moment, and then snickers again, "Oh Armand and Ian have been best friends for ages, since they were really young. He's a total sweetheart, and a super nerd - he can literally recite all 21 Star Wars movies by heart. He has costumes for Dungeons and Dragons. And since going to college, I guess he's been hitting the gym, because he's filled out like a dream. Totally shredded. Strong as a monster, too."

"Ooh, sounds interesting, Show me a picture!" Selene demands.

Neha doesn't glance at you as she uses her phone to bring up a hologram of the three of you at your picnic just earlier that day. You're looking happy and relaxed, all sporting wide grins. Neha is sitting between the two of you on the picnic basket. You're drinking some lemonade, and Armand is stretching his arms skyward, showcasing his impressive physique.

"My word, he's some specimen. I must say, I understand your... regard for him now, Neha. You're lucky to have a friend like that." It's obvious that the comment was meant for Neha and not you. Nevertheless, you respond.

"Yeah, we are really lucky. He's been a rock for nearly 15 years now."

You are spared Selene's response when you hear a loud, insistent alarm.

"My washer-dryer!" Selene leaps to her feet, and rushes toward the nook with the washer-dryer. You jump to your feet to follow, and you hear Neha follow behind you. You reach the nook, where Selene pulls the plug of the machine. There is a clear burning smell in the air, though there isn't much smoke - yet. Selene opens the door, and the stench of burnt synthcotton comes out. There are no flames, though it's clear that your clothes (and Nehas) are ruined.

But what scares you more is the brief, grim look Neha shares with you, before she puts on a mask of dismay. She's not really surprised at this turn of events - in fact, she was expecting something like this.