Halloween26 Ch 3

Carla makes an executive decision.

“Let’s go find something,” she says, holding Stef’s gaze. Stef has bravely taken a swing, and now they’ve had a chat. She hasn’t made a fool of herself yet. They can keep it that way, but only if they walk now and get her away from Billie. Because Mary’s boobs make Stef stupid, and Billie makes her mad. It’s not a good combo.

Stef was brave a minute ago, and she’s judicious now. “OK,” she mumbles. “See you.” She waves to Jess and Mary, who smile dazzlingly and wave back, oozing positivity.

Ellen follows them to the horror aisle, where dark boxes, many with red titles, line the shelves. Lots of IIs, 3s, and “returns”. Knives, axes, and creatures are on display.

Stef seems glum and uninterested, but she will perk up with a beer, some popcorn, and a movie.

“It’s a remake, right?” Ellen is saying. “Do they have the original Ring movie here?”

“I dunno,” Stef mutters, gazing absently at the Children of the Corn series.

Ellen picks up a box. “Alien is good. The second one is good too.”

Carla frowns. “Have you seen Pumpkinhead? How come his head isn’t a pumpkin? That’s false advertising.”

“I haven’t seen it,” Ellen says. “How about Chucky?”

“Chucky’s cool,” Carla says.

“Guys.”

They all turn. Billie’s at the end of the aisle.

“What’s up, Billie?” Carla says before Stef can open her mouth.

Billie holds up the tape. “Do you guys want to watch this?”

Stef puts her hand on her hip. “You aren’t going to Kappa?”

“I would if I thought I had a shot. But I don’t.” Billie says it with a shrug. “So I can watch this by myself, or we can all watch it. Do you guys have beer? That would make it a fair trade.”

“We do, and you’re in,” Carla says quickly. She doesn’t know if Billie’s admission was calculated to disarm Stef, or if it was fully candid. Either way, it worked. It’s also attractive.

Ellen’s house has the biggest TV, and her parents aren’t there. Stef heads to her place to get the beer while Ellen sets up the movie. In the kitchen, Carla prepares big bowls and starts microwaving popcorn.

Billie leans on the counter. This cowboy lean of hers wasn’t so obvious in high school, maybe because she was always in the background or off by herself. Back then, she seemed more like a normal girl trying to dress grunge. She seems more tomboyish now. Maybe it’s her short, shaggy haircut. She’s supposed to be leaving and joining the Army—that’s probably why she cut it. The military probably has rules about that stuff.

“No costumes? I kind of wanted to see you in like a sexy nurse outfit,” Billie says, watching Carla work.

“You struck out with Jess, so you’re flirting with me? Is your name Stef?”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, no,” Carla laughs. “Don’t stop.”

“What would your costume be if you were gonna wear one?”

“A sexy one or a normal one?”

“Which one is more fun for you?”

“I guess if I had someone I wanted to impress, the sexy one,” Carla says, enjoying this conversation immensely. Ellen had better read the room and not come in here.