Movies n booze

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, albeit a twisted version of it, the group chose to watch “Thankskilling,” a cult classic horror flick. It was all thanks to Daisy, a fan of the obscure and oddball, who pitched it, stating, “What better way to digest our meal than with a homicidal turkey puppet?”

It was a ludicrous film, a turkey puppet hell-bent on a Thanksgiving killing spree. Amidst the crude humor and cheap jump scares, the group huddled together on the couch, their laughter and playful jeers echoing around the room. Liam, ever the horror fanatic, cheered on the turkey, while the others groaned at the cringe-worthy lines. Ethan, not known for his appreciation of the horror genre, feigned terror, peeking through his fingers and yelping at every dramatic turkey reveal. Daisy reveled in the group's reaction, her laughter bright and contagious.

While the movie played on, Jake couldn't help but steal glances at Juniper. Her gaze wasn't on the screen but was darting between each of their friends, her eyes evaluating, probing. It was an eerie sight, like a predator surveying its prey.

As if feeling his gaze, Juniper turned her attention to Jake. The smile she flashed him was unlike any he'd seen before. It wasn't her usual warm, inviting grin. It was cold, predatory, a chilling reminder of the entity lurking inside her. His blood ran cold at that sadistic grin. But he swallowed his fear, pretending to be engrossed in the ridiculous antics of the murderous turkey on screen.

As the credits began to roll, the room was filled with exaggerated sighs of relief and boisterous laughter. Liam jumped to his feet, declaring it the best worst movie he’d ever seen.

“Is this what you watch in your free time, Daisy?” Ethan teased, throwing a cushion her way.

“Only on holidays, I swear!” she replied, batting the cushion back.

Bea, a look of mock horror etched on her face, exclaimed, “I need a drink to wash away the memory of that turkey!”

“Speaking of drinks…” Juniper chimed in, “I’ve made a special Thanksgiving punch. Anyone up for some?”

The group eagerly followed her into the kitchen. As they all gathered around the kitchen island, Juniper began pouring the punch into glasses.

Jake watched Juniper closely, feeling that same eeriness emanating from her. She looked so normal but that predatory grin still etched in his mind.

Bea raised her glass, “To the most memorable Friendsgiving!”

The group raised their glasses and cheered.

“You guys don't need to worry about limiting yourselves, I already have bed rolls set up.” Juniper said, ushering the group to partake more in the forbidden liquid.

The clinking of glasses resonated through the room as the group cheered. Juniper was already pouring more rounds of her special Thanksgiving punch.

“Guys! I’m really feeling the spirit of Thanksgiving!” Liam declared, his voice starting to slur.

Jake, had given into the night’s oddities and took another swig from his glass.

Daisy, holding two glasses and attempting to balance a third on her head, proclaimed, “Tonight, we are all one big, crazy family!”

Iris, normally reserved, was leading Liam and Daisy in a song that sounded like a mashup of Christmas carols and ‘90s pop hits.

As the night unraveled, Ethan, slightly swaying, leaned in to Juniper and asked, “Hey, you wanna, like, make out or something?”

Juniper, her eyes flickering with an unworldly glimmer, smiled at him. “Sure, let’s do that,” she cooed, leading him toward the bathroom.

Jake’s heart raced. He watched in anguish as the scene unfolded. He knew what was inside Juniper, and he felt helpless to stop it.

Liam, Daisy, and Iris, oblivious to anything but their singing, started pulling Jake into their human conga line. He halfheartedly joined in but kept his gaze fixed on the bathroom door.