They head back to the house

The IROC-Z hummed along the dark, empty streets with the windows down just enough to let the cool air whip through the car. Chet’s hand tapped out the beat on the wheel as an old power ballad drifted from the speakers. Kristie was sprawled across the back seat, having kicked her shoes off and curled her legs up. Erin sat quietly up front, dress rumpled, hair wild, and trying to process everything.

It was Kristie who broke the silence first. “Okay, seriously, what the hell even happened back there? One second we’re about to leave, the next, it’s like some sort of John Hughes movie on acid.”

Chet laughed, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. “You’re welcome. When I came out of some room upstairs with Suki, there was some guy that stopped me. So then he tells me that Madison was being her usual charming self to you two. And I… well, I figured she could use an attitude adjustment.”

He grinned, reaching over to nudge Erin’s knee. “But he said that you two had looked pretty upset. Want to tell me what went down?”

Erin shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “It was nothing. Just… some drama.”

Kristie cut in, not letting it go as easily. “Bullshit. She tried to humiliate us and called us out in front of everyone. Then she trashed Erin’s outfit by pouring a drink on her. Not to mention that she made sure to take enough time so that everyone around us was filming. Erin by far took the worst of it.” She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her friend from behind her seat. “It sucked.”

Listening to Kristie recount the events, Chet’s face had been covered with a rare seriousness. he hadn’t felt since before Lisa sent him off into the ether. “Well. If she has any sense, she won’t be a problem for anyone for a while,” he finally began to smile, thinking of his handiwork. “But speaking from personal experience, sometimes it takes a while to get the message, so we’ll see.”

The car was quiet for a few moments, then Erin finally asked, “So… what’s going to happen to Madison, anyway?”

Chet shrugged, the old cocky grin returning to his face. “It’s only temporary. She’ll be back to her regular, charming self by morning. Just with a little more perspective. Or trauma. Honestly, maybe both,” he said, looking over and smiling.

Kristie piped up, a grin in her voice. “And what about the whole house? Did you see everyone’s outfits? Was that real?”

Chet laughed, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel to the music. “That’s temporary too. By the time the sun comes up, everyone will swear it was the jello shots, or a prank, or mass hysteria. Besides, who doesn’t love the 80s? If anything, I did them a favor.”

Kristie snorted, stretching out in the back seat. “Pretty sure some of those guys are going to wake up in leg warmers and question every choice they’ve ever made.”

Chet grinned. “Hey, they could do a lot worse. And at least I didn’t make missiles bust up through the house.”

“Missiles?” Erin asked.

“Yeah, you know, missi-” he paused but saw the confused expression on her face. “Never mind. Long story.”

Erin shook her head, finally smiling. “Well… thanks, I guess. For everything.”

Chet winked, his eyes glinting in the dashboard lights. “Hey, what else am I here for, right? Memorable nights and questionable decisions. That’s what it’s all about.”

The three of them lapsed into a comfortable, exhausted silence as the city lights gave way to the quiet streets of Erin’s neighborhood. As they turned onto Erin’s street, the magic began to fade. The girls’ outfits shimmered, sequins and neon flickering out as the wild hair and bold makeup dulled down. By the time Chet parked the IROC-Z in front of the house, Kristie was back in her favorite hoodie and leggings, and Erin in her soft, V-neck and jeans, just as they’d started the night.

Kristie blinked at herself as she looked down and let out a soft laugh. “Well, that’s less likely to scar my mom when I go home tomorrow.”

Chet turned off the engine, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. “Alright, ladies. What’s next? Still plenty of night left.”

Erin stretched, fighting a yawn. “Honestly? It’s late- or early, depending on how you look at it. I should really get to bed. I have a project I’ll need to finish tomorrow since I assume all of my work got ruined tonight. And I have no idea how we didn’t wake my sister the first time we were here.”

Chet made a face of disappointment. “Oh, come on! This is the time for questionable choices and reckless abandon. What do you mean, bed?”

Kristie leaned forward between the seats, propping her chin on her arms. “He’s got a point. We did technically create you to answer our questions about guys and dating… and to, you know, put you through some real-world situations.”

She gave Erin a sly look. “Wouldn’t it be a waste if we missed our chance to ask him anything? What if he disappears as fast as he showed up?”

Chet grinned, eyes bright with mischief. “She’s right. I’m a limited-time offer, ladies. Might want to get your money’s worth.”

Erin groaned, but there was laughter in it now. “God help me.”

Kristie only grinned wider. “Come on. The night’s still young, and I’m not done taking advantage of our science experiment just yet.”

With that, the three of them slipped out of the car and back into the quiet house, the thrill of possibility still buzzing just beneath the surface.

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