Screams

            Ring, echoed the foyer, Ring Ring. The caller ID read, “Unknown.”

            “Neo Alpha Rah, Phin speaking,” answered the only person in the house after he debated whether he should have answered. “Hello?” Phin called again but no one replied. He placed the phone back on the wall and dismissed the call as a prank. He figured other fraternities were drunk, stone or bored. Phin made his way back to the couch when suddenly the phone rang once again. He stood between the living room and the foyer, questioning whether he should answer the call. Phin let the phone ring, his team made a goal while he was away and he wasn’t about to miss another. Ring Ring.

            Deserted was the home of the famous Neo brotherhood of Rah, the athletes on campus. The designated sober driver waited for his brothers to notify him of his assistance. Alone, not by choice, Phin remained in the den. The flat screen screamed in cheers as two teams battled for the championship. Red cups and glass bowls filled with chips scattered across the coffee table, crumbs lay where they fell. Sports magazines and automobile subscriptions lay open, half read. The sport announcer raced as he implored another goal. “No!” Screamed Phin as his team missed a chance to intercept. Ring Ring, the house phone rang again. Phin checked the caller ID, “Unknown.”

            “Hello?”

            “Hello Phin.” Came a low, unusual voice on the other end. “Want to die tonight?”

            “Do I know you?” Phin asked, puzzled but not shaken.

            “Maybe, want to find out?” The caller replied.

            “Fuck off.” Phin ended the call abruptly. He sat back on the couch, cursing in his head. Whoever it was wanted a reaction out of Phin but he doesn’t scare as easily. “No!” Phin shouted again. His team was losing, missing all the chances to turn their luck around. He threw chips at the screen as the opposing team inched their way to the win. Time was running out, “Come on!” Phin yelled, “He was open.” As the announcer stated an interception, the house phone rang. Once more the caller ID read, “Unknown.”

            “-The fuck you want?” Phin answered, impatiently.

            “Hey man,” answered one of his fraternity brothers, “I’m calling from a land line. Listen, we got a ride. We’ll be there shortly. Neoz out!” Relieved, Phin hung up the phone and made his way back to the couch. He raised the volume on the screen and took a hand full of chips into his mouth. The crowd roared as they watched two giants go head to head. Three runners slammed into each other; passing, blocking, intercepting. Slowly the opposing team fought their way to the win. Phin threw chips at the screen as his team missed an interception.

            One more goal, Phin’s team needed one more point to steal the game. “Get that money!” Phin encouraged, shouting at the screen; drunk in testosterone. His mobile phone vibrated on the coffee table. Phin ignored the call but regretted it later. The sport announcer got lost from the constant ringer ringing in his ear. “Damn!” Phin cursed underneath his breath as he stood to answer the phone. The caller ID read, “Unknown.” Phin answered, glued to the game. “Hello?” Phin repeated, slowly loosing his patience. Just as he was about to hang up the phone the same person from before replied on the other end.

            “What’s your favorite scary movie?”

            “Listen bro,” Phin began, “Go bother someone else.” He paused, “How did you get this number?”

            “I have my ways.” The caller replied. “Besides, who else am I to bother? You’re the only one home.”

            “You sure about that?” Phin answered, confused. How would the caller know that?

            “Want to play a game?”

            “Not interested dog.” Phin closed.

            “But if you hang up, how will you know where I am?” The caller caught his attention.

            “Yeah?” Phin turned to the front door. “I have a good guess.” Phin opened the door and expected to find his brothers, but the porch was empty. Phin stepped outside and looked around. The other fraternities across the street were quiet, the streets isolated. Phin checked the side of the house and found nothing, no one lingered around. No one crept out from where they hid to spook the life out of Phin.

            “Not there.” The caller said moments later as Phin checked the other side. He stood for a moment, brainstorming the caller’s identity and whereabouts.

            “Look man, if you want trouble you got it.” Phin began. “You should know better. This campus is guarded with cops in every corner for this very reason. Plus, I don’t get scared so easily so you’re going to have to step up your game.” Phin was back inside. He locked the door, set the alarm and notified the campus security station. “The police have already been informed.” Phin assured the caller. “If you want to play we can play. You have five seconds before cops start showing up. So what’s up, you there? You have four seconds now.”

            “I only need two.” The caller replied just as the line ended. The door bell rang. Phin froze for a minute then presumed to check who stood outside. No one, Phin thought. Phin attempted to dial *69 but received a text message instead from the unknown caller. “You’re dead,” read the message in his screen. Phin closed the message and redial the caller. As the phone rang, a ringtone blasted upstairs. Phin’s blood ran cold as he questioned who else was inside the house with him. Phin took a bat that stood by the front door and proceeded to climb the stairs. Slowly, he approached the sound.

            The call was coming from his room. Phin kicked the door open. With the bat in hand, he rushed into his room and armed himself for a fight. A small black cellular phone sat on his bed, ringing. He picked up the phone and ended the call. Someone placed a phone on his bed, someone else was in the house with him; someone who’s out to kill him. “Thought you wanted to play.” Phin teased as he reeled the caller from where ever they hid. “What, you scared?” Phin opened his closet and expected to find someone there, but all he found was his stuff.

            Phin closed the door to his room and attempted to check the room beside him. As he opened the door, a masked figure flung at him with a sharp blade. Nearly missing his chest, Phin fumbled to the floor with the masked figure. Phin reached for his bat as the masked figure reached for the knife. The two struggled to get on their feet. Phin punched the masked figure off of him and got to his feet first. Phin kicked the masked figure a few times before heading for his bat. As he turned to swing, the masked figure was gone. “That’s it?” Phin breathed as he caught his balance. “That’s all you got?”

            Phin turned to the hall and found the masked figure standing on the other end, knife at hand. The masked figure took its blade and pointed at Phin. Phin took the bat to his shoulder and gestured the masked figure to approach him. The mask figure ran towards Phin. Phin swung but the masked figure dodged. A sharp stab pierced Phin on the side, blood trickled down to his jeans. His shirt, soaked in blood, left a trail as Phin limped away. The masked figure tilted its head as it watched Phin bleed. Phin made his way to the study room and locked the door behind him.

            “Fuck you man!” Phin shouted while he gasped for air. His bloody right hand applied pressure to the open wound. “Cops will be here any second!” He hoped. The door rattled as the masked figure attempted to finish the job. Phin took whatever blunt object he could find. His head lightened from the blood loss staining his shirt, leaking down to his jeans into a pool of fresh blood. The door kept pounding. The room swindle. “Fuck off bro, you aren’t getting in!” Phin shouted as he leaned on the desk. The door to the study stopped rattling. Silence soon settled. Off in the distance, sirens approached his location.

            Relieved, Phin stepped into the shadows to hide as help arrived. Phin felt another sharp stab, this time on his back. Phin fell to the floor as the masked figure stepped into focus. Phin crawled, plead for his life as the masked figure stepped closer and closer to its helpless prey. “It was a simple game, Phin.” The masked figure said as it now stood before Phin. “You lose.” Phin screamed as the sharp blade tore his insides out. His screams were later masked by the sirens that echoed outside. The killer stabbed Phin for the last time before making an escape. Speechless were the authorities and the Neo Alpha brothers as they entered a murder scene unlike any other.

            Rumors spread like wild fire the next day. Everyone on campus got word of the murder that took place the night before. Every fraternity and sorority near the scene were on lock down as detectives questioned every body in sight. No one could believe the horrors that occurred to their star athlete. No one thought such a crime would happen, not since the crime of a local’s murder case that became a horror legend. Left and right, people were called to the deans office in question to their whereabouts the night of the incident. Those close to Phin were prime suspects. Everyone questioned their neighbor’s motive, fearing who would be next.

            “Can you believe all this hype?” Lucas proclaimed as he filmed the school grounds.

            “I can.” Mason replied as he vlogged his encounters to his channel. “Phin was a Neo brother. He was the chosen one, to get sponsored by the big leagues. Now they’ll have to settle with an understudy. How traumatic.”

            “Making light of a dark situation will only make you a suspect and earn you a one way trip to the deans office.” Kit replied as she set her equipment next to Mason. “Can we focus on our assignment. I’m not going to be late for my next class just because you two are too glued to this fiasco.” Kit placed her script on her stand and read her lines to herself. Mason and Lucas filmed the perimeters, too inspired by the events.

            “Have they called Chelsea to the deans office?” Lucas filmed Kit for a response.

            “She’s there now.” Kit replied. “Can we make this scene already? I have history next period and I need to finish this essay. Lucas and Mason set their equipment under a shade and began their shoot. Lucas trailed off while Kit recited her lines to Mason who filmed. “I know what happened to Phin was horrible but was it this bad?” Kit mentioned the numerous reporters reporting live to their news station in light of a student’s murder. “I can’t image what Chelsea is going through.” Mason and Lucas were now packing their gear for another shoot somewhere else. The live coverage of Phin’s death was becoming overwhelming.

            “It’s not as bad as what happened the last time.” Lucas pointed out, referring to the murder case of a local woman years ago. “What if the killer is trying to emulate the murders from before?” Mason and Kit stared at Lucas suspiciously. “What if Phin’s murder is just an attempt to reboot the Stab franchise?” Lucas recorded the reporters, “We can use this coverage for other projects. We can make a documentary, make our own horror classic.” Lucas seemed too fascinated by the tragic accounts, making Mason and Kit question his sanity.

            “So what, Hollywood placed a murderer in Woodsboro so they can get ideas for another cheesy slasher movie?” Mason reasoned with Lucas. “You’ve seen way too many movies Lucas.” Mason aimed his camera to himself, “For me to say that is saying something. Phin’s death was no movie plot for a scene.” Mason took coverage of the news reporters. “There were no directors shouting cut. Phin was murdered by someone wearing a ghost mask. The same mask worn by the killers who victimized local Sidney Prescott.” He trailed back to himself, “Until she fought back and won.” Mason turned to Kit. “Will you do the same?”

            “Do what?” Chelsea asked as she joined the group.

            Startled, Mason cut his live feed and shut his camera off. “We were just discussing last night’s blunder of terror.” Lucas replied, getting Mason’s embarrassment on camera. “For all my viewers on the web, can we get a statement from the victim’s girlfriend.” Kit concealed Lucas camera in respect to Chelsea’s predicament. “If not me, they will get a story out of you.” Lucas pointed to the endless herds of news reporters cashing in on the big story. Mason placed a hand on Lucas shoulder and quietly asked him not to film. “People want to know.”

            “What are you two doing with these virgins?” Zack asked as he found Chelsea and Kit with Lucas and Mason.

            “We were just wrapping up our assignment.” Kit replied.

            “You two still up for tonight?” Zack asked the girls.

            “It’s still on?” Kit answered. “After what just happened?”

            “Hell yeah, it’s still on.” Zack informed them. “Especially after what just happened. Meta Delta Zhi is hosting. The Neo Alpha’s can’t, they're on lock down because of…” Zack trailed off as he turned to the news reporters. “It’s as if the carnival is in town.”

            “Count us in.” Lucas invited himself.

            “If you’re allowed in.” Zack replied. “Let’s get out of here before those reporters see you.” Zack took Chelsea by the hand and escorted her to the back of the school, away from all the commotion. Hundreds of reporters stationed outside the school grounds surrounded everyone coming in and out. Lucas and Mason filmed their peers sharing their thoughts and outrage to the reporters while security guards hovered. Never before have they witnessed a murder bathed in blood. The main question everyone had running through their minds was knowing the killer could be near.

            “Damn,” Lucas added once Chelsea, Kit and Zack disappeared from view, “Even with Phin gone, there’s always someone else to fill the spot.”

            “What spot?” Mason asked, confused.

            “The spot you want.” Lucas answered, teasingly. “Just face it pal, you’re always going to be a friend.”

            Mason and Lucas remained by the tree as they filmed reporters slowly packing up their gear. They shot their scene then added their own thoughts and comments. Their personal vlog channel reached more than a thousand views by the afternoon. By then, the whole town was aware of the horrific crime. Once the crowd had disperse, the campus fell into a silent roar. Though reporters and their camera crew were long gone, whispers lingered. Everyone fell unease for the killer remains at large. The aftermath had everyone on edge. Halloween brought the town of Woodsboro a frightening realization. Who committed the crime? Who was out to kill again?

            “Any leads?” Detective Connor asked his partner as he entered their office.

            “I have my suspicions.” Answered his partner, Detective Stonefield. “But no solid evidence, just leads. If you ask me,” he then added, “This was no random attack.” Connor stood by Stonefield’s desk. “See, whoever killed Phin knows more than what we’re lead to believe.” Stonefield placed three images of the crime scene before Connor to examine. “Frauds” smeared in blood lay tattooed into Phin’s forehead in one image. “Phone records show someone calling Phin moments before entering the house. The killer knew the fraternities house number and Phin’s personal phone number. So, whoever the killer is knows the victim closely.”

            “That or the killer hacked their way in.” Connor stated. “I checked the phone records too. The killer is smart, he or she or they called from an untraceable line. I followed every call made that night and found this.” Connor placed a record of phone calls on Stonefield’s desk. “The killer covered its trace exceptionally well, meaning whoever this is knows how to hack their way around things.” Stonefield examined the records. “Whoever did this wanted us to know that we’re dealing with frauds.” He pointed to the image with the message, “Frauds,” written in blood. “I did a background check on Phin and found nothing. But, when I checked his family’s background, I found this.” Connor took a thick  file and placed it in front of Stonefield.

            Stonefield skimmed through the file. “Phin’s parent’s, turns out, haven’t been paying their taxes for years.” Connor summed up what he found. “Phin’s parents are also friends with the mayor, who by the way has been stealing from the city. They've been using tax payer money as their personal bank account.” Stonefield was in shock. “I did a further analyzes and found it’s not just Phin’s parents making shady business deals, half of that fraternity are involved.” Connor leaned on his desk and crossed his arms. “It’s as if the killer wants us to pick and choose which case we close first. A divergent.”

            “We were called in correlation to a student’s death,” Stonefield began, “Turns out, there’s more to this case than we’d expected.” They examined the papers that lay before them. In one pile, a murder scene remained unsolved while the other a serious of allegations involving wealthy crooks and con artist. Connor loosened his tie and began to read police statements. “Though we have frauds to incarcerate, there’s a killer on the loose. We need to prioritize. We at least have a lead, no thanks to this killer.” Stonefield placed the mask found at the scene of the crime and pinned it to his board. “What about this killer.” Stonefield asked his partner. “Do you think we have another copycat in our mist?”

            “Yes, but knowing these kids today, they probably want to make a statement.” Connor replied.

            “Like targeting frauds?” Stonefield implied. “They wouldn’t repeat the same pattern from before, it would become too obvious as to who the killer is.” He paused to context clues his way to a lead. “Damn kids, why can’t they just conform like the rest of us?” He trailed back to his desk and searched for a file stuck in his head.

            “Why conform when you can change the game?” Connor answered. “Kids today want to be known. They want to be heard.” Connor pondered in his chair as he tried to piece the puzzle before the killer killed again. “What better way to make a statement than to go for the top dog on campus, days before Halloween. The mayor set a curfew but those college kids are still throwing their party. To honor their fallen hero.” He exhaled, “If only they knew the truth, but they probably do. They’re probably part of it.” Stonefield left the station moments later. He was scheduled to interview more possible suspects.

            “I heard Chelsea killed Phin because she found him cheating on her.” Two girls whispered as they climbed up the stairs of the campus library. Her friend rejected the thought. “Phin was known for being promiscuous.” The girls crossed the upstairs lobby and entered the library’s endless maze. Few sat by the front desk, working on their thesis. Others hid in the rooms by the side, experimenting. Cece and Mandy quietly walked further into the library, getting lost within the shelves. “She probably got Zack to do it. Did you notice the two hanging around more often?”

            “Zack’s not capable of that.” Mandy replied. “They’ve known Phin since high school. Zack’s like a brother to Phin. Besides, Phin stopped talking to other girls when he got with Chelsea.” Deep within the library’s maze, books and nooks filled the emptiness. Silence whispered throughout the maze while two young females made their way to an empty station. No one lingered near.

            “Yeah, but Phin gets stalker crazy whenever Chelsea and Zack hang out without him.” Cece explained. “Chelsea probably got over Phin but couldn’t leave him because Phin would stalk Chelsea to her breaking point. We all have our limits, psychology taught me that. So, the only way Chelsea could get rid of Phin was to convince Zack to kill Phin. Right after Halloween. Why Zack? Obviously she developed a thing for him, who wouldn’t?”

            “You are delirious.” Mandy proclaimed. “Obvi, some nut job is out to get notoriety. They probably binged on the Prescott murders, became obsessed with the films and got inspired to kill wearing the same costume as the killer from the actual case. It’s probably someone from campus, if you ask me.” They found an empty desk to prepared for their exam. “You go ahead, I’m just going to check something out.” Mandy added as she walked towards a bookshelf. “I’ll be right back.” She disappeared into the books. Cece opened her study guide and took out her notes.

            Mandy searched through the bookshelves, looking for the exam guide. She turned the corner when her phone vibrated. A text message appeared on Mandy’s screen from an unknown sender. Want to play a game? Mandy read the message. Intrigued, she replied, “What kind of game?” The one where I try to kill you. Chills ran down Mandy’s spine as she read the message. She looked for the exit. Mandy shock in fear as another message popped into her screen, “You’re dead!” The masked figure from before appeared on the other side of the bookshelf where Mandy stood in fright. The killer revealed its blade and aimed at Mandy.

            Mandy screamed before dashing to the exit. Security guards ran inside and up the stairs. The killer chased Mandy across the maze. Mandy threw books, chairs, anything to delay the killers grip on her. “Help!” Mandy screamed, knowing there were guards nearby. Mandy escaped the library’s maze with the killer at her tail. She bolted through the lobby when suddenly the killer got a hold on her. Mandy screamed as the killer jammed the knife through her heart. Mandy fell to the floor, dead. Blood encircled her lifeless body. The killer stepped into the maze and disappeared out of sight. The guards ran into the upstairs lobby shouting for paramedics. Cece appeared in the corner, speechless.

            As night fell, monsters in disguise came about calling for their treats. Few were brave enough to roam the streets while a killer remained at large. A second murder soon spread as reporters lingered at the college library. Fraternity row were guarded by police, stationed in every corner. More police patrolled the roads, monitoring its citizen for their safety. One sorority boomed while the others lay silent. Meta Delta Zhi hosted the annual Halloween party, in honor of their star athlete. Music echoed to the streets, entertaining the young and reckless.

            Few hung by the porch while others lay by the pool. The rest partied inside, drunk on booze and high on substance. Goblins and werewolves, saints to whores. Anyone invited came as a character with their treats in hand. The Neo Alpha brothers played beer pong, others attempted the keg stand. Hot nurses and teachers entertained their idiocy. The Meta Delta sisters remained center stage, dancing the night away; partaking in the festivities. Some streaked outside while others binged on horror films in the den. No one was concerned about a killer.

            “Did you hear Mandy was butchered in the library.” Kit informed Chelsea as they entered the house.

            “I know, I just read about it.” Chelsea replied. “I can’t believe the cops haven’t raided the place. They’re literally parked right around the corner.” As they furthered into the den, Chelsea and Kit found the security guards mingling with the students.

            “They’re just here to supervise.” Zack mentioned as he approached them. “They’ll be gone shortly. Nice costume by the way.” He complimented Chelsea on her choice of character. “You look great Kit.” He then took notice of her friend. Together they made their way to the kitchen. More and more creatures appeared out of thin air. The porch overflowed with ghouls and mummies. Dracula and Superman walked seemingly up to the front door and proceeded to enter. They gravitated towards the den where a classic horror movie reeled.

            “Told you  no one would notice.” Lucas began as he and Mason sat on the floor, facing the flat screen. “Embrace your invisibility.”

            “Shut up before someone notices.” Mason retorted. Mason looked around and spotted Chelsea in the kitchen with Zack and Kit. Lucas handed him alcohol and a joint. “Where did you get that?” He asked looking for the source.

            “They’re called party favors.” Lucas informed. “They’re passing out the bud. It’s puff, puff, pass. Get with the program noob.”

            Kit and Chelsea remained in the kitchen with Zack. The Alpha brothers held their competition to see who can chug the most beer. The Delta sisters took the party outside where more activities await the eager. Chelsea and Zack made their way to the den while Kit took a short tour of the house. “I’m going upstairs to urinate.” Kit slurred as she left Chelsea and Zack on their own. Alone, Kit made her way to the back of the house by the corner leading to the upstairs.

            She ignored the velvet rope that permitted no entry to the upstairs dormitories. The halls were narrow with dim lighting. Rows of closed doors guided her to the restroom. “Nope, not here.” Kit muttered to herself as she opened someone’s room. “This will do.” Kit entered the vacant restroom. Moments later, as she sat, her phone vibrated with a message from an unknown sender. What’s your favorite scary movie? Kit read as her vision adjusted. “Who’s this?” Kit replied but never received an answer.

            As she closed the door behind her, a masked figure stood on the other end of the hallway. “Poor choice of costume.” Kit began, sobering up. “You know there’s a cop downstairs looking for people with that face.” Kit smiled, “Are you here to kill me mister killer?” The masked figure nodded in response. “You can’t kill me, there are rules. Have you never seen a scary movie?” The masked figure shook its head. “Let me enlighten you then. I’m the lead character, I get to survive.” The killer took out a blade from within its cloak and proceeded to kill Kit.

            Kit ran to the attic, screaming for help. The music downstairs screamed louder. “Help me!” Screamed Kit, desperately fleeing from the killer’s knife. Kit closed a door behind her as she ran towards the window. The killer opened the door and before Kit could escape, the killer immobilized her. The killer slashed the back of Kit’s ankle, her screams fused with the music downstairs; masking her frantic conundrum. Kit attempted to run but couldn’t. “Please,” she begged, “Please!”

Kit crawled on the floor as the killer watched. “Please, don’t kill me.” Drunk and disoriented, Kit plead from the approaching masked figure. The killer stood before Kit and stabbed her in the chest. Kit’s screams were muffled by the booming music underneath. Tears rolled down her face as her life faded with each stab. She reached for the killers mask and was dumbfounded to find a familiar face. “You?” The killer slashed her throat before hanging her out the balcony. Those outside were oblivious until one noticed Kit’s bloody body dangling before them.

The house was quarantined by the authorities. Detective Connor and his partner Stonefield interviewed everyone in sight but were left with the same unanswered question; who could the killer be? “Is there anything else you’d like to add?” Connor asked Chelsea who has now become a prime suspect. Twice, has she been interviewed by the detectives in regards to a murder. Chelsea stood in fright and horror for two of her closes loved ones were dead. She shook her head and remained silent, Zack held her for support. “Sorry, I know this must be hard on you. We simply want to find the perpetrator. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“You think she’s the killer?” Stonefield began once they were a few distance away from Chelsea and Zack.

“No.” Replied Connor. “She looks too shaken up by this ordeal.” They stared at Zack and questioned his motives. “I’m going to ask these kids if they saw anything.” Stonefield and Connor spread as they interrogated those who stayed behind. The interrogation lasted for hours. By the witching hour, the ambulance and the detectives were gone. Leaving behind three cop cars stationed outside Meta Delta Zhi.

As things settled, Chelsea and Zack were escorted to Zack’s dorm room. The campus dorm rooms were empty. Few lingered by the community center as they watched horror films; binging on cheap alcohol and other substances. Not many were up, giving Chelsea and Zack time for privacy. They stood outside in the silent, getting over a friends death. Chelsea said nothing while Zack kept an open ear. He knew Chelsea had a lot on her mind.

“She was upstairs.” Chelsea croaked, breaking the silence. “How could this have happened?” Zack held her arm in comfort. “She was upstairs.” She couldn’t piece the puzzle together. “First Phin, then Kit. Am I being targeted? Should I go into hiding?” She turned to Zack for advice. “Who, why would someone do this? Kit never had enemies, she was always kind to others.” She fell silent again. Tears poured like rain.

“Whoever this is,” Zack assured her, “Won’t get you. I’ll make sure of that.”

He covered her with his jacket as they made their way inside. Into the elevator and down the empty halls to the forth floor, Zack guided Chelsea to his dorm room. “You can crash at my place while your parents pick you up in the morning.” He cleared his bed for Chelsea to lay in. “You’ll be safe here. Get some rest.” Chelsea thanked him and attempted to fall asleep. As they began to doze off, a call abruptly screamed for their attention.

“Unknown.” Chelsea said as she read the caller ID. Zack answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Hello Zack.” The same tantalizing voice from the start answered. “Want to play a game?” The caller laughed on the other end.

“It’s you isn’t it.” Zack replied, “You killed Phin, didn’t you.”

“Don’t forget your new girl’s friend too.” The caller added.

“Listen you little shit.” Zack threatened, “You won’t get away with this.”

“The police couldn’t stop me.” The caller recalled. “Unless you think you have a shot. Think you’re up for the challenge?”

“Any time, any place.” Zack was on his feet, ready to fight. Chelsea sat in disbelieve. “Tell me where you are and I’ll meet you there, no cops; just you and me.”

“You don’t have to look far, Zack.” The killer answered. “I’m outside your dorm room.” The line ended. Zack opened the door but found no one outside.

“Stay inside and call the police.” Zack instructed Chelsea as he gave her phone back.

“What?” Chelsea replied. “Where are you going?” Chelsea pulled Zack inside the room but Zack was determined. “Don’t go chasing a killer. Wait for the police to arrive.” Zack left the room, closing the door behind him. Chelsea dial the police. As she informed detective Connor of the situation, she waited for Zack to return. Minutes passed without hearing from him. She opened the door and checked the halls. She debated whether to wait for the authorities but the longer she waited the more terrified she became. Zack needs me, she told herself. She wouldn’t let another friend die.

Silence rang in her ear as she peered through the corners of the hallways, alert and alone. Weaponless, Chelsea roamed the corridors silently; calling, searching. To her horror, a blood stain caught her view. A bloody hand lay imprinted on the wall. She followed the trail when suddenly her phone rang. The caller ID read, unknown. “Hello?” Chelsea answered, hesitantly. “Hello?” She called again.

“Hello Chelsea.” The same unknown caller from before replied. “What’s your favorite scary movie?”

“I don’t have one.” Chelsea said, slowly entering a deserted den. “What’s yours?”

“Stab,” the caller answered, “Ever heard of it?”

“You mean the one based on the Woodsboro murders?” Chelsea replied. “No, why?”

“Because you’re playing the main character, congratulations.”

“Am I?” Chelsea implied. “Then I should be relieved, right? Doesn’t the main character live by the end of the movie?”

“Not in my movie.”

“Well, hate to break it to you but I never auditioned for the role.” Chelsea stepped inside the lobby. Off in the distance, red and blue lights appeared; sirens followed. “Besides, this is the part when the police come and take you away.”

“Yeah, why is that?” The caller asked. “Did you notify the authorities?”

“As a matter of fact, I did.” Chelsea replied, hopeful.

“That didn’t go too well for Phin or Kit.” The caller laughed.

“Then why don’t you show yourself and get this over with.” Chelsea demanded.

“With pleasure.” Behind her, the killer appeared; blade at hand. Chelsea tossed her phone, hitting the killer in the face. She quickly ran beside the killer, missing a cut to her arm. Chelsea was now in the hallways, running to the front door. She instantly stopped as Zack’s mutilated body blocked the front entrance. Chelsea screamed in fright. The killer widened its grip, its mask silently screamed at her.

“Can you survive the night?” The killer spoke through its mask, its voice auto tuned.

“Fuck you!” Chelsea cursed as she swung at the killer who stood feet away from her. She knocked the killer to the floor. Chelsea turned right and made her way to the stairs. The killer chased her to the second floor before tackling her to the ground. Chelsea fought for her life as the killer aimed its sharp blade to her heart. She took hold of the blade and attempted to free herself from the killer. The killer grabbed her head and slammed it to the floor. The room spun. Chelsea felt the knife stab her in the chest.

“Ah!” Chelsea screamed, hoping someone would come to her rescue. Blood oozed out into her blouse. She placed her hand on the open wound as the killer stood beside her swaying its knife back and forth, teasing her of what’s to come. Chelsea got to her feet and turned the corner. Her hand stained the walls as she limped away from the killer who followed her every move. Chelsea stood by the stair rails and screamed as loud as she could for help.

Chelsea turned as the killer took its knife to her throat. “Now you die.” The killer attempted to slit her throat but Chelsea fought back with whatever strength she had left. The two wrestled for the others death until Chelsea leaned forward. She watched in horror as the killer fell to the first floor, right before cutting the side of her arm. Chelsea applied pressure to her open wound, blood ran down her elbow.

The authorities arrived soon after. Sirens roared all around as ten police cars surrounded the dorm building. Few emerged from their rooms, stunned to find the police outside. Chelsea dropped to her knees, relieved the horror had passed. She survived the night, though scared by the events. The police entered the dorm rooms from the other side with the detectives taking note of Zack’s body.

Detective Stonefield and Connor approached Chelsea who remained by the stairway, shaking in fright. “Did you see where the killer went?” Stonefield asked as they stood before Chelsea. Confused, Chelsea turned to them.

“Did you not see the body?” Chelsea pointed downstairs where the killer fell. To her disarray, the detectives informed her they passed no other body other than Zack’s. Her eyes widened in fear, tears dropped like cannons. As the cops searched the perimeter, they came to find no trace of where the killer escaped. Detective Connor and Stonefield hovered around Chelsea who frantically shook in disbelieve. How could the killer have survived the fall? Chelsea cradled her fears for the killer remained at large.