The visit to the homeless shelter is bittersweet. I want to help the unfortunate...but what happened last time is still traumatizing. I would bail and go to the cancer ward, but I can't run away. If I do, I'll have a phobia of knives for the rest of my life. I conquered cars after the accident...I can do the same here.

As soon as we step out of the car, the noise of the fans blasts tenfold. There's a mix of cheers and screams-half are happy, supportive, and full of love. The other half... not so much.

I glance nervously at the signs:

MACY ALL THE WAY!!!

HARTLINERS ❤️❤️❤️

WE LOVE YOU ❤️❤️❤️

TECH QUEEN!!!

JACE'S HART!!!

The glittery font is the cherry on top. But others... they're brutal. I try not to read them, but it's impossible to ignore, especially when the haters scream the words:

CON ARTIST 🚫

FAKE BITCH!!!

PEDO HART 🚫

STAY AWAY FROM KIDS!!!!!

PEDO QUEEN!!!

CREEP 🚫🚫🚫

SLUT QUEEN!!!

HARTSTOPPERS ☠️☠️☠️

CUTOUTTHEHART!!!

My heart clench at the last one. Which was yelled at me by the crazy woman. Flashbacks of the knife inching from my chest turns me green. I go squeamish...a hot-cold sweat works my forehead. I grip Jace's arm, slowing my pace. "I can't do it...I'm sorry." I murmur.

"Don't apologize...you can say no."

"But Velma will be mad..."

He exhales hard. "This isn't about her...you're uncomfortable we can leave." Jace's arm wraps around me, offering silent support.

Velma's heels click against the pavement, faster than usual. I know she's behind us,my stomach tightens. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "What do you mean leave!" Velma hisses. "Do you realize how much I've invested in this? The camera crew, paparazzi... booking costs ! Do you even understand how much planning went into this, Madi? You're not going to bail!!"

Her words sting, but I'm too frozen in PTSD to respond. I grip Jace's arm.

"We're leaving, that's final!" He directs me towards the SUV, signaling the guards to follow.

Velma scoffs, turning on her heels. "This is a disaster!!" She stomps off, barking orders to the crew and paparazzi. "Get footage of inside," she snaps, "wide shots! You! Splice footage of them leaving and chroma key them inside!" 

I watch as the crew hurriedly follows her instructions. They have to work harder because of me. I didn't want to let anyone down, especially not after everything Velma put into this. But I also can't ignore the dooming flashbacks.

Once in the car, Jace turns to me. "You don't have to feel bad, she'll get over it." I nod, grateful for his understanding, but the guilt still lingers.

We drive to the children's cancer ward, which is next on the list. My mood shifts from personal struggle to maternal bonding. Although none of the little ones are mine...I act as a nurturer. The walls are painted in bright colors, murals of animals and cartoons to cheer up the sterile hospital. There are dozens of kids, some bald from treatments, others pale and frail. They all light up when they see presents.

Princess dolls. Tall dinosaurs figures. Jump ropes. Kitchenette sets. Life sized teddy bears. Bicycles. Camaros play cars. The guards hoist in the big items while Jace and I carry the bears and dolls.

I kneel next to a boy hooked up to an IV while in a wheelchair. His eyes widen at the jumbo T-REX I hand him. He grins ear to ear. "Thank you, miss!"

I smile back, fighting off tears. "You're welcome, little guy. Stay strong like the T-Rex, even when you're weak."

"Okay." He hugs the figurine close to his chest. His gap tooth beam is infectious. All the fear from earlier melts away. Even Velma is calmed by the sweetness, despite the hiccup. Her crew films and snap photos of the heartfelt exchanges.

Jace pass around princess dolls to each girl, who are mostly bed ridden. Their arms can barely lift them. "I'm not a princess...I can't move like her." One speaks meekly.

"No...you're a special one, everything is brought to you instead." My hubby sweetly amends her gloominess. "Like this castle..." The girls all squeal at the 10 foot replica of the Disney castle the guards bring in. It's just as wide as it is tall.

"What about us?" The boy in the wheelchair is jealous."

"We didn't forget you boys. How can you hunt dinosaurs without tanks?"

It's early Christmas in October when the kid sized army tanks roll in. Chain link wheels, door chutes, and rotating guns. The hospital staff help the disabled ones, while others assist the ones supported by rolling IV stands. The boys Mann the tanks while the girls venture the castles in hospital gowns.

In the evening, I arrive at the Ritz-Carlton Spa. The atmosphere already working its magic on me. The soft lighting and clean scent of eucalyptus instantly cures the tension I've been carrying. The marble floors and high ceilings exude elegance. I make out the calming sound of water fountains.

I'm in need of another spray tan. My scars are showing. Covering them up won't erase the memory, but it helps me feel normal-at least for a little while. The esthetician gives me a private room. As she applies the tanning solution, I close my eyes, letting the warmth wash over me. I visualize the discoloration disappearing. 

JACE

In my Tower office, I code on a supercomputer. My rapid fingers punch the keyboard. On the three monitors, lines of code cascade. I design the Stryger 15 security system:

I incorporate Python and PyQt to create the interface. I've set up GUI for the owner verification system. The script is coming together. The scanning of the owner's fingerprint using biometrics APIs. If the fingerprint matches the stored data, the car activates; otherwise, the whole system freezes, shutting down completely.

I begin typing:

The next part is ensuring the car shuts down if it crosses state lines. I switch to JavaScript with Node.js to handle geolocation, integrating the vehicle's GPS. I write a routine that will ping the car's location and halt operations if state boundaries are crossed.

I log every longitude and latitude of each state in America, starting here first before mapping the rest of the world. This will take about a week. I knock out 8 states before taking a break.

I type out a few tweaks, lost in a sea of code. Madi snuck up on me. I didn't hear her at all. I look up, half preoccupied on the functions I'm reworking. I'm hyper-aware of her presence. "Hot nerd alert." My ears sting out lava. I've never let any woman see me so geeky...I've never been comfortable enough to do that. My chest flutters. She knows exactly what she's doing to me. "What cha working on, gorgeous?"

"Um...the s..s-stryger ," I stammer, feeling like a schoolboy caught with the hot girl. I'm too flustered to remember what I was even working on.

Madi steps closer, her eyes amused. "Mmm...keep stuttering, sexy."

I fumble my words, trying to maintain some level of composure. "It's... just... uh...I'm editing script," I manage to get out, my voice cracking slightly.

"I love this side of you," she scoots atop my desk.

The scent of her vanilla perfume distracts me. "You're torturing me," I mumble, a grin creeping onto my face, despite the scarlet color of my neck.

"Not yet...once I'm ready for the dungeon, then it's torture time."

I take her waist, scooting her to the edge of the desk. "You made me forget what I was doing."

She chuckles, "Good, Jacy baby."

My gut bubbles at the pet name. "You're killing me here."

"Then return the favor, daddy." She lifts her plaid skirt until her thighs are out. Her skin is radiantly even and glossy. My baby looks good enough to eat. I go between her legs, my fingers under her panties to fondle, while my mouth dances on her kitty.

At 6pm I meet with Dr. Lori for the second reversal. This time I go to her private branch downtown. It's best I keep this to myself. Madi can't know that I'm the culprit for her missing pregnancy.

After changing into a gown, I'm wheeled into the operating room, where anesthesia takes over. I blank out...dreaming of Madi and our baby girl. 

My girls.

We're in a sunlit garden. I watch them play ring around the Rosie, falling to the grass faster and faster each time. My babies burst into goofy laughs. Our daughter, a clone of Madi, everything is her...except the eyes. They're mine.

The dream version of myself calls out to her. "Macy!" My other self extend a hand for my daughter, who skips over...just like her mom.

I wake up from the surgery, homesick. How can I go back??! Damn it...I need to create a dream keeper so I can watch it on a loop.

"Welcome back," Lori says. "Everything went smoothly."

I nod, still feeling groggy.

"I've gathered an aftercare pamphlet for you, although you know the details. Take it easy for the next few days. No heavy lifting. Rest well."

"Got it," I reply.

"They'll be some swelling and discomfort, which is normal. I'll prescribe pain medication. If you notice any signs of infection-don't hesitate to call."

"Will do. Thanks, Doc."

"No problem."

On the drive home, I think back to the dream. Did I just assign our daughter a name. Although it's mine and Madi's ship name...it fits perfectly. I hope this procedure has me operating normally to make this a reality.

Madi is napping when I make it to the penthouse. She's in a green onesie styled with black cats with yellow eyes. I snuggle up beside her on the sofa. Enjoying her natural aroma...cloud mist.

The next day marks Halloween Eve. We all reconnect at the castle for an early party. Madi and I host it in the dungeon, adding neon lights and cobwebs. Lucy is Dorthy from The Wizard of Oz, her red hair a modification with the bow and blue-white dress. Paul is the terminator with great special effects makeup. My father in law is tricking me, what if it's an actual metal mask??

Lily is Harley Quinn and Jess is Joker. She pulls off the face paint, green hair and suit.

My wife and I are Morticia and Gomez. Addams Family.

The table overflow with Halloween-themed snacks: orange Oreos, popcorn, finger sandwiches with skeleton eyes as the bread. Cotton candy, brownies. candycorns, and my Katey baby's tradition pumpkin cake.

The Thriller dance is a must. We all gather in a line. The slow zombie walk, arms raised. At the chorus, we throw our arms up and shake, fully embracing the fun.

"Cus this is Thriller!" we shout, spinning and shuffling. "Thriller night and no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike. You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight, yeah!"

We showcase spins and tip toe poses. As the music builds to its climax, we gather in a tight circle. Getting ready for the break dance, stepping side to side. Zombie shuffle. Side shuffle. Dead walk. Head twitches. Arm swings. Ending with the dramatic pose, arms raised, fingers curled, and wide-eyed.

By the end, we're breathless.

On Halloween morning, I stand in a black bathroom. Today I feel like changing. My hair could use a cut, the long look is boring me. I'm ready to shake things up for the holiday spirit.

I use hair dye, mixing it carefully and applying it as instructed. I always wanted to change my hair in high school but was afraid of what my father would say. A lot of men associate hair coloring with being gay. Many men, straight or not, can dye their hair. That's a maddening misconception.

As the color sets, I look in the mirror and contemplate my next move. With a deep breath, I pick up the scissors and snip away. Strands fall into the sink. I stop 4 inches below my ears. I go the same measurement at the back. The new length frames my face better and isn't so full as before. I shave off a little more going for a flatter look, but not extremely lifeless. There's still volume on the top and sides. Evenly distributed.

Once I'm satisfied, I wrap my hair and wait. I know my bunny will go crazy when she sees the color. It's a shock for me it'll definitely be one for her. I'm sure she'll rush to get her's done to match.

When rinsed and blow dried, I slick my hair back, channeling the 1990's polished vibe. I can't help but think of Billy from Scream. Bold and sharp-confident.

I prop myself against an arched doorway outside our bedroom. I heard scuffling, my wife must be changing. I patently wait for her. My little beauty queen takes her time. Long enough that I daydream her reaction. It'll be adorable with how over the top she'll be. That's another thing I need to add to the list.

I hear the door swing inward. Here she comes.

Madi's costume is a modern, sultry take on Sydney Prescott's Scream look. White cropped tank top that hugs her figure, reveals her mid section, paired with a miniskirt that stops mid-thigh. Black knee-high glossy boots.

It's giving school girl vibes.

I love the velvet choker around her neck. Minimal yet striking makeup highlights her navy eyes, winged eyeliner red lipstick. Her golden-pink hair cascades in soft. My sugar devil  twirls a prop knife.

"Hey, bunny,"

Her head snaps my way. I watch the recognition bloom in her deep eyes. I run a hand through my new hair-do, the silver strands shimmering.

"OH! MY! GODD!!!" she squeals, nearly tripping over her feet. Madi races to me. Her hands are on me instantly, fingers weaving through my new hair. "SILVER??" she breathes, tugging me close in delight.

"Thought I'd switch things up," I say with a smirk.

"Jace, you look...so...hmmm." I'm shocked by her moan. "So yummy." Her eyes graze over my face and hair in heat. She's feral.

I grab her love handles. "I knew you'd like it."

"Like it? I love it!" My baby is dazed by me. As if she's just seen an angel. "I want to match you."

"I figured."

"I'm gotta do it." She hops. "OMG! You'd be beyond hot as Billy now!"

"You bet I will."

"I can't wait to run from you Ghostface."

"Be ready," I step closer, sizing up her breast in the fitted top. "You're asking for trouble."

She bites her lip. "Maybe I am."

"Then let's make some trouble, Sydney."

MADISON

I stand in the grand bathroom, the bowl of silver dye shimmering under the chandelier's glow. My fingers tingle with anticipation as I section my golden-pink hair and start applying the dye. Each stroke turns my hair into threads of moonlight.

I don't think I'll look as great as him. But here I go. This is so fun. So spontaneous! I love it!

As I work in dying, my mind drifts to Jace-not just in his silver-haired glory but as Ghostface. His eyes peering from behind the mask, full of chaotic intent. The image send shivers down my spine. I picture us in a game of horror hide and seek, running through the dungeons. Me fleeing from him with the thrill of being caught by my yummy knife man.

I finish the last section, stepping back to admire the transformation already setting in. I'm far more fierce than with my blonde hair. This color gives me a rebellious edge. My gut bubbles.

I'm not just his bunny-I'm his partner in every way possible. No matter how wild, twisted, or crazy it is.

I wash the last bit of dye out and wrap my hair. I text him:

Meet me in the dungeon.

I vividly imagine his devilish grin when he reads it.

Minutes later, I'm down the stone stairs. The echoing of my shoes will add even more kink when I'm running. The air in the old dungeon is damp and cool, lit by torches on the walls. My heart skips a beat when I spot Jace appears. He's in a blood splattered white beater, tailored to show off his muscles. Fake blood is sprinkled across his face and chest in the most aesthetic way.  His silver hair is wet and untamed. It hangs along his forehead. In his hand, he twirls a knife, his neon green eyes glint with mischief.

"Ready?" He deepens his voice.

I give a sly smile. "Yes."

He tilts his head before putting on the creepy white mask. A signature move from the films. "Run."

I speed the labyrinth of stone corridors. Jace's footsteps boom behind me, a constant reminder of his presence-a predator chasing me. I hear him scrapping the knife along the rocky walls. I flash around corners, my body aching with lust.

My fingers brushing against the cold, rough stone walls for balance as I push myself faster. Each turn is a brush with danger, a rush of exhilaration. Jace is behind, closing the gap between us. The heat of his gaze fries my insides.

"Come on, Sydney, you can't run forever!" He singsongs darkly.

I giggle, navigating the dungeon.

Jace gains on me-my breath comes quicker. The distance between lessens as a noose. I veer left down another tunnel, the flickering torchlight hovers on the walls.

The knife scrapping stops.

"Why are you doing this?" I yell, getting into the role play. I even huff out air.

"It's all part of the game, Sidneeeee!" Jace breaths. "It's called GUESS HOW I'M GONNA DIE!"

"Fuck you!"

"We've already played that game. Remember? You lost."

I grin. "You need help, Billy! You can't kill people!"

"Says who...?"

"Says the law!

"We all go a little mad sometimes."

"But this is life. This isn't a movie."

"Sure it is, Sid. It's all a movie. It's all one great big movie." He takes a long pause. "Only you can't pick your genre."

"I called the police!"

"By the time they get here...you'll....be..." The knife scrapping on the wall returns, only faster. "dead..." He's running my way. I flatten to the wall, and whimper and squirm. "What's the matter Sidney?" I stare directly at mask. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"You don't have to do this, Billy. You can get help!!"

"Shh," he whispers, his body warm pressed on mind. He place the knife above my collarbone, the tip barely grazing my skin. "Let's play."

With the edge of the blade, Jace traces a line down my collarbone, the sensation is electric. I gasp, caught between fear and exhilaration. "You don't have to kill me."

His eyes lock on mine. "Yes I do...which is pity...you're a good lay."

"Maybe..." I reply, my voice shaky. "We could do this together..." I inch myself towards the knife. The cold blade is titillating.

"Good." He presses the blade slightly harder, enough to tease the sharpness. "You're like me deep down, aren't you?"

"You have no idea..."

"How far will to go? How easy can it kill?"

I gulp. "Cut me...and see."

He tilts my chin up, chuckling darkly. "Not so fast, Sydney."

"Why be a snore?" I steer his hand to lightly slice underneath my breast line. Jace's green eyes widen in surprise. He wasn't expecting this. I remove my tank top to reveal my boobs. No bra. I drive his hand to my nipples to glide the knife over them.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Sid," he warns, his voice low and gravelly.

"I like danger." I add pressure between my beast bone, drawing a line of red down the middle. The thin razor cut works me up, my lady boner peeps out. "Hmmm mmm..."

Jace removes the ghost mask, dropping it to the floor. He buries his head between my beasts to kiss at the blood. "You're crazy matches mine..."

"Aren't you still going to kill me." I mumble steamily.

"Yes....slowly." Jace drags the knife to my abdomen. "Softly." He cuts me, much like a car scratch. The blade snaps the panties off.  I nibble my lip and sigh heavily when the metal taps my lower lips. "Don't move...or you'll get hurt." He means this...this isn't roleplay. It's so delicate down there. I go motionless...scared, pumped up, and pleased.

The pointy part of the blade is between my thighs and the flat surface rubs back and forth. I bust cum from my wap...sloppy jelly on the knife. Jace deep throat's the knife to consume me. I hyperventilate at his far he takes it in.

Once again, I burst a pipe, loving when he pokes the sword down his mouth.