— 𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 ；𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟲
— 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝗇𝖾 ：𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖺 𝗍𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗃𝖾𝗋𝗄𝖾𝗋

❪ 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗒 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗎𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 ❫

IT HAD BEEN 2 YEARS AND 4 DAYS, since Jason Carpenter's party. Exactly 2 years and 4 days since Billy Loomis lost his virginity to Salem Riley. And exactly 2 years and 4 days since Casey Becker and Salem Riley got into their first – almost – physical altercation.

Since that day, there had been many more altercations between the two girls. The fights either started because one of the girls started spreading rumors about the other or because of one singular noun, known as "popularity".

But on this particular day – September 25th – it was going to be one for the ages.

⋆˚✿˖°

A group of friends were sitting in front of a water fountain, talking and eating their lunches.

"I swear to God, both Sidney and Billy look just like the character's from "The Craft", it's so creepy." Salem shivered, just thinking about it.

"Right, it's like our friends are real life movie stars." Tatum agreed, grabbing a handful of sunflower seeds.

"You say that every time we watch the movie, Sae. But I just don't see it." Sidney shook her head, while a small smile grew.

"Or you just don't want to see it." Salem suggested, raising her eyebrows with a smirk.

"Didn't you say you found that guy – damn it! What's his name again..."

"Chris Hooker."

"Yeah, Chris – hot?" Sidney rhetorically asked, already knowing the answer but wanted to see Salem's reaction to it – again.

"Again, with that question! We've already been over this, just because I find him attractive doesn't mean I think of Billy in the same manner. That's like saying Stu likes me as much as he likes Tatum, because we have the same face."

"That's a bad comparison." Randy budded, unannounced.

"Can it, Pennywise."

"In all fairness, he's not wrong." The lanky boy digressed. "But I'm more into blonde's so you're good." Stu continued to say, even though that wasn't his full reason.

"So what I'm hearing is, you find Chris hot, but not Billy even though you just said "they look so alike that it's creepy". Tatum revised, lifting up her right brow.

"Yes."

"Bullshit!"

"Is not!"

"Sid, we're literally talking about whether or not I find your boyfriend hot and you're going along with it."

"Yes." Sidney answered, as she laughed.

"See she doesn't care, now stop trying to deflect your real answer." Tatum said with a smirk.

"You know what no. Let's go to the actual source on whether or not this topic of conversation is appropriate."

Turning her head slightly to the right and slouching forward. Salem faced a silent Billy Loomis.

"So Loomis, got any words to say. Any at all?" The dark–haired girl asked with an exaggerated smile.

Having heard the whole conversation, Billy knew Salem was lying straight through her pretty mouth.

And unlike her, Billy would not forget about their one special night that happened 2 years ago. And he specifically remembers her calling him "hot".

"I've only seen the movie once, because you guys made me watch it so my opinion would be unclear and a bit biased."

"You're no help at all." Salem scuffed, rolling her eyes. Turning back to her sister.

If Salem hadn't, she would've noticed Billy's growing smirk.

The conversation had gone on to another topic, while Salem sat back and listened when all of a sudden, her ears picked up on a certain name being mentioned outside of the circle.

"Didn't you hear? Casey wants to hold a pep rally to pick a new cheer captain, because she thinks Salem's old news." An unknown girl said passing by the group.

"I'm going to kill her." Salem mumbled.

Tatum, who was listening to Randy's babbling, noticed her sister's sudden change in attitude.

"Salem?"

"I'M GOING TO KILL HER!" She screamed, before she got up and making her way inside the school.

"Oh shit." Was all Tatum could say before she got up to run after her sister's retreating figure, with the rest of the group following shortly behind.

Salem was already in a blind rage when she reached the school halls, so she didn't see Casey passing right by her until the blonde purposefully shoulder shoved her.

"Watch it, Tatum." She scuffed, with an underlying laugh.

All the way down the hall, Spike had just come in from a quick smoke break when he saw a gaggle of kids forming a crowd.

Checking the time on his wristwatch, he noticed it was around the time for one of Casey and Salem's daily bitch fights, so he headed over to check out what was on today's menu.

"It's Salem, but you already knew that sweetie." Corrected the raven-haired girl.

"God I knew you were a dumb blonde. But I didn't think you were that dumb, I guess that's my fault for trying to give you too much credit."

Casey scoffed at the girl's premonition but said nothing.

"I heard from a little birdy, you wanna try and replace me as cheer captain."

"You're right, I think it's time for some new tricks, seeing as you're an old dog."

"Hmm I see what this is. You just want another one of my hand – me – downs. And to think Steve wasn't enough for you, but with that micro penis I'm not surprised you've already come looking for more."

"And what homie are you hopping for these days."

"Now, I don't think you want me to answer that because if I did, I would've said "your dad", but I think that would've taken things too far... but oh who am I kidding, I don't care about your feelings." Salem laughed shortly but stopped immediately after.

"Just stay out of my way or you'll regret it." She snarked, eyeing the blue-eyed girl, before she stepped aside and started walking to her next class.

Working her way through the crowd of newcomers Salem spotted Spike, walking up to him, she saw he wore a knowing smirk as he hooked his forearm within the crease of her elbow and walked down the hall to their next class.

⋆˚✿˖°

❪ 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗒 𝖺𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗎𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 ❫

September 25th was the last day Salem Riley would ever have to deal with Casey Becker and Steve Orth, but she didn't know that yet.

Following her normal morning routine, she got up to get some breakfast, before she went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and take a shower.

Already knowing what she was going to wear for the day, she walked back into her and Tatum's shared room and grabbed the clothes that were laying on her bed.

Putting on the finishing touches of her outfit, Salem walked out of her room ready to leave for school, but all of a sudden was bombarded by her sister.

"Did you hear what happened last night?!"

"You mean, besides you and Stu going at it like rabbits."

"No, that's not what I'm talking about." Tatum answered, with a smile on her face.

"Well then Tate, tell me, what are you talking about?" Salem asked, side stepping her sister so she could walk down the hall.

"Casey and Steve were murdered last night." Tatum said, trailing behind.

"What a tearjerker." Salem stated, being unbothered as ever.

"I'm serious Sae, they were both murdered last night. Casey was hung up on a tree with her insides on the out and Steve was tied up to a lawn chair and gutted."

"And I'm sure the community is suffering a great loss, but as you know me and Casey or Steve for that matter, did not get along. So I'm sorry if you don't see me crying any tears. Plus, you don't like them either so what's the big deal?"

"I'm just shocked that there was another murder in this town."

"Crap. You think Sid knows?" Salem stopped for a second, thinking about the murder that happened almost a year ago.

"I don't know, but I think we better get to school to find out."

"Sure, let's go."

"We should, but before that happens may I ask, what are you wearing?"

"Actually, I'm glad you asked. Since it was you and Stu who were keeping me up all last night with your wanton moans. I decided to call up Spike to see what he was wearing today and surprise, surprise he's wearing something black with his leather jacket – like always. And so I decided why not expand my horizons." Salem declared, finally reaching their front door.

"You look like you work at Hot Topic."

"Why, thank you for that compliment. I like the people who work at Hot Topic."

"Of course, you do."

Grabbing their keys on the hook next to the door they bid their mother a goodbye, before they got into their separate cars to head to school.

⋆˚✿˖°

Driving up to the school, Salem noticed just how big of a deal Casey and Steve's murders were.

There were news reporter vans everywhere along with police vehicles.

'I guess this is where Dewey was this morning.' Salem thought, parking her car in its designated spot.

Stepping out of her car, she locked it and joined her sister on the sidewalk to set off on their hunt to find Sidney.

And it didn't take long because the girl was wandering around like a fish out of water trying to find out what was going on.

"Can you believe this shit." Tatum said, appearing out of nowhere, spooking the girl.

"Tatum, what is going on?" Sidney question.

"She doesn't know." Salem stated, turning to Tatum.

"You don't know?" Tatum redirected her question to Sidney.

"Casey Becker and Steve Orth were killed last night."

"What! No way."

"Fly high, or in their case fly low." Salem condoled but said the last part to herself.

"And we're not just talking killed, we're talking splatter movie killed. Ripped open from end to end." Tatum explained in depth.

"Casey Becker, she sits next to me in English."

"Not anymore." Said both Salem and Tatum.

"And now I don't have to worry about her trying to replace me as cheer captain." Salem also noted.

"That's what you're worried about Salem, at a time like this." Sidney asked, disappointingly.

"I said it before, and I'll say it again. Me and blondie weren't close – at all. So no, I'm not going to lie and say I mourn her or Steve's deaths, but for the sake of today I'll keep my usual attitude at a bare minimum, just for you. How about that?"

"I'd rather you'd do it for them, but I'll settle for what I can get."

"Thank you."

"Wait Sidney, I forgot to tell you that it was her mom and dad who found her hanging from a tree."

"Oh my god! Do they know who did it?" Sidney asked hopefully, as the group of girls walked up the school steps.

"Fucking clueless, I mean they're interrogating the entire school. Teachers, students, janitors."

"Damn it, that means I might be prime suspect. Even from the grave the bi– young girl is screwing me." Salem huffed, throwing up her arms in a defeated motion.

"Don't worry I got you sis, I'll be your alibi even though I know you didn't do it." Tatum said, smiling sweetly.

"And that's why you're my favorite sister."

"I'm your only sister."

"Exactly, you're my favorite only sister." Salem smiled back.

"Wait, wait. You said they think it's school related? Do they think someone at school did it? Is that why all the police are here?"

"They don't know, I mean Dewey was saying this is the worst crime they've seen in years. Even worse than... well... it's bad." Tatum finished stating, before the bell rang.

"Well girls, it's been fun. The next time you see me I'll either be in handcuffs or at lunch. Wish me luck." Salem waved, before heading off to go find Spike.

⋆˚✿˖°

It was in 4th period when Salem was called for questioning in the principal's office.

On the way to the office, she received some looks from other students. But instead of adding fuel to the growing fire, like she normally would she nodded her head with a tight smile.

Soon she reached the front of the school, where the front desk lady walked her back into the principal's office.

"Deputy Dewey." She greeted her brother, formally for once.

"Salem." he greeted back.

"Hi Salem."

"Sheriff Burke."

"How's everything going?"

"With all due respect Sheriff, I would like you to get to the point because I know you've got a lot of questions to ask and the day isn't getting any younger."

"Alrighty then, let's get to it."

"Mhmm."

"For starters, from what I've heard is that on multiple occasions you and the deceased have gotten into multiple arguments that sometimes accumulate into physical altercations."

"You've heard correctly."

"And why is that?"

"Well, you see, Sheriff, me and Casey never got along. I'm not going to deny that. Ever since we were younger, we've always had a rocky relationship, but that's all it's ever been. A few arguments here and there, maybe a few cat fights but nothing that would ever resort into killing one another." Salem proclaimed.

Hearing her speech, Dewey was surprised to hear his sister speak in such a manner, because he knew that was not how she spoke at all, but he was glad to see she was taking this interrogation seriously.

"About that killing part. Yesterday afternoon in this school, you were heard by multiple witnesses saying the words "I'm going to kill her." Can you please specify as to who you were talking about." Burke asked politely.

"I was talking about Casey." Salem said plainly.

"Uhh, and can you please tell me where you were last night around 10 pm."

"I was at home."

"And are there any witnesses to justify this?"

"Yes, you can ask Tatum, Dewey, my mother. You can even check the phone recorders because I was talking to Spike around that time last night."

"Spike?"

"Mr.Himbry's son – James Himbry, but everybody calls him Spike." Salem informed.

"Okay, thank you. That's all the questions we have for now, but if we need anything else we'll be in touch. You have a nice rest of your day."

"Yeah, you too." Salem said, before she departed.

Walking back to her class, she soon heard the bells ringing signaling that it was time for lunch.

⋆˚✿˖°

"Remember your principal loves you and I want you to be safe. All students are encouraged to return home promptly from school grounds. Avoid strangers, walk in 2's and 3's."

Sitting by the fountain, everyone started comparing the difference in their interrogations.

"What kind of questions did they ask you, Sid?" Tatum curiously questioned.

"They asked me if I knew Casey." She answered.

"Yeah, they asked me that too."

"What about you, Sae? What did they ask you?" Tatum said, turning to her sister.

"They asked me about my relationships with the victims, and about my lovely confrontation I had with Casey yesterday."

"So, you're already a suspect?" Randy assumed.

"You're damn right."

"And that doesn't scare you?"

"No, it doesn't, because I know I'm not guilty."

"Well, did they ask you if you like to hunt?" Stu suddenly questioned.

"No..."

"They asked me that." Billy chimed in to say.

"Hunt? Why would they ask you if you like to hunt?" Tatum asked, confusedly.

"Because their bodies were gutted." Randy answered.

"That's certainly one way to go." Salem muttered.

"Thank you, Randy." Billy spoke sarcastically.

"They didn't ask me if I like to hunt."

"Tatum, you scream when you see a butterfly, I don't think they think you're capable of murder." Salem pointed out.

"Plus, there is no way a girl could've killed them."

"That is so sexist. The killer could easily be female, Basic Instinct." Tatum stated, disagreeing with everything Stu just said.

"That was an ice pick, not exactly the same thing."

"Yeah, Casey and Steve were completely hollowed out. And the fact is it takes a man to do something like that."

"Or a man's mentality."

Sidney, who had been quiet for the most part of the conversation finally spoke up.

"How do you gut someone?" Her question made everyone pause.

"You take a knife, and you slit 'em from groin to sternum." Salem started to roll her eyes at Stu for his insensitivity, but she knew that he was just being his overall careless self.

"Hey, it's called a tact you fuckrag." Billy said, looking up from his food.

"Hey Stu, didn't you used to date Casey. And Salem didn't you go out with Steve for a while." Sidney posed.

"I did, and I ask myself why all the time." Salem admitted.

"Yeah, for like two seconds." Stu said, brushing off her question.

"Before she dumped you for Steve." Randy budded in to say.

"I thought you dumped her for me?" Tatum immediately questioned, looking at Stu for an answer.

"I did, he's full of shit." Stu deflected.

"No, you didn't, Stu. Tell me you didn't just lie to her like that." Salem said, holding back a laugh.

"Are the police aware that you dated the victim?" Randy continued to interrogate.

"What are you saying... that I killed her."

"It would certainly improve your high school "Q"."

"Stu was with me last night, okay." Tatum defended.

"Yeah, I was." Stu happily stated.

"And sadly, I can vouch for that because these 2 don't know how to keep it down." Salem stated, turning to look Stu in the eyes.

"Was that before or after he sliced and diced."

"Fuck you nutcase, where were you last night?"

"Working, thank you."

"Oh, at the video store? I thought they fired your sorry ass."

"Twice." Randy answered before he took another bite of his lunch.

"I didn't kill anybody."

"Nobody said you did." Billy pointed out, before giving Stu a look.

"Thanks buddy."

"Besides, it takes a man to do something like that." Randy imitated Stu's prior statement.

"I'm gonna gut your ass in a second kid." Stu joked, before Randy abruptly stood up.

"Tell me something, did you really put her liver in the mailbox, cause I heard they found her liver in the mailbox next to her spleen and her pancreas."

Sensing Sidney's discomfort, Salem took a hold of her hand to let the girl know she understood.

Slightly nodding her head with a small smile to signal thanks, Sidney then turned to give Billy a kiss on the cheek but didn't notice as he was looking at Salem.

Gathering her things Sidney left the group at the fountain to go back to her classes.

Filling the recently empty space, Billy scooted closer towards Salem taking her hands in his and started playing with the rings that adorned her fingers.

Since Salem has known Billy for a long time, she let him continue to hold her hand and play with her rings, but if he had been anyone else outside her circle of friends she wouldn't have been so friendly.

"Liver alone." Stu repeated again, laughing at his own joke.

Salem wanted to laugh, but she made a promise that she'd be cordial at least for today, so she held back that laugh for the sake of others and instead she wore a small smile.

Removing one of his hands from hers, Billy used it to hit Stu on the side of his arm.

"Liv– owe! Liver, liver. It was a joke." Stu tried to explain.

"Stuart, we've got to work on your timing." Salem said, shaking her head.

tbh , this was more of just a starter chapter so i can get into the really creepy part of this fic ( for billy's portion at least ).