Hopelessly Falling [book 2]

Chapter Six

"Loosen up, this is gonna be fun," she said to me as we approached the door. Instead of knocking, she just opened the door and walked in. Everyone was sitting in the living room in front of the tv on various worn-out couches and chairs. When they looked up at us, excitement exploded around the room.

"WHATS UP BITCH?!!" one of the boys with a high-pitched voice yelled and ran over to Ali, bringing her into a hug. "Your makeup snapped tonight girl," he told her after they pulled away.

"Gotta look my best for you, Tommyboy," she replied with an eye roll and a chuckle before turning to face me.

"I'm Crystal," I told him with a smile.

"And you're flawless- Ali you didn't tell me how amazing her skin was." He said over to her and we both chuckled.

"Sorry, must have left that detail out by accident," she responded sarcastically before walking over to hug the rest of the group.

"My name's Tom, but I really hate that name so everyone calls me Ace," he said and brought me in for a hug.

"Nice to meet you, Ace," I told him before we got to the rest of the group.

"Hey, I'm Crystal," I greeted them all when I got there. They looked up and me with welcoming smiles and all said their names- which were Tyson, Gabby, Pat, and Jules.

"So what movie are we watching?" Ali asked excitedly, grabbing the popcorn out of Ace's hands as we plopped down on one of the couches.

"It was a controversial decision, buttt we finally decided on the original Scream," Tyson said, turning on the tv. I felt the color drain from my face. I turned to Ali.

"I really don't do well with horror movies," I whispered to her. I didn't want to ruin their movie night, especially as a guest, but I also didn't want to risk anything.

"Oh, uh, well Scream isn't even scary cuz it's so old. I should know- they've made me watch it a bunch by now," she said back. I appreciated her trying to help me through it, but she didn't understand.

"I just like, really can't handle gory shit.. it freaks me out," I told her again, my heart beating pretty fast. She nodded and faced the group.

"We've seen this movie so many goddamn times, why can't we watch something else? I'm not in the mood for this terrible movie again," She said. My heart warmed a little at her action.

"Ali, if we had it your way then we'd be watching some British reality TV show," Tyson came back at her.

"I mean, they are the best reality TV shows," Ace pointed out.

"Thank you!" Ali gestured to Ace, agreeing with him.

"Sorry Ali, you got here late and therefore forfeited your movie vote. I wish it was different but I don't make the rules," Tyson spoke again. Clearly they all had put rules in place for movie nights- that being one of them.

"Whatever, you guys are losers," she told them all.

"Takes one to know one-"

"Shut up, Pat," she cut him off. "Your middle name is literally 'loser' in Arabic."

"HAHAHA. I forgot about that," Ace boomed out, taking a piece of popcorn and throwing it at Pat. "Loser."

I normally would have been laughing at this exchange as it went on, but I was still worried about the movie. Ali noticed this and laced her arm through mine as we were sat down next to each other on the couch.

"It'll be okay, I'll be right here the whole time," she gave me a reassuring smile. I decided to give it up and hesitantly smiled back.

I really appreciated her caring and trying to help me through it, but she had no idea what actually could happen. Not that I blame her- PTSD from someone's brother killing their father isn't exactly the first thing people think of when someone tells them they don't like scary movies..