For the night is dark and full of terrors

stats: Leila Lexington, 19, she/her/hers, human

side: neutral

what’s happened to her in the last three years

the high of prom continued for, well, a while. Look, it was sad that two people died that night, but Leila had never even spoken to them, so was she supposed to cry?

at school, for the first time in her life, Leila felt seen. It was terrifying and exhilarating, and she loved it

of course she went to the Founders’ Festival. The prom queen always makes an announcement for the Miss Havensdale pageant. But she never got her chance to make that announcement

Leila doesn’t know who the man who interrupted everything was, has no clue what he’s talking about (everyone knows that werewolves and vampires are fictional; she’s read articles about it) but there was no denying what happened next

by hiding under a stall, Leila survived. And she realized something: if she can survive...That, she can do anything

what’s she up to now

Leila lives above ground. She wants nothing to do with the fighting going on, is completely uninterested in it

with the Montgomery’s out of the way, she finally sees her chance to be Havensdale’s It Girl. Well, as much as an It Girl as there can be with half the town vanished. Still, what a concept!

she follows the rules, keeps to curfew, but she still wants to pretend like everything is normal

wanted plots

Aw, I’m not… I mean, thank you. It’s really cool of you to say that and I’ll, uh, try and live up to it. [ laughs ] Yeah, there’s no way you’d win over on Bonnie and Jenny. I’m pretty sure together they could re-brand the whole world in a week. Coop might at least tie with me. He’s, like, maybe even too nice. Well, it’s pretty fun to hang out on the karaoke nights too even if you’re not singing. Just- Just so you know. If you wanted to hang out one night or anything. Oh man, that’s really cool! I mean, I already knew you were, like, next level smart but that’s awesome. College. Do you- Do you know where you wanna go to college? A two week cheer camp sounds way intense but I bet you could handle it, if you wanted to. Huh. Well, if you’re around and I’m around- maybe we’ll be around together. Right. Sometimes you gotta do what you’ve gotta do to make the Montgomerys of the world nicer. [ raises a brow but follows suit— ] Not terrible. Alright. I think we’re gonna be fine then, Leila. We’ve got this whole ‘party’ thing down.

Yeah. Of course. No pressure or anything. But, um, really, I mean it. I don’t want to cause any pressure for you. That would be the opposite of nice, and I’d hate to fall in the rankings. It’s a good thing that we didn’t have a nice competition because I’d hate to have to choose between the two of them. I don’t know. It seems a little silly to go if I’m not participating in it, you know? [allows her brain to catch up to what Tyler was saying] But just hanging out would also be really nice. If that’s a thing you’d like to do. With me, I mean. Yep. College. I have no idea, just yet. Well, I do have a short list, but nothing is super set in stone. You know, gotta keep your options open and all that. [takes another small sip] Definitely not terrible. Just different. Yep, that’s me. A complete party animal.

That all sounds entirely logical when you say it out loud. I suppose, basically, Quinn Valentine invented high school. We’re all very lucky to have her in our lives. So…? You guess there’s hope for everybody? I mean, I was kinda the weird girl who freaked out and flipped a kid over for tapping her on the shoulder. I wasn’t exactly set up for success pre-Quinn. No running then.

Yeah it’s, um, a lot. Very vigorous training- it’s no wonder we won that cheer trophy…thing this year. Now that was a real battleground. I— Um, well, there’s always next year. Or summer. I mean, it’s really nice of you to say all that. I never really expected to make many friends when I came here, despite what my mom wanted. Thanks Leila, I’ve tried. Like, really tried.

Well, not literally of course. Because high school has been around a lot longer than Quinn Valentine, obviously. But metaphorically? Yes. Quinn Valentine definitely invented high school. Yes. There is hope for everyone. Exactly. You get it! Wait. You...Flipped a kid? Like, on their back? Action movie style? That’s really intense. But cool. Intense but cool.

My lips are sealed, I promise. Really? Huh… To be honest, it’s as good an explanation as any. Sounds like a quick fix, a quick knock to the head and suddenly you’re a better person. Actually, it sounds like a Netflix movie plot or something. Yes. That is… Yes. Um, nothing concrete but I did promise my dad I’d help out at the ‘Silver Fox’ this summer. Just odd jobs and if I’m lucky I’ll get to host karaoke Fridays which he forsure made sound a lot more exciting than it is. Might visit my— Uh, might visit my grandparents for a while if Mom has time off work. Mostly I’ll just be around here in, ah, home sweet home. Free to hang or- or whatever, you know. What about you? Any summer plans? Yeah, I imagine pretty much everyone cool is friends with Steve. Nah, I’ve avoided her. Maybe being booted from the prom race was the best thing that could have happened but that is definitely none of my business. [ Tyler smiled, shaking his head in disbelief. After all, who knew he’d be here at Steven Beaumont’s after prom party getting drinks with the prom queen? It was too wild. His middle school self was hyperventilating. His current self however managed to locate them some red solo cups and wine coolers. ] Cheers to you, your royal highness.

Thanks. You’re the best. I mean, I know I say that a lot. But, really, you are. Like, one of the nicest people in the school. Definitely the nicest guy in the school. It’s pretty hard to out-nice Bonnie and Jenny though. Oh my gosh, I would so watch that movie. Karaoke nights sound amazing! If I was able to sing, I would totally go to one. Me? My plans? Um, I’m doing an online class at the college but that’s not really a big deal, and my dad thinks I should do work on college applications, but Mom wants me to go to this out of state cheer camp thing for two weeks, but I don’t know about that. So mostly just at home. Nothing that exciting. Mmm. I feel so terrible for her. Getting kicked out of the race like that must suck, but if it means she’s...nice, it’s good, right? [takes the cup and takes a tentative sip] Thank you. It tastes...good?

Yeah… Let’s be honest, Greg’s a little mean. Well, at least most of the time. He’s been weirdly, like, non-Gregish this past while actually which has been weird. Nice but weird. Maybe it’s senioritis? Nah, let’s, uh, veto pranking for now. I think it’ll make our summer much more fun. I mean- I mean, my summer. And your summer. So, it’d be, like both of our summers. [ Please don’t say summer again, Tyler- ] Summer. Huh? Oh, she was blonde with pink hair. Doesn’t go to our school and not from here so I think we’re safe. Last I saw her, drunk Faye was trying to be her new BFF. You’re the prom queen, and stuff. Let’s- Let’s do it then. An alcohol. Drink. We’ve got this, Leila.

Yeah. He is. Don’t tell anyone I said that, but he can be really mean. Huh. I wonder what’s caused that change. Do you think he maybe hit his head? I think I read that concussions can cause slight personality changes but...Nah. It’s probably just senioritis. You’re right. Oh, no pranks. A fun summer is definitely a thing that we should want. I mean, yes for a fun summer for us both. [God Leila could you sound weirder?] Do you have any summer plans? Hmm. I wonder what she was doing here. Maybe she’s friends with Steve or something. Or with Faye? Have you talked to Faye yet? Because she was being...nice to me? Okay. Alcohol drinks. We’ve totally got this, Tyler Manning.

Right? Well done on winning too! Your dress is absolutely gorgeous.

Right, yeah. I feel a little light headed to be honest.

Not someone, Greg. I- Okay, I just realised that I’ll never have to deal with Greg’s high school pranks ever again. Aw, man. Very cool. I’d definitely rather be pranked by you then. [ laughs ] Yeah! That’s exactly what it feels like. Any minute now the camera crew will be here to ask us, like, our thoughts and feelings on this past school year. It’ll get really nostalgic and stuff. ‘Off the hook’, yes. That’s perfect. That’s exactly the kinda thing that people say about Beaumont parties. Oh, I mean, I don’t know forsure. It’s just what this kinda scary girl said to me earlier and she seemed like she knew things. That’s cool. I mean, you don’t have to. There’s always soda, that’s what I always say. Said. Used to say. Anyway, your the prom queen. You can get anything you want.

Oh. That sort of explains it all, doesn’t it? No offense to Greg Porter. But...that seems to be less of a prank and more of a...really mean thing. I wouldn’t prank you. Unless you want to be pranked. In which case, I guess I could. Can you imagine if they made a movie about Havensdale? It’d either be super boring or like...super crazy. No in between. Sc-scary girl? What scary girl? There’s a scary girl? Scary how? Does she go here? No. I want an alcoholic drink. I think. I should try new things tonight. Because I’m the prom queen and stuff. Yeah. Let’s go crazy.

Maybe Quinn’s the one who penned that super secret guide and that’s how she did it. A self-made woman. I wouldn’t know though, high school hasn’t exactly been my forté which is weird because I usually don’t, um, fail. Dancing girl, yup. Very appropriate. Yeah, actually. It wasn’t exactly my choice but I’m getting by at least. I doubt there’s going to be any…chaos at prom.

Right, of course. Makes sense. You’re welcome, Leila. Oh… Um… [ Because making friends wasn’t- shouldn’t have been- a part of her mission? Because this was all just a means to and end? Soon enough this place would be a bloody mess so what was the point? ] I guess cheer practice was all about the work and, well, I have only been here for this year. Plus, I’m not, um, super great with people.

Oh my gosh, that would make total sense. Both because that would be how she knows all the rules, and because she’s super smart and would totally be the one to codify all of them. Well, high school tended to be sort of the worst for me until recently. But then that all changed, so... Oh, I had to practice so much to walk in these. Like, if I had to run, I’d be dead.

That does sounds fun! I don’t think it’d be the same if the team did that though but mainly because I think Greg would shave all our eyebrows off. This is, like, a TV party, you know? I feel like I’m on some MTV show or something. You won! Hell yeah, you won! [ laughs ] Your pocket? Nice. Do I- Uh, me? I mean, yeah. Thank you. I’ve been practicing batting my eyes to get better drinks so let me knw if you need me to tag in. Not that you couldn’t-… Just- Anyway.

Why would someone shave of your eyebrows? That just doesn’t make any sense. Like, as a prank, it’s really silly. I feel like dying your eyebrows hot pink or something would be way funnier. Oh my gosh! It totally is. Like, I feel like I should be pulled aside to do one of those confessional interview things. Like, hi I’m Leila and this party is off the hook or whatever. I was really surprised it fit, but it did! Um, yeah, you. Wait, eye batting? I didn’t know I had to do that. I thought just asking for a drink was enough. Maybe I...I mean, I’ve never, like, had a, you know, alcoholic drink before.

Leila! Hey, yeah. I mean, hello. Oh man, yeah. It’s… I mean, confession? I’ve never been to one of Steven Beaumont’s parties, like, nevermind the biggest one of the year. The most legendary. Anyway, I’m kinda freaking out. You- Oh my god, you! I mean, you won! Congratulations! That was awesome. Shoes and all. But, uh, yeah. Heels. I dunno how you do it.

Hi. Hello. Same. Like, the biggest party I’ve been to was, like, this post-football game cheerleader sleepover thing. It was super fun, but nothing on this level. Oh. Right. I won. Yeah. I won! The tiara’s in my pocket. Crazy. Um, do you want to a drink or something?

Okay. Yeah. Both. Perfect. I like talking with you to. It’s very…It’s always really interesting. And very fun. Um, after school works. Except when I have cheerleading, but that’s wrapping up soon, so, we could hang out more.

Right, we wouldn’t want to tempt fate or anything. Horror movies probably get all their best inspiration from real high school proms, you know? We don’t want to join the ranks. And that is the last thing I say about it. Aw, well, thank you. That’s uh- My mom… She works in fashion and stuff so I had that advantage. All down to the theme, really. Yes, so true! Iconic moments. Hey, I am who I am despite being pretty good at pretending otherwise. Anakin didn’t like sand for a list of like, super valid reasons. We have that at least.

Really? I mean, thanks. That’s- [ Now definitely wasn’t the time to blush ] Cool. Same, same for football. At least, here’s hoping Aaron doesn’t get too into summer practices. It’s a date then. I mean- I mean plan. I— Oh, there’s Mr MacDonald. I think they’re gonna do the announcements! Good luck, Leila. I’ll see you after. Uh, if you want. At the party. 

I know. I’d rather not have, like, pig’s blood dumped on me, if that’s okay with everyone. Um, at least I can see Faye, so I don’t have to worry about that? Oh god, that was really mean of me to say. Ugh. Pretend I didn’t say that, please, thanks. Yeah, that’s a really huge advantage. Your mom and you both have a really fantastic sense of style I guess. Exactly, it has the most iconic moments. Luke, I’m your father and all that. And I do get choked up each time Han gets frozen, even though it’s nerdy. I don’t think you want to be emulating Anakin Skywalker. True. We do have that.

“My legacy in this legendary backyard will not be rejecting a bottle sanctioned smooch from the prom queen, Lexington. Nuh uh, not gonna happen. Not from these lips!” She declared it as dramatically as it deserved before shrugging. After all, it was actually just a game. “But like I said, you’re the queen. You do what you like- those are the real rules. Here, you can even take my respin if you wanna. Go wild. Godspeed and good luck, JPQ.”

“I mean it’s nothing against you,” Leila explain, feeling herself blush as all the players in the game turned to look at her. “I just...I’m not exactly an expert at the game.” A sudden idea struck her. “Could we, I don’t know? Do some sort of cheek kiss thing? Is that allowed?“