Chapter Text
Ladies and gentleman, I have the winners. I give you Tommy Ross and Carrie White!
Sue's heart soars as she watches Tommy raise his fist in the air in triumph. Carrie looks stunned, looking around in shock, but she's...smiling. Sue doesn't recall a time where Carrie ever smiled. Everyone cheers and claps for the two, Tommy urges Carrie to walk to the stage, hand on her back in support. Sue's smiling ear to ear. Her plan is working, Carrie's having a night that she deserves, and Sue's conscience is cleared.
Carrie and Tommy make it to the stage, standing proudly in front of their peers. Sue watches as Carrie receives her bouquet and crown, gaining a kiss on the cheek. Tommy is smiling, hands in his pockets. Sue notices that Carrie is crying tears of joy, and Sue's heart soars even more.
“She's really beautiful, the prettiest girl I've ever seen.” Sue finds herself thinking. It's strange, she's never had a thought like that before. But seeing Carrie smiling proudly, the stage lights illuminating her...she looks like a real life princess, as childish as that thought is
The lights by her side move, but she pays them no mind. Her smile falls a little when she sees Tommy kiss Carrie, but that's something she can address later. For now, she'll let her be happy.
The lights move again, and Sue glances down with an annoyed expression. She pauses, seeing something that doesn't belong.
Why is there a rope?
She doesn't remember putting a rope there when she was decorating with everyone. Where does it lead to? She gets up curiously and follows it, seeing the shadow of a hand gripping it tightly.
What the hell?
She follows the rope with her eyes, it goes high up into the air, hidden by people who weren't specifically looking for it. Her eyes land on a metal bucket, sitting precariously on the rafters.
A bucket? Why...
Her eyes trail down, looking straight at Carrie who's standing right under it.
Oh.
Oh no.
She moves quickly, going to look under the stairs to the stage. Someone's under there, someone's going to pour that bucket on Carrie, to humiliate her.
Sue isn't the best person, not by a long shot, but she won't let this slide.
She peers under the stairs and sees Chris Hargensen and her boyfriend Billy. Billy is whispering something to Chris, oblivious to her presence. Chris looks annoyed as Billy imitates a tugging motion.
Sue gasps, a hand grabs her shoulder and pulls her back. She looks to see Miss Collins, she's pulling her away, and she looks angry.
“What are you doing here Sue?” She hisses, “What are you planning?”
“What?!” Sue gasps, “No! It isn't me! Listen-”
“Are you seriously trying to ruin this for Carrie?!” The teacher demands, dragging her away, “I knew something was wrong with you making Tommy ask her. Get out of here! Don't ruin Carrie's night!”
Sue struggles, looking back at the stairs in dismay. She drags her heels into the wooden floor, doing anything she can to make Miss Collins stop.
Logically, she knows that it would be hard to trust her, especially after what she pulled in the showers. Hell, before that, but god damnit Sue is frustrated. Why can't Miss Collins see what's wrong?
“Miss Collins! You don't understand!” She begs, “Chris is under the stairs and-”
Miss Collins looks at her and rolls her eyes, Sue can see the gym doors becoming closer and closer. Sue struggles turning her body around to face the stage. Tommy and Carrie are oblivious to the situation, they have no idea something is wrong.
“Sue!” Miss Collins snaps, “Just stop trying to prank-”
“IT'S NOT ME!” Sue yells, causing a few students to jump and look at Sue. Sue wiggles out of Miss Collin's grasp and shoves her way to the front, yelling Tommy's name as oblivious students and staff alike look at her in confusion.
“Tommy!” Sue screams, voice carrying over everyone else. He looks at her, eyebrows raised, “Get Carrie out of the way! LOOK UP, TOMMY!”
Tommy and Carrie both look up at the same time.
Sue watches the bucket fall.
Carrie screams.