Episode 2 ~ Known Unknowns

<a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="car4"> # **Known Unknowns** ## episode two: change of plans </a>

KIPLING: I am *oh* so glad you fine ladies could come to this most humble of abodes! What say we get you two beveraged up and chilled down? * [[What's up, Kipling?|kipling2]] * [[I could go for a drink.|kipling3]] * [[No beverages tonight.|kipling4]] * [[Isn't it "chilled *out*"?|kipling24]]

YOU: Hey Kipling. How's it going? KIPLING: Most excellently, as you can see! <%= display("kipling16") %> *(She disappears into the crowd.)* KIPLING: Now, how about those drinks? * [[Lead the way.|kipling6]] * [[Actually...|kipling5]]

YOU: You read my mind, Kipling. KIPLING: That's what I like to hear. <%= display("kipling16") %> *(She disappears into the crowd.)* KIPLING: Shall we? * [[After you.|kipling17]]

<% s.anjaphase=1; s.kiplingphase=1; %> YOU: Just water for me tonight. KIPLING: What? You've gotta *at least* have some pop. YOU: I— KIPLING: We've got Sierra Mist, we've got Barq's, we've got Coke *and* Pepsi, we've got Faygo... YOU: I didn't know you could get Faygo here. KIPLING: *(knowingly)* Oh, you can get Faygo here. ANJA: Well if Nadia's not going to have a drink then I will. *(She takes him by the arm.)* ...Now what's this I hear about you getting a *tiki bar* installed? KIPLING: Ah! Right this way, my lady. *(They head off towards the backyard and you're left alone in the foyer.)* <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kipling2") %> YOU: I think I'm going to take it easy on the drinks tonight actually. KIPLING: Turning down my hospitality? I'm wounded! *(You smile.)* YOU: Thanks for having me over, Kip. I'm going to go make the rounds. KIPLING: You got it. *(He heads off, leaving you alone in the foyer.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Lead the way. *(The two of you weave through the party and into the kitchen.)* <%= display("kipling15") %>

YOU: Don't read too much into it. She's still making it very clear that she hates my guts. KIPLING: I wouldn't worry about it. Takes time to patch things up, know what I mean? * [[I guess.|kipling18]] * [[I don't even know what we're patching up.|kipling19]]

<% s.relaxdrink = true; %>YOU: I don't know, she sure made an excuse to leave as soon as possible. KIPLING: Relax, amigo. I'm sure she's got peeps to see. YOU: I'm relaxed. I'm totally relaxed. KIPLING: Not quite enough, I think. *(He digs through the cabinet.)* YOU: I mean it's not like I *wanted* to hang around with her. KIPLING: Then I'd call that a win-win scenario. ...Aha! <%= display("kipling11") %>

YOU: We could use your observational skills down at the the Middleman, Kip. KIPLING: I'm flattered, truly, but print isn't my thing. I do my best work face-to-face. <%= display("kipling18") %>

*(You look over the counter.)* YOU: What have you got back there anyway? KIPLING: Take your pick. The captain likes to keep his cabinets fully stocked. * [[Something tasty?|kipling12]] * [[Something classy?|kipling13]] * [[I can't decide.|kipling14]]

*(He pulls out a bright pink bottle.)* YOU: What is that? KIPLING: Bacardi Breezer. <% if (s.tastydrink) { %> For those who enjoy the sweeter things in life. <% } else if (s.unsuredrink) { %> Trust me, you'll like it. <% } else if (s.relaxdrink) { %> Just the thing to help you get your relax on. <% } %> YOU: Isn't that the thing where they found all the broken glass floating in it? KIPLING: You're thinking of Smirnoff Ice. And all the bad ones got recalled anyway. *(He pours you a cup.)* YOU: Glad to know you're on top of this. KIPLING: Safe party's a happy party. *(You clink plastic cups.)* <%= display("kipling25") %>

<% s.tastydrink = true; %>YOU: Is there anything back there that doesn't taste like alcohol? KIPLING: I have juuust the thing. <%= display("kipling11") %>

YOU: Well, if the captain's paying... *(Kipling winks.)* KIPLING: Let's see what's in the special reserve... Oooh. *(He pulls out an unlabelled bottle.)* YOU: What is it? KIPLING: *(squinting)* No idea. *(He grabs a pair of red plastic cups and pours a bit of the liquid into each. It's a very dark brown.)* YOU: Looks fancy. KIPLING: Only the fanciest. *(You clink your cups together.)* KIPLING: Skål. YOU: Salamati. *(You take a sip.)* YOU: Whooof. <%= display("kipling25") %>

<% s.unsuredrink = true; %>YOU: Jeez that's a big decision. I don't even know where to start... KIPLING: You know what? I got this. <%= display("kipling11") %>

<% s.room = "kitchen"; portrait("kipling2"); %> KIPLING: You and Miss K buried the old hatchet I see! YOU: What makes you say that? *(He sits you down on a little kitchen stool and hops over the counter.)* <%= display("kipling26") %>

*(He starts steering the two of you towards the kitchen.)* KIPLING: Naddy, I feel like it has been an *age* since I got you out to the crib. Where have you been keeping yourself? YOU: I've, you know, been around. KIPLING: Well might I say, it is quite fortuitious that you chose to be around *here* on this fine evening. *(Anja slips out from under Kipling's arm.)* ANJA: How about I let you two catch up? *(Kipling makes a little finger gun.)* KIPLING: Later, A.K.

YOU: After you. *(The two of you weave through the party and into the kitchen.)* <%= display("kipling15") %>

YOU: If you say so. *(You lean over the counter)* What's to drink anyway? KIPLING: I'm glad you asked. <%= display("kipling11") %>

YOU: Weird thing is I don't know what we're even patching up! It's like she just started hating me for no reason. <% s.dontremember = true; %>KIPLING: Hey, it happens. Sometimes you get into a fight with someone and you don't even remember how it started. Aha, here we go! <%= display("kipling11") %>

<% portrait("olivia2"); s.oliviaphase=2; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 1; } %> *(You peek your head into the brightly-lit bedroom. Some guy and some girl you don't know are making out above the covers. Olivia, Blake, and Ethan watch in silence.)* * [[What's going on in here?|makeouts2]] * [[How long have they been at it?|makeouts3]] * [[...|makeouts4]]

YOU: What's happening in here? BLAKE: *(gesturing with his plastic cup)* Make out session. OLIVIA: Gettin' at 'er. * [[Is she okay?|makeouts5]] * [[How long have they been at it?|makeouts3]] * [[And you're all just watching?|makeouts6]]

YOU: How long have they been at it? OLIVIA: Half hour at least. BLAKE: *(checking his phone)* Twenty-eight minutes. * [[Is she okay?|makeouts5]] * [[And you're all just watching?|makeouts6]]

*(You watch in silence for a few moments. Blake leans over towards you without taking his eyes off the bed.)* BLAKE: Pretty good, eh? YOU: Uh... yeah. *(Olivia nods without taking her eyes off the couple. Ethan takes a long sip of his beer.)* YOU: Cool, well... *(You slowly back out of the room.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: She's... okay, right? *(The girl on the bed shoots you a thumbs up.)* OLIVIA: Seems fine. <%= display("makeouts7") %>

YOU: And you're all just... watching, huh? OLIVIA: Mm-hmm. <%= display("makeouts7") %>

YOU: ...okay then. *(You slowly back out of the room.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: God, would it kill you to not be rude for once? ANJA: *I'm* rude? *I'm* rude?! *(Summer tugs on Anja's sleeve.)* SUMMER: Anja, come on... ANJA: *(getting up in your face)* You know what *I* think is rude? *I* think it's rude to kick your best friend out of your life and *abandon* her when she needs you the most! That's what *I* think is rude. *(You step backwards.)* ANJA: My god, the nerve of you to stand here in front of her and lecture *me* on how rude I am! Look at yourself! Look at your fucking *boyfriend!* YOU: I... I... *(Anja exhales in exasperation.)* ANJA: God, you really think you can act like nothing ever happened, don't you? *(You look over to Summer. She avoids meeting your eyes. Anja just shakes her head.)* ANJA: *I'm* rude. Un-fucking-believable... <%= display("fight4") %>

*(She turns and storms off. Summer lingers for a second and then runs after her.)* * [[...|fight15]]

YOU: Look if you want to hate me then whatever, I don't care. But don't drag Summer into it, okay? It's not fair to her. SUMMER: *(looking back and forth between the two of you)* Um... ANJA: Not fair to her?! *You're* going to stand there and lecture *me* about what's fair to Summer? *(Summer tugs on Anja's sleeve.)* SUMMER: Anja, come on... ANJA: No, you know what? I can take a lot of shit from you, Nadia. But you do *not* get to lecture me about being a good friend to Summer. I'm not the one who was cruel to her! I'm not the one who abandoned her! I've been there for her all through high school. Where the hell have you been? *(You step backwards a bit.)* YOU: I didn't... I'm not... ANJA: You're not *what*, Nadia? *(You don't say anything. Anja chuckles in disbelief.)* ANJA: Unbelievable. It's like you don't even know how fucking awful you've been. *(You look over to Summer. She avoids meeting your eyes.)* ANJA: Well, why don't you go talk to your jerk-off boyfriend about it then? Maybe he can jog your memory. <%= display("fight4") %>

YOU: God, Anja. Why are you such a bitch to me? ANJA: Oh I'm a *bitch* am I? *(Summer tugs on Anja's sleeve.)* SUMMER: Anja, come on... ANJA: You think you're so much better than me. Why, because you're polite? Because you *smile* more? Well I may be mean, but at least I'm not cruel! At least I don't abandon my friends when they need me the most. *(She gets up in your face.)* You want to call me a bitch? Fine! I'm a bitch. But I'd rather be a bitch than a completely awful person. YOU: I... I don't... *(You look over to Summer. She avoids meeting your eyes.)* ANJA: Oh, what? You going to try and tell me she deserved it? It was all *her* fault? You going to try that to my face? *What*, Nadia?! YOU: It wasn't... *(You step back a bit.)* It wasn't anyone's fault. *(She shakes her head.)* ANJA: Unbelievable. <%= display("fight4") %>

<% portrait("summer2","anja2") %> *(You whip around. Anja's right behind you.)* YOU: Excuse me— ANJA: *(to Summer)* Is she bothering you? *(Summer shakes her head.)* YOU: Okay. Lay off, Anja. ANJA: No. *(She stands between you and Summer and crosses her arms.)* * [[Do you mind?|fight17]] * [[We were just talking.|fight23]] * [[Stop trying to turn her against me.|fight24]]

YOU: No offense Annette but you're not the first person I'd turn to for dating advice. ANNETTE: I'm exactly the type of person you should turn to — an unbiased outside observer. YOU: Uh-huh. ANNETTE: I'm a non-participant, Nadia. *Clear-headed asexuality.* I'm free to focus my energies on my witchcraft while you fritter away your time on pointless romance. YOU: Right. ANNETTE: I mean I'm sure giving out handjobs is... fun or whatever but it doesn't exactly build your portfolio. * [[Gross.|dump2]] * [[Ew.|dump3]] * [[Christ.|dump4]]

YOU: Gross. <%= display("dump13") %>

YOU: Eughh. Can we not? <%= display("dump13") %>

YOU: *Christ*, Annette. <%= display("dump13") %>

<% portrait("annette2"); s.dump = true; s.annettephase=4; s.textallenbefore += 1; %> *(You walk up to Annette.)* ANNETTE: Oh hey. You escaped! YOU: You are a *bad witch*. ANNETTE: I did what I had to do to survive, and I make no apologies. *(She takes a sip.)* Hey, where's Allen? * [[He's being weird.|dump6]] * [[Under the weather.|dump7]] * [[We're not attached at the hip.|dump8]]

YOU: Ugh, he's being weird tonight. Didn't want to come. ANNETTE: What the hell else is he doing? YOU: I don't know. He said it's too noisy? *(She very theatrically rolls her eyes.)* * [[It's fine.|dump26]] * [[I'm getting tired of it.|dump27]]

YOU: He's not feeling well tonight. ANNETTE: You know what? That's good! YOU: It's good that he's not feeling well? ANNETTE: I just mean you need some time *away* from that dude. * [[Hey.|dump16]] * [[I get time away.|dump17]]

YOU: We're not attached at the hip, Annette. <%= display("dump22") %>

*(She sighs and gets in a little closer.)* ANNETTE: Piece of friendly advice? You need to move on from the middle school boyfriend. * [[He's fine.|dump10]] * [[You're one to give dating advice.|dump1]] * [[We didn't start dating until Grade 9.|dump11]]

YOU: Technically we didn't start dating until Grade 9. ANNETTE: High school, middle school, whatever. Point is it's been like four years. Four years, Nadia! *(She points at you with her beer cup.)* That's like a quarter of your life! YOU: Three years. And it's actually closer to 17%. ANNETTE: He's going across the country for university anyway, right? Might as well break it off now and enjoy yourself in Toronto. * [[I am enjoying myself.|dump14]] * [[We're not going to break up.|dump15]] * [[He hasn't gotten in yet.|dump18]]

YOU: Oh whatever. Allen's fine. ANNETTE: Oh he's "fine" is he? High praise. YOU: Shut up. ANNETTE: You said it, not me. * [[That's not what I meant.|dump28]] * [[So what?|dump29]]

*(She stumbles a bit and pats you on the shoulder.)* ANNETTE: You know what? If you love Allen then more power to you! Date him and have his little Allen babies. YOU: Thank you, Annette. ANNETTE: But! *(She gives you a little shove.)* If you *don't* love him, that's also fine too. *(She gives you a pointed look then disappears into the crowd.)* <%= next() %>

ANNETTE: Oh what, did I *offend* you? Handjobs, Nadia! It's the real world! Handjobs! *(Ethan walks by, raising his eyebrows.)* ANNETTE: *(over your shoulder)* That's right! *Handjobs*, Ethan! YOU: Okay, okay! Handjobs. Jesus. <%= display("dump12") %>

<% portrait("kaz2","anja2") %> YOU: *(mumbling)* I could have taken the bus. ANJA: Wow, you're welcome. *(You fold your arms and look out the window.)* KAZ: Hey, lighten up, Na. We're going to a party! * [[Whatever.|car18]] * [[Sorry. Allen's being annoying.|car15]] * [[I'm having second thoughts.|car3]] * [[You're right.|car20]]

YOU: Like what? KAZ: Well, you both totally love me. ANJA: Mmm. God knows why. <%= display("car13") %>

YOU: I am really having second thoughts about this thing, Kaz. ANJA: So stay home. YOU: You know what, Anja? Not really looking for your input here. ANJA: I'm just saying, it's fine to stay home if you don't want to do something, but if you're going to go out then you should at least *try* and enjoy yourself. You're not doing anyone any favours when you show up somewhere just to sulk. YOU: I can make my own plans, thanks. ANJA: Fine. Be miserable. What do I care? YOU: Clearly you care a lot since you won't shut up about it. ANJA: You know what? Whatever. I don't want to fight. YOU: *(scoffing)* That's a new one. <%= display("car14") %>

YOU: I'm enjoying myself plenty, thank you. ANNETTE: If you say so. YOU: I do. <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: We're not going to break up with each other just because he's going to BC. ANNETTE: *(pityingly)* Oh, Nadia. YOU: We're not! We'll have Skype, he'll come back every few months to visit his family. I can probably swing a flight back there now and then... <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: Hey. ANNETTE: Sorry, sorry. He's your man and you love him blah blah blah. YOU: Yes, Annette. I do love him. And it's not like we're attached at the hip. <%= display("dump22") %>

YOU: I get time away. ANNETTE: Okay. YOU: I get tons of time away. We're not like attached at the hip. <%= display("dump22") %>

<% portrait("annette2","jayden2"); s.annettephase = 2; s.jaydenphase = 2; s.familiar = true; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 3; } %> *(Annette's leaps up as soon as you walk over.)* ANNETTE: Nadia! Great timing. YOU: What's up, Annette? *(She grabs a bowl of chips off the table and hands it to you.)* ANNETTE: Hold this for me? I've got to go do something far away from here. *(She runs off.)* *(You sit down on the couch with the bowl on your lap. Jayden reaches over and grabs some chips.)* JAYDEN: Me and Annette were just talking about our favourite YouTube videos. YOU: ...Oh. JAYDEN: Yeah, mine's this guy called TheAngryChap? You heard of him? * [[Nope.|familiar2]] * [[Sounds vaguely familiar.|familiar3]] * [[I'm not like hugely into YouTube.|familiar4]]

<% portrait("jayden2") %> YOU: Haven't heard of him. JAYDEN: Really? Oh man, he's the best. He's this angry British guy that goes on these huge rants about how dumb like politicians and anti-science people are. <%= display("familiar5") %>

<% portrait("jayden2") %> YOU: Haven't heard of him. JAYDEN: I'm sure you've seen some of his videos. He's this angry British guy that goes on these huge rants about how dumb like politicians and anti-science people are. It's the *best.* <%= display("familiar5") %>

#### **Front Yard** - 9pm <% s.room = "downstairs"; portrait("anja2","kaz2"); chapter(3); %> *(Anja pulls into Kipling's extremely large driveway.)* ANJA: Here we are. *(The three of you get out. You and Anja start walking towards the house. Kaz lags behind a bit.)* YOU: Coming? KAZ: Uh yeah. In a second. I just have to, shall we say, *smoke* some *marijuana*. ANJA: Yeah, yeah. *(You and Anja step into the Foyer.)* * [[This place is huge.|kipling21]] * [[Where's Kipling?|kipling22]] * [[Okay well...|kipling23]]

<% portrait("anja2","kipling2"); %> YOU: God this place is huge. Would you even technically call it a house? ANJA: "Mansion," perhaps. YOU: Or "palace." *(Kipling comes up from behind and slides in between you and Anja, putting his arms around your necks.)* KIPLING: My dudes! Admiring the old pile of bricks I see. YOU: Hey Kip. KIPLING: What a pleasure it is to have you fine ladies joining us this evening! What say we get you two beveraged up and chilled down? * [[I could go for a drink.|kipling3]] * [[No beverages tonight.|kipling4]] * [[Isn't it "chilled *out*"?|kipling24]]

<% portrait("anja2","kipling2"); %> YOU: Where is Kipling anyway? He normally greets you right at the door. ANJA: Hmm, thats odd. I wonder— KIPLING: *(from behind you)* My dudes! ANJA: Ah, there we go. *(He slides in between you and Anja, putting his arms around your necks.)* <%= display("kipling1") %>

<% portrait("anja2","kipling2"); %> YOU: Okay, well... ANJA: Well. YOU: Thanks. For the ride, I mean. ANJA: Oh. Don't mention it. YOU: Okay. I won't. *(She nods.)* YOU: I guess I'll— KIPLING: *(from behind you)* My dudes! *(He slides in between you and Anja, putting his arms around your necks.)* ANJA: Well hello there. <%= display("kipling1") %>

YOU: "Chilled down"? Isn't it "chilled *out*"? KIPLING: Oh no, my friend. Tonight is a night of *in*, not out. All prepositions adjusted accordingly. <%= display("kipling16") %> *(She disappears into the crowd.)* KIPLING: Now, speaking of "in", what say we head *in* to my spacious kitchen and secure you a libation? * [[Lead the way.|kipling6]] * [[Actually...|kipling5]]

KIPLING: *(looking over your shoulder)* Oh shoot, my boy Josh is at the door! You'll be alright in here while I attend to my multitudinous duties? *(You wave him off. He runs back <% if (s.room === "kitchen") { %> out <% } %> to the foyer.)* KIPLING: Josh! My absolute man! <%= next() %>

#### **Allen's House** - 8:30pm ##### Saturday, 10 September 2016 <% portrait("allen2"); chapter(2); %> *(Three years later.)* YOU: Well? ALLEN: You look awesome, Nadia. *(You plop down on the couch next to him.)* YOU: Last chance. ALLEN: I'm just... really not feeling it tonight. There's going to be so many people. * [[Come on.|car5]] * [[Including me.|car6]] * [[We can find quiet spots.|car8]]

YOU: Come on, it'll be fun! ALLEN: It'll be fun *for you*. Which is exactly why you should go and have a good time on your own. Seriously, I'll be fine. YOU: Alright, alright. You just stay here and be fine then. <%= display("car7") %>

YOU: Yes. One of whom will be your perfect girlfriend. ALLEN: I'll have many more chances to see my perfect girlfriend. YOU: *(bumping him with your shoulder)* That's what you think, buddy. <%= display("car7") %>

<% portrait("allen2","kaz2") %> *(The doorbell rings multiple times. You shoot Allen a confused look. When he goes to open the door, Kaz is standing outside.)* KAZ: Hey Allen. ALLEN: Hey. KAZ: *(at the top of their lungs)* HI ALLEN'S PARENTS. ALLEN'S PARENTS: *(distant yelling)* * [[You're not normally this punctual.|car16]] * [[Ready to go?|car17]]

YOU: You can put pot in *baklava*? KAZ: Dude, if you can bake it you can almost certainly put pot in it. They have pot *nutella* now. YOU: You're joking. KAZ: Not even. Guess what it's called. * [[Pot nutella.|yellowdress4]] * [[Potella.|yellowdress5]] * [[Nugtella.|yellowdress6]] * [[*Haze*lnut.|yellowdress7]]

YOU: Wait, you *made* baklava? KAZ: Sure. What, you've never made baklava? YOU: No! Of course I haven't! Racist! KAZ: *(mouth full)* It's easy. *(They swallow.)* Kind of easy, anyway. I'll make you some next time you're over. * [[No drugs.|yellowdress23]] * [[I don't even like baklava.|yellowdress24]]

YOU: "Pot nutella"? KAZ: Not a trick question, Na. *(They pop a bit of baklava into their mouth.)* ish nghughuh YOU: What? KAZ: *(swallowing)* It's "Nugtella." YOU: Oh what? I was going to say Nugtella. KAZ: Please. If you had thought of a pun that good you would have said it. <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi1") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: "Potella"? KAZ: Close. "Nugtella". YOU: Oh shoot. I was going to say Nugtella. KAZ: Please. If you had thought of Nugtella you would not have gone with Potella. <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi1") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: I don't know... "Nugtella"? KAZ: Fuck off. YOU: What? *(Your eyes widen.)* Shut up, did I get it? KAZ: How the hell. YOU: Ha! Yes! <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi1") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: "*Haze*lnut". Get it? *Haze.* Like drugs. KAZ: Huh. That's actually pretty good. Real answer's "Nugtella" though. YOU: I kind of like mine better. KAZ: Yeah well, it's a culture thing. <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi1") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: Aren't we kind of skipping a step here? *(They look back and forth between you and Yellow Dress a few times, then shrug.)* YOU: *(angry whisper)* We don't know if she's into girls! KAZ: Oh pssshht, don't worry about that. I'm sure she is. YOU: Based on what, exactly? KAZ: Statistics! Duh. *Most* people are queer. YOU: What? No they're not. KAZ: ...Aren't they? YOU: No! Most people are straight! KAZ: Mmm, that doesn't sound right to me. Pretty sure most people *I* know are queer. YOU: Like who? KAZ: *(counting on their fingers)* Well there's you, there's me, there's... uh... *(You sigh exasperatedly.)* KAZ: I'm just saying, you'll never know if you don't go for it. * [["Go for it"?|yellowdress9]] * [[Then I guess I'll never know.|yellowdress10]] * [[Even if I wanted to...|yellowdress12]]

YOU: "Go for it"? KAZ: Yeah, you know. Hit on her. *(You roll your eyes.)* <%= display("yellowdress13") %>

YOU: Then I'll guess we'll never know. <%= display("yellowdress13") %>

YOU: I. Have. A. Boyfriend. Remember? We've been dating for years? You were at his house a few hours ago? KAZ: That's why it's a *backup* plan, obviously. ...Wait, when was I at his house? <%= display("yellowdress33") %>

YOU: Even if I *wanted* to... Even *if*. I don't know the first thing about hitting on girls. Or anyone else for that matter. KAZ: I bet you know more than you think. How'd you land Allen? YOU: We were friends for six years and then he kissed me. KAZ: Hmm. YOU: Just forget it. <%= display("yellowdress13") %>

KAZ: Come on, you need to take advantage of your status as a one-woman gay-straight alliance! It could be fun! * [[I have a boyfriend.|yellowdress11]] * [[I'm not just going to assume.|yellowdress14]] * [[You do it if it's so fun.|yellowdress25]] * [[I'm new at this.|yellowdress26]] * [[Can we just stop this conversation?|yellowdress15]]

YOU: Look, I'm not just going to *assume* she's into it. Because if she's not it's going to be super awkward for both of us. KAZ: You're a journalist, Na! Use your journalist powers. YOU: You want me to do a *story* on this girl I've never met? KAZ: Minus the reporting part, obviously. YOU: Kaz— KAZ: I mean you'd report to *me* but other than that... YOU: *Kaz.* *(They make a pouty face.)* <%= display("yellowdress1") %>

YOU: Look can we just stop this conversation please? Either someone's going to hear us or I'm just going to die. Or both. KAZ: Okay, okay. I get it. I'll stop. YOU: Thank you. KAZ: But just so you know I support you and I love you and all I want is for you to reach your true potential and soar through the air like the beautiful Nadia bird that you are. <%= display("yellowdress34") %>

<% portrait("kaz2"); s.kazphase=7; %> KAZ: Nadia! Back-up plan. YOU: Kaz, seriously... *(They grab your face and point it at a crowd of people.)* KAZ: What do you think of that girl over there? YOU: Ponytail? KAZ: No, beside Ponytail. YOU: Oh, Yellow Dress. KAZ: Yeah! What do you think? * [[Not my type.|yellowdress17]] * [[Fine, I guess.|yellowdress18]] * [[I'm not playing.|yellowdress19]]

YOU: Eh... she's not my type. KAZ: Oooooh! You have a type! Tell me your type! YOU: Could you quiet down just a bit? This girl is maybe twenty feet away from us right now. KAZ: *(in a loud whisper)* Tell me your type! * [[I know it when I see it.|yellowdress21]] * [[None of your business.|yellowdress20]] * [[Guess.|yellowdress37]] * [[Fine.|yellowdress22]]

YOU: She's fine, I guess. KAZ: Like *fiiine* or fine? YOU: Fine. Who is she? KAZ: I don't know. Some girl! You should ask her out. * [[Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves?|yellowdress8]] * [[Pass.|yellowdress27]]

YOU: I'm not playing, Kaz. KAZ: Yeah, and neither is she. You should ask her out. Put the moves on her. YOU: "The moves." KAZ: The *mooooves*. * [[Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves?|yellowdress8]] * [[Pass.|yellowdress27]]

YOU: We don't have to socialize all night. If it gets too busy we can just find somewhere quiet to hang out. ALLEN: At Kip's house? Really? YOU: It's a big house. ALLEN: And it's going to be *full* of people. Seriously, go have a good time. I'll be fine. <%= display("car7") %>

YOU: Hey, are we going to be picking up Summer? *(Anja looks at you in the rear-view mirror)* ANJA: *I* am going to be meeting Summer at the party. She decided to come separately. YOU: Okay then... <%= display("car13") %>

YOU: I don't know. I know it when I see it, okay? KAZ: *(raising their eyebrows suggestively)* Do you see it anywhere in this room? *(You look around the room, trying very hard to look like you're *not* looking around. Your eye lingers for a second on Summer and Anja, walking out into the hall together.)* * [[No.|yellowdress28]] * [[Forget it.|yellowdress31]]

YOU: None of your darn business, Little Mx. Noseypants. KAZ: You were googling gender-neutral honorifics while we were talking, weren't you? YOU: *(putting your phone away)* I don't see how that's relevant. *(They smirk.)* <%= display("yellowdress30") %>

YOU: ...Tall? Taller than me? That'd be nice. *(You blush.)* And uh blonde. Blonde hair. ...is pretty. KAZ: *(looking themself over)* Why Nadia, I had no idea. YOU: Dream on, buddy. <%= display("yellowdress30") %>

YOU: Sweet vest by the way. KAZ: Oh dude it's *amazing.* I have so many pockets right now I don't even know what to do with them. *(They look at you over the back of their seat.)* Here, ask to borrow two dollars. YOU: What? No. KAZ: No come on, do it. YOU: I don't need two dollars. KAZ: Just *pretend* like you need two dollars okay? YOU: Okay. *(You clear your throat.)* Can I borrow two dollars? KAZ: Why sure, Nadia. Let me just reach into my... *(They stick their hand in their upper-left vest pocket and after a half second of fumbling pull out a toonie.)* ...TOONIE POCKET. *(They triumphantly plonk the coin down into your hand.)* YOU: ...How many toonies do you have in there? KAZ: Just three. Well actually two now I guess. ...Can I have that one back? <%= display("car12") %>

<% portrait("summer2"); s.summerphase=4; s.anjaphase=9; %> *(You run over and tap Summer's shoulder. She turns around.)* YOU: Summer! Hey! SUMMER: Oh. Um. Hi, Nadia... * [[I've been trying to find you all night.|fight7]] * [[How are you?|fight8]] * [[This party, huh?|fight9]] * [[I'd like us to start talking again.|fight10]]

YOU: Are you feeling okay? SUMMER: I really don't know how to answer that question. YOU: I just meant— After your fall the other day... SUMMER: I know. YOU: Okay. *(She looks around.)* <%= display("fight10") %>

YOU: I've been trying to catch up with you all night! SUMMER: I, uh... noticed. *(You sigh.)* <%= display("fight10") %>

YOU: This party, huh? SUMMER: ...What about it? YOU: Just... you know. It's... really... *(She looks around.)* <%= display("fight10") %>

YOU: Look, I really want to us to be on speaking terms again. We don't have to be best friends right away but— SUMMER: *(rubbing her arms)* I don't know, Nadia. What would we even talk about? * [[Just normal friend stuff.|fight11]] * [[What do you want to talk about?|fight12]] * [[We could catch up.|fight13]] * [[Clear the air.|fight14]]

YOU: I don't know, whatever friends talk about! School, life... *(Summer stares at you.)* YOU: *(hopefully)* ...boys? SUMMER: Boys. *(You shrug sheepishly.)* ANJA: You've got a one-track mind, Nazari. <%= display("fight5") %>

YOU: I don't know. Anything! What do you want to talk about? *(She bites her bottom lip.)* ANJA: Oh so *now* you're interested in what she has to say. <%= display("fight5") %>

YOU: We could catch up? SUMMER: Catch up. YOU: I want to hear about your life! I want to hear what you've been up to these last few years. ANJA: Funny, you didn't seem that interested before. <%= display("fight5") %>

YOU: I want to talk about what happened between us. *(She sighs.)* YOU: It's been so long, Summer. Can we please just, you know, clear the air? ANJA: I think you've made yourself *perfectly* clear. <%= display("fight5") %>

### Next Time *(possibly)* Nadia gets to the bottom of things. Kaz tries out some new techniques. Studying with Anja does not go super great. The graveyard guy is personally hurt by your comments. *and* It's more or less just a really bad week overall. <% chapter(10) if (localStorage && s.autosave) { localStorage.setItem('ku_autosave_end2', JSON.stringify(story.state)); } %> <br /> **<a href="index.html" style="margin-top:2em">Main Menu ➤</a>**

YOU: I do wish Allen was coming though. I don't know what I'm going to do without him. ANJA: How horrible for you. *(Kaz turns around in their seat to look at you.)* KAZ: Don't forget, there's always the Plan B! *(They wink.)* YOU: Kaz! KAZ: And you *knoooow* what the B stands fooooooor~ YOU: *(blushing)* Stop! Oh my god. <%= display("car12") %>

*(Anja rolls her eyes.)* ANJA: You two are weird. *(She reaches over and turns on the radio.)* <%= next("kipling20") %>

*(Silence.)* KAZ: Anyway, y'know, I'm sorry for the like change of plans or whatever? But actually I was thinking, like, maybe this isn't so bad? You two have uh... *(They roll their hand over a few times, searching for the right words.)* ...lots in common. * [[Like what?|car2]] * [[Don't worry about it.|car19]] * [[Are we picking up Summer?|car9]]

YOU: Sorry. Allen's being annoying and it put me in a bad mood. ANJA: How awful for you. <%= display("car14") %>

YOU: Wow Kaz. We weren't expecting you to be so... on time. KAZ: Long story. I'll explain in the car. *(They punch Allen in the shoulder.)* Later dude. BYE ALLEN'S PARENTS!! <%= display("car24") %>

YOU: Ready to go? KAZ: Yes indeed. You coming with, Allen? ALLEN: I— YOU: He's feeling a little under the weather. KAZ: Ooh, I get you all to myself, huh? *(They punch Allen in the shoulder.)* Feel better dude. BYE ALLEN'S PARENTS!! <%= display("car24") %>

YOU: It's September, Annette. He hasn't even gotten in yet. ANNETTE: But he *will*, because he's smart and boring. And then what? * [[I'll figure it out.|dump19]] * [[We'll make it work.|dump15]] * [[I don't know.|dump20]] * [[Okay, enough.|dump21]]

YOU: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. ANNETTE: I'm just saying, the bridge is coming up. And if you know you're going to be taking the turn-off anyway, you might as well turn on your signal now. YOU: Wait, I'm confused. What's the car in this metaphor? <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: And then... I don't know. <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: Okay, cool it already. <%= display("dump12") %>

ANNETTE: *Good.* That's good, Nadia. You need to be your own person. * [[I am.|dump23]] * [[What makes you think I'm not?|dump24]] * [[And how do I do that?|dump25]]

YOU: I am my own person. ANNETTE: A person who just so happens to be tied down to her middle school boyfriend. * [[You think I'm too good for him.|dump30]] * [[He's not technically a middle school boyfriend.|dump11]] * [[I'm not tied down.|dump31]]

YOU: And what makes you think I'm not? ANNETTE: It's just... weird. The two of you. I'm mean you're smart, and you're pretty, and you have interests and opinions. And Allen is... well... * [[He's fine.|dump10]] * [[You think I'm too good for him.|dump30]] * [[He's not boring.|dump33]]

YOU: And how would you suggest I do that? <%= display("dump9") %>

YOU: It's fine. ANNETTE: Uh-huh. YOU: I mean it's his life, right? I'm not going to *force* him to go out just because *I* want to. ANNETTE: Sure. YOU: It's like whatever, you know? If he wants to stay home he can stay home. It doesn't bother me. ANNETTE: Kind of sounds like it bothers you a bit. * [[Maybe a little.|dump32]] * [[It doesn't. Really.|dump35]]

YOU: I'm getting kind of tired of it, honestly. He just like never wants to *do* anything. ANNETTE: Nothing at all? What do you guys do with each other? YOU: I don't know... hang out? We just, you know... ANNETTE: Stay inside all the time. *(You shrug.)* ANNETTE: Do you think he's depressed? Or just boring? * [[I don't know.|dump34]] * [[He's not boring.|dump33]]

YOU: Whatever. It's fine. ANJA: Do try to contain your enthusiasm back there. <%= display("car14") %>

YOU: It's fine. Don't worry about it. *(Kaz reclines in their seat)* <%= display("car10") %>

YOU: You're right. I should try and enjoy myself. KAZ: That's my girl. * [[I wish Allen was coming though.|car11]] * [[Nice vest.|car10]] * [[Are we picking up Summer?|car9]]

<% portrait("kaz2") %> YOU: *(sniffing the air)* Wait, have you been smoking? KAZ: Yeah... about that... YOU: Ugh! Kaaaz! You said you were going to drive! KAZ: Look it's not my fault! *(You stare at them.)* KAZ: Okay fine, it is my fault. Kind of. I slept in and I forgot what day it was and then by the time I realized we had the party tonight I was already high. So. Yeah. YOU: So, wait. How did you...? *(You look over to the car and see Anja checking her phone in the driver's seat.)* * [[What's she doing here?|car23]] * [[I'm going to kill you.|car22]]

YOU: I am going to kill you. *(You get in the car.)* ANJA: Hey, Kaz's begging and pleading is the only reason you have a ride to this thing. I'd show them a little more gratitude if I were you. <%= display("car1") %>

YOU: *(getting in the car)* What's she doing here? ANJA: *She* is giving you a ride, thanks to no small amount of begging and pleading on the part of her incorrigible sibling. <%= display("car1") %>

*(Anja reaches over and turns on the radio. You get out your phone and scroll through instagram for a while. Kaz reclines their seat.)* <%= next("kipling20") %>

YOU: We talked about this. KAZ: I mean a *regular* batch. Relax. YOU: Hmmph. KAZ: ...Unless you really want to try some of the other stuff in a safe and supportive environment with your best friend in the whole world?? YOU: You're incorrigible. KAZ: Thank you. <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi1") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: I don't even like baklava. KAZ: Aha! *Now* who's the racist? *(You grin and shake your head.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi1") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: Come on, Annette. That's not what I meant. ANNETTE: Ah, but it is it the truth? YOU: ... <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: Fine. So he's fine. So what? I like fine. Fine is fine. ANNETTE: Sure. YOU: It's not like it has to be romance 24/7. ANNETTE: Preaching to the aromantic choir on that one. <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: You think I'm too good for him. ANNETTE: Yes. I do. You've outgrown the middle school boyfriend phase. He... hasn't. * [[He's fine.|dump10]] * [[You're one to give dating advice.|dump1]] * [[We didn't start dating until Grade 9.|dump11]]

YOU: Well... it'd be nice for him to take me out *once* in a while... <%= display("dump9") %>

YOU: I don't really have the expertise to diagnose someone as being depressed. ANNETTE: But you *do* have the expertise to diagnose someone as boring. YOU: ... <%= display("dump9") %>

YOU: He's not boring, okay? He's nice. ANNETTE: "Nice" is the most boring adjective in the English language. YOU: You don't know him like I do. He's sweet, really. It's just, he's a bit... you know... <%= display("dump9") %>

<% portrait("anja2"); s.anjaphase=8; s.hour="1am"; %> *(You bump into Anja as you walk back towards the house.)* ANJA: Well. Look at you getting all cozy. * [[Shut up.|bump3]] * [[Fuck off.|bump4]] * [[Go away.|bump2]]

YOU: I'm not interested in talking to you right now. ANJA: Yes, clearly you have other things on your mind. And here I thought you actually had enough sense to avoid this charmer... * [[Nothing happened.|bump9]] * [[None of your business.|bump7]] * [[Just don't tell Allen.|bump8]]

YOU: Shut up, Anja. <%= display("bump5") %>

YOU: Fuck off. <%= display("bump5") %>

ANJA: I thought he wasn't your type. YOU: He's not. ANJA: Whatever you say. * [[I blew him off.|bump6]] * [[None of your business.|bump7]] * [[Just don't tell Allen.|bump8]]

YOU: For your information I'm not interested, and I told him to go away and stop talking to me. ANJA: Hah. Of course you did. * [[What does *that* mean?|bump11]] * [[What is your problem with me?|bump10]] * [[Just don't tell Allen.|bump8]]

YOU: What business is it of yours anyway? ANJA: Out in the open at a crowded party? I think it's everyone's business now. * [[What is your problem with me?|bump10]] * [[Just don't tell Allen.|bump8]] * [[It wasn't for your entertainment.|bump13]] * [[Whatever.|bump12]]

YOU: Look, just... don't tell Allen, okay? ANJA: Ha. You think I care what secrets you keep from your boyfriend? YOU: I'm not keeping *secrets*. ANJA: *(smirking)* Is that so? YOU: ... *(She goes back inside.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: For your information, nothing happened and I'm not interested anyway. ANJA: Whatever you say. YOU: Seriously. I told him to go away and stop talking to me. ANJA: Hah. Shocker. * [[What does *that* mean?|bump11]] * [[What is your problem with me?|bump10]]

<% portrait("jayden2") %> YOU: I'm not like that super into YouTube so... JAYDEN: *(confused)* How are you not into YouTube? YOU: I mean I like those videos where an otter and a dog become best friends... JAYDEN: Okay, but this guy? Is like *way* better than any of that. He's this angry British man and he goes on these huge rants about how dumb politicians and anti-science people are, and stuff like that. Really calling out dumb people, you know? YOU: Eh, that's not really my thing... JAYDEN: Oh no, you would *love* this guy. Trust me. He's all about the truth, you know? Just like a journalist. <%= display("familiar6") %>

YOU: Okay... JAYDEN: And he does this series where he points out like everything that's wrong with movies? And he just like... *goes off*. It's amazing. YOU: Right. JAYDEN: He's— Well, I mean you've really got to see it but like he's *so* sarcastic. It's honestly hilarious. YOU: Uh-huh. Well, I'm not super into YouTube, so— JAYDEN: Okay well honestly you probably just haven't seen the right ones. Like you would *love* this guy. No question. He's all about the truth, you know? Just like a journalist. <%= display("familiar6") %>

YOU: Uh-huh. Well there's more to journalism than just yelling. JAYDEN: Oh, yeah. Sure. *(He takes out his phone.)* Ugh, I wish I had more data. You really need to hear him to fully get it. YOU: Bummer. I guess— JAYDEN: But you know what? Let me tell you about some of his best videos. * [[...|familiar7]]

<% portrait("olivia2"); s.oliviaphase=1; %> OLIVIA: Nadia! *(You turn to her. She holds up her beer.)* OLIVIA: Whooo! * [[Hey.|whoo2]] * [[Whoo!|whoo3]]

YOU: Hi Olivia Kwon. *(She throws up her arms into a victory pose and a bit of beer sloshes out onto her sleeve.)* OLIVIA: WHOOOOOO!!!!! *(She keeps walking downstairs)* YOU: ...Bye Olivia Kwon. <%= next() %>

YOU: *(a little unsure)* ...Whoo! *(Olivia throws up her arms into a victory pose. A bit of beer sloshes out onto her sleeve.)* OLIVIA: WHOOOOOO! YOU: *(noddding)* Whoo! *(She keeps walking downstairs.)* <%= next() %>

*(You lean back in your seat and zone out, nodding occasionally to make it seem like you're listening. After what feels like twenty minutes of listening to Jayden, you see Summer peek her head out the back door. She looks around for a second and then head back into the house.)* YOU: Summer—! ...Ah, shoot. JAYDEN: Oh god, and there's this other guy. I don't remember his exact username but he's Swedish? I think? Maybe Polish. Anyway, he does this— YOU: Hey, I have to go talk to someone quickly. *(You shove the bowl of chips in his lap and stand up.)* ...Sorry. JAYDEN: Hey, no problem! Maybe we can watch some of this stuff together some time. YOU: Uh-huh. <%= next() %>

YOU: God, what is your *problem* with me? ANJA: Don't play dumb, Nazari. * [[I'm not.|bump14]] * [[Whatever.|bump12]]

YOU: What does *that* mean? ANJA: You clearly have a go-to strategy for dealing with your discomfort. A bit blunt, really. * [[Whatever.|bump12]] * [[You don't know me.|bump16]] * [[You're the only thing making me uncomfortable.|bump15]]

YOU: Whatever. This conversation is over. ANJA: *(smirking)* If that's the case, why are we still talking? YOU: ... *(She goes back inside, brushing her hand across your shoulder as she passes.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Look, I wasn't putting on a show for you, alright? ANJA: Everything you do is a show, Nadia. *(She walks past you, brushing her hand across your shoulder.)* And believe me, we get the message. YOU: ... *(She goes back inside.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: I'm *not* playing dumb. I seriously don't get it. What did I ever do to you? *(She sighs.)* ANJA: You know, there are times when I find your obliviousness a little endearing. *(She walks past you, brushing her hand across your shoulder.)* ANJA: But right now I'm just bored. YOU: ... *(She goes back inside.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: The only thing making me uncomfortable right now is you. ANJA: *(smirking)* And why is that, I wonder? YOU: ... *(She walks past you, brushing her hand across your shoulder.)* ANJA: You're a lot more interesting when you're not being so predictable. Give it a try some time. *(She goes back inside.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: You don't know me. ANJA: *(smirking)* Oh, is that so? YOU: Yeah. It is. So quit acting like you do. *(She walks past you, brushing her hand across your shoulder.)* ANJA: ...I bet I know a lot more than you think. YOU: ... *(She heads back inside.)* <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kaz2","kipling2"); s.sausage=true; s.kazphase=5; s.kiplingphase=4; %> *(You walk up to Kaz. Some dude you don't know runs past you in his underwear and jumps into the pool.)* KAZ: Sausage fest, huh? YOU: *(nodding)* Major. *(Blake, fully dressed, swims up to the side of the pool.)* <%= display("sausage2") %> *(You walk over to Kipling's makeshift lifeguard chair.)* * [[Boys will be boys.|sausage3]] * [[You sure this is safe?|sausage4]]

<% s.textallenbefore += 1; %> BLAKE: Kaz, get in here! KAZ: Not a chance. *(He tries to grab their legs. They jump back from the ledge.)* KAZ: Whoa, buddy! This is a new vest. BLAKE: So take it off! KAZ: Fuck off, Blake. *(He splashes a bit of water at their feet.)* KAZ: Gah! Fuck *off*, Blake! *(Blake splashes a little harder. Kaz runs backwards out of the room, laughing and shrieking.)* KIPLING: Hey hey hey! No running by the pool, amigos.

<% portrait("kipling2") %> YOU: Boys'll be boys, huh? KIPLING: Ha! There are few things in the universe more constant than that. *(There's some more commotion from the pool. Kip blows his whistle.)* KIPLING: Hey! No roughhousing in there! Don't make me turn this bad boy into a wading pool! YOU: Wait, you can control the water level? KIPLING: Height of Belgian engineering, Nadine. Depth, temperature, colour, salinity... You name it, I can control it. I can even full on jacuzzify the entire operation in an emergency. YOU: ...What kind of emergency requires full on jacuzzification? KIPLING: Believe me, you'll know it when you see it. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kipling2") %> YOU: You sure it's safe to the have pool open with all these drunk people around? KIPLING: *(not taking his eyes off the pool)* As you can see, the sitch is most closely monitored. Plus I'm keeping the levels a bit shallower than normal. YOU: You can *control* the water level? KIPLING: Height of Belgian engineering, Nadine. *(He blows into his whistle.)* Hey! Cool it on the roughhousing, boyos! I mean it. YOU: They're in good hands, I guess. KIPLING: For certain. My dude Josh is taking the next shift and he's Bronze Cross. In fact if you're looking to have someone fix you up a plate of hors-d'oeuvres, I'm off in five. * [[I'm fine.|sausage5]] * [[Is it really "hors-d'oeuvres" at this point?|sausage6]]

YOU: Thanks Kip, but I'm good. KIPLING: *(winking)* If you change your mind there are snack bowls strategically placed throughout the residence. <% if (s.chipgame) { %> YOU: Yeah, I had an encounter. KIPLING: As planned, I assure you. <% } else { %> YOU: I'll keep an eye out. KIPLING: Won't have to look far, I assure you. <% } %> <%= next() %>

YOU: Can you really call them "hors-d'oeuvres" at this time of night? KIPLING: Don't constrain yourself with labels, N-bomb. They're small and they're delicious. What else is there to worry about? *(You stare admiringly at Kipling for a second.)* YOU: You're a wise man, Kip. KIPLING: When it comes to food? Yes indeed I am. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("jayden2"); s.jaydenphase = 4; s.room = "frontyard"; chapter(8); %> *(You lean up against the side of the wall and bump your head awkwardly to the music. You look around and see a few people from your class, but mostly it's unfamiliar faces. You look up at the ceiling.)* JAYDEN: Hey! *(You turn to your left. Jayden somehow got right up next to you without you noticing.)* YOU: Oh! Hey!! JAYDEN: *(inaudible)* YOU: What?? JAYDEN: *(leaning in close)* This is bullshit! * [[What do you mean?|bullshit3]] * [[Oh.|bullshit4]] * [[It's a bit much.|bullshit2]]

YOU: It's a bit much in here right now, yeah! JAYDEN: I don't know why I even come to these things! YOU: Me neither! JAYDEN: Huh? YOU: Me neither!!! JAYDEN: Oh!! Yeah, me neither too! *(You nod.)* YOU: Kind of hard to have a conversation in here, huh?? <%= display("bullshit6") %>

YOU: What's bullshit? JAYDEN: This! This whole party! YOU: Oh!! <%= display("bullshit15") %>

YOU: Oh! Okay!! JAYDEN: This whole party I mean!! <%= display("bullshit15") %>

YOU: Um!! Yeah, if you want!! *(You walk downstairs and out the front door. The house looks pretty empty at this point. Most people are either upstairs or have already left. The two of you lean against the low wall by the driveway.)* JAYDEN: ...You cold? YOU: Hmm? JAYDEN: You're rubbing your shoulders. *(You look down.)* YOU: Oh. ...Uh, no. Not really. I mean it's not too bad out. JAYDEN: Right. No. *(You clasp your hands.)* YOU: ...So. Not a fan of dancing? JAYDEN: I just don't see the appeal. It just feels kind of dumb. You know what I mean? * [[Some people like it.|bullshit12]] * [[You sound like Allen right now.|bullshit13]] * [[Never been great at it myself.|bullshit14]]

JAYDEN: Do you want to go outside?? * [[If you want.|bullshit5]]

YOU: I'm going to go inside now. JAYDEN: *(sighing)* I'm sorry. That was stupid. YOU: Yeah. *(You scratch your wrist.)* I think maybe you should go home for the night. *(He nods, not making eye contact.)* YOU: Or just, maybe... avoid... me. JAYDEN: Sure. Um, see you on Monday? *(You walk away without replying.)* <%= next("bump1") %>

YOU: So like... what are you doing here tonight anyway? JAYDEN: What do you mean? YOU: Well like. Kaz was the one who dragged *me* here. But what's here for you? Clearly it's not the dancing. JAYDEN: Well... I mean. You're here. * [[Thanks, my platonic friend.|bullshit10]] * [[I'm not worth going to a party for.|bullshit9]] * [[That's sweet.|bullshit11]] * [[...I think I'm going to head back in.|bullshit16]]

YOU: Ha. I'm definitely not worth building your social calendar around. JAYDEN: Yes. You are. <%= display("bullshit24") %>

YOU: Ha! Thanks, friend. *(You punch him in the shoulder. He smiles at you silently.)* YOU: Anyway... It's probably time to head back in, huh? I'm sure lots of people are wondering where we got to. <%= display("bullshit20") %>

YOU: That's... kind of sweet, actually. Wow. JAYDEN: Hey, I can be sweet sometimes. <%= display("bullshit24") %>

YOU: It doesn't. Really. I'm fine. *(She gives you a look and takes a sip.)* YOU: You don't believe I'm fine? ANNETTE: Oh I believe *you're* fine. It's your dude. Do you never get *bored* of him? * [[He's not boring.|dump33]] * [[You think I'm too good for him.|dump30]]

YOU: I'm not "tied down" to anything. Allen makes me happy. ANNETTE: Oh yeah. No. Totally. You look like you're having the time of your life. * [[I'm enjoying myself plenty.|dump14]] * [[Cool it.|dump21]] * [[You're not the person I'd go to for dating advice.|dump1]] * [[Things are just weird right now.|dump37]]

YOU: If it's so fun then why don't you do it? KAZ: Because watching *you* do it would be even more fun! <%= display("yellowdress1") %>

YOU: I'm still getting used to all... this. I've only ever told one person and that's you. It's going to take a while before I can just go up to strangers. KAZ: Alright, alright! I get it. Baby steps. YOU: *(exhaling)* Thank you. KAZ: ...But when you *are* ready I'll be right there, waiting to see you reach your full potential and soar through the sky like a beautiful Nadia bird. <%= display("yellowdress34") %>

YOU: You know what? New rule: You're not allowed to be more into my sex life than I am. KAZ: Sorrrrrrry! Just trying to be a supportive friend who loves you and cares about you and wants to see you reach your full potential and soar through the sky like a beautiful Nadia bird. <%= display("yellowdress34") %>

YOU: Pass. KAZ: What do you mean, pass? You can't pass! That's no fun. * [[I didn't realize I was here for your amusement.|yellowdress35]] * [[You do it if it's so fun.|yellowdress25]] * [[Can we just stop this conversation?|yellowdress15]] * [[I'm spoken for.|yellowdress36]] * [[I'm not just going to assume.|yellowdress14]]

<% portrait("kaz2"); s.kazphase = 3; s.summerphase = 1; s.hour = "10pm"; s.visionbefore = 0; s.room = "downstairs"; chapter(4); %> KAZ: There you are! Say any sentence. *(You open your mouth to say something and Kaz immediately shoves a cracker with dip on it into your mouth.)* YOU: *(chewing)* Artichoke? KAZ: Amazing, right? * [[Amazing.|dip2]] * [[You're big on this dip.|dip3]]

*(You swallow.)* YOU: Amazing. KAZ: Kipling *made* this stuff. Like in a kitchen and everything. <%= display("dip4") %>

*(You swallow.)* YOU: You're big on this dip, huh? KAZ: I am as big as anyone has ever been on any dip in history. You know Kipling *made* this stuff? In a kitchen! <%= display("dip4") %>

YOU: Well he has to cook for himself. I guess he's pretty good at it now. *(The two of you wander into the main living room.)* KAZ: Jeez. Never thought of it that way. *(They shake their head.)* If I had to cook for myself I'd probably just eat Pizza Pockets all day. Or chips. * [[Neither of those are cooking.|dip6]] * [[Not even Kraft Dinner?|dip7]] * [[Maybe Kip could teach you.|dip8]] * [[You bake all the time.|dip5]]

YOU: You bake stuff all the time. KAZ: Yes, but that's for a very specific purpose. Doesn't really make for a good dinner. YOU: Right. Frozen pizza blobs on the other hand... *(They stick their tongue out. Just then, you happen to glance across the room and notice Summer coming in through the front door.)* <%= display("dip13") %>

YOU: I'm not sure either of those count as *cooking*, exactly... KAZ: It's getting food ready to go in my stomach. Close enough. <%= display("dip10") %>

YOU: You wouldn't even make some basic Kraft Dinner? KAZ: ...Does eating the flavour packet count as "making"? <%= display("dip10") %>

YOU: Maybe Kip could give you some cooking lessons. KAZ: Yeah, maybe. I could be his artichoke protégé. His... arti...choté...gé. <%= display("dip10") %>

YOU: Damn it, I can't hear what she's saying. KAZ: Do you want me to turn off all the music and ask everyone to shut up? YOU: God, what was I thinking? I'm afraid to even make *small talk* right now. There's no *way* I'm going to be able to hash out some huge enormous piece of my history. <%= display("dip14") %>

<% portrait("miles2"); s.milesphase=2; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 1; } %> YOU: Hey Miles. MILES: *(not looking up)* Mmm. * [[Did you see where Summer went?|piketty3]] * [[Reading at a party?|piketty2]] * [[Having fun?|piketty4]]

YOU: Reading at a party? MILES: Mm-hmm. Piketty. YOU: That like a kind of pasta? *(Miles looks up.)* YOU: ...That was a joke. I don't know who Piketty is but I'm guessing they're probably a human. MILES: He's an economist. YOU: Oh. *(Silence.)* <%= display("piketty6") %>

YOU: Did you see Summer go through here? MILES: Huh. YOU: Summer. Just now. She was in here. Did you see where she went? MILES: What? No. I was reading. *(He holds up his book as if to demonstrate that fact.)* * [[At a party?|piketty5]] * [[Never mind.|piketty7]]

YOU: Having a good time? MILES: Mm-hmm. <%= display("piketty6") %>

YOU: At a party? MILES: *(flatly)* Yes. *(You silently stare at each other.)* <%= display("piketty6") %>

YOU: ...No. <%= display("yellowdress30") %>

YOU: Can we just, forget it, maybe? I'm not really in the mood right now. KAZ: Aw, what? What's the problem? * [[I have a boyfriend.|yellowdress32]] * [[I'm new at this.|yellowdress26]] * [[Can we just stop this conversation?|yellowdress15]] * [[I really need to talk to Summer.|yellowdress29]]

YOU: I have a boyfriend. Remember? We've been dating for years? You were at his house a few hours ago? KAZ: Wait, when was I at his house? <%= display("yellowdress33") %>

YOU: You picked me up there. KAZ: That was tonight? YOU: *Yes.* KAZ: Shit, dude. <%= display("yellowdress34") %>

YOU: *(smiling)* I can't tell if you're too high right now or not high enough. KAZ: No such thing as high enough, buddy. Which reminds me... *(They pull a little tupperware container out of their bag.)* YOU: What is this? What are you doing? KAZ: Whipped up some special baklava for the festivities. * [[You know how to make baklava?|yellowdress3]] * [[You can put pot in baklava?|yellowdress2]]

YOU: I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was here for your amusement. KAZ: It'd mainly be *your* amusement. YOU: Kaz— KAZ: I'd just be basking in *reflected* amusement, honestly... YOU: *Kaz.* *(They make a pouty face.)* <%= display("yellowdress1") %>

YOU: I have a boyfriend, in case you've forgotten. And something tells me he wouldn't appreciate me hitting on some random girl at a party? KAZ: Have you asked? Maybe he'd be super into it. YOU: *Kaz.* KAZ: What? I'm just saying. <%= display("yellowdress1") %>

KAZ: Okay, fine. So she's not your ideal girl. You could still go talk to her! * [[I have a boyfriend.|yellowdress32]] * [[Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves?|yellowdress8]] * [[Could we just stop?|yellowdress15]]

YOU: I just need to talk to Summer right now. And she keeps running away, and I don't know, and *ugh.* KAZ: Aw. YOU: I'll be more fun when this is all sorted out. Promise. KAZ: Just... don't let it stress you out, eh? YOU: Yeah. KAZ: You can't control whether or not she wants to talk, right? Can't lead a horse to water and all that. YOU: No, you *can* lead a horse to water. KAZ: Hmm. That's not a very good proverb then. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("olivia2"); s.oliviaphase = 3; s.anjaphase = 3; s.textallenbefore += 1; %> YOU: What's goin' on, Olivia Kwon? OLIVIA: Nadia! Tibor's gonna go hack a couple darts out front. You wanna come with? YOU: Oh, uh, I don't smoke. OLIVIA: Well shit neither do I but I bet Teebs can put 'em back for the three of us. * [[Sure, I could use the fresh air.|dart3]] * [[I'm looking for Summer, actually.|dart2]]

<% s.room = "frontyard" %> YOU: ...Yeah. Yeah, okay. Sure. OLIVIA: Beauty. *(The two of you walk out to the front driveway, where Anja and Ashley <% if (s.ashleysurname) { %> Bridges <% } %> are out drinking. You find Tibor leaning against a low wall, and plant yourselves next to him on top of it as he lights up a ciagrette. Out of the corner of your eye you notice Anja periodically glaring in your direction.)* * [[How's it going, Tibor?|dart27]] * [[Enjoying the party, Olivia?|dart28]]

YOU: I actually need to go talk to Summer. Have you seen her? OLIVIA: You're lookin' for that girl a lot lately, huh? YOU: It's, uh... she's kind of hard to pin down sometimes. OLIVIA: Hmm, yeah. That girl was always kinda camo. * [[She's been avoiding me.|dart4]] * [[So you haven't seen her.|dart5]]

YOU: Tell me about it. I think she's been avoiding me. OLIVIA: All night? YOU: ...Kinda all week. OLIVIA: Brutal. *(Tibor whistles from the door way.)* OLIVIA: Alright, I gotta go. I'll let you know if I see her. YOU: Thanks Olivia Kwon. <%= display("dart30") %>

YOU: So I take it you haven't seen her tonight then. OLIVIA: Yeah, not at all. But hey, if I see her I'll send her over. *(She claps you on the shoulder.)* And you do likewise, eh? I wanna hear what that girl's been getting into. YOU: Sure. Thanks, Olivia Kwon. <%= display("dart30") %>

<% s.anjaphase=4; s.oliviaphase=4; s.textallenbefore += 1; %> YOU: Uh... who are these guys? OLIVIA: Good damn question. *(She sticks two fingers in her mouth and whistles at them.)* Private party, boys! *(The dudes ignore her and start walking towards the house.)* OLIVIA: *(jumping down off the wall.)* Hey! You hear me or what? DUDE #1: We were invited. OLIVIA: Bullshit you were. * [[Who invited you?|dart7]] * [[What are you doing here?|dart8]] * [[Easy, Olivia.|dart9]]

YOU: Who invited you exactly? DUDE #2: *(loudly and sharply)* None of your business. *(Olivia scoffs.)* YOU: Okay uh if you knew someone here you'd probably just tell us. <%= display("dart23") %>

YOU: Uh, what are you doing here? DUDE #2: *(loudly and sharply)* Going to a party. What's it to you? YOU: I was just asking... OLIVIA: Watch it, bud. <%= display("dart23") %>

YOU: Easy there... OLIVIA: Who said I wasn't easy? I just wanna hear what these dudes are doing here. DUDE #2: *(loudly and sharply)* None of your business. <%= display("dart10") %>

*(He tries to walk past you but Olivia jumps in front of him.)* OLIVIA: Look boys, this is a high school party. These boys seem high school to you, Teebs? *(Tibor tosses his cigarette down and stamps it out.)* TIBOR: *(walking over)* Nope. OLIVIA: Facial hair like that. That's an old-ass-hipster look if I've ever seen one. TIBOR: Pushin' thirty I'd bet. *(Anja walks up behind you, grabs your arm, and quietly tugs you away from the confrontation.)* * [[Hey—!?|dart29]]

YOU: Holy shit. I cannot believe you just did that. *(Tibor gives Olivia a light punch in the shoulder.)* <%= display("dart17") %>

YOU: That was... completely amazing. TIBOR: *(nodding)* Nice one. <%= display("dart17") %>

YOU: Jesus, Olivia Kwon! You okay? <%= display("dart17") %>

YOU: Whoa! Hey! *(Anja grabs your arm.)* <%= display("dart16") %>

YOU: I'm going to get Kip. *(Anja grabs your arm.)* <%= display("dart16") %>

OLIVIA: Oh, buddy wants a little shovesky eh? *(She shoves him back. Tibor spits on the ground.)* TIBOR: Hey she's half your goddamn age, pissant. Fuck kinda creature are you? OLIVIA: Fuckin' tweaked out millennial shitbag. That's what he is. DUDE #1: Come on, dude. Chill. DUDE #2: Nah I am DONE with this fucking psychotic lesbian! *(He gets up in her face and shoves her again.)* Get out my god damn way! Or else! *(Olivia shoots a quick look back at Anja, who gives her a tiny nod.)* OLIVIA: Well, when you put it that way. *(She socks him right in the face.)* DUDE #2: *(reeling backwards)* AUGH!! FUCK! OLIVIA: Yeah! That's right! Who else? DUDE #2: Crazy bitch! *(He steps forward, but Dude #3 grabs his arm.)* TIBOR: Had your fun, boys? DUDE #3: Come on, man. Let's just go. OLIVIA: That's right, handlebar. Bike the fuck on out of here. *(They run off and get in their car.)* * [[Holy shit.|dart11]] * [[That was amazing.|dart12]] * [[Are you okay?|dart13]]

OLIVIA: *(laughing)* ...my hand really fucking hurts you guys. ANJA: Come on, let's get you some ice. *(The two of them head back in. Tibor lights up another cigarette.)* <%= next()%>

*(Ashley gets up and moves to head back inside. Anja smiles tightly and waves her off. Ashley glances at you, then pats Anja on the shoulder and walks off towards the house.)* OLIVIA: Hey. *(She hits you lightly in the arm.)* Anja's been givin' you the eye all night. YOU: The evil eye maybe. OLIVIA: Oh is that what she's doing? * [[She's mad about something.|dart20]] * [[I can handle her.|dart21]] * [[You don't think so?|dart19]]

YOU: She's mad about something. OLIVIA: Oh yeah? What's that? YOU: Um.... I don't *exactly* know? OLIVIA: Oh, buddy. *(She chuckles and shakes her head.)* <%= display("dart22") %>

YOU: I can handle it. OLIVIA: Never doubted you for a second there bud. YOU: ...Although if things keep deteriorating I miiight need you to throw a few punches for me. OLIVIA: Oh, buddy. You get into a tussle with a bruiser like that and even I won't be able to save you. *(She laughs and slaps you on the back.)* She's a beast, bud. I tell ya. YOU: Hmm. OLIVIA: But also? She's a *beast*. If you catch my meaning. YOU: Not sure I do. OLIVIA: Ha! Buddy. <%= display("dart25") %>

YOU: You don't think so? OLIVIA: Could be, I guess. I don't know. Don't really follow any of that locker room drama. YOU: Trust me. She pretty much hates me. OLIVIA: For real? Since when? *(You shrug.)* <%= display("dart22") %>

YOU: It's been like this for ages. Honestly, you think she'd tire out after a while. OLIVIA: Nah, that girl's unstoppable. I tell you. YOU: *(sighing)* Unfortunately for me. <%= display("dart25") %>

DUDE #3: Hey, it's cool. We're friends of the host, alright? YOU: ...Why don't we just text him and see? *(You get out your phone.)* DUDE #2: You do that. <%= display("dart10") %>

YOU: ...I'll leave you to it then. MILES: Sure. <%= next() %>

*(You watch on nervously. Anja grips your arm.)* <%= display("dart16") %>

<% portrait("anja2"); s.anjaphase=6; s.hour="12am"; s.room="diningroom"; %> *(You round the corner as you're typing and run into Anja, spilling a bit of your drink on her shirt.)* ANJA: Careful! YOU: Shoot! Oh god, sorry. ANJA: *(looking down)* Ugh, damn it. * [[Let me get that.|textallen15]] * [[Are you okay?|textallen16]] * [[Sorry.|textallen17]]

YOU: Let me get that. *(Anja raises an eyebrow. You look around for paper towels.)* YOU: Um. Okay. Here. *(You cautiously extend your forearm and then try to rub the stain off her chest with your shirt sleeve. Anja looks down, astounded.)* ANJA: Could you *not*? YOU: Oh god. *(You pull your hand away quickly.)* Sorry. I didn't— *(Anja hurries off towards the kitchen. You look down at your dampened sleeve.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Are you okay? ANJA: I am. My shirt is not. YOU: Sorry. ANJA: Yes. You said that already. Do you mind? YOU: Oh, uh— *(She shoves her way past you and heads to the kitchen.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Sorry! ANJA: You said that already. YOU: I— I didn't see you! I was just— ANJA: Yeah, no kidding. Excuse me. *(She shoves her way past you and heads to the kitchen.)* <%= next() %>

<% portrait("anja2"); s.anjaphase=7; %> *(You walk over to the sink.)* YOU: ...Is it coming out? ANJA: More or less. *(She dabs at her shirt with a dish towel.)* Now I just have to walk around with a wet shirt for the rest of the night. YOU: I just want to say again, for the record, I totally didn't mean to and I'm very sorry. *(She sighs in frustration and tosses the dish towel onto the counter.)* ANJA: What the hell is going on, Nadia? * [[I'm apologizing.|sorry2]] * [[What do you mean?|sorry3]]

YOU: I'm apologizing. ANJA: Yes, no. I get it. You spilled your drink. It was an accident. You are more sorry than you have been in your entire life. Words cannot fucking express. * [[Seriously?|sorry12]] * [[I can't even say sorry?|sorry8]] * [[I'm just trying to be nice.|sorry9]]

YOU: What do you mean? ANJA: Why are you following me into the kitchen? Why are you apologizing over and over again about a stupid drink? How is it you can become so *effusively* apologetic over something so trivial? * [[I can't even say sorry?|sorry8]] * [[I'm just trying to be nice.|sorry9]] * [[Why are you so judgmental?|sorry19]]

YOU: So what? Would you rather I *didn't* apologize? ANJA: If that would put an end to this conversation, then yes. * [[Fine.|sorry5]] * [[Tough.|sorry6]] * [[You're impossible.|sorry7]]

YOU: Fine. Next time I do something wrong I will just be completely silent. That better? ANJA: It's worked great so far! Why stop now? YOU: Ugh. *(You walk off.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: Well tough. I'm going to apologize and I'm not going to *apologize* for apologizing. And if you don't like it that's too bad because it's not going to make me any less sorry. ANJA: Great. Good for you. YOU: Ugh! *(You throw your hands up and walk away.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: You're impossible. ANJA: And yet you keep trying. *(You throw your hands up and walk away.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: I can't even say I'm *sorry* now? ANJA: I just do not get your priorities in the slightest. * [[Would you rather I didn't apologize?|sorry4]] * [[I'm just trying to be nice.|sorry9]] * [[Why do you care?|sorry10]] * [[What do you know about my priorities?|sorry20]]

YOU: I'm just trying to be nice. ANJA: Fine. But why are you trying to be nice to *me*? * [[You're my best friend's sister.|sorry13]] * [[We have to work together.|sorry14]] * [[I don't want you to hate me.|sorry15]] * [[Good question.|sorry16]]

YOU: What do you care why my priorities are? Why are you so insistent on judging me for every little thing I do? *(She tosses the dish towel down on the counter.)* ANJA: I might ask *you* why you're so insistent on inserting yourself into my life where you clearly do not belong. * [[You're my best friend's sister.|sorry13]] * [[We have to work together.|sorry14]] * [[I don't want you to hate me.|sorry15]] * [[Good question.|sorry16]]

YOU: Hey, I'm trying here! Give me a goddamn break for once. ANJA: Yes. You're trying. But why are you trying with *me*? * [[You're my best friend's sister.|sorry13]] * [[We have to work together.|sorry14]] * [[I don't want you to hate me.|sorry15]] * [[Good question.|sorry16]]

YOU: Seriously? You're going to get on my case here? It was a *shirt.* ANJA: *Exactly!* It was a shirt. YOU: ... Yes? ANJA: *(sighing)* Forget it. * [[Done.|sorry18]] * [[Would you rather I didn't apologize?|sorry4]] * [[I'm just trying to be nice.|sorry9]] * [[What is your problem?|sorry17]]

YOU: You're my *best friend's sister*. ANJA: Exactly. Emphasis on sister. We're two different people. If Kaz wants to get all buddy buddy with you, that's their choice. *My* choice is to keep you at a goddamn distance. YOU: Fine. *(You storm off.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: We have to work together. ANJA: French class? *Really?* That's what this is about? Well don't worry, Nadia. I'm not going to jeopardize your grades just because I can't stand you. Jesus Christ... YOU: That's not what I meant. ANJA: I don't care what you meant. You want us to work together? Fine. We'll work together. But that's where my obligation ends. YOU: ...Whatever. *(You walk off.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: I just... don't want you to hate me. Is that too much to ask? *(Anja puts down the dish towel and stares right at you.)* ANJA: Yes. *(You stare back for a few seconds, then throw up your hands and walk off.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: You know what? I don't know! So far you seem to be giving me nothing but grief for it! ANJA: Feel free to start taking the hint. *(You throw your hands up and walk away.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

<% portrait("kaz2","miles2"); s.kazphase=6; s.milesphase=4; s.textallenbefore += .5; %> *(You walk over to the couch. Kaz's eyes light up.)* KAZ: Nadia! What a coincidence. Me and Miles were *just* talking about how lovely and perfect you are. MILES: We were talking about fonts. KAZ: *(cheerfully)* Shut up, Miles! * [[Having fun, Kaz?|fonts2]] * [[Fonts are cool.|fonts7]] * [[Don't let me interrupt.|fonts4]]

YOU: Having fun? KAZ: Always. You made any progress tonight? * [[Not at all.|fonts3]] * [[I'm just trying to enjoy myself.|fonts5]] * [[Can't really talk about it right now.|fonts6]]

YOU: Well hey, don't let me interrupt font talk. *(Kaz gives you a friendly punch in the thigh and turns back to Miles.)* KAZ: Now where were we? <%= display("fonts8") %>

YOU: None. I've barely even seen her. MILES: Seen who? KAZ: Summer Okamura. MILES: Oh, I saw her like ten minutes ago. She was... *(You look at him expectantly.)* MILES: *(stroking his chin)* Well she was definitely *somewhere*. *(You sigh.)* YOU: I'm gonna keep looking. Later Kaz. KAZ: See you buddy. *(They turn back to Miles.)* Now where were we? <%= display("fonts8") %>

YOU: Honestly? I think I'm just trying to enjoy myself right now. Putting the rest of that stuff out of my mind. KAZ: Hey, that's the party spirit! Right, Miles? MILES: Well, yes. By definition, really. * [[I'll leave you to it.|fonts4]] * [[How about you, Miles?|fonts9]]

<% portrait("annette2"); s.dump = true; s.annettephase=4; s.textallenbefore += 1; %> *(You walk up to Annette. She jumps up, a little more enthusiastically than normal.)* ANNETTE: Nadia! Hey! YOU: How's it going? ANNETTE: Good, good. *(She takes a sip of her drink.)* Hey, where's Allen? * [[He's being weird.|dump6]] * [[Under the weather.|dump7]] * [[We're not attached at the hip.|dump8]]

YOU: Things are just weird right now, okay? Because of other stuff, not because of Allen. ANNETTE: If you say so. YOU: I do. <%= display("dump12") %>

YOU: Done. *(You throw your hands up and walk away.)* <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %><%= next("fyi2") %><% } else { %><%= next() %><% } %>

YOU: God, what is your problem? Is there *anything* I can do right? ANJA: Doesn't look that way. *(She keeps scrubbing.)* <%= display("sorry11") %>

YOU: I don't know, Anja. Why are *you* being so judgy? Everything I do, you find a way to hate me for it! Even when I'm trying to be nice. ANJA: "Nice"! That's what astounds me, Nadia. That *this* is your version of nice: being cordial and overapologetic about nothing. <%= display("sorry11") %>

YOU: My priorities! What do you know about my priorities? You barely even bother to talk to me! ANJA: Because I don't *want* to, Nadia. So why do you want to talk to me? * [[You're my best friend's sister.|sorry13]] * [[We have to work together.|sorry14]] * [[I don't want you to hate me.|sorry15]] * [[Good question.|sorry16]]

<% portrait("kaz2"); s.kazphase=8; chapter(9); %> *(You sit down on the grass next to Kaz.)* YOU: Ugh. KAZ: Hey dude. How's your night of gay drama going? YOU: Oh my god, could you be any louder? KAZ: I know that was a rhetorical question but I could actually be like ten times louder. * [[Someone's going to hear.|drama3]] * [[Still haven't talked to Summer.|drama2]] * [[Heterosexual drama got in the way.|drama21]]

*(You sigh.)* YOU: There's been no drama at all, that's the problem. I still haven't talked to her. KAZ: At all? You haven't talked to her once all night? * [[I tried.|drama4]] * [[Why, have you?|drama5]] * [[Maybe this isn't going to work.|drama6]]

YOU: Someone's going to *hear* you. KAZ: Hey we're on an *estate* here, in case you haven't noticed. The nearest people are like 100 metres away. YOU: 20, tops. Anyway, it's a backyard! Sound carries. KAZ: Is that how backyards work? * [[What if everyone finds out?|drama7]] * [[Anyway, Summer won't talk to me.|drama15]]

YOU: Tried, a couple of times. But things kept getting in the way. <%= display("drama23") %>

YOU: Why, have you? KAZ: Uh, yeah. We chatted I guess. YOU: Did you mention me? KAZ: No. Should I have? YOU: ...No. * [[Maybe this isn't going to work.|drama6]] * [[Why is everything so complicated?|drama23]]

YOU: Maybe this isn't going to work. KAZ: What, talking to Summer tonight? YOU: Talking to her ever. Reconnecting. Maybe it's a lost cause. <%= display("drama27") %>

YOU: I'm just... kind of paranoid about this, you know? What happens if everyone finds out? KAZ: ...Nothing? YOU: Sure. KAZ: I'm serious. I don't think it'd be that big a deal. YOU: Come on. KAZ: Hey remember who you're talking to. My thing is way more of a thing than your thing, and when I came out it was totally okay. *(You stare at them.)* KAZ: Alright fine. *Mostly* okay. But that's still way more okay than it could have been! People here are more or less cool. * [[You had Anja to protect you.|drama8]] * [[It's that "more or less" that worries me.|drama9]]

YOU: Maybe. But you had a terrifying sister to protect you. I have the exact opposite of that. KAZ: ...A weakling brother that deliberately tries to sabotage you? YOU: I mean Anja seriously hates me and this would be like ammunition for her to completely destroy me. KAZ: Dude. Anja would not do that. YOU: How do you know? KAZ: How do I know what *my twin sister* would do? Gee, let me think. *(You sigh and flop backwards onto the grass.)* KAZ: You are *really* worried about what she thinks of you, huh? * [[That's what Allen says.|drama10]] * [[I'm not.|drama11]] * [[I just want her to like me.|drama12]]

YOU: It's that "more or less" that scares me. KAZ: Mm. Well... It's never going to be 100% anything. *(You look over at them.)* KAZ: I'm not saying you *have* to come out or anything! I totally meant it when I said you have to take it at your own pace. But don't like, get super freaked out about worst-case scenarios either. YOU: I'll be honest, I literally had not considered not getting super freaked out. *(They laugh.)* KAZ: Oh, buddy. * [[Thanks for helping me with all this.|drama29]] * [[I'm kind of a mess, huh?|drama25]]

YOU: That's what Allen keeps saying. That I'm "obsessed" with her. KAZ: Uh, that's kind of messed up. YOU: Yeah, no. I get it. I'm a wreck. *(They tap you with their foot.)* KAZ: Not *you*, dumbass. Allen. What kind of weird thing to say is that? * [[He says that kind of thing a lot, actually.|drama13]] * [[Do you think he's right?|drama14]]

YOU: I'm not. KAZ: You sure? YOU: ...Maybe. *(They tap you with their foot.)* YOU: Well can you blame me? She's the only person to ever *actively hate me*. Besides Summer, I guess... KAZ: She doesn't *hate*-hate you, you know? * [[I just want her to like me.|drama12]] * [[It's hard to tell *what* she feels.|drama26]]

YOU: I just want her to like me. Why is that so hard? KAZ: I don't know, I've never really had to work for her approval. Kind of just came by default. YOU: I'm not a bad person, you know? KAZ: I know. *(They tap you with their foot.)* Do you want me to try and just ask her what she thinks of you? Find out what the deal is? <%= display("drama30") %>

YOU: He kind of says stuff like that a lot actually. Said the same thing about Summer too. KAZ: Fuck. YOU: ...And you, actually. Back when you and I started at the paper. KAZ: Um. I'm sensing a very gay theme here. *(You jolt back up.)* YOU: You don't think he knows, do you? KAZ: Kiiiiinda sounds like it's on his radar. YOU: Oh my god I'm so screwed. *(You bury your head in your hands.)* KAZ: ...Uh, also? Not to add to your current stress level, but Summer just walked out of the house right now and she's completely alone. *(You look back up.)* <%= display("drama17") %>

YOU: I don't know, do you think he's right? KAZ: Pfft. What? YOU: I'm serious. KAZ: No way. *(You rub your face.)* KAZ: It's not a weird thing to want someone to like you. Especially when that person is a Kaczmarek. We're great. I don't see why he has to make it sound so... skeezy. * [[There's something different about me recently.|drama24]] * [[He talks like that a lot.|drama13]] * [[I just want her to like me.|drama12]]

YOU: Anyway. There hasn't *been* any drama because Summer still won't talk to me. KAZ: Really? We've been here for *hours*. You haven't talked to her at all? * [[I tried.|drama4]] * [[Why, have you?|drama5]] * [[Maybe this isn't going to work.|drama6]]

*(Suddenly, Kaz bolts upright and hits you in the shoulder.)* KAZ: Dude, dude! There she is! YOU: Anja? KAZ: Summer! *(They point at the back door to the mansion. Summer's just walked out onto the terrace, and she's standing by herself.)* <%= display("drama17") %>

YOU: Has she seen me? KAZ: I don't think so. YOU: Should I talk to her? KAZ: Yes! Obviously! * [[What if she runs away again?|drama18]] * [[What do I even say?|drama19]] * [[...Okay. Here goes.|drama20]]

YOU: What if she just runs away again? KAZ: Then we'll come back with a net! Get over there already. <%= display("drama20") %>

YOU: What do I say? KAZ: Don't overthink it, okay? Be honest, be nice. It won't be as bad as you're thinking. <%= display("drama20") %>

YOU: ...Shoot. Okay. Here goes. <%= next("fight6") %>

<% portrait("kaz2") %> *(You just stand there in silence. A few seconds later, Kaz walks up beside you and claps their hand on your shoulder.)* KAZ: Well, buddy. Looks like we get to ride the bus tonight after all. <%= next("nexttime") %>

YOU: Um, I can't quite talk about that right now. KAZ: Hmm? ...Oh! I get it! Because of Miiiiiiles. *(They point at Miles.)* MILES: Hey. KAZ: You let me know when you want to go outside and chat about this in excruciating detail. Alright? YOU: I'll be sure to come get you. *(They wink. You wave goodbye and walk off.)* MILES: What was that? KAZ: Don't worry about it. Now where were we? <%= display("fonts8") %>

<% s.room = "terrace" %> #### **Back Terrace** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> Kipling's back patio was always incredibly swanky, but it seems to have gotten even more impressive since the last time you saw it. A pretty sizeable tiki bar has been installed off to one side. <% if (s.kiplingphase === 0) { %> <%= link("Kipling","kipling27") %> is currently wiping it down with a monogrammed dish towel. <% } %> <% if (s.kiplingphase === 1) { s.kiplingphase = 0; %> You get outside just in time to see Kipling serving Anja a colourful tropical drink with a tiny umbrella in it. She walks back inside as he <%= link("waves you over","kipling27") %>. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow) { %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> walks out of the house right behind you. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && !s.jaydenfollow && s.kiplingphase > 1) { %> The <% if (!s.heydramas) { %> <%= link("drama kids","heydramas1") %> <% } else { %> dramas <% } %> are out back leaning against some hedges. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> A crowd of people has gathered to watch an impromptu shinny game being played on the tennis courts out back. The puck is a crumpled up beer can, and people are using whatever long objects they can find as hockey sticks. You're pretty sure one of the goalies is using a pool net. Meanwhile, some poor Grade 10 girl is already throwing up into a topiary. <% if (s.annettephase < 2 && s.jaydenphase < 2 && !s.couch) { %> <%= link("Annette","familiar1") %> sits next to Jayden on a couch. She practically jumps up to wave you over. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase >= 2 && !s.couch) { %> Jayden sits off to the side on a couch, drumming his fingers and looking around. <% } %> <% if (!s.couchtrigger) { s.couchtrigger = true; } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> A couple of guys have dropped a keg on the back patio and are now trying to work out how exactly to do a keg stand. A ring of Grade 11s watch them intently, occasionally breaking into uncoordinated chanting about kegs and keggers and keg stands. <% if (s.kazphase < 4 && s.anjaphase < 2 && s.kiplingphase < 4) { %> Kipling tends the packed tiki bar, looking extremely preoccupied as he fills empty coconuts with fruity concoctions. <% } %> <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> The sizeable fountain in the middle of the terrace, lit by colourful LEDs, glimmers gently in the night. Its beauty is only compromised by Mason and Ethan standing ankle-deep in it, throwing a basketball back and forth like it's a baseball. <% if (s.oliviaphase < 5) { %> <%= link("Olivia","lawn1") %> is sprawled out on a lawn <% if (s.oliviaphase > 3) { %> chair with an ice pack on her wrist. <% } else { %> chair. <% } %> <% } else { %> Olivia is sprawled out on a lawn chair. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephoneroom === s.room && s.annettephase >= 5) { if (s.annettephone === "satchel") { %> Annette sits on the ground, digging through her satchel. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "hat") { %> Annette lies on the ground with her hat over her face, mumbling something. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "giggle") { %> Annette sits on the ground, giggling. <% } } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> The big patio lights have been switched off and the whole terrace is now lit only by tiki torches and paper lanterns. Most of the furniture has been claimed by couples making out with each other. Further out in the backyard, <%= link("Kaz","drama1") %> is lying on the grass and staring up at the night sky. <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> You can go back inside either through the [[kitchen]] to the east or the [[central living room|downstairs]] to the south. The [[pool]] lies through a large open pathway to the west. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %>

<% s.room = "kitchen" %> #### **Kitchen** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> <% if (s.kazphase < 2) { %> Kipling's kitchen is famously well-stocked, and tonight pretty much every surface is overflowing with party supplies. Beer, wine, liquor, pop, snack bowls, fancy homemade hors-d'oeuvre trays. He's even got some of those fun little party horns out. The boy has gone all out. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 2 && s.jaydenfollowroom === "diningroom") { s.roomlock = true; %> <%= link("Kaz","dip1") %> runs over and grabs your arm as soon as you enter the room. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephase === 0 && !s.roomlock) { %> <%= link("Annette","partypotion1") %> is up on her tip-toes, rifling through some cabinets. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephase === 1 && !s.afterpartypotion && !s.roomlock) { s.afterpartypotion = true; %> Annette starts packing up her potion brewing gear. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow && !s.jaydenstand) { %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> follows you into the kitchen. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow && s.jaydenstand) { s.jaydenstand = false; %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> stands around awkwardly a few feet away from you. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> Kipling's parents went in for the full "his-and-hers kitchen" treatment, which is not something you would have thought was a thing before you met actual real life mansion people. The enormous space is effectively a double kitchen, with two huge islands in the centre of the room and matching pairs of basically everything. <% if (s.kazphase < 4 && s.anjaphase < 2) { %> <%= link("Anja and Kaz","chipgame1") %> are having a playful argument over a bowl of chips. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 4 && s.anjaphase >= 2 && !s.chipgamechase && !s.chipgamespill) { %> Kaz and Anja sit around tossing chips at each other. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 4 && s.anjaphase >= 2 && !s.chipgamechase && s.chipgamespill) { %> Anja makes herself another drink as Kaz tries to clean the spilled chips off the floor. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> <% if (!(s.cookies > 0)) { s.cookies = 0; } %> A bunch of perfect fresh-baked cookies are cooling out on the counter. <% if (s.cookies === 0) { %> You stare at them in awe, wondering when the hell Kipling had the time to bake cookies tonight. <% } else if (s.cookies === 1) { %> You bask in the warm cookie smell. <% } else if (s.cookies === 2) { %> You grab one off the rack and pop it into your mouth. <% } else if (s.cookies === 3) { %> You give them a longing look as you pass by. <% } %> <% if (s.cookies < 3) { s.cookies += 1; } %> <% if (s.kazphase < 4 && s.anjaphase < 2) { %> <%= link("Anja and Kaz","chipgame1") %> are having a playful argument over a bowl of chips. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 4 && s.anjaphase >= 2 && !s.chipgamechase && !s.chipgameafter && s.chipgametime === "11pm") { s.chipgameafter = true; %> Anja and Kaz head off to other parts of the house. <% } %> A drunk guy keeps turning on the ice maker and laughs uproariously as ice piles up on the floor. <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> A Grade 11 kid is sitting cross-legged on top one of the kitchen islands pouring cereal and milk into his mouth simultaneously while his buddies film him on their phones. <% if (s.anjaphase < 7) { %> <%= link("Anja","sorry1") %> stands over the sink, cursing under her breath as she tries to get the stain out of her shirt. <% } %> <% if (s.anjaphase >= 7 && !s.sorryafter) { s.sorryafter = true; %> Anja glares at you. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephoneroom === s.room && s.annettephase >= 5) { if (s.annettephone === "satchel") { %> Annette sits on the ground, digging through her satchel. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "hat") { %> Annette lies on the ground with her hat over her face, mumbling something. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "giggle") { %> Annette sits on the ground, giggling. <% } } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> The kitchen is a bit of a disaster zone right now. The floor is practically carpeted with empty cups and bottles, and the cupboards have been ransacked of anything that could serve as snack food. Also somebody spiled dried pasta everywhere for some reason. <% if (!s.bowl) { %><%= link("Blake","bowl1") %><% } else { %> Blake <% } %> licks the salt out of an empty bowl of chips. <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> A pair of enormous french doors to the west open up onto the [[back terrace|terrace]]. The [[dining room|diningroom]] is to the south. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %>

<% s.room = "downstairs" %> #### **Downstairs** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> <% if (s.kazphase < 2) { %> Kipling's foyer opens up onto a massive two-story living room area. A giant banner which reads "CHRISTOPHER 'KIP' KIPLING III PRESENTS THE ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL RAGER" hangs above the fireplace in the centre of the room. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 2 && s.jaydenfollowroom === "diningroom") { s.roomlock = true; %> <%= link("Kaz","dip1") %> runs over and grabs your arm as soon as you enter the room. <% } %> <% if (s.milesphase === 0 && s.kazphase < 2 && s.jaydenfollowroom !== "downstairs") { %> <%= link("Miles","heymiles1") %> mills about by the front door. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow && !s.jaydenstand && s.kazphase < 2) { %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> enters the room a few seconds after you. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow && s.jaydenstand && s.kazphase < 2) { s.jaydenstand = false; %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> thumbs through his phone, periodically glancing up to look at you. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> The mansion has filled out really fast. There's got to be almost a hundred people now on this floor alone, and you can see plenty more on the landing which looks out over the living room. <% if (s.visionbefore > 2) { %> <%= link("Summer","vision1") %> stands in a big ring of people you don't recognize at the centre of the room. <% } %> <% if (s.visionbefore <= 2 && s.couchtrigger) { %> A <%= link("large inviting couch","couch1") %> sits empty near the middle of the room. <% } %> <% if (!s.couchtrigger && s.milesphase > 1) { s.couchtrigger = true; } %> <% if (s.milesphase <= 1) { %> <%= link("Miles","piketty1") %> sits on a recliner reading a giant hardcover. <% } %> <% if (s.milesphase > 1) { %> Miles sits on a recliner reading his book. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> <% if (s.oliviaphase < 3) { s.roomlock = true; %> You pass <%= link("Olivia","dart1") %> in the hall as she's heading for the front door. <% } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase >= 3) { %> The house is completely packed at this point. As far you can tell pretty much all the Grade 11s and 12s from MCC are here, as well as a small sampling of the cooler Grade 10s. Thanks to Kipling's staggeringly huge social network though, at least half the people here are kids you've never met from other schools. <% if (s.annettephase < 4 && !s.roomlock) { if (s.annettephase < 3 && s.familiar) { %> <%= link("Annette","dump5") %> <% } else { %> <%= link("Annette","dump36") %> <% } %> mingles in a big crowd of people. <% } %> <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore && !s.roomlock) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> <% if (!(s.partyqueen > 0)) { s.partyqueen = 0; } %> <% if (s.partyqueen === 0) { %> The giant banner has fallen down from the ceiling, and <% if (s.heydramas) { %> Cool Drama <% } else { %> one of the drama kids <% } %> has wrapped herself up in it and proclaimed herself "Queen of Party Island". <% } else if (s.partyqueen === 1 || s.partyqueen === 2) { %> The Queen of Party Island perches regally atop her leather throne, issuing edicts and waving around an imaginary sceptre. <% } else if (s.partyqueen === 3) { %> The Queen of Party Island lays on the ground with her tongue sticking out her mouth, clutching an imaginary stab wound in her abdomen. Her fake courtiers loudly mourn the loss of their fake sovereign. <% } %> <% if (s.partyqueen < 3) { s.partyqueen += 1; } %> <% if (s.kazphase < 7) { %> <%= link("Kaz","yellowdress16") %> scans the crowd excitedly. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephoneroom === s.room && s.annettephase >= 5) { if (s.annettephone === "satchel") { %> Annette sits on the ground, digging through her satchel. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "hat") { %> Annette lies on the ground with her hat over her face, mumbling something. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "giggle") { %> Annette sits on the ground, giggling. <% } } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> The living room has more or less emptied out now. A small group of Grade 10s huddle around the fireplace, laughing hysterically. Olivia Kwon is fast asleep on a giant beanbag chair. <% if (!s.stillup) { %> There are a bunch of empty seats here now. You consider sitting down for a bit and <%= link ("texting Allen","stillup1") %>. <% } %> <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> Hallways lead east to the [[dining room|diningroom]] and west to the [[pool room|pool]]. The [[terrace|terrace]] lies through a set of archways at the north end of the room. The [[front door|frontyard]] is to the south. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %>

<% s.room = "pool" %> #### **Pool Room** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> Parties at Kipling's house usually involve liberal use of the indoor/outdoor pool. This early on though the retractable floor cover is <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow) { %> closed. <% } else { %> closed and the room is empty. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow) { s.roomlock = true; %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> taps you on the shoulder as soon as you enter the empty room. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> A bunch of plastic pool toys and floats are piled up against the wall in preparation for the pool opening. <% if (s.kiplingphase < 3 && !s.couch) { %> The floor is empty except for a single guy. <%= link("Kipling","floor1") %> yells at him in frustration from the side of the room. <% } %> <% if (s.kiplingphase >= 3 && !s.floorcleared && !s.couch) { %> Kipling keeps trying to get the guy off the floor, to no avail. There's a bit of grumlbing from the assembled onlookers. <% } %> <% if ((s.kiplingphase >= 3 && s.floorafter) || s.couch) { %> The pool gradually fills up with water. People periodically poke their heads in the door to see if it's ready yet. <% } %> <% if (s.kiplingphase >= 3 && s.floorcleared && !s.floorafter && !s.couch) { s.floorafter = true; %> Kipling goes to the control panel and hits some buttons. The pool cover in the centre of the room starts retracting and the assembled crowd cheers. <% } %> <% if (!s.couchtrigger) { s.couchtrigger = true; } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> There is total chaos in the pool. A bunch of boys in varying states of undress have jumped in and are splashing each other like crazy. <% if ((s.kazphase === 4 || (s.kazphase < 4 && s.anjaphase > 1)) && (s.kiplingphase < 4)) { %> <%= link("Kaz","sausage1") %> stands at the edge, looking down and shaking their head. <%= link("Kipling","sausage7") %> keeps an eye on everything from his lifeguard chair. <% } else if (s.kiplingphase >= 4) { %> Kipling sits in the lifeguard chair, keeping a close eye on the proceedings. <% } %> <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> <% if (!(s.amyaubreypool > 0)) { s.amyaubreypool = 0; } %> It's much less rowdy in here now. The pool's emptied out a bit, and the people in there are mostly just floating around and talking. Amy and Aubrey <% if (s.amyaubreypool === 0) { %> — who seem to have had the foresight to bring their own swimsuits — are bapping each other with pool noodles in the shallow end. <% } else if (s.amyaubreypool === 1) { %> are bapping each other with pool noodles in the shallow end. <% } else if (s.amyaubreypool === 2) { %> have stopped their pool noodle fight and are now just chilling in the shallow end. <% } else if (s.amyaubreypool === 3) { %> — still in the shallow end — have somehow secured a whole plate of canapés and are munching away happily. <% } %> <% if (s.summerphase < 3) { %> The <%= link("water","pooleyes1") %> looks inviting and warm. Probably nice to stick a hand in. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephoneroom === s.room && s.annettephase >= 5) { if (s.annettephone === "satchel") { %> Annette sits on the ground, digging through her satchel. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "hat") { %> Annette lies on the ground with her hat over her face, mumbling something. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "giggle") { %> Annette sits on the ground, giggling. <% } } %> <% if (s.amyaubreypool < 3) { s.amyaubreypool += 1; } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> If the empty pool is any indication, the party seems to be winding down. Kipling will probably be draining the water and covering it back up soon. Amy and Aubrey stand off to the side of the room toweling themselves off. <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> The entire north end of the room open up onto the spacious [[back terrace|terrace]]. The [[rest of the house|downstairs]] is back to the east. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %>

<% s.room = "diningroom" %> #### **Dining Room** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> <% if (s.kazphase < 2 || (s.kazphase >= 2 && s.jaydenfollowroom === "diningroom")) { %> The dining room is something of a shrine to yachtsmanship. Nautical-themed knick-knacks fill up the breakfronts and glass display cabinets that line the room. Sitting at the place of pride behind the head of the table is a scale model of Kipling's dad's boat, the *Exceptional Ability*. Right now the real thing is probably halfway around the world somewhere. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow) { %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> follows you into the dining room. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 2 && s.jaydenfollowroom !== "diningroom") { s.roomlock = true; %> <%= link("Kaz","dip1") %> runs over and grabs your arm as soon as you <% if (s.jaydenfollowroom === "upstairs") { %> come downstairs. <% } else { %> enter the room. <% } %> <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> The dining room is dominated by a giant wooden 24-person dining room table. <% if (s.annettephase === 2) { %> <%= link("Annette","locate1") %> sits on top of it, dangling her feet off the edge. <% } else if (s.annettephase > 2) { %> Annette sits cross-legged on the dining room table with her eyes closed, seemingly in some kind of medtitative trance. <% } else { %> A Grade 10 guy and girl giggle excessively as they chase each other around it. <% } %> The <% if (!s.heydramas) { %> <%= link("drama kids","heydramas1") %> <% } else { %> dramas <% } %> are all squished up together in one of the enormous bay windows. <% if (!s.couchtrigger) { s.couchtrigger = true; } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> <% if (s.guitarguy) { %> The guitar guy has moved downstairs and for some reason he has a friggin' tambourine now. He shakes it arrhythmically while making a sound that's halfway between a hum and a moan. The overall effect can only be described as "very not good." <% } else { %> A guy with a guitar sits on a chair in the corner singing some truly bad original compositions for anyone who will listen. As you pass by you hear him sing about how <%= s.song1[_.random(s.song1.length-1)] %> <%= s.song2[_.random(s.song2.length-1)] %> <%= s.song3[_.random(s.song3.length-1)] %> or something. <% } %> Mason Davenport and some other dudes are having a heated game of beer pong. <% if (s.milesphase < 3) { %> <%= link("Miles","beerpong1") %> looks on from the sidelines. <% } %> <% if (s.anjaphase === 4) { %> <%= link("Anja","thatwaswow1") %> leans against the wall and stares up at the ceiling. <% } %> <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> It seems all the chairs have been pulled out from the table and piled in a pyramid on the other side of the room. You're not really sure why, but it's kind of a nice looking addition in its own way. Impractical, but nice. <% if (s.annettephase < 5) { %> <%= link("Annette","myphone1") %> frantically crawls around under the table. <% } %> <% if (s.annettephoneroom === s.room && s.annettephase >= 5) { if (s.annettephone === "satchel") { %> Annette sits on the ground, digging through her satchel. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "hat") { %> Annette lies on the ground with her hat over her face, mumbling something. <% } else if (s.annettephone === "giggle") { %> Annette sits on the ground, giggling. <% } } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> The lights have been turned way down low in here, perhaps to accomodate Mason, who is passed out on top of the table. <% if (s.kiplingphase < 6) { %> <%= link("Kipling","cleanup1") %> delicately picks up bottles and cleans up some of the mess around him. <% } %> <% if (s.kiplingphase === 6 && s.cleanupafter) { %> Kipling gets back to cleaning up the mess. <% } %> <% if (s.kiplingphase === 6 && !s.cleanupafter) { s.cleanupafter = true; %> Kipling walks around doing some light cleaning work. <% } %> <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> The [[kitchen]] lies to the north, and the [[rest of the first floor|downstairs]] is back to the west. A grand staircase leads up to the [[second floor|upstairs]]. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %>

<% s.room = "frontyard" %> #### **Front Yard** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> Kipling's massive half-circle driveway has been decked out with balloons and colourful garlands to mark the occasion. A good twenty cars are parked here, and there's still room for plenty more. <% if (s.kazphase === 0 && !s.jaydenfollow) { %> <%= link("Kaz and Blake","dairyqueen2") %> are lighting up next to the fountain. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase === 1 && !s.jaydenfollow) { %> Kaz and Blake hang around out front. <% } %> <% if (s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow) { s.roomlock = true; %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> jogs out of the house after you. He comes up and taps you on the shoulder. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> You peek your head out of the front door. More and more people are filtering through the front gates. No one you recognize though — Kipling must have sent invitations out to half the high schools in town. <% if (!s.couchtrigger) { s.couchtrigger = true; } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> The front yard buzzes with activity as the party spills out onto the porch. <% if (s.anjaphase === 2) { s.ashleysurname = true; %> Anja and Ashley Bridges are drinking out in the driveway. Anja glares at you for a second when she sees you step out of the house. <% } %> <% if (s.anjaphase === 3 && s.oliviaphase === 3) { %> <%= link("Olivia and Tibor","dart26") %> are sitting on a wall feature. Anja scrolls through her phone drinking nearby. <% } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase > 3) { if (!s.tibor) { %> <%= link("Tibor","tibor1") %> <% } else { %> Tibor <% } %> keeps smoking out front. <% } %> <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> There's not much going on out front right now. Lance and Blake are sitting in huge rocking chairs on the front porch, having a dumb boy conversation about some dumb boy movie. Tibor is off a ways down the driveway sharing a cigarette with a tiny Grade 11 goth girl. <% if (s.milesphase < 4) { s.milesphase=4; %> You see <%= link("Miles","already1") %> heading out down the driveway. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> From out here the party still sounds like it's going strong, but you can see more and more people filtering out of the house and getting into cabs and ubers. Jayden seems to have left now, thankfully. <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> The [[mansion|downstairs]] lies to the north. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %>

<% s.room = "upstairs" %> #### **Upstairs** – <%= s.hour %><% if ((s.hour==="12am") && (!s.firstmidnight)) { s.firstmidnight = true; %> ##### Sunday, 11 September 2016 <% } %> <% if (s.hour==="9pm") { %> <% if (s.oliviaphase > 0) { %> For a place with only one full-time inhabitant, Kipling's house sure does have a whole lot of bedrooms. You count seven on top of the Master Suite, which looks more like an exhibit in the Museum of Bedrooms than it does an actual lived-in space. An interior balcony at the back of the home theatre area looks down over the main living room, which is rapidly filling up with people. <% } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase === 0) { s.roomlock = true; %> You pass <%= link("Olivia","whoo1") %> on your way up the stairs. <% } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase > 0 && s.jaydenphase === 0 && !s.jaydenfollow) { %> <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> has staked out a little space for himself on the giant sectional. He waves you over when he sees you enter the room. <% } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase > 0 && s.jaydenphase === 0 && s.jaydenfollow) { s.roomlock = true; %> When you turn around you see <%= link("Jayden","didntknow1") %> at the top of the stairs, blocking your path back down to the main floor. He smiles and waves. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase >= 2 && s.jaydenfollowroom === "diningroom") { s.jaydenfollowroom = "upstairs"; } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="10pm") { %> <% if (!s.guitarguy) { s.guitarguy = true } %> There's a bit more breathing room up here, possibly because some guy has planted himself by the stairs and is now playing his original guitar compositions for anyone who will listen. As you pass by you hear him sing about how <%= s.song1[_.random(s.song1.length-1)] %> <%= s.song2[_.random(s.song2.length-1)] %> <%= s.song3[_.random(s.song3.length-1)] %> or something. <% if (s.oliviaphase < 2) { %> A <%= link("bunch of people","makeouts1") %> are clustered around the door to one of the bedrooms. <% } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase > 2) { %> The cluster of people continues watching the makeout session. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="11pm") { %> The surplus bedrooms are looking a bit less excessive now. A good number of them have been claimed. The Master Bedroom has been taken over by the <% if (!s.heydramas) { %> <%= link("drama kids","heydramas1") %>, <% } else { %> dramas, <% } %> who — at least for the moment — seem to be using it for purely wholesome purposes. <% if (s.kazphase === 5 && s.milesphase === 3) { %> <%= link("Kaz and Miles","fonts1") %> sit next to each other on a couch, chatting. <% } %> <% if (s.kazphase > 5 && s.milesphase > 3) { %> Kaz and Miles continue their in-depth font conversation on the couch. <% } %> <% if (s.textallenbefore >= 4 && _.random(9) < s.textallenbefore) { %> Your hand idly drifts to your phone as you think about <%= link("texting Allen","textallen1") %>. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="12am") { %> <% if (s.kiplingphase < 5) { %> Kipling is busily pushing furniture around and hooking a laptop up to a stereo system. A small sandwich board set up in front of him reads "DANCE PARTY TO BEGIN SHORTLY. THANK YOU FOR THE BLESSING OF YOUR PATIENCE, MY DUDES." <% } else { %> A <%= link("dance party","bullshit1") %> is currently raging on the top floor of the mansion. The lights are down low and Top 40 hits are blasting from the surround speakers. <% } %> <% } else if (s.hour==="1am") { %> The dance party has moved on to a light vapecore EDM playlist. The crowd has thinned out bit and the dancing is decidedly more mellow. Tibor is leaning against the wall, staring at the dozen or so glowy bracelets that he's collected on his arm. <% if (s.annettephase < 6) { %> You hear the sound of <%= link("Annette","sick1") %> being sick in the bathroom down the hall. <% } %> <% if (s.kiplingphase === 7) { s.kiplingphase = 8; %> You pass Kipling in the hall. He walks into the bathroom and takes over watching Annette. <% } %> <% } %> <% if (!s.roomlock) { %> A staircase leads back down to the [[main floor|diningroom]]. <% } else { s.roomlock = false; } %> <% if (s.oliviaphase > 0 && s.jaydenphase === 0 && !s.jaydenfollow) { s.jaydenfollow = true; } %>

YOU: Oh, cool. Fonts are cool. I like fonts. MILES: Oh? What's your favourite? I'm something of a Caslon man myself. KAZ: *(rolling their eyes)* We get it. You read the New Yorker. YOU: Uh... I guess like Times New Roman. ...But Calibri's pretty good too? *(Kaz and Miles stare at you. You scratch the back of your head. After a few seconds Kaz bursts out laughing.)* KAZ: Nice one, Na! You're such a joker! YOU: *(backing away slowly)* Yep! That's what I am alright... <%= next() %>

MILES: You were being absurd. KAZ: Oh right! Yeah, everyone who hates Comic Sans is a fascist. MILES: You're not using that word right. KAZ: That's a very fascist thing to say. <%= next() %>

YOU: How about you, Miles? How you doing? MILES: I mean, I'm fine. I'm at a party, parties are fine. I'm on a couch, couches are also fine. It's a fine night. YOU: Sounds fine. MILES: Exactly. YOU: *(nodding)* I'll leave you guys to it. KAZ: Later buddy! I love you passionately and eternally! *(They turn back to Miles.)* Now where were we? <%= display("fonts8") %>

YOU: I don't know, what do *you* think my type is? KAZ: Ooh! A guessing game. Fun. I'm going to saaaay... people who look exactly like me. *(They strike a goofy seductive pose. You chuckle.)* YOU: You wish, buddy. <%= display("yellowdress30") %>

<% portrait("annette2"); s.annettephase = 1; if (s.jaydenfollow) { s.jaydenstand=true; } %> *(You walk up and peer into Annette's travel cauldron.)* YOU: Hey Annette. ANNETTE: Mmmh. * [[Whatcha brewin'?|partypotion2]] * [[Whatcha lookin' for?|partypotion3]] * [[Having fun?|partypotion4]]

YOU: Whatcha brewin'? ANNETTE: Just your standard party potion. ...Jeez, how does Kip not even have dried houndstongue? *(She sighs.)* Whatever. Guess I'll have to improvise. <%= display("partypotion6") %>

YOU: Whatcha lookin' for? ANNETTE: Everything. *(She shakes her head.)* Can you believe Kipling doesn't even have dried houndstongue? * [[I don't know what that is.|partypotion7]] * [[Unbelievable.|partypotion10]]

YOU: Having fun? ANNETTE: I will be, as soon as I get stocked up. *(She sighs.)* Can you believe Kip's out of dried houndstongue? I mean really. * [[I don't know what that is.|partypotion7]] * [[Unbelievable.|partypotion10]]

YOU: ...Are you sure that's safe to drink? It's literally smoking. ANNETTE: *(assuredly)* I have a very high tolerance. *(She takes a sip.)* ANNETTE: Hoo! Gaaaah. *(She coughs.)* There we go. YOU: You okay? ANNETTE: Oh yeah, terrific. *(She coughs again and a little puff of smoke comes out of her mouth.)* Want me to brew you up something? I mean you definitely shouldn't drink this one but I think I've got some lighter stuff in my bag. * [[...Is it alcoholic?|partypotion9]] * [[I'm good, thanks.|partypotion8]]

*(She grabs some vanilla extract and some hot sauce and dumps it into her cauldron. Then she grabs a big handful of leaves from inside her hat and tosses them in. The concoction briefly glows turquoise.)* YOU: ...Is it supposed to be doing that? ANNETTE: Oh absolutely. *(She takes a bent twig out of her bag and starts stirring.)* Anything in the cyan range is what you're looking for. *(She dips her pinky in and takes a taste. She thinks for a sec and then grabs a two-litre of root beer off the table and pours a bunch in.)* ANNETTE: That oughta do it. *(She dips a red solo cup into the cauldron.)* * [[Is that safe?|partypotion5]] * [[Is that alcoholic?|partypotion11]]

YOU: Is it... is that alcoholic or...? ANNETTE: That really depends on how you define "alcohol". YOU: That word has an incredibly specific definition. ANNETTE: It's definitely... alcohol*esque*. Let's put it that way. YOU: Yeah, you know what? I think I'll pass on the mystery liquid for now. Thanks though. <%= display("partypotion12") %>

<% portrait("kipling2"); s.kiplingphase=6; %> YOU: Seems like a successful evening, Kip. KIPLING: It was you fine peeps that did it. I merely provided the locale. * [[Not many people would provide the locale.|cleanup2]] * [[You're being modest.|cleanup3]]

YOU: Not many people would let a bunch of hooligans have the run of their house. Especially not this nice of a house. KIPLING: Hey, what else am I going to do with it? It's not a museum. YOU: Guess not. KIPLING: With total honesty, I'm just happy to do my part. <%= display("cleanup9") %>

YOU: You're being modest, man. You're like the best host in history. KIPLING: I am most extremely flattered by the kindnesses, Miss N. But that's an honour for someone else. I'm just a man with a dwelling suitable for a bit of shenanigans. *(You gesture around the room.)* YOU: Come on, Kip. You did a *little* more than just having a house. KIP: *(grinning)* Very well. Compliment accepted. <%= display("cleanup9") %>

YOU: Do you really need to clean up right this second? The party's still going on. KIPLING: An unperformed task is an invitation for future unperformance. You ever left a dish in the sink? YOU: Where else would I leave it? KIPLING: *(grinning)* If you *do* the dish right away, the dish is a done thing. It can't be undone. But if you don't do the dish it remains a thing *to* do. And it can be undone for a long time. I want things done, which necessitates me doing things. You feel me, Nazzmatazz? * [[Makes sense.|cleanup5]] * [[I admire your discipline.|cleanup6]] * [[I thought you had people for that.|cleanup7]]

YOU: Makes sense. *(He winks.)* KIPLING: Tried and tested, my dudette. It's the Kipling way. <%= next() %>

YOU: I admire your discipline. I need to make a giant lists just to get anything done and 90% of my time is spent feeling guilty about my lists not shrinking. KIPLING: Don't sell yourself short, my dudette. You're an accomplished pillar of the community. YOU: *(sighing)* Hardly. KIPLING: "Hardly"?! *(He strokes his chin theatrically.)* Now what could make a fine young woman get down on herself such as this? * [[I'm running my newspaper into the ground.|cleanup10]] * [[I can't get Summer to talk to me.|cleanup11]] * [[I can't get Anja to like me.|cleanup12]] * [[I'm fighting with Allen like every day.|cleanup13]] * [[I just had a run in with Jayden.|cleanup23]] * [[I'm having ghost raccoon hallucinaions.|cleanup14]] * [[I'm just a complete mess in basically every way.|cleanup16]] * [[...Never mind.|cleanup17]]

YOU: I thought you had people to take care of that for you. KIPLING: The "people" usually accompany the Captain out on the open sea. I handle the day-to-day. YOU: Wow. KIPLING: I'll probably call a cleaning service mañana. *(He winks.)* <%= display("cleanup8") %>

YOU: ...You ever get lonely up in this big mansion by yourself? KIPLING: Well now. It gets a little quiet for my tastes, sure. But that's the whole point of a party. Fill the old castle with friendly voices. Surround oneself with love and affection and whatnot. YOU: *(sighing)* Yeah... *(He pauses.)* KIPLING: I sense distress in your voice, my sister. Did you have a subpar evening? * [[I'm running my newspaper into the ground.|cleanup10]] * [[I can't get Summer to talk to me.|cleanup11]] * [[I can't get Anja to like me.|cleanup12]] * [[I'm fighting with Allen like every day.|cleanup13]] * [[I just had a run in with Jayden.|cleanup23]] * [[I'm having ghost raccoon hallucinaions.|cleanup14]] * [[...It's fine. Don't worry.|cleanup18]]

<% portrait("anja2","kaz2"); s.kazphase = 4; s.anjaphase = 2; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 1; } if (s.hour === "11pm") { s.textallenbefore += .5; } s.chipgametime = s.hour; %> ANJA: No. KAZ: Come on. *(They toss a chip in the air and catch it in their mouth.)* Don't tell me you've lost it. ANJA: I didn't *forget* how to throw snack food at your face. I just don't see the point. KAZ: Sounds like you're afraid of being revealed as a has-been. YOU: Has-been at what? KAZ: Chip game! YOU: Chip game? ANJA: One person throws a potato chip and then the other one tries to catch it in their mouth. We played it all the time when we were kids. KAZ: And right now! Chip game! * [[Who's better at it?|chipgame3]] * [[Wait, are you trying to throw or to catch?|chipgame4]] * [[Can I play?|chipgame5]]

ANJA: Hmmph. That's contested. KAZ: It's in the official record book. * [[Sounds like you two need a rematch.|chipgame6]] * [[I want to try!|chipgame12]]

YOU: Which one of you was better growing up? KAZ: Oh, I was absolutely the Permanent World Champion of chip game. <%= display("chipgame2") %>

YOU: Wait, are you trying to *throw* better or to *catch* better? ANJA: Kind of both, depending. KAZ: You've gotta be versatile. That's how I became the Permanent World Champion. <%= display("chipgame2") %>

YOU: Can I play? <%= display("chipgame13") %>

<% s.chipgamechase = true; %> YOU: Sounds like you two need a rematch to settle things. KAZ: Gauntlet's been thrown, sis. ANJA: *(sighing heavily)* Fine. One round. *(She takes a few steps back and opens up her mouth. Kaz grabs the bowl off the counter.)* KAZ: Tilt your head back a little. *(She does.)* KAZ: Little more? *(She goes a bit further back.)* KAZ: Liiiittle more... ANJA: Ugh, just go already! KAZ: You're the boss. *(They quickly grab a handful of chips out of the bowl and toss them all at Anja's face)* ANJA: Gah! *(Anja grabs for the bowl. Kaz pulls it away and runs to the other side of the kitchen island. You shield yourself and laugh.)* KAZ: *(throwing more chips)* This is how you become World Champion!! ANJA: *(dodging)* Cheating! Cheater! Disqualified! *(They chase each other out of the room.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Think so. I just need to keep my eye on the chip for as long as possible. Then when it starts coming down I'm going to put my mouth exactly where it needs to be. *(Anja raises an eyebrow.)* KAZ: Okay, ready? Here we... *go!* *(They toss a chip up in a big arc. You watch as it crests and then then smoothly jut your head forward. The chip lands cleanly in your mouth.)* KAZ: Damn, way to go Na! *(You throw up your hands in victory.)* YOU: *(chewing)* Ha ha! Chip game! *(Anja smiles and shakes her head.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: I'm just going to dive for it. ANJA: Aggressive. YOU: I can get feisty when the situation calls for it. *(Anja raises an eyebrow.)* KAZ: Okay, ready? Here we... *go!* *(They toss a chip up in the air. You leap forward but totally overshoot and end up just slamming into Kaz. The bowl gets knocked up into the air and the chips go flying everywhere.)* <%= display("chipgame10") %>

YOU: No plan. I'm just going to *feel* my way through it. Let the *chip* tell me where to go. ANJA: Uh-huh. YOU: You just watch. *(You close your eyes.)* KAZ: Okay, ready? Here we... *go!* *(They toss a chip up into the air. You lunge forward but end up tripping over your feet and slamming into Kaz. The bowl gets knocked up into the air and the chips go flying everywhere)* <%= display("chipgame10") %>

YOU: Not really. You got any advice? ANJA: *(smirking)* Don't fail. YOU: That's uh... not quite— *(A chip hits you in the side of the face.)* Hey! KAZ: Chip game! YOU: Wh— I wasn't ready! That was cheating! KAZ: I did tell you to have your mouth open. YOU: No fair. *(They throw another chip at your face.)* YOU: Hey!! KAZ: Chip game! *(You turn to Anja. She shrugs.)* ANJA: Chip game. <%= next() %>

YOU: This sounds fun! I want to try! <%= display("chipgame13") %>

KAZ: A rookie! We've never had that before. ANJA: Technically we had two rookies the very first time and then never again. KAZ: Alright. *(They point a few feet in front of them.)* Stand here. *(You stand there.)* KAZ: Open your mouth. YOU: Aaaaah. KAZ: It's not the doctor's office, Na. Just open your mouth silently. YOU: Oh. Right. *(You open your mouth silently.)* ANJA: You got your chip catching strategy ready? * [[I'm going to keep my eye on the prize.|chipgame7]] * [[I'm going to dive for it.|chipgame8]] * [[I'm going to operate on instinct.|chipgame9]] * [[No. Any pointers?|chipgame11]]

YOU: Maybe...? I don't even know what that is. ANNETTE: Among other things it's a key ingredient in your classic party potion. *(She sighs.)* Guess I'll have to improvise... <%= display("partypotion6") %>

YOU: *(shaking your head)* Unbelievable. ANNETTE: Oh well. Guess this party potion is going to have to be a little improvised. <%= display("partypotion6") %>

YOU: You know what? I think I'm good on the mystery liquid for now. Thanks though. <%= display("partypotion12") %>

ANNETTE: Your loss. *(She takes another tiny sip and starts coughing profusely.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Is it... is that alcoholic or...? ANNETTE: Welllll... it's definitely alcohol*esque*, let's put it that way. Want some? YOU: Err... no, I think I'll pass on the weird smoking mystery liquid. Thanks though. ANNETTE: Hey, your loss. *(She takes a sip.)* Hoo! Gaaaah. *(She coughs and a little puff of smoke comes out of her mouth.)* That's the... something. <%= next() %>

*(A few minutes later Summer came up to you.)* <%= display("dance1") %>

# <a href="javascript:void(0)" data-passage="dance2">June 2013</a>

<% chapter(1); %> *(It was the grade 8 end-of-year dance, two months before that day by the pool three years ago. You and Summer stepped uncertainly through the gym doors.)* YOU: Remind me why we're here again? SUMMER: Because I wanted to go and I asked a bunch of times if we could go and you finally gave in. YOU: Hmm. *(She poked you in the arm.)* SUMMER: And you're secretly excited too. * [[Maaaaybe...|dance4]] * [[More like secretly terrified.|dance7]] * [[You have a way of getting me out to parties.|dance3]]

YOU: You do have a way of getting me out to parties, I'll give you that. <%= display("dance5") %>

YOU: Maaaaybe... a little tiny bit. <%= display("dance5") %>

*(She gave you a wink.)* SUMMER: You'll love it, Nadia. Trust me. Dancing is fun. *(You nodded uncertainly.)* <%= next("dance6") %>

*(Half an hour later. You and Summer leaned against the wall on the girls' side of the gym, staring back at the boys' side. Summer bopped her head back and forth a bit to the music.)* YOU: ...You were saying something about dancing being fun? SUMMER: Okay, this could be better. *(You sighed heavily and looked up at the ceiling.)* SUMMER: Uh, Nadia? YOU: What? SUMMER: Allen's coming this way. *(Your eyes widened.)* * [[What do I do?|dance8]] * [[You don't think he wants to dance, do you?|dance9]] * [[How close is he?|dance17]]

YOU: Secretly *terrified* is more like it. *(She gave you a wink.)* SUMMER: I'll stick with you. YOU: urrrghhh... SUMMER: It won't be that bad, okay? Dancing is fun, Nadia. Trust me. <%= next("dance6") %>

YOU: Quick, what do I do? <%= display("dance10") %>

YOU: Oh god. You don't think he wants to dance, do you? <%= display("dance10") %>

SUMMER: What? How should I know? YOU: Aaaa. *(Allen stood in front of you and cleared his throat.)* <%= display("dance16") %>

*(You and Allen shuffled around with each other during the slow dance.)* ALLEN: Um. Thanks. YOU: *(whispering)* I don't think you're supposed to thank me in the middle of the dance. ALLEN: Oh. Whoops. *(The slow song came to an end and a loud fast one came on. You stopped dancing kind of awkwardly.)* ALLEN: Okay. *Now* thanks. * [[Did you enjoy that?|dance14]] * [[That was nice.|dance12]] * [[See you.|dance13]]

YOU: That was... nice. ALLEN: Yeah? *(You smiled at him.)* ALLEN: Cool. Great. I... thought so too. *(He took a few steps backwards.)* ALLEN: Well, um... I'll see you this summer? YOU: Of course. ALLEN: Okay. See you. *(He walked away.)* <%= next("dance15") %>

YOU: Okay well... I'm going back over there. *(You point your thumb over your shoulder.)* ALLEN: Oh. Of course. YOU: I'll see you round, Allen. ALLEN: Bye. Thanks again. *(You smiled waved goodbye as you walked back to Summer.)* <%= next("dance1") %>

YOU: Did you... enjoy that? ALLEN: Yeah. A lot. *(He looked down.)* ...Did you? YOU: ...Yeah. ALLEN: Cool. I did too. YOU: I know. You already said. ALLEN: Heh. Right. Yeah. Sorry. *(You smiled.)* YOU: It's okay. ALLEN: I'll uh... *(He pointed back to the boys' side.)* I'll see you later. *(You waved goodbye. He walked away.)* <%= next("dance15") %>

SUMMER: So what's up? YOU: Huh? SUMMER: *(yelling over the music)* What's up?? YOU: *(also yelling)* What do you mean?? *(Summer pointed over to Allen, who was now back on the other side of the dancefloor.)* YOU: Oh!! It's not— ...I was trying to prove something to myself!! SUMMER: And?? *(You glanced over at him.)* YOU: Results inconclusive!! *(She nodded.)* SUMMER: Do you want to jump around and dance really badly to this super loud and annoying music?? YOU: Yes!! Yes I do!! <%= next("title") %>

YOU: Allen. Hi. ALLEN: Hi Nadia. I... um. I was wondering, uh... I... *(You looked at him.)* ALLEN: *(faintly mumbling)* I just, you know... I figured... I don't know... We're good friends and stuff and like it's cool if you don't want to, but, uh... *(He scratched the back of his neck.)* Maybe it'd be fun if the two of us... YOU: ...Are you saying you want to dance? ALLEN: Yeah. *(You nodded.)* YOU: Okay. Come on. *(Summer looked a bit surprised as you led Allen towards the middle of the gym.)* <%= next("dance11") %>

YOU: *(whispering)* Quick, how close is he? SUMMER: Um. Like one second away. YOU: What? *(Allen stood in front of you and cleared his throat. You looked forward and brushed a strand of hair out of your face.)* <%= display("dance16") %>

*(He stacks a bunch of cups up together.)* * [[Do you need to clean up right now?|cleanup4]] * [[You ever get lonely here by yourself?|cleanup8]]

YOU: I've been put in charge of a 103-year-old newspaper and I am running the damn thing into the ground. There are *two* people on the entire staff — including myself — and so far I haven't been able to entice anyone to join. KIPLING: Tough times for the industry all around. YOU: Yeah. But it's tougher times than the average over at the Middleman. KIPLING: So you need more people, is that it? YOU: It'd be a start. KIPLING: Well I may not be skilled in the journalistic arts, but I do know a thing or two about getting folks together under one roof. And contrary to what some might think, a giant party mansion is not requred. You know what is? *(You shake your head.)* KIPLING: *Hospitality*. That's it. You make people feel welcome, appreciated, comfortable. You turn your home into their home. You put that feeling out on a tray and I guarantee people will come and sample it. *(You smile.)* <%= display("cleanup15") %>

YOU: You know Summer Okamura? Well she was my best friend back in middle school but then we had a fight and she left and now she's back and she won't even talk to me. Every time I try to pin her down she runs away or makes an excuse to leave. It's like she just keeps rejecting me *over* and *over* and *over*. KIPLING: That's a doozy. YOU: I'd hoped it'd be better by now but... KIPLING: You know. One of the hardest lessons to learn I've had to learn in my time on this great big ball of mud we call The Earth is that some people just don't want to be tight with you, you know what I mean? YOU: Hmm. KIPLING: Like if it was up to ol' Kip? I'd be tight with every individual that crossed my path. But there are those that eschew tightness. Maybe Summer's one of them. * [[We used to be so close though.|cleanup19]] * [[At this point I'd settle for cordial.|cleanup21]]

YOU: Anja hates me. She really profoundly dislikes me, and every time I think I'm making progress with her it just blows up again. I just want her to like me. And I know it's stupid but it just bugs me so much and I don't know why. KIPLING: Aha. YOU: Ugh! *(You pound your fists into your lap.)* I feel so dumb! KIPLING: Hey, hey, amigo. You're not dumb. You just don't enjoy being disliked. That's normal. YOU: Gah, I just don't know what's going *on* with me right now. I don't normally get this... invested, you know? KIPLING: Hmm. If I might be so bold as to make a minor observation? It seems like you're really upset at yourself for reacting emotionally to this circumstance. But that's no crime of the century. YOU: Hmm. KIPLING: If you're upset, be upset. But don't be upset *about* being upset. Feelings are there to be felt, you dig? YOU: Yeah... yeah. *(You nod and give a little half smile.)* You're right. Thanks Kip. *(He bows.)* <%= display("cleanup22") %>

YOU: Allen and I have been fighting like constantly since we came back to school. Like every day there's *something*. I'm starting to feel like a complete relationship failure. KIPLING: Curious. You two were always peas in the proverbial pod. What changed? YOU: I don't know. It's like as soon as we started the year there was just this... weird energy. KIPLING: Hmm... The river of time is a most curious thing. Its current pulls us in directions we might not yet have anticipated. YOU: You think we're growing apart. KIPLING: People do. Or so I'm led to believe by the multitude of internet advice podcasts to which I'm subscribed. *(You let out a single soft chuckle.)* KIPLING: Point is, it may happen or it may not. But if it does that's no big failure. That's life. You feel me, Naz? *(You nod.)* <%= display("cleanup15") %>

YOU: If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell anyone else? KIPLING: My lips are zipped, most naturally. YOU: Okay. This is going to sound bad but I swear it's not like a weird drug thing or anything like that. I've been seing weird... things. Flashes of— I don't know even know what. KIPLING: Hallucinations? YOU: Or visions. It's only happened twice but it's been very vivid both times. Things get purple and... Ugh, if it had just been once I could have dismissed it. But now... *(Kipling holds up a hand.)* KIPLING: You know I had a vision once. I was in my back yard, minding my own, when I noticed a peculiar disturbance crossing my eyes. It was this blurry ring that kept getting bigger and bigger. Everything on the other side of it was all jumbled. Couldn't read or anything. It was just bigger and bigger and fwoosh! It got so big that it disappeared. And just when I thought it was over, the headache started. I tell you it was like someone just pounding on the inside of my skull. A most brutal occurence. YOU: Yikes. KIPLING: Yikes indeed. The headache passed and I figured it was a one time thing. But then a few months later it came back and it was even stronger. Oh, was I freaked down to the skeleton. I figured there was something wrong with my brain, or that my eyes were disintegrating. YOU: So what was it? KIPLING: A migraine. YOU: ...wait, *that's* what a migraine is? KIPLING: Right? Who knew. My advice, Naddy? See what the doctor has to say before you get too freaked out. Sometimes the inexplicable stuff is just something the guys in the white coats already know how to handle. YOU: Alright. *(You chuckle.)* Thanks for talking me down Kip. KIPLING: My pleasure as always. <%= next() %>

YOU: I am just a complete mess in every conceivable way right now. Don't even know where to begin. My personal life, my relationships, the paper... I've got mysteries on top of mysteries. I've got logistical problems... I don't know what to *do* with myself. KIPLING: Hmm. Might I make an observation? When we examine ourselves we tend to accentuate our worst features. Lots of things that other people think are no sweatskies, we make into great big dealios. YOU: You're saying I'm exaggerating my problems? KIPLING: "Miscontextualizing" might be the more appropriate verbage. We all got our issues and whatnot. Even ol' Kip here, shocking as it may seem! But one can't help but pay extra attention to one's *own* business. So your own faults always *seem* bigger than everyone else's. It's human nature. YOU: Huh. KIPLING: Just a little hors-d'oeuvre for thought. YOU: ...Thanks Kip. *(He winks.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: ...Never mind. KIPLING: You sure? YOU: Seriously, it's fine. Don't worry. <%= display("cleanup20") %>

YOU: ...It's fine. I'll figure it out. Don't worry. <%= display("cleanup20") %>

YOU: Oh my god. KAZ: What is it? More dip? *(They turn to look.)* YOU: Don't—! *(You grab their face and turn it back towards you.)* Summer just walked in. KAZ: ...carrying dip? *(You look over Kaz's shoulder, still holding their head firmly in place.)* * [[What do I do?|dip11]] * [[This was a bad idea.|dip12]] * [[I can't hear what she's saying.|dip9]]

YOU: Quick, what do I do? KAZ: Act like a normal person? *(You watch as Summer walks off into another room.)* YOU: ...Not possible. We're going to need to take more drastic measures. *(You point to their cup.)* What's in there? <%= display("dip17") %>

YOU: Ugh... this was a bad idea. KAZ: What was a bad idea? YOU: Coming here! The whole plan! How the heck am I going to work up the courage to hash out this enormous impossible situation when Summer won't even talk to me for more than three seconds??? <%= display("dip14") %>

<% portrait("annette2"); s.annettephase=6; s.kiplingphase=7; %> *(You timidly step into the bathroom.)* YOU: You okay? ANNETTE: oh noooo.... *(She throws up.)* ANNETTE: things are bad in here... in this place are bad things... *(You rub her back.)* YOU: Okay, get it all out... ANNETTE: Nadia. I'm a dick. .........I'm sorry that I'm a dick. YOU: You're not a dick. ANNETTE: Yes I am. You hate me. And now you're watching me puke. * [[I don't hate you.|sick2]] * [[Why would I hate you?|sick3]]

YOU: Why would I hate you? ANNETTE: Because I'm *mean* and you're *nice*. YOU: You're not that mean. ANNETTE: ...ffffalse. <%= display("sick4") %>

YOU: I don't hate you, Annette. ANNETTE: No no. You're supposed to. Hate me. I *want* you to hate me. YOU: Okay but I don't though. ANNETTE: Oh Nadia... you... <%= display("sick4") %>

*(She vomits again. You hold her hat back.)* YOU: I'm going to text Kip. *(She spits into the bowl and then sits back against the shower.)* * [[You okay?|sick5]] * [[Time to go home?|sick6]] * [[Guess that party potion was a bit strong, huh?|sick7]]

YOU: Feel any better? ANNETTE: Mwhuh... YOU: ...Is that a yes? ANNETTE: Buh. YOU: Okay well I just ordered you a cab and Kip's on his way up. *(You flash her your phone.)* He'll take care of you. <% if (s.dump) { %> <%= display("sick8") %> <% } else { %> <%= display("sick9") %> <% } %>

YOU: Ready to go home? ANNETTE: Ugh... It's so far. I have to go all the way out to the front door and then I'm still *here*. YOU: Kip's on his way up and I just ordered you a cab. *(You flash her your phone.)* We'll get you home in one piece. <% if (s.dump) { %> <%= display("sick8") %> <% } else { %> <%= display("sick9") %> <% } %>

YOU: Guess the party potion was a bit stronger than you thought, eh? ANNETTE: I have a *very* high tolerance. *(She kicks her empty cup away.)* ...But I am maybe not so good at potions. *(You smile.)* YOU: Okay. Kip's on his way up and I ordered you a cab. *(You flash her your phone.)* <% if (s.dump) { %> <%= display("sick8") %> <% } else { %> <%= display("sick9") %> <% } %>

ANNETTE: ...Hey. *(She grabs in your general direction.)* You don't have to stop dating Allen just because I said so and he's dumb. I LOVE dumb Allen who sucks. YOU: Okay. ANNETTE: I'm calling him the dumb Allen so you know how serious I am. This is Real Annette talking. YOU: Uh-huh. ANNETTE: The realest. YOU: Right. ANNETTE: Ask me how real I am. YOU: How real are you? ANNETTE: ...Nadia. Come on. *(She lies down on the bathroom floor and closes her eyes.)* ANNETTE: ...like totally real. <%= next() %>

ANNETTE: Nadia. ...I have something important to tell you. YOU: Yeah? ANNETTE: ...I found my phone. *(She lies down on the bathroom floor.)* ... It was on a table. YOU: That's good, Annette. *(She closes her eyes.)* ANNETTE: ...right? <%= next() %>

<% portrait("miles2"); s.milesphase=4; %> YOU: Heading home already? MILES: "Already?" I've been here for hours. YOU: Oh. Right. MILES: See you on Monday, eh? YOU: Mm-hmm. *(He walks off down the driveway.)* <%= next() %>

KIPLING: As you say, so I believe. But you come to ol' Kip if you ever want to make like a potato and hash it out. YOU: *(nodding)* I will. Thanks Kip. Great party. KIPLING: Any time, Nabisco. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("annette2"); s.annettephase=3; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 1; } %> *(You walk up to Annette.)* ANNETTE: Oh hey. You escaped! *(She hops down from the table.)* YOU: You are a *bad witch*. ANNETTE: I did what I had to do to survive, and I make no apologies. *(She takes a sip of her bubbling concoction.)* What's up? YOU: I'm mainly just looking for Summer. Have you seen her? ANNETTE: Nope, but I could do a quick location spell if you like. YOU: Oh, that'd be awesome. Would you mind? *(She reaches into her satchel and pulls out a sprig of something and some chalk. She draws a circle on the table and then crushes up the sprig inside it.)* ANNETTE: I need you to say her full name and something true about her heart. YOU: Uh? ANNETTE: It's like putting an address into a GPS. * [[She loves planets.|locate2]] * [[She's easily spooked.|locate3]] * [[She used to be my best friend.|locate4]] * [[She hates me.|locate6]]

YOU: Right. Uh... Okay. Summer Okamura. She loves planets. <%= display("locate5") %>

YOU: Right. Uh... Okay. Summer Okamura. She is easily spooked. Especially by large dogs and unexpected actions. <%= display("locate5") %>

YOU: Right. Uh... Okay. Summer Okamura. She used to be my best friend in the world. <%= display("locate5") %>

*(Annette nods and puts her hands over the pile. She wafts something invisible up into her nose and shuts her eyes. You lean in.)* ANNETTE: ...She's in Toronto... The Bridle Path... On the grounds of... the Kipling family mansion. *(She opens her eyes.)* YOU: Oh. Yeah, I knew that actually. Can you get more specific? <%= display("locate7") %>

<% portrait("kipling2"); s.kiplingphase=3; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 1; } %> *(Kipling yells to the lone guy out in the centre of the room.)* KIPLING: My man!! Get off the floor! SOME GUY: Get off the floor? You get *on* the floor! It's a party! KIPLING: I can't retract the floor while you're standing on it! SOME GUY: Cool! Thanks dude! KIPLING: Oh brother... * [[Trouble?|floor2]] * [[Want me to try?|floor3]]

YOU: Having trouble? KIPLING: Wrangling the over-excited is all a part of the hosting game. It's just that some folks are more wranglable than others. <%= display("floor4") %> KIPLING: Hey! My guy! There is a *pool* under your feet! If I open it up while you're standing on it you're going to absolutely *eat it*! SOME GUY: There's a *pool* under here? *(He gets down on the ground and starts tapping.)* * [[Can I give it a shot?|floor6]] * [[Good luck.|floor5]]

YOU: Want me to see if I can clear him off? <%= display("floor4") %> <%= display("floor7") %>

SOME GUY: Come on you guys! *(trying to start a chant)* On the floor! On the floor! On the floor! *(No one joins in.)*

YOU: Thanks Kip. I knew I could talk to you. KIPLING: *(doing a little bow)* My ear is always lendable to those in need. <%= next() %>

YOU: It's not fair though. We used to be so close. Like best friends forever close. And then... KIPLING: And then it wasn't forever. *(You nod.)* YOU: I just want a *little* bit of that again... KIPLING: Oh, my compadre. *(He rubs your shoulder.)* You can't force this stuff. YOU: But I just... *(You sniff and rub a tear out of your eye.)* Oh, darn it... KIPLING: You got a whole year ahead, right? You give her a few weeks to adjust. Maybe she'll be ready for you then. YOU: Yeah. Yeah... *(You sigh.)* Thanks Kip. <%= display("cleanup22") %>

YOU: I don't need tightness though. I'd settle for cordiality at this point. I just want the freeze out to end. KIPLING: Winter ends when it ends, my sister. You just have to wait it out. YOU: Yeah. Yeah... *(You sigh.)* You're right, Kip. <%= display("cleanup22") %>

<% portrait("kipling2","kaz2"); s.sausage=true; s.kazphase=5; s.kiplingphase=4; %> YOU: Holding down the fort? KIPLING: Hey, you know it. *(You look out over the pool. Blake, still fully dressed, swims up next to where Kaz is standing.)* <%= display("sausage2") %> * [[Boys will be boys.|sausage3]] * [[You sure this is safe?|sausage4]]

YOU: ...Summer Okamura. She hates me. ANNETTE: Whoa. Uh, you sure? YOU: Trust me. ANNETTE: Yeesh. Okay then... *(She puts her hands over the pile, wafts something invisible up into her nose, and shuts her eyes. You lean in.)* ANNETTE: She's... in... Guatemala? YOU: Guatemala? *(She opens her eyes.)* ANNETTE: That can't be right. Hold on. *(She takes another whiff.)* ...Weird. The spell's not working. Something must have gone wrong. Maybe I'm misremembering the formula...? YOU: Shoot. Is there another one we can try? <%= display("locate7") %>

ANNETTE: Depends. Do you have a sample of her blood handy? YOU: Um. No. ANNETTE: Then no. <%= next() %>

*(A car pulls up in the driveway blaring '90s pop music. Three dudes that look a good ten years older than you hop out.)* * [[Uh, who are these guys?|dart6]]

<% portrait("olivia2") %> OLIVIA: Hey! You joined us. YOU: Felt like some fresh air after all. *(She puts out her fist. You awkwardly bump it.)* OLIVIA: We're all about that fresh air out here. Ain't that right, Teebs? TIBOR: *(basically surrounded by a cloud of tobacco smoke)* Mm-hmm. *(Just then, a car pulls up in the driveway blaring '90s pop music. Three dudes that look a good ten years older than you hop out.)* * [[Uh, who are these guys?|dart6]]

YOU: Hey Tibor. How you doing? TIBOR: Mmm. YOU: ...Glad to hear it. <%= display("dart18") %>

YOU: Having a good time tonight? OLIVIA: Oh yeah. Abso. Kip sure knows how to throw a rager. YOU: They're always something else, that's for sure. <%= display("dart18") %>

SUMMER: I... I'm... *(She grabs Anja's arm.)* Let's just go, okay? I don't want to fight. ANJA: There you go! Feel free to fuck off now. * [[Do you have to be so rude?|fight1]] * [[Why are you such a bitch?|fight2]] * [[This isn't fair to Summer.|fight3]]

<% portrait("anja2","summer2") %> YOU: Do you mind? I'm just trying to— ANJA: I don't care. YOU: Well— ANJA: She doesn't want to *talk* to you, Nadia. So just leave her alone already. * [[I want to hear her say it.|fight18]] * [[Don't I get a say in this?|fight19]] * [[If this is about the gay stuff...|fight20]]

YOU: If that's *really* what she thinks then she can say so herself. I want to hear it from her, not from you. ANJA: God, how much *trauma* do you have to inflict before you're satisfied? YOU: Summer, do you want me to stop talking to you? <%= display("fight16") %>

YOU: What about what *I* want? Don't I get a say in any of this? ANJA: *Now* you want a say! Now! You forfeited your fucking say a long time ago. YOU: Okay well that's not *your* decision to make. *(You look to Summer. She takes a step back.)* <%= display("fight16") %>

<% s.gaystuff = true; %> YOU: If this is about the... uh... *(You lower your voice.)* the gay stuff... *(Anja glares at you. Summer looks around anxiously.)* YOU: We don't have to... talk about it. It doesn't have to be a thing. ANJA: *Wow.* How fucking gracious of you. Jesus Christ. * [[I know things got weird...|fight21]] * [[This hasn't exactly been easy for me.|fight22]] * [[Why are you such a bitch?|fight2]]

YOU: Look I know things got weird but it was years ago. I don't care about any of that any more, okay? I just want my friend back! ANJA: Well *I* care. I fucking care. And if you were a decent person you would care too. <%= display("fight25") %>

YOU: Look, it hasn't exactly been easy for me here. ANJA: *(shaking her head)* You have got to be fucking kidding me. YOU: I'm just saying I don't care! I just want to move past all of it! ANJA: Hey, well guess what. Some people *can't* just "move past it". Some of us probably have to live our fucking lives. A *real* friend might goddamn understand that. <%= display("fight25") %>

<% portrait("summer2"); s.summerphase=3; if (s.amyaubreypool < 2) { s.amyaubreypool = 2; } %> <% if (s.sausage) { %> *(You crouch down and stick your hand in the pool — it's perfectly warm. You grin.)* YOU: Belgian engineering. *(When you look up, you see Summer staring at you from the other side of the room. You smile and wave. She gives you a little wave back and then walks back out to the main room.)* <% } else { %> *(You crouch down and stick your hand in the pool — it's perfectly warm. When you look up, you see Summer staring at you from the other side of the room. You smile and wave. She gives you a little wave back and then walks back out to the main room.)* <% } %> <%= next() %>

<% s.tibor=true; s.textallenbefore += .5; %> *(You walk up to Tibor. He nods.)* TIBOR: Showed those fuckers. YOU: ...She do this often? *(Tibor shrugs.)* TIBOR: You know. Girl does as she does. * [[She could have been hurt.|tibor2]] * [[Are you not freaked out?|tibor3]]

<% portrait("olivia2","anja2") %> YOU: Hey—!? ANJA: *(quietly)* Hang back, Nazari. OLIVIA: Christ, I got a teacher that looks younger than yous and I wouldn't let him within a block of this place. TIBOR: Got your grave plot all picked out already, boys? OLIVIA: Fuckin' ancient. *(She nods at Dude #1.)* Buddy here probably got a Facebook account for fun. TIBOR: Clickbait clicker. OLIVIA: Upworthy reader. TIBOR: Yelp reviewer. OLIVIA: Buzzfeed employee. TIBOR: Shouldn't you Bon Iver looking motherfuckers be in Parkdale opening a handmade yo-yo shop right about now? OLIVIA: Guarantee these dudes never once set foot in a mall unironically. TIBOR: "Where's the Eaton Centre?" OLIVIA: "What's a Wal-Mart?" TIBOR: *(pointing at Dude #3)* Look at the handlebar on that one. OLIVIA: What. Died. On your face. My dude. TIBOR: Only '90s kids will remember the specific fucking fraggle rock that ate shit on your upper lip. OLIVIA: Hey bud, the eighteen hundreds called and they told you to go get fucked. DUDE #2: Okay, you know what? *(He shoves Olivia back a bit.)* * [[Whoa!|dart14]] * [[I'm getting Kipling.|dart15]] * [[...|dart24]]

<% portrait("jayden2"); s.kazphase = 2; s.jaydenphase = 1; s.jaydenfollow = false; s.jaydenfollowroom = s.room; %> JAYDEN: Hey, Nadia! YOU: Oh. Hey. Jayden. JAYDEN: Didn't know you were coming tonight. YOU: Yeah well. Figured I could use a bit of fun. JAYDEN: Aw, you should have texted. We could have TTC'd up here together. YOU: I actually got a ride from Kaz and Anja. JAYDEN: Oh, sure. Of course. * [[Did it take long to get here?|didntknow2]] * [[Some house, huh?|didntknow3]] * [[...|didntknow4]] * [[I've got to go.|didntknow5]]

YOU: Did it uh, take you long to get up here? JAYDEN: Nah... Well, kinda. Like an hour. YOU: Oh, wow. JAYDEN: Apparently the 162 only comes every half hour, so I was waiting at Lawrence station for a while. YOU: That sucks. JAYDEN: Yeah, I thought about walking but it wouldn't have saved any time really. YOU: Ah. JAYDEN: It was fine though. Listened to some podcasts. *(You nod.)* * [[...|didntknow4]] * [[I've got to go.|didntknow5]]

YOU: Kip's house, eh? JAYDEN: Yeah, it's pretty big. YOU: Yeah. JAYDEN: You been here before? *(You nod.)* YOU: Bunch of times. You? JAYDEN: Like twice. YOU: Ah. * [[...|didntknow4]] * [[I've got to go.|didntknow5]]

YOU: ... *(You nod your head a little and look around. He coughs.)* JAYDEN: So uh... I noticed Allen isn't here. YOU: Hmm? Oh. Yeah. Feeling under the weather. JAYDEN: Ah. That sucks. * [[Yeah, it does.|didntknow6]] * [[It's fine.|didntknow7]] * [[I've got to go.|didntknow5]]

YOU: Hey, uh. I've got to go, uh... *(You point your thumb at the rest of the party.)* But I'll see you around? JAYDEN: Sure. Of course. *(As you walk away from Jayden you feel your phone buzz. You check it and see that Kaz has sent you a snap, which you open up.)* <%= display("didntknow10") %> YOU: Guess I should find that dip then... <%= next() %>

YOU: It does a little, I guess. It'd be nice if he actually came out and did things once in a while. JAYDEN: *(nodding)* It's important to be with someone who shares your interests. YOU: Uh, yeah. I guess. <%= display("didntknow8") %>

YOU: It's fine. JAYDEN: I don't know. Seems kind of shitty that he's not here for you. YOU: I think I'll survive. <%= display("didntknow8") %>

*(Your phone buzzes. You take it out of your pocket and check it.)* JAYDEN: Who's that? YOU: It's a snap from Kaz. Hold on. *(You open it up and see a video of a bowl of dip.)* <%= display("didntknow10") %> * [[I should probably go find Kaz.|didntknow9]]

<% portrait("anja2","summer2") %> YOU: God. Relax, okay? We were just having a conversation. ANJA: No, *you* were trying to have a conversation. *She* doesn't want to talk to you. So leave her alone. * [[I want to hear her say it.|fight18]] * [[Don't I get a say in this?|fight19]] * [[If this is about the gay stuff...|fight20]]

<% portrait("anja2","summer2") %> YOU: You know what? I'm getting a little sick of watching you turn Summer against me. ANJA: *Turn* her against you! What, you think she's not smart enough to figure you out on her own? YOU: I— ANJA: Take the hint already, Nadia. She doesn't want to talk to you. Leave her alone. * [[I want to hear her say it.|fight18]] * [[Don't I get a say in this?|fight19]] * [[If this is about the gay stuff...|fight20]]

<% portrait("jayden2"); s.jaydenphase=3; s.hour="11pm"; s.room="terrace"; chapter(6); %> *(You stumble back towards the house in a bit of a daze. Jayden intercepts you on the back terrace.)* JAYDEN: Whoa, you alright? YOU: Huh? JAYDEN: I mean. You look, uh... * [[...sick?|youlook2]] * [[...drunk?|youlook3]] * [[...like I've seen a ghost?|youlook4]] * [[Don't worry about it.|youlook5]]

YOU: ...sick? JAYDEN: I was going to say "out of sorts." You feeling okay? YOU: Uh... no, yeah. JAYDEN: You sure? <%= display("youlook6") %>

YOU: ...like I've had too much to drink? JAYDEN: Maybe. Have you? YOU: I don't think so. JAYDEN: Okay. <%= display("youlook6") %>

YOU: ...like I've seen a ghost? JAYDEN: Er, not quite what I was going for. <%= display("youlook6") %>

YOU: I'm fine. Don't worry about it. JAYDEN: You sure? *(He puts his hand on your shoulder.)* YOU: I'm good. *(You take a few steps back.)* Seriously. JAYDEN: Okay, I just— *(You push past him.)* JAYDEN: Right. <%= next() %>

*(You rub your eyes.)* YOU: I just saw something. Got a little spooked. That's all. JAYDEN: You need to take a time out? We could— YOU: I think actually I need to get back to the party. Not sure I want any more alone time. *(You push past him.)* JAYDEN: Right! Smart. Good plan. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("anja2"); s.anjaphase = 5; s.textallenbefore += 1; %> YOU: That was, uh... wow huh? ANJA: Outside, you mean? YOU: Uh-huh. *(You nod.)* ANJA: Yeah. I guess so. * [[Didn't know she had it in her.|thatwaswow2]] * [[You were worried there.|thatwaswow3]] * [[How's she doing?|thatwaswow8]]

YOU: Didn't know Olivia Kwon had it in her. ANJA: Really? YOU: Well, no. I guess I did. Still suprised to see it in action. ANJA: Mm. *(She takes a sip.)* YOU: How's she doing? ANJA: She's got a tangerine coming out of her hand. ...But once the swelling goes down I think she'll be fine. * [[How about you?|thatwaswow6]] * [[She could have gotten really hurt.|thatwaswow7]]

YOU: You were kinda nervous back there, huh? ANJA: *I* was nervous? YOU: Just... the death grip you had on my arm there. ANJA: Hmm. Yeah, well. *(She crosses her arms.)* It was a tense situation. Don't read too much into it. * [[Hey, no judgment.|thatwaswow4]] * [[I was pretty freaked out myself.|thatwaswow5]]

YOU: Hey, no judgement here. *(She stares at you for a second and then shakes her head.)* ANJA: Right. *(She takes out her phone.)* Excuse me. *(She walks away.)* YOU: Oh. Uh, sure. <%= next() %>

YOU: I was pretty freaked out too. *(You shake your head.)* I know she handled it but I still should have called someone anyway, right? I don't know what I was doing just standing there. ANJA: No one will accuse you of having good crisis management skills. But it worked out okay. YOU: I guess. ANJA: It's all good, Nazari. *(She checks her phone.)* Sorry, got to take this. Excuse me. *(She pats you on the shoulder and walks away.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: How about you? You okay? ANJA: Surprised you care. YOU: I mean, you know... ANJA: Well. *(She shrugs.)* Takes more than a few douchebags to rattle me. *(You nod. She takes out her phone.)* ANJA: ...Excuse me. *(She walks away.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: That's good. She could have gotten really hurt, you know? ANJA: Maybe... I think she had them pretty sized up though. Guys that ironic are usually bluffing about most things. YOU: *(shaking your head)* I don't know how you're staying so calm about this. My heart is still pounding. ANJA: Practice. *(She checks her phone.)* ...Excuse me. *(She walks off.)* <%= next() %>

*(You happen to glance across the room and notice Summer coming in through the front door.)* <%= display("dip13") %>

KAZ: Look, just stay cool. Stay cool, Nadia. *(You watch as Summer walks off into another room.)* YOU: Stay cool. KAZ: Right. Are you cool? * [[I am cool.|dip15]] * [[I am extremely not cool.|dip16]]

YOU: I'm cool. I just need to be a bit cooler. *(You point at their cup.)* What's in there? <%= display("dip17") %>

YOU: I am extremely not cool right now. *(You point to their cup.)* What's in there? <%= display("dip17") %>

YOU: Your sister is, uh... *(You point back at the house.)* ...kind of a lot to handle. KAZ: Oh she is not that bad. YOU: Uh-huh. KAZ: She's not! Blake, help me out here. BLAKE: Whuh? KAZ: My sister. She's cool, right? BLAKE: Anja? *(He takes a hit.)* Ohhh shit! You know what they say? The guys? They say she's a tooootal dairy queen. KAZ: Do you mean *ice* queen? BLAKE: ...Do I mean ice cream? YOU: Alright, that's enough of that. *(You push Blake out of the conversation.)* Where do you find these guys anyway? KAZ: Usually clustered just outside of buildings. *(You roll your eyes.)* <%= display("dairyqueen4") %>

<% portrait("kaz2"); s.kazphase = 1; %> KAZ: Out so soon? YOU: Eh. KAZ: Jeez, you were only in there for like ten seconds. YOU: ...You're really terrible at estimating time, you know that? KAZ: Fine, three hours. Whatever. * [[Your sister is a lot to handle.|dairyqueen1]] * [[Summer isn't here yet.|dairyqueen3]] * [[I came to hang out with you.|dairyqueen5]]

YOU: I should probably go deal with whatever this is. JAYDEN: Right. Yeah. YOU: But I'll see you around? JAYDEN: Sure, yeah. Totally. <%= next() %>

KAZ: *(off-screen)* Nadia! You have to come and try this dip *right now*! It's— What kind of dip is it? KIPLING: *(off-screen)* Artichoke. *(The camera whips around to show Kaz's face. Kipling waves over their shoulder.)* KAZ: NADIA I LOVE ARTICHOKES NOW!!!!! *(The video ends.)*

KIPLING: Your sounding board as always, Naz. <%= next() %>

<% portrait() s.bowl=true; %> YOU: Ugh. Gross, man. BLAKE: What?? No one else was gonna! <%= next() %>

*(She punches you in the arm and walks out the front door.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: That could have gone real bad, Tibor. Like she could have gotten hurt. TIBOR: Mmm. *(He blows out some smoke.)* I mean *I* coulda been hurt, yeah. But Olivia Kwon could take a dozen of those shitbags on a bad day. YOU: Jeez... *(He shrugs.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: You not freaked out, dude? TIBOR: Mmm. *(He blows out some smoke.)* Scared shitless. Can't you tell? *(You stare at him for a second. He doesn't move.)* YOU: Uh-huh... <%= next() %>

<% portrait("miles2"); s.milesphase=3; s.textallenbefore += 1; %> *(You sidle up to Miles and nod your head at the table.)* YOU: You seem less than impressed with this particular spectacle. MILES: In the same way that one is "less than impressed" with a car wreck, yeah. YOU: Ah. *(The two of you watch in silence as Mason misses another shot.)* MILES: ...It's a very inefficient system they've got going. They all want to drink beer, and they all know they want to drink beer, so why are they competing to make *each other* drink beer? Isn't that actually worse than getting to drink the beer yourself? * [[You're missing the point.|beerpong2]] * [[Don't ask me.|beerpong3]] * [[I take it you're not itching to try it.|beerpong4]]

YOU: You're missing the point. Deliberately, I suspect. MILES: I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about. YOU: It's just a silly game with silly rules that mainly result in everyone getting drunker all at once. It's fun. For some people. <%= display("beerpong5") %>

YOU: Hey, don't ask me. I didn't invent it. MILES: Hmm. YOU: Think it's more of a guy thing, honestly. <%= display("beerpong5") %>

YOU: I take it you're not itching to have a turn? MILES: Uh, no. Typically if I do something at a party I like it to be in some way consciousness-expanding? Or at least a new experience I've never had before. Drinking beer is already familiar to me. As is throwing a ping pong ball, and being surrounded by guys like that. So I'll pass. *(You chuckle and shake your head.)* <%= display("beerpong6") %>

*(Mason lands a trick shot in his opponent's beer cup. He turns to Ethan and gives him a massive bear hug, basically picking him off the ground.)* MASON: Duuuuude!! YOU: ...See? Male bonding. MILES: On behalf of males everywhere, I think I can safely say I have bonded more than enough. *(You laugh.)* <%= display("beerpong6") %>

<% portrait("olivia2"); %> *(You sit down on the chair next to Olivia's.)* <% if (s.oliviaphase > 3) { %> YOU: It's the conquering hero. <% } else { %> YOU: Someone's had a good night. <% } %> *(She raises a fist without getting up or opening her <% if (s.oliviaphase > 3) { %> eyes. The melted ice bag slips off her hand and plops down on the grass.) <% } else { %> eyes.) <% } %> * OLIVIA: *(sleepy voice)* whooo... *(You lean back in your chair and watch the party go by.)* <%= next("lawn2") %> <% s.oliviaphase=5; %>

<% portrait("miles2"); s.milesphase=1; if (s.jaydenfollow) { s.jaydenstand=true; } if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += 1; } %> YOU: Hey buddy. MILES: Oh hey. How's it going? YOU: *(shrugging)* You know. MILES: Cryptic, but okay. Who all's here? YOU: Uh... Allen stayed home but aside from that... *(You turn and look at the huge mass of people in the house.)* Everyone? MILES: Okay. I guess I'll go say hi to "everyone" then. *(He walks off.)* <%= next() %>

<% portrait("annette2"); s.annettephase=5; %> *(You crouch down.)* YOU: Annette? ANNETTE: Nadia!! YOU: Why are you under the table? ANNETTE: My phone! I can't find my phooone!! Nadiaaa!!! *(She clumsily crawls towards you.)* YOU: Why would it be under the table? ANNETTE: I don't knoooow! YOU: Were you under there at all tonight? *(She reaches you and grabs your shirt.)* ANNETTE: Noo! Nadia!! * [[Where did you last have it?|myphone2]] * [[Have you looked anywhere else?|myphone3]] * [[Did you try calling it?|myphone22]]

YOU: Okay, where do you last remember having it? ANNETTE: In my hand!! And then— *(She looks off into space and then groans.)* <%= display("myphone6") %>

YOU: Have you looked anywhere else yet? ANNETTE: Noo!! This is where I was when I realized it was missing! YOU: ...wait, you were already under the table? *(She groans.)* <%= display("myphone6") %>

YOU: How about I help you find it, okay? I'm really good at finding stuff. ANNETTE: Oh my god. Nadia. You are so GOOD!! *(She goes in and clumsily hugs you. You stand completely still and gently pat her on the shoulder.)* YOU: Okay. Let's start looking. ANNETTE: *(mumbling)* Where do we... do that. * [[Let's look in the kitchen.|myphone8]] * [[Let's look in the living room.|myphone9]] * [[Let's look by the pool.|myphone10]] * [[Let's look out back.|myphone11]] * [[Let's look out front.|myphone12]]

KAZ: Uh, beer...? *(They look into it.)* YOU: Just beer? KAZ: Yeah? YOU: Nothing weird? You didn't put... hash in it or anything? KAZ: Hash? No. What? Where is this going? YOU: And it's not poison? KAZ: I mean, it's Lakeport. YOU: Good enough. *(You snatch the cup and chug it down.)* KAZ: *(eyes wide)* Holy shit. YOU: Alcohol's supposed to make you confident, right? *(You wipe your mouth on your sleeve and hand the empty cup back to them.)* KAZ: Among other things. Jeez, dude. YOU: I'm going to go look for her. KAZ: Okay! Just... don't overdo it on the confidence. <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kipling2"); s.kiplingphase=5; %> *(As you walk away from Kaz, Kipling comes up to you and hands you a glowy bracelet.)* KIPLING: Hey Nazarina! Just FYI, but the dance party is on upstairs and it is *bumpin'*. You should get up there and get your bod a-shakin'! You see me? YOU: Thanks Kip! I'll check it out. *(He goes off to spread the word elsewhere.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Some heterosexual drama got in the way. Jayden finally made his move. KAZ: Oh christ. YOU: He did his like gross thing again where he just *touches* people? I've told you about the thing. KAZ: *(nodding)* You've told me about the thing. YOU: Yeah. Only this time it was my leg. And then he was telling me how great and wonderful I was and oh why don't I stay out a bit longer and blegh. KAZ: Ugh, I'm sorry. *(They tap you with their foot.)* YOU: God it was *so* awkward. The whole time I was mentally willing him to stop. But he just... kept on going. I had to literally like stand up and tell him to leave. *(You flop backwards onto the ground.)* YOU: Anyway. He took the rejection okay, I guess. But man... KAZ: ...Not your night, huh babe? *(You shake your head.)* * [[Are he and I the same?|drama22]] * [[Maybe this isn't going to work.|drama6]] * [[Why is everything so complicated?|drama23]]

<% s.annettephoneroom = s.room; s.annettephone = "satchel"; %> YOU: You can use magic, right? So could you— ANNETTE: Oh my god! I can use magic! Nadia! You're a genius! YOU: Well... *(She grabs your arm.)* ANNETTE: Hey. You know what I *love* about you? YOU: Uh? ANNETTE: *(very intensely)* You're a genius. *(She sits cross-legged on the floor and starts rummaging through her satchel.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: ...Think you're going to need a literal lasso to wrangle that one. KIPLING: Ugh, and mine's in storage... <%= next() %>

YOU: Can I give it a shot? <%= display("floor7") %>

<% s.floorcleared = true; %> KIPLING: He's all yours. *(You clear your throat)* YOU: Hey! Did you guys hear? Someone's giving out *free potato chips* over in the *kitchen*! SOME GUY: Whaaaaaaat???? YOU: Yeah! But the rumour is they'll be *all gone* if you don't get there fast! SOME GUY: Oh shiiiiiit!!! *(He stumbles out of the room.)* KIPLING: ...Huh. Impressive strategy. YOU: *(nodding)* I just thought — what's the one thing that would get me to go anywhere? Potato chips. *(Kipling laughs and pats you on the shoulder.)* KIPLING: Alright! Let's get this bad boy open! <%= next() %>

KAZ: Go back in and mingle, Na! I'll be there with you in half a sec. YOU: Fine. But try not to put yourself in a coma. <%= next() %>

YOU: How's she doing? Is she okay? ANJA: She's fine. Got a the biggest lump you've ever seen coming out of her hand. But she's icing it and the swelling should go down soon. YOU: I meant more... emotionally. ANJA: Ah. *(She takes a sip.)* Well, she's a tough girl. Know what I mean? * [[How about you?|thatwaswow6]] * [[She could have gotten really hurt.|thatwaswow7]]

<% portrait("summer2"); s.room = "terrace"; chapter(5); %> *(You find an opening in the circle and sidle your way in. Summer is just a few people over to your left. You take a sip of your drink and try to look like you're following the conversation.)* SOME GUY: Well that's the thing about private schools. They're all a bunch of fascists running those things. You know? Dirty business. SOME GIRL: *(shaking her head)* I don't know, I just think it's really fucked up. SUMMER: Mmm. SOME GIRL: You should have stayed at Moore Park. SUMMER: Yeah, maybe... *(You try to catch Summer's eye, but she doesn't look in your direction. After a few seconds you pull back from the conversation.)* YOU: *(under your breath)* Darn it. Come on, Nadia. *(You take another drink, and when you lower your cup you see a boy your age in a Middle Canada College uniform standing on a coffee table.)* * [[Uh...|vision2]]

*(You give Allen a quick peck on the cheek and head out the door with Kaz.)* * [[Wait, have you been smoking?|car21]]

<% portrait() chapter(7); %> *(You sit down <% if (s.room === "upstairs") { %> on the sectional <% } else if (s.room === "terrace") { %> on a lawn chair <% } else if (s.room === "kitchen") { %> on a stool <% } else if (s.room === "diningroom") { %> at the dining room table <% } else if (s.room === "pool") { %> at the side of the pool <% } else if (s.room === "downstairs") { %> on a couch <% } else if (s.room === "frontyard") { %> on the porch <% } %> and get your phone out.)* <%= next("textallen2") %>

<% portrait(); s.stillup = true; %> *(You sit down and get your phone out.)* <%= next("stillup2") %>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Nadia Nazari <img src="img/nadia1.png" /> **Relationship:** Self **Born:** 27 August 1999 Richmond Hill, Ontario **Gender:** F **House:** Roxton **Reporting Style:** Plucky **Family Business:** Nazari Eyewear Solutions That's me! I'm the Editor-in-Chief of the *Middleman*, Middle Canada College's 103-year-old student newspaper. Unfortunately for me, the entire staff graduated last year, meaning my best buddy Kaz and I have to run the entire thing by ourselves. And as if that wasn't enough to deal with, I have to find a way to reconnect with my estranged friend Summer, who's come back to MCC after a three-year absence. Also, I'm bisexual and my boyfriend has no idea and I still don't know if I'm going to tell him or not. Also also, Kaz's twin sister Anja completely hates me. Also also also, I think I saw a ghost??? I've got a lot going on this year is what I'm saying. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Kaz Kaczmarek <img src="img/kaz1.png" /> **Relationship:** Best Friend **Born:** 31 March 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** X **House:** Montrose **Interests:** Weed **Job:** Senior Layout Editor Gosh, how do you even sum up someone like Kaz? "Loveable goofball pothead genderqueer graphic design genius" is a start, but I feel like that doesn't even cover the half of it. We never really hung out before they came out to everyone in Grade 10, but by total coincidence we both started working at the paper that same week and we've been basically inseparable ever since. I kind of love them more than anyone else in the entire world?? <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<%= sidelink("Nadia","profile-nadia") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Kaz","profile-kaz") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Anja","profile-anja") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Summer","profile-summer") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Allen","profile-allen") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Annette","profile-annette") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Miles","profile-miles") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Olivia","profile-olivia") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Jayden","profile-jayden") %> <% if (s.chapter > 3 || s.met.indexOf("kipling") != -1) { %> **·** <%= sidelink("Kipling","profile-kipling") %> <% } %> **·** <%= sidelink("Sherbourne","profile-sherbourne") %> **·** <%= sidelink("Rouillé","profile-rouille") %>

* <%= sidelink("Nadia","profile-nadia") %> * <%= sidelink("Kaz","profile-kaz") %> * <%= sidelink("Anja","profile-anja") %> * <%= sidelink("Summer","profile-summer") %> * <%= sidelink("Allen","profile-allen") %> * <%= sidelink("Annette","profile-annette") %> * <%= sidelink("Miles","profile-miles") %> * <%= sidelink("Olivia","profile-olivia") %> * <%= sidelink("Jayden","profile-jayden") %> <% if (s.chapter > 3 || s.met.indexOf("kipling") != -1) { %> * <%= sidelink("Kipling","profile-kipling") %> <% } %> * <%= sidelink("Sherbourne","profile-sherbourne") %> * <%= sidelink("Rouillé","profile-rouille") %>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Anja Kaczmarek <img src="img/anja1.png" /> **Relationship:** Slightly-Less-Than-Mortal Enemy **Born:** 31 March 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** F **House:** Montrose **Demeanor:** Icy **Height:** 6 ft. Anja and Kaz are perhaps the least identical twins in the history of twindom. Unlike her sibling, Anja is mean and aloof and sarcastic. Also she completely despises me, which I'm pretty sure has something to do with my falling out with Summer. There are moments when I think she's almost starting to warm to me, but then she just has another hate explosion. It's honestly exhausting. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Summer Okamura <img src="img/summer1.png" /> **Relationship:** Estranged Ex-Friend **Born:** 21 August 1999 Hilo, Hawaii **Gender:** F **House:** Shaw **Favourite Planet:** Neptune **Favourite Emotion:** Panic Back when we were kids, Summer and I were inseparable. Then one afternoon in the summer before Grade 9 I totally messed everything up. I tried to kiss her, she freaked, we stopped talking, and a few months later she was gone. Now for some reason she's transferred back to MCC. Maybe this is our chance to finally clear the air... <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Allen Rhodes <img src="img/allen1.png" /> **Relationship:** Boyfriend **Born:** 3 June 1999 Coquitlam, British Columbia **Gender:** M **House:** Crawford **Dating Since:** Grade 9 **Known Since:** Forever I really care a lot about Allen. When Summer decided to kick me out of her life, he was the one who stuck by me. I would have had a *real* tough time that year if it hadn't been for his support. We've been dating for a long time now and he's just a total sweetheart. ...Even when he's being kind of sucky. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Annette Dupont <img src="img/annette1.png" /> **Relationship:** Locker Neighbour **Born:** 28 January 1999 Winnipeg, Manitoba **Gender:** F **House:** Roxton **Orientation:** Asexual **Hat Game:** On Point You know how teen movies always have those stereotypical archetypes? Like the jock, the cheerleader, the goth? Well Annette's the witch. Specifically she's a member of the Reformed Coven of Canada, the world's largest mainstream witchcraft denomination. She's a bit of a keener on that front too, which makes her the go-to information source for all matters supernatural. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Miles Golden <img src="img/miles1.png" /> **Relationship:** Buddy **Born:** 6 August 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** M **House:** Roxton **Intellect:** Annoyingly Large **People Skills:** Nearly Adequate Miles is a pretty okay dude. He and Kaz share a deep love of graphic design and literally no other personality traits or interests whatsoever. Somehow though they're still pretty good friends. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Olivia Kwon <img src="img/olivia1.png" /> **Relationship:** Buddy **Born:** 20 February 1999 London, Ontario **Gender:** F **House:** Shaw **Position:** Enforcer **Nationality:** Canadian (Extremely) Oh, Olivia Kwon. How can anyone not love this girl? She's like the textbook definition of "rough and tumble". Her ability to completely obliterate her fellow skaters has helped the MCC Girls' Hockey Team win the Southern Ontario Independent School Championships three years running. (Admittedly, not the fiercest competition in the world.) <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Jayden Finch <img src="img/jayden1.png" /> **Relationship:** Erhhh... **Born:** 8 July 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** M **House:** Crawford **Determination:** High **Chill:** None <% if (s.chapter > 8 || s.anjaphase >= 8) { %> Okay remember when I said Jayden wasn't that bad of a guy? Yeah, no. Scratch that. He sucks. God willing this will be the end of him talking to me. <% } else { %> Look, Jayden's not that bad of a guy. He just really, really has a hard time getting certain messages. Like the "I have absolutely zero interest in dating you" message, for example. I think if he cooled his jets he'd be a lot easier to hang around. Unfortunately his jets seem to be getting less and less cool with every passing day. <% } %> <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Christopher Kipling III <img src="img/kipling1.png" /> **Relationship:** Host **Born:** 21 November 1999 Toronto, Ontario **Gender:** M **House:** Shaw **Hospitality:** Legendary **Square Footage:** 21,000 (!) Kip's parents live on a yacht ten months out of the year, which should give you a pretty clear picture of his entire situation. I don't think there's anyone at MCC who doesn't love this guy, and not just because he throws the most amazing parties ever. He's also charming and friendly and generous and pretty much just everything you could ask for in a human being. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### Marc Sherbourne <img src="img/sherbourne.png" /> **Relationship:** Teacher **Born:** 13 November 1991 Kapuskasing, Ontario **Gender:** M **Subject:** History **Routine:** Cool Hip Teacher **Convincingness:** Low I don't know how old Mr. Sherbourne is, but he's clearly extremely interested in demonstrating that he's down with the teens. As a history teacher he's mostly fine. When he's not trying to get too, you know, chummy. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

<div class="characters"><%= display("profile-sidebar") %></div> ### D<sup>re</sup> Thérèse Rouillé <img src="img/rouille.png" /> **Relationship:** Teacher **Born:** 1 November 1946 Montreal, Quebec **Gender:** F **Subject:** French **Doctorate:** Earned **Disdain:** Limitless Docteure Rouillé is Middle Canada College's most notorious hard-ass. She loves the French language more than anything on this Earth, so I have no idea why the administration continues to torture her by making her teach the worst French speakers in the entire school. Being in her class *can* get weirdly relaxing after a while though — there's not much pressure to perform for someone when you know you're guaranteed to disappoint them. <%= back() %> <div class="smallcharacters"><%= display("profile-bottom") %></div>

YOU: Um... oops? KAZ: I mean... that's gotta be worth some style points at least. *(Anja laughs and shakes her head.)* <%= next() %> <% s.chipgamespill = true; %>

### Chapter Select <%= link("**1** ~ Prologue (Results Inconclusive)","dance0") %> <%= link("**2** ~ Lots In Common","car4") %> <%= link("**3** ~ Beveraged Up And Chilled Down","kipling20") %> <%= link("**4** ~ I Am Extremely Not Cool Right Now","dip1") %> <%= link("**5** ~ Do You Remember?","vision1") %> <%= link("**6** ~ The Eye","youlook1") %> <%= link("**7** ~ Too Much To Ask","textallen1") %> <%= link("**8** ~ Bullshit","bullshit1") %> <%= link("**9** ~ Your Night Of Gay Drama","drama1") %>

YOU: Kaz. Am I him? Am I Summer's Jayden? KAZ: What? No. Come on. YOU: Seriously. Am I just the clueless person who can't take a hint? She already rejected me once. KAZ: You are not even *close* to the same as Jayden. YOU: Okay, but do you actually *mean* that, or are you saying that because it's me? Think about it. She's been back at school a week and we've had zero contact. That's not an accident. She's avoiding me. Why am I chasing her? KAZ: Look, I might be a *little* too high right now to explain exactly WHY you're not Jayden, but you're not Jayden. * [[Maybe I should give up on Summer.|drama28]] * [[Why is everything so complicated?|drama23]]

YOU: ...Wait, what? *(She scoffs.)* ANJA: Forget this. You're just as bad as you've always been. YOU: No, wait. Hold on. I don't... understand... ANJA: Believe me! That much is obvious! <%= display("fight4") %>

YOU: I looked around in there and I don't think Summer's here yet. I think I might just camp out here. KAZ: So you can pounce on her as soon as she gets in the front gate? YOU: *(rubbing your forehead)* Too eager? *(They laugh and punch you on the shoulder.)* <%= display("dairyqueen4") %>

YOU: I came here to hang out with you. KAZ: Aw, babe. *(They punch you in the shoulder.)* I'll be there in half a sec. I just have some uh... unfinished business out here. BLAKE: Yeah. And you've got some weed to smoke too. KAZ: Yes, Blake. Very good. YOU: Okay, okay. Fine. Just don't put yourself in a coma before the party even gets started. *(They chuckle and wave you off.)* <%= next() %>

<div class="phonename">Allen Rhodes</div> <div class="youtext">hey</div> <div class="youtext">you still up?</div> <div class="themtext">I'm here. What's wrong?</div> * [[Nothing.|textallen3]] * [[I wish you were here tonight.|textallen4]]

<div class="youtext">What? Nothing.</div> <div class="youtext">What makes you think something's wrong?</div> <div class="themtext">Okay.</div> <div class="themtext">I don't know. Not sure why else you'd be texting me.</div> * [[Just wanted to talk to you.|textallen7]] * [[Just wanted to vent.|textallen8]] * [[Didn't realize I needed a reason.|textallen9]]

<div class="youtext">I just wish you were here tonight. <%= emoji("slightly_sad") %> </div> <div class="themtext">Seriously?</div> <div class="youtext">What?</div> <div class="themtext">You said it was okay if I didn't go.</div> * [[It is okay.|textallen10]] * [[Would have been nice if you'd been here.|textallen11]]

YOU: Ugh. *(You get up and start pacing around the house as you type.)* * [[Can we talk?|textallen12]] * [[I'm not trying to start a fight.|textallen6]] * [[Sorry.|textallen13]]

<div class="youtext">Hey I'm not trying to start a fight, okay?</div> <div class="themtext">Sure.</div> <div class="youtext">Please don't be mad.</div> <div class="themtext">It's fine, Nadia.</div> * [[You don't sound fine.|textallen14]] * [[We'll talk tomorrow then.|textallen14]] * [[I love you.|textallen14]]

<div class="youtext">Just wanted to talk with you.</div> <div class="youtext">Check in.</div> <div class="youtext">See how you're doing.</div> <div class="youtext">You know.</div> <div class="themtext">I'll survive for one night. You don't need to check up on me every two hours.</div> <%= next("textallen5") %>

<div class="youtext">Just wanted to vent for a bit.</div> <div class="themtext">aw. not having fun?</div> <div class="youtext">Not really, Anja's here and she's being even more hot-and-cold with me than normal</div> <div class="youtext">it's kind of super annoying</div> <div class="themtext">Seriously?</div> <div class="youtext">?</div> <div class="themtext">Is every conversation that we have going to be about this girl from now on?</div> <div class="themtext">Is that just all you care about now?</div> <%= next("textallen5") %>

<div class="youtext">Sorry, I didn't realize I needed a reason :P</div> <div class="youtext">Just wanted to talk to you because I like talking with you.</div> <div class="youtext">normally anyway</div> <div class="themtext">What does THAT mean</div> <div class="youtext">Honestly? It means you're being really rude like all the time now and I don't know what's gotten into you.</div> <div class="youtext">but i'm kiiiinda sick of it</div> <div class="themtext">I mean I don't know how you expect me to react when you text me just to get mad at me?</div> <div class="themtext">Like what is the polite way to navigate this conversation here because I don't see it.</div> <%= next("textallen5") %>

<div class="youtext">it is</div> <div class="youtext">I just miss you, that's all</div> <div class="themtext">Sorry.</div> <div class="youtext">I'm not telling you to be sorry.</div> <div class="youtext">You don't have to apologize.</div> <div class="themtext">I really don't understand what you want me to say right now.</div> <%= next("textallen5") %>

<div class="youtext">It would have been nice if you'd been here, that's all.</div> <div class="themtext">Okay am I a mind-reader? How am I supposed to know that.</div> <div class="youtext">Seriously? I told you I wanted you to come.</div> <div class="themtext">And then you said it was fine if I didn't!</div> <div class="themtext">How was I supposed to know that wasn't true?</div> <div class="youtext">I'm not trying to trick you.</div> <%= next("textallen18") %>

<div class="youtext">Can we talk for a bit?</div> <div class="youtext">On the phone I mean.</div> <div class="themtext">Can we do it tomorrow?</div> <div class="youtext">Yeah, fine.</div> <div class="themtext">I don't want to have a big long thing when we're both tired.</div> <div class="themtext">Just try and enjoy the party.</div> * [[I'll try.|textallen14]] * [[Okay.|textallen14]] * [[Whatever.|textallen14]] * [[Love you.|textallen14]]

<div class="youtext">Sorry. I'm not trying to nag.</div> <div class="themtext">I know.</div> <div class="themtext">It's fine.</div> * [[Okay.|textallen14]] * [[Forget I said anything.|textallen14]] * [[Doesn't sound like it's fine.|textallen14]] * [[I'll talk to you tomorrow.|textallen14]]

<div class="phonename">Allen Rhodes</div> <div class="youtext">Are you there?</div> <div class="youtext">Allen?</div> <div class="youtext">If you're still up we need to talk.</div> <div class="youtext">Allen?</div> * [[I'm serious.|stillup3]] * [[If you're there please reply.|stillup4]] * [[Okay fine, ignore me.|stillup5]] * [[...|stillup6]]

<div class="youtext">I'm serious, okay? This isn't me nagging you.</div> <div class="youtext">Just text me when you get this.</div> <%= next("stillup6") %>

<div class="youtext">Please just reply if you're there, okay? Or as soon as you get this.</div> <%= next("stillup6") %>

<div class="youtext">Okay, fine. Whatever. Just keep ignoring me then.</div> <%= next("stillup6") %>

YOU: ...God damn it. *(You go to text Kaz.)* <%= next("stillup7") %>

<% portrait(); s.couch = true; s.visionbefore += 3; %> *(You plop yourself down on the couch and watch as people wander through the party.)* <%= next("couch2") %>

<% portrait("annette2") %> ANNETTE: So I told him "I'm not Wiccan, I'm a member of the Reformed Coven of Canada. Those are two different things." and HE was like *(holding up hands)* "Uhhh whatever." and I was like "Dude. Come on." AUBREY: And he's the one coming to *you* for a love potion. ANNETTE: RIGHT?? It's like — You know? I'm not your... your... your magic... uh... you know— AUBREY: No, totally. <%= next("couch3") %>

<% portrait("kaz2","olivia2") %> KAZ: You're not *supposed* to like it. OLIVIA: Dude, what are you *talking* about? KAZ: You're not! It's garbage food. OLIVIA: Poutine is not garbage, bud! It's amazing! KAZ: Exactly! It's amazing and it's terrible. OLIVIA: I can't even *look* at you right now. KAZ: *(increasingly loud)* We *agree* on this! <%= next("couch4") %>

<% portrait("kipling2") %> *(Kipling jumps down onto the couch next to you.)* KIPLING: Zedster! How does it hang? YOU: Good, good. KIPLING: Do you need anything? Spring roll? Samosa? Soft pretzel? YOU: Oh, uh— KIPLING: Something to quench the thirst, perhaps? Sparkling water? I imported some LaCroix from the States for this very occasion. Got apricot *and* pamplemousse. I'm told it's a revelation. * [[I suppose if it's a revelation...|couch7]] * [[I'm good, thanks.|couch5]] * [[Have you seen Summer around?|couch6]]

YOU: I'm good. Don't worry about me. KIPLING: Nadarina! It is my *job* to worry about the well-being of all attendees at this fine soirée, not least of all yourself. Your wish, my command, et cetera. * [[I appreciate it.|couch8]] * [[There is one thing you can help me with.|couch6]]

YOU: There is one thing you can help me with. Have you seen Summer anywhere? KIPLING: Young Okamura? I greeted her at the door not too many moments ago. I imagine she's been doing the rounds, and judging by the fullness of the house and her usual conversation rate, I would guesstimate that she'll be wrapping up and regrouping here riiiight abouuut.... *(He points at the door to the dining room. You turn to watch. Three seconds later, Summer walks in with a group of people.)* KIPLING: ...Now. YOU: Whoa. *(He pats you on the back.)* KIPLING: Anything else I can help you with? YOU: You're the master, Kip. You know that? KIPLING: I have my talents. <%= next() %>

YOU: Well, if it's a revelation, how can I refuse? KIPLING: That's the adventurous spirit! *(He heads off to the kitchen, and as he leaves you see Summer walking in with a group of people. They station themselves not too far from where you're sitting.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: I know. And I do appreciate it, Kip. *(You nod at the room.)* Now get back to worrying about the rest of the party. *(He gets up and bows.)* KIPLING: As you command. *(As Kipling walks away, you see Summer walking in with a group of people. They station themselves not too far from where you're sitting.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: It's going to be okay, alright? It can't have gone far. ANNETTE: Are you kidding?? It could have gone a bajillion miles! What if it was cursed! Or possessed! It could be in another... dimension!! * [[I don't think anyone here cursed your phone.|myphone7]] * [[Let's look for it.|myphone4]] * [[Can you cast a spell to find it?|myphone5]]

YOU: I doubt anyone here cursed your phone. ANNETTE: *(making a kind of swiping motion with a half-closed fist)* You don't KNOW that. YOU: The only person here who knows how to curse things is you, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have cursed your own phone by accident. *(She slumps down.)* ANNETTE: I'll never find it. I'm going to have no phone for the rest of time. * [[We'll find it together.|myphone4]] * [[You can always get a new one.|myphone13]] * [[Can't you cast a spell to find it or something?|myphone5]]

<% s.room = "kitchen" %> YOU: How about the kitchen? You were going through cupboards earlier trying to brew that potion, right? Maybe you put it down or something. ANNETTE: Kitchen!! Yes! Come on! *(She hops up, grabs your sleeve, and drags you into the kitchen.)* ANNETTE: Now, we just need to throw everything on the ground. *(She reaches for a cupboard. You grab her hand.)* YOU: Um. Why don't you let me handle the organization? ANNETTE: ...Good idea. *(She winks at you.)* *(You start sifting through Kipling's many cupboards and shelves. After five minutes you still haven't come up with anything.)* YOU: Hmm. ANNETTE: *(sighing)* It's hopeless, isn't it? * [[There's still other rooms to search.|myphone21]] * [[Kipling might have found it somewhere.|myphone17]]

<% s.room = "downstairs" %> YOU: You were in the living room a bunch tonight, right? Why don't we start there? ANNETTE: Right. Okay. *(The two of you walk to the living room. You start pulling pillows off chairs and looking under tables. Annette stands near the middle of the room and spins around slowly.)* ANNETTE: There's so much furniture in here! I don't even know... *(She trips over her feet and lands on a big leather couch.)* * [[You okay?|myphone24]] * [[We just have to be systematic.|myphone25]]

<% s.room = "pool" %> YOU: Were you by the pool at all tonight? ANNETTE: Blech! Chlorine. YOU: ...Is that a yes or a no? ANNETTE: *(sighing heavily)* I was there before it was a pool. Then it became a pool and I wasn't there any more. YOU: Okay, well there you go. Maybe you put it down there and then it got moved around when Kip opened the pool. Come on. *(You tug on her arm.)* ANNETTE: Mmmh. YOU: Come on, it'll just take second. *(The two of you walk off towards the pool room.)* ANNETTE: Chloriiiine. * [[I'm not going to let the chlorine get you.|myphone14]] * [[What's so bad about chlorine?|myphone15]]

<% s.room = "terrace" %> YOU: Let's go out back. You were out there with Jayden earlier, remember? Maybe you left your phone outside. ANNETTE: Yeah... okay... *(The two of you go outside. Annette immediately lies down on a deck chair as soon as you get out there. You crouch down and start looking.)* <%= display("myphone18") %>

<% s.room = "frontyard" %> YOU: Let's go out front. Maybe you dropped it when you were coming in. ANNETTE: Yeah... okay... *(The two of you go outside. Annette immediately lies down on the driveway as soon as you get out there. You crouch down and start looking around.)* <%= display("myphone18") %>

<% s.annettephoneroom = s.room; s.annettephone = "hat"; %> YOU: If worse comes to worse you can always get a new one, right? ANNETTE: ...Mhhh. YOU: I bet you could get one of the exploding ones for real cheap. That'd be fun, right? *(She shakes her head.)* ANNETTE: Not the same. Getting a new thing isn't the same as having an old one. You can't... not not lose something once you've lost it. You know what I mean? YOU: ...Yeah. <% if (!s.annettefacecover) { %> *(She coves her face with her hat.)* <% } else { %> *(She tugs at her robes.)* <% } %> ANNETTE: ...I guess an exploding one's kinda alright... <%= next() %>

### About *Known Unknowns* is a game by **<a href="http://bphennessy.com/" target="_blank">Brendan Patrick Hennessy</a>** with art by **<a href="http://izzymarbella.com/" target="_blank">Izzy Marbella</a>**. It was written in **<a href="http://twinery.org/" target="_blank">Twine</a>**, an open-source tool for telling interactive, non-linear stories. Thanks extremely to Technical Help-Giver <a href="http://furkleindustries.com/">**furkle**</a><span style="display:none">, baby</span>; Testers **Katherine Morayati**, **Sam Kabo Ashwell**, **Bruno Dias**, and **juxi**; and LaCroix Consultant **Cat Manning**. Thanks also to Emily Short and Astrid Dalmady for being wonderful lovely supportive people who are great. Please send questions or comments to **<a href="mailto:feedback@known.zone">feedback@known.zone</a>** <div class="copyrightnotice">*© 2017 brendan patrick hennessy*</span>

YOU: Don't worry. I'm not going to let the chlorine get you. ANNETTE: You *better* not. <%= display("myphone16") %>

YOU: I don't get it? What's so bad about chlorine? <%= display("myphone16") %>

*(She leans against the doorway into the pool room as you start looking around.)* ANNETTE: Swimming is supposed to be dirty. You're supposed to swim in a lake or a bog or a... or somewhere where the water is gross! That's natural! You get in chlorine and you're wiping off all your... *(She waves her hands around.)* ...oils and essences. *(She sighs.)* And stuff. ...Anything yet? YOU: No. I don't think it's in here. *(She moans.)* <%= display("myphone26") %>

<% s.annettephoneroom = s.room; s.annettephone = "giggle"; %> YOU: If you just left it lying around, maybe Kipling found it? I bet he's got some kind of lost articles office going on here. ANNETTE: Oh! Yeah! I'll text him. *(She pats her robe.)* Wait, noooo.... YOU: *I'll* text him. *(You get your phone out.)* ANNETTE: Ugh... you're so the best, Nadia. I won't forget this. YOU: *(texting)* Uh-huh. ANNETTE: You get one free curse. On *anyone*. YOU: Great. ANNETTE: Or a boring love spell even. Since you love love. But the curse is more fun so take that one. YOU: Not necessary, but thank you. ANNETTE: You sure?? I could get Anja *good*. <% if (s.anjaphase < 7 && s.room === "kitchen") { %> *(You shoot a quick glance across the room, where Anja is still trying to wash the stain out of her shirt.)* YOU: *(quietly)* Uh, <% } else { %> YOU: *(looking up)* Wait, <% } %> do you mean for the curse, or...? *(She chuckles and sits down on the ground.)* ANNETTE: I'm fucking completely hammered right now. <%= next() %>

ANNETTE: Hey. *(She points up at the sky.)* See that? *(You look up.)* YOU: The sky? ANNETTE: No. IN the sky. *(She points up more forcefully.)* There. YOU: ...I can't really see where you're pointing from over here. *(She sighs.)* ANNETTE: Vega. It's really bright. You can't see many stars in the city but that's one of them. * [[Pretty sure your phone is down here.|myphone19]] * [[You and Summer should start an astronomy club.|myphone20]]

YOU: Pretty sure your phone is down here on the ground. ANNETTE: I can see that big... bright... fireball. Out in space. A quadrillion miles away. And meanwhile my phone is like... so close. And it's vanished. Poof! Like I cast a vanishing spell on it. *(She pulls her hat down over her face.)* <% s.annettefacecover = true; %> ANNETTE: *(muffled)* Which I didn't. <%= display("myphone27") %>

YOU: You and Summer should start an astronomy club. She loves this space stuff. ANNETTE: Pfft. Astronomy. Taking pictures of stars and writing them down in a book or whatever. The only *real* star thing is *astrology*. Our fortunes and destinies written in the stars. *(She pulls her hat down over her face.)* <% s.annettefacecover = true; %> ANNETTE: *(muffled)* I was FATED to lose my phone, Nadia. It was written in the stars a billion years ago. <%= display("myphone27") %>

YOU: There's still other rooms to search. ANNETTE: Mweeehhhh! There's a billion rooms and it's a giant house! We could look in a room every day for the rest of our *lives* and never find it. YOU: Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. ANNETTE: ...It's got a sparkly purple case. YOU: I know. ANNETTE: I miss it. * [[Can we use magic to find it?|myphone5]] * [[You can always get a new one.|myphone13]]

YOU: Can we try calling it? *(You get out your phone.)* ANNETTE: It's on silent! YOU: You sure? ANNETTE: It's *always* on silent. I don't want it interrupting my rituals. YOU: Right. Okay. ANNETTE: Ugh! And now it's gone! I'm so stupid!! * [[It'll be okay.|myphone6]] * [[Why don't I help you look?|myphone4]] * [[You're not stupid.|myphone23]]

YOU: You're not stupid, Annette. ANNETTE: That's a *lie*. That's a lie that you're telling because you're *nice*. I'm actually the dumbest person on the Earth. YOU: The *whole* Earth? ANNETTE: The whoooole Earth. *(She flops down.)* Every single human being is better at having a phone than me. * [[Let's look for it.|myphone4]] * [[Can you cast a spell to find it?|myphone5]]

YOU: You okay? ANNETTE: ...no... *(You sit down next to her and pat her on the leg.)* YOU: No sign of it so far. ANNETTE: We're never going to find it, are we? YOU: I don't know about that. ANNETTE: *I* do. <%= display("myphone26") %>

YOU: We just have to be... systematic. ANNETTE: There is no system to the universe, Nadia. It's chaos. *(You dig through some couch cushions.)* ANNETTE: The world is a bed of anarchy. Phones are snatched from the pockets of the righteous by the cold hands of fate and tossed heartlessly into the void. YOU: *(looking around)* I don't know if it's in here. ANNETTE: See? We're powerless... <%= display("myphone26") %>

* [[Kipling might have found it somewhere.|myphone17]] * [[Can you use magic to find it?|myphone5]] * [[You can always get a new one.|myphone13]]

<% portrait("anja2") %> ASHLEY: Okay but seriously. Did you see the latest Passiondale?? ANJA: God, do not even get me started. Like what does Trey even think he's doing? ASHLEY: Right????? ANJA: He really just needs to back the fuck off already. ASHLEY: I said that the MOMENT they introduced him. Didn't I say that? ANJA: *(nodding)* You did say it. ASHLEY: If it keeps going like this I *will* start a podcast. I swear to god. I am not even kidding. <% if (s.e1save) { s.bridget = s.e1save.bridget; } %> <% if (s.bridget) { %> <%= next("lawn3") %> <% } else { %> <%= next("lawn6") %> <% } %>

<% portrait() %> *(You see Bridget, the Grade 11 from the Library, running into the backyard with some other girl you're pretty sure doesn't go to MCC.)* BRIDGET: Bell! Bell, come on. BELL: You come on. *(She runs both her hands through Bridget's hair.)* You're the oncomer. BRIDGET: *(in a panicked whisper)* Can we just get away from all these Grade 12s please? BELL: Pfft. Pfft!! Who are *they?* We're the cool ones. We're the cool... sexy... cool ones. BRIDGET: Oh my god. *(She drags the other girl away from the house.)* BELL: Hey. *(She plants her feet.)* Hey. I've got a mystery for YOU to solve. It's called The Case of the Extremely Kissable Girlfriend. *(She grabs Bridget's shirt and lowers her voice to a very loud whisper.)* Spoiler alert: the solution is KISSING. *(She cackles and runs off towards the back of the property.)* BRIDGET: ...This night was a mistake on so many levels. *(She runs after her.)* <% if (s.annettephase < 5) { %> <%= next("lawn7") %> <% } else { %> <%= next("lawn4") %> <% } %>

<% portrait("annette2","summer2") %> <% if (s.annettephoneroom === s.room) { %> *(Annette points up at Summer from down on the ground.)* <% } %> ANNETTE: You should go up and do the dancing! I can't because I'm too... *(She mumbles and gestures at herself.)* But YOU should. SUMMER: Eh, dancing's a lot of fun but I'm not super in the mood lately. ANNETTE: What? Hey. No. *Always* be in the mood. Okay? SUMMER: Okay... ANNETTE: *Promise* me! <%= next("lawn5") %>

<% portrait("olivia2") %> *(You turn back to Olivia.)* YOU: Think I'm going to head back in. OLIVIA: *(loud snoring noises)* *(You smile and get back up off the lawn chair.)* <%= next() %>

<% portrait("kaz2","kipling2") %> KAZ: We've always pronounced it with a zed but I think technically there's supposed to be an h sound in there somewhere. KIPLING: Like "Kacz money?" KAZ: Like "Kacz me if you can". <% if (s.annettephase < 5) { %> <%= next("lawn7") %> <% } else { %> <%= next("lawn4") %> <% } %>

<%= portrait() %> YOU: Uh... *(He smoothly steps down off the coffee table and glides towards the back door.)* YOU: ...Hello? *(As he passes you notice that his uniform is slightly different than the standard, although you can't quite place how.)* YOU: Hey. Can you hear me? Hello? *(The boy keeps walking out in silence. No one else seems to notice. You follow him into the backyard.)* YOU: Hey I want to talk to you, can you just — can you stop? *(No response. The two of you get further and further out from the house.)* YOU: Just stop for one second! Stop. * [[Stop!|vision3]]

YOU: <%= emoji("raised_hand") %>!! *(TIME SEEMS TO SLOW DOWN TO ONE QUARTER SPEED OUT IN THE BACKYARD WHERE YOU AND THE BOY ARE ALONE. THE BOY TURNS AROUND AND YOU LOOK INTO HIS EMPTY WHITE EYES AND HE OPENS HIS MOUTH AND THIS IS WHAT COMES OUT.)* HIM: <%= emoji("question") %> YOU: <%= emoji("wave") %> HIM: <%= emoji("wave") %> * [[Do you understand me?|vision4]] * [[Are you a ghost?|vision5]] * [[Who are you?|vision6]]

YOU: Can you... understand me? Do you get what I'm saying? HIM: <%= emoji("ok") %><%= emoji("confused") %><%= emoji("dizzy") %> YOU: Kind of but not quite... It'll have to do. * [[Are you a ghost?|vision5]] * [[You look so familiar.|vision7]] * [[Why are you talking to me?|vision8]]

YOU: Are you... a ghost? HIM: <%= emoji("no_good") %><%= emoji("ghost") %><%= emoji("no_good") %><%= emoji("ghost") %><%= emoji("no_good") %><%= emoji("no_good") %> YOU: Yeah, okay. Not good. But true? HIM: <%= emoji("coffin") %><%= emoji("slightly_sad") %> YOU: ...How did you die? <%= display("vision9") %>

YOU: Who are you? *(THE BOY LOOKS DOWN AT HIS HANDS AND BACK UP AT YOU.)* HIM: <%= emoji("boy") %> YOU: Right, you're a boy. HIM: <%= emoji("heavy_check_mark") %> YOU: Do you know... which boy? HIM: <%= emoji("slightly_sad") %><%= emoji("question") %><%= emoji("question") %> YOU: Okay that sounds like a no. * [[You look so familiar.|vision7]] * [[Are you a ghost?|vision5]] * [[Why are you talking to me?|vision8]]

<% s.ghostnewspaper = true; %> YOU: You look so familiar. Where have I seen you before? HIM: <%= emoji("newspaper") %> YOU: You were in the news? HIM: <%= emoji("point_right") %><%= emoji("newspaper") %> YOU: Do you remember *anything?* Why are you here? What happened? <%= display("vision9") %>

YOU: Why are you here? Do you... know? Do you remember anything at all? <%= display("vision9") %>

HIM: <%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("dart") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("coffin") %> YOU: French. Gun. Death. You... died in France? You got shot by someone from Quebec? What? HIM: <%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("skull") %> YOU: No, I get that. I just... HIM: <%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("coffin") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("scream") %> * [[Just calm down, okay?|vision10]] * [[I need more information.|vision11]] * [[What do you want from me?|vision12]]

YOU: Just calm down, okay? HIM: <%= emoji("x") %><%= emoji("ok") %><%= emoji("x") %><%= emoji("ok") %><%= emoji("x") %><%= emoji("ok") %><%= emoji("x") %><%= emoji("ok") %> YOU: Please! I'm sorry! Just— <%= display("vision13") %>

YOU: I don't— You have to give me information! I still don't understand! <%= display("vision13") %>

YOU: What do you want from me? <%= display("vision13") %>

HIM: <%= emoji("no_good") %><%= emoji("no_good") %><%= emoji("anger") %><%= emoji("x") %><%= emoji("x") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("fr") %><%= emoji("gun") %><%= emoji("no_entry_sign") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("coffin") %><%= emoji("skull") %><%= emoji("boy") %><%= emoji("ghost") %><%= emoji("anger") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("no_entry_sign") %><%= emoji("scream") %><%= emoji("no_entry_sign") %><%= emoji("bangbang") %> *(HE OPENS HIS MOUTH WIDER AND HIS BLANK WHITE EYES WIDER AND HE SCREAMS AND HE SCREAMS AND YOU SCREAM AND YOU SHIELD YOUR EYES AND EVERYTHING IS PURPLE AND THEN...)* <%= next("youlook1") %>

<% portrait("annette2") %> ANNETTE: *(frantically pulling cushions off of deck chairs)* You guys??? Has anyone seen my phone?????? You guuyyyyyyssss.... *(She lets out a long pained moan and stumbles back into the house.)* <%= next("lawn5") %>

<div class="phonename">Kaz Kaczmarek</div> <div class="youtext">hey I think I'm like super ready to leave now.</div> <div class="themtext">aw <%= emoji("heart") %></div> <div class="themtext">I'm out back. Come grab me?</div> <div class="youtext">okay. thanks <%= emoji("revolving_hearts") %> </div> <div class="themtext"><%= emoji("star2") %><%= emoji("whale") %> </div> <%= next() %>

*(You stare at the screen for a minute. No reply.)* <%= display("textallen5") %>

YOU: *(muttering)* Oh for the love of.. *(You get up and start pacing around the house as you type.)* * [[Forget I even mentioned her then.|textallen20]] * [[Can we talk?|textallen12]] * [[I'm not trying to start a fight.|textallen6]]

<div class="youtext">Okay fine. Forget I even mentioned her then.</div> <div class="youtext">I guess next time something's bothering me I know not to come to you about it.</div> <div class="themtext">Come on, that's not what I meant.</div> * [[You're supposed to be supportive.|textallen14]] * [[What DID you mean?|textallen14]] * [[Whatever. I don't care.|textallen14]] * [[Don't act like I'm the unreasonable one here.|textallen14]]

YOU: *(getting up)* I don't think it's out here. ANNETTE: ...We're never going to find it, are we? <%= display("myphone26") %>

*(You rub your face.)* YOU: Why does everything have to be so darn complicated? *(They sit up straighter and tap your shoulder.)* KAZ: ...Uh. Not to add to the complication or anything, but Summer just walked out and she's completely alone on the patio right now. *(You bolt upright.)* <%= display("drama17") %>

YOU: There is something different about me, though. At least on some level. Like "Old Nadia" could have totally just compartmentalized this and ignored her. But as soon as Summer came back it like triggered this weird... latent... *thing* in me. And now "New Nadia" is just... desperate all the time. Can't handle people *not* liking her. Me. *(You sigh.)* It's ridiculous. <%= display("drama16") %>

YOU: I'm a bit of a mess, huh? KAZ: Oh not *even.* YOU: Seriously, I don't know how you do it everyday. KAZ: With the unconditional love and support of my best friend and my twin sister. Also, drugs. YOU: Ugh. *(You lay back on the grass.)* How come Anja is so nice to you and so mean to me? KAZ: Well I was there first. YOU: Mm. *(They sit up a bit.)* KAZ: You're really worried about what she thinks of you, huh? * [[I'm not.|drama11]] * [[I just want her to like me.|drama12]]

YOU: Honestly it's hard to tell *what* she feels sometimes. Like half the time we talk it almost feels like she's giving me a chance. And then... WHOOMPH. KAZ: Whoomph? YOU: Yeah. Like a gate closing. *(You mime a vertical chopping motion with your hand.)* Whoomph. KAZ: ...Do you want me to see if I can just ask her what she thinks of you? Just straight up? Find out what the deal is? <%= display("drama30") %>

KAZ: No way. I want to see you *check mark* that to-do list item, not cross it off. YOU: ...You're actually supposed to cross it off either way. KAZ: *(sitting up)* Uh... dude? YOU: I guess actually there's a bunch of different methods but I'd only ever use— KAZ: Nadia. Summer just walked out onto the terrace. YOU: What? KAZ: She's just by herself. *(You sit upright.)* <%= display("drama17") %>

YOU: Maybe I should just give up on trying to reconnect with Summer. <%= display("drama27") %>

YOU: Hey um... Thank you, by the way. For helping me navigate the whole bisexual... queerness... thing. I realize you've only been involved for less than 36 hours but still. KAZ: Are you kidding? Of *course*. This is like a dream come true for me. I have whole contingency plans ready for this exact scenario. YOU: ...Do I want to know the details? KAZ: They have code names and everything. Right now we're in the middle of Operation Exotic Thunder. YOU: Uh-huh. And what's the next phase of Operation Exotic Thunder? KAZ: *(sitting up)* ...Talking to Summer. *(You sigh.)* YOU: I've been *trying* Kaz. Really. But she just— KAZ: No. Dude. Look. *(They point back at the house. You sit up and see Summer out on the patio by herself.)* <%= display("drama17") %>

YOU: Hey, some people think it's a lot of fun. You get to jump up and down to some really obnoxious music and then look all stupid. *(He laughs and shakes his head.)* JAYDEN: Not really my scene. YOU: No, I guess not. * [[So why are you here?|bullshit8]] * [[I should probably go back in.|bullshit16]]

YOU: Heh. You're sounding a bit like Allen right now. I think the last time he actually asked me to dance was in Grade 8. And even that time I had to do half of the heavy lifting. *(You smile and shake your head.)* JAYDEN: So, like... are you and Allen fighting or whatever? YOU: What makes you say that? *(He shrugs.)* JAYDEN: I just noticed you were complaining about him. You know, more than normal. * [[We're fine.|bullshit17]] * [[We're having a bit of a fight.|bullshit19]] * [[Don't worry about it.|bullshit18]]

YOU: Never been much for it myself. JAYDEN: Mm. YOU: I mean I'd love to be good it one day. I just don't really think I've got the natural, you know — *(You wave your arms around.)* — rhythm. *(He chuckles.)* JAYDEN: Maybe we should take lessons. YOU: Yeah, maybe. * [[What are you doing here tonight?|bullshit8]] * [[I should probably go back in.|bullshit16]]

*(You look around)* YOU: I don't know... It's not that bad! JAYDEN: Huh??? YOU: I said it's not—!! Sorry, it's hard to have a conversation in here!! <%= display("bullshit6") %>

*(You look back at the house. You can still hear the thumping of the music.)* YOU: Hey, Um. I should probably go back in. I bet Kaz is looking for me right now or something. <%= display("bullshit20") %>

YOU: Eh, we're fine. Usual relationship stuff. <%= display("bullshit26") %>

YOU: Don't worry about it, Jayden. JAYDEN: Okay. I'm just saying. If you need a, uh, shoulder to, uh, talk on. I'm— yeah. YOU: *(smiling politely)* I'm good on shoulders. Thanks though. <%= display("bullshit26") %>

YOU: It's been a bit of a week, honestly. He got really weird at the start of the year for some reason and all of our conversations are... off. Like we're out of sync or something. I'm so not used to it being like this. JAYDEN: *(shaking his head)* It just sucks so bad that you have to put up with this. YOU: Allen's good. Really. He's just... you know, just... JAYDEN: ...Just not as good as you. <%= display("bullshit24") %>

JAYDEN: Aw, come on. Stay out for a bit. *(He puts his hand on your thigh and squeezes it lightly.)* JAYDEN: It's such a nice night... * [[I think you've got the wrong idea.|bullshit21]] * [[nope nope nopenopenope|bullshit22]] * [[...|bullshit23]]

*(You scoot out from under his hand.)* YOU: Um. I think you've got the wrong idea. JAYDEN: Oh, uh... *(You stand up.)* <%= display("bullshit25") %>

*(You jump up to your feet.)* YOU: Uh... no. JAYDEN: I— <%= display("bullshit25") %>

*(You sit, staring straight ahead. His hand doesn't move.)* JAYDEN: You're really great, Nadia. Don't you wish you were with someone who could see that? *(You don't reply. He tilts his head, trying to move into your field of vision.)* YOU: I uh... sorry. Could you—? *(You pick up his hand and move it off you.)* JAYDEN: Oh, uh... YOU: I'm sorry. I just... *(You stand up.)* I'm not— You know I'm not interested in you like that. ...Right? JAYDEN: ...Shit. <%= display("bullshit7") %>

*(He puts his hand on your thigh and squeezes it lightly.)* JAYDEN: You're a really special person, Nadia. * [[I think you've got the wrong idea.|bullshit21]] * [[nope nope nopenopenope|bullshit22]] * [[...|bullshit23]]

YOU: Look, Jayden. I'm not really interested in you in that way. Or in any way. *(You bite your bottom lip.)* Do you understand? JAYDEN: ...Right. No. Of course you're not... <%= display("bullshit7") %>

YOU: Oh Miles. You're a real <%=emoji("tada")%><%=emoji("no_good")%> MILES: ...Wait, what? YOU: Huh? MILES: What did you just say? I'm a what? YOU: I said you're a real party pooper. MILES: ...Did you? YOU: Didn't I? MILES: I— hmm. *(He shakes his head.)* Never mind. <%= next() %>

Are you sure you want to return to the Episode Select screen? **<a href="index.html">yes please</a>** *return to the main menu* **<a href="javascript:history.back()">never mind</a>** *keep playing the game*

<% if (s.e1save) { s.toldallen = s.e1save.toldallen; s.toldallen1 = s.e1save.toldallen1; s.toldallen2 = s.e1save.toldallen2; } %> ### Journal <% if (s.chapter > 7 || s.anjaphase >= 6) { %> #### **Sunday, 11 September 2016** <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 8 || s.anjaphase >= 8) { %> **Early Early Morning:** Well, as if I didn't have enough to worry about, Jayden went for it finally. Ugh. UGH. I literally feel physically gross right now. Why didn't I just tell him off earlier or something? God, and Anja saw the whole thing too. What a trainwreck of a night. I think I need to find Kaz and get the hell out of here.<% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 7 || s.anjaphase >= 6) { %> **Midnight:** Texted Allen and it basically immediately turned into a big fight. Can we even talk anymore without getting into some weird thing about Summer or Anja? Why is he getting so freaked out about *everything* this year? Whatever's going on, it's getting really old really fast. I think I need to get into investigation mode here. (Oh and also I managed to spill a *drink* on Anja and completely piss her off again. Good going, me.) <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> #### **Saturday, 10 September 2016** <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 5) { %> **Late Night:** My first attempt to talk to Summer was derailed by another weird vision. This time I saw some weird blond kid. He looked around my age and he was wearing an MCC uniform. He's not anyone from my class but I swear to god he looks so familiar. Where have I seen him before? <% } %> <% if (s.chapter > 2) { %> **Night:** Allen decided to stay home from the party, because of course. I guess it's good in a way. Gives me more opportunities to talk to Summer alone. If I can work up the courage, that is. <% } %> #### **Friday, 9 September 2016** **After School:** I came out to Kaz!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! They were so supportive and nice and understanding and I feel like a million times better, oh my god. I told them everything. About me, about Summer, about Allen. In fact, they've taken it upon themself to get Summer and I back on speaking terms again. Step 1: Kipling's Party tomorrow... #### **Thursday, 8 September 2016** **After School:** Okay, Allen was officially being a total jerk about Anja situation, so I ditched him and walked home alone. On the way I ran into Summer. Which is to say I saw her at the bottom of a muddy ditch. I pulled her out. Things were still awkward but she was grateful. Operation Make My Ex Best Friend Hate Me A Little Bit Less is moving forward... **Morning:** I have no idea what compelled her to do it, but Anja completely saved my butt today. The Docteure gave us a group assignment and she stepped in so I wouldn't have to partner with Jayden. Only problem is now we have to work together, and that is going to be somewhat less than pleasant. **Before School:** <% if (s.toldallen) { %> Allen was practically gloating when I told him how my talk with Summer went. Almost feels like he's rooting for us to not get along sometimes. Got an invitation to Kipling's party on Saturday, which should be a lot of fun. <% } else { %> Told Allen about Summer. He seemed a bit weird about it, but before I could press him on it the conversation got derailed by Kip's elaborate party invitation. Looks like I'm going to his place on Saturday. <% } %> Also, had an... unsettling ghost talk with Annette. According to her there are "psychic imprints of past lives" all over the school, and someone with the right spell could totally summon them into an animal form. Only thing is they'd basically need to steal human bones from a graveyard to pull it off. Yuck. #### **Wednesday, 7 September 2016** **Afternoon:** Literally grabbed Anja in class and forced her into the seat next to me so I didn't have to sit with Jayden. God knows what I was thinking. Now I'm stuck to her all year and she is clearly NOT happy about it. So much for getting on her good side. Then after class I FINALLY managed to talk to Summer, but she basically just blew me off. **Lunch:** Went around and interviewed a bunch of people. No one seems to know anything about ghosts. <% if (s.toldallen2) { %> Told Allen about Summer and honestly he was kind of a jerk about it. Then, <% } else { %> (None of them had seen Summer either.) <% } %> Jayden ambushed me on the way to class and tried to claim seat next to me in French class. A worrying development. **Morning:** Summer is in my history class!! I tried to get her attention while Sherbourne was rambling but she just looked away. In other words, she's still avoiding me. Sigh. Maybe I'll see her at lunch. **Before School:** <% if (s.toldallen1) { %> Told Allen about Summer on the way into school. He reacted... weird. Also, found <% } else { %> Had a nice ride in with Allen. Found <% } %> out I'm next to Annette's locker this year. (She was in the North Wing before they closed it for construction.) #### **Tuesday, 6 September 2016** **Night:** Wrapped up first issue after literally hours of work. Kaz "celebrated". As we were leaving, we had a strange encounter in the halls. Not going to commit all details to writing in case someone finds this and thinks I've lost my senses, but it involved purple smoke coming out of the North Wing and a weird raccoon. Kaz has convinced me we need to investigate. **After School:** First Editorial meeting was as empty as expected. Fortunately I've got Kaz, and the two of us can at least scrape something together for this week. Anja says Summer's back at MCC this year. Wonder if she'll talk to me finally. **Morning:** First day of Grade 12. Started new notebook (obviously). No big surprises so far. Looking forward to first newspaper as editor. Less looking forward to the fact that no one will be there.

<% s.towncar=true; %> YOU: I just had an... unpleasant experience outside. With Jayden. KIPLING: Young J-Finch giving you troubs? YOU: He came on to me. Pretty hard. I turned him down of course, but... KIPLING: Ugh. I'm so sorry. Truly. Do you want me to escort the man off the premises? *(You shake your head.)* YOU: He already left. KIPLING: Good. YOU: Got pretty awkward there... *(Kipling sighs.)* KIPLING: Not the way I want to see one of my closest compatriots spending her evening. I tell you. It's supposed to be worry-free here at Casa Kipling. YOU: My life is anything but worry-free these days. KIPLING: You need a ride home? I can't abandon the pad but I can summon a towncar like that. *(He snaps.)* YOU: No, that's okay. I've got Kaz. Think I'm going to try and find them actually. KIPLING: The Mellower Kaczmarek was planted out on the rear lawn last time I spied them. YOU: Thanks Kip. KIPLING: Promise me you'll seek me out if you need anything at all, dig? *(He does a little bow.)* I'm at your disposal, as always. <%= next() %>

JAYDEN: If you say so. *(You stretch out your arms and yawn.)* YOU: Anyway, it's getting late. I should probably go back in. I'm sure people are looking for us or something... <%= display("bullshit20") %>

YOU: Will she be able to tell that I was the one who asked you to ask her? KAZ: Yes. Instantly. YOU: Then no. <%= display("drama16") %>

<% portrait("kipling2"); s.kiplingphase=5; %> *(Kipling comes up to you as you're walking away from Anja.)* KIPLING: Nazarina! This a good time? YOU: Uh, yeah. Fine. What's up? *(He holds out a glowy bracelet.)* KIPLING: Just wanted to let you know that the dance party is on upstairs and it is *bumpin'*. You should get up there and get your bod a-shakin'! You see me? *(You look over your shoulder and see that Anja's still glaring at you. You turn back to Kip and forcefully snatch the bracelet out of his hands.)* YOU: Why yes, that sounds like fun. Thank you Kip. KIPLING: ¡Excelente! *(He runs off to spread the word elsewhere.)* <%= next() %>

YOU: Alright, never mind. MILES: Okay. *(He goes back to reading.)* <%= next() %>

<% s.kiplingphase = 2; %> KIPLING: I consider myself something of an observer, as well you know. And right now I'm observing that you and Anja can occupy the same room without trying to kill each other. This can only be described as an improvement. * [[Don't read too much into it.|kipling7]] * [[Clearly not that much of an improvement.|kipling8]] * [[We could use an observer at the paper.|kipling9]] * [[What have you got back there?|kipling10]]

<% portrait("kipling2"); %> KIPLING: Lady Nazari! Have you come around to the ways of the beverage consumers? YOU: Something like that. Think I could use a drink after all. KIPLING: *(winking)* Say no more. *(He sits you down on a little barstool and hops over the counter.)* KIPLING: So! You and Miss K buried the old hatchet I see! YOU: What makes you say that? <%= display("kipling26") %>

<% if (localStorage) { %> <% if (Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) === 200) { %> **<a href="javascript:newgame()" data-passage="dance0">start episode</a>** <% } %> <% if (Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) === 111) { %> **<a href="javascript:newgame()" data-passage="dance0">start episode</a>** *continue your save file from episode 1* <% } %> <% if (!(Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) > 110)) { %> **<a href="javascript:newgame()" data-passage="dance0">start new game</a>** *skip episode 1 and begin a new save file from here* <% } %> <% if ((Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) > 200) && (Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) < 210)) { %><%= chapterlink() %><% } %> <% if (Number(localStorage.getItem("ku_youaregreat")) > 200) { %> **<a href="javascript:newgame()" data-passage="dance0">restart episode</a>** *your progress from this episode on will be deleted* <% } %> <% } else { %> **<%= link("start new game","dance0") %>** *autosave isn't working properly on this device, sorry!* <% } %> **<%= link("chapter select","chapterselect") %>** <% if (localStorage) { %> *your progress will not be saved or overwritten in this mode* <% } %> **<a href="index.html">back to main menu</a>** <div class="preload"><img src="img/nadia2.png" /><img src="img/kaz2.png" /><img src="img/anja2.png" /><img src="img/summer2.png" /><img src="img/allen2.png" /><img src="img/annette2.png" /><img src="img/olivia2.png" /><img src="img/miles2.png" /><img src="img/jayden2.png" /><img src="img/kipling2.png" /></div>

<% portrait() s.heydramas = true; if (s.hour === "10pm") { s.visionbefore += .5; } if (s.hour === "11pm") { s.textallenbefore += .5; } %> *(You walk up to the drama kids.)* TALL DRAMA: Well well. YOU: Hey dramas. COOL DRAMA: If it isn't Nadia Nazari. What brings you to our lair? BALD DRAMA: *(looking around)* <% if (s.room==="terrace") { %> Is it really a "lair" when it's outdoors? HIPPIE DRAMA: Typical prescriptivist propaganda. BALD DRAMA: Just saying. <% } else { %> Is it really *our* lair when it's in someone else's house? HIPPIE DRAMA: Squatter's rights. BALD DRAMA: Do we have to squat? I'd rather stand. <% } %> CORSET DRAMA: *(shoving him away)* Ignore this dweeb, Nadia. COOL DRAMA: Yes. Ignore him. <% if (s.room==="terrace") { %> *(She blows a vape cloud in your face. You cough a little.)* <% } else { %> *(She leans forward and points at you.)* <% } %> COOL DRAMA: <% if (s.room==="terrace") { %> So. *(She points at you.)* <% } else { %> You. <% } %> Here. Why. What gives. * [[Just making the rounds.|heydramas2]] * [[I need a reason?|heydramas3]]

YOU: Just making the rounds. Seeing how everyone is. HIPPIE DRAMA: Hmm... Nope, don't buy it. <%= display("heydramas4") %>

YOU: I need a reason to talk to you guys now? CORSET DRAMA: Yes. Fill out this form in triplicate. *(She hands you a scrap of notebook paper.)* YOU: This just says "boots". CORSET DRAMA: *(grabbing it back)* It's an aspirational shopping list. <%= display("heydramas4") %>

TALL DRAMA: <% if (s.room==="terrace") { %> *(climbing on a hedge)* <% } else if (s.room==="upstairs") { %> *(bouncing on the bed)* <% } else { %> *(batting a balloon around)* <% } %> Bet she's doing a story. HIPPIE DRAMA: Of course! An expose! COOL DRAMA: That's *exposé*. And what do you have to exposé anyway? TALL DRAMA: I think he's highly exposable. COOL DRAMA: *(rolling her eyes)* Well that much is obvious. BALD DRAMA: Should have expected as much from Newspaper Nadia. *(He points at you.)* That's your nickname you know. * [[Since when?|heydramas5]] * [[No it's not.|heydramas6]] * [[Fitting, I suppose.|heydramas7]]

YOU: Since when? COOL DRAMA: *(shrugging)* Since right now. What do we all think? <%= display("heydramas8") %>

YOU: What? No it's not. BALD DRAMA: ...Damn. She got me. TALL DRAMA: <% if (s.room==="upstairs") { %> *(hitting him with a pillow)* <% } else { %> *(rubbing his head)* <% } %> Ha! Way to fold, dipshit. BALD DRAMA: *You're* the dipshit. TALL DRAMA: Correct. What's your point? CORSET DRAMA: Nadia. If you *are* writing an article I'll answer any question. COOL DRAMA: *Any* question? CORSET DRAMA: Any. HIPPIE DRAMA: Even ones she doesn't know the answer to. CORSET DRAMA: Especially those. I'm an open book. BALD DRAMA: Too bad all the pages are blank. *(She slaps him in the nuts.)* BALD DRAMA: Gffhhhggh!!!!! COOL DRAMA: Oh, suck it up. <% if (s.room==="terrace") { %> *(She takes another hit from her vape.)* <% } else { %> *(She glances up at the ceiling.)* <% } %> Or don't, actually. It doesn't really affect me either way. * [[Good chat.|heydramas9]]

YOU: Fitting, I suppose. <%= display("heydramas8") %>

CORSET DRAMA: Needs more alliteration. HIPPIE DRAMA: Nadia Nazari The Newspaper... uh... BALD DRAMA: Neditor? CORSET DRAMA: Newsperson. TALL DRAMA: I would have said "Nabob". HIPPIE DRAMA: Calling a hot girl instant coffee. Cold. CORSET DRAMA: Ugh! *(She kicks him in the arm.)* HIPPIE DRAMA: Why??? Ow!! COOL DRAMA: Don't call her "a hot girl" like she's not even here. God. HIPPIE DRAMA: Of course she's here! How would I know she was hot if I couldn't see her? BALD DRAMA: *(holding up a finger)* Her picture *is* in the newspaper. TALL DRAMA: Wait, go back. Are you saying the *coffee* is cold, or...? * [[Good chat.|heydramas9]]

YOU: Cool, well. Good talk. COOL DRAMA: One sec. *(She taps something out on her phone and then shows you the screen. It says: "*<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;">come find me if you want to make out behind the gazebo <%= emoji("beers") %><%= emoji("nail_care")%></span>*")* YOU: *(extremely blushing)* Um. Uh... COOL DRAMA: Any time. I'm literally always bored. *(You cough.)* CORSET DRAMA: *(in a fake whisper)* What do you think they're talking about? BALD DRAMA: Girl stuff. You wouldn't get it. CORSET DRAMA: Fucker. <% if (s.room==="terrace") { %> *(She shoves him into a bush.)* <% } else if (s.room==="upstairs") { %> *(She pushes him off the bed.)* <% } else { %> *(She shoves him onto the floor.)* <% } %> <%= next() %>