BOAT PROM

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* <a0 data-passage="00E-00">prologue</a> * <a0 data-passage="05T-00">loser club</a> * <a0 data-passage="20R-00">worst idea ever</a> * <a0 data-passage="39E-00">rough edges</a> * <a0 data-passage="45R-00">going in</a> * <a0 data-passage="60P-00">the gayest</a> * <a0 data-passage="70A-00">get it together</a> * <a0 data-passage="85P-00">can't hear the music</a> * <a0 data-passage="90E-00">epilogue</a> <div.close>[[← back|SYS-MENU]]</div>

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<a0 data-passage="SYS-START"><img src="img/boatpromkids.png" /></a> <div.menu>[[start|SYS-START]] <span.spacer>·</span> [[chapters|SYS-TOC]] <span.spacer>·</span> [[about|SYS-ABOUT]]</div>

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*(The start of prom night. The dance floor is slowly filling with couples as the caterers finish setting up. Elizabeth Wei stands next to her conventionally attractive male date, Cole. She fidgets with her magenta dress.)* E: This is quite the set-up. C: Yeah. It's like, all this stuff. E: Thanks again for agreeing to this. I appreciate it. C: Oh, totally. Yeah. It's prom, right? We're gonna have fun! E: Fun sounds good. *(Prescott St. Clair, looking a bit dishevelled in an ill-fitting white tuxedo, runs up in front of them. She almost trips over her own feet but then composes herself.)* P: Elizabeth. Hi. Um, can I talk to you for a second? E: Ugh. *(She presses her clutch into Cole's hands.)* Hold this, I'll be right back. *(He looks down at it like someone handed him a live animal.)* * [[What is it now?|00E-02]] * [[Can this not wait?|00E-05]]

E: What is it now, Prescott? I'm kind of busy here. <%= story.render("00E-07") %> P: Yeah, uh. About that. *(She pulls her a few more steps away from Cole.)* Don't get mad... <%= story.render("00E-06") %>

E: ...because I'm trapped on a goddamn boat. *(Elizabeth puts her phone away and leans on the outer deck railing, staring at the slowly-receding Toronto skyline. Tad Major, a soft-faced jockish guy, walks up and joins her.)* T: Isn't it enchanting? E: I could not be less enchanted right now. T: The warm breeze, the sparkling city lights... E: The searing agony of rejection. T: Still upset about that, huh? * [[About my public humiliation?|05T-02]] * [[It literally just happened.|05T-03]] * [[I just really hate boats.|05T-04]]

E: You mean about my public humiliation? T: Don't worry, people were barely paying attention to you. E: Oh that's a relief. For a second there I was worried somebody might have actually been considering my feelings. T: It's just the *whole year* it's been all like: "Oh my god, Cole and Lindsay. Lindsay and Cole. Is it gonna happen?" And then it happened! E: Would have been nice if it happened *before* I got this stupid corsage. *(She slips it off her wrist.)* Are these rentals by the way? Can I just throw this in the lake? *(Tad shrugs.)* E: Eh, what the hell. *(She tosses it. It plops down on the surface and just kind of floats there.)* T: Feel better? * [[Not even a little.|05T-07]] * [[Nothing goes as planned.|05T-08]]

E: "Still"? It was twenty minutes ago. T: Twenty minutes is like forever in prom years. E: It definitely *felt* like forever. T: People have already moved on! They're dancing, they're making memories, they're having a good time. * [[Good for them.|05T-09]] * [[I can see that.|05T-10]]

E: I just hate boats. This boat in particular. T: But they decorated it and everything! See? *(He points to the streamers that say "PROM THEME 2018 IS BOAT")* E: *(flat)* Wow. T: I think it's romantic. * [[I think it's Lake Ontario.|05T-05]] * [[Everything's romantic to you.|05T-06]]

E: I think it's Lake Ontario. I think we're in a weird smelling boat on dirty crap water. And worst of all I think I have to spend the next three hours trapped here, watching the guy I like and the girl I like confirm their mutual *dis*like of me by making out on the dance floor. Sloppily, I might add. <%= story.render("05T-11") %>

E: Everything seems romantic when you're in love. When you've been forsaken by love, everything is dirt. Like the air is dirt right now. I'm breathing dirt air. T: Okay, you might be overreacting just a bit. E: Am I? Because the way I see it, I have to spend the next three hours on a boat, watching the guy I like and the girl I like confirm their mutual *dis*like of me by making out on the dance floor. Sloppily, I might add. <%= story.render("05T-11") %>

E: Nope, not really. Because I have to spend the next three hours on a boat, watching the guy I like and the girl I like confirm their mutual *dis*like of me by making out on the dance floor. Sloppily, I might add. <%= story.render("05T-11") %>

E: Nothing goes as planned. Not even dramatic visual metaphors. T: Mm. E: You couldn't have engineered a worse outcome. I get to spend the next three hours stuck on this boat, watching the guy I like and the girl I like confirm their mutual *dis*like of me by making out on the dance floor. Sloppily, I might add. <%= story.render("05T-11") %>

E: Good for them. I'm happy. I love that for them. *My* prom experience is that I get to spend the next three hours stuck on a boat, watching the guy I like and the girl I like confirm their mutual *dis*like of me by making out on the dance floor. Sloppily, I might add. <%= story.render("05T-11") %>

E: Oh no, I can see that. I can see the whoooole prom. Including the dance floor, where the guy I like and the girl I like, having finally united in a common *dis*like of me, are sloppily making out. And I get to watch that for the next three hours. <%= story.render("05T-11") %>

*(Prescott walks up behind her and clears her throat. Elizabeth turns around.)* P: Um. So. E: Here to gloat? P: What? E: Your handiwork. *(She points at Lindsay and Cole, who are simultaneously making out and slow dancing next to the DJ booth.)* P: Look, okay. Lindsay's my friend. Obviously I'm going to help her get together with the guy she likes. * [[So you admit you planned it.|10P-02]] * [[I'm impressed honestly.|10P-03]] * [[You blindsided me.|10P-04]]

E: So you admit you were behind all this. P: I wasn't "behind" anything. It was Lindsay's idea. I just helped her figure out what to say... E: And when to say it? P: I mean, yeah. I guess. E: And you figured the best moment would be right in the middle of *my* prom date? In public, when everyone was around to see me get rejected? *(Prescott looks down and kicks her feet awkwardly.)* P: That's not what it was about. * [[It was about that to me.|10P-05]] * [[How long were you planning this?|10P-06]]

E: Honestly, no. I'm impressed. I've never been more thoroughly humiliated. How long were you planning it? P: We weren't *trying* to humiliate you. It just sort of, um, happened. *(Elizabeth glares at her. Prescott sighs.)* P: Lindsay started planning the whole public confession thing after you asked out Cole. So, um, a week. * [[Thanks for the heads up.|10P-10]] * [[You couldn't have made it private?|10P-11]]

E: Yeah, great. She gets her dream prom and I get completely blindsided. P: I did try to warn you! Things just, um, happened fast. E: Uh-huh. And how far in advance did you know they were going to happen fast? *(Prescott looks down and kicks her feet awkwardly.)* P: Well, Lindsay started planning the whole public confession thing after you asked out Cole. So, um, a week. * [[Thanks for the heads up.|10P-10]] * [[You couldn't have made it private?|10P-11]]

*(Elizabeth finally reaches the drink table. She looks around and then leans over the counter.)* E: Hey. Do you serve alcohol? R: No! E: Alright, jeez. Fizzy water then. R: *(pouring)* You're literally the 40th kid who's tried that. Why do you all think it's going to work? E: I don't know what to tell you, dude. You give off a vibe. Maybe because you're wearing sunglasses indoors? *(He sighs and hands over the drink.)* R: The company makes us wear these. <%= next("50P-00") %>

E: Whatever this is, can it not wait until after prom? <%= story.render("00E-07") %> P: Um, not really, no. *(She pulls her a few more steps away from Cole.)* Okay, don't get mad... <%= story.render("00E-06") %>

*(The whole room goes silent as Lindsay, the ultra-charismatic student council president, steps into the spotlight holding a microphone.)* L: Sorry for the interruption, everyone. *(Elizabeth turns to look. Prescott winces and shuts her eyes.)* L: Cole... I have something important to say. *(He drops the clutch on the ground and steps forward in shock. Elizabeth whips back around and grabs Prescott by the shoulders.)* E: What. The hell. Did you do? <%= next("00E-03") %>

*(A spotlight clicks on at the centre of the floor. A crowd starts gathering around it.)*

*(Elizabeth walks back over to the drink table.)* E: Yo, sunglasses. R: Seriously, I don't have alcohol. And I can't sell you "vape juice" or whatever either, so don't bother asking. E: Chill dude. I was just going to ask if you'd seen my friend Prescott. R: Who? Your friend? Why would I know who that is? E: You can just say no! You don't have to make it a whole thing every time! *(He throws up his arms as Elizabeth walks away from the table. She looks around the dance floor for someone else who might have seen Prescott. Finally, her eyes land on Lindsay and Cole.)* E: ...Goddamn it. <%= next("80L-00") %>

T: <% if(window.hasVisited("05T-08")) {%>Well,<% } else { %>Hmm,<% } %> when you put it that way... E: Whatever. I always knew happiness was for other people. *(She stretches her back.)* ...Speaking of which, shouldn't you be off gazing into your boyfriend's eyes right now? T: Oh, we've been gazing all night. He's just taking a second to hydrate. *(He gently touches her arm.)* Hydration is so important. * [[Go. It's fine.|05T-12]] * [[Good advice.|05T-13]]

E: Go. It's fine. *(Tad gives her a concerned look.)* E: Seriously. Find your man and go have a perfect night. I'll just be out here, you know, alone and miserable. T: Alright. *(He rubs her shoulder.)* Sorry it didn't work out. *(Elizabeth gives him a "what are you gonna do" shrug. He heads back over to the dance floor.)* <%= next("10P-00") %>

E: Good advice. *(She points at the lake.)* Maybe I'll hydrate myself down there later tonight. T: Let's save the stupid ideas for college, huh? *(He rubs her shoulder.)* Sorry it didn't work out. E: Yeah, yeah. *(She waves him off. He heads back over to the dance floor.)* <%= next("10P-00") %>

*(After a few more minutes alone outside, Elizabeth steps away from the railing and heads back into the main part of the boat.)* *(The music on the dance floor is loud and indistinct. Across the room, Darren and Tad are dancing -- Darren jumping around all hyper and Tad awkwardly swaying his upper body. Meanwhile, over by the DJ booth, Lindsay and Cole continue their extremely public display of tongue affection, cheered on by some nearby classmates.)* *(Elizabeth avoids them all and heads to the drink table instead. She waves over one of the caterers.)* E: Hey. What's on tap? R: Soft drinks. E: You don't have like, I don't know, a big bowl of fruit punch? Something like that? R: We have canned fruit punch. It's mainly for children. E: ...Alright, give it. *(He pops open a can and hands it to her.)* <%= next("25A-00") %>

*(Prescott sheepishly heads back inside. As she goes she passes by Darren Mills, a tastefully accessorized but excessively hair-gelled young man. He walks up next to Elizabeth and waggles his eyebrows at her.)* E: Darren. D: That looked like a fun conversation. * [[Just talking with my nemesis.|15D-02]] * [[You and Tad taking shifts?|15D-03]] * [[I thought you were hydrating.|15D-04]]

E: Just chatting with the architect of my misfortune. D: I didn't realize you were talking to yourself. E: Funny. Cute. D: Those are my two best features. E: I'm telling you, it's all Prescott's fault. D: Here we go... * [[She thinks she's so great.|15D-05]] * [[She orchestrated it.|15D-06]]

E: Are you and Tad taking shifts with me tonight? Worried I'm going to throw myself off the side of the boat? D: Oh honey, it's not like that. We don't know *what* kind of crazy shit you're going to do. E: Honestly? I don't even care anymore. D: Uh-huh. E: Really I'm just mad. Mad at that meddling Prescott St. Clair. D: And here we go. * [[She thinks she's so great.|15D-05]] * [[She orchestrated it.|15D-06]]

E: I thought you were hydrating. D: How long do you think it takes to drink a glass of water? E: Time has no meaning on The Boat. Everything is forever and nothing ends. D: Half an hour in and we're already at existential despair. Good sign. E: If I'm despairing it's because of that meddling Prescott St. Clair. D: Here we go. * [[She thinks she's so great.|15D-05]] * [[She orchestrated it.|15D-06]]

E: She thinks she's so great... D: Does she? E: Walking in here all cool and hot in that white suit, stealing my prom date for her equally cool and equally hot friend. D: Please, you barely even wanted him. Cole was your distant second choice, and it turns out he felt the exact same way. E: Yeah, but *she* didn't know that! D: Seriously, where does this whole Prescott thing even come from? * [[This isn't the first time.|15D-11]] * [[She gives me a weird vibe.|15D-12]] * [[She's the one who started it.|15D-14]] * [[Are you taking her side?|15D-13]]

E: She planned that whole thing! She basically told me that she put Lindsay up to it. D: Yeah but it was Cole who actually ditched you. Shouldn't you be mad at him? E: Cole is a hot idiot. A sexy but non-threatening pawn. No, the mastermind was Prescott. D: I feel like you have this whole thing about Prescott hating you and I have no idea where it comes from. * [[This isn't the first time.|15D-11]] * [[She gives me a weird vibe.|15D-12]] * [[She's the one who started it.|15D-14]] * [[Are you taking her side?|15D-13]]

D: Enough. *(He pinches her lips shut.)* I'm already over this. E: Mmph. D: I get that you're upset or whatever, but you're not the only one on this boat without a date. *(She bats his hand away from her face. He barrels ahead.)* D: Lots of people went stag, okay? And they may not be as angry as you, but they *are* as desperate. So pick one of them out, ask them to dance, and put all the high school baggage in the rear view. * [[They're all losers like me.|15D-09]] * [[I don't want to dance.|15D-10]]

E: Great, I can hang out with all the other losers. We'll start a loser club. <%= story.render("15D-07") %> D: Circulate, okay? Socialize. No one likes a pouty little baby. <%= story.render("15D-17") %>

E: I don't want to dance. I want to stand out here and be miserable. Alone. <%= story.render("15D-07") %> D: Fine, you don't want to dance? Don't dance. But at least circulate. Talk. No one likes a pouty little baby. <%= story.render("15D-17") %>

E: This isn't the first time something like this has happened! Remember Max Chambord's party? She was keeping Lindsay away from me the whole night. D: She was *talking* to Lindsay. Because they're friends. E: Then why was she giving me that look all the time? That was a look of sabotage! <%= story.render("15D-08") %>

E: It's a vibe, okay? D: A vibe. E: A weird vibe. She acts all jumpy around me all the time. Like she's *scheming* something. D: Maybe she's afraid that you're going to yell at her. E: Then that just means she has a guilty conscience! <%= story.render("15D-08") %>

E: What are you, taking her side now? D: You've got a cold war going on in your head, you know that? E: Cold, nothing. I got *nuked* tonight! If anything, I should be planning my retaliatory strike. <%= story.render("15D-08") %>

*(She paces back and forth a little but doesn't respond. Tad and Darren shoot each other "What do we do?" looks. Then she stops.)* E: Guys... I'm not a bad person, am I? *(One. Two. Three.)* T: No. D: Of course not! E: What was that? T: What was what? D: You're great! E: Why did you take so long to answer? T: I mean, y'know, what is a "bad person" anyway? * [[Someone who does bad things.|42T-02]] * [[Oh my god I am.|42T-03]]

E: I don't know! Someone who throws a puppy off a cliff? D: Aw, puppy... T: Okay, well you're not *that* bad. E: But I am bad! T: You have some, uh, rough edges? But we love you anyway! * [[Pity love, is that it?|42T-13]] * [[What kind of rough edges?|42T-14]] * [[And everyone else hates me.|42T-15]]

E: Oh my god, I am. T: I mean... E: Darren was right! I do have a terrible personality. *(Tad glares at Darren.)* D: Okay, it sounded way cuter when I said it. E: What is it? What makes me so awful? <%= story.render("42T-16") %>

*(As Tad disappears into the crowd, Aisley emerges from it. She runs up to Elizabeth with a satanic glint in her eye.)* A: Hey hey hey! Lizzie! Check it out! *(She holds up a ziplock bag.)* I just got a bunch of weird pills from Max Chambord. E: Uh, what kind of weird pills are we talking about here? A: I don't know, dude. That's what makes them weird! You want in? * [[I don't think you should take those.|37A-02]] * [[I have never wanted in less.|37A-03]]

E: I really don't think you should take those. A: Well that's too bad because I already started. E: Oh god. A: Come on, let's go partyyyy. Party with druuuugs. * [[Even if I wanted to...|37A-04]] * [[Those things could kill you.|37A-05]]

E: I absolutely, categorically, do not want in. A: Come on, what's the worst that could happen? * [[You could die.|37A-07]] * [[I could die.|37A-08]] * [[You could go to jail.|37A-09]] * [[I could go to jail.|37A-10]] * [[There's so many possible bad outcomes that I literally can't list them.|37A-11]]

E: Even if I wanted to, which I definitely one thousand percent do not, there's nowhere private on this boat. Everyone can literally see everyone from everywhere. Believe me, I've checked. A: That's where you're wrong, friend. I found this like alcove? It's down the hall past the bathroom. It looks like you aren't allowed to go in there, and you probably aren't allowed to go in there. But the crazy thing is... you *can* go in there. <%= story.render("37A-06") %>

E: I wouldn't trust Chambord to fill a bag with a sandwich. What makes you think those pills won't kill you? A: He's not dead yet and he's been pounding 'em back all night! E: Aisley, I swear to god, this is your worst idea ever. <%= story.render("37A-13") %>

E: I appreciate the offer but I'm not going to go eat poison in the room on the boat where you go to get murdered. A: Suit yourself. *(She pops a bunch of pills into her mouth and walks off towards the bathroom hallway.)* E: ...Ugh, at least take them with water. <%= next("39E-00") %>

E: Uh you could literally die. Max Chambord is the biggest moron I've ever met. He's sure as hell not a pharmacist. <%= story.render("37A-12") %>

E: What's the worst that could happen if I took mystery pills prepared by the stupidest human being I have ever met? I don't know, I could *die*? <%= story.render("37A-12") %>

E: I'm pretty sure whatever's in that bag is also extremely illegal. What if you get busted and end up in jail? <%= story.render("37A-13") %>

E: I could end up in jail? For drug crimes or something? I don't know. <%= story.render("37A-13") %>

E: I can't even begin to list all the things that could go wrong. It's like I could start writing them out now and I wouldn't be done for the rest of my life. Especially if die prematurely from ingesting a bunch of random pills prepared by the world's biggest moron. <%= story.render("37A-12") %>

A: That's where you're wrong, friend. Chambord might be an idiot at school, but he's a Mozart at getting high. *(She dangles the bag)* This right here, this is the Moonlight Sonata. E: That was Beethoven. You should go to the bathroom and flush those pills down the toilet. A: Counter-point, I should go *take* these pills in that weird hidden alcove *down the hall* from the bathroom, and *you* should come with me. <%= story.render("37A-06") %>

A: Hey. *(She waves Elizabeth in to come closer and then continues speaking at her normal loud volume.)* If you're worried about being caught, it's all good. I found this place? This like alcove down past the bathrooms? It looks like you aren't allowed to go in there, and you probably *aren't* allowed to go in there. But the crazy thing is... you *can* go in there. <%= story.render("37A-06") %>

*(Prescott sprints over to the drink table. This time she does trip over her shoes, thwacking into the counter and knocking over a bunch of tiny plastic cups.)* E: Oh my *god*, are you not done with me yet? *(Prescott grips Elizabeth's forearm.)* P: I need your help. I mean, *we* need your help. I mean, *everyone* needs your help. It's your friend Aisley. E: What'd she do? P: She's outside? Like, um, further outside than you're supposed to be? ...You'd better come see. * [[Show me.|50P-02]] * [[Outside?|50P-06]]

E: Show me. <%= story.render("50P-07") %>

E: Where the hell are the chaperones? P: I think they're all busy busting Max Chambord for selling drugs. E: All of them?! P: Um, he's kind of like their white whale? Somehow Aisley avoided the net. Or the harpoon. <%= story.render("50P-05") %>

E: Why didn't anyone stop her? P: It was so fast! She came out of nowhere. <%= story.render("50P-05") %>

E: She must have been in the room on the boat where you go to get murdered. P: The what? E: Don't worry about it. *(She kicks off her shoes.)* I'm going in. P: Wait, in...? <%= next("55A-00") %>

*(Elizabeth walks back inside and finds Aisley sitting on the floor next to a bench, with Tad's suit jacket draped over her shoulders.)* A: Lizzie... E: How you doing? A: *(thousand-yard stare)* I've come face-to-face with the yawning void of my own mortality. E: Great. Listen, have you seen Prescott? A: Was she one of the people that was watching me make an ass out of myself? E: Yes. A: Mm. *(She waves her hand around indistinctly.)* Then she's probably around here somewhere. * [[You shouldn't have taken the pills.|70A-02]] * [[I think I messed up.|70A-03]]

E: Aisley, buddy. You really didn't need to take the mystery pills. A: Oh, I did... And I'll do it again too. E: Ughhh, why?! A: Have you ever heard the parable of the scorpion? E: Yes...? What does that have to do with you taking random drugs? A: Huh? Oh. Nothing. I was just making conversation. E: I'm gonna go look somewhere else. <%= next("75R-00") %>

E: I think I screwed up. A: Sick, me too. E: Do you have any advice on how to like... apologize to someone? After you make them feel bad for kind of no reason? A: Mmph. Your desire to be loved will be your undoing. E: ...Is that your tip? A: Muhhhhh. *(She closes her eyes and take a long sip of canned fruit punch.)* E: Okay, I'll go look somewhere else. <%= next("75R-00") %>

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*(Elizabeth hurries away from Prescott and ends up walking straight towards Lindsay and Cole, who are now stroking each other's hair in time to the music. She stops and glares at them. As she stands there, Tad brushes by, carrying two little plastic cups of pop.)* T: Hey, you're up and about! E: I feel sick. *(She pinches the bridge of her nose.)* I think it's the boat. T: You should go get a ginger ale. E: I already had a fruit punch. T: Not really the same thing. Ooh, but I know what'd make you feel better. E: Death? T: Come over and dance with me and Dar! Get all your energy out. * [[I don't want to intrude.|33T-04]] * [[Physical movement is a bad idea.|33T-02]] * [[Are you trying to seduce me?|33T-03]]

E: If you're angling for some kind of weird threesome, I'm gonna have to politely decline. T: You need to get your mind off that dating stuff. Have fun with your friends! E: There's no way I could get my mind off anything with you two around. Standing there in your cute tuxes, making googly eyes, touching each other's shoulders for a weird amount of time. <%= story.render("33T-05") %>

E: I feel like moving my body too quickly right now is probably a bad idea. Unless you want to get a real good look at that fruit punch. *(He presses the back of his hand to her forehead.)* E: What are you doing? T: You don't have a fever. E: Seasickness doesn't cause a fever. T: I'm just wondering if the real culprit might be *love*sickness. * [[I'm allowed to be lovesick.|33T-08]] * [[Why do you two keep touching my face?|33T-09]]

E: Thanks, but I don't want to intrude. T: What? We're all on a boat together. No one's intruding on anyone! E: Please, you two are in full domesticity mode. Standing there in your cute tuxes, making googly eyes, touching each other's shoulders for a weird amount of time. <%= story.render("33T-05") %>

T: Dancing. It's called dancing. E: Pass. T: Okay, well, you have a cute outfit too! You're wearing a dress! * [[What a dream.|33T-06]] * [[And I can't wait to change.|33T-07]]

*(Elizabeth turns around and notices Prescott approaching. She freezes like a frightened prey animal the second she's spotted.)* E: You again. P: Hi. E: Bye. *(Elizabeth tries to walk past. Prescott jumps in front of her.)* P: Wait wait wait. I have with a peace offering. *(She holds out a little hors d'oeuvre on a napkin.)* E: A mini samosa? P: Um, yeah. I didn't bring a lot of stuff on the boat so I had to improvise. This was the best thing I could find. ...They're tasty? *(Elizabeth folds her arms.)* P: Look. I need you to understand: I *wasn't* trying to get you dumped on prom night. That wasn't my goal. * [["Dumped" is generous.|30P-02]] * [[What did you think would happen?|30P-03]] * [[It wasn't my goal either.|30P-04]]

E: "Dumped." We weren't even going out. It was a pity date, and he couldn't even pity me for more than half an hour. <%= story.render("30P-05") %>

E: What did you think would happen exactly? P: Um... E: You knew I was going to the prom with Cole, right? P: Yeah, but I didn't... I mean, it wasn't... Ugh, I don't know how to explain. <%= story.render("30P-06") %>

E: Wasn't my goal either. But here we arguing over frozen hors d'oeuvres. <%= story.render("30P-05") %>

P: I get it. You've got every reason to be mad at me. E: Yup. P: But I just-- I didn't... I mean, it wasn't... Ugh, I don't know how to explain. <%= story.render("30P-06") %>

E: Oh, you don't? How's this for an explanation? You wanted to hurt me and this was the perfect opportunity. P: That's not true! It wasn't even my idea in the first place. * [[You went along with it.|30P-07]] * [[Same outcome either way.|30P-08]]

E: Maybe not, but you went along with it. And now we both have to deal with the consequences. <%= story.render("30P-09") %>

E: Your idea, her idea, what's the difference? I still feel like crap either way. So good job. <%= story.render("30P-09") %>

*(Prescott winces and timidly holds up the samosa.)* P: I'm sorry. Please don't hate me? *(Elizabeth stares at her for a few seconds, then grabs the samosa out of her hands.)* E: ...Whatever. I'm over it. *(She pops it in her mouth and walks away.)* <%= next("33T-00") %>

*(He pinches her cheek and then walks off.)* E: Ughhhhhhhh. <%= next("20R-00") %>

*(Elizabeth climbs up onto the railing and carefully inches her way towards Aisley. Back on the deck, Prescott squats down and covers her face with her hands.)* A: Lizzie!!!!! Hey!!!! I was looking for you all over! E: I am already having a really bad night, so if you die right now I swear to god! A: That's the best part! We're *never* going to die! I've already planned out what I'm going to do every year until I'm 1000! * [[Get down.|55A-02]] * [[Stop moving.|55A-03]] * [[Shut up.|55A-04]]

E: *(inching closer)* Aisley, you need to get down. A: No. E: You need to get down right now. A: No! E: Yes! A: You know what this is like? This is like that time when we were kids and you told me not to take the mystery pills! E: That *just* happened! A: Exactly! This is not a healthy dynamic! <%= story.render("55A-05") %>

E: Aisley, listen to me. *(Aisley looks down at her own elbow. Elizabeth snaps her fingers.)* E: Aisley. Hey. Listen. I need you to stay still. I'm coming to get you. A: In a bad way? E: Yes. A: Did I do something bad? E: *Yes.* <%= story.render("55A-05") %>

E: The more you talk the more willing I am to let you drown! *(Aisley's eyes widen.)* A: Are you *mad* at me? E: *(inching closer)* What do you think? A: Is this because I hogged all the pills? If you wanted some you could have just asked! <%= story.render("55A-05") %>

*(Elizabeth finally reaches Aisley.)* A: Whoa, were you always this close? * [[It's not safe out here.|55A-06]] * [[You are way too high.|55A-07]]

E: Hey. Focus. It's not safe to be out here. A: *(pointing at the skyline)* What are you talking about? The city's right there! There's no way we're gonna get lost! <%= story.render("55A-08") %>

E: You are way too high to be out here right now. A: *(lowering voice)* Wait, can you tell? <%= story.render("55A-08") %>

E: Alright, don't take this the wrong way but you're a tiny person so I'm literally going to pick you up and carry you back down to safety. *(She grabs her under the arms in one fluid motion.)* A: What-- Hey! *(She starts thrashing.)* * [[Stop squirming!|55A-09]] * [[Do you want to fall in?|55A-10]]

E: Stop squirming, damn it! A: The *world* is squirming! I'm being perfectly still! E: *(lifting and grunting)* Well be still over... *here!* *(Elizabeth practically hurls Aisley back onto the deck. She shakily gets back to her feet, newly aware of her surroundings.)* <%= story.render("55A-11") %>

E: Do you *want* to fall in the damn lake? A: *(freezing in place)* There's a lake? *(Elizabeth takes advantage of the reprieve and hoists Aisley back over the railing. Aisley slips out of her hands and tumbles onto the deck. She looks around, newly aware of her surroundings.)* <%= story.render("55A-11") %>

A: Whoa. *(The onlookers rush in and grab her. Elizabeth <% if(window.hasVisited("55A-10")) {%>shakily pulls<% } else { %>hoists<% } %> herself back over the railing.)* E: *(winded)* "We're never going to die"? A: ...Because of computers. *(Elizabeth slides down and sits on the deck. She rests her head against the railing and shuts her eyes.)* E: Can someone take her away please before I strangle her with her own hair? <%= next("60P-00") %>

E: My life's ambition fulfilled. T: Seriously, you look *adorable* right now. You should dress like this every day. E: *(smiling despite herself)* I appreciate you, Tad. Even if you have no idea what you're talking about. <%= story.render("33T-10") %>

E: Let me tell you something. If someone fished an old wet pair of sweatpants out of the water right now and tossed them on deck, I'd change into those things into a heartbeat. You couldn't get this dress off me fast enough. T: Well I bet you'd look amazing in your trash pants too. E: *(smiling despite herself)* Yes, I suppose I would. <%= story.render("33T-10") %>

E: If it is, I'm allowed. You ever been in a love triangle, Tad? T: One time Chelsea Simonetta closed-mouth kissed me on the lips while I was pining for Darren and I burst into tears. Does that count? E: Exactly. Well, close enough anyway. It sucks. Especially when you're the stubby little loser angle that ends up with nobody. I reserve my right to feel bad and do nothing. T: Fine, but one way or another I am going to get you out on the floor tonight. So get ready to dance through those feelings. <%= story.render("33T-11") %>

E: What is it with you two and touching my face tonight? *(She bats his hand away.)* T: That's just what friends do. They touch each other's faces in times of trouble. E: Yeah well, go be friendly with your boy for a while. T: Alright, but listen. One way or another I am going to get you out on that dance floor tonight. So get those deceptively powerful legs of yours ready. <%= story.render("33T-11") %>

*(He winks at her.)* T: If you get bored come find us. We'll party all night. *(He heads back to find Darren.)* <% if(hasVisited("33T-03")) { %>E: I said no threesomes!<% } %> <%= next("37A-00") %>

*(Elizabeth makes a beeline for the drink table, inadvertently passing by Lindsay and Cole again in the process.)* L: You know what I love the most about you, babe? C: What's that? L: You're such a good person. C: Babe! That's what I love about you too. *(They embrace, passionately.)* E: Give me a friggin' break. <%= next("45R-00") %>

*(Elizabeth walks around the dance floor in a bit of a daze. She floats towards Darren and Tad, who are dancing off in a corner. Darren takes Tad by the hand and tries to dramatically spin him around, but Tad ends up bumping into a bench and falling onto the floor. The two of them laugh as Tad gets back on his feet.)* T: *(noticing Elizabeth)* Oh hey! D: Aha! How's my favourite little baby doing? T: Dar. D: It's our thiiiiing. It's banter. She loves it. *(to Elizabeth)* You love it. E: *(noncommittal grumble)* T: Feeling any better? * [[Worse.|42T-05]] * [[Who cares?|42T-06]]

E: Worse, actually. T: Anything we can do to help? <%= story.render("42T-01") %>

E: I don't know. Maybe? No? Who even cares? T: We do! What's going on? <%= story.render("42T-01") %>

E: Am I too mean, is that it? Is it that I snap at people and make them feel bad? Is that why they all hate me? D: I think you're fun when you're mean. T: Nobody *hates* you. <%= story.render("42T-17") %>

E: *(extremely loud)* Am I too loud?! Is that it? D: You're not *quiet*, exactly. T: Elizabeth, come on. It's not like that. <%= story.render("42T-17") %>

E: Am I too angry, is that it? Do I bite people's heads off? Is that why everyone hates me? D: I think you're fun when you're angry. T: Elizabeth, come on. <%= story.render("42T-17") %>

E: What am I, too desperate? Too lonely? Too pathetic? Can they smell it on me, is that it? Do I reek with the stench of pitiful solitude?! D: Honestly, I think you smell great. T: Elizabeth, come on. <%= story.render("42T-17") %>

E: Oh god, you won't even *specify*. Do I have any redeeming features at all? T: Elizabeth! <%= story.render("42T-17") %>

E: What, like pity love? D: We can love you and pity you at the same time without it being pity love. E: No, it makes sense. This is how it is! People tolerate my presence out of pity, and then abandon me because I'm too pitiful. Cole, Prescott. Always the same. I need a drink. <%= story.render("42T-12") %>

E: What *kind* of rough edges? D: Hey, who wants drinks? T: I think maybe this conversation is like not helping. E: No tell me, what is it that makes me so awful? <%= story.render("42T-16") %>

E: And everyone else hates me. T: No one *hates* you. E: Sure they do! Cole, and Prescott, and all of Prescott's friends who think I'm a screaming rage-monster. And why shouldn't they? Darren said it himself, I have a terrible personality! *(Tad glares at Darren.)* D: Okay, it sounded way cuter coming from me. E: You know what? I need a drink. Excuse me. <%= story.render("42T-12") %>

E: Outside? P: Yeah, um. Just... <%= story.render("50P-07") %>

<% if (window.hasVisited("50P-02")) { %>*(Prescott leads<% } else { %>*(She pulls<% } %> Elizabeth over to the outer deck railing where she was moping earlier. Aisley has climbed over the side and shimmied her way to a tiny inaccessible ledge at the front of the boat. She flails around in a way that suggests she doesn't realize that she's about to fall into Lake Ontario.)* *(Meanwhile, a crowd of prom-goers has gathered to freak out and point at her. Elizabeth shoves her way through them.)* E: Aisley, for shit's sake! What did you do? A: EVERYTHING! P: We can't get her down. * [[Where are the chaperones?|50P-03]] * [[Why did no one stop her?|50P-04]]

*(He heads off to find Darren.)* E: *(half-hearted grumble-scowl)* <%= next("37A-00") %>

*(As she walks away from the drink table, Elizabeth accidentally bumps into Aisley Fisher, a girl with the tiny frantic energy of a squirrel that got trapped indoors. Her trademark frizzy hair has attained legendary volume tonight. She jumps up and squeals in delight.)* A: Lizzie!!!! E: Aisley. A: Look at you, all dressed to the nines. Look at *us!* * [[You look great.|25A-02]] * [[You here alone too?|25A-03]] * [[How's it going?|25A-04]]

E: You look amazing tonight. A: You're damn right I do. You know why? E: That youtube hair thing you keep posting about? A: Yes. But also, self-actualization. I am here for *myself* tonight and that is powerful. * [[I'm glad one of us is feeling powerful.|25A-09]] * [[You don't mind not having a date?|25A-08]]

E: You here alone too? A: "Too"? I thought you had a date. E: Oh, he's a little preoccupied right now. <%= story.render("25A-10") %>

E: How are you doing? A: Can I tell you? No exaggeration? I have literally never been better in my entire life. E: That makes one of us. A: Huh? <%= story.render("25A-10") %>

E: You don't mind being here alone? A: I live for it, buddy. Love is for the weak and the cowardly. We? The two of us? We are strong and brave. E: Maybe you are. A: Oh no, the fire is within you too. You just have to be here for the moment. <%= story.render("25A-11") %>

E: Well at least one of us is feeling powerful. A: Huh? <%= story.render("25A-10") %>

E: Sure, why not. A: Hell yeah! *(She lets go of Elizabeth's hand and clenches her fists.)* I'm antsy right now. Are you antsy? E: Um, no? A: We need to get this party going. I'll be right back. <%= story.render("25A-07") %>

E: Actually I would love for this moment to be over. Forever. A: Nah nah nah, that won't do. *(She snaps her fingers.)* I know what you need. E: A plane ticket and a new identity? A: Oh, we're gonna fly alright. I'll be right back. <%= story.render("25A-07") %>

*(She scurries off.)* E: ...That's probably a bad sign. <%= next("30P-00") %>

*(Elizabeth points her thumb over her shoulder, towards Lindsay and Cole's ongoing spectacle.)* A: You know what? Don't even worry about that. You and I, we don't need that crap. Love is for the weak, and we are *strong.* We get to be here for the moment. E: Uh-huh. <%= story.render("25A-11") %>

E: That's what it was about to me. But I'm happy your friend got what she wanted. *(Prescott bites her lip. Elizabeth sighs dismissively and turns to look out at the water.)* <%= story.render("10P-09") %>

E: And how long were you planning all this, exactly? P: Um, we started planning the whole public confession thing after you asked out Cole. So, I guess, a week? E: Wow, a week. In that case, thanks for the ten-second heads up. *(Prescott bites her lip. Elizabeth sighs dismissively and turns to look out at the water.)* <%= story.render("10P-09") %>

*(Elizabeth goes to type something else but then pauses as she realizes she just wrote the phrase "youtube slime hole".)* E: ...Ew. *(Prescott silently taps her on the shoulder. Elizabeth jolts and spins around, nearly dropping her phone in the process. Her face falls when she sees who was trying to get her attention.)* E: What now? P: You're still mad. E: I'm sure getting there. P: I don't want to leave things all up in the air. I want to talk it out. * [[I love holding grudges.|40P-02]] * [[Fine, I am mad.|40P-03]] * [[Seriously, why do you care?|40P-04]]

E: I actually love holding grudges. It's fun. P: Come on, you want to vent? Go ahead and vent. I can take it. E: Believe me, that's the last thing you want. P: I convinced Lindsay to steal your prom date. You're hurt. So get it all off your chest. E: *(chuckling in disbelief)* You asked for it. * [[My whole night has been trash.|40P-05]] * [[I keep reliving my humiliation.|40P-06]] * [[Nobody cares about me.|40P-19]]

E: You want to talk? Fine. I am mad. Very mad. P: Alright, I hear you. I convinced Lindsay to steal your prom date. That makes you mad. I see that. E: Oh, do you? * [[My whole night has been trash.|40P-05]] * [[I keep reliving my humiliation.|40P-06]] * [[I am everyone's second choice.|40P-19]]

E: Why? Why do you care? Why not just leave me alone? P: We're about to graduate. I don't want to leave with this big unsettled thing between us. * [[So this is all just guilt?|40P-21]] * [[Should have thought of that earlier.|40P-22]] * [[Exactly, we're graduating.|40P-20]]

E: First off, my whole night has been trash. I got to have all the "fun" parts of the prom date. Getting shushed by a limo driver, getting weird comments about my shoes from his dad, getting slipped a *condom* by his *mom.* *(She brandishes it and then chucks it across the room. Prescott flinches.)* E: And then what happens when I actually get to the good part? Do I get to hang out and dance with a nice dude? Do I get to appear like a normal person for once? No. I get immediately, *theatrically* ditched in front of everyone. It sucks, and I'm mad. <%= story.render("40P-07") %>

*(Elizabeth points at Lindsay and Cole.)* E: You see that? I am endlessly reliving the moment of my humiliation. No matter where I go on this tiny stupid prom boat, I am in full view of Lindsay and Cole tasting each other's uvulas. I am trapped on a three-hour tour of my absolute and total inability to find love. That sucks! That sucks completely! Why *shouldn't* I be mad at that? Why shouldn't I be mad at you? <%= story.render("40P-07") %>

P: Look, if I had known you were *this* into Cole, I wouldn't have gone through with it. I really had no idea. E: Ugh, I'm not "into Cole!" P: What? Then why...? E: Okay fine, I'm a little bit into Cole. But, you know, it's not like I'm just some... some... *(She trails off. Prescott stares at her, confused. Elizabeth stares back, trying to figure out how exactly to respond. Then after a few seconds she shuts her eyes and sighs.)* E: It's Lindsay, alright? I like Lindsay. *(Prescott's eyes slowly widen.)* * [[I've had a crush on her all year.|40P-08]] * [[She was captivating tonight.|40P-09]] * [[No one ever likes me back.|40P-10]]

E: I have had a crush on that girl all year. And yes, I know she's straight, and I know she wouldn't be interested in me no matter what, and I know I'm an idiot for falling in love with her anyway. *(Prescott covers her mouth with her hands.)* E: But at least I could take *some* solace in the fact that she wasn't here with anyone. I didn't have to literally watch her break my heart in front of me. But then she had her big moment, and just like that the whole year came crashing down on my head. I could see with absolute clarity how stupid I was, how sad and hopeless all my fantasies were. <%= story.render("40P-11") %>

E: She was literally sparkling tonight. Like when I saw her under that spotlight, giving that big dumb romantic speech, I could barely look away from her. Even though I knew it was meant for someone else. *(Prescott covers her mouth with her hands.)* E: I've been captivated by that energy all year, like a brainless child. And of course she was never going to like me back. I mean, I barely know her! It's always been a hopeless fantasy. But it wasn't until tonight that I actually had to *see* it fall apart. And man, that hurt. Way, way more than I was expecting. <%= story.render("40P-11") %>

E: No one I like ever likes me back, that's my problem. Lindsay's just the latest in a long line of ridiculous unrequited crushes. And you know what? I was okay with that, I'm used to it. *(Prescott covers her mouth with her hands.)* E: At the very least, though, I'd hoped that I had avoided outright rejection. Like yeah, of course it wasn't going to happen, but at least I wasn't going to get hit in the face with it, you know? My stupid little dream could live on somewhere as a technicality. But no. Even that was too much to ask. <%= story.render("40P-11") %>

P: Ohhhhhh my god. Oh no. Elizabeth, I am so so so so *so*-- E: Yeah, you're sorry. P: I really didn't know any of that. You have to believe me. * [[You being sorry doesn't fix anything.|40P-16]] * [[Now you know all my pathetic secrets.|40P-17]]

E: You being sorry won't change anything. You're not fixing it, don't you get it? All you're doing is *annoying* me! <%= story.render("40P-18") %>

E: There. Now you know all my pathetic secrets. Is that "hashed out" enough for you? Are you ready to go away and stop *annoying* me? <%= story.render("40P-18") %>

*(Prescott visibly winces at the venom. Elizabeth looks down, unable to maintain eye contact. She grips a bit of her prom dress in her hands. They stand there silently for a few seconds.)* P: *(quietly)* I asked a whole bunch of people what I should say to you. And you know what they told me? "Don't bother." They said once you were set on being pissed off it was a waste of time trying to talk with you. * [[Why didn't you listen?|40P-12]] * [[They were right.|40P-13]] * [[How brave of you.|40P-14]]

E: Why didn't you listen? <%= story.render("40P-15") %>

E: And they were right. I am pissed off and you are wasting your time! So why bother? <%= story.render("40P-15") %>

E: Wow. How brave of you to talk to the world-famous bitch that no one likes. P: Yeah well. I didn't want to believe them, but now I see what they meant. *Every time* I try to say anything nice you just throw it back in my face! Do you have any idea how *hurtful* that is? E: If it's so hurtful why don't you just go away? P: Because you look lonely, okay?! E: Yeah, and whose fault is that? P: Yours! *(She storms off.)* <%= next("42T-00") %>

P: I guess I just thought you looked lonely. E: Yeah, and whose fault is that? P: Maybe it's yours. *(She walks away.)* E: ...Yeah, well! <%= next("42T-00") %>

E: You know what I've learned tonight? I am *everyone's* second choice. All these people on this boat, dancing and being happy, they have someone who cares about them more than anyone else in the world. And me? I'm always the one who gets discarded when it's inconvenient. The only person I could even get to *pretend* to like me was Cole, and thanks to your little scheme he tossed me in the goddamn dumpster at the earliest opportunity. *(Prescott shuffles her feet nervously.)* E: So yeah. That makes me upset. Why shouldn't it? <%= story.render("40P-07") %>

E: Exactly! We're graduating. We're probably going to disappear from each other's lives forever. Why not just let it go? P: Is that really what you want? E: What I want? What I want is to have *one night* at high school that isn't just miserable. And look how that's working out. <%= story.render("40P-07") %>

E: So what, you're here because of guilt, is that it? P: It's not like that. E: Well maybe it should be. Because you and Lindsay and Cole and everyone else in the universe conspired to make me miserable tonight. And honestly? I don't love that! <%= story.render("40P-07") %>

E: Maybe you should have thought of that before you orchestrated my public humiliation. That kind of thing tends to drive a wedge between people. <%= story.render("40P-07") %>

E: No, I get it. Everything is super clear to me right now. I need a drink. <%= story.render("42T-12") %>

*(Elizabeth marches up to Lindsay and Cole.)* E: Hey. You two. Have you seen Prescott? *(They keep dancing. She waves her hand in between their faces. Finally, Lindsay stops.)* L: Um, excuse me. This is our prom queen and king dance? Do you mind? E: What? *(Lindsay taps the plastic crown on Cole's head.)* * [[Congratulations.|80L-02]] * [[I don't care.|80L-03]] * [[How is that possible?|80L-04]]

E: Congratulations. I'll be waiting for the wedding invite. <%= story.render("80L-05") %>

E: Oh, yeah. No. I don't care about that. <%= story.render("80L-05") %>

E: Wait, how's that even possible? Weren't the votes counted before you got together? L: Apparently there was an aspirational write-in campaign by people who believed in our true love. E: How inspiring. C: Heyyyy so. I get that like, some stuff happened tonight. But like, are we cool? * [[Not even a little.|80L-09]] * [[I genuinely don't care.|80L-10]]

*(Lindsay sighs and crosses her arms.)* L: Babe, can you deal with this please? C: Sure, babe. *(He takes Elizabeth by the shoulder walks her around two feet away. Lindsay watches intently.)* C: So. About tonight. Things happened. *(He lowers his voice.)* You're not like pissed or whatever, right? * [[I am definitely pissed.|80L-06]] * [[I directed my anger elsewhere.|80L-07]] * [[I literally don't care at all.|80L-08]]

E: Of course I'm pissed! Why would I not be pissed? C: Oh. Well... I don't really feel equipped to handle that? E: You'll figure it out. *(to Lindsay)* I'm looking for Prescott. Have you seen her or not? <%= story.render("80L-11") %>

E: It's fine. I directed my anger elsewhere. C: Oh. So... we're cool. E: Yeah, fine. *(to Lindsay)* I need to find Prescott. Have you seen her or not? <%= story.render("80L-11") %>

E: Cole, Listen to me. I seriously don't care at all. C: Oh, sick! *(He flashes Lindsay a thumbs up.)* <%= story.render("80L-12") %>

E: What? No! Of course we're not cool! Why would we be cool? C: *(looking down)* Huh. That normally works. <%= story.render("80L-12") %>

E: Cole, I genuinely do not care about any of that at all. C: So... we're cool. E: *(to Lindsay)* I'm looking for Prescott. Have you seen her or not? <%= story.render("80L-11") %>

L: I don't know. No? I'm sure she's around somewhere. E: I'm sorry, aren't you her friend? She's off crying somewhere right now! Do you even care? *(Lindsay arches an eyebrow.)* L: How do you know she's crying? E: Because *I* made her cry, obviously! Gah, get it together you straight idiots! I can't believe I was in love with you! C: Wait, with me or with her? E: You know what, I don't have time to recap everything now. *(She runs off. Cole shrugs. Lindsay rolls her eyes.)* <%= next("84E-00") %>

<%= story.render("84E-01") %>

*(Elizabeth looks around frantically.)* E: Come on, where the hell... *(She almost runs past the bathroom hallway but then stops. Down at the end of the hall, past a sign that says "BOAT STAFF ONLY", a flickering fluorescent light illuminates a little tucked-away alcove. She gasps.)* E: The room on the boat where you go to get murdered! *(She runs down the hall.)* <%= next("85P-00") %>

*(The crowd takes Aisley back inside. The only person who says on the outer deck is Prescott, still squatting, hands tented over her face, staring at Elizabeth.)* E: ...What? P: *(muffled by her own hands)* That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. * [[It was a debacle.|60P-02]] * [[It was nothing.|60P-03]] * [[It was necessary.|60P-04]]

E: That was a debacle. And it was my own dumb fault too. P: Elizabeth, you saved her life. E: She wouldn't have needed saving if I hadn't left her alone. I knew she was going to do something stupid but I was too busy feeling sorry for myself to stop her. Not exactly heroic. <%= story.render("60P-05") %>

E: You need to see more amazing stuff. That was nothing. P: Are you kidding? You like actually saved her life. E: She only needed saving because I left her alone when I *knew* she was going to do something stupid. And anyway, she can swim. <%= story.render("60P-05") %>

E: What was I going to do, leave her out there? P: That's what everyone else was doing. E: Yeah well, I'm used to having the crap detail. <%= story.render("60P-05") %>

*(Elizabeth exhales and stares off at nothing. Prescott watches her in silence.)* E: I shouldn't have yelled at you earlier. P: It's okay. *(Elizabeth nods.)* P: I know you think I don't care about your feelings, but I do. The whole time I was planning Lindsay's big moment, I wasn't like, forgetting you existed, you know? I did honestly worry. I didn't want you getting hurt. * [[But you still went ahead.|60P-06]] * [[I'm surprised you cared.|60P-07]] * [[I did get hurt.|60P-08]]

E: But you still went ahead with it. P: Mm... *(She looks up at the awning over the deck.)* I owe Lindsay a lot. She was always there when I was up in my head about... things. *(She pauses.)* P: Besides, she was *so* sad when Cole said he was taking you to prom. You don't even know. E: Really? P: It was like her whole world was ending, you know? She built up this whole thing all year... I couldn't just let her be miserable when there was a chance to make her happy again. * [[I can't picture her sad.|60P-11]] * [[I understand that feeling.|60P-12]] * [[If she's such a good friend...|60P-13]]

E: That surprises me. That you cared. P: It does? Why? * [[We're not friends.|60P-24]] * [[You had no reason to like me.|60P-25]] * [[Honestly, I'm not sure.|60P-26]]

E: But I did get hurt. P: I know. I guess I convinced myself that you'd be okay. Which was a mistake. E: What made you think that? P: Mm... *(She looks up at the awning over the deck.)* The way you were with Cole, and the way he was with you. It just... there was no passion there. I could tell. * [[Not everything is passion.|60P-09]] * [[I'm surprised you could tell.|60P-10]] * [[Maybe there wasn't.|60P-23]]

E: Not everything needs to be passion, you know? Sometimes I just want comfort. P: That's a pretty low bar. E: And I can't even clear it. So what does that say? <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: Huh. You can read me better than I would have thought. P: Well, I don't get *everything* wrong. <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: I guess I understand that feeling. I was sure miserable when the shoe was on the other foot. P: No, you're holding it together. E: Ha. P: Seriously. You've had every reason to have a meltdown tonight. But instead you're like running around and saving people and shouting. It's kind of amazing. <%= story.render("60P-14") %>

E: I can't picture her being that sad. I'm not sure I've even seen her mildly frown. P: It's not a side she shows to a whole lot of people, but sometimes she can just fall apart. Not like you. E: Not like me? P: Yeah, I mean. You had every reason to have a meltdown tonight, but you're totally holding it together. You've been running around and saving people and shouting. It's kind of amazing. <%= story.render("60P-14") %>

E: Okay, you keep talking about what a good friend she is, but I haven't seen you with her all night. P: I'm letting her enjoy your victory. E: And meanwhile, you're stuck with me for companionship. That's a raw deal. P: ...I don't think so. <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: Please, that's not an accomplishment. P: ...I think it's more of one than you think. <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

*(Elizabeth smiles sadly and then looks back out at the city.)* E: Ah well. Some things don't work out, eh? *(Prescott closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Then she stands and clears her throat. Elizabeth turns back to look at her.)* P: Elizabeth? * [[Prescott...?|60P-17]] * [[What are you doing?|60P-16]]

E: What are you doing? P: Asking you to prom. E: Wait, what? P: I know things didn't go like you wanted, but that doesn't mean you have to be all alone. There's still enough time to have a fun night. *(Prescott sticks out her hand.)* P: Dance with me? <%= story.render("60P-18") %>

E: Prescott...? P: Do you want to dance? E: What? P: I know this isn't the prom night you wanted, but it doesn't all have to be terrible, you know? Like, we could still have some fun, right? *(Prescott sticks out her hand.)* P: What do you say? <%= story.render("60P-18") %>

* [[Not a good idea.|60P-19]] * [[I don't need pity.|60P-20]] * [[I just... can't.|60P-21]]

E: I don't think that's a good idea. *(She sheepishly retracts her hand.)* P: Oh. E: I'm just not worth the trouble. ...Maybe you should just go. <%= story.render("60P-22") %>

E: I already had one pity date tonight. I'm not sure I need another. P: It's not pity. *(Elizabeth shakes her head.)* E: Sorry. I just... *(Prescott sheepishly retracts her hand.)* <%= story.render("60P-22") %>

E: I'm sorry. I just... can't. *(She sheepishly retracts her hand.)* <%= story.render("60P-22") %>

P: *(voice breaking)* Yeah, no. Sorry. That was dumb. E: ... P: Um... okay... *(Prescott tries to say something else but her voice catches in her throat. She puts her hand over her mouth and quickly walks back inside. Elizabeth stares at the ground, then slams her fist on deck, forcefully. She shakes it in pain.)* E: Damn it. <%= next("65D-00") %>

E: I don't have time for this. *(to Lindsay)* Have you seen Prescott or not? <%= story.render("80L-11") %>

P: Okay, well. You're upset. So... I'm gonna go. E: Good idea. <%= next("15D-00") %>

E: Wow, a week. In that case, thanks for the ten-second heads up. P: Um, well... *(Elizabeth sighs dismissively and turns to look out at the water. Prescott bites her lip.)* P: Okay, you're upset. I'm just going to go. E: Good idea. <%= next("15D-00") %>

E: Maybe you're right. Maybe there wasn't. Guess that shows how desperate I am, huh? P: ...I wouldn't say that. <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: I don't know. I mean, it's not like we're close friends or anything. P: Yeah, but we're not *not* friends. E: Mm. I guess I just didn't expect to even be on your radar. P: I don't think you expect to be on many people's radars. E: What can I say? Past experience. P: ...That's a shame. <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: I've never given you much reason to like me. P: I don't think that's true. E: Sure it is, look at tonight. I practically tore your head of. P: ...You're not tearing my head off right now. <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: Honestly, I don't know. I guess I just assumed you had it out for me. P: Why? E: I had my reasons. But they all seem kinda stupid right now. P: Maybe you just needed to get to know me a bit better. E: Maybe. But I picked a hell of a way to do it, huh? <%= story.render("60P-15") %>

E: You couldn't have done a private confession of love? Say, two hours earlier even? Spared me the embarrassment? P: She just thought this was her best shot? I guess? *(Elizabeth sighs dismissively and turns to look out at the water. Prescott bites her lip.)* <%= story.render("10P-09") %>

E: Don't ask me! She's the one who started it. I wouldn't have any problem with her if she wasn't out here sabotaging me. D: You have a problem with everyone. E: It's not my fault everyone starts it! <%= story.render("15D-08") %>

D: Have you ever considered that maybe the reason you keep getting rejected is that you have a terrible personality? E: No, Darren. I have not considered that. And if you try to make me consider it again, I will crumple up your tiny twink body and throw you into a garbage can.

<div.belltext>Oh my god WHAT???</div> <div.belltext>So some RANDOM GIRL made this big dramatic LOVE CONFESSION to your prom date and now he's just MAKING OUT WITH HER IN FRONT OF YOU???</div> <div.liztext>oh no. not random.</div> <div.liztext>Lindsay.</div> <div.belltext>wait LINDSAY???</div> <div.belltext>THE LINDSAY???? UNATTAINABLE STRAIGHT CRUSH LINDSAY??????</div> <div.belltext>GKDSKHSD NO</div> <div.liztext>Well hey now we know for sure that she doesn't like me back</div> <div.belltext>Okay you know what new plan: ditch the hell prom and come over</div> <div.belltext>me and Bridget are watching a Danish youtube guy make slime</div> <div.liztext>oh that's the best part</div> <div.liztext>I physically can't leave</div> <div.belltext>What??? Why?</div> <%= next("00E-04") %>

*(Aisley grabs Elizabeth's hands and gets right up in her face.)* A: Lizzie. Are you here for the moment? * [[I am here for the moment.|25A-05]] * [[I am not here for the moment.|25A-06]]

E: It was Prescott. D: Wooooow. E: Shut up. D: So let me get this straight, a cute girl in a tuxedo came up and asked you to dance on a night that you were desperate for human contact. And you said, what, go away? E: Something. D: Did you also like wave your stubby little arms around and go "goo goo ga ga"? E: Darren, I swear to god... D: I'm just asking if you did other things a baby would do! E: Fine! Yes! Fine! I'm a baby! I'm a big dumb gay baby! The biggest and the dumbest and the gayest! *(Darren smiles smugly.)* * [[What do I do?|65D-02]] * [[I am the worst.|65D-03]] * [[She must hate me.|65D-17]]

E: ...What do I do? D: Well that's simple. Go find her, say you're sorry for your whole... thing, and try to un-ruin her night. E: That's it? Just apologize? D: I know it's an unfamiliar concept but it's not actually that hard. E: Okay. Alright. <%= story.render("65D-04") %>

E: I'm the worst. D: Yes, but you were already the worst before tonight and Prescott still found something to like about you. This is salvageable. E: How? D: Just go and apologize. Duh. Say you weren't thinking when you turned her down. Un-ruin her night. E: Apologize. Okay. Yeah. I can do this. D: Well, maybe. <%= story.render("65D-04") %>

*(The two of them get back on their feet.)* D: Oh, and try dancing for once. *(He gently shoves her.)* You might actually like it. <%= next("70A-00") %>

D: Something to think about, anyway. E: Hmm. D: Also, I'd love for you to go into more details here because I'm already bored of comforting you and I really *really* want to gossip. *(She punches him in the shoulder over and over.)* E: Why, why, WHY! Why are you never helpful?! D: I don't know, 'cause I'm not your therapist? E: I don't *have* a therapist! D: Yeah! Duh! *(She crosses her arms.)* * [[It was Prescott.|65D-01]]

*(He sits down next to her.)* D: What happened? E: Well, I was sitting out here. And then, um, someone came out and asked me to dance. A girl someone. D: Asked you to *dance* dance? E: Like a real actual prom date dance, yes. D: And you turned her down. * [[In the meanest way possible.|65D-07]] * [[I couldn't make myself say yes.|65D-08]] * [[Go ahead and call me an idiot.|65D-09]]

E: In like, pretty much the most ice cold meanest way I could manage. I'm just like Cole. Maybe worse, since his cruelty is at least mitigated by his cluelessness. D: Well, diplomacy was never your strong suit. E: And now I'm sitting here alone and miserable. Good job, me. D: Okay so wait, did you *want* to dance with her? Or not? E: Yes. No. Maybe. ...Probably? <%= story.render("65D-13") %>

E: I couldn't make myself say yes. D: Did you want to? E: I don't know. Maybe? Possibly? ...Probably. D: Hmmm. E: It's like, in the moment the only things I could think to say things that I probably didn't want to say? But I said them anyway. And now I'm out here. Alone. <%= story.render("65D-13") %>

E: Go ahead and call me a dumb idiot or whatever. D: Well that would be redundant. And I mean, it's not *idiotic* to turn someone down. People do it all the time. E: ...I guess. D: Unless... you actually wanted to dance? E: I don't know. Maybe? Possibly? ...Probably. <%= story.render("65D-13") %>

*(Elizabeth sits alone on the outer deck. She checks her phone -- still no reply to her earlier texts. She puts it away and stares at the ground in silence for a few minutes. Eventually, Darren walks over.)* D: There's the hero of the hour. Good going. *(Elizabeth looks away and doesn't respond.)* D: Jeez. What happened? Did you get rejected by a third person while I wasn't paying attention? E: *(mumbling)* It's not fair. D: Oh god, you didn't actually, did you? * [[I am worthless and stupid.|65D-11]] * [[Why does everything hurt?|65D-12]]

E: I might legitimately be the most worthless and stupid person that ever lived. <%= story.render("65D-06") %>

E: It hurts no matter what I do. When I hide my feelings, it hurts. When I get rejected, it hurts. When I turn someone else down, it *hurts.* It always hurts! How is that fair?! <%= story.render("65D-06") %>

*(She lightly hits her head against the railing.)* E: Darren, what the hell's wrong with me? D: Nothing! *(He sighs.)* Look, do you remember how you reacted when Tad finally got up the courage to ask me out? * [[Happy.|65D-19]] * [[Excited.|65D-20]]

E: I don't *have* anything to be joyful about. Look at me, I'm not in a cute gay couple. D: Yeah, but you're right on the cusp of it! I'm just saying, if you start acting like it's possible, maybe you could actually make it happen. E: Maybe. <%= story.render("65D-05") %>

E: So I'm sabotaging myself, is that it? D: More like, you know, not mentally prepared to actually have a nice thing happen to you? You're right here on the cusp of it. Why not just go for it? E: Maybe... <%= story.render("65D-05") %>

E: It's easy being happy for your friends. Especially when great things keep happening to them. D: I'm just saying, you're also allowed to have great things happen to you. Maybe if you convince yourself of that, you might actually make it happen. E: Maybe. <%= story.render("65D-05") %>

E: She must hate me. D: You thought that before and you were wrong then. E: Yeah, but now I've given her a reason. D: So take that reason back. *(She looks at him.)* D: Go apologize. Say that you weren't thinking and you didn't mean it. You still have plenty of time to un-ruin her night. E: Okay. Alright. I can do that. <%= story.render("65D-04") %>

<div.liztext>okay hellprom update:</div> <div.liztext>the making out literally hasn't stopped for like an hour? so I guess that's my permanent torture.</div> <div.liztext>we're on a big open floor and basically they're visible everywhere which is fun for me</div> <div.liztext>my two gay dude friends are off being romantic with each other, which like normally i love that for them but tonight makes me so jealous that i'm going to rip my own heart out of my chest</div> <div.liztext>and my only other friend here has a date with some highly suspect narcotics</div> <div.liztext>basically the entire world has someone or something except me and everyone has abandoned me</div> <div.liztext>...including you apparently.</div> <div.liztext>are you there? did you disappear down the youtube slime hole?</div> <%= next("40P-00") %>

<%= story.render("39E-01") %>

*(A few minutes later. The prom-goers make their way off the boat and onto dry land. Tad stands in the parking lot at the bottom of the exit ramp, with Darren clinging to his shoulders, piggyback-style. He hums contentedly as he scans the crowd.)* *(Finally, at the very end of the pack, Elizabeth and Prescott make their way off the boat together. Darren leaps down and waves them over.)* D: There you are! I figured you fell in the lake and drowned. E: Oh, nice. T: We're going to Burger Zone. Come with! E: Oh um. *(She looks over at Prescott.)* Would it be okay...? D: "No. She's not invited." Yes of course she can come, you idiot. *(to Prescott)* Honey, you think we'd invite her and not you? E: Alright, alright. D: First off, you are much more fun than her. She's like the worst person in the world. P: Hey, she's not the *worst* person. *(The two of them walk ahead.)* T: We were going to invite Aisley too. Have you seen her? * [[Maybe she went home?|90E-02]] * [[Did we leave her on the boat?|90E-03]]

E: Nope. Maybe she went home. She was looking pretty beat up. A: *(suddenly behind them somehow)* Who was? <%= story.render("90E-07") %> A: Oh yeah, I could eat a hundred chicken strips right now. T: Ha. I hear that. A: *(staring intensely)* No. Seriously. I could eat one hundred chicken strips. <%= story.render("90E-04") %>

E: We didn't leave her on the boat, did we? A: *(suddenly behind them somehow)* Leave who? <%= story.render("90E-07") %> A: Great idea. *(She tosses him his crumpled up jacket.)* Here's your thing by the way. Sorry it smells like my B.O. now. *(He sniffs it.)* T: Actually I think that's mine. <%= story.render("90E-04") %>

*(They go to catch up with Darren and Prescott. Elizabeth starts following along but then stops when she hears her phone buzz.)* <%= next("90E-05") %>

<div.belltext>ELIZABETH</div> <div.belltext>LIZ</div> <div.belltext>ARE YOU THERE DID THE BOAT SINK</div> <div.belltext>If you don't reply in ten minutes I'm calling the coast guard.</div> <div.liztext>I'm here I'm here sorry!</div> <div.liztext>I got caught up in something</div> <div.belltext>oh my god FINALLY. Are you alive? How did the rest of the night go? </div> <div.liztext>uh like</div> <div.liztext>better than I could have imagined</div> <div.belltext>what? HOW</div> <div.liztext>literally it's taking all my energy not to scream out loud about how good it went</div> <div.liztext>I'll tell you the details tomorrow</div> <div.liztext>but basically I'm the best and everyone who ever said something mean about me can suck it.</div> <div.belltext>THAT IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH INFORMATION</div> <%= next("90E-06") %>

*(Elizabeth looks up from her phone just in time to see Prescott nearly crash into her at full speed. She puts out her arms to catch her.)* P: Elizabeth! Come on! My thing says the streetcar's going to be here in two minutes! E: Alright, don't worry! I won't get left behind. P: You better not! *(Prescott spins around and runs ahead, nearly tripping over her feet again as she tries to make the streetcar. Elizabeth watches, smiles, and then starts to run after her.)* <%= next("SYS-END") %>

*(She leaves.)* T: Good one. D: *(holding up a finger)* Okay-- <%= next("44L-00") %>

E: Well yeah, obviously. D: And it's not just us. Any time you see a cute gay couple online you like literally yell at your phone. I've seen you get kicked out of restaurants because of it. E: Restaurant. Singular. Two times, same restaurant. D: Point is, when was the last time you mustered that kind of joy for *yourself*? * [[What do I have to be joyful about?|65D-14]] * [[You're saying it's self-sabotage?|65D-15]] * [[It's easy to be happy for your friends.|65D-16]]

E: Sure, I was happy. D: You were *scream* happy. You were yelling and jumping around and punching me. You've been cheering us on our whole relationship. <%= story.render("65D-18") %>

E: I was excited. D: Understatement of the decade. You were *screaming*. You were yelling and jumping around and punching me, that's how thrilled you were. You've been cheering us on our whole relationship. <%= story.render("65D-18") %>

*(Elizabeth speeds around the corner and winds up in a dingy storage area. Prescott is sitting on a crate of old life jackets, looking down at her dangling feet. She isn't crying at the moment, but she definitely looks like she just was.)* E: Hi. P: Hello. *(Elizabeth takes a breath.)* * [[I was looking for you.|85P-09]] * [[I kind of messed up.|85P-10]]

*(She trails off. Prescott looks up at her expectantly. Elizabeth shakes her head.)* E: Screw it. *(She holds out her hand.)* Do you want to dance? P: Wait. Really? E: Yeah. *(Prescott takes Elizabeth's hand and hesitantly stands up.)* P: But we can't even hear the music from in here. * [[I can't dance anyway.|85P-03]] * [[Having second thoughts?|85P-04]] * [[Do you want to go outside?|85P-11]]

E: That's alright, I don't know how to dance anyway. P: Um, I kind of don't either. But I think... *(She takes Elizabeth's free hand and places it below her shoulder blade. Then she puts her own hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. They stand there in position looking at each other for a moment. Then, slowly, they start shuffling to the faint muffled beat they're hearing through the walls.)* <%= story.render("85P-05") %>

E: You having second thoughts? *(Prescott shakes her head and places her free hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.)* E: Okay. Well. Good. *(Elizabeth cautiously puts her own hand below Prescott's shoulder blade. They stand there in position looking at each other for a moment. Then, slowly, they start shuffling to the faint muffled beat they're hearing through the walls.)* <%= story.render("85P-05") %>

*(For a while neither one of them talks. Eventually, Prescott breaks the silence.)* P: Um, I have a question. Am I leading or are you leading? E: Uhhhh... P: Never mind. *(Silence. They keep dancing, and making and breaking eye contact.)* P: I have another question. E: You can just ask, you don't have to preface. P: Okay. What... is this? Right now, that we're doing. * [[We're dancing.|85P-07]] * [[I was going to ask you.|85P-08]]

E: We're dancing. This is a dance. P: I know we're *dancing.* But there's lots of different types of dances. E: There are? P: There's friend dancing, there's weirdly intimate friend dancing with strong subtext, there's romantic dancing... *(She pauses for a second. Elizabeth holds her poker face.)* P: And it seems like there might also be guilt-fuelled apology dancing. * [[What kind do you want?|85P-30]] * [[I'm not here out of guilt.|85P-32]] * [[If I said romantic...|85P-31]]

E: I mean, you asked me first. You tell me. Why would you ever want to dance with a total asshole like me? P: You're not a *total* asshole. E: Good start. P: I actually think you're kind of great. You're funny, you're opinionated, you never give up on things, you're super clever... E: Ha. Uh, wow. Okay. P: I think... if I had known you were into girls, I would have asked you out weeks ago. * [[I rarely get compliments like that.|85P-12]] * [[You would have been the first.|85P-13]] * [[I'm not too mean for you?|85P-14]]

E: I was looking all over for you. P: Here I am. *(Elizabeth looks around at the assortment of boat crap.)* E: You hid yourself pretty well. P: I guess I kinda see why you wanted to be alone. Getting turned down is... not great. E: *(sighing)* The thing is, I didn't really want to be alone. And I didn't-- I *don't* want... <%= story.render("85P-02") %>

E: I think I messed up with you tonight. *(Prescott gently kicks her heel against the crate.)* E: I don't um, always know how to handle myself. Or other people. P: Okay. E: But that doesn't mean... <%= story.render("85P-02") %>

E: Do you want to go back out there? *(Prescott kicks away an old coiled rope to clear some space, then closes the distance between them and puts her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.)* P: We'll make it work. *(Elizabeth nods and cautiously puts her own hand below Prescott's shoulder blade. They stand there in position looking at each other for a moment. Then, slowly, they start shuffling to the faint muffled beat they're hearing through the walls.)* <%= story.render("85P-05") %>

E: People don't usually say nice things like that. P: That's too bad. E: They normally just shush me during movies. P: You talk during movies?! E: I-- no, hold on. I'm not *trying* to talk loud. P: But you *are* talking loud? E: If it's a loud movie, you get caught up in the energy... P: I take it all back, you're a monster. * [[I'm bad with volume control.|85P-63]] * [[See, you're too good for me.|85P-64]]

E: That would've been a first. P: Wait, you've never been asked out? E: Nope. P: Not by anyone? E: That's what never means. P: Jeez. Now I feel extra bad for waiting until the last hour of prom. * [[I have a reputation.|85P-27]] * [[I wouldn't have known what to do.|85P-28]]

E: I'm not too mean? Or angry? People say I'm too angry. P: Sometimes angry is good though! Like with Aisley tonight. She could have gotten so hurt and everyone else was freaking out about it. But you were too pissed off at her to be afraid. Like, come on! That's amazing. E: Seriously, that was not a big deal. P: Okay, well how about back in February when you punched Max Chambord in the groin for calling Jay Cartwright "Gay Fartwright"? * [[So you like that I'm violent.|85P-16]] * [[You remember it was February?|85P-17]]

E: I don't know what to say to a compliment like that. P: You don't have to say anything. *(She grips Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: If you don't want to. *(The two of them slowly stop moving their feet, but stay in their slow dance position. They stare into each other's eyes.)* E: *(softly)* Okay. *(Prescott inches her face closer to Elizabeth's. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: So you like me for my violent outbursts. P: Mmm, I like you for your passion. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> P: You don't take things lying down. When you think something's wrong, you yell and you fight until it's better. That's so... impressive. When things go bad for me I go hide in a supply closet. I could never care as much as you do. <%= story.render("85P-97") %>

E: How do you remember that happened in February? P: You did it on Valentine's Day. E: Wait, seriously? P: Mm-hmm. Darren was laughing so hard that he accidentally pulled down the little heart decorations. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> P: You don't remember? E: I must have blocked that part out. Valentine's Day is not really that good for me. P: Me neither. * [[Really?|85P-38]] * [[It's the worst.|85P-39]]

E: You don't think so? P: Not really. I mean, you know, *this* whole thing isn't exactly what everyone's looking for. *(She tries to gesture to herself while still dancing and ends up bumping into the life-jacket crate, nearly pulling the both of them over in the process. She recovers and composes.)* P: Plus I do stuff like that. Ha. E: You okay? P: Just tripped. * [[You do that a lot, eh?|85P-19]] * [[Let me help.|85P-20]]

E: You do that a lot. P: Just when I'm nervous. E: Are you nervous right now? P: Ha ha ha. *(Elizabeth grips Prescott's hand tighter.)* E: Don't be. P: *(quietly)* Okay. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes as they gradually start to slow down their dance. Elizabeth's breath catches. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Let me help. *(She pulls Prescott in closer, gripping her hand tighter to give her more support.)* E: Better? *(Prescott nods silently.)* E: Good. *(The two of them slowly stop moving their feet. They stand there holding each other, not saying anything. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

<span class='speaker'>SPEAKER: </span>Attention students. Prom will be docking in 10 minutes. Please gather your belongings and line up by the exits. *(Prescott clears her throat and pulls away.)* P: Ha, well, that was the shortest <% if (window.hasVisited("85P-68")) {%>first<%} else {%>prom<% } %> date in history. * [[Wait.|85P-22]]

E: Hey. *(She grabs her by the sleeve.)* We don't have to be the *first* ones off the boat, do we? P: No, I guess we don't. *(Elizabeth tugs on Prescott's arm. Prescott walks back to her original closeness and then goes in for a tentative hug. The two of them shut their eyes.)* E: Sorry I ruined your night. P: *(mumbling)* Sorry I ruined yours first. E: Hey, this was pretty much the best boat prom I've ever been to. <%= next("90E-00") %>

E: Look at the whole thing with Lindsay. Not a lot of people would help their friend orchestrate some big dramatic prom moment. That requires at least a little passion. P: I think they wouldn't do it because it's a bad idea. E: Yes, but it's a bad idea that takes a lot of moxie. *(Prescott smiles and rolls her eyes.)* E: Anyway, you've got a lot of great qualities. P: Oh yeah? Like what? * [[Your fashion sense.|85P-88]] * [[Your charisma.|85P-89]]

E: I mean, you cared enough about me to follow me around all night. That's got to be worth something. P: You hated that. E: That's my point. You knew what I needed better than I did, and you still stuck with me even when I tried to push you away. P: Hmm. E: Anyway, you've got a lot of great qualities besides that. P: Like what? * [[Your fashion sense.|85P-88]] * [[Your charisma.|85P-89]]

E: Is this whole thing just you fishing for compliments? P: Maaaaybe. E: Aha. P: I also just like it when people say nice things to each other. E: In that case... * [[You don't abandon people.|85P-80]] * [[You're courageous.|85P-81]] * [[You're extremely handsome.|85P-82]]

E: No seriously! You're compassionate, and you care about people, and you're energetic, and fashionable... and... um... <%= story.render("85P-53") %>

E: You said it yourself -- I've got a reputation. People think I'm a rage monster. P: You being angry isn't a bad thing though. It's kinda one of your best qualities. E: Wow, talk about damning with faint praise. P: No, I'm serious. You're like *passionate.* That's such an amazing thing to be. When you see a problem, you don't just take it lying down. You get out there and fight until it's fixed. Like with Aisley tonight. Everyone else freaked out and you leapt into action. E: In other words, I was dumb and reckless. P: *And* you saved the day. You have like, a fire inside you. I could never care that much about anything. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> <%= story.render("85P-97") %>

E: I'm not sure I would have known what to do anyway. At least if tonight is any indication. P: Do you want to try it out? E: What? P: Let's roleplay me asking you out. E: Seriously? P: It'll be good practice. E: Okay... <%= story.render("85P-41") %> P: Okay. Hey Elizabeth. What's up? * [[Oh, you know, being normal.|85P-83]] * [[Are we in the roleplay?|85P-84]]

E: You don't give up. P: You just found me hiding in a supply closet. E: Okay but before you ended up here, how many times did you come back to talk to me? Other people eventually give up when I try and push them away. *(Prescott frowns in sympathy)* E: By all rights you could have left me behind. You could have kicked me out of this trash room and told me never to talk to you again. But you didn't, and that feels like something really important and special. <%= story.render("85P-40") %>

E: What kind do you want it to be? P: I have an answer but I don't know if you want to hear it. E: I want to hear it. P: Are you sure? E: I thought I was, but now the way you're stalling has me worried. P: You're also stalling. * [[Just tell me.|85P-33]] * [[Say it together?|85P-34]] * [[I don't want to mess up.|85P-35]]

E: If I said "romantic"... P: Uh-huh... E: Would that be... bad? Like, too sudden? P: Sudden, maybe. But not bad. E: Okay. Then that's the one I'm going to say. P: *(smiling)* Okay. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> E: ...Just to be clear, that means you reciprocate, right? P: Haha, yes. * [[That's never happened to me before.|85P-43]] * [[Okay that's a relief.|85P-42]]

E: It's not guilt. I'm here because I want to be here. With you. In this open-concept nautical supply closet. P: Really? E: Really. P: *Really* really? E: Really really really. *(She sighs.)* E: How can I prove it to you? P: Well... Say something nice about me? E: What? P: What is it about me that makes you want to be here? * [[You don't give up.|85P-29]] * [[You care about people.|85P-36]] * [[You look great in a suit.|85P-37]]

E: Just tell me. P: Okay, but if mine doesn't match yours you have to say so. E: I promise. *(Prescott closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.)* P: I think I like you in a romantic way. *(She opens her eyes again. Elizabeth processes.)* E: ...Okay, that matched. P: Phew. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> * [[That's never happened before.|85P-43]] * [[What do we do now?|85P-44]]

E: Say it together? P: Okay, on three. E: On three. P: One, two, three. Romantic. E: A-bluh. P: You didn't say it! E: I panicked! P: You're still not saying it!! E: Romantic! Romantic. I agree, romantic. P: *(deep exhale)* Oh thank god. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> * [[That's never happened before.|85P-43]] * [[What do we do now?|85P-44]] * [[You alright there?|85P-45]]

E: I just don't want to mess this up. And usually me saying the wrong thing is a prelude to messing things up. P: You don't have to worry about that. E: Obviously I do! Because even though we're surrounded by boat garbage under a harsh fluorescent light this is still the most romantic thing I've ever done and I don't want to throw it away! *(Prescott tries to suppress a chuckle.)* E: What's so funny? P: You just said it. "Romantic." E: Oh. P: *(smiling)* I think it is too. E: ...Oh. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> * [[That's a relief.|85P-42]] * [[That's never happened before.|85P-43]]

E: You care about people. Like, you really want people to be happy. P: You don't? E: I don't work for it the way you do. The way you helped out Lindsay, the way you kept coming back for me, even when I tried to push you away. You put in effort and you don't leave people behind. That's like... that's better than I could ever hope to be. <%= story.render("85P-40") %>

E: You look great a suit. *(Prescott laughs, a bit taken aback.)* P: What? Come on, everyone looks good in a suit. E: Yeah, but you know you look good in a suit and then also you wear the suit. That's not just looks, that's like confidence and self-expression and bravery. But also, looks. P: *(blushing)* Okay, you win. That's a good compliment. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> * [[Your turn.|85P-46]] * [[I'm not completely useless.|85P-47]]

E: Really? How is that possible? You're such a catch. *(Prescott laughs, taken aback.)* P: A catch? What year are you from? * [[You don't think so?|85P-18]] * [[No, seriously!|85P-26]]

E: It's the worst day of the year. P: By a mile. Do you want to hear my Valentine's story? It's pretty bad. E: Okay. P: Back in Grade 8 I had a crush on a girl and I wanted to give her a Valentine so to give myself some cover I handed one out to everyone in the class and when she saw me doing it she was like, "What are you, in kindergarten?" and threw hers out the window without reading it. E: Oof. P: Yep. * [[We have the worst luck.|85P-59]] * [[My Valentine's story...|85P-60]]

P: I wouldn't have left you behind. E: You would have had every right to. P: But I didn't *want* to. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> * [[Why didn't you want to?|85P-48]] * [[That's why you're a good person.|85P-49]]

*(The muffled beat goes from slow dance to fast dance. The two of them keep their original pace.)*

E: Okay, that's a relief. P: Agreed. *(Prescott closes her eyes and smiles.)* E: So... what now? P: I'm not sure. We could say romantic things to each other. * [[That is not my forte.|85P-54]] * [[Are you fishing for compliments?|85P-25]]

E: That's never happened before. Me liking someone who likes me back. P: Feels nice, right? E: Nice, and a little terrifying. P: You're doing great. E: That's obviously not true. P: Great enough. * [[I feel like I don't deserve this.|85P-78]] * [[So what do we do now?|85P-44]]

E: So, um... what do we do now? P: Keep dancing? E: Obviously. But aside that. P: I suppose this would be a good time to say romantic things to each other. * [[That is not my forte.|85P-54]] * [[Are you fishing for compliments?|85P-25]]

E: You alright there? P: Barely. *(Elizabeth taps Prescott on the back.)* E: I can literally feel how tense you are. P: Ha ha ha. Who's tense? * [[Do you want to take a break?|85P-74]] * [[You don't always have to worry.|85P-75]]

E: Okay, your turn. P: Hmm. E: Hard to come up with one? P: No. Hard to know where to start. I actually think you're kind of great. <%= story.render("85P-69") %>

E: See, I'm not completely useless. P: I wish you wouldn't talk like that. E: Like how? P: You're so mean to yourself. E: Yeah, well. I deserve it. I'm a big angry ball of rage and everyone knows it. P: Being angry is good sometimes though. * [[How is it possibly good?|85P-55]] * [[If I could turn it off I would.|85P-56]]

E: Why not? P: Well... because I think you're actually kind of great. <%= story.render("85P-69") %>

E: See, this is why you're a good person. Unlike me. P: I don't know why you keep saying you're so bad. E: Because I am. P: You're not. E: I am. I'm a pissy angry volcano and everyone knows it. P: Being angry is good sometimes though. * [[How is it possibly good?|85P-55]] * [[If I could turn it off I would.|85P-56]]

*(She trails off.)* E: Sorry, I'm not used saying to saying stuff like this out loud. *(Prescott smiles and stares into Elizabeth's eyes.)* E: Especially not when your face is this, um, close. Ha ha. P: *(softly)* Too close? * [[Not at all.|85P-57]] * [[I'm getting used to it.|85P-58]]

E: I'm sorry to break this to you, but sweet talk is not my forte. P: Don't sell yourself short! You talk so well it's hard to keep up. E: People don't normally like it when I say things. P: Those people are more wrong than anyone else in the world. *(Elizabeth bites her lip.)* P: Try? Please? E: Okay, fine. But if I mess up I'm sorry in advance. * [[You don't abandon people.|85P-80]] * [[You're courageous.|85P-81]] * [[You're extremely handsome.|85P-82]]

E: If I could turn it off, I would. P: That would be sad. Your passion is the thing makes you special. E: Are you calling me special? P: Well, yeah. E: Wow. *(The two of them look into each other's eyes. Elizabeth's breath catches.)* E: Well, you're... also.... *(Suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: How could it possibly be good? P: Okay, well think of what happened with Aisley tonight. Everyone on the boat was too freaked out to save her. But you were so pissed off that you didn't even have time to be afraid. E: That's one way of putting it. P: I can't just leap into action like that. I have to plan and work out everything I ever do or say. It's exhausting. * [[Did you plan what you're saying now?|85P-70]] * [[I guess I never thought of it like that.|85P-71]]

E: Not at all. *(Prescott closes the distance between them a little.)* P: How about now? E: *(weakly)* Also good. *(Their feet slowly stop moving.)* E: ...We could go closer even. If you want. P: *(barely a whisper)* Okay. *(Prescott smoothly releases Elizabeth's hand and puts her arms around her neck. Elizabeth's breath catches in her throat. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: I'm still kind of getting used to it? I mean, not your face specifically. Well, not *not* your face. What I mean is like I don't normally get this close to someone else's face ever? And it's um different than being far away. I can like, see more details? And I can feel... I don't know how you'd say it. The energy? In physical space? I guess what I'm trying to say is faces are warm. ...Am I rambling? *(Prescott smiles and grips Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: I like being next to you too. *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. They stand, still holding each other in their awkward slow dance position, neither one talking. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: We have the worst luck, don't we? P: I don't know... I think my luck's kind of okay right now. *(They stare into each other's eyes.)* E: Is it? *(Prescott nods.)* P: I just hope I'm not pushing it. * [[You are not.|85P-66]] * [[I'm the one pushing it.|85P-65]]

E: My Valentine's story ends with me crying so hard that I threw up. P: Yeesh. E: On her stepdad. P: Elizabeth! Oh my god. E: Listen, I never claimed to be dignified! P: Okay. We have to make a pact. No more Valentine's Day. From now on the new day is... August 7th. E: What's August 7th? P: Chosen at random. But we have to celebrate it instead of Valentine's. * [["We"?|85P-61]] * [[Deal.|85P-62]]

E: "We"? Like, together? *(Prescott looks away shyly.)* P: I mean, if you want. E: I do. *(Prescott turns back and meets Elizabeth's eyes.)* P: *(quietly)* I do too. *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. They stand there, still in dance position, neither one saying anything. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Deal. P: You promise? E: I promise! P: I'm going to hold you to that. *(Elizabeth abruptly stops moving her feet.)* E: Wait, did we just agree to go on a date? P: *(nervously laughing)* I think so. * [[In two months?|85P-67]] * [[On fake Valentine's?|85P-68]]

E: I'm bad with volume control, okay? <%= story.render("85P-41") %> E: Also, with every other kind of human interaction. P: This interaction's going okay. E: For now. Until I mess it up. It's only a matter of time. P: You won't. E: Oh, I will. You're going to realize how out of my league you truly are. P: What? How am I out of your league? * [[You're so much better with people.|85P-99]] * [[You're so much more confident.|85P-90]] * [[You're so much more determined.|85P-91]]

E: See, you're too good for me. P: Hardly. E: You are! Don't deny it. P: I'm not too good for anyone. <%= story.render("85P-41") %> E: Please, you're basically like a different tier of human being. P: What do you mean? * [[You're so much better with people.|85P-99]] * [[You're so much more confident.|85P-90]] * [[You're so much more determined.|85P-91]]

E: I'm the one pushing my luck. There's no way I deserve to be here right now. P: Yeah, but you are here. *(She grips Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: And I'm glad. E: ...I am too. *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. The two of them stand there, still holding each other in a slow dance pose, neither one saying anything. Prescott starts to lean in a bit closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: *(barely a whisper)* You're not. P: ... E: ... *(Elizabeth grips Prescott's hand tighter as their feet start to slow down. Prescott pulls herself in a bit closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Why did we make it for two months from now? P: Shoot, I wasn't thinking about that. E: Um, well... *(They stare into each other's eyes.)* E: I guess... we'll have to find a way to pass the time? P: *(softly)* ...I guess so. *(They stand there holding each other, eyes locked, still in slow dance position. Prescott slowly inches her face closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Our first date can't be fake Valentine's. P: Oh my god, you're right. What do we do? E: I don't know, I've never been on a date before. P: Neither have I. E: I guess... we could count tonight as our first date? *(They look into each other's eyes.)* P: Make it official then? E: *(quietly)* ...Yeah. *(They stand motionless for a second. Prescott inches her face closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Gaaah! T: Oh hey, you're looking better. A: I feel ten years younger. T: Sure. We're going to Burger Zone, you in?

E: Great? *(Prescott nods.)* P: You're funny, you're opinionated, you're passionate, you're super clever... I could probably go on for a long time. * [[That's very nice of you.|85P-72]] * [["Passionate"?|85P-73]] * [[I don't know what to say.|85P-15]]

E: Did you plan out everything you're saying right now? P: I might have had the thing about Aisley in the chamber. E: Well, um... *(The two of them look into each other's eyes.)* E: I think it's working. *(They slowly come to a stop, still standing dance in position. Prescott grips Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter. Elizabeth's breath catches. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: I guess I never thought of it like that. P: I have. *(She grips Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: A lot. *(The two of them come to a stop. They stare into each other's eyes, still holding the dance position. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Wow. That's really nice of you to say. P: I didn't say it to be nice. E: Well then, uh... *(They look into each other's eyes and slowly come to a stop.)* E: Thank you. P: *(quietly)* You're welcome. *(Prescott grips Elizabeth's hand tighter. Elizabeth's breath catches. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: I don't think I've ever been called "passionate" in my life. P: It's what you are! You like never give up on things. You fight to get your way. You show your heart on your sleeve. It might be your best feature. E: *(blushing)* Okay, this might be compliment overload. *(Prescott laughs softly.)* E: Seriously. I'm this close to not being able to string a sentence together. P: We don't have to talk. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes.)* E: ...Okay. *(Prescott squeezes Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter as their feet slowly come to a stop. They stand there, still in slow dance position, silently holding each other. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Do you want to stop and like, stretch or something? P: No. Definitely not. *(She grips Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* E: Okay. Then we'll keep going as long as you want. *(Prescott looks up into Elizabeth's eyes.)* P: Promise? E: Promise. *(Prescott grips her hand tighter. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: You don't always have to be worried around me, you know. P: It's not you. I'm just kind of generally worried about things all the time. E: *(frowning a bit)* Oh. P: That's part of why I admire you so much. You always find a way to plow through things. I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone stop you. * [[Some would say that's a bad thing.|85P-76]] * [[You managed to stop me.|85P-77]]

E: Some people would call that a bad thing. P: They'd be wrong. *(She squeezes Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: Your passion is what makes you special. Anyone who can't see that doesn't know the first thing about you. E: You might be the only person in the world who can say this many nice things about me. P: It's easy once you get going. *(They stare into each other's eyes.)* E: You really think I'm special? *(Prescott nods. Elizabeth blushes. The two of them slowly come to a stop. They stand there, still holding each other in their slow dance position, neither one moving or talking. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: *(smiling)* You managed to stop me tonight. P: Not for long. You ended up with a dance partner anyway. E: A better one than I could have hoped for. *(She squeezes Prescott's hand.)* E: Thank you. P: You don't have to thank me. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes.)* E: ...What should I do instead? *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. They stand there, silently holding each other, still in slow dance position. Prescott inches ger face closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: I feel like I don't deserve this. P: What makes you say that? E: Well, for one thing, you're a better person than me. Like substantially better. P: I don't think that's true. E: Of course it is. * [[You don't abandon people.|85P-80]] * [[You're courageous.|85P-81]] * [[You know how to make friends.|85P-79]]

E: You're so good at like, making friends. I can't do that. It's like genuinely intimidating. *(Prescott laughs, a bit taken aback.)* P: What? Come on, you have friends. E: All flukes. If I lost them I wouldn't know how to make new ones. P: It's not that hard. *(She squeezes Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: You just have to put yourself out there. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes. Their feet slowly stop moving.)* E: *(quietly)* I can do that. *(She takes a breath and starts inching her face closer. Prescott closes her yes. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: You don't leave people behind. All night you've been trying to make me feel better even though you could have just let me push you away. P: And you could have just left me here to ugly cry under these awful fluorescent lights, but you came after me too. E: I don't think you're capable of "ugly" anything. *(Prescott's face flushes.)* P: Wow, uh... E: Too corny? *(Prescott shakes her head and grips Elizabeth's hand tighter. They stare into each other's eyes. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: I think you're genuinely, like, impressively brave. P: Brave? One time I screamed out loud in Chemistry because someone dropped a textbook. E: Okay, but you *also* showed up to prom wearing an awesome suit. I couldn't do that. P: Well, I couldn't have worn that dress. So we're even. E: And, you were brave enough to keep talking to me. P: That wasn't bravery. E: Then what was it? *(Prescott grips Elizabeth's hand tighter. The two of them stare into each other's eyes.)* P: Well... *(Suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: You are extremely handsome in that suit. P: *(blushing)* Ha ha, what? E: Um, sorry. Wrong kind of compliment? *(Prescott grips Elizabeth's hand tighter.)* P: No. *(The two of them look into each other's eyes and slowly come to a stop.)* P: You know, you're very pretty. E: I am? P: *(mumbling)* Especially tonight. *(Prescott smiles shyly and looks down at the floor. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: Oh, you know, just being a normal person here at... school, two weeks ago? What's up with you? <%= story.render("85P-85") %>

E: Is that the roleplay? "Hey, what's up?" P: Yes. E: Got it. Okay. *(She clears her throat.)* Nothing! What's up with you? <%= story.render("85P-85") %>

P: I was just wondering if maybe you wanted to go to prom with me? E: Oh, um. Really? Are you sure you wouldn't want to go with someone else or something? *(Prescott chuckles.)* P: See, that would have been a good time to say "Yes, Prescott. I would love that." * [[Let's try it the other way.|85P-86]] * [[What did I tell you?|85P-87]]

E: Alright. Maybe it'll work better the other way. Let me try. P: Go for it. E: Hey Prescott, do you want to go out with me? P: Yes. *(She stares into Elizabeth's eyes.)* E: ...Okay then. *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. They stand there, still holding each other in dance position. Prescott squeezes Elizabeth's hand and pulls herself in a bit closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: What'd I tell you? I'm hopeless. *(Prescott squeezes Elizabeth's hand a bit tighter.)* P: Clearly not that hopeless. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes. Elizabeth's breath catches in her throat.)* E: *(quietly)* Ask me again. P: Do you want to go out with me? E: Yes, Prescott. I would love that. *(Their feet slowly come to a stop.)* P: ...I would too. *(They stand there, still holding each other in slow dance position. Prescott inches closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: For one thing, you've got an amazing fashion sense? P: What, you mean the suit? E: Yeah, the suit! You look incredible in that thing! I could never pull that off. P: I mean, thank you, but it's not *that* impressive. *(She looks down at her sleeves.)* It doesn't even really fit right. E: The fact that you *know* it doesn't fit right just proves my point. You understand what looks good and what doesn't. You can just make yourself look super... incredibly... you know, handsome... <%= story.render("85P-53") %>

E: Your charisma for one thing. P: Last week I spilled an entire two litre bottle of cola on myself in front of the girls' soccer team. Charisma might not be the right word for it. E: No, seriously. People like you. You make friends so easily, no one ever like, says mean things about you or laughs at you or wants you to fail. I don't think that's an accident. I think it's because there's a part of you, that's like, um, good, and people see that. People, like, um... me... <%= story.render("85P-53") %>

E: You're like, so much better with people than I am. You can just, walk up to people, and talk to them, and get to know them, and they like, like you? It's this, like, talent you have, that I don't have. And I find that like, impressive. And also a bit annoying. But mostly impressive. P: Are you saying you're jealous that I know how to make friends? E: I was actually trying really hard to *avoid* saying that. *(Prescott chuckles.)* P: You did okay making friends with me. * [[Is that what we are?|85P-92]] * [[It made the whole night worth it.|85P-93]]

E: You're like so much more confident than me. P: Confident? Sometimes I say "Hey, you" to people I've known since middle school because I get paranoid that I actually have their name wrong. E: Okay, but like, you showed up to prom wearing a *suit.* That's incredible! I could never do that. You can just like, know who you are and present yourself to the world in this perfectly you form. And I am honestly, so, so, so jealous of that. And impressed too. Which I guess is why I'm suddenly rambling at you? Um, so now I'm going to stop talking. *(Elizabeth clears her throat. Prescott looks away and blushes.)* E: Also, you look really good in that suit. <%= story.render("85P-94") %>

E: You're so much more determined than I am. P: Determined? One time I fell into a deep puddle half a block from my front door and I ended up calling in sick to school. E: But I mean like, when it comes to *people*, you're determined. Like, with me, right? I kept trying to push you away all night. And you just refused to leave me behind. P: Yeah, and you hated that. E: No, I *needed* that. And you knew that, so you stuck by me even though you had every right to leave. That's like, a genuinely special thing about you. And I have no idea what I did to deserve that specialness, but I am grateful. *(Prescott blushes and looks away.)* <%= story.render("85P-94") %>

E: Is that what we are? Friends? P: I don't know. *(She grips Elizabeth's hand tighter.)* P: Did you have another idea? E: Maybe. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes for a while, not saying anything. As their dance slows down, Prescott inches her face closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: It made this whole stupid night worth it. *(Prescott smiles.)* P: Glad to hear it. *(She grips Elizabeth's hand tighter. The two of them stare into each other's eyes, not saying anything. Their feet slowly come to a stop.)* E: Prescott, I... um... *(Elizabeth trails off. Prescott smiles and inches her face closer.)* P: *(barely a whisper)* Me too. *(Elizabeth's breath catches in her throat. She closes her eyes. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. The two of them jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

P: I like you, Elizabeth. * [[I like you too.|85P-95]] * [[You sure?|85P-96]]

E: I like you too. *(Prescott smiles.)* P: Good. *(The two of them stare into each other's eyes as Prescott squeezes Elizabeth's hand tighter.)* E: I, um, don't know what to do after saying something like that. P: I think we're allowed to just enjoy it. *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. They stand there, silently holding each other in dance formation. Prescott inches her face closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: You sure? P: Positive. *(They stare into each other's eyes.)* E: Last chance to change your mind. P: *(quietly)* Before what? E: ... P: ... *(Their feet slowly come to a stop. Elizabeth squeezes Prescott's hand tighter. Prescott inches closer. Then, suddenly, the boat's PA system loudly crackles to life above them. They jolt from the shock.)* <%= story.render("85P-21") %>

E: I don't know, you clearly care a lot about some things. P: Like what? * [[You cared about Linsday.|85P-23]] * [[You cared about me.|85P-24]]

<div.about1>BOAT PROM</div> <div.about2>by <a href="https://bphennessy.com/" target="_blank">Brendan Patrick Hennessy</a></div> <div.about3>with art by <a href="https://beckkubrick.com/" target="_blank">Beck Kubrick</a></div> <div.about3>special thanks to Nikki Foy</div> <div.about3>and to Astrid Dalmady</div> <div.about3>a sequel (kind of) to <a href="https://birdland.camp/" target="_blank">BIRDLAND</a></div> <div.about3>created in <a href="https://twinery.org/" target="_blank">Twine</a></div> <div.about3>© 2020</div> <% if (window.hasVisited("SYS-END")) { %><div.close>[[← restart|SYS-RESTART]]</div><% } else { %><div.close>[[← back|SYS-MENU]]</div><% } %>

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