Think Again

Browser lacks capabilities required to play.

Upgrade or switch to another browser.

Loading…

<<set $power to 0>>\ <<set $gentle to 0>>\ <<set $fierce to 0>>\ <<set $month to "🍂 October">>\ <<set $relationship to "No">>\ <<set $catty to 0>>\ <<set $paisley to 0>>\ <<set $d to 0>>\ <<set $sabrina to 0>>\ <<set $shiloh to 0>>\ <<set $sus to 0>>\ <<set $becca to 0>>\ <<set $joey to 0>>\ <<set $audrey to 0>>\ <<set $olive to 0>>\ <<set $age to 18>>\ <<set $dating to "No one">>\ Your vision is blurred and you can't seem to focus. Far off in the distance, yet still close enough to discern, you hear a voice. As you focus on this voice, you also gain the ability to focus on yourself. Before you can realize it, you see a small child navigating through the dark. The voice guides them. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>What is this child's sex?</b> \ </div> [[This child is female]] [[This child is male]] [[This child has no binary]]

Written by Potalia <b>Month</b>: <<print $month>> <b>Town's suspicion</b> <meter @value="$sus" min="0" max="100"></meter>

[[Self]] [[Relationships]] [[Characters]]

<div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ <b>This is what you look like...</b> \ </div> !!!You are an <<print $age>>-year old <<print $person>> named <<print $name>> <<print $last_name>> <b>Physical Description</b>: You have <<print $skin_color>> skin, <<print $eye_color>> eyes, and <<print $hair_texture>> <<print $hair_color>> hair that's <<print $hair_length>>. You have a <<print $skin_detail>> face. Your body is <<print $body_size>> and you are <<print $height>>, at least compared to the people in Neverdale. <b>Your perferred top wear is a</b>: <<print $top_wear>> <b>Your perferred bottom wear is</b>: <<print $bottom_wear>> <b>Your perferred formal wear is a</b>: <<print $formal_wear>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <div align='center' style='font-size: 140%;'>\ <b>This is who you are...</b> \ </div> <b>College Major</b>: <<print $major>> <b>Your Power</b>: <<print $power>> points <b>Gentle Personality</b>: <<print $gentle>> points <b>Fierce Personality</b>: <<print $fierce>> points -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <div align='center' style='font-size: 140%;'>\ <b>These are your favorite things...</b> \ </div> <b>Favorite Color</b>: <<print $favorite_color>> <b>Favorite Food</b>: <<print $favorite_food>> <b>Favorite Dessert</b>: <<print $favorite_dessert>> <b>Favorite Flower</b>: <<print $favorite_flower>> <b>Favorite Season</b>: <<print $favorite_season>> <<return "Back to game">>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 160%;'>\ <b>Relationship Stats</b> \ </div> !!!In a relationship: <<print $relationship>> !!!Currently dating: <<print $dating>> <b>Cathrine <<print $catty>>%</b> <b>Friendship</b>:<<if $catty gte 75>> Catty sees you as a sister <<elseif $catty gte 50>> Catty feels connected to you <<elseif $catty gte 25>> Catty is intrigued by you <<else>> Catty thinks you are a dirty sinner <</if>> <b>Paisley <<print $paisley>>%</b> <b>Romance</b>:<<if $paisley gte 75>> Paisley is in love with you <<elseif $paisley gte 50>> Paisley wants to be more than a friend <<elseif $paisley gte 25>> Paisley has a small crush on you <<else>> Paisley only sees you as a friend <</if>> <b>Demetrius <<print $d>>%</b> <b>Romance</b>:<<if $d gte 75>> Demetrius is in love with you, somehow <<elseif $d gte 50>> Demetrius has an overwhelming crush on you <<elseif $d gte 25>> Demetrius is surprised to find you attractive <<else>> Demetrius can't even imagine dating you <</if>> <b> Sabrina <<print $sabrina>>%</b> <b>Romance</b>:<<if $sabrina gte 75>> Sabrina wants to be your wife someday <<elseif $sabrina gte 50>> Sabrina knows it's too soon to be in love with you, but... <<elseif $sabrina gte 25>> Sabrina has a crush on you <<else>> Sabrina sees you the way she sees everyone else, beautiful <</if>> <b>Shiloh <<print $shiloh>>%</b> <b>Romance</b>:<<if $shiloh gte 75>> Shiloh wants you and you alone <<elseif $shiloh gte 50>> Shiloh can't stop thinking about you <<elseif $shiloh gte 25>> Shiloh lusts over you <<else>> Shiloh thinks you're pretty cute <</if>> <b>Hookups with non-romancable characters</b> <b>Rebecca</b>: <<print $becca>> times <b>Joey</b>: <<print $joey>> times <b>Audrey</b>: <<print $audrey>> times <b>Olive</b>: <<print $olive>> times <<return "Back to game">>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 160%;'>\ <b>Important Characters</b> \ </div> Click <<button "More Info">> <<run Dialog.setup("Icon Meanings")>> <<run Dialog.wiki("Characters marked with ♥ are romanceable (regardless of gender) | characters marked with ♡ aren't romanceable, but can be sexually involved with you (if attracted to your gender)")>> <<run Dialog.open()>> <</button>> for heart icon explanations !!!Aunt Gloria Gloria's 30 years old and your aunt on your mother's side. She's the younger one of the two. Gloria's letting you stay in her cabin for free. Despite living on her own, she seems to know almost everyone in Neverdale. !!!Donald Clift Mr. Clift is the 33 year old man who owns the local cafe. He's loved by all, but he's especially popular with older women in town. Despite this, he is always seen alone when he isn't making an amazing coffee. !!!Cathrine (Catty) Pelvon Catherine is a 13 year old "nun in training" at the local church. There are many rumors surrounding her, why grown adults would encourage gossip about a child is beyond you, but you can't help but wonder. !!!Paisley Rider (She/Her) | Pansexual ♥ Paisley is an 18 year old student at the local college. She moved to Neverdale in the middle of her sophmore year of highschool due to familial issues. !!!Demetrius Coleson (He/Him) | Pansexual ♥ Demetrius is a 20 year old man working for the town's lumber company. He is well recognized for his dedication to work. However, he isn't known to be the friendliest man. !!!Sabrina Burgington (She/Her) | Pansexual ♥ Sabrina is a 19 year old student at the local college. She goes around town handing out free pastries to anyone who'll eat. Despite this, she isn't seen around many people, besides her brother, anyway. !!!Shiloh Burgington (He/Him) | Pansexual ♥ Shiloh is a 21 year old assistant teacher who has just returned back to Neverdale. He, like Mr. Clift, is seen as an incredibly desirable man, but he isn't openly involved with anyone. Unless it's after dark, anyway. !!!Rebecca Kim (She/Her) | Lesbian ♡ Rebecca is a 22 year old tattoo artist who owns her own shop. She is known to be very logical, ghost stories are her bane. !!!Joey Davis (He/Him) | Straight ♡ Joey is a 24 year old truck driver. He is only seen early in the day or late at night, and when he's around, he's usually drinking. Some say he's a bit of a pessimist. !!!Audrey Burr (He/Him) | Gay ♡ Audrey's a 20 year old man often seen jogging throughout the day, and working as a bartender at the local bar at night. Audrey often advocates his active lifestyle to others, and is very openly gay without shame. !!!Olive Murphy (They/Her) | Attracted to anyone besides women ♡ Olive is an 18 year old part time worker. There isn't much that is known about them, but people get an uncomfortable feeling when around them. Olive is apparently the founder's youngest descendant. !!!Mayor Cornwall Mayor Cornwall is a 50 year old man who is seen as a bit of a recluse. Despite this he is //also// seen as a good mayor, to anyone who isn't an Oakshyer, at least. !!!The Oakshyers A group of 10-15 people who all happen to be over the age of 30 years old. Their group is closely associated with the church. Some say they are a religious cult, others say they're something worse. <b>There's only one way to find out</b>. <<return "Back to game">>

<<set $HeShe to "She">>\ <<set $heshe to "she">>\ <<set $HimHer to "Her">>\ <<set $himher to "her">>\ <<set $hisher to "her">>\ <<set $himselfherself to "herself">>\ <<set $person to "woman">>\ <<set $child to "girl">>\ <<set $partner to "girlfriend">>\ <<set $spouse to "wife">>\ <<set $MrMs to "Ms">>\ <<set $pretty to "beautiful">>\ Despite your vision fading in and out in the darkness, you know that this child is a little girl. She walks hesitantly on bare feet. You slowly begin to recoginize her other features. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>How tall is this child?</b> \ </div> <<radiobutton "$height" "short">> The child is short, and will probably stay that way into adulthood <<radiobutton "$height" "average" checked>> The child is average height for their age, and will probably stay that way into adulthood <<radiobutton "$height" "tall">> The child is tall, and will probably stay that way into adulthood You can see a light begin to form and manifest in front of the child, and by default, in front of you. It's not too far off, the little girl however only becomes more hesitant the closer she shuffles. You begin to feel her emotions as if they are your own. You feel... [[Fear]]

<<set $HeShe to "He">>\ <<set $heshe to "he">>\ <<set $HimHer to "Him">>\ <<set $himher to "him">>\ <<set $hisher to "his">>\ <<set $himselfherself to "himself">>\ <<set $person to "man">>\ <<set $child to "boy">>\ <<set $partner to "boyfriend">>\ <<set $spouse to "husband">>\ <<set $MrMs to "Mr">>\ <<set $pretty to "handsome">>\ Despite your vision fading in and out in the darkness, you know that this child is a little boy. He walks hesitantly on bare feet. You slowly begin to recoginize his other features. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>How tall is this child?</b> \ </div> <<radiobutton "$height" "short">> The child is short, and will probably stay that way into adulthood <<radiobutton "$height" "average" checked>> The child is average height for their age, and will probably stay that way into adulthood <<radiobutton "$height" "tall">> The child is tall, and will probably stay that way into adulthood You can see a light begin to form and manifest in front of the child, and by default, in front of you. It's not too far off, the little boy however only becomes more hesitant the closer he shuffles. You begin to feel his emotions as if they are your own. You feel... [[Fear]]

<<set $HeShe to "They">>\ <<set $heshe to "they">>\ <<set $HimHer to "Them">>\ <<set $himher to "them">>\ <<set $hisher to "their">>\ <<set $himselfherself to "themself">>\ <<set $person to "person">>\ <<set $child to "child">>\ <<set $partner to "partner">>\ <<set $spouse to "spouse">>\ <<set $MrMs to "Mx">>\ <<set $pretty to "pretty">>\ Despite your vision fading in and out in the darkness, you know that this child isn't fixed to a binary. They walk hesitantly on bare feet. You slowly begin to recoginize their other features. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>How tall is this child?</b> \ </div> <<radiobutton "$height" "short">> The child is short, and will probably stay that way into adulthood <<radiobutton "$height" "average" checked>> The child is average height for their age, and will probably stay that way into adulthood <<radiobutton "$height" "tall">> The child is tall, and will probably stay that way into adulthood You can see a light begin to form and manifest in front of the child, and by default, in front of you. It's not too far off, the young child however only becomes more hesitant the closer they shuffle. You begin to feel their emotions as if they are your own. You feel... [[Fear]]

The light's glow is almost blinding, but it grants you the opportunity to see the $child's trembling hands. $HeShe covers $hisher eyes to keep from going blind. You seem to be floating toward the $child faster than the $child $himselfherself is moving towards the unknown. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>What does the child look like?</b> \ </div> <b>Skin tone (from lightest to darkest)</b> <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "pale">> The child has very pale skin <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "fair">> The child has fair skin, like porcelain <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "tan">> The child has tan skin, a middle between light and dark <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "olive" checked>> The child has olive skin, a lighter shade of brown <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "bronze">> The child has bronze skin, with golden-brown undertones <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "brown">> The child has brown skin, like crystallized amber <<radiobutton "$skin_color" "dark">> The child has dark skin, the deepest shade of brown <b>Face details</b> <<radiobutton "$skin_detail" "freckled">> Freckles <<radiobutton "$skin_detail" "chubby">> Chubby <<radiobutton "$skin_detail" "dimpled" checked>> Dimples <<radiobutton "$skin_detail" "rosy">> Blush <<radiobutton "$skin_detail" "innocent">> Baby-faced <<radiobutton "$skin_detail" "smooth">> No special facial details You feel something new... [[Confusion]]

The $child reaches what feels like the edge of the illumination's beginning, which is also somehow it's end. Confusion warps $hisher mind as the child presses a clammy palm into the matter. The child's hair whips around furiously; light reflects off of it in a gentle way, despite it's mystery. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>What does the child's hair look like?</b> \ </div> <b>Hair color</b> <<radiobutton "$hair_color" "red">> It's red, the child has ginger hair <<radiobutton "$hair_color" "black">> It's black, the child is raven-haired <<radiobutton "$hair_color" "blond">> It's blond, the child has golden hair <<radiobutton "$hair_color" "brown" checked>> It's brown, the child has brunet hair <<radiobutton "$hair_color" "silver">> It's silver, the child's hair naturally lacks melanin <b>Hair texture</b> <<radiobutton "$hair_texture" "straight">> Straight <<radiobutton "$hair_texture" "wavy" checked>> Wavy <<radiobutton "$hair_texture" "curly">> Curly <<radiobutton "$hair_texture" "kinky">> Kinky <<radiobutton "$hair_texture" "coily">> Coily <b>Hair length</b> <<radiobutton "$hair_length" "very short">> Very short - Shorter than chin length <<radiobutton "$hair_length" "short">> Short - Chin length <<radiobutton "$hair_length" "shoulder-length"checked>> Shoulder length - At the shoulders <<radiobutton "$hair_length" "long">> Long - Past the shoulders <<radiobutton "$hair_length" "very long">> Very long - Past the belly button As the light shifts and becomes objects in it's own space, you realize something as fact... [[Identity]]

This new object is a door. One that is opening on it's own despite the $child's reluctance. <b>//Your//</b> reluctance. You were only a spectator of the child mere seconds ago. But you now realize you two are, in reality, the same person. Your perspective suddenly snaps into a first person view, as //you// open the door with //your// hands. You have found the voice, or rather, the voice has found you. An elderly woman and a dapper man stand in the center of the space. Their expressions are unreadable, but they turn to you in unison. It's as if they sense you, hear you, smell you. When the woman's eyes settle on your tiny figure, they become harsh and toxic. You feel your muscles freeze as she moves towards you at a slow, yet menacing pace. In the blink of an eye she stands over you - you sense an intense hatred emanating from her. You aren't sure you can ever forget these angry eyes, if you make it out of this situation alive, that is. <div align='center' style='font-size: 130%;'>\ <b>What color is the woman's eyes?</b> \ </div> <b>Eye color</b> <<radiobutton "$eye_color" "hazel">> Hazel, just like mine <<radiobutton "$eye_color" "gray">> Gray, just like mine <<radiobutton "$eye_color" "green">> Green, just like mine <<radiobutton "$eye_color" "blue">> Blue, just like mine <<radiobutton "$eye_color" "brown" checked>> Brown, just like mine <<radiobutton "$eye_color" "black">> Black, just like mine Your vision blurs once again as the space around you begins to fill up with blood. The smell of electricity burning wood fills your nose as you fall to the ground. The blood continues to rise, threatening to drown you in it. The last thing you can see before it goes entirely black, is the elderly woman's eyes narrowing in disgust. Your senses are being ripped away from you one by one, when. There's a rumble in the distance, somewhere outside of you. <div align='center' style='font-size: 140%;'>\ <b>[[Wake up]]</b> \ </div>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ <b>Prologue</b> \ </div> Your body lunges forward, restrained by a tight seatbelt. A small gasp escapes from your lips as your senses come back to you. A quick scan of your surroundings reveal that you are in the large passenger seat of a truck; your luggage forms a mountain under your worn out sneakers. You finally move your gaze to the person next to you driving the vehicle. Mr. Loo, an old aquaintance of your grandmother's, seems completely focused on the road ahead of him. Despite this he senses your gaze, and speaks; his eyes remain on the road all the while. "Had a nightmare I reckon?" You are taken aback by his question, Mr. Loo hasn't spoken to you since agreeing to drive you this far. "You were whimperin' in that seat of yours for the past hour. Tossin' and turnin' and all. Looked like you were havin' a nightmare." "I'm not sure." You feel awkward as a silence stretches between the two of you. "What was it about?" "I uh, I can't remember." Although you recall every tiny detail, you'd rather not tell Mr. Loo what had transpired. Especially considering the situation you're in now. You lean back against the chair, willing the dream to slip your mind. You instead decide to watch the darkening road. <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ <b>Although your chair is large, how comfortably do you fit in it?</b> \ </div> <b>Body size</b> (from small to large) <<radiobutton "$body_size" "thin">> You are thin, you barely take up any space at all <<radiobutton "$body_size" "average" checked>> You have an average body, you have plenty of empty space <<radiobutton "$body_size" "curvy">> You are curvy, you have plently of empty space even though some of your body fills more than the rest <<radiobutton "$body_size" "chubby">> You are chubby, you fill the space comfortably <<radiobutton "$body_size" "muscular">> You are muscular, you fit compactly into the seat and there's little wiggle room <<radiobutton "$body_size" "heavyset">> You are heavyset, you fit compactly into the seat and there's almost no wiggle room [[Continue|Prologue1]]

Mr. Loo strikes up conversation again, he looks to you every now and then to check if you're still awake. "So this Neverdale place. Sounds like somethin' outta a' spooky story don't ya think? And it's in the Appalachians too? I could never see Mary livin' in a place like that now!" He chuckles to himself as he speaks. "Time changes people. Maybe she liked being surrounded by trees back then." He makes a sound of agreement. Sensing your obvious disinterest in the conversation, Mr. Loo tries to shift the topic on you instead. "The last time Mary and I spoke, she told me you wanted to go to college. Are you gonna attend the local one in Neverdale?" "Yeah, I am." You bend down and rummage through your bag, already predicting he would ask for the name of said college. You admittedly can't remember it yourself. Though eventually, you pull out an application form you printed out from their website at the public library. You've already filled in a few information boxes. <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ <b>What name is written on the page?</b> \ </div> <b>First Name</b> <<textbox "$name" "Irene" "Prologue2">> <b>Last Name</b> <<textbox "$last_name" "Roger" "Prologue2">> [[Continue|Prologue2]]

You look at the top of the page, the letters are written in computer generated cursive. "It's called Murphy Institute." "Pardon me, but I thought this little ol' town was called Neverdale." "I've read that the college is named after the //founder// of Neverdale..." Mr. Loo scoffs. "Well then that makes sense. I suppose. Though there's better fittin' names out there." As you shove the paper back into your bag, you notice the orange sky splitting into a light pink the further your eyes travel. It eventually fades into a dark blue on the horizon. It's always felt strange to you how quickly the dark comes in autumn. Almost foreboding one could say. "So what are you studyin' then? When you enroll I mean." You continue to stare at the sky in front of you. You had thought about that question for a long time, and knew you wanted it to be something you enjoyed. If you were planning to live in Neverdale permanently, anyway. You eventually narrowed it down to six majors that interested you the most. Only recently have you made a decision. <div align='center' style='font-size: 120%;'>\ <b>What have you decided to major in?</b> \ </div> <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ <b><<listbox "$major" autoselect>> <<option "psychology">> <<option "education">> <<option "culinary arts">> <<option "biology">> <<option "film">> <<option "political science">> <</listbox>></b> \ </div> [[Continue|Prologue3]]

"I think I'm settled on $major. It just feels right." Mr. Loo lets out a low hum before speaking in a mumble. "Such a vague answer. Well then. Do you think leavin' home 'just feels right' too?" Your eyebrows shoot up at Mr. Loo's sudden change in tone. "...Excuse me sir?" "I may not know much, but Mary made it clear to me that any family you got over there is estranged." He glances at you with furrowed eyebrows. "You really want to run off and live with someone who never even met you, over your //sick// grandmother? No hesitation?" [["Why I do what I do is none of your buisness."]] //Fierce// [["I feel guilty about it, but I have to go..."]] //Gentle// [[Stay silent]]

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ Mr. Loo eyes you in response to your retort. You don't back down from his stare. "You don't even know me, so don't question my judgement. Please." //+ fierce// He looks back to the road and begins to chuckle, to your surprise. "Well you're definitely more snappy than I remember, so I guess I don't. But I wasn't tryin' to provoke you. I just don't want to see your sweet grandma's heart break because you're leavin'." You keep him under scrutiny as he sighs. "But I suppose you were //always// meant to be in my truck on this road. I was completely baffled on why Mary would ask me to take you miles upon miles away from her rather than //you// askin' me yourself. Hell I'm still confused, but I suppose that means she loves you lots." "Yeah. I know." You lean against the window, no longer willing go back and forth on your departure. Mr. Loo also lets the conversation drop as well, and returns back to the winding roads. With your cheek pressed up against the cool glass, you attempt to take yet another nap out of many. [[Continue|Prologue4]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ Your brows crease as you look down at your fingers folded in on each other. "I love her, I do. I can't explain to you why this is important to me, so..." //+ gentle// Mr. Loo lets out a weary sigh and glances in your direction. "Look kid I ain't tryin' to guilt trip you here. Your grandma Mary is just a lovely ol' lady and I can't imagine how her little heart has been doin' the second you left." You continue to stare at your hands, unwilling to comment on your grandmother's wellbeing any further. "She loves you a ton too. I know it. Hell, if she didn't, she wouldn't have asked //me// to drive you states away. At least not this soon. Excuse my hostile tone earlier." "It's fine." You turn away from him and try to get comfortable again, leaning against the window as you do. Mr. Loo lets the conversation drop this time, and returns back to the winding roads. With your cheek pressed up against the cool glass, you attempt to take yet another nap out of many. [[Continue|Prologue4]]

Whether you aren't sure how to answer, or you just refuse to, your lips press into a thin line. You turn your gaze back to the road, and once again an awkward silence fills the truck. Mr. Loo clears his throat. "You have to excuse me kid, if I came off hostile, your grandma Mary is just a sweet ol' woman. With the way that she seems to love you so dearly... this whole trip a' yours must be tearing her apart in that hospital bed." You continue to say nothing and keep your attention ahead of you. "But at the same time. //Mary's// the one who asked me to drive you 11 hours away from home. I can't fault you for takin' a chance to leave the big bustlin' city when the opportunity presents itself." "Hmm." Is your only response as you try to get comfortable against the window. Mr. Loo lets the conversation drop this time, and returns back to the winding roads. With your cheek pressed up against the cool glass, you attempt to take yet another nap out of many. [[Continue|Prologue4]]

The next time you open your eyes, you are being shaken firmly by a strong hand. You groggily sit up in your seat, and instinctively look over to Mr. Loo, who seems to be driving slower than usual. "We made it kid. I passed the 'now entering' sign a couple minutes ago." You nod and look back out the window. It's almost pitch black outside, and it began to rain while you were asleep. The light drumming on your window feels like a tiny rhythm the rain made to welcome you. Mr. Loo eventually slows to a stop on what looks like a commercialized block in town. He finally turns the engine off, and turns to you. "Now then, you and I don't have an address, so you're on your own from this point onwards. I put you on a less residential street so that you could find help easier. You got the lady's name right?" "Gloria $last_name." "Good $child, you'll find her easy in a small town like this. Though, I hope you find what you're //really// searchin' for. 'Cause it can't all just be for one lady... And send letters to your grandma every once in awhile? Us old folk like to know someone still cares." You pull out a tiny umbrella as you push the truck door open. "I will... Thank you." He gives you a firm nod, and watches you quietly as you toss your bookbag over your shoulder. You pull your metallic suitcase out of the vehicle with your other hand. "Goodbye, Mr. Loo." "Till next time kid." You watch as his truck pulls away from the curb, and drives off in the direction you came. Left in the chilly rain, you sigh and try to get a feel for your surroundings. You eventually spot what looks like a tiny police station further down the street. "Here goes nothing." [[Continue|Chapter1]]

<div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ <b>Chapter One</b> \ </div> You open the wooden door to the building in haste. The rain outside has changed from a light shower to a harsh downpour, causing your clothes to get wet despite your umbrella's attempts at protection. You close the door shut with your back, causing a loud thud to echo in the room. "Who's there?" Heavy footsteps can be heard up until a man appears in the doorway across the desk seperating you. He's a dark, heavy man with a gray mustache as large as his frame. His eyes narrow in suspicion as you hastily stand up straight. "I've never seen your face before. And I've seen //all// the faces around here." "Evening sir. I uh, I'm new. I'm looking for someone actually." The man's eyebrows raise as his stance relaxes. "Two new people in a year? Well I'll be." "Who's out there pops?" You hear yet another voice coming from the room behind the man. The person speaking walks out into the main room as well, but stops in their tracks when they see you. It's a woman dressed in uniform, unlike the man beside her who wears a large raincoat. Her facial features are extremely similar to his, which would explain the term she uses to address him. Her parted lips quirk up into a smile, and her hands settle on her hips. She looks you up and down as if she's assessing your character. "Who's this adorable kid pops? Another one of your children you didn't know you had?" "Quit it Annalise, you'll scare $himher away with your gossip." Your gaze bounces back and forth between the two. This must be the oddest first interaction you've ever had with someone. "... My name's $name $last_name, I'm looking for a woman. Gloria $last_name?" Their expressions change once again, this time into utter shock. The woman you now know as Annalise blinks rapidly as her mouth opens wider than last time. "Riri has a kid? And a grown one at that? There's no way she had a secret baby that young!" The man moves from behind the desk to examine you closer up. "No. Well, I wouldn't know, I've never met her. But she's just my aunt." Annalise still looks baffled, but the man's shocked expression turns solemn. "Ah I see. I'm Sheriff Giles, I happen to know where she lives. When did you get here?" "I had someone drive me over. Actually, I got here a couple minutes ago or so." Annalise speaks up, now accustomed to your surprising revelation. "And they dropped you off on this block in the pouring rain..." "The person who brought me doesn't know where Gloria lives either." Sheriff Giles looks over to Annalise, but they both remain silent. It feels as though they speak amongst themselves within their own thoughts. "Alright $MrMs. $last_name, I'll have Officer Giles take you over there now. We can't have you walking around in the dark like this." Upon hearing her name, Annalise comes out from behind the desk as well and clips a radio to the belt around her waist. You can't help but feel relieved that you won't have to be in the rain any longer. "I appreciate that, thank you Sheriff Giles." "Of course, you're a part of the Neverdale community now, after all." He winks at you before turning to Annalise, he then affectionately claps a hand on her shoulder. "Make sure Gloria actually opens the door, that woman never comes out of that house unless she's working." "//Trust me, I know//. I'm on it, sir." He smiles proudly at her before he lets his hand fall to his side. Annalise gestures for you to follow after her with a wave, and before you even realize it, you're back on the road. [[Continue|CH1]]

As the engine roars to life, a pop punk song suddenly rings out and reaches it's chorus on the radio. "Shoot I forgot to turn that thing off last time. Oh well." The rain hammers on the police car's windshield at a rate as constant as the song's beat. Annalise quietly hums along, but stops abruptly when she catches your gaze in her peripheral. "Why the blank stare kid? You don't like Undead Nation?" [["Yeah, this song kinda sucks."]] //Fierce// [["I get nervous around officers..."]] //Gentle// [["I'm admiring how beautiful you are."]] //Flirt// [["No, everything's fine. Sorry for staring."]]

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ "But this is your car, not mine. I won't complain ma'am. Though, you have //interesting// taste." //+fierce// "//What?// Is it the genre or the song itself that sucks? I haven't met someone who dislikes this banger besides-" Annalise pauses and narrows her eyes at you playfully. "Wait a second are you just trying to rile me up?" "I'm just stating my genuine opinion, you choose to be riled up." Annalise's jaw drops before she lets out a hearty laugh. "Alright kid, touché. Though I do think you should give it a chance sometime. I'll lower the volume for you." True to her words, Annalise reaches over and turns the knob on the radio. At least you don't have to hear that dumb hook playing at full volume anymore. [[Continue|CH1 sec1]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ You quickly add to your admission, not wanting to make the atmosphere tense. "You haven't actually made me uncomfortable or anything though! You're really friendly, I just... that's just how I feel." //+gentle// "I get it, a lot of people feel that way in the presence of authority." Annalise points to herself with a smirk. "Lucky for you, I'm a goof. It's just my uniform that makes me seem scary. I'll give you plenty of time to warm up." You nod silently, digesting her words. The music fills the comfortable quiet that follows after. [[Continue|CH1 sec1]]

The woman's eyes grow wide before she let's out a howl of laughter. "//Pfft// why thank you! You've got charm kid, but I'm probably old enough to be your mom." You stare at her with your mouth agape, she only smirks back at you before returning her eyes to the road. "You're joking, you don't look a day over twenty-five." "Fun fact, I'm even older than your //aunt//! I have my secrets. So, save that energy for someone who's young enough to keep up with you kiddo." She lets out one more chuckle before honing in on the road. You can't imagine how much older than you she could be to have been able to be your hypothetical mother. Regardless though, it makes you deflate a bit. At least you gave it a shot. [[Continue|CH1 sec1]]

"Hey don't apologize! I get that reaction more often than you might think!" "People just stare at you?" Annalise laughs lightly at your question. "I can be intimidating when I want to be. But for lovely folks like you, I'm all laughs!" You nod slowly in response, digesting her words. "If you need me to turn down the music or anything else, let me know alright? We're not too far." You nod as you lightly tap your hand to the rhythm of the beat, you definitely haven't heard this band before. Perhaps it isn't as popular in Virginia. [[Continue|CH1 sec1]]

The car begins rolling up a hill a few minutes later, away from what seemed like the town's residental blocks. You turn to Annalise, confused. "Does my aunt not live in the neighborhood?" "There's a few houses up this hill that sort of reach a dead end into some woods. Think of it as one of the borders of Neverdale. Gloria lives in one of these old babies, the rest of the homes are mostly full of older folks." Annalise applies more pressure on the gas pedal as she reaches the top of the long winding slope. "I thought you said she wasn't that old, ma'am." "Gloria? Oh no she isn't old at all. In fact she just hit thirty... but her parents used to live there. And //their// parents used to live there. It's been passed down. There's another house up here that's been with the same family for as long as yours, even //longer// than yours, actually. Though now that I say it out loud, it wouldn't be a good idea to talk about them right now." Your natural curiousity has you wish for more insight, however the surprisingly serious tone in her voice makes you reconsider. "Oh look! We're here." You follow Annalise's gaze as she slows her car to a stop near a small cabin at the very end of the line of homes. A rusty blue car sits directly in front of the house, causing Annalise to park further ahead facing the woods. Annalise checks the time above the radio which reads 7pm. "Alright kid let's get this show on the road!" Annalise clambers out, but you stay helplessly still in your seat. A ball of nerves you hadn't felt before suddenly hit you. Annalise spooks you by opening the door on your side herself. "What's wrong? The longer we're out here, the higher the chance Gloria's gonna ignore the doorbell you know." Annalise's playful demeanor recedes a bit upon seeing your face. "You said you haven't met her, right? Are you nervous?" She speaks in a soft voice. You shake your head in response, frusterated with yourself. "I'm fine, it's now or never right? And I <b>definitely</b> can't go home now so... looks like it's the former." As you pull yourself out of the vehicle, Annalise's soft expression melts away into something more proud. "You've got Neverdale spirit already." [[Continue|CH1sec2]]

Annalise rings the doorbell as the two of you stand on a welcome mat in the cool rain. You wordlessly look to one another when no answer arrives. Annalise sighs and begins banging on the wooden door instead. Your nerves only get worse the longer her fist slams against it. She stops after a while. "Alright, you take my place here, I'm gonna knock on the back door instead. There's more noise that way." She jogs to the end of the house before turning back in your direction and shouting. "Oh! And be <b>loud</b>!!" She disappears behind the cabin before you can say anything in response. You heave out your own sigh before replacing Annalise, and knocking on the entrance with both of your closed fists. You repeat this action for what feels like forever. The rain has drenched you long enough that you've even started shivering. The urge to turn back and give up for the night is strong. Almost as if it were on cue, your thoughts are interrupted when you hear an unlocking from the inside that causes you to freeze in place. Your pulse quickens as you watch the door creak open halfway to reveal a short woman in what you can assume is sleepwear. You are completely rooted in place, her dark brown eyes framed behind large sqaure-shaped glasses bore into you. One of the woman's eyebrows lift in response to your silence. "You seemed so persistent to get me out of bed... do I know you, dear?" Your mouth opens but only a tiny whisper comes out. "H-hello." The woman opens the door further to get a better look at you, and seems surprised to see your luggage clenched in your trembling fists. Her gaze flicks back up to your face, studying your features, and then she smiles. "Shy huh? Hmm... well I must say you have such beautiful hair, but I may be biased." She chuckles, combing her fingers through her own short $hair_color hair as emphasis. "Are you staying over a grandparent's house? If you could give me a name I can point you in the right direction-" "Are you Gloria $last_name?" You interrupt her, even though you already know the answer. The woman's relaxed facial features begin to crease as she looks you up and down again, seeming to be processing something. "Yes I am." You seize the moment, and test out how it feels to call the woman in front of you your aunt. "My name is $name $last_name. Hi... Aunt Gloria?" The woman's eyes are unreadable for a moment, and you quickly wonder if doing this was the right decision. However, they soon grow soft and practically tremble. "Please, don't play pranks on me." "I'm not. I used to live with my grandmother Mary in Virginia. But I was given permission to move here with you and start college. Well, if you're alright with me being here that is. I... guess I should have led with that first-" <<if $height is "short">> Without warning, Gloria pulls you towards her in a tight embrace that causes you to freeze up once again. Your face ends up buried in her shoulder. Her hold doesn't waiver as she lets out a soft sob. <<elseif $height is "average">> Without warning, Gloria pulls you towards her in a tight embrace that causes you to freeze up once again. She stands on her tiptoes so that her chin rests comfortably on your shoulder. She doesn't show signs of letting go as she sobs softly. <<elseif $height is "tall">> Without warning, Gloria pulls you towards her in a tight embrace that causes you to freeze up once again. She stands on her tiptoes, and struggles to wrap her arms around you due to your tall stature. However, when she finally has a firm grip around your neck, she sobs into your shoulder softly. <<endif>> "You're really here... I've been looking for you for years. But you're actually <b>here</b>. Oh God..." You didn't think she could hug you any tighter, when you are quickly proven wrong. You've never had someone hold you so close before. At least she chose to display her affection for you //inside// the cabin and out of the rain. [[Hug her back]] [[Pull away from her, unsure]]

You get used to the sensation and hesitantly wrap your own arms around Gloria, causing her to sob harder against you. You oddly do not mind it, in fact, you can't help but feel loved. She abruptly pulls away, keeping a firm grip on both of your arms. "You're absolutely drenched! How long were you in the rain?!" Gloria sniffles, and wipes tears away from her cheeks. "We can't have that, go grab your luggage out of the rain and I'll make you a cup of hot chocolate. Does that sound good?" You nod, liking the idea of something hot and sweet after being cold for so long. Turning back towards the door, a small smile dares to appear on your face. [[Continue|CH1sec3]]

You panic and rip yourself out from her tight grasp, feeling unsure about how to respond to such an intimate gesture. Gloria seems surprised at first, but her eyes soften as if she understands. "You're absolutely drenched... you've been in the rain for a long while, haven't you?" She wipes away her tears as you avert your gaze in discomfort. "Well we can't have that, go grab your luggage out of the rain, and I'll make you a cup of hot chocolate. How does that sound?" You nod, liking the idea of something hot and sweet after being cold for so long, and turn back towards the door. But you don't leave without muttering a small apology for ruining an emotional moment first. [[Continue|CH1sec3]]

Not even a second later, a panting Annalise rushes over from the left side of the house. She stops in her tracks when she notices you standing in the cabin's front entrance, the door wide open. Annalise then notices Gloria not far behind you, and their eyes lock on one another. "Officer Giles?? What are you doing here?" Gloria places a hand to her cheek earning an irritated scoff from Annalise. She grabs your luggage before you can, and drags them inside the cabin. You follow closely behind Annalise as she places your luggage on the ground, and turns to your aunt. "//You//." She advances towards an unamused Gloria. "I should arrest you right now." Gloria rolls her eyes as she grabs a scarf from a nearby coat rack. "What is it for this time, Anna. I've got work in the morning." "For making me knock on your back door for two whole minutes. In the rain, mind you." "Didn't you just recieve a brand new flip phone? You could have just called me, you know." Annalise's eyes widen in realization as she pulls out the device in question. "M-my thoughts were preoccupied okay? I was too busy reeling over the fact that you have //secret family//." She tries to subtly gesture to you with her eyes. "I didn't keep $himher a secret, I just never brought $himher up. Now you know." Gloria wraps the scarf in her hand around Annalise's neck and gives it a gentle tug. "I need to thank you for bringing $himher here. Especially with all that rain outside, I appreciate you." Annalise sighs gently, letting go of any previous signs of agitation, real or fake. "Of course Riri, it's the least I can do. You gonna tell me why I didn't find out about this way sooner though? Because I mean, this kid looks college age at the //least//..." "Next time." Annalise mocks your aunt's promise, causing Gloria to physically push her out of the room. "Hey! Throwing out an important guest like this is //so// rude!" Gloria continues pushing until they're both at the front door. "Good night, officer." "Oww - not so rough jeez! Nice meeting ya kid!" Gloria shuts the door before Annalise has the chance to resist, and locks it behind her. Despite it being closed, you can still hear Annalise's muffled voice. "//I'm not giving the scarf back just so you know!!//" Gloria sighs and turns to you with a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry about all of that. Though I think it's hilarious that she's the first person you've bumped into first thing when coming into town." "Technically I met the sheriff first." "Even funnier my dear." [[Continue|CH1sec4]]

<div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ //Autosaved// \ </div> "Now that we're alone, welcome to my home! I have many questions for you, dear." You nod along before speaking up yourself. "I have a lot of questions for you too, but I'm sure you've had yours for much longer." Gloria places her hands on her large hips, and notices your wet luggage that's been cast aside. "Let's get you settled in first! I have an unused bedroom in the back. Let me know if there's anything that needs fixing, alright?" "Alright, thanks Aunt Gloria. For um, actually letting me stay here." She smiles warmly at you as you carry your things down the hall. The walls are made of a warm dark brown wooden paneling throughout, including within the room you find yourself in at the very end of said hallway. Although the bed is quite large, it only has a single creme-colored pillow and a plaid quilt laid over it. You immediately speculate that Gloria hasn't had company stay the night in a good while. You open your suitcase hoping it's hardened outer layer protected your clothes in the fierce rain. To your relief, everything still //looks// dry. You're glad you spent the extra money that you did to get a suitcase that wasn't made of polycarbonate. After looking over the colorful rows of fabric you've collected over the years, you curiously look down at the clothes you're already wearing. You muse over how predictible your wardrobe is. "I'm definitely seeing a pattern here... Maybe when I get used to this place, I could go out and shop for something completely off brand." <div align='center' style='font-size: 110%;'>\ <b>What types of clothes are in your suitcase the most?</b>\ </div> <b>Top</b> <<radiobutton "$top_wear" "shirt">> Lots and lots of T-shirts <<radiobutton "$top_wear" "hoodie" checked>> Way too many hoodies to count <<radiobutton "$top_wear" "sweater">> Sweaters galore, not including the turtlenecks <<radiobutton "$top_wear" "blouse">> Blouses just feel right, and there's //a lot// of blouses <b>Bottom</b> <<radiobutton "$bottom_wear" "sweatpants" checked>> I love comfortability, and to me that means a hundred sweatpants <<radiobutton "$bottom_wear" "jeans">> Jeans are the hottest things to wear nowadays, bonus if they're ripped <<radiobutton "$bottom_wear" "skirt">> Skirts feel elegant and go with pretty much all my outfits <<radiobutton "$bottom_wear" "leggings">> My pants need to cling to my skin at all times, leggings are the best way to go <b>Formal</b> <<radiobutton "$formal_wear" "suit" checked>> I like to look dapper and wear a suit <<radiobutton "$formal_wear" "dress">> I like to look enchanting and wear a dress You hear a quick series of knocks on the door. "You can come in." Gloria doesn't act on your invitation, and instead speaks from the other side of the door. "I just wanted to let you know that the bathroom is that off-white door near the living room alright? In case you need to use it before we talk." "Thanks Aunt Gloria." No sound is heard on the other side, until you pick up on her footsteps walking away. You glance back down again, pulling at the wet clothes still clinging to your body. "A hot shower would be nice..." You make use of the new information you've been told and shed out of your clothes. You leave them on the chipped dresser across from your bed. <div align='center' style='font-size: 110%;'>\ <b>Do you have glasses to take off?</b>\ </div> [[I wear glasses]] [[I don't wear glasses]]

<<set $glasses to true>>\ You carefully take your glasses off, and fold the arms on one another before placing them near your deserted clothes. Immediately after, you wrap a towel around your cold body. "The tub is calling my name." You eagerly rush off into the hallway. After the grueling trip you had to make it here, you don't think anyone could blame you for your enthusiasm. [[Continue|CH1sec5]]

<<set $glasses to false>>\ Having nothing else to put away, you wrap a towel around your cold body. "The tub is calling my name." You eagerly rush off into the hallway. After the grueling trip you had to make it here, you don't think anyone could blame you for your enthusiam. [[Continue|CH1sec5]]

<<set $power to $power +1>>\ Steam rises around you as hot water rolls down your $skin_color skin. You let out a sigh of delight and run your fingers through your $hair_texture hair. Your mind starts to wander on the state of your situation as of late. A sense of pride comes over you as you realize this is your first trip away from your grandmother, and you somehow haven't died without her! Yet anyway. Your smile fades as you also remember that this is the //only// trip you've ever had at all. Intrusive thoughts begin to bubble up. You will them away, and try to focus on the present; the sensations that are occuring in this moment. Like the pine smell of your soap. The taste of hot steam on your tongue. The feeling of blood leaking out from behind your closed eyelids. Your eyes snap open in fear as the lights begin to flicker on and off in the bathroom. You touch your cheeks to find nothing there. In turn, your breathing begins to quicken as you try to blink the occurance away. But it doesn't work, the lights only surge harder. //+power// "Shit shit <b>shit</b>!!!" You stumble out of the tub and fall to the ground, the light cuts out the moment you hit the floor. In a moment, the light flickers back on as you pull yourself up into a sitting position. You wrap your arms around your naked body, and try to calm yourself down. "//I'm okay... this is okay. This is why I'm here.//" A frantic knock on the door elicits a scream out of you. "//Hey hey//, it's okay sweetie it's just Gloria! Are you alright in there?? Do you need help??" "I'm - I'm fine give me a minute!" You hurriedly wrap your towel around your body, and lift yourself up by the door knob with a grunt. You open the door to a concerned Gloria, but you try to hide your obvious fear. She continues to ask if you're okay, before you simply mumble your immediate thoughts. "I just... need to get dressed." Her mouth clamps shut as she nods gently. You quickly make it down the hall, and close the bedroom door behind you with a thud. [[Continue|CH1sec6]]

<<set $first_kiss to false>>\ <<set $first_sex to false>>\ After some time has passed, you silently sit at the kitchen table. Although your eyes wander the rustic room, you can see that Gloria, who is seated across from you, watches you with intent. You've been waiting to have a moment like this with her for the past few weeks now, but now your spirits are low due to what had transpired earlier on. It irritates you. "Do you not like it?" You're snapped out of your thoughts. "Huh?" Gloria points to the mug of hot chocolate in front of you, completely untouched. "The hot chocolate, do you not like it?" "Oh. I haven't tried the hot chocolate yet, I'll drink it soon though. I just have a lot on my mind." Gloria takes a sip from her own mug, a pensive look crosses her face. "It sounded like you had a nasty fall in the bathroom. Can you answer me honestly? Are you //really// alright?" You wonder if Gloria could see the flickering lights from under the bathroom door. If she had, she doesn't mention it aloud. "I slipped trying to get out of the tub, I have sore knees from the fall. But besides that, I'm okay!" You attempt to put on a convincing smile. "As long as you really mean it, about being perfectly fine... You only just got here tonight, I can't have you battered and bruised this soon." You pick up the mug Gloria prepared for you, and take a long sip. The rich chocolate drink warms you up better than the shower ever could, though that might just be because it ended in you falling out of the bath. "You said Mary told you to come here right?" You're taken aback by the fact that Gloria refers to her mother by her first name. But the more you think about it, the more sense it makes for her to do so. "Actually she didn't send me. //I asked// to come here. She just gave me the permission to." Gloria's face sours. "//She// let //you// come here? To Neverdale?" "That's... what I said, yes." Gloria rubs her temple as she lets out a laugh lacking any joy. "I'm sorry I just can't believe that at all. But I suppose you're here so. You managed it somehow... //How is she anyway//?" She whispers her question as if she doesn't want to be caught asking it. "Not... great. She had a heart attack recently and is currently in a nursing home recovering." You feel a tinge of guilt as you speak, remembering Mr. Loo's painful question. Should you really be here right now? "Hmm. Well if you're in Neverdale because //you// chose to be, what did you come here for exactly?" She pauses before offering a smile. "Not that I don't want you here of course. I've been searching for you since the day I turned eighteen after all." Gloria sighs, looking a little lost in thought before pulling herself back to the present. "I only want you to be honest about it. I can only imagine the reasons you'd want to come back. You're welcome here as long as you want either way." To your dismay, you can't bring yourself to tell her what's been happening to you, //around// you. You want to very soon, but not yet. You aren't sure how you could explain something so bizarre to someone. You do have another driving force in why you've come to the tiny town of Neverdale, though. Maybe even more than one. But you can think of one reason in particular that's at the top of your priorities. "What did I come here for, huh..." [["I came here for a degree."]] [["I came here to find love."]] [["I came here to learn about my family."]] [["I came here to make friends and experience life on my own."]]

<<set $reason to "a">>\ Gloria's eyes light up as she takes another sip of her hot chocolate. "Is that so? What do you plan on majoring?" "I want to major in $major. I've read that the school here offers it." Her smile only becomes greater. "You've gotten really lucky then! There are only about ten degrees you could earn from that dusty old place. It's lovely that they have what you're looking to study." Gloria pauses seeming contemplative before speaking once again. "Although I have to be frank. You could have chosen another college anywhere else, where there's lots of people to mingle with and fun activities to be apart of." "A degree was my first reason. I also wanted to meet you for a really long time now." At least you can tell her that much. Gloria's eyes become full with affection. "You will never know how happy it makes me to hear that from you. I've so eagerly been wanted to meet you too, dear!" [[Continue|CH1sec7]]

<<set $reason to "b">>\ Gloria's eyebrows shoot up as she takes another sip of her hot chocolate. There's a smirk on her face when she places the mug back down. "Love huh? That's an interesting motive. Are you sure you aren't looking for something more, temporary?" Your face heats up at what Gloria seems to be insinuating. "//No//, I mean that's fine too, but what I really want is to be in love. I never have been before so, yeah." The more you speak the less confident you sound. Gloria giggles lightly. "I'm only teasing dear, I'm somewhat of a hopeless romantic myself! The residents of Neverdale are good people. I'm sure you'll find yourself crushing on someone quicker than you may think!" Gloria pauses as she lightly scratches her head in confusion. "Though to be frank, I can't see why you couldn't pursue love where you were living before. Are Virginians not cute enough for your liking?" Gloria gets a chuckle out of you. "Love was my first reason. I also wanted to meet you for a really long time now." At least you can tell her that much. Gloria's eyes become full with affection. "You will never know how happy it makes me to hear that from you. I've so eagerly been wanted to meet you too, dear!" [[Continue|CH1sec7]]

<<set $reason to "c">>\ A look of despondency crosses Gloria's face before she replaces it with something more joyful. "That's to be expected, I'm sure Mary hasn't told you a thing about the life she led here in Neverdale." You wince as you remember all the nasty things your grandmother used to say about her past, her family, and this town. You don't dare bring it up to Gloria. "Our family is complicated, and it isn't a story someone could tell in one night either." She giggles to herself before sighing into her lifted mug as she drinks more hot chocolate. You fix a serious look on your face as you watch your aunt. "I want to learn about the things no one will tell me. And I want to learn about //you//, Aunt Gloria. I've been planning to meet you from the moment grandma mentioned you. And I need to know who I am." At least you can tell her that much. Gloria's eyes become full with affection. "You will never know how happy it makes me to hear that from you. I've so eagerly wanted to meet you too, dear! I understand your passionate curiousity, you'll know everything in time." [[Continue|CH1sec7]]

<<set $reason to "d">>\ Gloria looks on with sympathy before sighing quietly. "You remind me of myself. But I suppose that's what happens when you're raised by Mary." She takes a long sip of her hot chocolate. "I've got good news for you. The residents of Neverdale are good people. Friendly too. You'll be building relationships that feel like they've already lasted forever in no time!" Gloria speaks under her breath. "//For better or for worse.//" Before you can react to her statement, Gloria claps her hands together. "Ah, and I won't be breathing down your neck either, I promise. I work pretty long hours so it isn't like I could anyway. You're free to do what makes you happy." "What makes me happy... that sounds nice." Gloria analyzes you with a curious stare. "So, did you choose to come to Neverdale specifically because it's the only place you know of? Perhaps you haven't visited many other towns?" "Independence and friendship and all that wasn't my only reason. I also wanted to meet you for a really long time now." At least you can tell her that much. Gloria's eyes become full with affection. "You will never know how happy it makes me to hear you say that. I've so eagerly wanted to meet you too, dear! For a //very// long time..." [[Continue|CH1sec7]]

"Well then." Gloria finishes what is left of her drink before standing up from her chair. "As much as I'm enjoying myself, I wasn't just lying to Officer Giles to get her out." She chuckles to herself. "I really do have a busy day tomorrow, so I need to get back to bed. Do you need anything else for the night?" "I- no I don't need anything. I thought I'd be able to ask you some questions of my own though... About the family." Gloria looks guilty as she glances between you and the stairs that you assume lead up to her room. "I know... I know. Just relax for tonight, you can ask me anything you want as soon as I get home tomorrow afternoon, sound fair?" You can't help but feel disappointed in Gloria's answer. But you did come here unannounced, you can't fault her for wanting to go to bed. "Okay, sure. Thank you again." Her smiling lips quickly part in surprise when she notices your mug. "Ah, the hot chocolate-" Before she can finish her thought, you down all the contents in a few large gulps. You're grateful it's become cold over time. Gloria's eyes copy her mouth, and become wider upon seeing this. "Wow that was quick. You'd do wonders for Donald's buisness." Your eyebrows raise in question, however she just giggles at your confusion. "Nevermind that, goodnight dear. I wish you the sweetest of dreams. And again, welcome home." She begins her ascend up the stairs, smiling all the way until she's out of sight. You're home. The thought gives you a warm feeling in your chest despite the anxiety you've garnered throughout the day. This is your fresh start. With that thought in your head, you place your mug in the sink and make your way to your own room. By the time you get there you remember that you wanted extra pillows for your bed, and scold yourself for forgetting to ask Gloria. "Fresh start with a single pillow. That's fine too..." Trying to get comfortable, you fluff the pillow, and attempt to fall asleep. You aren't used to the woodland sounds that carry into your bedroom from outside your bedroom window. Oddly enough though, it's serene. You definitely perfer it to the loud honks of car horns, or the pounding music of neighbors. It makes you wonder how your life would've been if you lived in a place like this earlier on in life. Before you're even aware it's happening, you're lulled to sleep. [[Continue|CH1sec8]]

You are awoken by a noise similar to the sound of electricity surging through something. It becomes louder the longer you focus on it's constistent hum. You sit up cautiously, looking to all corners of the room with drowsy eyes. The sound is gone as quickly as it came. "Weird..." Unsatisfied, you rub your eyes and give the room a second scan. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, so you chalk it up to your imagination. You hesitantly move on from it. The morning light shines into your room. It flashes in and out, and looks patchy along the wooden floor due to the canopy of the trees outside. You stretch and decide to climb out of bed, your knees still slightly stinging. Despite the annoyance, everything else seems to be alright. You feel a thrill, having been able to sleep alone for once. This is only the beginning! Wandering into the kitchen, you find a frozen egg sandwich packaged neatly in a bag on the table. Gloria must have left it there for you before she went to work. You pick up the cold bag to find that a written note has been left under it. It's detailed with the date and a short list of suggestions for the day. You can't help but smile as you read through it. <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ <<button "Read the note">> <<run Dialog.setup("October 19, 2006")>> <<run Dialog.wiki("Good morning $name! I left you something I had in the fridge (I know it isn't much but I didn't expect your company! We'll get groceries!!). After you eat I suggest you visit the locations I wrote down for you at the bottom of this note. Think of it as a mini self-guided tour (and they are usually popular with the younger folks so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to meet your peers)! Have a great day. I love you. ♥ ")>> <<run Dialog.open()>> <</button>>\ </div> You place the note back down and mull over your options. Looks like everything has already been planned out for you. That's familiar. Before you wander off anywhere, you decide to go freshen up and get ready for the day ahead. [[Continue|CH1sec9]]

<<set $diner to false>>\ <<set $tattoo to false>>\ <<set $college to false>>\ <<set $square to false>>\ <<set $library to false>>\ <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ //Autosaved// \ </div> When you finally make it out the cabin, a gentle breeze blows about. Without a key, you can only shut the door as tightly as you can manage. You really hope that burglary isn't one of the many issues your grandmother left this town for. In the light of day, the cabin, the woods, and the hill you stand on as a whole look much different. It's beauty dares to make you optimistic about Neverdale. You pull out the note Gloria wrote you, and look over the locations again. Short and paraphrased directions are written under each place to help you find them easier. On one hand, you could go to each location in the order Gloria wrote them down for you on the list. On the other, you could go in the order of what you're most interested in instead. You mumble the rest of your thoughts out loud. "I could always just pick randomly, I'm going to all of them either way..." [[Continue|Locations]]

<<set $diner to true>>\ You nod to yourself with a decision made. You fold up the note, and place it in your pocket. Recalling yesterday, you remember seeing a diner on the way to Gloria's home the night before. You reason that you'll only take out the thin paper if you end up getting lost, which you highly doubt. 'Your memory is excellent', as your grandmother would always say. The sun is warm on your $skin_detail face, causing you to walk lesuirely in order to savor the feeling. You continue to make your way through the commercial street of Neverdale. To your satisfaction, you spot the same diner you spotted hours prior. Though like many other things, it appears completely different in the day. It has large display-like windows wrapping all the way around the wooden building. It's dark brown panels of wood remind you of a bar somehow. A big orange sign reading '//YaraStar//' is displayed at the very top of the building. Another sign, posted on a window closer to the entrance, has a tiny board with large letters written in black ink indicating the building is open for buisness. When you push the door inward, an energetic melody immediately escapes from the diner and out the now open entrance. You recognize the song as the one playing over the radio when Annalise gave you a ride... [[Okay I definitely hate this song]] [[I might have liked it last night, but I change my mind]] [[I liked it last night, and I think I love it even more now]] [[It isn't as terrible as I first thought, I'm kinda into it]]

<<set $library to true>>\ You find yourself in your own thoughts, wondering if you were ever allowed to go into a library yourself. There is only one instance you recall, when your grandmother had begged you to get into theology as a twelve year old. Unfortunately for her, it didn't stick. You shake the memory out of your mind, and focus on the brief directions in front of you. You arrive fairly quickly. However, you recognize it's far enough from Gloria's cabin that purchasing a bike might make future visits faster. The idea is forgotten when a 'book fair' lawn sign catches your eye, you've arrived. The local college along with two other smaller grade schools seem to be spaced out from each other further down the road. The architecture of this town seems to place all buildings into related sections. You gaze at the structure sat in front of you. It reminds you more of a courthouse, or perhaps a municipal with it's large white pillars running along the front of the building. The rest of the structure is the same bright white, it practically glows in the sun's rays. You soon stroll inside, and are instantly blasted with a cold breeze. "Is... the AC on??" The constant hum above you seems to answer your question with cool consistent bursts of air. You don't think it's warm enough to warrent the use of an air conditioner, but it only acts as a small inconvience more than anything else. After passing by a computer lab and children's section, you stumble upon the main area of the library. Bookshelves that reach to the ceiling are filled with what looks like millions of books. You haven't seen anything like this in real life before; not even your old library nestled in the heart of the city had this many books! A small town like this having such a large collection speaks volumes on how much they value literature. Someone taps on your shoulder, interrupting your sheer awe. [[Continue|The Library2]]

<<set $college to true>>\ You decide to check the college off your list, and feel slightly elated as you stroll down the pavement. You're particularly excited about this location, as you've been homeschooled all your life. However, unlike other homeschooled kids who at least had a group of peers in similar circumstances, you were left completely alone. Your grandmother had an extreme fear of other children being around you, after all. You sigh as you begin kicking a rock a few inches ahead of you everytime you reach it. Your grandmother used to say, 'it's better to forget all else, and look forward', but you seem to dwell more on the past the longer you're in this town. Ironically, you've been staring down at your feet while juggling the rock between them your entire walk. You make it a point to raise your head. On the same street as the library and other institutional buildings, sits a large modern looking college building. Murphy Institute. You cock your head curiously, the school looks very new compared to all the other buildings on this same street. Perhaps it got renovated recently? Or maybe there wasn't a college here at all. Either way it looks just like the movies in your mind. There's a large open yard made of brown brick positioned just before the doubled door glass entrance. A small fountain spouts out water in the middle of the man-made front yard. You let your feet guide you as you walk up to the rows of flowers planted right at the base of the school's structure. From your limited knowledge, they seem to be yellow daisies. You look around to confirm you're alone before crouching down, and plucking one from the ground. You gingerly take a sniff. Surprised that it smells more like grass than anything else, you continue to turn it in your hands, and examine it. [[Continue|The College1]]

<<set $tattoo to $true>>\ A sense of both thrill and fear surge through you as you tap your index finger against the phrase 'tattoo parlor' written in black ink. To think you could ever step foot in such a place is surreal. "//I wonder what grandma would say if I came home with a tattoo...//" Your words come out as a whisper, as if asking yourself the rhetorical question too loudly will somehow alert your grandmother. Why you believe that could come to be is beyond you. You have always had a slight fear of her, but you loved her nonetheless. "//Love// her..." You catch yourself referring to your love in the past tense, and become distrurbed by that fact. Willing the topic out of your head, you choose to stare at the directions instead; your peaceful amble has now become a brisk power walk. However, not even minutes later, your walking begins to feel like crawling. Crawling feels like slithering, and before you realize it, you feel as though you sink into the ground. Lost in the memories of your childhood, you can't seem to discern what's in front of you. There's something dark behind these moments, something off -- but you can't quite remember what it is. A grunt escapes you as you grab fistfuls of your $hair_color hair, and lurch forward in pain. It feels as though you have a terrible case of migranes, but you fight through it and will yourself to stand up straight. Upon being upright, the agonizing pain suddenly disappears; almost as if it never happened. Labored breaths escape you as you look around and realize you're in the commerialized area of town. Your breathing slows, and you get accustomed to the sunlight, which feels a lot brighter than before. The diner should be on the same street if you purposefully searched for it. Your eyes carefully take in your surroundings, as they eventually land on the building you had been initally looking for. It stands right in front of you, as if it appeared in thin air. You stare down the concrete structure, worrying it'll disappear the second you look away. Whatever thoughts you had before this moment, you don't think you want to bring them back up from the corners of your mind. Yet another thing you need to question Gloria about. If she even has an answer. With a heavy pit in your stomach, you tread up the cracked stairs, and through the grey wooden door of the building. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor1]]

<<set $square to true>>\ Your eyebrows raise upon scanning the directions. For an area meant to be in the middle of town, it's street seems pretty isolated from the other locations on the note. Neverdale is full of odd surprises. You shrug it off as the sound of fallen autumn leaves litered on the pavement crackle underneath your feet. The note has you walk on paths that stick closely to the edges of town, which also happens to be the //crunchiest// part of town. Annalise wasn't exaggerating when she said the entirety of this place is surrounded by woods. It feels unnerving, staring into the never ending cluster of trees and plant life. It's a far cry from the tiny home in the city you once lived in. Being on such an isolated path makes your imagination run wild. You think of monsters and creepy crawlies roaming in the cover of foliage at night. A shiver runs up your spine when Mr. Loo's words also pull themselves from the recesses of your mind. This place really does feel like something out of a scary story. Your paranoia escapes you when you turn a corner to find a whole block covered in murals. The many vibrant colors overlapping and intersecting with each other is something you had yet to see, like many things in this world. You've made it, this is town square, and yet very few people move to and from the scattered vendor stalls. You aren't sure what you had expected on a Wednesday. You let out a shuddering breath, and begin to stroll about the practically empty town sqaure. Or perhaps more accurately, you stroll about the town circle, and try not to get in anyone's way. Despite getting caught up in all the friendly waves and alluring smells, something new catches your attention further west. A large cracked and rusting fountain sits in the center of a small garden of flowers. You rush over with a renewed vigor, and marvel at it once you stand just a couple inches away. You smile to yourself as you remember a story your grandmother had told you about her old life here. The only story she was //willing// to tell. The night of 'The Valentine Jamboree'. It was supposedly the event where she had first spoken to your grandfather. Although she more often than not spoke on how terribly he had treated their family, your grandmother always told that Valentine's day story with a tender smile, and a soft voice. You sigh as you gently slide your fingers across the cool structure. If such a romantic story can end as badly as your grandmother's did, is there any hope for anyone else in this world? "You're broodin' in my spot." Interrupted, you spin on your heel to find a ginger man doning a brown leather jacket; he wears a miserable frown on his face. The man also wears fingerless leather gloves which are wrapped around two beers. It's evident that he must drink them often, because despite his average sized body, his gut protrudes just enough to give the impression that he has what some would call a 'dad bod'. You wordlessly move aside, and he immediately takes your place. Once he's sat on the edge of the fountain, his melancholy expression seems to ease a little. [[Continue|Town Square1]]

<<set $band to "hate">>\ Your nose scrunches as the song yet again reaches it's chorus, like it had the night before. At least it isn't as loud as it was when Annalise had it on, but it doesn't change the fact that you physically recoil at the sound of it. You try to ignore the music and move deeper within the diner. As you pass by booths on either side of you, you notice a long stainless steal bar in the center of the room further within. Someone sits on one of the many beige stools. [[Continue|The Diner1]]

<<set $band to "hate">>\ Your nose scrunches as the song yet again reaches it's chorus, like it had the night before. You have no idea how you liked it earlier or how anyone could. Perhaps it was because of all the stress that was building up inside you. At least it isn't as loud as it was when Annalise had it on, but it doesn't change the fact that you physically recoil at the sound of it. You try to ignore the music and move deeper within the diner. As you pass by booths on either side of you, you notice a long stainless steal bar in the center of the room further within. Someone sits on one of the many beige stools. [[Continue|The Diner1]]

<<set $band to "love">>\ A small smile reaches your lips as you tap your foot to the beat. The chorus sweeps in once again, just as it did the night before. However, the song is played at a much lower volume here than it had been in Annalise's car. You enjoy the music and move deeper within the diner. As you pass by booths on either side of you, you notice a long stainless steal bar in the center of the room further within. Someone sits on one of the many beige stools. [[Continue|The Diner1]]

<<set $band to "love">>\ A small smile reaches your lips as you tap your foot to the beat. You aren't sure why you judged the song so harshly the first time around. Perhaps it was because of all the stress that was building up inside you. The chorus sweeps in once again, just as it did the night before. However, the song is played at a much lower volume here than it had been in Annalise's car. You enjoy the music and move deeper within the diner. As you pass by booths on either side of you, you notice a long stainless steel bar in the center of the room even further within. Someone sits on one of the many beige stools. [[Continue|The Diner1]]

Upon reaching the bar, the person you noticed turns to you abruptly, startled by your arrival. When their stunned face is revealed, you discern this very tiny person is actually a young girl who looks to be in her early teens. However, that is the least shocking thing about her. Her big doll-like eyes are a deep red that seem to have flecks of brown in them. Not to mention her long silk-like hair is stark white, like a field of fresh snow. You've never seen something quite like this before. <<if $hair_color is "silver">> You subconsciously touch your own $hair_length silver hair. You can't even compare the two, the girl's strands are completely colorless. <<endif>> The girl blinks at you rapidly, and seems put off by your staring. You realize how creepy you must seem, and quickly look in any other direction. "Sorry, I didn't mean to weird you out..." Even though you aren't looking in the girl's direction anymore, she says nothing in response. You begin to feel extremely awkward, wondering if you'd be better at interacting with younger kids if you had friends to talk to when you were her age. A door in front of you creaks open, startling the both of you this time. Upon gazing in the direction of the noise you realize it leads to a kitchen. The man who comes out from behind the swinging door holds a mug in one hand, and a jar of unopened peanut butter in the other. He seems just as surprised with your arrival as you are with his. The man's gaze flickers to the girl who instantly slides off the bar stool, and rushes behind the bar to hide behind him. The man places the things in his hands down before chuckling. His hairy arms cross over his chest as he examines you, it's only fair that you get to do the same. "Well, aren't you new." The man scratches his jet black beard as he turns to the girl. "It's fine Catty, this $person won't bother you." The girl you now know as Catty hesitantly wanders back out into the open space of the diner, and sits down on a stool again. However she sits three seats away this time. "Don't feel bad about that." The man catches your attention with his jovial voice. "She rarely trusts anyone outside of the staff of the church. And I suppose I count as well. People are always so mean to her, so don't take it personally." [["Why do you assume I care?"]] //Fierce// [["I'm glad it isn't something I did."]] //Gentle// [["Good to know..."]]

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ The man lifts an eyebrow at your answer, and somehow he feels more like a parental figure scolding you rather than just some guy. "Fiesty hm? That's fine, as long as you don't say things like that in front of //her//. Understood?" You shrug, even though you're slightly intimadated. "I didn't mean anything wrong by it, I just highly doubt I'll ever talk to that girl again." //+fierce// The man continues to eye you and gestures to a stool. "The world works in mysterious ways. Hopefully you've at least planned on having a little chat with me. Why don't I fix you something to drink?" "I don't mind, sure." You scoot onto the stool the man signaled for you to sit in, and he rushes back into the kitchen. [[Continue|The Diner2]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ "Because the first thing I //did// do when I saw her was uh - stare. I would understand why she wouldn't like me specifically." //+gentle// The man chuckles as he watches you carefully. "Oh yeah, that would have done it." "Wait what??" He continues to chuckle at your reaction. "All's well, there's no way you could make a worse first impression. She would be hiding from you either way." You nod acceptingly, realizing there isn't much you can do as of now. "But hey, since you're here, why don't I fix you a drink?" He gestures to the bar stool in front of him before you can even respond. "...Yeah, that's fine." You scoot onto the stool the man signaled for you to sit in, and he rushes back into the kitchen. [[Continue|The Diner2]]

You always thought it was a good practice to know what could set someone off, whether you plan on speaking with them in the future or not. It's such a small town after all. The man seems to voice your thoughts. "Yup, there's a little tip for you. Unless of course, you don't think you'll need to interact again. But even then, you never know hm? Only a matter of coincidence. Right place at the right time." You look over to the man, confused on whether he's hinting at more encounters or just being mysterious. "Well then that's enough of that. Why don't I go fix you a drink? I'd like to have a little chat." He gestures to the stool in front of him before you can even respond. "Sure! I'd like that." You obediently scoot onto the stool the man signaled for you to sit in. He gives you a satisfied nod, and rushes off into the kitchen. [[Continue|The Diner2]]

The man arrives as quickly as he left. He slides over a glass of lemonade from the other side of the bar. "I hope you aren't the one percent of this town who hates lemonade." You smile to yourself. "No I actually like it. Thanks." You bring the glass to your lips before stopping abruptly. "Wait, we've never met before. Why would you think I live here now? I could be a tourist you know." The man's deep brown eyes crinkle at the sides upon hearing your question. It's at this moment you notice a few stray strands of hair in his face. They seemed to have escaped his man bun. You could see this man being really popular around here due to his looks. "If you were a tourist, you wouldn't be in here. There's a town not too far from ours. They have more advertised hiking trails than we ever could." The man sighs gently as he stares out the windows behind you. "In turn, they also have bigger eateries. If a visitor wanted food regardless of where they were between our two towns. They'd go there, to Pikeland Creek." He seems lost in thought, before bringing his attention to you. "But nevermind all of that, kids these days don't appreciate the rambling of some random man with a spatula, I've heard. Why don't we introduce ourselves?" He leans against the bar and points to himself. "The name's Donald, I own this humble beauty, I call it YaraStar. Some less familiar folks call me Mr. Clift... and I know, I definitely don't look like a Donald huh?" He chuckles at his own sentiment, before pointing to you. "And you. You're the spitting image of Gloria. So, are you going to tell me that you're a child from a scandalous relationship she had as a teen?" Your eyes widen at how easy it was for him to see the resemblance. <<if $square is true>>\ You remember Joey had said the same exact thing earlier on, and you mention the oddity of it. "You're the second person to tell me that..." Mr. Clift makes a satisfied sound. "Seems the other person and I have a good eye, hm?" You nodded silently. Do you and Gloria really look that much alike? "My name is $name, and no I'm not. You're also the second person to ask me //that// question as well. Gloria's my aunt." Mr. Clift grins at you. "Two things in a row? I've got to be more original." A comfortable silence follows before he speaks again. <<elseif $square is false>>\ Do you two really look that much alike? "No, my name is $name. And you're the second person to ask me that question. Gloria's actually my aunt." Mr. Clift cheekily grins at you, and it arouses your curiousity. "What?" <<endif>> "I'm surprised you didn't deny the possiblity of a secret baby. I suppose it sounds too far fetched. I actually grew up with your aunt you know. I would have definitely noticed." You continue to sip lemonade, intrigued. The drink has become cooler than it was the first time you picked up the glass, due to the many ice cubes floating at the top. "Couldn't she have just worn really baggy clothes or something? To hide it?" You reason. "Oh trust me. I would have known regardless of if she wore baggy clothes or not, in front of //others//." Your face displays your skepticism, however he only winks at you and doesn't elaborate further. Mr. Clift stretches. "Welp, I've got some preparing to do for later this evening. That's when all the regulars come around. Knowing Gloria, she doesn't want you to be in here all day. She's given you something to do I bet." He turns to Catty, who you completely forgot was in the diner at all. "Catty, $MrMs. $name is leaving now. Come get your peanut butter while I reheat this coffee for you." She quietly makes her way to him, completely ignoring you in the process. You don't dare bring up the oddity of a girl eating peanut butter straight from the jar with a large mug of caffine. "Bye Mr. Clift, I'll see you when I see you." "You're always welcome kiddo." He waves at you before picking up your, and Cathy's drinks. He disappears in the kitchen once again, leaving you to wander back out into the street. [[Continue|Locations]]

<b>Where would you like to go?</b> <<if $diner is false>> [[The Diner]] <<endif>>\ <<if $library is false>> [[The Library]] <<endif>>\ <<if $college is false>> [[The College]] <<endif>>\ <<if $tattoo is false>> [[The Tattoo Parlor]] <<endif>>\ <<if $square is false>> [[The Town Square]] <<endif>>\ {<b>//Note: Clicking 'continue' will progress the game, do not click continue until you have visited every location to avoid errors in future content!//</b>} <div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ <b>[[Continue|CH1sec10]]</b>\ </div>

<div align='center' style='font-size: 100%;'>\ //Autosaved// \ </div> The sun begins to move to the west, and the bright blue sky filters into a vibrant orange. Just as you had done before, on the road, you gaze into the horizon. However, so much has already changed since the last time your eyes had watched this very scene. You pull out Gloria's now crumbled note with a wearied sigh. The day's events have worn you down, yet you aren't quite ready to go home. There's one more place you'd like to see in the light of day. However it isn't written on the list, perhaps Gloria hadn't thought it was interesting enough to see on your first day. You delicately fold the note into a tiny sqaure, and shove it into your empty pocket. With a goal set in your mind, you wander back into the street. The sun dips lower into the sky as you eventually come across the old building you had wandered into last night. The police station. Upon entering the building, the room's warm temperature settles on your skin. Indistinct chatter comes from behind the closed door across the room. Not long after you've shut the creaky front door, Annalise stomps out with a much shorter woman following closely behind. Her serious expression shifts into endearment when she notices who has stopped by. "$name! It's great to see you again! Hey Officer Coulhan, this is the kid I was talking about earlier!" The woman turns to you with a twisted frown on her face. "So just a visitor then? Yet another person with no actual issue... wasting my time. I'm going back to the newspaper." The brunette woman sucks in a breath through gritted teeth. She then proceeds to stomp right back into the room she came from, slamming the door behind her. Both you and Annalise turn to each other with matching faces of bewilderment. "Ignore her, she just got out of the academy. She doesn't realize that the biggest emergency //we// ever get around here, are drunk patreons from the local bar falling asleep on the sidewalk." "Huh... is it just the two of you then? Where's the sheriff?" Annalise leans against the desk behind her. She raises her voice to the point where she's close to yelling. However it obviously isn't directed towards you, as she's looking over her shoulder the entire time. "In that room back there with Coulhan. The girl's not actually reading a newspaper by the way, she and Sheriff Giles watch soap opreas on this tiny little TV we have-" The door bursts open with the sheriff in question rushing out. "A-Annalise honey, //don't talk about the soap opreas please//?" "I knew you'd crawl out of your hole once you heard me talkin'!" You can't help but laugh at the parent-child dynamic the two share. It makes you a tad bit jealous. "So... hey you two. I met a lot of people today. I //seen// a lot too, and it's got me wondering..." The two pause their shenanigans, as their attention is brought back to you. Their authoritative demeanors return. They must think you're about to report something. "Could you tell me more about this town? Or at least about the people here?" Annalise's stance relaxes as she rubs her chin. "I guess Riri doesn't have the time to talk, huh? Bummer. You're always welcome to ask me just about anything. But I'm warning you now, if you wanna talk conspiracies, cause //everyone// seems to think us at the police station know something they don't, don't even bother." Annalise raises her arms in a shrug as if to get her point across. Even Sheriff Giles speaks up. "I'm too old for conspiracies, but I must say I'm a sucker for gossip. You're new, so it's allowed." He sits on one of the chairs placed against the wall. Annalise places a finger up as if to interject with a quick side thought. "Oh, but if you wanna get any info from me, you're gonna have to give me a nickname. I didn't catch one when we first met." "Oh Annalise leave the poor $child alone." From the way the sheriff is sitting, you highly doubt he actually cares much, and actually just wants to hear the gossip that'll surely come up in your interaction. "What do you mean pops? Practically everyone has one! Riri, Dee, Ky, Don... There's no way //you// chose my name without thinking about it. It's absolutely necessary!" The sheriff shakes his head at his daughter as if she were a couple decades younger than she really was. She ignores his disapproval, and turns to you excitedly. "Indulge me kid. You got a nickname right? What's a good nickname for //'$name'//..." Annalise begins mumbling to herself. <b>What is your nickname?</b> <<textbox "$nickname" "Ren" "CH1sec11">> //Rewrite name if there is no nickname// [[Continue|CH1sec11]]

You twist around to find a thin man smiling brightly at you, a little too hard one might say. He looks no taller than 5'6" but his performance like stance makes him look much larger. He wears an oversized tracksuit and a snap back hat that just barely hides his coily black hair. "Oh you're cuter than I expected~" <<if $person is "man">> The man's grin grows wider than you ever thought it could as his eyes scan down the rest of your body. "And you're just my type too, it must be my lucky day!" After his eyes linger on your lower body for a tad too long, his gaze lifts back to your face doning a wolfish grin, he most likely waits for a response. <<elseif $person is "woman">> The man's grin mellows as he sighs dramatically. His eyes scan down the rest of your body as the sighing continues. "You just //had// to be a lady, huh? We could've made //beautiful// music together!" You narrow your eyes at him, but refuse to bring attention to his weird comment. He turns his face away from you as if acting on a stage, and stays this way, seemingly waiting for a response. <<elseif $person is "person">> The man's grin mellows as he sighs dramatically. His eyes scan down the rest of your body as the sighing continues. "You definitely aren't a man though... infact you don't seem like a woman either... Well whatever, I'm torn either which way. We could've made //beautiful// music together!" You blink in disbelief, he's far more blunt than you would've expected. The man turns his face away from you as if acting on a stage, and stays this way, seemingly waiting for a response. <<endif>> "I uh-" "What's the matter? Have I charmed you into silence?" His voice lifts dramatically by the end of his sentence, making it sound more like a statement rather than an actual question. Despite his //direct// way of speaking to you, you can't help but find his animated personality intriguing. [["You must be some kind of pervert."]] //Fierce// [["Wow t-thank you for the compliment."]] //Gentle// [["Thanks, but why are you looking at me like that..."]] <<if $person is "man">> [["Maybe you did charm me~."]] //Flirt// | Option Unlocked <<endif>>

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ The man's eyes widen as he begins to sputter at your accusation. "W-what? A pervert?? No no no honey, you've got it all wrong... I'm a //seducer//!" You roll your eyes at him. "If staring at stranger's crotch is a seduction tactic to you, you are most definitely a perv." //+fierce// The man opens his mouth but only gawks, he begins to stutter as he tries to defend himself. You suppress a smirk, it feels good knowing he likely doesn't get caught off guard like this. "Hey wait just a second, I was not staring! You're making assumptions!" "So you admit that you were at least //looking//." He places the back of his open hand against his forehead, letting out a miserable groan. "And now you're manipulating my words? This is appalling! This is -- it's... I just might //faint//-" "<b>Audrey!</b>" With the conversation interrupted, you and the man turn to the source of the abrupt noise, finding it to be a woman with a face full of anger. She marches towards the two of you, and does //not// look happy. [[Continue|The Library3]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ Your voice fades away as you begin to blush, unable to meet the man's eyes. It causes him to coo like a mother cradling a child, before his hands reach out for you. "Aww and you're //adorable// too? I just want to squish those $skin_detail cheeks of yours! Come here!" Despite your bashfulness, you are still able to walk backwards, avoiding the man as he nearly grabs hold of your face. //+gentle// "Hey! I'm not scary I don't bite!... Usually anyway." You only back up with more urgency after hearing his statement. He holds his hands up in surrender as he moves with you. "Woah woah wait! I-I'll rephrase, don't run away!" "<b>Audrey!</b>" You stop in your tracks, and so does the man who turns to find the source of the abrupt noise. It happens to be a woman with a face full of anger. She marches towards the two of you, and does //not// look happy. [[Continue|The Library3]]

Your question sounds so matter of factly, that it causes the man's shoulders to drop. "W-what do you mean?" You give him a pointed stare, trying to figure out whether he's being sarcastic with you, or is just extremely oblivious. "You know what? Nevermind. Could you just uh, look at my face when you talk to me?" The man's eyes narrow as he seems ready to protest against what you might be implying. However, he's interrupted before he can even speak. "<b>Audrey!</b>" You and the man turn to the source of the abrupt noise, finding it to be a woman with a face full of anger. She marches towards the two of you, and does //not// look happy. [[Continue|The Library3]]

The man laughs at your response, and places a hand on his hip before sashaying closer. His voice is low, almost reminiscent to the whisper of a siren's call. "I can do a lot more than just charm you little man~." Your face flushes furiously, and you look away from him as quickly as possible. Somehow you hadn't thought about what you'd say if you had actually gotten this far. You should have expected such a direct response from a man who opened with the type of 'greeting' that he did. He hums curiously at your sudden lack of confidence. "<b>Audrey!</b>" You and the man turn to the source of the abrupt noise, finding it to be a woman with a face full of anger. She marches towards the two of you, and does //not// look happy. [[Continue|The Library3]]

Upon reaching her destination, the girl shoves a tanned finger straight into the man's chest, indicating her anger is directed towards him. "You wandered off on me //again//!! If you don't actually want to help me out, you could have just said so earlier! I'm //this// close to uppercutting your face." Her left index finger and thumb just barely graze each other as a visual representation of her threat. The man laughs nervously as his eyes flick in your direction, prompting the girl to follow his line of sight. Her blazen expression fizzles out almost immediately upon seeing you. The girl's freckled cheeks lift up against her emerald green eyes as she waves at you frantically. "//Ohmygosh// hi! I haven't seen you around here before, are you lost? I'm so down to help!" The man takes a silent breath of relief beside her. "Not lost no, I actually just moved here. My name's $name." "Oh wow! This is so exciting, you have no idea how boring it gets seeing the same people everyday, it's //so// nice to meet you $name!" The girl speaks faster than anyone you've ever interacted with before, you're grateful her pronunciation allows you to understand a thing she's saying at all. She places a delicate hand over her chest before smiling sweetly. "I'm Paisley. You know, like the tear-drop looking pattern thing? The dumb man next to me is Audrey-" As Paisley turns to introduce him, her eyes catch the man just a couple feet away attempting to escape the situation. "Oh no you don't." She runs towards Audrey at lightning speed, causing him to shriek out of fear. "<b>Shhhh</b>!" Everyone is startled by the librarian who has a single finger placed to her frowning lips, she seems more annoyed than Paisley does. "//Sorry Mrs. Gordon...//" Paisley whispers a sincere apology, before taking Audrey by the collar of his track suit, and dragging him right back to you. "Sorry about that $name. As I was saying, this is Audrey, my unreliable proof reader." Paisley's friendly smile wavers as she stares daggers into him. Audrey stutters as he attempts to put on his own wobbly smile. "Y-yo $name." Satisfied, Paisley lets him go and straightens out. You notice her form-fitting flowery crop top doesn't hid the fact that she has an athletic build. You find it interesting that the angles of her face are soft despite the fact that the rest of her body is toned. Her strawberry blonde hair elegantly flows down to her hips in curly bundles. She lacks any visible skin blemishes and practically glows. In other words, Paisley's absolutely radiant. She frowns when she catches your stunned gaze. "What? Is there something on my face?" Paisley pulls out a napkin seemingly out of nowhere, before she begins wiping at her face frantically. Audrey shakes his head disapprovingly. "$name is obviously checking you out you imbecile!" Paisley's irritated face returns. "I don't think you have the space to call me an imbecile when you're wearing a //snap back hat// indoors!" "My hat is apart of me don't make fun of it! You have //no// culture obviously!" "<b>SHHHHHHHH</b>." Mrs. Gordon once again cranes her head to give the two an angry scolding. This time, the both of them mutter an apology. Paisley's embarrassed face progressively becomes more thoughtful as she thinks back on Audrey's previous words. For a reason unbeknownst to you, Audrey's face displays instant regret before Paisley even opens her mouth. "Wait $name, you were checking me out? Is that true?" Her eyes practically sparkle at you as she bounces back and forth on the balls of her feet. In the corner of your eye, you can see Audrey mouthing the word 'no' as he exaggerates a cutting motion along his neck with his hand. [["Hell yeah I was."]] //Fierce// [["You're really pretty, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."]] //Gentle// [["Nope I wasn't, I really like your look though!"]]

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ <<set $paisley to $paisley +1>>\ Audrey sighs loudly and face palms as Paisley's mouth opens in ecstatic surprise. She claps her hands together gleefully, as a light blush blossoms across her face. "//Wow//, I like how bold you are. Not just anyone would admit to it the way you did just now!" //+love// "I'm not going to hide the fact that I was. You're hot." //+fierce// Paisley has a devious glint in her eyes as she turns away from you, and towards a sweating Audrey. "Looks like I win." "$name doesn't count! We didn't take new people into account-" Paisley interrupts him a wag of her finger. "Uh-uh, you said if <b>anyone</b> checks you out, you gain a point." She turns her head to address you with a playful smirk. "You know what that means, $name?" You look between them and shrug, unsure of if Paisley's asking a rhetorical question or not. Her eyes bounce back to Audrey who eyes her cautiously. "Don't you dare." "It means I win." Upon hearing those words, Audrey falls to his knees dramatically before pointing at you. "How could you do this to me stranger! I have done you no wrong." He places his face in his hands, defeated. Paisley rolls her eyes. "You are the most dramatic person alive, Dre." [[Continue|The Library4]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ <<set $paisley to $paisley +1>>\ Audrey sighs loudly and face palms as Paisley giggles to herself. "Why are you apologizing to me? This is the best compliment I've gotten all day!" A light blush blossoms on her face before she clasps her hands together. "But I do appreciate how you're so polite about it! Don't worry, your gaze is appreciated //and// encouraged!" //+love// You blink a few times in surprise. "O-okay." //+gentle// Paisley has a devious glint in her eyes as she turns away from you, and towards a sweating Audrey. "Hey. Looks like I win." "$name doesn't count! We didn't take new people into account-" Paisley interrupts him with a wag of her finger. "Uh-uh, you said if <b>anyone</b> checks you out, you gain a point." She turns her head to address you with a playful smirk. "You know what that means, $name?" You look between them and shrug, unsure of if Paisley's asking a rhetorical question or not. Her eyes bounce back to Audrey who eyes her cautiously. "Don't you dare." "It means I win." Upon hearing those words, Audrey falls to his knees dramatically, before pointing a shaky hand at you. "How could you do this to me stranger! I have done you no wrong!" He places his crestfallen face in his hands, defeated. Paisley rolls her eyes. "You are the most dramatic person alive, Dre." [[Continue|The Library4]]

Paisley gasps with an open mouth smile as she bounces her hair about with her hands. She then smooths out any wrinkles she may have in her shirt or shorts immediately after. "Thank you! It takes a crazy long time to really cultivate your presence. I'm glad //someone// noticed." She scrunches her nose at Audrey when she notices his unapologetic grin. "Sooo, since $name is totally not into you, it looks like we end in a tie." Paisley rolls her eyes. "$HeShe never said that, and even if $heshe did, //I've// still won more games than you have in general. Remember~?" You watch as Audrey goes through several stages of realization, before ultimately falling to his knees, defeated. "Mark my words witch, there will be a day where you will never win a thing against me again!" He fake sobs into his hands as Paisley turns to you. "Dre is a little dramatic, ignore him. That's normal." [[Continue|The Library4]]

Audrey keeps his face in his hands, ignoring Paisley's remarks. She shakes her head before bringing her undivided attention to you. "So where's the rest of your family? You look a bit young to be living on your own. Not that you couldn't pull it off though! I think that would be an absolute dream!" Paisley looks off into the distance as she sighs dreamily. "No, I just started living with my aunt. Her name is Gloria $last_name, if you've ever heard of her." Like nothing had happened earlier, Audrey hops back to his feet before chiming into the conversation. "Oh! I have! I moved here pretty recently too and I never met her myself, but that guy who owns YaraStar talks about her like she's the holy virgin Mary!" Paisley gives Audrey a disapproving look before speaking up herself. "I haven't met her either. I've heard she doesn't really come out much. But sometimes after class I see her walking or driving home. I'm 90% sure she works at the elementary school down the road. I have no idea what she teaches, but I'm assuming you already know. I'm getting off topic now, sorry... Anyway, it's honestly so cool that you get to stay with her. She seems like //such// a sweet lady!" Paisley's long-winded statement makes you wonder why Gloria hasn't mentioned what she does for a living herself, but decide to push the question aside for the time being. "So Paisley, are you a student at Murphy Institute? It'd kinda explain why you're at the library so early on a weekday..." Paisley nods as she puffs out her chest with pride. "I'm studying marine bio! It's definitely my calling, I love all things sea." Audrey chimes in yet again. "It might sound like an overexaggeration at first, but trust me... //she's literally obsessed with water//. While //I// on the other hand haven't been in school since highschool, you wanna know why? 'Cause school's disgustingly overrated." Audrey winces at the prospect of ever being in a class again. Paisley looks about ready to debate this, when Audrey asks you the same question, successfully avoid her wraith. "How about you, huh? You in school?" "I want to major in $major but I'm not actually registered as of now." Paisley's cheeks puff out, her disappointment is apparent. "It's way too late to register for classes now $name! You'll have to wait until spring... OH, but I'm sure I can at least try to talk to the dean and request-" You lift your open hand up to Paisley, prompting her to pause mid-sentence. "Please. There's no need to do all of that, I really didn't expect to start right away. Honestly I don't want to just yet. Not until I... //figure// something out first." Your two new acquaintances share a puzzled look before glancing back to you. Paisley then smiles encouragingly, whereas on the opposite side of the spectrum, Audrey wears an extremely disinterested expression. Knowing that you can't explain any further, you figure now would be the perfect time to part ways. "It was really nice meeting you both, but I should get going, I'm kind of on a self guided tour." Audrey's neutral expression breaks as he chuckles, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. "A 'self guided tour', you say? How absolutely positively adorable!" You rub the back of your neck, feeling slightly embarrassed by Audrey's teasing. "It's... what Gloria calls it." Paisley elbows Audrey in the ribs, causing him to whine in pain. "That's tots cool $name, I've got a paper to finish anyway. This dork here was supposed to help me like he said he would." Audrey grumbles as he pulls his jacket up halfway to rub his now-tender brown skin. "//That was before you made me proof read more than five pages. AND before you attacked me.//" Paisley completely ignores his comment. "Welp! Off to the trenches we go. We tots need to hangout sometime yeah? See you around~!" She waves at you cheerfully, before she aggressively pulls Audrey along with her. He calls out to you as he reaches out in your direction. "I'm being dragged to my doom, remember me..." His eyes light up as if he recalls important information. "Oh! And quick tip, try jogging everywhere you go! It's //great// for stamina, and getting away from people like- HEY! Careful with the hat! I-I mean, farewell stranger!" They disappear around the corner and leave you utterly baffled by their huge personalities. You can still hear them arguing in the distance. "I can see why Aunt Gloria wouldn't know either of them..." You walk back the way you came, taking care to avoid the librarian in case she had seen you with the loud pair. You aren't sure she'd be very fond of you in the near future if she associated you with them. Eventually you push open the wide heavy doors of the library, and make it back out into the light of day. [[Continue|Locations]]

"Um, excuse me?" Frightened by the sudden disembodied voice, you accidently crush the flower between your clenched fists while trying to hide it behind you. Glancing up, you find a girl with a chubby figure staring right back at you. Her olive colored hands quickly cover her mouth at the sight of your clumsy stumbling. You attempt a greeting, feeling as though you were caught in an incriminating act. "Uh, hi..." You drop the now wilted flower and stand at your full height, wiping the dirt off your $bottom_wear. "Did... you need something?" The girl practically stops breathing as she stares at you, trapped in the same position she was in when you turned to find her there. You wonder if this is how you looked like to Gloria when you had first met. She notices your shifting features, and quickly drops her hands to her sides and away from her mouth. "I-I don't need anything I just-" She sighs, her hazel eyes avoiding your face before starting again. "Hi, my name's Sabrina. I um, I saw you digging around in that tickseed bush, and I was just a bit curious. On why you were doing that, I mean." You gesture to the bush behind you with a look of utter confusion. "Wait, those aren't daisies?" Her anxious expression relaxes a bit as she answers. "No. No they aren't. But they look pretty close don't they?" You nod, urging yourself to remember that fact in the future. Almost immediately after, you realize something odd about your ongoing interaction. Why is this girl so curious about your intentions with a bunch of plants? And where did she come from when only mere seconds ago, no one was in the vicinity? [["Were you just spying on me? Why do you care anyway?"]] //Fierce// [["I haven't seen one up close. Where did you come from?"]] //Gentle// [["Sabrina's a pretty name. I'd love to get to know you better."]] //Flirt// [["I swear I was alone just a couple seconds ago..."]]

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ Sabrina puts her hands up in surrender, her eyes flying open in surprise. "I-I promise I wasn't spying on you I couldn't even see you!" You glare at her finding the possiblity of this hard to believe. "As unlikely as that sounds, it doesn't matter either way since you're completely ignoring my second question. Why do you care?" //+fierce// Sabrina looks down at the ground as she pulls at some loose yarn on her sweater. You feel a tinge of guilt for your skepticism, but as your grandmother would say, 'you never know one's true intentions'. You sigh when it seems Sabrina won't talk after witnessing your combative reaction. "I came off a little hostile didn't I? I'm sorry, you just sort of spooked me. Can you tell me how you popped into existence, Sabrina?" With her head still downturned, Sabrina's doe-like eyes look up at you with renewed optimism. "I can um, show you how I 'popped into existence', if it'll prove I'm not a stalker or anything." You shake your head firmly. "I wouldn't go so far as to say you're stalking me. It's fine. Show me what you're talking about though." Sabrina nods before gesturing for you to follow her across the brick laden yard, and to the other side of the school. Upon reaching the area, you unexpectedly come across a large tree stump positioned up near the wall. You would never have been able to see it from your previous perspective. Sabrina speaks after you've seen what she was referring to. "I was only telling half of the truth when I said I wasn't watching you. I was here, and happened to see you coming through the entry. But you didn't notice me, and kept on walking. I didn't want to bother you at first but..." She trails off as a light blush comes to her cheeks. Sabrina shakes her head as if to ward it off, and continues. "I've lived here my whole life, so I know when someone new comes around. Much like that Audrey guy. Uh- I'm getting off topic... but I only wanted to greet you, I promise." She trails off, more willing to stare at the tree stump rather than your eyes, she mutters a quiet apology. You can't help but apologize too. Sabrina's just a bit awkward, and you're a bit gaurded, but you think you like her. [[Continue|The College2]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ Sabrina seems surprised at first but tries to smooth the look over, most likely to be polite. "You've never seen them before? Maybe you've mistaken other bushes of tickweeds for 'daisies' too...?" You smile at her reasoning, but juxtapose it with a firm shake of your head. "No, I'm saying I haven't seen daisies up close either. I haven't seen //any// flowers as close as I did just now." //+gentle// Sabrina seems completely baffled by this, and her face becomes crestfallen. You find it kind of sweet how sorrowful your admission is to her, when you usually don't even think about it. However, you remind yourself to restate your question before she can derail the conversation. "So where did you come from? I hadn't seen you or anyone else up until just now." She pulls at the sleeve of her knitted sweater before looking away. "I uh, I came from the stump at the side of the school's lobby. So just about over there. Basically." She points towards the very edge of the entrance's wall, eluding to something on it's hidden side. "A stump? Like a tree stump? That close to the building?" "I know it's a little hard to believe... please follow me." Sabrina looks as if she'll grab hold of your hand, but hesitates. She then gestures for you to do as she had asked of you verbally instead. Not long after, only a few feet away from where the two of you had been is infact, a tree stump hidden behind the wall of the school's large entrance. "Huh... imagine that." Upon hearing your response, Sabrina continues to fidget and avoids looking into your eyes. She takes a deep breath as if preparing to say something. "I actually noticed you the second you came through the school's entry but-" Sabrina stops abruptly, changing her sentence with a light blush. "You're new, I know it. I've lived here all my life so I can tell. Oddly enough, there's this other person who moved here too named Audrey, and uh- I'm getting off topic. I just really wanted to greet you so..." Her soft voice trails off, but even in her silence she refuses to look up at you. Not like she had been before anyway. Regardless, you sympathize with her, she seems nice. [[Continue|The College2]]

<<set $sabrina to $sabrina +1>>\ Sabrina's eyes widen as quickly as her cheeks turn pink. She absentmindedly pulls at the loose yarn at the bottom of her sweater, and averts her gaze. Sabrina's soft voice whispers something, it's definitely a response, but you can't quite pick it up. Nevertheless you can't help but smile at her reaction. //+love// "What was that? I couldn't hear you the first time..." As if coming back to her senses, she looks you in the eye again, and finally stops fidgeting with her oversized sweater. "N-nothing important. I'm just glad that I caught you in time to introduce myself." "Caught me in time? Could you see me from the school? I didn't notice anyone outside when I got here." She giggles nervously before pointing to the very end of the entrance's wall. You turn to Sabrina in confusion, knowing you //definitely// didn't see anyone there either. As if she had read your mind, Sabrina gestures for you to follow her, and quietly guides you to the edge of the wall. Upon reaching the area, you unexpectedly come across a large tree stump positioned up near the wall. You would never have been able to see it from your previous perspective. Sabrina speaks after you've seen what she was referring to. "I sat here, and I happened to see you coming. I didn't want to bother you at first but..." She trails off with her blush coming back with a vengence. Sabrina shakes her head and continues. "I've lived here my whole life, so I know when someone new comes around. Much like that Audrey guy. Uh- I'm getting off topic..." She trails off and stares at the tree stump instead. Despite her statement, Sabrina makes no attempt to get //on// topic again, whatever that means to her. She's a bit awkward, but you don't mind it. So are you. [[Continue|The College2]]

Sabrina fidgets with her oversized knitted sweater. A nervous laugh escapes her soon after. "Well, not quite. I was sitting on a tree stump near one of the front windows." Your eyes scan the area to confirm her claim, but you see nothing. You turn back to her, trying to approach the manner in a polite way. "I don't see a tree stump... Were you actually just watching me? I won't get mad-" "//No//! No... Please, come with me." Sabrina seems like she'll grab your hand, but ultimately decides against it, gesturing you to follow her instead. A few feet away from where you had been is infact, a tree stump hidden behind the wall of the school's large entrance. Or more so, it's hidden from your previous perspective of the area. "S-see? I promise I wasn't being weird or anything, I just saw you walk by and disappear by the wall." She points out everything as she speaks, she seems to use her hands actively in //all// of her sentences. "That explains where you came from, but why did you come looking for me? From your perspective, I could have just went inside the school." Sabrina's cheeks turn a shade of pink as she, once again, fails to meet your gaze. "I uh. Well you're new. I've lived here my whole life, so I notice any new faces that pop up. Sort of like that Audrey guy. He- um. Nevermind..." She trails off leaving the conversation completely paused. She's definitely a quiet person, but you think you like that. [[Continue|The College2]]

"I guess I should introduce myself as well then. I'm $name." After a moment, you lift your hand for a shake, as to demonstrate you aren't intimidating. Sabrina turns pink at the sight of your outreached hand, but grabs a hold of it nonetheless. Her skin is incredibly soft and warm to the touch. You can't say you aren't curious about why she's so susceptible to becoming flustered, but you keep your question to yourself, and replace it with one that is more acceptable. "So why were you on this stump in the first place? Before I came here." Although she still looks anxious, Sabrina's stance relaxes. "I actually just came out of class a few minutes ago! I usually wait for my brother to get out right about now." You smile feeling as if you've made some sort of progress with her. "What do you major in?" This question causes Sabrina to relax completely, she even sports a smile of her own. "I'm in culinary arts. I'm a sophmore right now, but I can't wait until I graduate... I'll finally be able to make people happy full time!" She places a hand to her mouth and giggles. A wistful sigh follows after. "And your brother, is he into that stuff too?" Sabrina's eyes practically shine in admiration. "No, he's absolutely terrible at cooking. But he's passionate and he tries. That's all that matters to me." As if on cue, you notice a man emerging from the school's front doors in the corner of your eye. His gait is almost ball-like in nature. Once again, Sabrina's eyes light up as she points towards him. "That's him!... I'll introduce you, just give me one second, and I'll be back!" Her short bob bounces about as she practically skips over to him. Even though you can't hear a thing she says, Sabrina makes a load of signs before nudging her head in your direction. After staring down at his sister, the man finally lifts his head and looks directly at you, his facial expression is unreadable. The two walk very similarly, although Sophia's steps seem more unsure. With the two of them standing in front of you like this, you can definitely see the resemblence through their wavy brown hair and olive skin. However, unlike Sabrina, this man has deep amber eyes, eyes that feel like they bore into you the second they fall on yours. <<if $library is true>> The way he looks at you reminds you a lot of how Audrey looked at you when you had met earlier. Dark eyes that gaze at every part of your body, however this man is a lot less obvious doing so. Whatever he thinks of you after his quiet assessment, is a complete mystery. It somehow makes you feel self conscious. <<else>> His dark eyes gaze at every part of you. It isn't long enough to be creepy, but it //is// long enough for you to notice. The man's eyes finally rest back on yours, his face still seems completely unreadable. Whatever he thinks of you after his quiet assessment, is a complete mystery. It somehow makes you feel self conscious. <<endif>> In the next moment, the man sweeps into a small dip, and grabs a hold of your hand. Your eyes widen in surprise as he then proceeds to lift your hand to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss against your skin. All the while his eyes stay trained on you like an eagle. "S-Shiloh! You don't just make contact with people that way!" Sabrina scolds the now named man with a surprising amount of grit in her tone. His eyes flicker to his sister before they come back to you. "I apologize for the gesture, that's how I introduce myself. I'll show more restraint." Sabrina sighs gently and looks to you with apologetic eyes. "You're $name, yes? As my sister just exclaimed, my name's Shiloh. But most people your age call me Mr. Burgington. Pleasure to meet you." [["You kiss people's hands as a greeting? You must live in the 1940's."]] //Fierce// [["That's okay, it's nice to meet you too, sir."]] //Gentle// [["You could've kissed any part of me yet you chose my hand??"]] //Flirt//

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ <<set $shiloh to $shiloh +1>>\ The man's eyebrows raise and the corners of his mouth lift for a brief second, but they return to a more neutral position soon after. "//Interesting//, is that a compliment or an insult?" You shrug your shoulders not giving him a definite answer. "Compliment, insult, I don't care what you see it as. I just told you what I was thinking." //+fierce// Despite your words seeming sort of harsh, Shiloh seems to be watching you with more interest than before now. However he doesn't make comment about your response. //+love// "I like to think of myself as traditional in the sense of my mannerisms. So I suppose to someone on the outside looking in, I might seem like a man out of that decade. I really do apologize if I made things uncomfortable for you, though." You shrug your shoulders, and turn your attention to Sabrina instead. She's been silently staring down at her hands ever since she last spoken. What she had said before Shiloh waltzed out of the building comes to the forefront of your mind. "Wait a second, if you're both going to this school, why would most people my age call you Mr. Burgington? No offense, but you look a little too young to be a professor here." Both of the siblings look to each other briefly before chuckling. You begin to feel as though you've somehow made an accidental joke. Sabrina smiles apologetically. "There happens to be preschool program within the school. I'm currently working as a teaching assistant there. But hopefully soon, I'll finally be able to secure my license and teach the class alone." Sabrina seems to beam with pride as her brother speaks. You can't understand how she's gazing at him with such fondness when only a moment ago she was reprimanding him. Perhaps it's so hard to grasp because you were born an only child. Or maybe it's just one of her odd quirks. [[Continue|The College3]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ "But I'll admit..." You begin, "I've never had someone greet me that way before." A genuine smile seems to grace his face for a moment, but it's replaced with a neutral expression soon after. "Sir huh? Aren't you polite." //+gentle// He pauses for a moment, most likely trying to tailor his answer to be considered more appropriate to his sister. "I surely must have caught you off guard, then. Most people don't do things the way I do, but I like to think of myself as traditional in the sense of my mannerisms. I really do apologize if I made things uncomfortable for you." "Thank you, but really. I'm perfectly comfortable. Though, I can't say it's something I'd like happening in the near future!" Feeling slightly awkward, you briefly turn your attention to Sabrina. She's been silently staring down at her hands ever since she last spoken. What Sabrina had said before Shiloh waltzed out of the building suddenly comes up in the forefront of your mind. "Wait a second, if you're both going to this school, why would most people my age call you Mr. Burgington? Excuse me if I'm overstepping but, you look a little young to be a professor here." Both of the siblings look to each other before chuckling, making you feel as though you've somehow made an accidental joke. Sabrina smiles apologetically at your confusion. "There happens to be preschool program within the school. I'm currently working as a teaching assistant there. But hopefully soon, I'll finally be able to aquire my license and teach the class alone." Sabrina seems to beam with pride as her brother speaks. You can't understand how she's gazing at him with such fondness when only a moment ago she was reprimanding him. Perhaps it's so hard to grasp because you were born an only child. Or maybe it's just one of her odd quirks. [[Continue|The College3]]

<<set $shiloh to $shiloh +1>>\ Sabrina looks to you with wide eyes, and begins blushing profusely. She quickly brings her gaze to the ground, refusing to look at either of you. Shiloh's own eyebrows shoot up for a moment. However, he quickly recovers and settles on a more neutral expression. "Well now I know. I'll be sure to remember that the next time I find you alone." //+love// "Shiloh!" His sister shrieks at him in surprise. Shiloh's eyes flicker to her again, causing his voice to come out softer. "I was only teasing. Your friend won't have any issues. Not from me anyway." You aren't sure what he means by 'issues', but you're too focused on the burning heat in your cheeks to really care. You hadn't expected such a direct response from him. Then again, you don't know this man at all and you had been pretty direct yourself. "S-so, is there a reason you're so touchy with others?" Shiloh's mouth downturns a bit, most likely at your wording. "Well I wouldn't describe myself as 'touchy'. I do although, see myself as a traditional man when it comes to my mannerisms." Sabrina seems to have recovered from her own embarrasment, but still doesn't interact. "I'd apologize again for my behavior, but it seems it was well recieved, hm?" You breathe out a laugh of humiliation, and decide to quickly turn your attention back to Sabrina briefly. Still as silent as before, she stares down at her hands. What Sabrina had said before Shiloh waltzed out of the building suddenly comes to the forefront of your mind. "Wait a second, if you're both going to this school, why would 'most people my age' call you Mr. Burgington? You look a little young to be a professor here." Both of the siblings look to each other before chuckling, making you feel as though you've somehow made an accidental joke. Sabrina offers an apologetic smile. "There happens to be a preschool program within the school. I'm currently working as a teaching assistant there. But hopefully soon, I'll finally be able to aquire my license and teach the class alone." Sabrina seems to beam with pride as her brother speaks. You can't understand how she's gazing at him with such fondness when only a moment ago she was reprimanding him. Perhaps it's so hard to grasp because you were born an only child. Or maybe it's just one of her odd quirks. [[Continue|The College3]]

"Um... $name." Sabrina pulls you out of your thoughts, seeming more anxious than she had ever been the entire time you have been interacting. "Do you like it here so far? Has anything... weird happened?" While Sabrina's eyes don't quite meet yours, you see this as normal. However, you also notice Shiloh's neutral expression become vexed as he watches his sister cautiously. Your eyebrows raise in question. "What do you mean?" "Nothing much... I just wanted to know if anything about Neverdale seemed... odd to you." As far as you know, the only 'odd' thing that's occured since you've arrived at this town was of your own doing. Could Sabrina somehow have known it had happened? If so, how? Before you can come up with a response, Shiloh's voice fills in the uneasy silence. "Careful Sabrina. You don't want to scare off someone who just moved in with questions like that..." He speaks matter-of-factly, but something in his tone makes it sound like a warning. Sabrina must have picked up on this as well, because she mumbles an apology before quickly changing the subject. "W-where did you move in? I can't think of any homes for sale off the top of my head..." You try to ignore Shiloh's earlier tonal change, as well as Sabrina's previous inquiry. "Actually I just moved into my aunt's cabin! It's on that tall hill with a few houses right in front of the woods. Her name is Gloria $last_name, you two heard of her?" Sabrina's face lights up as an open smile forms on her face. On the other hand, Shiloh seems intrigued, yet his eyes begin to wander the way Sabrina's do. "You're related to Gloria? How lovely! I drop off pastries at her house on the weekends! She's such a sweet woman.. and she used to work with Shiloh too! Didn't she, Shiloh?" An estatic Sabrina turns to her brother for confirmation. "Yes, she did. Though I would perfer to describe her more as impulsive and avoidant rather than, 'sweet'." Sabrina scowls at him, but he seems completely unphased this time around. He'll apologize to someone new, but he isn't willing to do the same for someone like your aunt. You wonder if they were work rivals. "It's alright Sabrina, it's his own opinion after all. I'm sure lots of people don't //love// their co-workers. My aunt to me, is a good woman." Sabrina nods in your defense. Shiloh doesn't try to counter your statement, and instead watches you as if questioning your judgement. He eventually shrugs, which shifts into Shiloh rolling his shoulders as he brings his wrist up to eye level. You notice he wears a sleek black watch. "Well then. As pleasant as this meeting has been, I do have some things to attend to at home." Sabrina makes a small sound of realization. "Now that Shiloh mentions it... I actually have some classwork I have to get done at home too. I wish I could stay longer. I'd like to learn more about you..." You feel for the folded paper in your pocket, reminded that you have things to do of your own. "You say you deliver sweets to Gloria on the weekends right? I'll see you again in no time. Maybe even sooner, if we run into each other." Even though Sabrina says nothing to this, the way she kicks at the ground as her eyes practically shimmer, tells you everything you need to know. How adorable. "I also anticipate another meeting with our new resident. In a town like this though, I won't need to anticipate //too// hard, right? //Ciao//." Shiloh gives you a refined wave, before turning around on the same beat and walking off. You aren't sure how much of what he just said was genuine, but you were most likely going to see more of him either way. Sabrina looks between you and the man departing, before panickedly waving at you as well. A gentle smile graces her face, right before she turns away from you. Sabrina quietly rushes off behind her brother. You sigh when you are finally left alone with the area's ambiance. The siblings are almost completely opposite, beside their slightly similar demeanor. Still, it seems that they stick together like glue. Or at least Sabrina does. You wonder if you'd ever be able to fit in their dynamic, if you were to //want// to, anyway. With your thoughts keeping you occupied, you begin to walk out the way you came. The next time you come here will probably be for an orientation. [[Continue|Locations]]

The interior of the tiny shop looks like a modern gothic take on a hair salon. Black leathered salon chairs all face toward large mirrors on either wall, except for the front wall and back wall. The walls themselves are painted a pitch black with pops of pink as the top and bottom trims. The only thing that isn't a shade of pink or black is the polished wooden floors that look close to a chestnut brown. A voice somehow booms over the rock music that shakes the many mirrors on the wall. "If you're looking for an appointment, Becca's not around right now." You swivel your head to look for the source of the sound, and find a man slumped in one of the chairs in the back of the room. You're surprised you hadn't noticed him before he spoke, the man is quite large compared to everything else, with defined muscles on practically every part of his body. He must lift. "Uh, appointment? No I don't have one, I was just-" "Then leave." You clamp your mouth shut in surprise at the man's snappy attitude. His head almost hangs off the top of the chair; a magazine copy of the UK's latest royal news has been left open blanketing his face. He isn't even looking at you, yet he already wants you out. You decide to step closer, confused on how the shop has it's open sign up, if you can't even set up an appointment. "I actually didn't really finish my sentence, I-" The man lets out an irritated sigh as he somehow sinks deeper into his chair. "Look, I could really care less. No appointment? No service. Why don't you call ahead next time." You can't help but get extremely irritated by the man's constant interruptions. "Are you the owner? If you are I just need a quick second to talk with you..." The man pauses for a moment, before folding his dark brown arms behind the back of his head. The magazine still rests on his face. "Yup, I'm the owner. Now get the //fuck// out." You have a good feeling this man is lying to you. Even if he //was// the owner like he claims, you have never felt this insulted before. You're at your wit's end with him. [["Why are you being such an asshole?"]] //Fierce// [["Why are you lying to me..."]] //Gentle// [["You haven't even seen me yet!"]] //Flirt// [[Scoff and pretend to walk out]]

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ The man chuckles under his breath before heaving a long sigh. "So //I'm// the asshole, huh? Maybe if you'd just leave, you wouldn't have to feel that way." You've had it, letting your frustration take hold of you, you lean in and rip the magazine off of his face, tossing it to the floor. The thick pages make a thump when they hit the polished hard wood. //+fierce// The man's black eyes grow wide in surprise, only for a faction of a second, as his dark eyebrows knit together. You stand your ground, and speak with as much grit as possible. "If you're going to be rude, you might as well be rude to my face." The man becomes so ticked off that he practically jumps out of his chair, and stands up at his full height. Your arms fold across your chest as he continues to get taller the straighter he stands. He can't be any shorter than 6'5", and you can't say you aren't intimidated. "Fuck! You're testing my paitence. Wanna talk about rude? You're the one who came in here like a fly on the street, and won't get out no matter how many times I swat you away! Who the hell are you even?" He gets up in your face which you hadn't prepared for. At this point, you two may actually start fighting. When you open your mouth to rebuttal, the front door opens with a loud creak. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor2]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ The man bursts into a fit of laughter, but it's completely devoid of joy. You almost see his face from all of his shaky movement. You shift uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond to him. "Why are you laughing..." //+gentle// "Because you're hilarious. I'm lying to you? I don't even know who you are." You aren't sure how to call him out without escalating the situation, or without even having real proof of your claim. Nonetheless, you persist. "You just spoke of a Becca not being here, right? I hadn't thought of it before, but I assume they run things. But you say //you're// the owner? I just don't understand why you need to lie..." The man inhales deeply before blowing out a puff of air that causes the magazine to slip off his face completely. The thick pages hit the floor with a thump. His black eyes flick over to you, and his eyebrows knit in an annoyed expression. You notice that his thick dark hair is loosely braided. The long ropes of hair warp around each other to form a large man bun at the top of his head. You shrink into yourself as you watch him stand to his feet, revealing his full height. He towers over you even when you aren't crouched over, he must be 6'5" at the least. "Listen, I can see it all over your face. You don't even want to be here, so get the hell out. I'm warning you." He whispers harshly, his face so close you can feel his breath on your skin as he speaks. When you open your trembling mouth for a rebuttal, the front door opens with a loud creak. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor2]]

<<set $d to $d +1>>\ You speak in a low voice, attempting to sound as alluring as possible. You dare move ever closer so that you're standing right over him as you whisper. "At least look at me before you throw me out. You'll regret it if you end up liking what you see~." The man lets out yet another exasperated sigh as he throws the magazine off his face. His black eyes flicker to you, and he ends up staring at you furiously. You notice that his thick dark hair is loosely braided. The long ropes of hair warp around each other to form a large man bun at the top of his head. He says nothing for a moment, seeming almost surprised. However it doesn't last long, and he becomes even //more// angry than before. //+love// "You must think you're hot shit, huh? Flirting with me isn't going to make me any less pissed, dumbass! Follow simple instructions and //leave//." You frown when your efforts don't soothe his irritated mood, and frown even harder when he continues to call you names. You wonder what it'll take to get him to calm down. "I'm so annoyed right now! I don't know why you're being so aggressive with me, but I'm trying my best to get on your good side! I want to talk." The man becomes so ticked off that he scoots off his chair, and stands up to his full height. Your mouth almost hangs open as he continues to get taller the straighter he stands. He can't be any less than 6'5". "You're annoyed? Fuck! You're the one who came in here like a fly on the street, and won't get out no matter how many times I swat you away! Who the hell are you even?" He gets up in your face which you definitely hadn't prepared for. When you open your mouth for a rebuttal, the front door opens with a loud creak. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor2]]

The man doesn't utter a word as you stomp all the way to the front door. You open it as loudly as possible, wait a few seconds, and slam it shut after. You stand still with your arms folded over your chest, waiting. You aren't sure what type of response you're looking for with this method, but you aren't leaving that easily. "I know you're still there." You let out a high pitched squeak of surprise. The man still doesn't look in your direction, and his face is //still// covered completely by the magazine. He definitely hasn't peaked at you the whole time you had been here. "H-How?? You wouldn't even know!" "And yet here we are, talking to each other." Your face grows hot as you realize he's actually caught you. The man makes a sound that resembles mock laughter. "I heard your footsteps the first time you came in here dumbass, it's obvious you changed them up." You stomp back over to him, hands balled up into fists. "Well did you ever think that my footsteps sound different because I'm annoyed with you?! And don't call me a dumbass!" He finally lifts the magazine from his face as his black eyes flicker to you. You notice that his thick dark hair is loosely braided. The long ropes of hair warp around each other to form a large man bun at the top of his head. You watch in awe as he stands to his feet, revealing his full height. He's definitely at least 6'5". "You're annoyed? Fuck! You're the one who came in here like a fly on the street, and won't get out no matter how many times I swat you away! Who the hell are you even?" He stands from his forgotten chair, and gets in your face which you definitely hadn't prepared for. When you open your mouth for a rebuttal, the front door opens with a loud creak. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor2]]

A tall woman with an hour glass figure strides in, and promptly shuts the door with her behind. She then leans against the door as a long winded sigh comes out from between her matte black colored lips. "Why the hell can I hear you two fighting from //outside// my store?" You glare at the man after being proven right, he completely ignores your gaze. The man then turns to the table closest to him, and flicks a small radio off. With the music being abruptly ended, the silence that follows after is tense. "$HeShe can't take a hint and leave. Did you have an appointment you didn't tell me about??" The woman tilts her head to look at you from the corner of her eye. Her purple ombre ponytail swings about when she moves. She hums for a second, tapping her black nails against her cheek as if she's thinking. "I've never seen this $person before in my life." The man seems satisfied, which causes the woman's dark brown eyes to narrow at him. "You could've chased away a new customer, don't look so smug. Go sit down where I put you." The man's expression changes as he seems about ready to protest. "Go on now, sit." He grungingly abides by the woman's demands and sits back in the seat he occupied previously. "Good boy." "//I'm not a dog//." The woman's eyebrows raise as if that comes as a surprise to her. "Sure you aren't big guy." Without warning, she hooks you by the arm, and drags you closer to the front door. Her voice comes out in a whisper, as she places both hands on her hips. "Sorry about him. That's Demetrius. I'm assuming he didn't tell you his name before bickering with you." You shake your head with a slight eyeroll. You weren't exactly given that opportunity. "He's a lot more quiet, usually. Some life plans haven't been going his way as of late, so the guy's a bit bitchy." Her angular eyes shift to him as she speaks. "When he wants to be alone it's better to just leave him be." She shakes her head, a gentle look of affection plays on her features. It shifts as she turns to you with an upturned smile. You notice her dark makeup is exaggerated, but it's as beautiful as a work of art. "I'm Rebecca by the way, but my friends like to call me Becca. I don't like to act like I know everyone who comes around, but you're definitely new. You visiting?" [["After dealing with that guy, it just might turn into a visit."]] //Fierce// [["No I live here now. It's nice to meet you!"]] //Gentle// [["I technically live here now, but I don't know if I'll stay..."]] <<if $person is "woman">> [["If I knew a woman like you lived here, I would've moved sooner."]] //Flirt// | Option Unlocked <<endif>>

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ Rebecca begins to cackle, however she clamps her mouth shut abruptly. You can tell she still has extra air from the way her cheeks puff out. "Wow, that was actually fucking hilarious." You flicker your eyes toward the man in question, and you scoff. //+fierce// Still smiling from your snarky response, she shrugs. "So I'm assuming you did move in then. The guy over there is not //all// bad, you know? He can be grouchy, but don't let him be the person that ruins this town for you." You bite your lip refusing to look his way anymore. "He was all up in my face. I think it'll take a lot more than just your words. Sorry." Rebecca nods slowly, as if she's processing your words, before changing the subject briefly. "Well, do you at least have a name?" "$name." "Age?" "Eighteen..." One of her eyebrows raise in curiousity. "Social Security Number?" "...What?" Rebecca's cheeks puff out once again, as she quells the laugh brewing in her. "I was testing to see how much info you'd dish out to me. You seem the innocent type, despite you having a good amount of spunk!" You hesitantly nod, she doesn't need to know that you have no idea what a social security number is. Rebecca stretches. "Well then, I gotta get this tattoo started. You can watch if you want. It'll give you two a chance to get properly aquainted. Trust me he won't bite." She winks before sauntering off towards Demetrius. Begrudgingly, you follow behind. You can't seem to say no to such an intriguing woman. You feel like Rebecca has the same 'spunk' that she's so convinced that you possess yourself. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor3]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ Rebecca's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "Well aren't you a little powdered donut? That's unexpected. I almost can't believe you were the one arguing with Demetrius, but then I remember... It's Demetrius." You rub your arm, feeling sort of shy about the whole thing now. //+gentle// "Nice to meet you too by the way. It's not everyday someone new pops up. Actually no one fucking pops up anymore. Damn this place is lame sometimes." She cackles to herself while you quietly look on, a question forms in your mind. "Uh, why did you call me a powdered donut? Is that some sort of slang I don't know about or..." A smile pulls at the corners of Rebecca's mouth before she shrugs. "It's just a thing I say. It means you're sweet. So overly sweet that it's //sickening//." Your eyes grow wide, you immediately break eye contact. Is she insulting you? "I can tell what you're thinking. No I'm not saying //you're// sickening. It's a bit of an umbrella term to me. You're sweet in a //good// way." You aren't sure why, but you feel a sense of relief knowing that a complete stranger doesn't think worse of you. Unlike //other// people. <<if $person is "woman">> She pauses a moment, as if wondering if she should say something controversial, or keep it in. "And you're pretty easy on the eyes too. So I suppose you're a donut in more ways than one." Your eyes widen for the second time, but for an entirely different reason than before. Your reaction warrants a chuckle, however she doesn't push the topic further. <<endif>> "So you have a name?" "$name." "Age?" "Eighteen..." One of her eyebrows raise in curiousity. "Social Security Number?" "...What?" Rebecca's cheeks puff out as she quells the laugh brewing in her. "I was testing to see how much info you'd dish out to me. You seem like the innocent type and all." You hesitantly nod, she doesn't need to know that you have no idea what a social security number is. Rebecca stretches. "Well then, I gotta get this tattoo started. You can watch if you want. It'll give you two a chance to get properly aquainted." She taps your back before sauntering off towards Demetrius. Begrudgingly, you follow behind. You can't say no to someone with such an intriguing character. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor3]]

Rebecca's eyebrows lift in interest as she leans against the door frame. "It'd be a shame if you moved all the way over here just to leave again soon after." You're intrigued by her correct assumption. She must be good at reading others. "How would you know that my last home isn't around here. I could've been from... //Massachusetts// or something." Rebecca snorts out a laugh. "The way you said all of that means I'm right. Not to mention, I can already kinda tell. I have an eye for these things you know?" You subconsciously look down at your clothes, wondering if they somehow give you away. "Plus, who the //fuck// lives in Massachusetts?" You aren't sure what's different about that state compared to others to warrant such a reaction. You only named it because it was so close. "So you have a name?" "$name." "Age?" "Eighteen..." One of her eyebrows raise in curiousity. "Social Security Number?" "...What?" Rebecca's cheeks puff out as she quells the laugh brewing in her. "I was testing to see how much info you'd dish out to me. You seem like the innocent type and all." You hesitantly nod, she doesn't need to know that you have no idea what a social security number is. Rebecca stretches. "Well then, I gotta get this tattoo started. You can watch if you want. It'll give you two a chance to get properly aquainted." She taps your back before sauntering off towards Demetrius. Begrudgingly, you follow behind. You can't say no to someone with such an intriguing character. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor3]]

Rebecca's lips curve into a sly smile. "//Is that so...//?" You laugh, feeling a new surge of confidence. The sultry tone in her voice encourages you. "Definitely, you must be someone straight out of my imagination!" She watches you with piqued interest before chuckling. "And if //I// knew there was a girl who just moved in with terrifically corny flirting skills, I would've hunted you down myself." Your mouth wobbles into a smile as you attempt to shrug the comment off. "I only just moved in yesterday. So you probably would have been soaking wet by the time you found me, to be honest..." This elicits a snort out of Rebecca. "You made that joke all too easy, but I'll spare you this time. You seem the innocent type." It must be written all over your face that you're confused by her statement, because she lets out a sigh. "It's always the oblivious ones that are so fucking cute." You can't tell if Rebecca is disappointed or teasing you, but she drops it before it can be questioned. "So you have a name, little lady?" "$name." "Age?" "Eighteen..." One of her eyebrows raise in curiousity. "Social Security Number?" "...What?" Rebecca's cheeks puff out as she quells the laugh brewing in her. "I was trying to see how much info you'd dish out to me. Testing the innocence theory, ya know?" You hesitantly nod, she doesn't need to know that you have no idea what a social security number is. Rebecca stretches. "Well then, I gotta get this tattoo started. You can watch if you want. It'll give you two a chance to get properly aquainted." Her eyes linger before she winks at you. She then saunters off towards Demetrius. Begrudgingly, you follow behind. You just can't say no to such an intriguing (and pretty) face. [[Continue|Tattoo Parlor3]]

<<set $power to $power +2>>\ Demetrius visibly tenses at the sight of you making your way to his seat, neither of you look the other in the eye. "//Oh come the fuck on//, don't communicate through awkward body language you two! Dee? This is $name, and you know Dee now, $name." "Stop calling me that." "Oh please, you love it. You're just scared that //$heshe// will start using it too." Demetrius glares at Rebecca the way he did when the both of you had initially met. Unlike with you though, he doesn't dare make an advance toward her. They must be close. You voice your suspicions. "...Are you two dating?" They both turn to you, each with varying looks of disgust on their faces. "Do I look like the type of girl who dates men? No hun." "I didn't want to assume." Demetrius speaks immediately after you. "I wouldn't date her crazy ass even if she //wasn't// gay as hell." Rebecca grabs hold of his cheek in a painful looking pinch. She rolls her other hand as she speaks. "He's more like my little brother. Though he's a //fiesty little brother, aren't you//?" You can see Rebecca's polished nails pull at Demetrius's skin harder, he quickly holds on to her pale wrist to avoid more pain. "Fuck! Okay okay sorry!" She finally lets go, doning a self satisfied smile as she does. Demetrius rubs his cheek and keeps his eyes to the ground, grumbling quietly. Rebecca then snaps her fingers as a thought comes to her. "Oh! But you know who //definitely// seems like a couple to me? Sabrina and Shiloh. Met them yet? You will //eventually//." Demetrius seems to display genuine joy for the first time and snorts. "Becca that's so fucked up man." Even though he says this, his smirk only becomes wider. <<if $college is true>> "I have met both of them... but they've told me that they're //siblings//. Is that just like, an acceptable thing here??" Demetrius addresses you, but doesn't meet your eye as he picks up the magazine he was once hiding under. "Nah that shit isn't 'acceptable' here, and they aren't dating either. But that Sabrina chick definitely has a brother complex." Rebecca elbows Demetrius in the back of the neck, making him jerk forward. "Now who's the fucked up one?" <<elseif $college is false>> "Nope, haven't heard of them. But considering what I'm doing today, that might change." Demetrius addresses you, but doesn't meet your eye as he picks up the magazine he was once hiding under. "Sabrina and Shiloh are siblings, they aren't dating. I never really see Shiloh around, but that Sabrina chick definitely has a brother complex." Rebecca elbows Demetrius in the back of the neck, making him jerk forward. "Now who's the fucked up one?" <<endif>> "Is a brother complex a bad thing? I'm guessing it is, seeing the way Rebecca just elbowed you and all." The pair look to each other, confusion written on their faces, before looking back at you. "Did you live under a fucking rock or something before you came here?" Rebecca yet again elbows Demetrius in the neck. He rubs at the spot, looking like he's just about done with all the jabbing. "Shut up Dee." You sigh thinking of an explaination, even though you don't //need// to, you feel like you owe it to yourself. "I was uh, homeschooled... //No//. I was kind of house bound most of my life. //All// of my life. Luckily for me, I had this clunky old computer at home, and I learned anything I wanted to know from the internet. Too bad 'brother complex' wasn't one of the things I searched up!" You laugh, but it quickly dies down upon noticing Rebecca's perturbed face. Demetrius on the other hand, seems to watch you with an intensity you can't quite describe. He quickly looks away from you, as if unsure of what to say. "Yikes $name. That's..." Rebecca sighs softly after saying just three words. "So uh- did you find out what was messing with the lights earlier?" Rebecca relaxes, Demetrius has given you all an out of the growing awkward silence. "Oh yeah that shit! I checked the breaker, and literally everything was fine. I don't know what could have caused the electricity to go crazy like that. I never had the building do that before..." The two friends pick up on your sudden unease, and Demetrius is surprisingly the one to speak. "That's what I meant when I told you Becca was busy. She was out trying to see what was up. It's probably the outside electricity." Swallowing an imaginary lump in your throat, you entertain a scary possibility. Somehow, you feel like this light disturbance you hadn't been around to witness, had something to do with you and your terrible headache, and not any 'outside electricity'. //+power// "I-I think I should go now. I was kind of doing a tour around the town so... I shouldn't linger." Rebecca raises an eyebrow at your sudden urgency, but doesn't verbally acknowledge it. "O...kay. Well, if you ever need a tattoo done you know where to find me. Stay still Dee, I'm gonna go grab my one liner needle." "Yeah yeah whatever." Demetrius's eyes sneak a look at you for a mere second, before he plops the magazine back on his face, and exhales as if he's at a spa. You figure he isn't going to say bye anytime soon, and take the opportunity to rush out. [[Continue|Locations]]

The growing awkward silence is broken when the man cracks one of his beers open. Taking a large swig of the can, his expression contorts as he gulps down the bitter alcohol. He lets out a soft sigh as he lifts his chin up towards the sky. The man's full red beard becomes more firey as sunlight hits his face. When his body isn't sorrowfully curled in on himself, you realize he's a lot more attractive than you initially thought he was. Without speaking a word, the man pats the fountain's iron rim, signaling you to sit. You hesitantly oblige, unsure of the man's intentions. Once you are seated, he looks back up at the bright sky. Just as you think of greeting him, the man, all of a sudden, throws you his second beer without even glancing at you. You frantically juggle the can between your hands for a second, trying to get a grip on it, before hugging it to your chest. You're glad the man hadn't seen your struggle. "Beer... Uh sir? I'm not supposed to be drinking." The man glances at you, his blue eyes seem to be asking a question before his voice does. "You're younger than I thought... Your parents strict about that kinda thing? In Neverdale? I honestly respect it. Give it to a friend or somethin' I don't want it no more." You're surprised to hear such a stereotypical southern accent coming from someone on the east coast. You also wouldn't expect said accent to be so inconsistent. But somehow it suits him, just like his gruff sounding voice. Turning the cool can around in your hands, you ponder on the possibility that the man had noticed you lingering here prior, and was meaning to bring you this beer in the first place. There could've been a chance that you might've actually accepted the drink. If it hadn't been offered by a random stranger, anyway. [["I don't really trust you or this drink, dude."]] //Fierce// [["I'm sorry, but thank you for thinking of me."]] //Gentle// [["Sure, I'll give it to a friend."]] <<if $person is "woman">> [["It'll take more than a drink to take me out on a date."]] //Flirt// | Option Unlocked <<endif>>

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ The man's eyes widen at your blunt tone, before his eyes land on the drink in your hand. "I could always just take it back to the bar if ya don't want it-" "Oh no. I'm still keeping it. I may not trust you, and I //may// not be old enough to drink, but I'm not gonna just give up the free drink..." The man makes a sound similar to a chuckle, before he looks away and nods in understanding. //+fierce// You shove the can forcefully into one of the pockets of your tailored $bottom_wear, and feel triumphant when it somehow fits snugly. Your large pockets are just as strange as the man who sits beside you, but you half heartedly listen as he continues the conversation. "So uh, how old are you?" The man stares down at his open beer, tapping his fingers on the can's aluminum surface. You suddenly feel as though you're in one of the many 'stranger danger' pamphlets your grandmother had you read. "Are you trying to kidnap me or something? Why do you want to know?" The man seems dejected by your cautious behavior, but hides it with a swig of the can he holds so tightly. "//Hey hey, alright//... I get it. Someone probably told ya somethin', and my behavior probably isn't doin' me any favors either, right? I just want to know whether or not I'm boozin' it up next to, uh, a kid." As curious as you are about the man's previous remark, you can't help but become offended by his question. Although you've been called a kid many times before, it somehow feels malice coming from this sketchy man. "Do I really look like a kid to you??" You belligerently gesture towards your fully developed body. However, you conveniently ignore the fact that your face does indeed look quite young. Not to mention, the statement you had made when offered a beer displays how old you <b>aren't</b>. "I didn't say that... We're really gettin' off on the wrong foot. You said you weren't old enough so I just thought..." "I'm an adult. But I'm also not twenty-one, is that answer enough?" The man clamps his mouth shut at your quick rebuttal, and offers a stiff nod back. The silence left between you two feels unnatural, and he sighs as a result. "If you knew who I was you wouldn't have sat down with me like ya did. But to be frank, it can get a little lonely so it's kinda nice. Uh, despite the fact that you're like a ball o' fire." The man chuckles at his own observation. "You're welcome to leave this old guy to himself whenever ya feel like." You don't attempt to hide your sour expression. "Old guy? How old are you exactly?" The man takes one more long gulp of his beer before crushing the empty can in his tightened fist. "Twenty-four as of August." He brings his attention back to the clear sky, as you contemplate the information you've been given. You half expected him to be much, much older. You wonder why he feels like such an outcast, or better worded, //who// made him feel like such an outcast. Sighing to yourself, you pray you haven't just sat yourself next to a criminal. [[Continue|Town Square2]]

You place the can on the ground near your feet. Even though you don't have friends to gift it too, you assume Gloria would appreciate it after a long day. You're grateful your tailored $bottom_wear's pockets are so large, which in itself is just as odd as the man sitting beside you. "So uh, how old are you?" The man stares down at his open beer, tapping his fingers on the can's aluminum surface. You suddenly feel as though you're in one of the many 'stranger danger' pamphlets your grandmother had you read. "Why... are you asking?" The man seems dejected by your cautious behavior, but hides it with a swig of the can he holds so tightly. "I get it, I get it. Someone probably told ya somethin'. Can you at least let me know I ain't drinkin' next to a little kid?" As curious as you are about the man's previous remark, you can't help but become offended by his question. Although you've been called a kid many times before, it somehow feels malice coming from this sketchy man. "D-Do I look like a child to you??" You gesture towards your fully developed body with a puzzled look. However, you conveniently ignore the fact that your face does indeed look quite young. The statement you had made when offered alcohol doesn't help your case either. "I didn't say that... Look, we're gettin' off on the wrong foot. You said you couldn't drink so I just thought..." "I'm an adult. But I'm also not twenty-one." The man clamps his mouth shut at your swift response, and offers a stiff nod back. The silence left between you two feels unnatural, and he sighs as a result. "If you knew who I was you wouldn't have sat down with me like ya did. But to be frank, it can get a little lonely, so I don't mind it. You're welcome to leave this old guy to himself whenever ya feel like." You fight the urge to display your sour expression. "O-old guy? How old are you exactly?" The man takes one more long gulp of his beer before crushing the empty can in his tightened fist. "Twenty-four as of August." He brings his attention back to the clear sky, as you contemplate the information you've been given. You half expected him to be much, much older. You wonder why he feels like such an outcast, or better worded, //who// made him feel like such an outcast. Holding your breath, you pray you aren't seated next to a criminal. [[Continue|Town Square2]]

"Which, I gotta say, I'm legally not allowed to have. Very bold of you~." One of the man's bushy eyebrows raise in curiousity. "Why'd ya think I wanted a date little missy? If you ain't even old enough to drink, anyway." You can't help but pout a bit at his response to your flirting. Do you really look that juvenile? You sit up straighter in hopes of radiating a more mature air around you. "That's fair, but I //am// old enough for dates." The man seems to quietly consider your words, watching you carefully as he downs more alcohol. However this time around, he keeps his eyes locked on yours the entire time. He suddenly slaps one of his large hands on his thigh, snapping you out of the strange trance he seemed to pull you into mere seconds ago. "Do you know who I am, miss?" Your face scrunches up at this question. You're certain you've never seen this man in your life, but you go digging into your memory anyway. "With the look you got on your face, you ain't got a clue." "Is... that a bad thing?" "If you knew who I was you wouldn't have sat down with me like ya did. So I don't really know how to answer that question. I like company from time to time ya know? You're welcome to leave this old guy to himself whenever ya feel like though." You fight the urge to display your sour expression. "O-old guy? How old are you exactly?" The man takes one more long gulp of his beer before crushing the empty can in his tightened fist. "Twenty-four as of August." He brings his attention back to the clear sky, as you contemplate the information you've been given. Having a moment of silence, you take the opportunity to shove your own beer into one of the large tailored pockets in your $bottom_wear. Having them fit so snuggly leaves you satisfied, your pockets happen to be just as odd as the man sitting beside you. You half expected him to be much, much older. Considering your previous intentions, you're glad that the gap isn't any larger. [[Continue|Town Square2]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ "Why are you apologizin' to me? It's just-" The man gestures at the can in your hands. "It's just a beer, and you can't even drink it. Don't thank me, I'll feel guilty." You look down at it and nod. You don't know why you're so weary, perhaps it's because his strange demeanor comes off as threatening. //+gentle// You carefully fit the can into one of the pockets of your tailored $bottom_wear, and feel triumphant when it somehow sits snugly. Your large pockets are as odd as the man who sits beside you, but you listen as he continues the conversation. "So uh, how old are you?" The man stares down at his open beer, tapping his fingers on the can's aluminum surface. You suddenly feel as though you're in one of the many 'stranger danger' pamphlets your grandmother had you read. "Uh... Old enough? I guess. Why are you asking?" The man seems dejected by your cautious behavior, but hides it with a swig of the can he holds so tightly. "I get it. Someone probably told ya somethin'. I just want to know whether or not I'm drinking next to a -- uh, a kid." As curious as you are about the man's previous remark, you can't help but become offended by his question. Although you've been called a kid many times before, it somehow feels malice coming from this sketchy man. "You think I look like a child...?" A puzzled look crosses your features when you look down at your fully developed body. However, you conveniently ignore the fact that your face does indeed look quite young. The statement you had made when offered alcohol doesn't help your case either. "I didn't say that... We're really gettin' off on the wrong foot. You said you couldn't drink so I just thought..." "I'm an adult, I'm just not old enough to drink." The man clamps his mouth shut at your vague, yet swift response, and offers a stiff nod back. The silence left between you two feels unnatural, and he sighs as a result. "If you knew who I was you wouldn't have sat down with me like ya did. But to be frank, it can get a little lonely, so I don't mind it. You're welcome to leave this old guy to himself whenever ya feel like." You fight the urge to display your sour expression. "Old guy? How old are you exactly?" The man takes one more long gulp of his beer before crushing the empty can in his tightened fist. "Twenty-four as of August." He brings his attention back to the clear sky, as you contemplate the information you've been given. You half expected him to be much, much older. You wonder why he feels like such an outcast, or better worded, //who// made him feel like such an outcast. Holding your breath, you pray you aren't seated next to a criminal. [[Continue|Town Square2]]

"...Has Gloria ever spoken about me?" The man's question catches you off gaurd, and you turn like clockwork to face him completely. Any information he may know is good information, even if he comes off as a bit maladroit. <<if $diner is true>> "Let me guess... I'm the spitting image of her?" The man chuckles deeply before turning his own body toward you. "That's actually the exact wordin' I woulda used..." You let out your own chortle despite yourself. "Mr. Clift said the same exact thing." The man seems to mumble to himself, but he makes no attempt for you not to overhear it. "//Of course he's the one who said that//." He says nothing more, which makes you deflate. <<elseif $diner is false>> "Did I mention Gloria at all??" Even though you're certain you didn't, you had to ask for confirmation. The man chuckles as he turns to face you. "No, you hadn't. You're the spittin' image of her though." You grip the edge of the fountain in anticipation, you may be able to learn more than you had previously hoped. "You two must be close right?" He pauses before shaking his head. "No, not at all." Or maybe you won't learn anything at all. <<endif>> Despite your tiny shred of hope, you wonder if now would be a good time to just give up, and head off to find a more //engaging// location. On the other hand, you worry that standing up and walking off would come off as rude. However, the man himself had said he wouldn't mind if you did. Either way, the man speaks before you can. "I'm Joey. I just realized I hadn't said that earlier, it's not very polite of me. I know Gloria couldn't have an //adult// child at her age, so I'm assumin' you're <b>her</b> $child." "Her? Who's her?" Joey seems to visibly tense at your question, as his eyes scan the immediate area. "Nevermind that, the point is, I know you're here for somethin' important. I know it has to do with... I-I just really hope you find what you're lookin' for..." Your heart rate picks up, it seems Joey may know something about your family after all. "Do you know anything about my mother-" Completely throwing off your inquiry, Joey suddenly grabs you by the arm, and pulls you upright with surprising strength. "Of course I can take ya home! //Let's go//." Your utter confusion morphs into panic as you are helplessly dragged to the entrance of the woods, just behind the fountain you had been perched on. A million thoughts bubble up in your mind as you debate screaming for help. Everything is occuring far too quickly for you to process! If you don't act now, no one will be able to see you disappear into the woods in just a few desperate seconds. [[Trust him|Town Sqaure2-1]] [[Struggle|Town Sqaure2-2]]

Despite your willingness to trust his intentions, your heart rate speeds to a plateau as you are shrouded by hundreds of trees' shade. You begin to hypervenilate as you tug at your own arm in Joey's strong hold, he's moving far too quickly and quietly for you to feel calm. "JOEY-" He stops abruptly and clasps his hand to your mouth, he then brings a finger to his own. His eyes bounce around the area suspiciously before he speaks softly. "//Shh, a little further//." You hesitantly comply as he leads you far enough that you can just barely see the tops of buildings from the bottom of the dirt slope you had traversed. Joey drops his hands to his sides, and moves away from you ever so carefully, fearing you'll flee. When he sees that you are still, he speaks in a hushed voice. "Look, this is gonna sound crazy as //hell//, but don't mention your mom out in the open like that. I know it's unfair to you, you ain't even met her. But for your own safety, just don't." Joey's gaze searches the surrounding trees before he continues. "There are these people. They're in kahoots with the church or somethin'. //They're the people you gotta watch out for//." You open your mouth to speak but nothing comes out. You're stunned by how dire the day has become. "W-why didn't you say something before dragging me out here?? I could've reacted differently!" His chuckle comes out awkwardly as he presses a hand to his neck. "I'm sorry for scarin' you, I'm thankful you trusted me enough not to make a scene. But I couldn't say a thing. Someone out there was watchin' us. They definitely saw us go in, and they know there ain't any houses this way." You bite your lip nervously. "So then.. now what...?" "It'd be nice knowin' your name. Besides that, you gotta get a move on to where ever you were gonna be before I told ya all this." "It's $name... And what do you mean by that?" Joey looks down at the pocket your beer is in, before his eyes flick back to you. "Fittin' name. And you don't havta pretend with me. I could see the way you were looking around the area, you were about ready to go." A tinge of guilt grips you knowing he had sensed your indifference. "We'll have plenty of time to talk, I'm guessin' you'll be here a while. I'll leave first since they think the worst of me anyways, you go after me. Lowers your chances of being followed." A chill of fear runs down your spine as you watch him jog off. You can't help but feel frightened at the thought of being left alone. "J-Joey?" The man turns to you just as he's about to pass through the trees. "Yep?" "Thank you. For the help." A smile tugs at one of the corners of his lips before he responds in one word. "Uh-huh." He leaves you standing in the wood alone, and the paranoia you feel only grows. Almost immediately, you hear rustling in the bushes further off and turn with sharp percision. You stand open-mouthed as you watch a small person rise up from the cover they had been hiding in. They sport wild blonde hair with white highlights, and a set of grey eyes that bore into you menacingly. A creepily wide smile spreads across their face as they watch your frozen figure. You take this as your cue to run straight out of the woods, and back into the safety of broad daylight. You clumsily but surely make your way up the dirt slope and out of the woods' entrance. You find yourself almost careening toward the town square's fountain. Protecting your head, you do your best to stop short and end up tripping over your own feet right before you hit it's tough edge. "//Yikes, inches away from dying//." You whisper to yourself, dust and dirt fall off of your clothes as you stand on your feet. <<if $glasses is true>> You soon notice that the world has become fuzzy, and touch your face. Your glasses were knocked off in the fall. Nervously, you clambor to your knees, and hope you didn't drop them in the opposing woods you just ran from. To your relief you spot their blurry outline just a few inches in front of you, and quickly adjust them on your face before standing once again. <<endif>> This isn't how you expected to spend your day in the slightest, but you attempt to rid your mind of the worry for the remainder of it. You've committed yourself to enjoying your 'self guided tour'. Not even mysterious church members (or creepy tree people) are going to discourage you. You nervously move on from the area. [[Continue|Locations]]

<<set $joey_bruise to true>>\ You aren't going anywhere without a fight. You begin to tug at your restrained arm, and dig your shoes deep into the dirt, as you have already left the colorful stone pavement behind. You become more desperate, and ball your fist before punching Joey in the face as hard as you can. "//Shit//!" He lets go of your arm for a brief second, giving you a moment to escape. As you turn to flee, Joey in his //own// desperation, throws himself onto you and drops you to the ground. He clasps a hand over your mouth before you can resort to screaming. "//Shh shh// calm down! I ain't gonna hurt ya, I'm trying to //keep you safe//. <b>//Please//</b>." Despite all the warning flags Joey has set off, his murmured plead comes out terrified enough that you bite the bullet. Your arms go limp, and Joey moves away from you ever so carefully, fearing you'll flee again. When he sees that you're still, he speaks in a hushed voice. "Look, this is gonna sound crazy as //hell//, but don't mention your mom out in the open like that. I know it's unfair to you, you ain't even met her. But for your own safety, just don't." Joey's gaze searches the surrounding trees before he continues. "There are these people. They're in kahoots with the church or somethin'. //They're the people you gotta watch out for//." You open your mouth to speak but nothing comes out. You're stunned by how dire the day has become. "W-why didn't you say something before dragging me out here?? You made me hurt you!" You wince at Joey's newly inflicted black eye. His chuckle comes out dryly. "You pack a good punch... I'm sorry for scarin' you. But someone out there was watchin' us. They definitely saw us go in, and they know there ain't any houses this way." Joey stands up and offers you his hand, you take it with urgency. "So then.. now what...?" "It'd be nice knowin' your name. Besides that, you gotta get a move on to where ever you were gonna be before I told ya all this." "$name... And what do you mean by that?" Joey presses a hand to his bruise. "Fittin' name. And you don't havta pretend. I can see the way you were looking around the area, you were about ready to go." A tinge of guilt grips you knowing he had sensed your indifference. "We'll have plenty of time to talk, I'm guessin' you'll be here a while. I'll leave first since they think the worst of me anyways, you go after me. Lowers your chances of being followed." A chill of fear runs up your spine as you watch him jog off. You can't help but feel frightened at the thought of being left alone. "J-Joey?" The man turns to you just as he's about to pass through the trees. "Yep?" "Thank you. For the help." A smile tugs at one of the corners of his lips before he responds in one word. "Uh-huh." He leaves you standing in the wood alone, and the paranoia you feel only grows. Almost immediately, you hear rustling in the bushes further off and turn with sharp percision. You stand open-mouthed as you watch a small person rise up from the cover they had been hiding in. They sport wild blonde hair with white highlights, and a set of grey eyes that bore into you menacingly. A creepily wide smile spreads across their face as they watch your frozen figure. You take this as your cue to run straight out of the woods, and back into the safety of broad daylight. You clumsily but surely make your way out of the woods' entrance, and find yourself almost careening toward the town square's fountain. Protecting your head, you do your best to stop short and end up tripping right before you hit it's tough edge. "//Yikes, inches away from dying//." You whisper to yourself, dust and dirt fall off as you stand on your feet. <<if $glasses is true>> You soon notice that the world has become fuzzy, and touch your face. Your glasses were knocked off in the fall. Nervously, you clambor to your knees, and hope you didn't drop them in the opposing woods you just ran from. To your relief you spot their blurry outline just a few inches in front of you, and quickly adjust them on your face before standing once again. <<endif>> This isn't how you expected to spend your day in the slightest, but you attempt to rid your mind of the worry for the remainder of it. You've committed yourself to enjoying your 'self guided tour'. Not even mysterious church members (or creepy tree people) are going to discourage you. You nervously move on from the area. [[Continue|Locations]]

Annalise's smile widens. "Alright, we can work with that. Now that //that's// out of the way I'm all ears. What do you wanna know, kid?" Sheriff Giles folds his arms over his chest, which rumbles from his deep laughter. He looks just about as ready for new intel as you feel you are. Now that the room is completely silent, you think back on the people you have met throughout the day. You could ask about everyone, or you could also inquire about one person alone, if you really wanted to. Annalise watches you expectedly. <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Mr. Clift?" t8n>>\ "Mr. Clift?... //Ah// you mean Don. The guy's a total smoke show. I only really interact with him when I need a quick coffee, or when he caters for festivals. But besides the fact that he rejects at least one housewife a day, that's all I've got on him." The sheriff chuckles and looks off into the distance, as if recalling the past. "His pancakes are probably the best thing in this town. That makes him a hero in my book." His voice lowers as if the next thing he'll say is classified information. "I'll let you in on something interesting. You've probably already noticed if you've spoken to him already, but the man seems to be quite... interested in your aunt." A snort comes from Annalise, but she says nothing else on the matter. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Catty?" t8n>>\ "Catty Pelvon? You saw //her// out and about? Well I'll be." Her confusion quickly disappears when she snaps her fingers. "She was at the diner wasn't she?" You nod confirming her suspicions. "Thought so. She's an orphan who lives at the local church. I heard she's a 'nun in training' whatever that means. The only reason I've ever seen her though, was 'cause she's always at the diner when I get my coffee." The sheriff puts in his thoughts too, although his expression is much more somber. "When she's not at the church, she's with Donald. She probably sees the man as some sort of father figure, I can't fault the poor girl... She also has albinism, I had a sense you were wondering." You're understandably relieved that you held off questioning them specifically about Catty's appearance. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Paisley?" t8n>>\ Annalise shrugs as her bottom lip jutts out. "That girl is one of the only people I can think of that hasn't lived here their whole lives. She kind of just bleeds into the background for me, as harsh as that kinda sounds..." Annalise's expression seems annoyed when she speaks again. "Though there's one thing I remember her by."As if taking turns presenting this information, Sheriff Giles finishes Annalise's statement for her. "The girl's //terrifying//. She seems like the typical girl next door by day, but pranks the neighborhood by night." Your visible confusion pushes him to elaborate. "She keeps placing marine life stickers everywhere... Sounds silly I know! But the way she so effortlessly denies it... And get this, she plans it so meticulously that we never catch her in the act either! //I wouldn't be surprised if I had to arrest her as a serial killer//." He shivers as he whispers the rest of his statement. Annalise rolls her eyes at her father. "And that right there is exactly why she targets your house the most, pops." <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Demetrius?" t8n>>\ You're startled when both Annalise, and Sheriff Giles burst out into laughter. "You ran into him? Oh man, I feel so bad for you. He was pretty grumpy, huh?" She snickers at her own words before composing herself. "Here's a fun fact, the kid's my baby cousin. If you want to <b>really</b> get him to blow up, just mention the fact that we're related. I'll even give you his number so you can do it as soon as you leave!" Sheriff Giles interrupts. "Now Annalise, you know how Demetrius gets. He'll hate the $child forever if $heshe were to get his number from //you//." The sheriff's eyes come back to you. "One day eventually, he won't //stop// talking to you, trust me. Kid seems tough, but when someone puts in the time, he always cracks one way or another." Annalise stifles laughter behind her gloved hand. The more you look at her, the more you see the resemblance. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Sabrina?" t8n>>\ Annalise echoes you sweetly. "//Sabrina//. She's such a lovely girl, isn't she? She's so well-mannered too... On weekends, she comes around and hands us homemade donuts! Stereotypical choice of pastry, I know, but I don't mind because it's //her//." The sheriff agrees strongly with Annalise the entire time she speaks. "Her parents raised her well, she's like Neverdale's angel! Although when she was younger, she had a crush on practically anybody who smiled at her... Have no idea if she's like that now, but I'd be careful if I were you, $name. She might just fall in love with you the next time you see her!" Annalise reprimands her father, but seems amused nonetheless. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Shiloh?" t8n>>\ Sheriff Giles scoffs before Annalise can even speak, she sighs at his behavior. "Could you be any more obvious pops? The sheriff isn't a big fan of that man. He was known for breaking girls' hearts when he was younger. Hell, he even breaks boys' hearts now too." Annalise whispers so that it's just you hearing her next thought. "//I wouldn't be surprised if half the town has seen him naked//." The sheriff clears his throat indicating he did indeed hear her after all. She silently mouths 'oops' before returning to her regular volume. "I'm not sure I've ever seen Mr. Burgington go steady before. Personally though, I haven't seen him much at all to be honest. I also haven't arrested him for anything, so he's all good in //my// book." Another scoff comes from the chair next to you. "Your judgement is clouded Annalise. Obvious example of the damned halo effect. That man may seem all poised or what not, but all he does is prey on people. I can't believe he's a teacher, I can think of a better profession for someone like him. //Playboy//." The sheriff continues to quietly fume about Shiloh's existence, causing Annalise to let out yet another sigh. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Audrey?" t8n>>\ "Hmm. Where have I heard that name before? It's on the tip of my tongue..." Annalise drums on the table before finally clapping her hands together. "OH! Is it that guy who wears a track jacket all the time? Moves around like he's dancing? Wears... booty shorts for some reason..." Despite only seeing him once so far, you nod along with the description. "Well he's practically as fresh to this place as you, I don't really know anything about him. I think he works at the bar though?" "He does work at the bar, yes. He's also very... flamboyant." The sheriff looks down at his belly with a pout, before lifting his head up to address you again. "And very uh, //serious// about physical activity. That's the last time I ever try to patrol that trail in the morning again. 'Spontaneous HIIT workouts' are definitely not part of my job description." After hearing Sheriff Gile's diappointed words, Audrey colors you as more of a fitness trainer rather than a bartender. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Rebecca?" t8n>>\ Annalise wordlessly slips off one of her tactical gloves. She then turns her left wrist over to you, and reveals a small yet detailed illustration of two words, 'Undead Nation'. "Becca did this for me in under 45 minutes. She's one of the best in the buisness, //and// she loves Undead Nation. Oh and have you seen her hair?? I think you can tell I'm a big fan of hers! Thoughhh... she's not the greatest influence for someone like you." Sheriff Giles strokes his mustache in thought, as Annalise pulls her glove back on. "Don't know much about the girl myself, but one thing about her is right. She's a terrible influence. There's your example right there $name." The sheriff points at his daughter's now hidden wrist. "She convinced Annalise to get that nonsensical tattoo. Who knows, maybe she'll egg everyone's houses next. Kids these days still do that... right?" Annalise rolls her eyes causing you to crack a small smile. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about Joey?" t8n>>\ The pair become quiet for a moment. The sheriff keeps his eyes trained on the old ceiling, and pretends to be looking at something interesting. Annalise eventually speaks. "Joseph -- //Joey//, is a bit of a wild card. He was sent to juvie when he was a kid, and he hasn't been the same since he got out. I try to keep my distance, he's a little depressing to be around, if I'm being honest with you..." "He's a drunk." Annalise seems to stare daggers at her father before he continues unphased. "I don't like to speak on people's mental health, despite my love for gossip. But I'm telling you for your sake, you deserve the heads up. That man usually isn't sober. I'd advice against spending too much time around him... //he has a history//." Their ominous warnings stroke your curiousity, however the air has gotten heavy. You don't push for anything further. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Can you tell me about this random tree person I saw?" t8n>>\ A puff of air escapes Annalise as she leans forward. "Tree person? Am I supposed to know what those are?" "I was... checking out the outskirts of the woods, and ran into this person with long crazy blonde hair. They had white highlights, were really short... Am I just describing a homeless town member?" Something shifts in Sheriff Giles face, as Annalise continues to laugh at the prospect of a 'tree person'. "Sounds like the Murphys' girl, Annalise." Her laughter is stifled as soon as it had started. "What do you mean? I thought they weren't allowed to be out?" "They can be out all they want, but they can't interact with regular folks. If $name came across them, Olive was there by coincidence." You look between the two waiting for context. Sheriff Giles holds strong eye contact with you, and speaks as clearly as possible. "You've bumped into the Murphy kid. You know the founder of Neverdale? Olive's their great granddaughter. Their family is very... odd. Secretive even, they do things a certain way. You probably won't see Olive again." Somehow, the answer to your question makes you more uneasy than the uncertainty before it was answered. <</linkreplace>>\ <b>[[That's all I want to know|CH1sec12]]</b>

"Wait that's all?" You nod silently, mulling over the things you now know. "Damn, I'm faster than I first thought! You might as well just meet the whole town at this point! I'll give you a synopsis for everyone in less than an hour!" Annalise confidently smirks upon hearing her own response. However, Sheriff Giles isn't smiling in the slightest. He instead raises an eyebrow in suspicion. "What's that in your pocket kid?" Without a second thought, you pull out the beer you were gifted, and hold it out for the sheriff. It only takes you a moment to realize what you've done, causing you to freeze in place. "T-this looks really bad, doesn't it?" If you tell them you'd gotten it from Joey, he'll be in deep trouble surely. But if you don't think of an excuse //you're// in trouble instead. Officer Giles wears a fixed glare, whilst Annalise awkwardly taps on the desk under her. "Mind filling me in on why you have a beer in your pocket?" You begin stuttering through a half baked explaination. "I-I found it... In the woods today. Well, I mean not //in// the woods but-" The large man plucks the can out of your stiff grasp. "As long as you aren't drinking something like this infront of me, this never happened." Before you can thank him profusely, the sheriff adds on to his statement. "Well actually, this is now mine, and //then// this never happened. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to count it as a minor in possession." Your mouth is agape as you proceed to watch the sheriff crack open the can, and chug half of it down. "Ugh, it's //warm//." Annalise shakes her head in disbelief. "Well alright then //chief//, I'm going to the back and stealing your spot at the TV. Stay out of trouble kid!" Annalise saunters off cooly, as a threatened Giles stands up immediately after. "Wait! You can't do that to me!" Just as he's about to rush on after her, the sheriff pats you on the back reassuringly. "As Officer Giles said. Stay out of trouble." He quietly makes his way to the other side of the room before you hear him make a sound of disgust. "A warm beer... Kids these days." A loud slam of the backroom's door follows shortly after. You are left alone in the silence once more. "...There goes Gloria's drink." As if speaking her name reminded you of your exhaustion, you let out a quiet yawn; your arms stretch freely above your head. You reason that it's about time you make your way home. However, when you exit the building, you are stopped in your tracks. Your wide eyes are glued up above. The sky's colors have blended, and oranges have become pinks, purples, and blues. At this time of the year, the day seems to move at an altered speed. With child-like wonder, you leisurely make your way back to the hill your new home sits on. You watch the sky the entire time, and cannot help but let out a few airy chuckles as you amble. "//So this is what I've been missing//." "It's quite beautiful, isn't it? The sky here in Neverdale will do that to you." Your smile drops as you instinctively look around the immediate area. You realize you've just reached the incline of the hill you had come down earlier in the morning. After your search becomes more frantic out of fear, your eyes finally fall on a man dressed in a white robe who slowly approaches you. His features are soft and feminine, but there's something wolfish and terrifying about the way he smiles at you. "My my, you're so very $pretty. //Grace would be so proud//." The hairs on the nape of your neck rise as he comes ever closer. You want to flee, but you can't look away. [[Continue|CH1sec13]]

<<set $sus to $sus +2>>\ "Who are you? How do you know Gloria?" The man stops directly infront of you, causing you to take a step backward. His smile downturns slightly as he cocks his head. "Gloria? it seems you're mistaken. I was talking about your mother, <b>Grace</b>." You begin hyperventilating, as you continue to take steps back. So many questions fly around your head, but you stick to the most important one. "//Who are you//." The man's smile returns. "I've been watching you, $name. Your presense is a surprise to our little town. It's been so long since you were gone, eighteen years, perhaps? You must be //searching// for something, child." //+town suspicion// Whatever spell keeps your eyes locked on the man begins to break, as you will your body to move. To your relief, you are able to turn on your heel and begin to sprint up the hill; you refuse to look back, and refuse to speak. The man's voice carries up after you without him even needing to shout. "If you would like to know more about your mother, visit me at the local church. We'll be waiting, $name." The man's lingering voice gives you the motivation to push yourself harder, as you reach the top and tumble to the ground. Whatever feeling he made you feel, it has disappeared entirely. "...Ow." You pick yourself up and dare to look back down the hill. The darkening street is completely empty, even as you look further off into the distance, you see no one. The pattering in your chest begins to slow as you turn to face your aunt's cabin. The lights are on indicating she's home. "//Gloria//." [[Continue|CH1sec14]]

You emerge from the front door with lightning speed, and startle Gloria in the process. She accidently spills what seems to be hot chocolate over the rim of her mug. Grabbing a few napkins beside her, Gloria quickly cleans up. "$name! Y-you scared me a bit dear... you finally made it back! //How was the tour~//?" She rests her drowsy head up on her closed fist, and whispers as if asking for the latest school gossip. Although, it doesn't take very long for Gloria to notice the perturbed look on your face. "$name? What's wrong? Did something -- has someone frightened you?" "Someone followed me home." "//What//? Who??" "I-I have no idea who he is. But he spoke about a woman named Grace, and the fact that she's my mother and-" You pause to take a steadying breath, and meet your aunt's gaze. She somehow seems to be pulling away from the contact. "Aunt Gloria, is that actually my mother's name? Grace?" Silently, Gloria nods as confirmation. At the very least the man wasn't lying to you, //how// he knew you were Grace's child and //where// to find you, is another. "Well... You're here, and so am I. Could you tell me something about this family? About my mother? A man named Joey told me I couldn't even //mention// her outside. I guess he was right." Your aunt sneers as she stands with her mug in hand. "That man is paranoid. He knows absolutely //nothing// about me or our family... Unfortunately though, I do have work tomorrow. So I'm turning in for the night, you understand. Right?" You follow her persistantly as she moves about the kitchen with clumsy movements. "Gloria! Yesterday, you said I could ask you anything when you got back! Could you please just tell me //something//??" Gloria looks up at the flight of stairs, and then back at you. She wears the same guilty look she had on the night before. "I know, I did say that. But you came home so late, and I was only out here waiting for you to get back safely! I didn't plan to stay... How about this, we can talk all you'd like on the weekend! I won't be working." She rushes past you as you struggle to understand how you have to wait yet again when this is the whole reason you're here. You rush after Gloria just as she reaches the first step, and tug on her shirt sleeve. She refuses to look you in the eye. "$name please. Not now." [["If not now then when? Why are you avoiding the topic??"]] //Angry// [["Please, don't walk away, I just want someone to tell me who she is!"]] //Tearful// [["The man outside knows my name, how can I protect myself when I don't know what's going on?"]] //Calm//

<<set $fierce to $fierce +2>>\ Gloria turns to you in shock as your voice comes out louder than you anticipated it to. Your eyebrows knit together as you refuse to let her shock derail you. Your aunt's face soon displays concern, despite the fact that she looks about ready to rush up the stairs at any moment. You try to hide the fact that you're more hurt than angry. //+fierce// "Dear..." "//No//, I have been left in the dark for so long regardless of who I'm with. I should be used to it, but I didn't expect the same from you too! You can't just make me think-" Your clenched fists loosen slightly as you notice Gloria's ashamed expression. You take a shaky breath, attempting to keep yourself from escalating. "//You can't just lie to me like that//..." Gloria's bottom lip trembles before she attempts to composes herself. "I never meant to make you so angry... I'm already failing at my job, I'm so sorry dear." "I don't need your apology. I just want you to talk to me." Both of you stare at one another with a quiet intensity. Gloria eventually nods at your fierce gaze, and speaks slowly. "You're such a tough $child, you remind me of her in that way. My sister, Grace, isn't the person you've been told she is. Because I //know// Mary has told you things, and they are untrue. Your birth was a bit of a spectacle, and it only caused more issues between the two of them." "What was so special about my birth?" Gloria wrings her hands, and refuses to look at your face once again. "I know you might not believe me when I say this, but I can tell you more tomorrow morning before work? Can you hang on until then? This is something I should talk about when I'm not..." Gloria gestures to her face, which is obviously very fatigued. "I promise I will." You don't think she's actually asking, but rather, begging you to let it go for tonight. You aren't about to drag her down the stairs and into a chair, even if you //really// want to. You drop it completely and try to stay calm. "No, it's fine. We can talk Friday since I'm assuming that's your last day? I'd rather spend tomorrow checking out the rest of Neverdale." Gloria seems surprised by your sudden change of heart, and clears her throat. "W-well then. Alright, Friday morning we'll talk. And I mean //really// talk. Sleep well, alright?" You nod politely masking any emotions you may be feeling at the moment. She lingers a moment longer, seeming unsure, before eventually heading up to her bedroom. Once she's out of sight, you let out a loud groan. You doubt Gloria will actually keep her word. You've done a bit of fibbing yourself as a result. "The library has to have some sort of news article. If my birth really was a 'spectacle' anyway..." You pace around the kitchen, trying to piece together what little information you have so far. Your eyelids become heavy with sleep as you fail to come to any conclusions. Time seems to move at a crawl the more you think. It eats away at you now more than ever, but the day is over. There is nothing else that can be done about your endless nagging questions. "//I need sleep//." Your quiet and strained voice is a confirmation of your claim, and you take the opportunity to trudge towards your bedroom. It feels practically impossible now, but the truth will soon come out, you'll do it all on your own if you must. But it //will// come out, whether it wants to or not. [[Continue|CH1sec15]]

<<set $gentle to $gentle +2>>\ You try to swallow the lump in your throat, but fail as tears begin to blur your vision. Gloria finally turns to you with concern etched into her features. You blink away your tears before they can fall. "A-all my life I've had people keep me in the dark constantly. I have no idea who I am, or why my mother is such a secret, but I expected more from you..." //+gentle// Tears begin to prick at Gloria's eyes as well, as you struggle to keep from breaking down in front of her. Your eyes plead for an answer. "I-I'm already failing at my job so soon. I'm supposed to be here for you, and I'm just so sorry for all of this, dear." "If you //really// mean that, tell me something, //please//." Gloria seems conflicted as she watches your pained expression. She finally gives in and takes a shaky breath. "Your mother... my sister, Grace. Mary has probably told you about her. Just know that whatever she may have said, isn't true. Your birth was a bit of a spectacle, and it only caused more issues between the two of them." "But... why?" Gloria wrings her hands, and drops her gaze from you once again. "Listen. I know you might not believe me when I say this, but I can tell you more tomorrow morning before work? Can you hang on until then? This is something I should talk about when I'm not..." Gloria gestures to her face, which is obviously very fatigued. "I promise I will." You don't think she's actually asking, but rather, begging you to let it go for tonight. You aren't about to drag her down the stairs and into a chair, you have to drop it. You rub your eyes and sigh softly. "No, it's fine. We can talk Friday since I'm assuming that's your last day? I'd... rather spend tomorrow checking out the rest of Neverdale." Gloria seems surprised by your sudden change of heart, and clears her throat. "W-well then. Alright, Friday morning we'll talk. And I mean //really// talk. Sleep well, alright?" You nod politely masking any emotions you may be feeling at the moment. She lingers a moment longer, seeming unsure, before eventually heading up to her bedroom. Once she's out of sight, you let out an even heavier sigh. You doubt Gloria will actually keep her word. You've done a bit of fibbing yourself as a result. "The library has to have some sort of news article. If my birth really was a 'spectacle', there just has to be..." You pace around the kitchen, trying to piece together what little information you have so far. Your eyelids become heavy with sleep as you fail to come to any conclusions. Time seems to move at a crawl the more you think. It eats away at you now more than ever, but the day is over. There is nothing else that can be done about your endless nagging questions. "//I need sleep//." Your quiet and strained voice is a confirmation of your claim, and you take the opportunity to trudge towards your bedroom. As impossible as it may seem, the truth will soon come out. You'll do it all on your own if you must. But it //will// come out, whether it wants to or not. [[Continue|CH1sec15]]

Gloria slowly turns to face you. Her concern is very apparent, despite the fact that she looks about ready to rush up the stairs at any moment. You continue in hopes of keeping her attention. "He told me that he had been following me, and he called me out by name. How can you go to bed without at least telling me where he could've pulled that from? Because I definitely don't feel safe here anymore." You decide to leave out the offer the man extended to you. Gloria's bottom lip trembles slightly before she composes herself. "...I'm already failing at my job. You should feel safe here, I'm so sorry dear." "If you're sorry... tell me what's going on." Both of you stare at one another with a quiet intensity. It's as if you're waiting to see who cracks under the pressure first. It turns out to be Gloria. "Your mother... my sister, Grace. Whatever Mary told you about her isn't true. Your birth was a bit of a spectacle to say the least. It only caused more issues between the two of them." "Why's that?" Gloria wrings her hands, and refuses to look at your face once again. "I know you might not believe me when I say this, but I can tell you more tomorrow morning before work? Can you hang on until then? This is something I should talk about when I'm not..." Gloria gestures to her face, which is obviously very fatigued. "I promise I will." You don't think she's actually asking, but rather, begging you to let it go for tonight. You aren't about to drag her down the stairs and into a chair, you have to drop it. Your shoulders relax, as you remain calm. "No, it's fine. We can talk Friday since I'm assuming that's your last day? I'd rather spend tomorrow checking out the rest of Neverdale." Gloria seems surprised by your sudden change of heart, and clears her throat. "W-well then. Alright, Friday morning we'll talk. And I mean //really// talk. Sleep well, alright?" You nod politely masking any emotions you may be feeling at the moment. She lingers a moment longer, seeming unsure, before eventually heading up to her bedroom. Once she's out of sight, you let out a heavy breath. You doubt Gloria will actually keep her word. You've done a bit of fibbing yourself as a result. "The library has to have some sort of news article. If my birth really was a 'spectacle' anyway..." You pace around the kitchen, trying to piece together what little information you have so far. Your eyelids become heavy with sleep as you fail to come to any conclusions. Time seems to move at a crawl the more you think. It eats away at you now more than ever, but the day is over. There is nothing else that can be done about your endless nagging questions. "//I need sleep//." Your quiet and strained voice is a confirmation of your claim, and you take the opportunity to trudge towards your bedroom. No matter how impossible it seems, the truth will soon come out. You'll do it all on your own if you must. But it //will// come out, whether it wants to or not. [[Continue|CH1sec15]]

<div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>\ <b>TO BE CONTINUED</b> \ </div> //Thank you for playing!//