Project 3

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fff4e6)) (text-colour:black)[ (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[ (text-style:"buoy")[ ~Summer Rain~]]] (text-colour:grey)[ >Load Game](text-colour:black)[ [[>New Game->Character Select]] [[>Credits->Credits]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fff4e6)) (text-colour:black)[ (align:"=><=")[Choose Your Character] [[>Xander->Start Game]]] (text-colour:black)[[[>Tyler->Start game]]] (text-colour:black)[ [[-Back-->Home Page]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fff4e6)) (text-colour:black)[ (align:"=><=")[~Credits~] Story by: Benjamin Brooks Project by: Benjamin Brooks Media Used: Twine Special Thanks to Professor Rigdon for an awesome class this semester. [[-Back-->Home Page]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fff4e6)) (text-colour:black)[ You have chosen Xander. (text-style:"sway")[Loading Game...]] (after:2s)[[[>Continue->The Beginning]]]

(text-colour:white)[ My name is Xander. Don't worry about a last name. I don't want it anyways. Thanks for coming. I know this is something you're not use to doing but I'm glad you're here. Take a (link-reveal:"seat")[= I'm not sure where to (link-reveal:"begin...")[= You're right. I guess it would be smart to begin at the (link-reveal:"beginning, huh?")[= Well, It started a couple years ago. I thought the summer would be just like the rest, but it wasn't. For one, our little town had a massive downpour for the first half of it. We don't get much rain in the summer. It's usually very hot, and maybe a little humid. I started my day like I usually do. (after:20s)[[[>Continue ->Waking Up]]]]

(text-colour:white)[ I was sleeping as peacefully as one could on a mattress that was lumpier than a camel's back. My alarm went off, jolting me slightly. I raise my head and look at it. 8:00 am,it flashed in red with it's sound ringing through my ears. I press the snooze button. [[>Get dressed->Up and At Em]]]

(text-colour:white)[ I slowly rise out of bed and rub my eyes. The bed creaks as I stand and look around the floor. My dirty clothes basket was overflowing. We couldn't afford to do laundry last week again, so I fish out the cleanest shirt and pair of pants I could find. Afterwards I put on my sneakers, there seems to be a new hole, and walk to (link-reveal: "the mirror.")[= I look (link-reveal: "tired.")[= I grab my backpack and leave my room. [[>Head downstairs->Mama]] [[>Go to my Parent's Room->Sleeping]]]

(text-colour:white)[ I make my way downstairs. As soon as I hit the last step, the smell of bacon, eggs, and French toast hit my nostrils. I walked up behind her and hugged her, trying my best not to get hit by the popping bacon grease. If you know (link-reveal:"you know.")[= "Morning Mama." I greet (link-reveal:"her.")[= "Morning honey. Can you give me a hand and pass me tuh sugar." She gives me a weak smile. I look into her eyes. The same jet-black eyes bestowed to me but somehow they still held some sort of hope. There was something else (link-reveal:"there.")[= Mama isn't the best at hiding blemishes since she can't afford a foundation that matches her skin, so through the spotty coloring hides a purplish-black bruise. I ignore it and smile back at her reaching over her and grabbing the (link-reveal:"sugar.")[= "I know we should eventually invest in one of those...what do you call (link-reveal:"em-")[= "Step stools mama. Anyways I've gotta be goin. I don't want to be late. I love you." I say as I make my way to the (link-reveal:"door.")[= "Right Right. I love you too. Oh! Can you grab a couple things from your store before comin home? Here's the list." She walks over to me and puts the list in my hand before closing my fingers around it. I knew what this meant, and I gave a quiet nod before shoving the paper in my pocket and leaving. [[>Go->Bus Stop]]]

(text-colour:white)[ I walk to my parents’ door and grip the handle. I hesitate before letting go of it. If ma was up, she would be downstairs by now either making breakfast or talking with Auntie Sherry out on the porch. Pops is still usually out cold or hungover. Either way, it’s best not to disturb him. [[>Go Downstairs->Mama]]]

(text-colour:white)[ I fish out my headphones and pop them into my ears. I look up at the dark grey clouds above me. I feel a drop of water suddenly on my cheek, then another on my forehead, and another. I need to get to the bus stop before the downpour (link-reveal: "starts.")[= I scroll through my playlist before starting up some Michael Jackson. //Who else to attempt to wake you up before a long shift? Kayne West? Sorry. I'm getting off// (link-reveal: "track.")[= I passed by broken down houses and playgrounds bustling with children playing on cracked rails. Soon it all fades as the forest greets me. Sometimes, I wish it could just swallow me (link-reveal: "whole.")[= I want it to envelope me. Cover me in it's shroud of green and (link-reveal: "black.")[= I bounce to the beats of Michael as the run down terminal comes into view. Whatever was left of it was being taken over from the vines and moss from the nearby trees. They curl around the rusted metal and peak up from the cracks in the concrete. I stood under it as I waited for the (link-reveal: "bus.")[= Suddenly I could hear the pitter patter of the rain hitting the metal roof. (link-reveal: "Pit.")[= (link-reveal: "Pat")[= //Pit. Pat. Pit. Pat.// It picks up. I hoped it would slow down or stopped by the time work would be better as I turned up mu music. I try to drown it all out when I see a shape fast approaching in my peripheral. [[>Turn->A boy]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:white)) (text-colour:black)[ We lock eyes. I open my mouth to speak to it but then close it. I couldn’t form any words. All I could do was stare as my heart continued to beat faster and faster. It was like my whole world lit up. Was I having a heart attack or something? All I could do was focus on him. On his light auburn curly hair. He stood up to face me when he caught her breath. He had freckles! All over his face and nose which had brown round glasses on top it. His eyes were an emerald green and stared right into mine. We both stood in silence till he decided to break (link-reveal: "it.")[= “Um…Uh…Is this the bus that goes into town? Near the library and movies?” he (link-reveal: "asks.")[= “Y-yea. Yes. Yes, it is.” I reply as I take out an earbud to hear him better. “It’s one of the first (link-reveal:"stops.")[= “Oh great. I’m glad someone else was here. I was worried I was late.” He picks up his backpack. //Plink// I look above the boys head. A point appears next to a light pink heart. A heart or love meter, like in video games. //Ok. Fine. It's not actually there. I like to imagine that maybe this interaction did something alright? Leave me alone. // (link-reveal:"Anyways")[= “Nah you’re good. It’s actually the bus that’s running late.” I check my watch. “The rain must be holdin it up or (link-reveal:"something.")[= “Right right.” He pushes up his glasses. He was a skinny, frail boy. Looked like glass, one touch could break him. I faced back to the street. I placed my earbud back in. Smooth criminal was playing. I didn’t know what else to say to the boy. How do I carry out a conversation? I feel so…I don’t know //different// around this boy. It’s weird and (link-reveal:"confusing!")[= “Um…Is that Michael Jackson you’re listening to?” He leans a bit closer to (link-reveal:"me.")[= I take out my earbud once again and look at him. “Yea. Smooth Criminal. You like Michael?” Oh my god, is this...what's it called...the meet cute? That cheesy thing you see in romance movies. If my mind was a movie it. certainly wouldn't be romance. Maybe sad or depressing or (link-reveal:"a horror movie.")[= “I do. My favorite is Thriller.” He says. //Thriller// Oh my god he knows Thriller. Who is this boy? Where did he come from? Why have I never seen him around here (link-reveal:"before?")[= “That’s a classic!” I reply with a small (link-reveal:"smile.")[= We continue our conversation till the bus arrives. When we hop on, we end up sitting in different seats. For some reason it felt awkward to sit next to each other. //Ok that’s not the excuse. Why sit next to him when we were just having a small conversation that we’ll never have again. This’ll most likely be the last time I see him anyways. He must have gotten to the wrong stop or something.// The bus stops near the library like he asked about. I didn’t even get his name. I watched him step out through the window. I want to move out of my seat. I want to stand and follow him. Work is only a couple blocks from where he's going. He asked about the library. He must be going (link-reveal: "there.")[= God, what am I even thinking. There’s no hope for love in this town. There never is.]] [[>Work->Work]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:white)) (text-colour:black)[ The stops at where I need to be. I gather my things and hop off. I check my watch and realize the time. I needed to book it and so I did. I sprinted my way to work. I burst through the door and rush to the back to clock in. I barely make it. As I put on my small green apron, I see my best friend, (link-reveal:"Diane.")[= Diane's a petite African American girl who lives in a different neighborhood than me. She has a kick ass, take names attitude. If this were a dating sim, she would be that childhood best friend that's hella stubborn and won't admit they like you, but she actually doesn't like you. She doesn't like anyone; romantically or (link-reveal:"sexually.")[= "Yo. You actually made it on time today. You know if ya were late, the boss would have ripped you a new one." She pops her gum and slaps my (link-reveal:"shoulder.")[= "What? Oh, uh huh yeah..." I say to her, half focused. I still can't think straight. His face, he seemed like he may have blushed at some point, or maybe he was just cold. I don't know, but the way it made his cheeks do red and look so soft (link-reveal:"-")[= "Hey! Earth to Xander!" She snaps, taking me out of my (link-reveal:"thoughts.")[= "Yeah? Yes? I'm paying attention." I (link-reveal:"lied.")[= "Mhmm sure. What's wrong? Whatchu thinkin about so (link-reveal:"hard?")[= Is this something I should really talk to Diane about? I look above her head to our friendship meter. It's pretty maxed out, which I mean go figure. We're best friends. Yet how do you explain something that you don't even know how to explain to yourself? [[> Tell her->Open up]] [[>Lie->Pressure]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:white)) (text-colour:black)[ "To be honest. I don't quite know." I make my way out onto the floor. Today's first task was restock. I grabbed one of the boxes before me and started placing items back on the (link-reveal:"shelves.")[= "You don't quite know?" She (link-reveal:"scoffs.")[= "Exactly D. I don't know how to properly explain it." I (link-reveal:"reply.")[= "Well, you're glowing. Sooo, could it be you hooked up with a new guy last night? I did hear from a friend of a friend of my cuz Janice, that they did see you leaving the club with some boo thang." She grins and takes a couple items from the box to help me. I had completely forgotten that I went out for a drink last night with some random ass group of (link-reveal:"people.")[= "No. I went home alone and sober thank you." I may have went out for a drink but I didn't drink anything. Congrats to me for having some control knowing I had work today. //Not a drunkard like you dad? Achievemnt unlocked. Bum Bum ba Bum.//I move on to the next box and the next (link-reveal:"isle.")[= She huffs and picks up a box. "Well, if it's not that then what is it? Come on bro, you can tell (link-reveal:"me.")[= "There was someone at the bus stop today, and like I don't. He sends my heart racing. He like gives me butterflies or whatever shit that is." I finish the box I was on and go to pick up another one when I lock eyes with her. They're lit up and she had a huge smile on her (link-reveal:"face.")[= "Ooooooh so you're like in love. Like love love! You? Mr. cold hearted? Mr Icecube? Mr I only want to play my video games and hookup?" She cackles. "I can't believe it! Ahh-" She's interrupted by the ding at the door meaning a customer has come (link-reveal:"in.") [[>Greet them->Again]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:white)) (text-colour:black)[ "Nothing. I ain't thinkin about nothin." I reply quickly and try to exit the break room. This isn't something I felt I could put into words. Honestly...it //terrifies// me..but in a //good// way. She grabs my arm and digs her acrylic nails into my (link-reveal:"skin.")[= "Tell. Me." She demands. Damn, I can't not tell her now. Not when she's staring at me with that glare. He dark coca eyes make look soft most of the time but when she glares, they go cold. It sends a chill up anyone's spine. Chose her for a fighting game and she'll make the really buff character stop dead in their tracks. A whole fatality with just a (link-reveal:"look.")[= "Fine Fine. Geez." I agree. She lets me go and I rub my (link-reveal:"arm.")[= [[>Tell Her->Open up]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:white)) (text-colour:black)[I rush to the front of the store to make sure to greet the customer. If I don’t, I'll get chewed out by the big man. Taking my place behind the register, I call out "Hello. Welcome to Smile mart, where we sell the things to make you smile!" I log in and make sure things are going smooth on the screen before looking (link-reveal:"up.")[= "Thanks." He replies with a smile. The orangish locks, those freckles, that skin... It was him. I felt my heart jump into my throat. My chest tightened. I couldn't breathe. I just stared at him. We locked eyes and it felt like the world had stop loading. I was frozen in (link-reveal:"place.")[= "H-hi. Welcome to...Smile mart..." Was all I could mutter. I saw him giggle. //I saw him giggle.// He lips curved into a small smile as he tried to hide it with his hand. He (link-reveal:"failed.")[= "You said that already." He says. His face a slight (link-reveal:"pink.")[= "Y-yeah. Sorry." I felt my face heat up from (link-reveal:"embarrassment.")[= "I came here to pick up a few things for my coworker." He says before making his way through the shelves. He hums as he goes, stopping to look at Oreos, Arizona tea, a couple random sandwiches, and a few other items. He was so graceful and gentle. He looked as if he must have had a soft touch. My brain couldn't comprehend he was standing in front of me after a few (Link-reveal:"minutes.")[= "Did you find everything ok?" I ask as I start ringing up his (link-reveal:"items.")[= "I did, but I seem to be missing something." He looks down and fiddles with his fingers. Did he have social anxiety? Was he shy? Why was it so cute (link-reveal:"regardless?")[= "What's that?" I ask, trying to sound somewhat comforting in hopes to relax (link-reveal:"him.")[= "Your name...if that's (link-reveal:"ok?")[= My name? He wants my name? Why does he want my name? Why does he need my name? My god he wants me name. God why am I so fucking nervous. Why isn't there a cheat code for relationships like in The Sims? "My name is Xander. Yours?" I asked for his name. I asked for //his// (link-reveal:"name.")[= "Tyler." He smiles up at me. "I work in the library. I don't know if I told you that. Heh. Anyways, what's my (link-reveal:"total?")[= "Right. It'll be $12.75." I finish bagging up his food. He hands me some cash and a bit of change. I separate it out, before taking out a penny. "Here. You gave me an extra penny." I hold it out to (link-reveal:"him.")[= "Oh keep it. I don't need a silly penny." He replies then checks the time. "Gah! I've stayed too long." He grabs his bag and waves goodbye before rushing out the door. I watch him leave before staring at the penny in my hand. Tyler. Tyler who works at the library. Tyler who's late to the bus stop. Tyler with rosy cheecks, freckles, and bouncy orange curls. Tyler. //Tyler//]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#fff4e6)) (text-colour:black)[ You have chosen Tyler. (text-style:"sway")[Loading Game...]] (after:2s)[[[[[Continue->The Start]]]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#ffec99)) (text-colour:black)[ Hi there friend! My name is Tyler. Welcome to my story. I'm really excited to share how I met the most amazing (link-reveal:"person.")[= I met him during the last summer before out final year of highschool. It was unusually grey outside. I started my day as normal. (after:10s)[[[>Continue->New Day]]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#ffec99)) (text-colour:black)[ My alarm went off at 8 as per usual and I got up to get dressed. I started my new job today and I wanted to make sure I looked (link-reveal: "sharp.") I donned a nice button down shirt with a pair of blue jeans and some old sneakers, because I couldn't afford any new ones. Afterwards I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I'm going to have to talk so I have to have good breath ya know? I would comb my hair but I'm not the best at getting the knots out so the curls are here to (link-reveal:"stay.")