Extra Credit/Dialogues

When you pick the wrong vocabulary, you repeat the question until you choose correctly.
The first word is always correct
Tutorial
Welcome to Extra Credit!
Here, you can earn Rings by completing Challenges and Minigames that will teach you SAT/ACT words and improve your general vocabulary! Earn high scores for more Rings, and complete it all to unlock an exclusive Classmate!
To play Extra Credits, you'll have to spend Pencils to unlock banners on the map.
Here, have 40 to start with!
To start playing, just tap on the first banner!
---Part 1
Read Extra Credit stories closely to help answer vocabulary questions that come up.
It's okay if you get words wrong you can always play again to get a higher score!
Now let's begin!
Payton: Hey, MC! You're coming to my party, right?
You walk into English class and slide into the seat next to Julian and Payton.
MC: Yeah! Julian, are you going?
Julian: We'll see...
MC: Is something wrong?
Julian: I... I'll tell you later... class is starting.
At the front of the room, you see a new girl clutching a book to her chest.
Kallie: ...
Julian: Whoa, who's that?
MC: I don't know, and I'm pretty sure I know everyone around here.
Your English teacher Mr. Olson clears his throat and explains that this is Kallie, a new student joining the class. He prompts her to tell everyone about herself.
Kallie: My name is, uh, Kallie, and I'm new, which... actually is entirely redundant because Mr. Olson just said that, didn't he?
Julian leans over and whispers to you.
Julian: Is it just me, or is this new girl hard to understand?
Julian: She keeps repeating herself. What does redundant even mean?
MC: It means she's...
   repetitive
   necessary
   sad
   cheerful
Julian: Yeah... 'repetitive'. She did say she was 'new' twice.
Kallie: I've been homeschooled my entire life, so I haven't really been around many people my own age. Not, um, this many at once, anyway.
Kallie: Anyway, my parents wanted to round out my curriculum.
Kallie: So though I'm not officially enrolled in this school, your principal was gracious enough to allow me to join you for English class, which I've heard is quite a rigorous course!
Kallie: ...in any case, as you may have noticed, when I get nervous, I tend to become very verbose... like right exactly at this moment, you might say...
Julian: Man, she just keeps talking! 'Verbose'? What's that about?
MC: I think it means...
   wordy
   careful
   evil
   quiet
Julian: Huh, okay. 'Wordy'. That makes sense...
Kallie: ...honestly, I don't know the first thing about high school. I don't have many friends...
Kallie: I've never been to a party, and I've certainly never kissed anyone...
Kallie: Not that you want to know that... or that I even wanted to share that...
Payton: Wait, are you seriously saying you've never been kissed?!
Kallie turns bright red.
Kallie: I'll just... sit down now... and pretend this never happened.
Julian: Hey, way to embarrass the new girl...
Payton: I didn't mean to. Maybe someone should go talk to her. Or apologize! Or... kiss her?
Julian: Why are you looking at me?
MC: Calm down, Payton. We'll go talk to her after class and make sure she's feeling welcome.
Later, as the class ends, Mr. Olson hands back your previous test papers, and you get dismissed.
MC: Man, are these vocab quizzes getting harder? How'd you do?
Julian: Uh... oh, look, Kallie's over there!
You, Julian, and Payton approach Kallie.
MC: Hi, Kallie. I'm MC! Welcome to our school.
Payton: I'm Payton. I'm so sorry about earlier. I wasn't trying to put you on the spot!
Kallie: No need to apologize...
Kallie: I did a perfectly good job embarrassing myself. What a debacle.
MC: I don't think it was a...
   disaster
   fight
   success
   secret
MC: You shouldn't be hard on yourself.
Kallie: Thank you for saying so... but it was still quite embarrassing...
Julian: That? That was nothing. My first day at Hearst High, I tried to impress the coach by throwing a long ball and nailed the mascot right in the face!
Kallie: Really?
Julian: Really. I'm Julian, by the way.
Julian shakes her hand, and the already-present blush on Kallie's face deepens.
Julian: Since it's your first day here, we can show you around.
Kallie: That sounds nice. I'm not averse to the idea!
MC: You mean, you're not...
   opposed
   depressed
   in favor
   excited
Kallie: Nope! In fact, I'd love to tour your school!
MC: Where should we go first?
Julian: Well, let's show her where people hang out! Over here is the gym.
You pass by and see several guys playing basketball. One of them calls out to Julian to come play.
Julian: Sorry, guys, I'm busy giving Kallie here a tour!
Kallie: No, it's okay. I'd love to watch you play... I don't mean, like, watch you... uh... just, yeah.
Julian runs off, taking off his shirt to join the skins team.
Payton: I will NEVER get tired of seeing that guy with his shirt off...
Kallie: Er, well, he seems very good at basketball... like a paragon of male fitness!
MC: He does seem to be a...
   prime example
   ghost
   leech
   polygon
if MC is dating Julian then
   Payton: Yep! He's definitely in shape.
   MC: That's my man!
   Kallie: You're so lucky that you're dating him!
if Julian is dating Payton then
   Payton: I know, right? That's my man!
   Kallie: You're so lucky that you're dating him!
if Julian is not dating MC or Payton then
   Payton: By the way, you should try to learn to stare without being so obvious.
   Kallie: What? But I... I wasn't...
   Payton: Hee hee... just teasing you.
Here's a chance to see how well you know the first set of words you've been learning!
Julian joins up with you again after his basketball game.
Julian: Hey, you guys are still here!
Payton: Yep! Just enjoying the view! Am I right, Kallie?
Kallie: I... uh... I mean... that's... where to next?
Julian: Let's go this way... we can see what the nerds are up to at the computer lab, and then we can swing by the library...
Kallie: Ooh, a library?
You, Julian, Payton, and Kallie walk around the school. Along the way, people introduce themselves to Kallie.
Kallie: Wow, there's so many people at this school! I don't know how you all remember everyone's name.
Payton: It gets easier once you get to know everyone...
Payton: Ooh! I have an AH-MAZING idea! I'm throwing a party! You should come!
Kallie: Um...
MC: What's wrong?
Kallie: Well, I... I've never been to a party... but I have always wanted to discover what it was like...
Julian: And you totally should. Hanging out with friends, listening to music, dancing... it doesn't get much better than that...
Kallie: I'm not really a dancer.
Julian: I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. And hey, if you're worried, just find me, and I'll make sure you have fun!
Kallie: Yeah, er, I mean... it sounds great...
Kallie: ...and completely terrifying. I mean... social situations and making friends... are not my forte. I get wordy when I'm nervous, and my extensive vocabulary doesn't help. People usually have a hard time understanding me...
MC: Aww, hey, you don't have to worry about that. I understand you just fine.
Kallie: Are you sure?
MC: I'd repeat myself, but that'd be...
   redundant
   verbose
   chatty
   opposed
MC: See? You're not the only one that uses big words.
Kallie: Hee hee...
MC: So don't worry about it.
Kallie: You don't think this party will end in complete disaster?
MC: No. It won't be a...
   debacle
   model
   paragon
   fight
Kallie: Well, when you say it like that... I guess you really do understand me!
Kallie: Okay! I'll go to the party! As long as I have you, Payton, and Julian, it'll be great!
Payton: Hee hee, yes!
Julian: Uh, actually... I... I should probably skip this one...
Payton: What? Why?
MC: You NEVER miss one of Payton's parties! What could be so important that you can't make it?
Julian sighs and holds out the vocab quiz your class got back from Mr. Olson. It has a big red zero on it.
Julian: I've flunked four vocab tests in a row, and if I don't pass the quiz tomorrow, then I'm benched for the all-star football game next week!
MC: Julian... I know you were having trouble, but I didn't realize it was this bad...
Julian: Yeah, well, instead of partying, I'm studying vocab until my eyes bleed.
Kallie: Hey, I can help you study. I don't know anything about parties or dancing, but I do know words! I can help you... I know I can!
Julian: Thanks, but... I don't want to drag you down with me. We could be stuck studying for days...
Kallie: Don't get down on yourself. I'm sure you know more than you think.
MC: Yeah, just hanging around Kallie for one afternoon, I've learned a lot of words...
Kallie: Sorry. I know I talk too much...
MC: There's nothing wrong with being...
   verbose
   averse
   redundant
   opposed
Julian: Boom! That means she's talkative, right?
Kallie: Yes, exactly!
MC: See?
Payton: Yeah, you'll get so good at Mr. Olson's quizzes, you won't even mind them anymore.
MC: You mean, Julian won't be...
   averse
   verbose
   redundant
   useless
Julian: Ha ha, yeah, right. You mean, I won't hate them AS MUCH.
MC: Yeah! And if Kallie helps you, you can go to the party. You can't miss a Payton party.
Payton: It's true! My parties are the best!
MC: Payton is the __ of a party hostess!
   paragon
   debacle
   redundance
   aversion
Julian: Yeah, her last party was epic!
MC: And you did that awesome backflip into the pool!
Kallie: It sounds like quite the experience!
Julian: All right, Kallie. Let's do this. You tutor me, and in return, I'll definitely make sure you'll have fun at Payton's party. Deal?
Kallie: Sure! It'll be real symbiotic! I mean, mutually beneficial! I mean, uh, cool for both of us!
Julian: I figured it out. I'll see you after school. Where should I meet you?
Kallie: Oh! Um, I hope you don't mind coming over to my house. My parents are so strict, they'd never let me go out with a guy. I mean, not like OUT out. Er. Yeah.
Julian: Great! See you then!---Part 2
Get ready to learn a new set of words!
You show up at Kallie's house the next afternoon.
Kallie: MC! You actually came!
MC: Yeah... is that okay?
Kallie: Oh, yes, of course! Um, come in!
You follow Kallie inside.
MC: Julian's running a little late, but he'll be here soon.
Kallie: Mom, Dad, we're going upstairs to study!
Kallie grabs your hand and pulls you upstairs to her room.
Kallie: Sorry about that. Um, full disclosure, I've never actually had anyone over for a study session before! I don't want my parents to smother you with questions and carrot sticks.
Kallie opens her bedroom door and leads you in. The walls are painted cotton candy pink and adorned with pictures of teddy bears. A white, frilly lace canopy crowns the bed where a mountain of cute, stuffed animals sits on a bright purple bedspread that has a gigantic kitten on it.
MC: Whoa. This is your room?
Kallie: Yes... is something wrong? Why do you look so surprised?
MC: It's just, er, when's the last time you redecorated? Some of the stuff in here looks a little... young... for someone your age.
Kallie: Oh no! Really? It HAS been years since I've redone my room...
Kallie: It must look like a five-year-old lives here! I'm absolutely mortified!
MC: You don't have to be...
   embarrassed
   hungry
   tired
   jealous
Kallie: Yes. I do. It's silly. Strange. Indicative of a personality disorder.
MC: I've just never seen so many stuffed bears and unicorns in one place before...
Kallie: Unicorns are noble beasts that embody honor, courage, and hope!
MC: They're also fictional, Kallie.
Kallie: I see your point... I kind of like them, but I guess it is a little odd to still have all these stuffed animals around now that I'm in high school.
MC: Well, maybe a little. But it is YOUR room, so you can decorate it how you want.
Kallie: I'd definitely like to redecorate. I wish I could do it before Julian gets here.
MC: Why do you care what Julian thinks?
Kallie: Oh, well, er... I mean, he just... ugh. I can't believe he's going to see my room like this!
MC: We could change up how your room looks right now... if you wanted.
Kallie: But how?
Kallie: I don't know how we'll ameliorate the situation...
MC: It's okay. We'll make it...
   better
   worse
   tasty
   familiar
MC: I'll take down the teddy bear pictures, and you hide the stuffed animals.
Kallie: That is an excellent plan, MC!
Kallie: Julian will be here any minute. We must move with celerity if we are to beat his arrival!
MC: You mean, we have to move with...
   quickness
   sloppiness
   hate
   exhaustion
Kallie: Yes, that's it!
You quickly collect the picture frames, while Kallie grabs half the stuffed animals in both arms.
MC: Where can we store these?
Kallie: I don't know! I... I can't think!
Kallie: I'm sorry I'm so frenetic. I get like this under pressure!
MC: No need to get...
   frantic
   calm
   feisty
   cheerful
MC: We can... stick them under the bed!
Kallie: Wait, you probably shouldn't look--
You lift the bedskirt before she can finish.
MC: There are even more stuffed animals under here!
Kallie: Yeah...
Kallie: That's where I hide my cache of REALLY embarrassing animal friends...
MC: You have quite the...
   secret stash
   obvious place
   spacious room
   quiet location
MC: I like how these stuffed animals are dressed like the entire cast of Naruto though!
Kallie: Oh, great...
MC: Don't worry. It looks like there's still some room if we cram it all in.
Together, you successfully stow the teddy bear pictures and half the stuffed animals underneath the bed.
Kallie: Hey, it's looking better already!
MC: Now we just need to deal with the rest of the toys...
That's when you hear the sound of the doorbell.
Kallie: Uh-oh, Julian's here! Quick! Where should the rest of the stuffed animals go?
MC: The closet!
You and Kallie jump to cram the rest of the stuffed animals in her closet as Julian's feet pound up the stairs...
Hoping to clean Kallie's room before Julian gets there, you finish cramming her stuffed animals into the closet. Kallie closes the doors tight behind them.
Kallie: Anything else?
MC: One last thing!
You flip the comforter on Kallie's bed over, hiding the cartoon kitten on top and showing off a more sedate polka-dot pattern. You straighten the blanket right as Julian walks in!
Julian: Hey!
Kallie: Hi, Julian!
MC: Hi, Julian!
Kallie: I'm glad you were able to make it up here without too much trouble. My parents can be a bit... interrogative. They like to ask people questions.
Julian: Lucky for me, they were pretty eager to get back to watching some documentary on PBS.
Julian: So what's up with you guys? You look out of breath.
Kallie: I... um... no! Of course we're not out of breath. That would imply that MC and I underwent some sort of physical exertion that would be--
You elbow her.
Kallie: I mean, we were just studying. Right, MC? Let's show Julian what we've learned. It might look like we're out of breath...
Kallie: But we're not panicking or anything!
MC: Right! We're not...
   frenetic
   averse
   abashed
   unnecessary
Julian: Are you sure? You seem pretty worked up.
Kallie: Nope! We're just, uh, embarrassed that we started without you!
MC: Yeah, we're really...
   mortified
   ameliorated
   frenetic
   redundant
Julian: Oh. Well. No need to feel bad. I'm the one who was late.
Julian looks around the room for a place to put his bag.
Julian: Hey, nice room, Kallie. It's cute.
Kallie: Oh!
Kallie: Thanks!
Julian: Anyway, should we get started? What words have you gone over so far?
Kallie: Uh, here, we can review by using the words in context!
Kallie: MC helped me fix a problem I was having.
MC: Yep, I was happy to __ the situation.
   ameliorate
   repeat
   cache
   gather
Julian: 'Ameliorate', huh? That means, 'to fix'? That's something MC's great at.
Kallie: MC's helped you too?
Julian: Yeah. Without MC, I never would've taken home the victory at our last football game...
MC: That's not true! You have a trophy...
   cache
   debacle
   paragon
   model
MC: You didn't need my help getting those.
Kallie: Is that true? You must be really good to have so many.
Julian: Heh, I do okay. Looks like you're not doing too bad yourself.
Julian walks over to Kallie's bookshelf where several trophies gleam. Kallie blushes.
Julian: 'Winner of the County Spelling Bee', 'First Place at the National Academic Bowl'... this is pretty cool.
Julian: You're really smart. It's no wonder that you're so good at vocab.
Kallie: I'm sure you can be good at it too! You shouldn't doubt yourself.
Julian: Well, I've learned more standing in your room for five minutes than I have in Olson's class all year.
Kallie: Think how much we could learn in an hour!
MC: We're certainly learning words with...
   celerity
   debacle
   paragon
   model
Kallie: Nice one, MC! Well, we've already reviewed some words. Let's go over the rest!
You and Kallie set up your books on her floor. Julian takes the space right next to Kallie.
Julian: You don't mind me reading over your shoulder, do you?
Kallie: Yes! No! I mean, uh, yes? Ahem, that would be acceptable... I mean, awesome... er, go ahead.
You study for the rest of the afternoon, and at the end of it, Julian packs up his books.
Kallie: So, how do you guys feel?
MC: Great. Thanks, Kallie! I have a good feeling about tomorrow's quiz!
Julian: Yeah, me too. You really know your vocab.
Kallie: Oh, well, thanks! I spend a lot of my time writing. I love words. They're so beautiful, you know.
Julian: Not how I would've described them, but... sure. Well, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow!
Julian: And don't forget. If I ace this quiz... you're going to Payton's party, and we're going to have a lot of fun!
Kallie: Okay! Good luck, both of you!
Later, after the test, you and Kallie are sitting together outside the school.
Kallie: MC... I didn't get a chance to thank you, yet. For helping me hide all of my embarrassing childish stuffed animals.
MC: Heh. I'm glad I could help.
Kallie: I'm not usually so disorganized. I just... I guess I never saw my room through someone else's eyes. My parents are the only ones I usually spend time with, and they seem to have forgotten that I'm a teenager now.
MC: Well, that means you just have to remind them!
Kallie: Yes. Yes, I should. It's just sometimes, I feel bad bringing up anything like that. Ever since... oh!
Kallie trails off as Julian comes running up!
Julian: Guess who's playing in the all-star game?
Kallie: Based on the circumstances, the logical conclusion would be...
Julian sweeps Kallie up and spins her in a circle!
Kallie: Julian!
Julian: And you know what that means... cancel your plans, because we're going to Payton's party!---Part 3
It's night of Payton's party, and you're helping her with the finishing touches on the decorations and snacks out by the pool!
Payton: Squee! Everything looks ah-mazing! I love pool parties!
MC: You love all parties.
Payton: Well, what's not to love? Besides, we have to make this one extra-special... it's Kallie's first high school party! How are we doing on time? The party starts at eight.
MC: It's exactly eight now.
Payton: Perfect!
MC: Perfect? No one's shown up yet.
Payton: Well, of course not, MC! The next hour is all about you and me nibbling on snacks and watching 'Silly Little Gossips' as we wait for guests to arrive!
Payton: You'd have to be clueless to show up at a party exactly on...
The doorbell to Payton's house rings!
Payton: ...time.
You and Payton answer the door.
Kallie: Hi, uh, I'm here! You said, eight, right?
Kallie steps into the room and hands Payton a small, potted plant.
Kallie: I brought this for you. It's a tribute to my host!
Payton: Is that, like, a Hunger Games thing?
Kallie: Er, no...
Kallie: A tribute is my thanks to you for inviting me tonight...
MC: You might even call it a...
   gift
   dessert
   map
   plate
Payton: Oooooh! I like gifts! Thank you! I've always wanted a... a... what is this?
Kallie: A succulent.
Payton: It's super cute! I've always wanted a, uh, suction plant. Cool. Come in!
Kallie: Where is everyone? Did I come too late? Did everyone leave?
MC: Ha ha, no, you're not late... in fact, you're early.
Payton: Yeah. Party rules. People usually don't show up until an hour after the party starts!
Kallie: If I'm here early, it's an unwitting mistake!
MC: It's okay that you were...
   unaware
   knowing
   hungry
   cheerful
Payton: Yeah, it's your very first party, isn't it?
Kallie: It is. So is there anything else I'm missing? Am I attired properly?
Payton: Well...
Kallie: 'Well' what?
Payton: I don't want to offend you, but... if you wanted some pointers, I could help you out...
Kallie: Actually, I would be relieved and grateful for the assistance.
Payton: OOH, YAY! I love love LOVE makeovers! This is going to be so much fun! Hurry up! Let's go to my room!
You, Payton, and Kallie head up to Payton's room.
Payton: Let's start with your shoes, okay? You're not far off, but you shouldn't wear THOSE sneakers with that skirt...
Payton rummages around in her closet.
Payton: Ooh! Here! These heels are totally killer, but they're just SO cute!
Kallie: Killer?
Payton tosses Kallie a pair of very high, high heels. Kallie gulps.
Kallie: I can't wear these... I have some qualms about my ability to walk in them...
MC: I know you have some...
   doubts
   trouts
   enemies
   secrets
MC: But you should try them out. Practice makes perfect.
Payton: And walking stops wobbling!
Kallie: That is alliterative, so it must be true...
Kallie tries the shoes on, stands up, and teeters on them as she walks around the room.
Kallie: Whoa! I'm certainly going to trip in these! I seem to be inept at walking in heels!
MC: You don't look...
   clumsy
   arrogant
   greedy
   happy
At that moment, Kallie trips, careening into Payton's bed.
Kallie: Oh!
Payton: Spoke too soon.
You and Payton help her up.
Payton: Oof. There you go...
Kallie: Do you have anything less vertical, perhaps?
Payton: Nothing that would go as perfectly with that top! Don't worry, you'll get used to them, I promise! Give it an hour. We all make sacrifices for beauty!
Kallie: We do?
Payton: Now, let's talk about makeup! You're lucky your skin's so nice! I won't have to do much with concealer... but you could use some eyeshadow, the brighter the better!
Kallie: I have a penchant for the color green, if that's possible...
MC: You mean, green is the color you...
   like
   hate
   fear
   savor
Kallie: Yes, exactly.
Payton: Oh! Well, it's a good thing green is just perfect for you! Let's see...
Payton cups Kallie's chin and twists her face left and right, picking up a makeup brush.
Payton: All right, I've got it... your look is going to be amazing!
At Payton's house...
The party is just getting started, but Payton is still working on Kallie's makeup!
MC: Hey Payton, people are starting to arrive for the party! How's it going in there? Is Kallie ready?
Payton: I am... done! Voilà! There you go!
Payton holds up a mirror to Kallie.
Kallie: Wow, I actually look really pretty...
Payton: Now, come on, everyone's waiting for us!
You and Payton head downstairs to greet the guests. You notice Kallie hanging back.
MC: Hey, what's wrong? Nervous?
Kallie: Extremely so. My entire stomach feels like it's flipped over.
Kallie: I doubt my ability to converse with my peers on topics of interest to them.
MC: I know you have some...
   qualms
   caches
   penchants
   debacles
MC: But you'll be fine. Everyone's really nice here.
Kallie: Okay, if you say so. Um, do you know where Julian is?
MC: I'm sure he'll be here soon. In the meantime, you should come meet my friend, Autumn!
You lead Kallie over to Autumn who smiles.
Autumn: Hi, Kallie!
Kallie: Hello, I'm Kallie! Oh, er, I'm sorry. That was redun--
Kallie: I mean, repetitive. I'm really, um, ebullient? No, ecstatic? No... 'happy'! I'm really HAPPY to meet you!
Autumn: ...um, me too. So you're new to MC's school, right?
Kallie: Not exactly. I'm not a full-time student. I simply matriculated--er, enrolled in one class a couple days ago. It's been an illuminating... I mean, an enlightening... I mean, an eye-opening experience!
Autumn: Oh, that's... good? Um, I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you okay? You seem really distracted.
MC: Yeah, what's up, Kallie?
Kallie: I'm really garbling this all up, aren't I?
Kallie: I'm simply... um... unfamiliar with how to conduct a successful social interaction.
MC: You mean, you're feeling...
   inept
   redundant
   frenetic
   verbose
Kallie: Exactly. I can't help it, MC. When I was younger, my parents sent me to summer camp to expose me to other people my age...
Kallie: And it was awful. I'd try to say something and completely trip over myself. It got so excruciating that everyone stopped talking to me.
Autumn: Oh no, that's terrible!
Kallie: I do seem to keep getting into these situations...
MC: Almost as if you had ___ for it?
   a penchant
   a tribute
   a qualm
   an aversion
Kallie: Ha, I guess you could say that.
MC: Look, Kallie, you're trying too hard to fit in by hiding who you really are. That never works out.
MC: You like big words. Use them. Because you trying to blend in just confuses everyone.
Kallie: I never thought it was possible to be accepted by being myself...
Kallie: Or that I'd have so many people who care about me!
MC: Well, you're an ____ friend to all of us now!
   unwitting
   averse
   abashed
   inept
Kallie: Now who's using the intimidating vocabulary?
MC: I learned that from you. Don't be afraid to be who you are.
Autumn: MC's right. You don't have to change to impress anyone.
Kallie: Thank you for saying that.
Kallie: I feel so lucky that I've met you, MC. I don't know how I can repay you for your kindness.
MC: You can write me a...
   tribute
   paragon
   fiasco
   penchant
MC: Like a ballad, or a song, something really awesome and awe-inspiring!
Kallie: If that's what you want! Hee hee!
At that moment, Payton drops by.
Payton: Hey, guys, I'm glad I found you! Autumn, can you help me? I need some help refreshing the punch bowl...
Autumn: Of course!
Payton: We'll see you later, Kallie!
As Payton and Autumn head off, Julian makes his way through the crowd over to Kallie.
Julian: Kallie! Hey! You look nice.
Kallie: I do?
Kallie nervously tucks her hair behind her ear.
Kallie: Um, thank you very much.
Julian: You ready to have fun?
Kallie: Most definitely, yes!
---Part 4
At Payton's party, Julian is fulfilling his promise to show Kallie around...
Kallie: So, Julian, what precisely does one do when arriving at a party?
MC: Yeah, where do you even start?
Julian: Well, the first thing I do is go around and say hey to everyone. You know, so they know I'm here! Kallie, did you do that yet?
Kallie: Not exactly...
Julian: Then now is the perfect time!
You follow Julian as he steers Kallie into the middle of the living room.
Julian: Kallie, this is everyone... everyone, this is Kallie!
All the party-goers wave 'hi' to Kallie. She blushes beet red.
Kallie: Um, hello...
Julian: Kallie's tutoring me in vocab. She's really advanced. Hey, Kallie, you should impress us with some fancy words!
Kallie: Oh, um... this is quite the enjoyable party we're at! It's truly a jubilant event!
MC: 'Jubilant' means __, right?
   happy
   sad
   stinky
   frightening
   Kallie: Yes, it does!
Julian: See? Super smart. Anyway, now that's over with... are you hungry? Payton's got the best food.
Kallie: Yes! Comestibles sound perfectly delicious right about now...
MC: Comestibles? You mean...
   food
   drinks
   confetti
   unicorns
Kallie: Er, right. Snacks would be lovely.
Julian: I got it. Right this way... we've got your chips, your dip, your fun-sized candy...
Kallie grabs one of the chocolate bars.
Kallie: I didn't realize that fun-sized meant petite! They're so cute!
MC: And fun?
Kallie: I suppose so!
Payton: Come on, you guys! Hurry up and grab your food! We're playing charades!
You, Julian, and Kallie walk over to the living room where people have divided into two teams. Payton points to some empty chairs.
Payton: You guys are on the other team! And you're going down!
Julian: Don't talk big unless you can bring it!
Kallie: I thought you weren't supposed to talk at all in charades...
Kallie: I mean, I've never actually played it, but I did see this movie once in which they did...
Kallie: Well... I read the Wikipedia summary of a movie in which they did...
MC: You know the rules, right?
Kallie: It's acting something out while your teammates guess what you're doing, right? You have to improvise creatively!
MC: Yeah, you have to...
   make it up
   swear
   prepare
   joke around
Kallie: Improvising's not really my strong suit.
Julian: Hey, no need to worry. It's just a game. The point is to relax and have fun.
Payton: MC's team... your turn! Who's up first?
Kallie: Uh... um...
Julian: I'll go.
Julian takes a slip of paper from the bowl and starts acting. First, he makes a 'C' with his forefinger and thumb, closing the distance slowly between them.
MC: Uh... what is that?
Kallie: I know! He's making the gesture for something 'not large', something miniscule!
MC: Oh, you mean...
   small
   medium
   gargantuan
   scholarly
Julian nods, moving on to the next word. He shakes his head furiously and runs around the room.
Kallie: Uh, uh, it's a... tiny dissenting sprinter!
Payton: That's... not a thing?
MC: A short-distance runner?
Julian tries again. He strikes his foot on the ground as if pawing it. He shakes his head again as if tossing his head.
Kallie: Ooh! I got it! He's pawing the ground and neighing! He's an equine! A very small equine!
Julian gestures for you both to keep guessing.
MC: A very small equine... oh! She means 'Little Pony'! 'My Little Pony'!
Julian: YEAH! Got it in... well, four. But good enough!
Julian high-fives you and Kallie!
Kallie: Yes!
You and your friends go through several rounds, and eventually the two teams are tied!
Payton: Last round! If MC's team guesses this, they win! Kallie, it's all up to you!
Kallie: It is? I don't know if I can do it...
Julian: It's okay, Kallie. You've got this!
Kallie nods and pulls a paper slip out of a bowl. She reads it, looks at you nervously, and holds up three fingers.
MC: Three words!
Kallie holds up one finger, then mimes slipping a ring on her finger and holding a bouquet.
Julian: Bride! The first word is bride!
Kallie: ...!
Kallie holds up her third finger. She starts to walk stiffly in a circle, her arms outstretched, her face contorted in a gruesome grimace.
Julian: Zombie!
Julian: Bride of the Zombie Murderer! Nailed it!
MC: No, it's the Bride of...
Choice
What do you say?
   Chucky!
   Frankenstein!
if "Frankenstein" then skip to Kallie saying YES
if Chucky!" then
   Julian: No way, MC! I get it! It's the Bride of FRANKENSTEIN!
if MC runs out of time
   MC: Uh...
   Julian: Wait, I got it! It's the Bride of FRANKENSTEIN!
Kallie: YES!
Julian: And that's game! We won, Payton!
Payton: What? No way!
MC: Woo!
Kallie: I'm SO glad that you guessed it!
Julian: We make a pretty awesome team, huh?
MC: Yeah, we do!
Julian: Victory drinks! I'm grabbing a soda. Kallie, you want one?
Kallie: That would be lovely! After shouting out all those answers, my mouth's a little dry. I'm parched.
MC: Yeah, I'm also...
   thirsty
   hungry
   angry
   wistful
Kallie: Exactly! Is there lemonade?
Julian: I'll go check.
MC: Are you having fun?
Kallie: Yeah! Julian's so sweet.
if MC is dating Julian then
   Kallie: I believe I've said it before, but you really are so lucky you're dating him.
   MC: I like to tell him he's lucky to be dating me! I'm glad he's helping you settle in though. It's nice of him.
   Julian walks back with three drinks, tossing a soda can to you and handing a lemonade to Kallie.
   MC: Thanks, babe!
if Julian is single then
   Kallie: I'm surprised he isn't dating anyone. I would think many girls would love to be his paramour!
   MC: Maybe he's waiting for the right person. It's awfully nice of him to help you settle in...
 Kallie blushes and looks down as Julian walks back with three drinks, tossing a soda can to you and handing a lemonade to Kallie.
if Julian is dating someone other than MC then
   Kallie: It makes sense he's already dating someone else. They must be the luckiest person in the school.
   MC: Yeah. He's a great guy. It's nice of him to help you settle in.
   Julian walks back with three drinks, tossing a soda can to you and handing a lemonade to Kallie.
   MC: Thanks!
Kallie: So... that was a fun party! Thanks for showing me around!
Julian: You make it sound like this is the end of the night...
Kallie: Oh! There's more?
Julian: Are you kidding? The party's just getting started!
At Payton's party, you and Julian continue to show Kallie around!
Kallie: So what's up next? What would make this the quintessential high school party?
Julian: Well, you can't leave a high school party without going a little crazy on the dance floor.
Kallie: Oh really?
Julian: Oh man, is this some crazy Footloose thing where you've never danced before in your life?
Kallie: Of course I have. Just usually alone in my house without anyone watching. I'm perfectly certain no one wants to witness my attempts at dancing.
Julian: For once, you're dead wrong! I'm taking you to the dance floor. Now.
He turns to cut a path to the dance floor, gesturing for you to follow. Kallie turns to you.
Kallie: MC, help! I've never done anything like this, and Julian's going to know it the moment I get out there.
MC: You've been doing things that you've never done before all night, Kallie. This is just one more challenge!
MC: And anyone can dance. The hardest thing is not being afraid of looking a little silly... think positively!
Kallie: I can't think of anything except how insanely clumsy I'm going to look!
MC: Think of a time you were happy and...
   jubilant
   equine
   abashed
   parched
MC: Try to remember how that felt.
Kallie: I guess I felt pretty light, giddy, and excited...
MC: Focus on that instead of your nervousness... it'll help.
You and Kallie walk onto the dance floor as a fast song comes on.
Julian: Come on, Kallie... over here! Let's see some moves!
Kallie takes a deep breath and walks towards him.
Kallie: I'm jubilant, I'm happy, I'm excited... jubilant, happy, excited...
He spins her into him, and he and Kallie start dancing! You join a group of your friends! After a few songs, you meet up with Julian and Kallie.
Kallie: MC! Did you see it? I danced! In front of people!
Kallie: At least I think I did. It didn't look weird, did it?
Julian: You didn't look weird! You're a natural.
Kallie: Thanks! But perhaps we can obtain some water? I'm thirsty.
MC: Yeah, it's hot. I'm totally...
   parched
   miniscule
   verbose
   unwitting
Julian: Good thing I know what that word means now. This way!
At the drinks table, the three of you grab lemonade and sodas. From where you're standing, you spot Autumn singing karaoke.
Kallie: That looks like fun!
Julian: Then we're doing it! Come on!
Julian takes Kallie's hand and pulls her into the living room where Autumn is just finishing up her song.
Autumn: Perfect timing, you guys! You're up! Grab a mic!
Julian: Sure! Kallie, you want to hold it?
The song plays, and words pop up on the screen.
Kallie: Uhhh...
Kallie: Is it me, or is it a little hard to see the words? They're not big enough!
MC: Wow, those words are...
   miniscule
   verbose
   grandiose
   averse
Julian: Too late to change it now! We're singing in three... two...
Kallie: What should we do?
Julian: Time to make it up!
MC: All right, Kallie, let's...
   improvise
   mortify
   ameliorate
   enhance
MC: Sing it like you know it!
MC: I... am booked on peeling...
Kallie: I'm nigh on believing...
Julian: That you're in glove with me...
At the end of the song, everyone claps!
MC: That was awesome!
Kallie: I'd say our efforts were inaccurately enthusiastic!
Julian: You really rocked that, Kallie. You have a great voice.
Kallie: Uh, er, I mean... thank you.
Payton rushes into the room.
Payton: Guys, guys, guys... do you know what time it is?
Kallie: Bedtime?
Payton: Pool time! Grab your swimsuits and get in! Kallie, I've got a new suit you can wear! No excuses! Let's meet out at the pool in ten!
Ten minutes later, everyone heads outside and jumps into the pool. You dive in!
MC: YEAH!!!
Kallie dips a toe in the water at the side. She's still wrapped in a towel. Julian comes up to her side.
Julian: Are you going in? You can swim, right?
Kallie: Um, yes, I've taken lessons for years, but...
Kallie: Maybe it's not a good idea. I really shouldn't swim thirty minutes after eating food.
MC: Chocolate doesn't count as a...
   comestible
   cache
   paragon
   qualm
Kallie: Debatable. But there's no need for me to climb in! I can experience the pool from here.
Julian: You know what they say about experience...
Kallie: That you gain it with careful and cautious observation?
Julian: No! That it's better first-hand!
Julian pushes Kallie into the pool! She falls in with a splash!
Kallie: Ahhhhhh!
---Part 5
At Payton's party, Julian pushes Kallie into the pool!
Kallie: Ahhhhhh!
She swims to the surface, gasping.
Kallie: What... but... why?
Autumn: Julian!
MC: I can't believe you pushed her in!
Payton: You can't do that to a girl without warning her first! I just gave her a makeover!
Kallie: It's okay, really. I'm more accustomed to looking less made-up anyway.
Julian: You look great to me. Are you all right?
Kallie: Well, I am soaked. But don't worry...
Kallie: There is a way to rectify this...
MC: As in, there's a way to...
   correct it
   draft it
   wrong it
   cook it
Julian: What're we talking about here?
Kallie: Oh, simply help me out of here. Give me your hand, Julian...
Kallie moves to the edge of the pool and holds her hand out. Julian takes her hand... and she yanks him in!
Julian: Hey!
Kallie: It worked! Jinx!
Julian: That's not how jinxes work.
Kallie: Hijinx?
Autumn: Hee hee! Way to go, Kallie!
Julian: I can't believe Kallie actually played a trick on me!
Kallie: I'm not usually one for sneaky, diabolical plans, but I couldn't resist.
MC: Well, that was pretty...
   fiendish
   happy
   stupid
   innocent
Julian: I guess I can't complain after what I did to you. Besides, the water's fine.
Kallie: It IS nice in here.
Payton: And I know what would make this even more perfect! Pool Truth or Dare!
MC: I'm in. How about you, Kallie?
Kallie: What exactly is Truth or Dare?
Payton: You don't know? It's only about the greatest game ever!
Julian: Payton, you say that about every party game.
MC: Basically, we take turns choosing to answer a question truthfully or do a dare.
Payton: But because we're in a pool, it's POOL Truth or Dare.
Kallie: What kinds of dares are we talking about?
Julian: It can be anything... eating a bunch of hot chili peppers while swimming laps, jumping into the pool backwards, making out with someone underwater...
Kallie: You can do that?!
Payton: Hee hee... sounds like you're in!
Kallie: Uh, well, I guess I wouldn't mind participating... but I'm not sure I'll be choosing Dare!
MC: We'll try to go easy on you. All right, who's first?
Autumn: I'll go! And I pick Dare.
MC: I dare you to...
Choice
What do you say?
   Do a somersault underwater!
   Squeeze in an innertube with Julian!
if "Do a somersault underwater!" then
   Julian: What? You're totally letting her off easy!
   Autumn: Hee hee, well, I accept your challenge, MC!
   Autumn wades to the middle of the pool and gracefully turns a somersault underwater!
   Kallie: Very pretty, Autumn!
if "Squeeze in an innertube with Julian!" then
   Julian: What? But that inner tube's tiny!
   MC: Which is why it's a dare!
 Gingerly, Julian and Autumn get out of the pool and step into Payton's polka dot inner tube, bringing it up around themselves!
   Autumn: Whew, this thing's... huff, even tinier when you're wearing it!
   Julian: Nah, it's fine... we're good... breathe in... and um... oof!
   Autumn: Oh no! I can't stand up straight! I'm... eep!
   Autumn trips and falls into the pool, taking Julian with her! You snap photos of it on your phone!
   MC: Okay, you guys can get out now!
   Autumn and Julian shimmy out of the inner tube.
Autumn: Okay... I choose Payton next.
Payton: I pick Truth!
if Payton is single then
   Autumn: Okay, who do you think is the hottest person in our school?
if Payton is dating someone then
   Autumn: Okay, who do you think is the hottest person in our school? And you can't pick the person you're dating!
Payton: Oooh... um... er, well...
Payton ducks underwater and yells something out! She pops back to the surface.
Payton: Did you hear what I said? Because it was the absolute truth.
MC: All I heard was, 'Bbbbrrbbbbn'.
Julian: Which, of course, is me.
Payton: Hee hee, it's hard to be sure, isn't it? Okay, okay, Kallie's up next! What do you say? Truth or dare?
Kallie: Truth, please. I like to think of myself as perfectly candid.
MC: You mean you like to be...
   honest
   deceptive
   perceptive
   insightful
Kallie: In all things.
Julian: What about when you tugged me into the pool?
Kallie: Okay, maybe in most things.
Payton: Hey, be quiet, guys! Kallie said truth, and now I get to ask her a question!
MC: Go for it.
Payton: If you had to make out with someone here, who would it be?
Kallie: Er, did I say truth? I meant, DARE! Please, I take it back! Dare!
Payton: Hee hee! Well, I guess it would be too mean to dare you to make out with someone... that's not exactly the best way to have your first kiss!
Payton: How about this? I dare you to dive into the pool from the high diving board!
Kallie looks over at the high diving board and gulps.
MC: I didn't even know you could have a board that high in a personal pool.
Payton: I know, right?
Kallie: Do I have to jump right now?
Payton: Yep! That's the rule!
Julian: I believe in you, Kallie.
Kallie steels herself and hops out of the pool. She climbs up the diving board ladder, takes a running leap, and dives in with a huge splash!
Autumn: Yay!
MC: Woo hoo!
Kallie: I did it! Oh, wow, I really did it! Did you see that?
Payton: Are you glad you took the dare?
Kallie: It was stupendous! It was wonderful! I feel elated!
MC: That means Kallie feels...
   exhilarated
   unhappy
   squeamish
   sick
Kallie: Exactly! And that's precisely how it's been since I came to your school!
MC: That's us... an adventure a minute...
Kallie: You laugh, but I'm having so much fun with you guys! Let's just say this is pretty different from my usual evenings alone.
Kallie: Honestly, being by myself all the time became a little monotonous.
MC: You mean it was...
   boring
   interesting
   appalling
   bold
Kallie: Yes. It was.
Payton: Well, you don't have to be bored anymore! You're always invited to a Payton party! Anytime!
Kallie: Wouldn't that mean that you'd have to have a party all the time for that to be true?
Payton: I accept that challenge. Hee hee!
At Payton's party, you, Kallie, and all your friends are hanging out in the pool!
Julian: All right, truth or dare was fun, but I say it's time... for a chicken fight! Me and Kallie versus Payton and MC!
Kallie: Uh... sure! But... where do we acquire the chickens? And do we HAVE to make them fight?
Payton: Hee hee, a chicken fight is a pool game! You sit on Julian's shoulders, I sit on MC's shoulders, and we try to topple one another! First team to fall over loses!
Kallie: That sounds...
Julian: Incredibly fun? Come on, I won't let you fall!
Kallie: Um... okay...
Payton climbs onto your shoulders, as Kallie climbs on Julian's.
Autumn: Ready, you guys? And go!
Kallie: Ahhhhhhhh!
You and Julian run at each other! As you get close, Payton and Kallie start grappling and pushing! The water battle is splashy and fierce! At last...
MC: Payton...
Choice
What do you do?
   Splash Kallie!
   Tickle Kallie!
Payton: Sorry, Kallie, but...
if "Splash Kallie!" then
   Payton scoops up a handful of water and splashes Kallie in the face! In surprise, Kallie topples over!
if "Tickle Kallie!" then
   Payton sticks her hand out and tickles Kallie's stomach! Laughing, Kallie topples over!
Kallie: Eep!
Autumn: And the winners are MC and Payton!
Julian: Sorry, Kallie. I let you fall...
Kallie: It's okay! That was entertaining!
Julian: Yeah, except Payton and MC play cheap.
MC: We play to win!
A little later, as the evening turns dark, Payton brings out towels and blankets for everyone. You all bundle up and lie in chairs around the pool, talking as the stars appear in the sky.
Payton: Ahh... the perfect end to a perfect party! Wonderful people and a beautiful view of the night sky!
Kallie: Yeah, and the stars are really pretty tonight!
Julian: This is nothing. There's so much light around here, you can't even see the Milky Way! I'll take you out for some real star gazing some time.
Kallie: You? Star gazing?
Julian: Sure. What of it?
Kallie: Are you... joking? I can never tell...
Julian: Naw! I'm being totally honest!
MC: He's being quite...
   candid
   inept
   averse
   redundant
MC: Julian's actually an outdoorsy guy.
Julian: You have to come camping with me. Trust me. It'll change your life.
Kallie: This isn't some kind of fiendish plot, is it? You'll strand me out in the woods or something as a prank?
MC: No, Julian's not up to anything...
   diabolical
   frenetic
   unwitting
   verbose
Autumn: You can trust Julian on this. He just loves camping.
Payton: That sounds pretty exciting! I can picture it now... a cabin by the lake, scary movies on a big projector, sitting by the fireplace...
Julian: What? What kind of camping are you talking about?
Payton: The fun kind?
Julian: No, I'm talking about the REAL kind of camping where you pitch tents, forge trails, eat beans out of a can...
Payton: Ick!
Julian: All right, that's it. All of you HAVE to come camping with me. We're doing it the real way. The Julian way.
MC: I'm there!
Payton: I suppose I can try it...
Kallie: It sounds like it would be exquisitely exhilarating! Er, I mean, well, you know, it could be fun, I guess.
MC: No need to hide how __ you are.
   elated
   small
   thirsty
   ashamed
Kallie: I guess not!
Julian: Awesome. We'll go the weekend after the all-star game!
Kallie: If it's anything like tonight, I'm looking forward to it!
Julian: Oh yeah? What did you think of tonight?
Kallie: Well, I'd never been to a party before...
MC: I'm glad we could __ that.
   rectify
   stash
   improvise
   devise
Kallie: Me too!
Julian: And?
Kallie: I loved it!
Kallie: Between the dancing, the karaoke, and Pool Truth or Dare, there wasn't a boring moment all night!
MC: You could say it wasn't...
   monotonous
   miniscule
   averse
   inept
Kallie: Definitely not!
Kallie: You know, I want to thank you guys for showing me such a wonderful time. Payton, you lent me those high heels...
Kallie: Even though they killed my feet, no one's ever really shared anything with me before...
Payton: You're welcome to raid my closet anytime!
Kallie: And MC, you've been nothing but supportive since I came to your school.
MC: That's what friends are for.
Kallie: And of course, Julian, you... well, you promised to show me a good time, and you definitely did!
Julian: A promise is a promise.
Kallie: I guess I didn't realize how lonely I was until I had friends...
Kallie: But now, it's hard to imagine ever being lonely again.
MC: Awww...
Kallie: I guess the only thing left to say is... do you think we can have another party again tomorrow?
Payton: Hee hee, I like the way you think!
---Part 6
It's been a week since Payton's party, and you, Kallie, and Julian are walking to Kallie's house one day after school.
MC: Hey Kallie, thanks again for letting me and Julian come over to work on our group project.
Kallie: I am happy to help out. You can't imagine how ecstatic I am to put together a presentation on Hamlet. It is my unequivocal favorite of all the Shakespearean tragedies!
Kallie: I hope that one day I can write something that thoughtful and provocative!
Julian: Man, I just hope that we can get a good grade on this thing.
MC: It's okay, Julian. With Kallie in our group, a passing grade will be a piece of cake!
Julian: It's not that... I just found out I've gotta get at least a 95% on this presentation, or my overall grade in the class won't be high enough to play in the all-star game!
Kallie: Oh no! A failing grade would be pernicious to your football career!
MC: You mean it would be...
   damaging
   helpful
   beautiful
   healthy
Kallie: Exactly! We cannot allow that to happen!
Julian: I knew I could count on you!
A blush creeps up Kallie's neck.
Kallie: Well, um, let's begin! Our analysis of one of the themes from Hamlet must be meticulous, or Mr. Olson won't give us an A.
Kallie: We have to ensure our presentation is of the highest quality!
MC: Yeah, we have to...
   guarantee it
   correct it
   destroy it
   lose it
Kallie: So our presentation is on the theme of revenge in Hamlet! The play follows Prince Hamlet's emotional and psychological journey to avenge his father's death against his uncle Claudius.
Kallie: Hamlet's internal struggle and unwillingness to act ultimately results in tragedy.
Julian: You mean, the deaths of just about everyone in the play.
Kallie: Indeed.
Kallie: Mr. Olson likes a high level of detail. To flourish on this project, we must cite all examples of the theme!
MC: Yeah, that will really help us...
   succeed
   fail
   banter
   notice
Julian: Well, isn't ALL of Act V an example of revenge? That's when the major fighting and dying happens!
Kallie: Precisely. However, perhaps we should begin by locating slightly shorter examples.
MC: Let's start at the beginning with the ghost scene. That way we can track the theme throughout.
Kallie: Excellent idea, MC. Let's plot his revenge across all five acts.
Kallie: Hamlet was very rigorous in his desire for vengeance in this play. He refused to let it go!
MC: His pursuit of Cladius was quite...
   relentless
   fickle
   dull
   thrilling
The three of you work diligently for a few hours.
Kallie: I believe we are prepared to initiate our examination of Act IV and--
Kallie yawns mid-sentence.
MC: Maybe we should take a break...
Kallie: No, no. I'm not as fatigued as I seem, I can assure you. It's just--
Kallie yawns again.
Kallie: --rather late.
Julian: Why don't we grab some coffee so we can power through the last two acts? I know just the place!
Kallie: Oh, uh, certainly. The caffeine will most likely provide me with the stamina to continue.
MC: Let's go!
Together, the three of you head over to Coffee Espress, a nearby 24/7 coffeeshop. Julian marches right up to the counter.
Julian: Three regular coffees please, on me!
Kallie: Oh, uh... thanks, Julian!
Just then, a grumbling sound erupts, and Kallie clutches her stomach. She blushes bright red.
Kallie: Oh, I suppose I'm a little hungry, too.
Julian: And one croissant, too.
Kallie: Oh, um, that's really not necessary...
Julian: Don't worry about it.
After you've collected your drinks, the three of you take a seat on a couch in the corner.
Kallie takes one sip of her coffee and grimaces.
Kallie: That was... rather unpalatable.
MC: Not a big coffee drinker?
Kallie: No... I've never felt the need to consume copious amounts of caffeine since my mom often lets me sleep in a little on school days.
Kallie: Most of the time, we don't even begin until ten o'clock!
Julian: What? That's awesome.
Kallie smiles broadly and takes a big bite of her croissant.
Kallie: Mmmm... the coffee may be abhorrent, but this croissant is delectable.
Kallie finishes the pastry in a few more bites.
Kallie: That croissant was quite delicious. It truly assuaged my appetite!
MC: You mean it __ you?
   satisfied
   disappointed
   tickled
   hurt
Julian: Tell us more about being homeschooled, Kallie. It must be nice to have all your parents' attention to yourself.
Kallie: I adore being homeschooled! It's quite enjoyable to be taught by my mother. She's an excellent teacher!
Kallie: And being homeschooled allows me plenty of time to focus on my writing!
MC: That sounds awesome, Kallie!
Kallie: It is!
Kallie: Except...
Julian: What's wrong?
Kallie: Occasionally, I feel like I'm missing something... it did not occur to me until I attended Mr. Olson's class and met all of you.
Kallie: Everyone has been so kind to me. I wish that I could hang out with you, uh, I mean, everyone more often.
Kallie: I'm crestfallen that class will conclude so soon, and I will return to being exclusively homeschooled.
Julian: Why don't you transfer to our school?
Kallie: What?
Julian: It's perfect! You want to hang out with everyone more, right?
Kallie: Of course...
Julian: If you transfer in, we'll see you every day!
Kallie: Oh, that does sound lovely... however, I hesitate to broach the subject to my parents.
Julian: Why?
Kallie: Well... it's a rather, um, delicate topic in my family... because, uh, of my older sister...
MC: I didn't know you have an older sister. What's she like?
Kallie: She... well... that is to say... it's... it's difficult for me to talk about.
MC: Oh! I'm sorry Kallie. I didn't mean to pry.
Julian: Yeah, no pressure, Kal. And if you do decide you want to talk to your parents, we're definitely here for you!
MC: Whatever you decide, you have our full support!
Kallie: Thank you, MC. You're so-- oh!
Julian: What's wrong?
Kallie: It's so late! We should return to my house to complete our presentation posthaste!
MC: We can finish our coffees on the way!
Back at Kallie's house, you, Julian, and Kallie put the finishing touches on your poster about revenge in Hamlet.
Julian: If this isn't A+ material, I don't know what is!
MC: Yeah! We're definitely going to ace that presentation tomorrow!
Kallie: ...
MC: Kallie, are you okay?
Kallie: I apologize for being so, uh, distracted. I've been contemplating our conversation at the coffeeshop...
Kallie: And I've concluded I want to ask my parents about potentially transferring to your school!
Julian: Really? That's awesome!
MC: I'm sure you'll love it here!
Kallie: However... I'm concerned my parent's won't want to let me out of their sight. They can be very protective.
Kallie: And I know they're worried about the quality of my education plummeting.
MC: Just be open and honest with them. We can help you reassure them that your learning won't suffer.
Julian: Yeah, we've got your back!
Kallie: Thank you. Both of you. That sounds lovely. Let's locate my parents.
Together, the three of you go downstairs and find Kallie's parents in the living room.
Kallie: Mom, Dad, I would like to discuss something with you. Um... well, I've been considering this for a while now, and I believe... I mean, I KNOW, I would like to, uh, transfer to MC's school. If possible.
Kallie: N-Now, before you say anything, I know you, uh, have your concerns.
Kallie: And you won't be appeased unless I prove my education won't suffer.
MC: Let us __ your fears!
   assuage
   flourish
   improvise
   rectify
MC: Our school has top-notch teachers!
Julian: And we have lots of clubs and stuff, so Kallie will have lots of extra-curriculars to choose from!
Julian: Those are very important for college applications!
Kallie: Furthermore...
Kallie: Teachers like Mr. Olson will see to it that I receive a superb education.
MC: They will __ it!
   ensure
   improvise
   flourish
   assuage
Kallie: As you know, Mr. Olson has been nothing but kind to me since I began that class...
MC: And he is just one of many wonderful teachers our school has to offer!
Kallie: Of course, the caliber of teachers is not the only consideration when choosing a school.
MC: Our state test scores are also very strong!
Julian: And we have lots of smart people in our class!
Kallie: Based on my experience thus far, I can promise that you have no need to worry about the quality of education I would receive.
Kallie: MC's school is quite thorough in its curriculum.
MC: It's very academically...
   rigorous
   mortified
   inept
   redundant
Kallie: I know I was fortunate to have such a phenomenal teacher for so many years, Mom.
Kallie: However, recently I've, uh, begun to feel as though I'm missing out on the... well, the 'normal' high school experience.
Kallie: I crave social interactions with people my own age. I love you two so much. I couldn't hope for better parents.
Kallie: But I believe I can grow academically and socially at MC's school.
MC: She would certainly...
   flourish
   ameliorate
   improvise
   rectify
MC: Kallie already fits in with our classmates.
Julian: Yeah, they all love her!
Kallie: Of course, in any new environment, there is the possibility of meeting people who would be a bad influence on me.
Kallie: And delinquent classmates would be harmful to my learning...
MC: But I promise our friends aren't...
   pernicious
   redundant
   verbose
   frenetic
Kallie: Yes, everyone at MC's school is quite responsible and studious.
Kallie: In conclusion, Mom, Dad, will you, uh, at least consider allowing me to transfer?
Kallie's face falls when her parents don't immediately respond.
Kallie: I know you're worried that history will repeat itself, but I'm not like her.
Kallie's mom and dad give each other a look.
MC: Julian, maybe we should leave and let them have a family discussion.
Julian: What? Oh... right. We'll see you tomorrow, Kallie.
Kallie: Um, okay. Goodnight.
You and Julian quietly leave Kallie's house. You hear Kallie and her parents begin their discussion as you shut the front door.
Julian: I hope they let her transfer...
MC: Me too. But for now, we have to focus on our presentation!
Julian: Right! Better get a good night's sleep so we're ready to go tomorrow! Catch ya later, MC!
The next day, the three of you present your poster on the theme of revenge in Hamlet.
After class, Mr. Olson calls Julian back into the classroom. You and Kallie wait for Julian in the hall.
Kallie: I hope Julian isn't experiencing any problems with Mr. Olson.
MC: Yeah... hey, how did your talk with your parents go after we left?
Kallie: I believe it was satisfactory... we didn't come to an agreement, but they said they would, um, consider my proposition.
MC: That's good, right?
Kallie: It is indeed preferable to an explicit 'no,' but it's still, uh, difficult to determine what they're thinking...
At that moment, Julian bursts out of the classroom with a huge smile on his face.
Julian: We did it!
Kallie: What?
Julian: We did it! He gave us an A+! I can play in the game, free and clear!
Kallie: Congratulations, Julian! I'm so delighted for you! After all of your hard work and tenacity, you truly deserve it!
Julian: Thanks, Kallie. I couldn't have done it without you!
Kallie blushes deeply.
Julian: Look out, all-stars! Here I come!
---Part 7
It's the day of the all-star game! You, Payton, and Autumn wait eagerly at the entrance to the school's football field.
Autumn: This is so exciting! It'll be fun to see everyone play!
Payton: Squee! I know! I can't wait!
Suddenly, Kallie runs up to you, her back bent under a heavy backpack.
Kallie: Apologies for being so tardy! But I had so many items to pack for my very first football game...
Payton: Pack? What did you bring?
Kallie: Well, I wasn't completely sure what I'd need...
Kallie: I've got sunscreen and a hat for sunny weather, an umbrella and jacket for bad weather, a thermos with hot tea for cold weather... and that only covers the inclement weather portion...
Payton: You've packed more in here than I pack for sleepovers!
MC: And that's saying something. The last sleepover we had, Payton packed for a week!
Payton: You need one outfit per hour for every social event! It's like, a scientific fact!
You and your friends find seats in the bleachers as the all-star football players run onto the field, helmets in hand, waving at the crowd!
One of them almost knocks Kallie over!
Kallie: Ack!
MC: Kallie, are you okay?
Kallie: I'm more surprised than anything else!
Kallie: I didn't realize how intense everyone would be! The crowd is so fervid!
MC: Football fans can be rather...
   passionate
   bored
   sad
   rebellious
Kallie: Yes, I see that! Is this what football games are normally like?
Payton: Yup! And that goes double for the all-star game! Everyone's favorite football players from all the high schools in the area are playing today. Julian's the running back for the North League.
Autumn: There he is! Go Julian!
Kallie: Go Julian!
From the entrance on the other side, players in green jerseys stream onto the field.
Kallie: Are those the guys we're playing against?
Payton: Yep... and ooh, who's THAT guy?
Autumn: That's the quarterback for the South League team! He's looking right at us!
Connor: ...
Payton: I don't mind looking right back!
Kallie: Huh, he looks...
Payton: Really hot?
Kallie: I was actually going to say that he looks a bit familiar. But it's ludicrous to think I'd know a football player for the opposing team.
MC: Oh look, kickoff!
The football game starts! On the very first play, your team intercepts the pass! Fans in your section leap to their feet and cheer!
Payton: Yeah! That was awesome!
MC: Woo hoo!
Kallie: Whoa, wait, what happened? Did we score?
Autumn: Hee hee... one of our players stole the ball from the other side. So now we have a better chance TO score.
Kallie: Oh... I tried reading up on all the rules of football last night, but I have to admit, it's quite confusing!
Kallie: That's why I usually abhor watching sports games. I never understand what's going on...
MC: I'd ___ watching too if I was confused.
   hate
   enjoy
   delay
   support
Payton: I totally know what you mean, Kallie. I used to be so NOT interested in watching the game.
Payton: But once I learned the basics, it was easier to get into it! And the most fun part is cheering along with everyone else!
Kallie: What are the basics?
Payton: Ooh, now I get to teach YOU something! Exciting!
Payton: Okay, well... the big thing is that you want your team to get the ball into the other team's end zone. But I mostly just cheer whenever I see Julian running a lot!
Kallie: Okay! That seems easy enough... but what stops Julian from running a lot?
MC: The other team's defense. If you look right now, you can see they're forming a defensive line to keep him from moving down the field...
Kallie: The other team seems hard to get by! Their line looks impervious!
MC: It can seem...
   impenetrable
   quick-witted
   oblivious
   serious
MC: That's why our players try to create a gap in the line by blocking!
You watch the quarterback hand the ball off to Julian, who starts running down the field with it...
Payton: This is what I'm talking about, Kallie! He's taking off! Here's your chance!
Kallie jumps up with the rest of your school and starts cheering!
Kallie: Keep on going, Julian! Your ability to be tenacious will soon be rewarded!
MC: Tenacious? You're saying he's...
   determined
   reverent
   strong
   quick
Kallie: Yep! He seems quite intent on winning!
Payton: I like your enthusiasm, but you should try something shorter like...
Autumn: GO JULIAN!
Payton: ...that.
Kallie: GO JULIAN!
Julian runs down the field, dodging past the other team! He cuts quickly past a defender and into the end zone!
Kallie: He's met his objective! TRIUUUUUUMPH!
MC: I think you mean...
MC: TOUCHDOWN!
Kallie: Woo! This has been most exhilarating! I'm glad you invited me out here! I do enjoy the time we spend together, MC.
MC: Ha ha... speaking of which, any news from your parents? Are they going to let you enroll in our school?
Kallie: They haven't decided yet, but I hope to hear soon as the deadline to enroll for next semester is approaching. For now, all I can do is wait anxiously!
MC: Try not to do that.
Kallie: Yeah... oh, look, they're starting up again!
The game continues! By the fourth quarter, your team is down by several points!
Kallie: Do we have any hope of winning?
Autumn: It all comes down to these last few plays. We need a touchdown to win.
Kallie: What's the probability of us doing that?
MC: I don't know... but I can tell you that I trust our team to do it!
Payton: Here goes!
The quarterback snaps the ball and hands it off to Julian! He starts down the field, but one of the defenders breaks free and leaps at him!
Julian: Ahh!
Julian goes down in a flying tackle!
Kallie: Oh no, is Julian hurt? I've never felt such trepidation!
MC: I'm sure we have nothing to...
   fear
   yell
   control
   sing
MC: People get tackled all the time. That's why they wear helmets.
But Julian doesn't get up right away. The coach from your school kneels next to Julian, shielding your view!
Payton: Oh no...
MC: ...
At the all-star football game...
Julian was tackled while running downfield and hasn't gotten up!
Kallie: Can you see what's going on, MC?
MC: Not really. There are too many people crowded around him...
Kallie: I'm so ovecome with fear that I might faint!
MC: I know. I'm also feeling some of that...
   trepidation
   qualm
   comestible
   aggravation
Autumn: Come on, Julian... stand up...
Payton: Please...
Kallie: I hope he's not badly hurt. I hate that we can't help!
MC: I __ it, too.
   abhor
   improvise
   rectify
   ameliorate
After several excruciating minutes... the crowd parts, and you see the rival quarterback from South League help Julian to his feet!
Connor: You all right, buddy?
Julian: Heh. I've had worse.
The football players get into position again.
Autumn: Julian's okay!
Payton: Of course he is! There was never any doubt!
Kallie: Well, there was momentary doubt... but I'm glad it was all for naught.
MC: And it looks like he's still in the game!
The play starts again, and this time, Julian runs the ball right into the end zone! North League wins the game!
Payton: We won!
Autumn: We did it!
MC: YEAH!
Kallie: GO JULIAN!
Kallie: Did I do it right that time? It felt like I did it right!
Around you, everyone stands up, and you all swarm the field! You and your friends quickly surround Julian. Kallie gives Julian a big hug.
Kallie: I'm pleased to see you're all right!
MC: Yeah, you had us worried there.
Julian: What, that? I'm fine!
Julian: Nothing can stop me!
MC: When you say it like that, you seem...
   impervious
   verbose
   grandiose
   averse
Kallie: Well, I'm so glad you're all right. You were wonderful! And the game was so much fun!
Kallie: Albeit a bit barbaric and shockingly violent... but fun!
Julian: So you liked your first football game?
Kallie: How could I not? I didn't realize that it could be like this! The energy, the excitement, the nervousness!
Kallie: I'd get so anxious when the other team had the ball... and SO elated when we moved down the field!
Julian: Looks like football's got a new fan!
MC: You sound as __ as everyone else!
   fervid
   verbose
   inept
   miniscule
Kallie: Hee hee. I'm not sure if I've been completely won over. But I hope this isn't my last game!
Julian: A bunch of us are grabbing pizza now. Are you guys free?
Payton: A pizza party? I'm in!
MC: Me too!
Autumn: After a win like that? Of course!
Kallie: And I'd love to--
Suddenly Kallie's phone starts buzzing. She frowns.
Kallie: I apologize, but it's my parents. I'm not sure what they want...
Kallie steps aside to take the call. When she comes back, she's smiling widely.
Kallie: Oh my goodness, you guys! My parents said I can go to your school! I'm in! I'm in! They just finished the paperwork and everything!
Kallie: It's all thanks to you, MC! They're impressed by how good of an influence you are.
Kallie: If you hadn't convinced me to ask them, I would still be homeschooled and alone. I'm glad you didn't give up on me.
MC: I like to think of myself as...
   tenacious
   averse
   fervid
   unwitting
if Julian is single then
   Julian: Congratulations, Kallie!
   Julian gives her a big hug, then takes her hand. Kallie blushes.
   Julian: Now come on! We have twice the reason to celebrate!
if Julian is dating someone then
   Julian gives Kallie a high-five.
   Julian: Congratulations, Kallie! Now we have twice the reason to celebrate!
   Julian: Are you ready to head out?
   Kallie: Yes!
As you walk to the parking lot, your group runs into the quarterback from the other team.
Connor: Kallie? Is that really you?
Kallie: Er, yes? I am Kallie.
Connor: I can't believe it!
Connor sweeps Kallie up in a huge hug!
Kallie: Do I... know you?
Connor: You don't remember?
Payton: Yeah, how could you forget a face like that?
Kallie: Actually, wait a moment... you're Connor Gunn! I thought you looked familiar, but I didn't think it was really you...
Julian: How exactly do you know the quarterback from our rival team?
Connor: Kallie and I go way back. We used to be neighbors in grade school...
Connor: Kallie, are you free this weekend? I'd like to catch up. There are some things I've been meaning to tell you.
Kallie: Uh, er, well... I should be free unless I am tutoring...
She looks to you and Julian.
Julian: Uh...
MC: We hadn't planned on anything.
Kallie: Then it appears I am available.
Connor: Great. I'll call you.
Kallie: Do you need my number?
Connor: Nope, I remember. Unless you've changed it.
With a last nod to Julian and the rest of your group, Connor walks off.
Payton: Ooooh, Kallie! This is exciting! That guy is SO into you!
Kallie: What? No, he isn't. He can't be.
Payton: He asked you out on a date!
Julian: It didn't sound like a date.
Kallie: I hope it's not! Maybe I shouldn't have agreed to see him. It's been several years since we've actually talked. He used to be my best friend until...
Autumn: Until?
Kallie: He left. I hadn't heard from him for a few days, and when I went to visit his house, it was empty. My parents told me his family had moved away.
Kallie: I never received a satisfactory reason why. He didn't even leave me a note.
Payton: Wow, now you HAVE to go see him on Saturday! Don't you want to know why your best friend moved away without a word?
Kallie: I suppose you're right. But it's still not a date.
Payton: Hee hee, I guess we'll have to see!
---Part 8
It's the Friday after the all-star game. You're walking with Payton after school when Kallie runs up to you, frantic.
Kallie: MC! Payton!
MC: Kallie! What's up?
Kallie: I could really use your guidance and expertise. You remember Connor?
Payton: Uh, yeah! How could I forget? He's the really cute quarterback from the all-star game!
Kallie: I just got off the phone with him. He wants to meet with me at the arcade! Tomorrow!
MC: That's great!
MC: ...isn't it?
Kallie: Yes. I suppose. I mean, I ~think~ so.
Payton: It would be a good time to catch up. You haven't seen each other in years, right?
Kallie: That's just it. I haven't seen him in a long time. I don't know him as well as I used to.
Kallie: Every time I think of spending time with him, my stomach starts fluttering! I can't curtail my anxiety.
MC: You're having trouble __ your nerves.
   lessening
   increasing
   sleeping
   kissing
MC: It's a pretty nerve-wracking situation. How can we help?
Kallie: You and Payton can come with me!
MC: Is that a good idea? Won't Payton and I get in the way?
Kallie: It's ~not~ a date. It's just, uh, a ~thing~ between friends, and friends invite more friends when they do things, right?
Payton: Of course they do! If you really want us to come with you, then we will! We've got your back!
Kallie: Oh, thank you, Payton! Thank you, MC! I have to go prepare!
Kallie runs off, leaving you and Payton behind.
MC: So... Kallie and Connor, huh? And you're really okay hanging out with them?
Payton: Normally, I wouldn't like being the third and fourth wheels on a two-wheel date...
MC: I don't know if that's actually a phrase.
Payton: But I don't want him to hurt her again.
MC: Payton...
Payton: You saw how upset she was, MC! I'm not leaving them alone until I'm sure he won't abandon her again like when they were kids.
On Saturday, you and Payton meet Kallie at the arcade. Inside, Connor is waiting.
Connor: Kallie! You came! With more people?
Kallie: I hope it's all right! I brought my good friends, MC, and Payton!
Payton: That's okay with you, right Connor?
Connor: Of course. The more, the merrier.
The four of you make your way toward the blinking, buzzing games. You walk past the prize counter with the long line of customers, tickets in hand.
Kallie: Oh, look at all the giant teddy bears! That wall is adorned with prizes!
MC: You mean the wall is __ with them!
   decorated
   emptied
   charged
   linked
Kallie: Precisely. Oh, I want that large, pink one at the top!
Connor: Then I guess we'd better get to the games. I already got some tokens, but it looks like we'll need more... I only got enough for two.
Connor leads the way to the token machine.
Payton: So, Connor, how'd you two meet?
Connor: Well, that's kind of a funny story...
Kallie: Yes, it was. It was back when we were in grade school.
Connor: Kallie and I were neighbors, but we didn't hang out all that much on account of Kallie being homeschooled. So one Saturday, it was raining a lot, and I'd been playing in the mud...
Connor: When I realized I'd locked myself out of my own house! So naturally, I went over to Kallie's house to see if I could call my mom...
Kallie: And when I answered the door, all I could see was a muddy boy!
Connor: She slammed the door in my face, yelling, 'Mom, there's a dirty uncouth youth at the door!'
MC: She would say 'uncouth' instead of...
   unrefined
   genteel
   mellow
   nervous
Payton: That's our Kallie!
Connor: Yeah, she sure does have a way with words. I used to tease her about it when we were kids.
Kallie: You have just as extensive of a vocabulary as I do!
Connor: I'm just not as highfalutin.
Kallie: Hey!
Connor grabs the tokens from the machine and hands them out.
Connor: All right, where to first? Kallie, still partial to skee ball?
Kallie: Um... sure!
The four of you weave your way through the rows of flashing arcade games until you reach the skee ball wall at the back.
Connor: Kallie never misses at skee ball. She's, as she would say, infallible.
MC: You mean Kallie...
   never fails
   never wins
   always misses
   always plays
Kallie's face turns bright red as a blush creeps up her cheeks.
Kallie: I'm not, uh, ~that~ accomplished.
Connor: Don't be modest, Kal. I bet some of your old records still stand on these machines.
Payton: Now ~that's~ impressive.
Connor: We used to come here all the time as kids. All right, Kallie. Show 'em how it's done.
Kallie: If you insist...
Kallie feeds her tokens to the machine and takes her stance as the balls roll down the ramp. She picks one up, does a practice swing, and lets the ball go!
It rolls up the ramp and hops directly into the 100 point slot!
MC: Whoa!
Kallie grabs the next ball and gives it the same gentle roll. It also lands in the 100 point slot!
Payton: Nice one, Kallie!
Ball after ball, Kallie hits the 100 point slot each time!
Payton: Woohoo! Go Kallie!
Connor: She's on a roll!
As the final ball rattles down the 100 slot, the machine goes wild, beeping and flashing! It starts spitting out hundreds of tickets!
Kallie starts collecting the tickets as her face blushes a deeper red. All around, the other arcade customers clap and cheer at the record-setting score!
Connor: Just like old times, right Kallie?
Kallie: I, uh, suppose so. It is quite similar. Should we move to another game?
Payton: Why don't we take a break and grab some snacks? I could use a latte! Of the peppermint variety, of course.
The four of you begin threading your way through the arcade games to the snack bar near the front.
Payton: So, Connor, Kallie says that you two used to be really close. What happened?
Kallie: Payton!
Payton: What? You did. I'm just curious as to why he would move away without a word. Don't you want to know why he left?
Kallie: Well...
Connor: Kallie?
Kallie: I've always pondered why you left. It's bothered me ever since.
MC: You must've ___ it a lot.
   thought about
   eaten
   ruffled
   borrowed
Connor: I'm so sorry Kallie. I should've talked to you about this a long time ago, but...
Connor: It's a long story.
Payton: We have the time now.
Connor: Well...
Connor clears his throat.
Connor: It's a long story...
Payton: We have time now. And Kallie deserves to know why you abandoned her.
MC: Payton...
Connor: No, MC, it's okay. Payton's right. Kallie should know why I left so suddenly. Here goes...
Connor: One day, I came home, and my parents told me that my grandfather was very ill and we had to visit him right then...
Kallie: Oh, Connor, that's tragic.
Connor: I didn't really know him that well... he passed away not long after we went to stay with him, and he left us his home. It's upstate in the middle of nowhere... no internet, no phone lines, just nature.
Connor: My parents are dedicated survivalists. They thought it was the perfect place to teach me how to live off the land. So we just stayed there.
Connor: I was stuck. I couldn't call you and explain, even though I really wanted to...
Kallie: Oh, Connor...
Payton: But you came back!
Connor: My parents decided to put me back in regular school when I was fourteen, but at that point... well...
Connor: I wasn't even sure if Kallie still lived in the same house or would ~want~ to hear from me! Years had passed without a word... I didn't know what to do.
Connor: I felt like just showing up at her door would be, well, rude.
MC: It might've been a little...
   uncouth
   redundant
   pernicious
   unwitting
Connor: And the longer I waited, the harder it was to do anything...
Kallie: It does seem like a very tough situation.
Kallie: It's just... I went to your house one day and you were gone! I was so... ~melancholy.~
Kallie: When I discovered you were gone, I cried for days. I couldn't ease my sadness...
MC: It's hard to ___ your emotions.
   curtail
   adorn
   rectify
   improvise
MC: Especially when your best friend leaves without an explanation.
Connor: Kallie, do you think you'll ever be able to forgive me? Can we be friends again?
Kallie: Um...
Payton: Maybe you should think about it, Kallie.
MC: Yeah, take your time. It's a lot to...
   ponder
   ameliorate
   abhor
   flourish
Kallie: That might be so... but to be honest, I've already made up my mind.
Kallie: Connor, when you left, you broke my heart. However, now that you've returned, we have a second chance.
Connor: I'm really glad you feel that way. So... friends?
Kallie: Well, I don't know if I'm ready for that quite yet... but someday, yes, I believe we can be friends again. Now, come on, let's grab these tickets and get something cuddly and adorable from the prize wall!
The four of you get in line for the prize wall. You, Payton, and Connor hand all your tickets to Kallie.
MC: Here you go, Kallie! With all these tickets, you should be able to get one of the biggest prizes!
Kallie: Oh! Thank you, all of you. I think I'll get that pink bear I saw earlier!
Payton: And I can help you dress up your new stuffed bear with a bow!
MC: Yeah, you could ___ it!
   adorn
   improvise
   ensure
   rectify
Kallie: That's a superb idea, Payton!
Kallie finally reaches the front of the line. You, Payton, and Connor step aside to let Kallie reach the counter.
Payton: Well, Connor, I'm glad you weren't actually a jerk to Kallie all those years ago. I mean, you ~could've~ done more to contact her, but at least you didn't purposefully break her heart.
Connor: Uh... thanks, I guess.
Payton: Now that ~that's~ all been settled... this has been fun! We should all hang out more often.
Connor: Well, what're y'all doing next weekend?
Payton: Oh... we're going camping with Julian next weekend...
Payton: Well, ~they~ are. I don't do camping without running water!
Connor: Julian's that quarterback, right? From the all-star game?
Payton: Yup, that's him!
Just then, a giant teddy bear approaches your group!
MC: Kallie?
Kallie: I'm here! Behind the bear!
Connor grabs the bear from Kallie and sets it to the side.
Kallie: What did I miss?
MC: We were just telling Connor about our camping trip next weekend.
Payton: Connor! You should go with them!
Kallie: Indeed, that's a wonderful idea!
Kallie: When it comes to surviving in the wilderness, I'm sure Connor's advice would be quite dependable!
MC: In fact, it would be...
   infallible
   inept
   monotonous
   diabolical
Payton: So it's settled! Connor will go camping with you guys! I'm so excited!
Kallie: But Payton, you aren't even accompanying us!
Payton: But it'll be so fun for ~you!~ I can't wait!
---Part 9
The night before the camping trip, you and Payton are hanging out at Kallie's house!
Payton: So Kallie... how are you feeling about this big trip?
Kallie: A bit overwhelmed actually. I have my camping supplies ready, but I haven't even thought about how to pack!
Kallie: My parents bought this duffel bag for me. Do you think it'll be sufficient for a bucolic trip into the woods?
MC: The duffel is great for a __ trip.
   countryside
   urban
   smart
   loud
Kallie: Well, that's settled!
Kallie: Of course, I still need to determine what goes in it!
Payton: That's where I come in! I'm the packing queen! Let's see what you've got...
Payton strolls over to the closet door and throws it open.
Payton: Hmm...
Kallie: Oh! I know!
Kallie: I own a pair of overalls. I can wear them in rainy or sunny weather! They're so versatile!
MC: You mean they're...
   all-purpose
   pointless
   stylish
   unappealing
Kallie: Exactly! What do you think, Payton?
Payton: Well... overalls are fine for romping around in the woods and getting dirty...
if Payton is dating Kallie then
   Payton: But what about something cute for stargazing?
   Kallie: Why would I need to look cute for stargazing?
   Payton: You never know when someone will snap a pic! You must always be prepared! Now, let's see...
if Payton is not dating Kallie then
   Payton: But what about something cute for cuddling under the stars... or making out by the campfire?
   Kallie: Will there, uh, be a lot of making out by the campfire?!
 Payton: Hee hee, you never know! You don't want to rule it out! Besides, if nothing else, you want to be cute for all the photos you'll be taking. Now, let's see...
Payton: Oh! Perfect!
Payton grabs a few items from the closet and arranges them on the bed.
Payton: What about this red cable-knit sweater over jeans? Throw on some cute boots and an orange scarf, and you'll have the perfect outdoorsy look!
Kallie: That does seem more manageable than the unwieldy overalls. With so much less material, I'll be unencumbered!
MC: Those clothes are totally...
   unrestricting
   baggy
   trendy
   adorable
Kallie: I greatly appreciate all your help, Payton.
Kallie: I wish you ~were~ coming with us. What will I do if I need advice?
Payton: MC can help you! MC helps me all the time.
MC: Besides, what do you have to worry about?
Kallie: Well, it's been a while since I've spent so much time with Connor...
Kallie: Even as a young child, Connor could be rather indecipherable.
Kallie: Sometimes Connor seemed very aloof when we were growing up.
MC: You mean he was...
   distant
   clingy
   cheeky
   witty
Kallie: Precisely. And hanging out with him the other day was, uh, quite enjoyable, but it's just...
Kallie: different.
MC: Well, you aren't kids anymore. Both of you have changed since he moved away.
if Kallie is single then
   Kallie: I know, but...
   Payton: What?
   Kallie: Well... he was, kind of, sort of, my, uh... first crush!
   Payton: What?! Why didn't you say so sooner? We wouldn't have third-wheeled so hard if we'd known!
   Kallie: Oh, no, I'm glad you two came with us! I don't have a crush on him ~anymore.~ That's all in the past now.
   Payton: Does that mean you have a ~new~ crush?
   Kallie: A new-- of course not... I mean, uh...
   MC: It's okay, Kallie. You don't have to answer. Payton is just teasing you.
 Payton: But seriously, Kallie, you should be careful around Connor. He seems like a nice guy, but MC's right. The two of you have changed a lot...
if Kallie is dating someone then
   Payton: Especially Connor.
Kallie: What do you mean?
Payton: Well... I might've looked Connor up, and all his social media accounts seem to suggest that he's a bit of a heartbreaker...
Payton: He's pretty popular, and it looks like ~lots~ of people have crushes on him. ~Unrequited crushes.~
Kallie: I didn't realize that Connor had changed ~so much~.
Kallie: Connor doesn't appear to have the most sterling reputation...
MC: Yeah, his reputation isn't...
   excellent
   terrible
   stinky
   playful
Payton: I just want you to be careful, okay?
Kallie: Thank you for, um, looking out for me, Payton, but...
Kallie: Connor and I... well, we're still trying out this whole friendship thing. So, no need to worry about me.
Payton: Just making sure...
The three of you continue packing until Kallie's duffel bag is full. You help Kallie pull the zipper closed.
MC: So, do you feel ready for this trip, Kallie?
Kallie: Uh... I think so? I'm all packed, but I feel like I don't truly know what to expect on this trip...
MC: Don't worry, Kallie. I'll be there to help you!
Kallie: Thanks, MC.
MC: Of course! That's what friends are for!
MC: Oh! It's pretty late. Payton and I should probably get going so you can get a good night's sleep. And I still have to pack!
The next morning, you meet Julian and Kallie at the front steps of your school.
Julian: Hey, Kallie. Hey, MC. Are you two ready for a fun weekend of camping?
MC: Sure thing!
Kallie: As ready as humanly possible!
Julian: That's good, I guess.
Julian: So, when is this Connor guy gonna get here? It's cool of him to offer to drive, but we want to get an early start up the mountain.
Just then, Connor's truck comes rumbling into view.
Connor: Mornin'. Hope y'all are ready for an adventure!
Kallie: Greetings, Connor!
You yank open the truck door... and are immediately bowled over by something very large and furry!
MC: Whoa! It's a bear!
Kallie: No, it's a Tibetan mastiff! They're intelligent and loyal dogs. But they ~can~ get rather big.
The dog bounds over to Kallie, knocking her over, too. She throws her arms around him, and he licks her face.
Connor: Looks like he remembers you, Kal.
Julian: What's his name?
Connor: You should ask Kallie. She chose it.
MC: Hmm, what would Kallie name a dog?
Kallie: I'd name him something that reflects his intelligence, loyal nature, and beautiful fur! He's an excellent dog.
MC: I bet his name is...
   sterling
   penchant
   tribute
   diabolical
Kallie: Good guess, MC! 'Sterling' is the name I picked out for him! Isn't it perfect?
Connor: That it is. Now, Sterling, let the lady stand up.
Sterling dances around Connor's legs as he helps Kallie to her feet.
Connor: Sorry about that. Sterling gets excited when he's off the leash.
MC: You mean when he's totally...
   unencumbered
   candid
   inept
   parched
Connor: Exactly. He loves to run around free.
Julian: Most dogs do. Especially ones his size. How much does he weigh? A hundred pounds?
Connor: A hundred and three. But don't worry. He's well-trained. He'll behave during the drive.
MC: Speaking of which, should we hit the road?
Connor: Oh yeah!
You, Kallie, and Julian throw your bags in the back and then pile into the truck. Kallie sits between you and Julian with Sterling at her feet.
Once everyone is settled into their seats, Connor pulls the truck out onto the main road.
Julian: Hey, thanks for driving us to the campsite, Connor. This is a nice ride.
Connor: She's a beauty, that's for sure. I helped my pop fix 'er up.
Julian: It seems like it'll be able to handle the windy mountain roads well!
Connor: This truck can handle smooth city roads ~and~ rough mountainous terrain!
MC: So you could say it's...
   versatile
   redundant
   tenacious
   jubilant
Connor: She better be, after all the work we put in! She can manage just about anything.
Julian: I wish I had a ride like this...
Connor and Julian start talking about cars so fast that you and Kallie can't get a word in. Kallie gives you an uncertain look, and you just shrug your shoulders. Finally, Kallie interrupts.
Kallie: Why don't we all, uh, play a game of some sort?
MC: That's a great idea!
Connor: We could play that game we used to play as kids, Kallie.
Julian: How do you play?
Connor: Well, it's kinda like 'I Spy,' but we would use 'Kallie words' to describe the objects.
MC: 'Kallie words'?
Connor: Yeah. Like, if I were to describe that house up ahead on the left, I'd say...
Connor: I spy something that is... dilapidated! Decrepit! Ramshackle! In disrepair! Run-down!
Kallie: And he continues naming synonyms until someone else guesses the object correctly!
Julian: Sounds easy enough.
Connor: Excellent! Who wants to go first?
Kallie: I spy... something that is... scarlet, vermillion, carmine...
MC: That car behind us!
Kallie: Nope! It's something crimson... maroon... cochineal!
Connor: Oh! The 'STOP' sign!
Kallie: Precisely! Now it's your turn, Connor!
Connor: Hmmm... I spy something that is...
Connor: Unhurried! Leisurely! Sluggish! Dawdling!
MC: Hmm... it sounds like...
Choice
What do you say?
   A car!
   A billboard!
   A tree!
if "A car!" then
   Connor: Exactly! It's that car in the next lane.
   Kallie: Nice one, MC!
if "A billboard!" then
   Connor: Not quite, MC.
   Kallie: Is it that car in the next lane over?
   Connor: Exactly!
if "A tree!" then
   Connor: Not quite, MC.
   Kallie: Is it that car in the next lane over?
   Connor: Exactly!
You continue to play the game as Connor drives up the mountain!
Connor: Julian, why don't you give it a shot? You haven't gone yet.
Julian: Uh... no thanks.
Kallie: Julian, you've hardly guessed at all this game.
MC: Yeah, you've been rather...
   aloof
   fervid
   tranquil
   candid
Julian: Well... I just don't know as many vocab words as you guys. I don't want to slow down the game.
MC: You won't slow it down, Julian. We ~want~ you to play!
Kallie: Yeah, it's just a frivolous little game. Please take a turn!
Julian: Okay... um... I spy something that is... small, square, and, uh... woody?
Connor: Oh, is it that rustic little outpost?
MC: I would've described it as...
   bucolic
   miniscule
   pernicious
   impervious
Julian: Yeah, that's it. The ~bucolic~ outpost.
Connor: Nice one, Julian.
Julian: That ranger's station actually means that we're almost at the campsite! Just a few more miles.
The four of you play a couple more rounds of the game when suddenly, Sterling starts barking loudly.
Kallie: What's wrong, boy?
Connor: I think he's just excited because...
Connor: We're here!
---Part 10
After the long drive, you, Kallie, Julian, and Connor finally reach the campsite! As soon as you open the truck door, Sterling jumps out!
Connor: Looks like Sterling was feeling cooped up.
MC: He's got the right idea. I want to run around and explore. It's so beautiful up here!
The four of you walk around a bit as Julian points out his favorite parts of the campsite. There is a tall rock formation leading up to a mountain path, and you can hear a rushing river not too far away.
Kallie: I love the smell of the conifers! And this campsite is so aesthetically pleasing!
Connor: The pine trees do smell mighty good.
After you've finished exploring the campsite, the four of you unload two tents from the back of Connor's truck.
if MC is Male then
   Julian: The three of us will sleep in this tent, and Kallie can have her own tent right next to it.
   Kallie: My own tent? I'll be sleeping by myself?
   Connor: Don't you worry, Kallie. We won't let anything happen to you.
   Julian: Yeah, we'll protect you. Our tent will be right next to yours.
if MC is Female then
   Julian: Connor and I will share this tent, and MC and Kallie can share the other one.
   MC: It'll be like a sleepover!
   Kallie: A sleepover? I've never been to one before, but I hear they are quite fun!
   MC: Trust me, it'll be ~awesome.~
   Kallie: Excellent!
Connor: All right, enough chit-chat. Time to get these tents up!
Connor and Julian both grab one tent each and pull the parts out of the bags.
Julian: First, we have to clear the rocks and twigs from the area.
Connor: We also have to be sure we pick spots that are slightly raised. It's not supposed to rain, but if it does, we don't want water collecting in a puddle under us!
Julian: I was gonna say the same thing!
MC: Can Kallie and I help with anything?
Julian: Nah, we've got this!
Connor and Julian pick spots for the tents and clear all the debris. They quickly insert the poles and raise the tents before staking the corners down.
Kallie: Connor raised his tent so quickly! He's such an adroit outdoorsman!
MC: Yeah, Connor is very...
   skilled
   untalented
   large
   reluctant
Kallie: But Julian is a great outdoorsman, as well! His tent is, um, equally impressive!
MC: Looks like we're lucky to have them on our camping trip!
Connor: We should throw a tarp over the tent as an extra rain cover, and then we'll be done!
Julian: Sounds good! It's not supposed to rain this weekend, but you never know!
Connor: Better safe than sorry! That's the first rule of survivalism: prepare for every possibility!
Connor and Julian secure rain covers over the top of the tents. The four of you continue to unpack the truck, placing your sleeping bags and other packs in each tent.
Julian: Judging by the position of the sun, it looks like we have enough time for a quick hike up the mountain!
Connor: Then what're we waitin' around for? Let's go!
The four of you start hiking up a nearby trail, with Sterling eagerly running around your feet.
Tall trees line the path as the trail becomes steeper and steeper.
Kallie: The wilderness is a lovely respite from the fast pace of school.
Kallie: It seems like we're the only ones around. Nature is so quiet and tranquil!
MC: It is very __ up here.
   peaceful
   exciting
   urgent
   sticky
Julian: That's part of why I love camping!
Connor: The city has its advantages, but nothing can beat the tranquility of the mountains.
As you continue up the trail, Julian and Connor take turns swapping camping stories.
Julian: And then I had to swim all the way back to camp from the furthest buoy!
Connor: No way! That water must've been colder than milkin' a cow at 4:00 in the morning!
Julian: It was... I think. What about you, Connor? You must have some crazy stories.
Connor: Well, I don't know how crazy they are... once when we were camping, my pop got hurt, and I built a raft out of tree branches and rode it through some rapids to get help.
Julian: Whoa!
MC: Wow, Connor. You really know your stuff, huh?
Connor: It's hard not to when you grow up in my family.
Suddenly, you hear Sterling barking loudly up ahead.
Julian: We're almost to the peak, and it sounds like Sterling already found the summit!
Your group finally arrives at the top of the mountain!
The landscape spreads out in all directions, and you can see the river flowing near your campsite.
Kallie: This is breathtaking!
Kallie: We're so high up! The scenery from this precipice is exquisite!
MC: This __ does give us a great view!
   cliff
   valley
   treetop
   river
Julian: This is one of my favorite camping spots because of this hike. I love this vista. It makes me feel so... small.
Connor: I know exactly what you mean. I can't believe I've never been camping here before.
The four of you pause, taking in the beauty in front of you.
Julian: It's too bad that those telephone poles down there get in the way.
Connor: Yes, unfortunately, those phone towers sully the view of the valley.
MC: You mean they __ it.
   ruin
   enhance
   respect
   anger
Connor: Exactly.
Kallie: Even with those telephone poles, the view is spectacular. Thank you for taking us on this hike, Julian!
Julian: Sure thing.
Another awed silence falls.
Julian: We should start heading back. We want to get back to the campsite before it gets dark.
Connor: Yeah, those dark clouds look like they're headed this way fast.
Kallie: They look quite ominous!
Connor: I reckon we'll be fine. It might rain a tad, but our tents are waterproof.
Julian: Yeah, bring it on, rain!
Your group turns around and starts the hike down the mountain.
Julian: Connor, tell us more about what it's like to have survivalists for parents!
Connor: Well, I suppose it's not all that different from being raised by normal parents, 'cept mine like to give me wilderness challenges.
Julian: Wilderness challenges?
Connor: Sure! They take me out on camping trips like this, but we don't bring any equipment.
Julian: No equipment? What do you do?
Connor: We make shelter from branches and forage for food. You know, that sorta thing.
Kallie: That's quite impressive! I can hardly even imagine camping in the wilderness without the proper equipment!
Connor: When I got older, Pop and I would camp, just the two of us. We would hike up to the peak together, and then race back down the mountain.
Julian: Let's race now!
Kallie: I don't know, that sounds rather...
Connor: Ready... go!
MC: Wait, what?
Connor and Julian take off, running down the path at full-speed! You and Kallie follow close behind, but can't quite catch up to them.
Kallie: They're so swift!
Kallie: I don't think I can keep up! I'm feeling quite lethargic.
MC: You mean you're...
   tired
   beautiful
   bubbly
   gentle
MC: I don't think I can keep up, either. Let's just walk back and let them finish their race.
A little while later, you and Kallie stroll back into the campsite to see Connor and Julian waiting for you.
Connor: Welcome back!
Julian: Yeah, slow pokes, we've been waiting. It's time for... S'MORES!
You, Kallie, Julian, and Connor make it back to the campsite before dark.
Connor: Looks like we still have just enough time to build a nice campfire before sunset!
Julian: Let's gather some dry tinder!
Connor: Kallie, why don't you and MC get out the supplies for s'mores?
Kallie: What are these s'mores you keep mentioning? Some more what?
MC: Come on, Kallie. I'll show you. S'mores are a camping tradition!
Connor and Julian gather wood while you retrieve ingredients for s'mores. A few minutes later, you sit around a cheerful fire!
Julian: Who's ready to roast some marshmallows?
As if in response, Kallie lets out a big yawn, and promptly blushes.
Kallie: I guess I'm feeling quite exhausted after that hike...
MC: You can't be __ when you're camping!
   lethargic
   verbose
   mortified
   miniscule
Connor: Come on, Kallie. S'mores will wake you up!
Kallie: What are these elusive s'mores to which you keep referring?
Julian: S'mores are a classic campfire treat! You roast a marshmallow so it's nice and toasty.
MC: Then you take two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate and make a sandwich!
The three of you help Kallie make her first s'more.
Kallie: This is quite delectable! May I please have some more?
Kallie: Oh! Now I understand the name! Clever.
The four of you continue to make s'mores, comparing marshmallow roasting techniques and graham cracker constructing methods.
As the night goes on, Connor brings out his guitar.
Julian: I didn't know you play guitar!
Connor: Ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper! Kallie and I used to make up songs together. Do you remember that, Kal?
Kallie: Indeed.
You can see a blush travel up Kallie's neck.
MC: What kind of songs?
Kallie: Oh, um, they're just silly little ballads.
Connor: They were pretty good, considering how young we were.
Connor: There's some surprisingly skillful social commentary in those lyrics.
MC: Kallie was an __ lyricist as a kid!
   adroit
   impervious
   elated
   inept
Kallie: I don't, uh, know about that...
Kallie's blush deepens.
Julian: I want to hear this ~adroit~ social commentary.
Connor begins to strum his guitar.
Connor: ~Oh, teddy bear... why don't you care...~
Connor: Come on, Kallie.
Kallie: ~About the politics of Voltaire...~
Connor: ~Oh, teddy bear... why don't you share...~
Kallie: ~Your yummy lemon square!~
MC: You wrote that when you were little?
Julian: Even then you were ahead of the curve, huh, Kallie?
MC: Do you still write songs?
Kallie: I write all kinds of stuff... but I haven't really written ~songs~ for a while.
Connor: Why not? You're so good at lyrics!
Kallie: Well...
Kallie: I don't want to ruin this lovely moment with gloomy memories...
MC: You won't __ it by being honest.
   sully
   abhor
   ensure
   rectify
Julian: What's wrong, Kallie?
Kallie: I tried to write songs after Connor left, but it was hard to put the words to music by myself. I needed Connor to elevate my lyrics with a melody.
Kallie: So after a while, I, uh, stopped trying.
Connor: Oh Kallie, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize--
Kallie: It's, um, all right. I understand ~now~ that it was beyond your control.
Connor: I never wanted to hurt you. I'm trying really hard to make it up to you...
Connor: I feel like our relationship has been on the edge since I came back...
MC: You could say you're on the...
   precipice
   trepidation
   debacle
   cache
Connor: Exactly. And I know things can't go back to exactly how they used to be, but I'm ~trying~ to be better.
Kallie: I know you are. I appreciate it, I do, but it's hard to jump into a friendship with someone who broke your heart.
Kallie: I just need a little more time.
Connor: Of course.
Connor: And maybe someday we can write songs together again?
Kallie: Indeed. But for now, why don't you play some classics instead?
Connor starts playing traditional campfire songs. You, Kallie, and Julian sing along, and Sterling howls loudly.
Soon the fire dies down and the stars are out in full-force. Julian and Connor lay out some blankets and the four of you lay down, gazing up at the stars.
Julian: ...and over there is the Big Dipper. And right next to it is Bootes the Herdsman!
Kallie: The night sky is such a beautiful panorama! It's just as breath-taking as you said it'd be, Julian!
MC: It's awesome!
Connor: It is quite a sight...
Kallie: It's too bad that some of the view is blocked by those dark clouds though...
Julian: But at least we can see Orion over there... and Cassiopeia over there...
As he talks, Kallie lays her head on Julian's shoulder and starts snoring softly, her feet warmed by Sterling.
Connor: She looks so peaceful sleeping there.
MC: She does look quite...
   tranquil
   redundant
   frenetic
   jubilant
Julian: We should probably help her to her tent.
Julian carefully shakes Kallie awake.
Kallie: Oh! I, um, apologize for falling asleep on your shoulder, Julian. I suppose I was more exhausted, uh, than I realized.
Kallie blushes.
Julian: It's cool. But I think it might be time to head to bed.
Connor and Julian bank the fire, and the four of you head to your respective tents.
Just as you're starting to drift to sleep, you hear rain begin to fall...
The ~pitter patter~ lulls you to sleep...
Until...
~CRASH!~
MC: ...
The weight of the rain caused the tent to fall on your head!
if MC is Male then
   Julian: MC? Connor? Are you guys okay?
   You hear Sterling barking outside.
   Connor: I reckon I'm okay!
   MC: I'm all right, just startled!
   Julian: Let's get out of here and make sure Kallie's okay.
   The three of you carefully climb out of the tarp trap. As soon as you break free, you're completely drenched by the rain!
   MC: I thought it wasn't supposed to rain!
   Connor: It wasn't!
   Julian: I guess it's a good thing we had the extra rain cover.
   Connor: Lot of good it's doing us now...
   You find a soaked Kallie and Sterling waiting for you in the center of the campsite where the fire was.
if MC is Female then
   Kallie: Vociferous moratorium!
   MC: Kallie? Are you okay?
   Kallie: Oh, uh, sorry MC! I was having a terrible nightmare and... what's going on?
   You hear Sterling barking outside.
   MC: I think the rain made the tent fall on us! Let's go find the boys!
   The two of you carefully climb out of the tarp trap. As soon as you break free, you're completely drenched by the rain!
   You find an equally-soaked Connor, Julian, and Sterling in the center of the campsite where the fire was.
   MC: I thought it wasn't supposed to rain!
   Connor: It wasn't!
   Julian: I guess it's a good thing we had the extra rain cover.
   Connor: Lot of good it's doing us now...
Julian: Kallie, are you all right?
Kallie: I'm fine, just cold. And wet.
Julian: I'm glad you're okay.
Connor: Uh, guys? We should get outta here.
You look down and realize that your feet are soaked! The river is rising fast, and you're already ankle-deep in water!
Connor: We're about to get caught in a flash flood!
MC: A flash flood?!
---Part 11
You, Kallie, Connor, and Julian are standing in the middle of your campsite, getting soaked by the pouring rain!
Connor: Come on, we should leave! We don't want to get caught in a flash flood!
Kallie: We should call for help!
Julian: All of our stuff is soaked! There's no way a cell phone survived this downpour!
Kallie: What should we do?
Connor: We have to get outta here, now! Sterling, here boy!
The four of you, and Sterling, hop in Connor's truck, leaving your camping equipment behind.
Connor carefully maneuvers the truck down the winding mountain road in the pouring rain.
Kallie: We should've known rain was coming. Those dark clouds were harbingers.
MC: You mean the clouds were a...
   sign
   relief
   umbrella
   finale
Julian: I've learned my lesson. Never trust a weatherman, especially one in a plaid suit!
MC: There's not much we can do about it now but keep going.
A hush falls over the truck as everyone tries to let Connor focus on the road. Kallie strokes Sterling's fur in an effort to keep him quiet.
Kallie: This downpour makes it impossible to see out the windshield!
MC: It's a good thing Connor had us get in the truck so quickly! Look at how high the river's gotten!
Suddenly, Connor slams on the brakes!
The tires squeal, and Connor frantically tries to maintain control of the wheel! Everyone slams forward!
Kallie: Oomph!
Julian: Agh!
MC: Ow...
The truck finally rocks back to a complete stop.
Connor: Y'all okay?
MC: We're a little shaken up, but I think we're fine.
Julian: What happened?
Connor: Sorry for the sudden stop, but we can't drive any further.
Connor points at the huge mudslide covering the road just ahead. You all climb out of the truck to get a better view.
Kallie: Wh-what are we going to do now?
Julian: We'll have to hike from here. It should only be a few miles to the ranger's station.
MC: A few miles?
Connor: If we take it slow, we should be fine. The main concern is hypothermia.
Kallie: But it's so frigid in this precipitation! How will we keep warm?
Connor takes off his jacket and offers it to Kallie, leaving him in just a windbreaker.
Connor: Here you go, Kallie. This jacket is very hardy and resilient. It'll keep you dry.
MC: That jacket looks very...
   durable
   chilly
   delicate
   tacky
Connor puts the jacket on Kallie, who snuggles deeper into it as a blush creeps up her cheeks.
Connor: You'll be safe in this jacket. It's also abrasion resistant.
MC: So it won't be __ easily?
   scratched
   burned
   dry-cleaned
   fit
Kallie: Thank you, Connor. You always seem to have exactly what I need.
Connor: 'Be prepared' is the first rule of all survivalists.
Connor: You gotta think of the hypotheticals, know how to handle anything that COULD happen.
MC: You mean be prepared for __ outcomes.
   theoretical
   actual
   jinxed
   happy
Connor: Exactly. We should get a move on.
MC: But it's so dark out here! How're we gonna hike down this mountain in the pouring rain ~at night?~
Julian pulls a small flashlight out of his pocket.
Julian: Always be prepared, right, Connor?
Connor: Nice one, Julian.
Julian: We'll take a shortcut through the woods to cut off the corner of our trek. Everyone ready?
MC: Ready!
Kallie: R-ready!
Connor: All right folks, move out!
As the four of your make your way around the mudslide, Julian takes the lead, shining his flashlight on tricky spots or slippery rocks. You and Kallie follow close behind, with Connor and Sterling bringing up the rear.
Julian: Be careful everyone! We don't want anyone getting hurt on these tree branches.
Kallie: This hike in the rain is so taxing! Our journey is becoming more and more arduous.
MC: It has become very...
   difficult
   effortless
   charming
   uplifting
Julian: We're getting closer! Only about a mile or two more, and then we'll be nice and toasty inside the ranger's station.
Up ahead, a giant fallen tree trunk blocks your path!
Connor: Julian, why don't you climb over first, and then we can help MC and Kallie?
Julian: Sounds good!
Julian climbs over the tree trunk and then reaches back for you.
Connor gives you a boost and Julian helps you down the other side.
Julian: All right, Kallie. Your turn.
Connor helps Kallie onto the tree trunk. She straddles the tree, then carefully tries to swing her other leg over, when suddenly...
Kallie: Ahh!
Kallie slips off the tree trunk!
Kallie: Ahh!
Julian lunges for her, but she's out of his reach! She crumples to the ground!
Kallie: Ow...
Connor: Kallie!
Connor hurdles over the fallen trunk and kneels next to Kallie.
Julian: Kallie! Are you okay?
Julian: Your knees are all scraped up!
MC: They're covered in...
   abrasions
   tributes
   comestibles
   precipices
Kallie: I'm... passable. My knees aren't in too much pain. My ankle hurts, however.
Julian: I'm so sorry, Kallie! I should've caught you.
Kallie: You're not at fault, Julian. I'm the ungainly one who fell off the tree.
Julian: But if I'd been there...
Kallie: If you'd caught me, we might ~both~ be hurt!
MC: We might've had two injuries, __ !
   hypothetically
   verbosely
   diabolically
   adroitly
Julian: I suppose...
Connor: Let me take a closer look at your ankle.
Kallie holds her ankle out, and Connor cautiously feels it. Kallie winces a couple times.
Connor: I reckon it's a sprain. Lemme see if I can muster up a splint.
Connor gathers a few straight sticks, and with Julian's help, ties them around Kallie's ankle so she can't move her foot.
Connor: All right. You shouldn't put any weight on your foot.
Kallie: But...
Julian: I can carry you!
Connor: Julian and I can take turns. It's not too far now.
Connor: Those indentations in the brush indicate we're close to the road!
MC: They're __ of human presence!
   harbingers
   paragons
   debacles
   caches
Connor helps Kallie onto Julian's back. Sterling barks excitedly as Connor leads your group through the woods.
Soon you break through the line of trees and find yourselves back on the road.
Julian: The ranger's station should only be a quarter-mile or so from here.
Connor: Just a little farther!
Sterling runs ahead happily. The downpour starts to subside, and you can see the ranger's post up ahead.
MC: We're almost there!
The four of you and Sterling finally reach the cabin and knock. The ranger quickly opens the door and ushers you inside.
MC: Phew! Safe and sound!
Kallie: I can hardly believe we made it!
Julian carefully places Kallie in a chair, and the ranger grabs his first aid bag to help her. In the meantime, you call Payton to come and get you.
A few hours later...
Payton: I'm here, I'm here! Are you guys okay?!
Julian: Hey, Payton!
MC: Thanks for coming to pick us up!
Julian: I'm so ready to go home.
Connor: Let's go grab a bite to eat first! I'm so hungry, I could eat a buffalo!
Payton: I passed a diner on the way up!
Kallie: Sounds scrumptious!
Everyone piles into Payton's car, with Sterling sitting on Connor's lap.
You settle into a booth at the diner and order. As soon as the waitress walks away, Payton turns to you.
Payton: So... what happened out there?
MC: Well...
You quickly recount all of your adventures.
Payton: Wow!
Payton: I can't believe you guys survived all that!
MC: You could say we're a __ bunch!
   resilient
   tranquil
   lethargic
   pernicious
Connor: All right, the ranger said he'd let me know when the roads have been cleared and I can come get my truck.
Julian: Let me know when you go back. I'll help you gather all the camping equipment!
Connor: Thanks, Julian. And I know this trip was especially harrowing...
Connor: But camping isn't usually this challenging, I promise!
MC: It was quite...
   arduous
   adroit
   monotonous
   miniscule
Kallie: I enjoyed myself, despite the adversity!
Julian: Yeah, don't sweat it, Connor. We needed your quick-thinking back there!
Connor: We also needed your strength to help carry Kallie!
MC: The two of you make a pretty good team.
Connor: Well, I'm still sorry about all the misadventures! I'll make it up to everyone.
Connor: Hey! I could take y'all to the rodeo sometime! It's a lot of fun, and I swear it won't end with all of us getting rained out!
Kallie: The rodeo?
Payton: Ooo! Did you say 'Rodeo Drive'?
Connor: No... just a regular ole rodeo with cowboys and bucking bulls.
Payton: Oh. Well, it still sounds fun!
Julian: Yeah, count me in! I've always wanted to see a rodeo!
Kallie: What's a rodeo like?
MC: Looks like we'll find out!
---Part 12
The Monday morning after the camping trip, you, Julian, and Payton walk up to school together to find...
Kallie sitting on the front steps!
MC: Kallie?
Payton: You're here early!
Kallie: I was so excited for my first day, I couldn't sleep! I decided to get here early to ensure I wasn't tardy!
Kallie: I'm not tardy, am I?
if Julian is dating Kallie then
   Julian: No, but you're ~definitely~ early.
   Julian whips a small bouquet of wildflowers from behind his back!
   Julian: For you, Kallie.
   Kallie: Me?
   Kallie's face turns bright red.
   Kallie: They're so very beautiful, Julian.
   Julian: It's the least I can do for you on your first official day!
   MC: A-hem.
   Payton: Maybe we should leave the lovebirds alone...
   Kallie: We're not part of the genus ~Agapornis!~
   Julian: They're just teasing us, Kal.
if Julian is not dating Kallie then
   Julian: No, but you're ~definitely~ early.
   Kallie: Oh...
   Payton: Hee hee, it's okay, Kallie! I'm super excited for your first day, too!
   Julian: You're going to do great! You're so smart, school'll be a cinch for you!
   Kallie smiles shyly and looks down at her feet.
MC: So, are you ready for your first day, Kallie?
Kallie: I'm not at all properly equipped!
Julian: I'm sure you'll be fine! The first day will be a breeze.
Kallie: I sure hope so. Today is such a crucial day for me!
Kallie: I really want to fit in at your school. I hope to have a burgeoning high school career!
MC: You'll __ here, I know it!
   thrive
   fail
   frighten
   entertain
Kallie: Thanks, MC. I'm so incredibly anxious... and excited! All at the same time!
Kallie: I want today to be perfect! I've been researching brick-and-mortar schools ever since my parents said they'd let me come here full-time.
Payton: Researching? How'd you do that?
Kallie: Well, I studied a cornucopia of films and television programs. I've specifically examined the ways that students interact with teachers who are not related to them.
Kallie: It seems that the key to success in a classroom is to be deferential to the teacher!
MC: Yes, you should be...
   respectful
   rude
   rattled
   rotated
MC: And make sure you don't fall asleep in class.
Payton: Yeah, teachers hate that. I don't recommend drinking lattes either.
Kallie: Oh?
Payton: And keep your phone put away. One time, I was texting during class and Mr. Olson flipped out. He confiscated my phone for a whole day!
Kallie: I cannot allow that to happen! My parents are requiring me to check in with them every hour!
MC: That's a lot!
Kallie: Yeah... they've become even ~more~ protective since the storm ruined our camping trip. They almost didn't let me come today, but I persuaded them!
Julian: I'm glad you did! That camping trip was pretty crazy. And it's a good thing Connor was able to help us outta there!
Kallie: Indeed. I'm equally glad Connor and I are becoming friends again!
Julian: Yeah... so tell us more about all that research you did for school.
Kallie: I spent a long time scrutinizing how students socialize with their peers. I mean, I've interacted with other students before, but never like in the movies!
Kallie: Will a girl be getting a makeover today by removing her glasses? Apparently that can quickly transform you from an outsider to the most popular girl in school! That's always my favorite part of the movie!
Payton: Mine too, but that's not quite how makeovers work, remember? We gave you one before my party!
Kallie: Oh, right. Anyway, I'm looking forward to everything about today! Except physical education class.
Kallie: I know that P.E., as they call it, will be an especially harrowing class! I'm most decidedly ~not~ looking forward to it.
~BRRRRING!~
Kallie: What's that? Is there a fire?
Payton: No, silly. That just means it's time for class!
Kallie: Class? Are we late? Do we need to run?
MC: Not yet, but we'd better get a move on. What class do you have first?
Kallie: Uh... it looks like Biology!
Julian: That's our first class! Come on, we'll walk you there.
You and Payton usher Kallie toward the biology building. You introduce her to Ms. Young before taking your seat.
Kallie gets a syllabus and textbook before sliding into the seat in front of you.
Kallie: That was frightening!
Payton: Why? What's wrong?
Kallie: I'm simply not used to speaking to teachers who aren't my mom!
Just then, Ms. Young clears her throat and begins lecturing.
Payton: Aw man. We're ~still~ talking about DNA. When are we gonna get to the cute animals?
Kallie: You don't find deoxyribonucleic acid fascinating?
Julian: You ~do?~
Kallie: Of course! It's the basis of... everything!
Kallie: And Watson and Crick were peerless for their discovery of the double helix!
MC: Their discovery was...
   unrivaled
   ordinary
   flimsy
   joyous
Payton: Isn't it Watson and ~Sherlock?~
Kallie: Who?
MC: Shhh... you guys...
You realize that the class has fallen silent as Ms. Young glares at the three of you.
Kallie blushes a dark red.
Kallie: I apologize, Ms. Young. It seems that we've made an error. According to my research, your facial expression indicates your disapproval of our actions.
Ms. Young's glare becomes a little uncertain.
Kallie: I see you are confused. Allow me to elucidate my point further.
MC: Yes, Kallie will...
   explain
   stump
   scam
   exercise
Kallie: We did not intend to disrupt you or cause you any distress. Please, continue.
Ms. Young puts her hands on her hips before resuming her lecture.
Kallie: That was truly terrifying!
You lean forward and whisper to Kallie.
MC: It'll be fine, Kallie. Ms. Young's really nice, and she knows it's your first day.
Kallie: ...
Payton: Kallie?
Kallie: I'm trying not to speak again for the rest of the period!
The rest of the class passes uneventfully. Kallie furiously takes notes as Ms. Young discusses mitosis and meiosis.
As the bell rings, you gather your things and wait for Kallie to put away her notebook.
Payton: So, Kallie, what's your next class?
Kallie: Um... it's English with Mr. Olson. I'm so relieved to see a familiar name on my schedule!
The four of you make your way through school to your next class.
MC: So what'd you think of your first full-time class, Kallie?
Kallie: Well... I certainly learned a lot about how to act as a student.
Kallie: For example, it is better to be laconic and not speak out of turn.
MC: Sometimes you have to be...
   quiet
   verbose
   musty
   hungry
Kallie: It appears that you can't learn everything from research. Sometimes practical experience is the only way!
MC: But you made it through!
Julian: Trust me, the first class is the scariest. It's smooth sailing from here!
After a morning full of classes, it's finally time for...
Kallie: Lunch!
You, Payton, and Julian lead Kallie to the cafeteria.
Julian: So, Kallie, how's your first day going?
Kallie: It's been quite excellent. I've had a few mishaps here and there, but I'm adapting quickly.
Kallie: Thus far, I've only gotten in trouble for talking five times!
Julian: That's, uh, good!
MC: Are you ready for lunch?
Kallie: I hope so!
Kallie holds up a brown bag and her wallet.
Kallie: I wasn't sure if I was supposed to bring lunch or lunch money, so I did both!
Payton: Well, it's up to you! Lots of people bring packed lunches, but you can also buy lunch from the cafeteria.
The four of you walk into the busy cafeteria. The room is already packed with students buying food and chatting at tables.
You move to get in line behind Payton and Julian, but notice that Kallie is frozen in place.
MC: Kallie?
Kallie: Where will I sit? What will I eat? Everything is so disorderly!
MC: Let me __ the lunchtime procedure.
   elucidate
   sully
   adorn
   curtail
MC: Take a deep breath...
Kallie: ...
MC: Now, do you want to eat your packed lunch, or buy something?
Kallie: Um, I suppose I will purchase something today.
MC: Great! You can get in line in front of me. You'll pick up a tray and silverware, and then tell the cafeteria worker what you want.
Kallie carefully picks up a tray and shuffles through the line.
Kallie: This is exhilarating!
Soon, Kallie reaches the front of the line.
Kallie: Excuse me, miss. What's in this 'meatloaf surprise'? And why is it a surprise?
The cafeteria worker wordlessly stares at Kallie.
Kallie: Uh...
MC: She'll have the chicken nuggets, please.
The cafeteria worker throws some chicken nuggets on Kallie's tray, and the two of your move forward.
Kallie: Did I do something wrong?
Kallie: The lunch worker was very brief in her response to my question about the meatloaf surprise!
MC: She was rather...
   laconic
   hypothetical
   adroit
   versatile
MC: Don't worry about it, Kallie. You didn't do anything wrong. She probably was just having a bad day.
Kallie: Oh no. Is there a way I can improve my interaction with the next cafeteria worker?
MC: Just be polite and do what others are doing. Now, the side dishes are coming up. Potatoes?
Kallie holds her tray out for the lunch worker to put mashed potatoes on. He's a little too aggressive with his serving, and some of the potatoes splash onto Kallie's sweater.
Kallie: Ohh!
The two of you are quickly shuffled along as the line continues to move toward the register.
Kallie: That lunch worker seemed a bit disrespectful. He slopped my potatoes all over the place!
MC: He wasn't very...
   deferential
   resilient
   tranquil
   bucolic
MC: But that should be easy to wipe off.
Kallie: Indeed. I was just a bit taken aback--
Suddenly, Kallie trips over a chair, and her tray flies out of her hand! Chicken fingers and mashed potatoes scatter all over the floor!
Kallie: Ohh!
MC: Kallie! Are you all right?
Kallie: Yes... I believe I am unharmed. I can't say the same for my lunch, however.
Kallie looks down at her ruined lunch with a flushed face.
MC: It's okay. Come on, we'll clear this up, and then you can have some of my chicken fingers.
You and Kallie clean up the tray as best you can. Then, you and Kallie join Payton, Julian, and Autumn at some picnic tables in the quad.
Payton: What happened to your lunch, Kallie?
Kallie: I, uh, dropped it. I'm just going to have my packed lunch instead.
MC: Nonsense! You can share with me!
You arrange your tray so your lunch is half in front of Kallie.
Kallie: Thank you, MC.
Kallie examines the cafeteria food on your tray.
Julian: Delicious, huh?
Kallie: Well...
Kallie: I can see why the vending machines would thrive here...
MC: They've __ since the meatloaf incident!
   burgeoned
   improvised
   curtailed
   pondered
MC: But the cafeteria food tastes better than it looks, especially the chicken nuggets. Trust me.
Kallie takes a big bite of the chicken.
Kallie: Mmmmm. This is quite delectable.
Julian: It's even better with ketchup!
Autumn: So, Kallie, how's the first official day going? Do you miss being home?
Kallie: It's been going fairly well so far, I suppose. It's... different than I imagined.
Kallie: I miss having my mother as a teacher more than I thought I would.
Julian: Really? I don't think I could handle having my mom as a mom ~and~ a teacher.
Kallie: Truly?
Kallie: My mom is a fantastic teacher! Her teaching abilities are incomparable!
MC: You mean she's __ among teachers!
   peerless
   inept
   averse
   frenetic
Kallie: Precisely, MC! But I've learned so much today already. I can't say that I like this school ~better~ than being homeschooled, per se. It's just... different.
Julian: Didn't homeschooling get kinda lonely, though? I mean, it's just you and your mom day in and day out.
Kallie: Oh, homeschooling is much more than that. There are actually a lot of social events, too. Local homeschoolers usually get together for things like prom or even P.E. class.
Kallie: My parents wouldn't always let me go because... well, uh, they're a bit... overprotective. But being homeschooled can actually be just as social as going to a regular school.
Payton: That's right. Connor was talking a little about some of the homeschool events he went to on the ride back from the camping trip.
Autumn: Do you think you'll miss being homeschooled, Kallie?
Kallie: Maybe. Right now I'm rather overwhelmed. But I think ultimately, I'll enjoy going to school with all of you.
Payton: So, what's your next class?
Kallie pulls out her schedule and groans.
Kallie: Oh no! I almost forgot about my biggest challenge yet...
Kallie: Gym class.
Julian: You have P.E. after lunch? I'm in that class, too!
Autumn: So am I! And MC!
Payton: I have health after lunch. Trust me, it's not a class you want to have a full stomach for.
Julian: Don't worry about gym, Kallie. We'll help you!
Kallie: If you say so...
Just then, the bell rings!
MC: Well, I guess we're about to find out!
---Part 13
You, Kallie, Autumn, Julian, and Payton throw away your lunch trash and start to walk to class.
Payton: Well, I guess this is where I leave you guys. Good luck in gym, Kallie Berry! You'll be fantastic!
With a waggle of her fingers, Payton heads to her health class. You, Kallie, Julian, and Autumn continue toward the gymnasium.
Kallie: I don't think I can do this!
Kallie: Given my dreadful past with physical activity, perhaps I should abstain from P.E.!
MC: Kallie, you can't __ class.
   avoid
   indulge
   teach
   appreciate
MC: Lots of people are bad at gym. You'll fit right in!
Kallie: B-but...
Julian: We'll be there the whole time, Kallie. We'll look after you.
Kallie: O-okay...
if MC is Male then
   Autumn leads Kallie toward the girls' locker room as you and Julian head to the boys' locker room.
   The two of you quickly change and then wait for the girls outside.
   Eventually, Autumn and Kallie emerge, ready for class. Kallie's face is bright red.
if MC is Female then
   You and Autumn lead Kallie to the girls' locker room.
   Kallie: Oh my.
   The locker room is bustling as all the girls changing for P.E.
   Autumn: Your schedule says your locker is right by ours, Kallie. It's over here.
   You and Autumn help Kallie open her locker. The three of you quickly change and meet Julian outside.
   As you emerge from the locker room, you notice that Kallie's face is bright red.
Kallie: None of my research prepared me for ~that!~
Julian: What happened?
Kallie: N-nothing specific. I'm just not used to, uh, changing around... so many people.
Julian: Well, that was the easy part!
Kallie: Easy! It was so loud in there.
Kallie: There was such a cacophony in the locker room, I could barely hear myself think!
MC: Locker rooms are often in...
   an uproar
   the kitchen
   a calm state
   my nightmares
Just then, you hear a loud whistle! The four of you jog over to the tennis courts to meet your teacher.
Autumn: Looks like we're doing tennis today!
Kallie: Oh, thank goodness.
MC: Are you good at tennis, Kallie?
Kallie: Not remotely. However, there are fewer obstacles on a tennis court than in other sports.
Kallie: I don't do well when I have to maneuver around fast-moving objects. I'm not very coordinated!
MC: You mean you can't __ very well.
   navigate
   converse
   tumble
   digest
Kallie: Precisely. But in tennis, it's just me and the net. And the racket. And the ball. Actually...
Kallie: Maybe this won't be better...
Your teacher announces that today's class with be tennis doubles.
if MC is dating Julian then
   Julian loops his arm around your waist.
   Julian: Are you ready to ~crush~ the other teams, MC?
 MC: You know I'd love to, but... maybe you should partner with Kallie today. She'll probably be more comfortable playing with someone she knows on her first day. And I promised Autumn I'd partner with her.
   Julian: If you insist... hey Kallie, wanna partner up?
if MC is not dating Julian
   Julian: Hey Kallie, wanna be my partner?
Kallie: Oh! Truly? I'm not certain that's the, uh, best idea.
Kallie: I mean it when I say I'm not very good. If you're on my team, you'll have to help me mitigate my ungainliness.
MC: You can help Kallie __ her clumsiness!
   tone down
   maximize
   eat
   exercise
Julian: We'll do great! Maybe the other team will actually have a fair shot against me, for once.
MC: All right, Autumn. It's us versus them!
Autumn: Kallie and Julian are going down!
Julian: Not with our secret weapon! What you don't know is... Kallie's just been hustling you this whole time!
Kallie: I have?
Julian: Of course! Come on, Kallie, we're trash talking them! It's part of playing sports!
Autumn: And the best part of P.E.!
Kallie: It's not... mean? To say those things?
MC: It's all in good fun!
Kallie: Oh, let me try to trash talk... we're going to obliterate your team!
MC: No, WE will __ YOUR team!
   destroy
   support
   join
   decorate
Kallie: Oh, this ~is~ fun!
Julian: And we haven't even started playing yet!
The four of you pick up your rackets and take your places on opposite sides of the net. Autumn prepares to serve the ball...
~Whack!~
Julian returns the serve and the ball comes right toward you!
Choice
What do you do?
   Forehand!
   Backhand!
   Duck!
if "Forehand!" or "Backhand!" then
   You swing the racket as hard as you can...
   And smack the tennis ball back toward Kallie!
   Kallie: Eeep!
   Kallie jumps out of the way. The ball bounces away.
   Autumn: Fifteen-love!
if "Duck!" or you run out of time then
   MC: Ahhh!
   You duck under the ball!
   Autumn: MC!
   Autumn runs behind you and just manages to reach the ball in time! She smacks the tennis ball back toward Kallie!
   Kallie: Eeep!
   Kallie jumps out of the way. The ball bounces in-bounds.
   Autumn: Fifteen-love!
   Julian: Looks like we have two scaredy-cats on our hands here.
   MC: Hey! We can't all be coordinated.
The game continues as both teams trade points. Just then, Kallie hits a volley right between you and Autumn!
Julian: Kallie, you're not playing bad at all! I think you really ~were~ hustling us.
Kallie: I don't know about that... you haven't seen my serve yet!
MC: Well, we're about to see it. You're up!
You toss a few tennis balls to Kallie. She grabs them and then lines up to serve.
Kallie: Here I go...
Kallie winds up and tosses a ball in the air. She hits the ball as hard as she can...
The tennis ball flies over the net...
MC: Autumn! Look out!MC: Autumn! Look out!
Autumn: Oww!
Kallie's serve hits Autumn in the arm, and Autumn drops her racket.
Kallie: Autumn! Are you okay?
Autumn: I... I think so.
Julian leaps over the net to look at Autumn's arm.
Julian: We should probably get you to the nurse's office. That was a hard hit.
Kallie: I am ~so~ sorry, Autumn. I...
Autumn: It's okay, Kallie. It was just an accident.
Julian leads Autumn away toward the nurse's office.
Kallie: ...
MC: I'm sure Autumn will be okay, Kallie.
Kallie: I just can't believe that I hurt one of my closest friends... and on my first day!
MC: Come on, we should keep playing so we don't get in trouble.
You and Kallie rally back and forth until the bell rings.
MC: Let's go check on Autumn!
The two of you rush toward the nurse's office.
Payton: Kallie! MC!
You turn at the sound of Payton's voice.
Payton: Where are you off to in such a hurry?
Kallie: The nurse's office. I hit Autumn during P.E. and we want to check on her.
Payton: You ~hit~ Autumn?
MC: With a tennis ball. On accident.
Kallie: There was such an uproar when I hit Autumn! The whole class started shouting.
MC: It wasn't quite a...
   cacophony
   trepidation
   harbinger
   tribute
MC: Kallie's exaggerating a little. It wasn't that bad.
Payton: Well, I'll come with you guys!
The three of you continue on your way to find Autumn and Julian.
Kallie: I feel like this day continues to get worse and worse...
Kallie: I wish I could wipe all the terrible memories of today from my mind.
MC: You mean you want to __ them.
   obliterate
   sully
   adorn
   ponder
MC: I really don't think it was as bad as all that, Kallie. Autumn seemed fine, and the nurse will take great care of her.
Payton: And, lucky for you, I'm here! I'm the best at making people feel better!
Payton: I know just how to help you lighten the situation!
MC: You can help __ the awkwardness!
   mitigate
   elucidate
   ponder
   abhor
Kallie: Really? That would be wonderful, Payton. Thank you!
Payton: It's no problem at all! I've gotten very good at guiding people through social situations!
MC: Payton can __ you through anything!
   maneuver
   burgeon
   sully
   adorn
Payton: First things first, apologize to Autumn. And then, to show you're ~really~ sorry, you should probably get her a pick-me-up, like... this!
Payton reaches into her bag and pulls out a peppermint latte!
MC: Where'd you get that?
Payton: Silly MC, I ~always~ have an extra latte. You never know when you'll need one.
Payton hands Kallie the latte.
Payton: Give this to Autumn, and then everything'll be all better!
Kallie: Thank you, Payton. I suppose I ~was~ blowing everything out of proportion...
Payton: No problemo. For an accident like this, you only need a quick fix. Now, for a big blow-up, the apology is totally different...
The three of you arrive at the nurse's office just as Julian and Autumn are leaving.
Kallie: Autumn! Are you well?
Autumn holds her arm up to reveal a bandage.
Autumn: It's actually not as bad as it looks. The nurse just bandaged it as a precaution, but it's really just bruised.
Kallie: I am so terribly sorry. I hope you can forgive me!
Kallie shoves the peppermint latte toward Autumn.
Autumn: Oh! Thank you, Kallie.
Kallie: Can... can we still be friends?
Autumn: Of course! That was never in question!
Kallie: I didn't expect my first day to go like this...
Julian: What're you talking about? Today was great!
Kallie: But... I got in trouble with a teacher, I dropped my tray in the cafeteria, and on top of that, I hit a good friend with a tennis ball... I'm not sure that qualifies.
Payton: Okay, so it wasn't a ~perfect~ first day, but maybe it's good to get all that out of your system. The rest of your time here is gonna be fantastic, I just know it!
Payton wraps her arms around Kallie in a long hug. You, Autumn, and Julian share a mischievous look.
MC: ~GROUP HUG!~
You, Julian, and Autumn tackle Kallie and Payton in a huge hug!
Kallie: Ooomph!
After a long moment, and a bit of a struggle, the five of you untangle.
MC: See, Kallie, your first ~official~ day of school wasn't so bad!
Payton: Everything worked itself out, in the end.
Kallie: That's accurate. I suppose I was anxious without probable cause. Thanks for everything, you guys. I don't think I would've survived high school without you.
Julian: Well, you're not quite done with it yet, but no sweat!
Just then, Kallie's phone buzzes.
Kallie: Oh! It's from Connor!
Julian: What'd he say?
Kallie: The rodeo is coming up soon! He wants to know if we want to join him.
Julian: Heck yeah! I can't wait to watch ~real~ bull riding... in-person! Maybe I can even try it myself...
Autumn: I guess I won't be able to ride any bulls if my arm is still bandaged...
MC: You'll have to...
   abstain
   assuage
   ameliorate
   abhor
Autumn: What a relief! I'll leave the daredevil stunts to Julian.
Julian: You're missing out!
Kallie: So... how should I respond?
MC: Tell Connor we're in!
Julian: Yeehaw!
---Part 14
The weekend after Kallie's first day of school, you, Julian, and Kallie head to the rodeo to meet up with Connor!
MC: Thanks for giving us a ride, Julian.
Julian: No problem. Are you excited for your first rodeo, Kallie?
Kallie: Oh yes! Connor loved going when we were younger. I'm excited I can finally attend one! I've been reading up.
Kallie: What about you, MC? Have you been to a rodeo before?
Choice
What do you say?
   I'm a rodeo veteran!
   I've been a couple times!
   I've never been before!
if "I'm a rodeo veteran!" then
   MC: I've been going to rodeos since I was knee-high to a grasshopper!
   Kallie: Knee-high to a grasshopper? That's quite short!
   MC: I just mean I've been to a lot of rodeos, and I can show you greenhorns around.
   MC: Of course, this is Connor's show, so I don't wanna step on his boots.
if "I've been a couple times!" then
   MC: I can show you the basics, but Connor'll have to give you the detailed tour.
if "I've never been before!" then
   MC: I'm new to the rodeo, too! Connor can show ~all~ of us what to do!
Kallie: That's right! Not only does he have an abundance of survivalist techniques...
Kallie: But Connor also has a lot of rodeo acumen! He really is an expert!
MC: He has a lot of...
   know-how
   foolishness
   swiftness
   details
Kallie: It appears that Connor was a bit modest when discussing the rodeo with us. He holds several records in bull riding!
Julian: Whoa!
MC: That's... impressive.
Julian: Speaking of impressive...
Julian points to the huge rodeo arena up ahead.
Julian: It looks like we're here!
Julian parks the car in a dirt parking lot near the arena. After you emerge from the car, the three of you pause to take in the sights and smells of the rodeo.
Kallie: I had no idea it would be so...
MC: Immense? Enormous? Monumental?
Kallie: Big.
At the front gates, you see two familiar faces.
Payton: MC! Kallie! Julian! Over here!
Autumn: Where's Connor?
Kallie: Oh, he said he has to take care of some preparations for the bull riding competition later, but he'll find us inside.
Payton: Great! We'll just look around then.
The five of you enter the gate. Thousands of people mill about, and a gigantic arena with plenty of stadium seating rises high in the center of the rodeo.
Payton: Ooh! Look! There's a crafts market over there! Can we go shop?
Julian: No way! There are stations over there where you can learn how to be a cowboy! I wanna learn to lasso like that!
Julian points to a booth where a cowboy is teaching someone how to hold a rope properly.
Julian: We've got to get over there right now! There's a line forming...
Payton: But what about the market?
Julian: There's no time for that!
Autumn: I guess we have to choose between the crafts or a lasso lesson...
Kallie: It's all right. There's no need to be ornery and cross simply because we can't make up our minds.
MC: She's right. Don't be...
   grouchy
   hungry
   sleepy
   observant
MC: You'll both get your chances! We have all day!
Julian: Sorry... I'm just feeling a little anxious 'cause everything is so awesome! I want to try it all!
Just then, a group of brightly-dressed clowns walk by!
Payton: Ooh!
Julian: What're ~clowns~ doing here?
Kallie: They're part of the rodeo!
Autumn: Clowns?
Kallie: Indeed! I had once assumed that clowns were reserved for circuses and birthday parties for young children.
Kallie: And while clowns are usually quite gregarious, at the rodeo, they have a very serious job.
MC: Yes, generally clowns are...
   outgoing
   quiet
   unamusing
   boring
Kallie: Here, clowns can be the difference between life and death!
Payton: What do you mean?
Kallie: Bull riding is one of the most dangerous sports! When riders are thrown, they can easily be trampled by the angered bull!
Kallie: Rodeo clowns taunt the bulls to distract from the fallen riders!
MC: You mean the clowns __ the bulls.
   tease
   eat
   smack
   sponsor
Kallie: Precisely! The distraction gives the rider enough time to escape.
Payton: I didn't realize bull riding was so dangerous!
Kallie: It's often called 'the most dangerous eight seconds in sports' because it's so risky!
Julian: Well, you know what they say... no pain, no gain!
Autumn: I'm not sure being trampled by a bull is the type of pain the saying is referring to, Julian...
Payton: Guys... less talk of trampling, more talk of that awesome petting zoo over there! Come on!
Payton runs toward the petting zoo, leaving the four of you behind.
Julian: I suppose we should follow her.
Kallie: I wouldn't mind joining Payton!
Kallie: That petting zoo looks very enticing! Those baby animals are calling my name!
MC: The zoo is very...
   tempting
   off-putting
   leisurely
   clever
Autumn: Then it's decided. Let's go!
Everyone follows Payton to the small, fenced-off area filled with cuddly animals to pet.
In the corner of the animal pen, you see Payton holding a goat. Next to her is...
Julian: Connor!Connor and Payton are in the corner of the petting zoo holding a goat when you, Julian, Kallie, and Autumn find them.
Julian: Connor!
Connor: Hey y'all! Glad you could make it!
Payton: Isn't this the cutest little goat you've ever seen ~ever~?!
MC: He is pretty adorable.
Payton: He's ~totes magotes~ adorable!
Payton: But none of the children wanted to pet him!
Just then, the goat lets out a ~bleat~ and nuzzles Payton's outstretched hand.
Connor: I think he likes you.
Payton: And I ~love~ him! I want to take him home!
Connor: I don't know about that...
Payton: I'll be right back!
Autumn: Do you think she's ~actually~ going to adopt a goat?
Julian: Why not?
Autumn: It seems a little crazy--
Payton: They said I could adopt him! This little cutie is mine!
MC: Are you sure, Payton? A goat is a big responsibility!
Autumn: How're you going to take care of him?
Payton: I'm sure it'll be fine! Come on, help me get this halter on him so I can lead him around. I get to take him with me right now!
MC: Right now? What are you going to do with him the rest of the day?
Payton: He'll come with us, of course!
Connor: Stranger animals have made rodeo appearances!
Once Payton puts the halter on her new goat, you turn to Connor.
MC: So what's first?
Connor: I thought we'd begin with the food tents!
Julian: Food tents? That has my name all over it!
Connor leads your group to a cluster of tents with delicious food.
MC: Mmmm... it sure smells great!
Connor: There's barbecue and apple fritters over there. If that doesn't tempt you, you can always try the fried pickles!
MC: Fried pickles? I'm not sure I'm...
   enticed
   rectified
   parched
   adorned
MC: But I'll try it!
You buy a fried pickle as your groups splits up to grab food. As you head toward the table, you run into Payton trying to get the goat to move!
Payton: Come on, Channing! The table is just over there!
MC: Payton, what's wrong?
Payton: Channing won't move!
MC: Channing?
Payton: Yeah, like Channing Tatum. But he won't budge and he keeps bleating and everyone's staring now...
Payton: This goat is so grouchy...
MC: You could say he's...
   ornery
   averse
   minscule
   pernicious
Payton: What am I going to do?
Just then, Connor approaches with a plate full of barbecue ribs.
Connor: Hey guys, why aren't you over at the table?
Payton: Channing won't move.
Connor: Here, Payton, take my plate and I'll get, uh, Channing here over to the group.
Payton: Oh, thank you, Connor!
Connor bends down next to pick up the goat when he's suddenly tackled by a burly cowboy!
Payton: Connor!
Payton quickly grabs the goat as Connor wrestles with his mysterious attacker!
Payton: Should we do something?
MC: Uhhh...
You're about to step in when Connor frees himself! The other cowboy laughs, gives Connor a hearty slap on the back, and runs off as quickly as he appeared.
MC: Connor! Are you all right?
Connor sits up in the dirt and brushes off his sleeves.
Connor: Uh... sorry about that.
Connor picks up Channing the goat, and the three of you join the others at the table.
Julian: Connor, are you okay?
Kallie: Why are you all dusty? Have you been injured?
Connor: Nah, I'm fine. My buddy Mike just, uh, stopped by. We've been doing the rodeo circuit together for years. He tends to hit and run a lot.
MC: Sounds... fun?
Connor: Oh, it is. He usually isn't so rude, though. I'm sorry he didn't stick around long enough for me to introduce y'all.
Payton: So you and this Mike guy ride together?
Connor: Sorta. We usually compete in bull riding against each other, but sometimes we mix it up with team roping.
Julian: It seems like you two have quite the rivalry...
Connor: Oh, definitely. Things can get pretty heated before a big ride.
Connor: In fact, Mike and I make fun of each other all the time.
MC: So you __ each other?
   taunt
   flourish
   rectify
   ameliorate
Connor: Yeah, but it's all in good fun. At the end of the day, we're buddies.
Payton: He seems like he's a lot to handle...
Connor: Mike is a bit... eccentric, you could say, but he fits in here.
Autumn: Do you have other rodeo friends?
Connor: Oh yeah, we have to find the others before the end of the day so I can introduce you! There's Susan, she's real good at goat tying, and Paul, whose specialty is steer wrestling...
MC: You seem to know a lot of people.
Connor: It's hard not to when you go to these things. The same people tend to crop up all along the circuit. You get to know lots of different folks.
Connor: That's why the rodeo is perfect for outgoing people!
MC: If you're __, you'll fit right in!
   gregarious
   mortified
   inept
   miniscule
Connor: You've got it, MC. Being friendly is all it really takes. Now, finish up your food. We've got lots more to see before the first events start!
All of you scarf down your food and throw away the trash.
Julian: All right, what next?
Connor: I thought we could watch a little mutton busting first.
Autumn: What's mutton busting?
Connor: It's a little kid event where a child tries to stay on a runaway sheep.
Payton: That sounds adorable!
Julian: Let's go check it out.
Connor starts to lead the group away from the food tents, but everyone stops short as Payton struggles to get Channing the goat to budge.
Payton: Come on, Mr. Tatum. An adorable rodeo event is waiting for us! Don't you want to watch little kids ride sheep?
Channing the goat lets out a loud ~bleeeeeeaaaat.~
Connor: Here, Payton, let me--
Payton: No, Connor. This is something I have to do by myself.
Payton: I have to use everything I know about cute animals to get this goat to move!
MC: Use your animal...
   acumen
   tribute
   cache
   celerity
Payton squats down next to the goat and starts stroking his fur. She whispers something in his ear, and Channing seems to relax.
Payton straightens up and gently tugs on the halter. Channing the goat gleefully trots next to Payton.
Kallie: That was splendid, Payton!
Payton: Thanks, Kallie. All right, let's go watch some mutton busting!
---Part 15
Connor leads you, Kallie, Julian, Payton, and Autumn over to the mutton busting arena, and you all sit in a row of empty seats.
Autumn: Connor, did you ever compete in mutton busting?
Payton: Awww, I can just imagine cute, little Connor riding around on a little sheep!
Connor: I only did mutton busting once or twice when I was a kid.
Kallie: Didn't your mother worry it was too perilous? It seems like it'd be terrifying for a child.
MC: It does sound rather...
   dangerous
   harmless
   laughable
   boring
Connor: It's not so bad if you wear a helmet and vest.
Payton: Ooooh look! The first rider is going!
All of you turn to watch a little girl hold tight to the sheep as it's released from the chute into the arena.
Autumn: She's doing so well!
Payton: Woohoo! You go girl!
Julian: Oh no! She fell! And now she's running after the sheep!
Payton: That's adorable! She's trying to give the sheep a kiss.
The rodeo clowns finally catch the sheep and lead it away. The little girl waves to the crowd before running back to her parents.
Julian: Yeah! Good job!
You watch as more children try their hands at mutton busting.
Kallie: This is very entertaining.
Kallie: I'm quite impressed! Those children really know how to flaunt their riding talents!
MC: They know how to __ their skills!
   show off
   defy
   abandon
   cuddle
Finally, the last little boy takes his turn. After a loud cheer from the crowd, everyone starts to disperse.
Julian: So, where to next?
Connor: Well, I thought y'all might want to try learning some cowboy tricks over at the booths. How does that sound?
Julian: Yes! Let's lasso!
The group makes its way back near the entrance, and everyone gets in line for one of the teaching booths.
Connor: So, who wants to learn to rope?
Julian: Me!
Kallie: I would also enjoy that experience, I think.
Payton: I think I'll sit this one out and try to bond with Channing more. He's a stubborn little guy.
Payton strokes the fur of Channing the goat, who tries to pull away from her.
Autumn: I'll help you, Payton. It looks like he's gonna bolt at any minute!
Connor: What about you, MC? Wanna try your hand at roping?
MC: Sure! What do I have to do?
Connor: First things first, choose your equipment!
Connor: You can peruse these ropes and pick one to use.
MC: Hmmm, let me __ them.
   look through
   eat
   dance around
   donate
Connor: I prefer rawhide ropes because the stiffness makes it easier to throw, but you could also pick a nylon or cotton rope.
Kallie: I'll take whatever you recommend!
Connor hands the three of you ropes that are already looped. He steps in front of a row of hay bales to demonstrate.
Connor: The key to roping is in the wrists. Coil the rope in one hand and take hold of the loop with the other.
Connor: Let your wrist move easily as you swing the loop above your head, then when you've got enough momentum, release the rope with your palm down. Don't forget to follow through!
Connor releases his rope and it falls gracefully over the hay bale in front of him.
Kallie: Wow! That was quite impressive, Connor!
Connor: Now you guys try!
You, Kallie, and Julian take your stances in front of the hay bales. You start swinging the rope above your head around... and around... and around...
Choice
Where do you aim?
   The hay bale!
   Your foot!
   The air!
if "The hay bale!" then
   Finally, you release! The rope flies through the air and catches the hay bale on the side.
   Connor: Excellent, MC! You almost had it perfect!
   MC: Thanks, Connor. I have a good teacher.
if "Your foot!" then
   Finally, you release! The rope flies through the air... but sails way past the hay bale!
   MC: I missed...
   Connor: That's okay, MC. It was a good throw.
   MC: If you say so...
if "The air!" or you run out of time then
   Finally, you release! The rope sails straight down and hits your foot!
   MC: Oww!
   Kallie: Are you okay, MC?
   MC: Yeah, but I missed...
   Connor: That's okay. Why don't you try again?
   You gather the rope and try again.
Connor: You know, some people think roping is an antiquated skill. Most folks don't need to know how to do it nowadays.
MC: They think roping is __?
   outdated
   contemporary
   wild
   adaptable
Connor: Exactly, MC. But if you're a working cowboy, roping is just one of the many tasks that you'll have to do on the job.
Connor: Besides, roping is pretty fun.
Just then, Julian releases his rope, and he captures the hay bale.
Connor: Nice roping, Julian! That was great, especially for a first try!
Kallie: I missed the bale completely!
You look over to see Kallie's loop at her feet..
Connor: It looks like you released too early. Here, try again.
Connor takes the lasso and Kallie's hand.
Kallie: Oh!
Connor: So you hold the rope loosely, like this. And then swing it above your head, like... so... and when you're ready, let go and follow through!
Kallie lets the rope go! It sails forward and lands over the hay bale!
Kallie: I did it! Connor, look!
Julian: Great job, Kallie!
Kallie: Is there time for me to try again?
MC: You guys go ahead. I'm going to see if I can go find Payton and Autumn.
You look around, but can't see Payton, Autumn, or Channing the goat.
MC: Hmmm... where did they go?
You walk through the crowd until...
MC: There you guys are! What happened? Why are you all the way over here?
Payton: Channing bolted, and we had to chase him down!
Autumn: We had to dodge through all these people... he almost head-butted some cowboys!
Payton: We finally found Channing digging through the trash back at the food tents! We had to clean it all up...
Autumn: We coaxed him back here, but now he's refusing to walk the rest of the way to the booths.
Payton: The trick I used last time doesn't work anymore.
Suddenly, Connor, Kallie, and Julian rush up to the three of you!
Connor: MC, how good are you on horseback?
MC: Me? Why?
Connor: My buddy just said they're two riders short for the barrel racing competition! They need substitutes for the amateur group!
MC: And you want ~me~ to volunteer?
Connor: I know you aren't exactly prepared, but it can be an impromptu appearance!
MC: I hadn't __ to ride today.
   planned
   classified
   voted
   hoped
MC: But it could be fun... I'm in!
Kallie: I think I would also like to try my hand at this barrel racing competition, if that would be acceptable...
Connor: Excellent! I'll let 'em know.
MC: Come on, Kallie. We're going barrel racing!Connor leads you, Kallie, Julian, Payton, and Autumn over to the main rodeo arena.
Kallie: Um, Connor, what exactly does barrel racing entail?
Connor: Well, to put it simply, you and MC will ride horses in a clover-shaped pattern around the barrels in the arena. Whoever finishes the fastest wins!
Connor: This event tests the horse's speed and agility, as well as the rider's ability to control the horse!
Kallie: But... I can't control a horse! I can barely ride at all!
Kallie: I am not prepared for this!
MC: This ride is rather...
   impromptu
   tranquil
   versatile
   monotonous
Connor: Don't worry, Kallie. You two are in the amateur group. My buddy said that the two riders that had to drop out have fairly tame horses, so you two should be okay even if you don't know how to ride well.
MC: It'll be fun, Kallie!
Kallie: I suppose...
Connor leads you and Kallie over to the horse pen while the others go find seats in the stands.
Connor: Now, Chestnut here is very gentle. She'll be very easy to ride. Peacock is a little bit of a runner, but still shouldn't give you too much trouble. So, who wants which horse?
Kallie: Oh, MC should pick first.
MC: Hmmm...
Choice
Which horse do you pick?
   I'll ride sweet Chestnut!
   I'll ride swift Peacock!
if "I'll ride sweet Chestnut!" then
   Connor hands you the reins to Peacock, the dark mare with a white spot on her nose. You stroke her nose.
   MC: Why is she called Peacock?
   Connor: Dunno. I think the owner let his daughter name her.
   An event coordinator motions you and Kallie to the horse entrance of the arena.
   Connor: Looks like it's time for you to saddle up! Now, don't forget to hold on tight and guide the horse with your knees.
   MC: Got it!
 Connor helps you and Kallie get on your horses. It's your turn first, and you trot Peacock over to the entrance. The judge gives you the starting nod.
   You start Peacock at a run as you ride through the gate. As you approach the starting line, you pick up speed!
   Payton: Whoooo! Go MC!
   Julian: Ride like the wind, MC!
   As you approach the first barrel, you nudge Peacock to take the right hand turn.
   MC: Atta girl, Peacock.
 You easily round the first and second barrels, then charge toward the third. You skillfully guide Peacock in a sharp turn and urge her down the home stretch!
   Autumn: Go, MC, go!
   You cross the finish line!
   MC: Whoa... good job, Peacock.
   Connor: That was some ridin', MC.
   Kallie: Yes, excellent job! I hope I can follow that up!
   Connor: Look, MC! Your time puts you in third place!
   MC: No way!
   The judge motions to Kallie.
   Kallie: Looks like it's my turn!
if "I'll ride swift Peacock!" then
   Connor hands you the reins to Chestnut, the chocolatey mare with a lighter mane. You stroke her side.
   MC: You're such a beauty, Chestnut.
   An event coordinator motions you and Kallie to the horse entrance of the arena.
   Connor: Looks like it's time for you to saddle up! Now, don't forget to hold on tight and guide the horse with your knees.
   MC: Got it!
 Connor helps you and Kallie get on your horses. It's your turn first, and you trot Chestnut over to the entrance. The judge gives you the starting nod.
   You start Chestnut at a run as you ride through the gate. As you approach the starting line, you pick up speed!
   Payton: Whoooo! Go MC!
   Julian: Ride like the wind, MC!
   As you approach the first barrel, you nudge Chestnut to take the right hand turn.
   MC: Whoa! A little tight there, Chestnut.
 You manage to round the first and second barrels, then charge toward the third. You carefully guide Chestnut in a wide turn and urge her down the home stretch!
   Autumn: Go, MC, go!
   You cross the finish line!
   MC: Whoa... good job, Chestnut.
   Connor: That was some ridin', MC.
   MC: I know I wasn't the fastest out there, but it was fun!
   The judge motions to Kallie.
   Kallie: Looks like it's my turn!
Kallie rides her horse to the entrance and coaxes it to a run. On the judge's go, she takes off toward the first barrel!
Kallie: Oh!
MC: Go Kallie!
You watch as Kallie maneuvers her way around the three barrels and speeds toward the finish line!
Kallie: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
Connor: Nice job, Kallie!
Payton, Autumn, and Julian come running up to you.
Julian: That was amazing, you guys!
Payton: You two rode those horses around the barrel things really well!
MC: We were just __ what we learned!
   flaunting
   sullying
   curtailing
   pondering
Kallie: Indeed. Connor is an excellent last-minute teacher.
Connor: Nah, that was all you two. You can't teach natural skill like that.
MC: I don't know about natural skill... but it was fun!
Autumn: That last turn you took in the barrel race was really risky! I was worried!
MC: It was a little...
   perilous
   verbose
   diabolical
   candid
MC: But my horse knew what she was doing.
Connor: All right, we should get these horses back to their owners so they can be cooled down. After that, we have a little time before the bull riding begins. What do you guys want to do?
Payton: Shopping, shopping, shopping!
Connor: Heh, I guess we'll head over to the market stalls, then.
Once you know the horses are being cared for, you head to the shopping area.
Autumn: Let's browse these jewelry booths! I want to see if I can find a bracelet!
MC: Yes, let's...
   peruse
   dance
   sing
   order
You walk past the booths where several vendors are selling jewelry. One Native American woman waves to Autumn as you pass by.
Autumn: Oh! It's Kaya!
Autumn runs off, leaving everyone else behind.
MC: Hey, Autumn, wait up!
You and Kallie run after her, while Payton pulls at Channing's halter.
Payton: Come on, Channing... we've gotta get a move on so we can find Autumn!
Channing refuses to budge. He lets out a doleful ~bleat~.
Connor: Need a hand there, Pay?
Connor picks up the goat. He and Payton join you, Kallie, and Autumn at a jewelry booth.
Autumn: Hey guys, I'd like you to meet Kaya! She's a close family friend. I've known her ever since I was a kid!
Autumn: Kaya and the rest of her tribe make these necklaces by hand and then sell them along the rodeo circuit.
Autumn: Some people might find the style outdated, but I love it!
MC: I don't think it's __ at all.
   antiquated
   gregarious
   hypothetical
   lethargic
Payton: Kaya, you ~have~ to show me more of your turquoise pieces! They're beautiful... and match my skin tone perfectly!
You browse the booth for a bit as Autumn and Kaya catch up.
Payton: Channing, no!
You look over to see Channing trying to eat the tablecloth from the next booth!
Payton: You aren't supposed to eat that! You're supposed to eat... uh...
Payton: I don't know ~what~ you're supposed to eat...
Autumn: What're you gonna feed him when you get home?
Payton: Um...
Suddenly, an announcement sounds over the speakers:
~'Attention, ladies and gentleman. The main bull riding event is about to begin. Riders, please head over to the chute. Everyone else, take your seats!'~
Connor: That's my cue. Wish me luck!
---Part 16
The main event is about to begin at the rodeo... bull riding! Connor walks you and your friends over to the arena.
Connor: All righty, this is where I leave y'all.
Autumn: Good luck, Connor!
Julian: We'll be rooting for you.
Kallie: Oh wait, before you go... is there anything we should know about this event?
Connor: No, not really. Just have fun, Kal!
Connor: Bull riding is a spectator-friendly sport! You don't have to know much to enjoy watching it!
MC: You mean it's easy to be a...
   viewer
   eater
   organizer
   participater
Connor: Exactly! Just cheer when other people cheer, and you'll catch on right-quick.
Kallie: I--okay... I suppose if I can learn how to watch football, I can learn to watch bull riding!
Connor: I gotta run. I'll see y'all later.
Connor runs off toward the rider's entrance, and the rest of you enter the arena through the main gate. You quickly find your seats as Payton struggles to get Channing the goat to climb the arena steps.
Payton: Almost... there...
Julian: First row? Awesome! We're right by the action!
Eventually, Payton and Autumn coax Channing into the right row. Down below, you can see the dirt arena floor. There are high metal gates separating the spectators from where all the action will take place.
The grand entry begins as riders carrying flags circle the arena, followed by the competitors on foot.
Payton: Oh, look... there's Connor! This is so exciting!
Kallie: I hope none of them get injured... an angered bull could easily crush a man.
Kallie: According to my research, bull riding is all about beating the odds. It's about overcoming adversity.
MC: You have to make it through the...
   hardship
   night
   bad hair day
   tunnel
Kallie: Precisely, MC. You have to have an incredible sense of balance and quick reactions.
Kallie: And I'm sure that Connor ~does~ have those skills... based on what we've seen of his, uh, athletic abilities.
Kallie starts to blush bright red.
Kallie: I-uh... I mean...
Payton: You're right, Kallie. Connor is a great all-around athlete.
MC: And you said he holds all those records, right? I'm sure he'll be fine.
Julian: And it looks like he's up first!
Everyone's eyes are riveted on the bucking chute where Connor mounts his bull. He holds tight to the bull rope and gives his ready signal. The gate is thrown open!
Connor: Yeehaw!
The bull bucks, kicks, spins, and twists, trying to get Connor off its back... but Connor keeps his seat!
MC: Gooooooooo Connor!
Julian: Hold on tight, buddy!
Kallie: Ahhhhhhh!
Suddenly, Connor is bucked off! He flies through the air...
Connor: Oooomph!
He lands a safe distance away from the bull. He quickly gets up and runs to safety while the rodeo clowns corral the bull.
Autumn: He made it!
Kallie: That was too close for comfort!
Julian: When will they announce his score?
Kallie: As soon as they tally it, I believe.
Kallie: I'm sure he'll receive many accolades for that bull ride! Connor deserves recognition!
MC: That ride definitely deserves...
   praise
   cookies
   punishment
   rain
MC: He stayed on there for so long!
Kallie: The full eight seconds, I think.
The commentators announce Connor's score...
Julian: An 86! Is that good? It's out of 100 points, right?
Payton: That sounds like a great score! Woo! Go Connor!
Autumn: Oh! It looks like the next rider is going!
You watch as rider after rider are bucked from the bulls! As the event continues, Connor's score remains one of the best of the day.
The bull riding is almost complete when Connor pops up next to you.
Connor: So... what'd y'all think?
Kallie: You were magnificent, Connor!
Julian: Yeah, that was totally awesome! You ~have~ to show me how to ride like that sometime.
Connor: The key to bull riding is to be steadfast in the saddle! You can't let the bull buck you.
MC: You have to be...
   steady
   trembling
   dishonest
   lively
Connor: I can show you, Julian, but it might be safer to start with a mechanical bull.
Julian: Awesome!
Payton: It looks like you're gonna win! You still have a top score!
Connor: For now... Mike still has to ride.
Julian: Is Mike better than you?
Connor: We have something of a rivalry going. Ever since we were little, we've tried to one-up each other.
Connor: Sometimes Mike and I would wrangle over who's the better bull rider! We'd wrestle to prove who's best.
MC: You two would...
   brawl
   relax
   pacify
   ride
Connor: But ultimately, the only thing that matters is how well you ride the bull.
Everyone turns to the bucking chute just as the gate is thrown open! Mike holds on as the bull bucks and leaps around.
Julian: He's doing really well...
Connor: That's okay, Julian. If he rides better, he deserves to win.
Just then, Mike is thrown from the bull. He lands right in the bull's path!
Connor: Mike!
Without delay, Connor leaps in front of the charging bull!Connor leaps into the rodeo arena in front of the charging bull!
MC: Connor!
Connor waves his hands around, catching the bull's attention.
Connor: Hoo-o-o-o-ey! Hoo-o-o-whee-o-ey!
Connor: Over here, you big bully!
Julian: Are we just supposed to stand here and watch Connor face down a bull by himself?!
MC: It's hard to be a...
   spectator
   debacle
   taunter
   celerity
MC: But we'll only distract Connor if we try to get involved.
Kallie: I hope he'll be all right...
Payton: Connor, look out!
Connor darts away from the bull's horns, leading the bull away from Mike, who stumbles to his feet.
Julian: Is Mike okay?
Mike seems to find his bearings and rushes to help Connor and the rodeo clowns rope the bull!
Julian: Look at Connor and Mike brawl with the bull!
MC: Yikes! I wouldn't want to __ with it!
   wrangle
   entice
   sully
   ponder
Together, Connor, Mike, and the clowns finally get the bull out of the arena. The crowd cheers and applauds!
Mike shoots Connor a huge smile, and the two friends take a bow!
Payton: Yay, Mike! Yay, Connor!
Kallie: I'm so glad they're all right! Those were some dangerous maneuvers!
Autumn: Connor is such a loyal friend. I can't believe he jumped in the arena to save Mike!
MC: Connor is very...
   steadfast
   antiquated
   parched
   hypothetical
Kallie: We're quite fortunate that Connor is friends with ~us.~
You watch as Connor and Mike leave the arena.
~'Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes one of the most exciting bull riding competitions this cowboy has seen in a long time. The final results will be announced soon. Thank you for joining us.'~
Julian: Come on, we should go find Connor.
Payton: Now is ~not~ the time to be ornery, Mr. Tatum. We have to go find our friend.
After Payton finally gets Channing the goat to move, you and your friends rush out of the arena to find Connor emerging from the nearby medic tent.
MC: Connor! Are you okay? Is Mike okay?
Connor: We're fine. Mike might have some bruises tomorrow, but he'll be right as rain in a week.
Payton: Connor, you should get a big prize for that amazing save!
MC: You should receive some...
   accolades
   acumen
   trepidation
   comestibles
Connor: Oh, no, that's completely unnecessary.
Connor: Mike just had a little bit of bad luck. I did what anyone would do.
MC: You helped him through his...
   adversity
   paragon
   harbinger
   cache
MC: Not everyone would do that.
Kallie: You're being quite modest, Connor. What you did was very heroic, and you should be recognized for it.
Payton: Three cheers for Connor! Hip hip...
Payton: Hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!
Payton: Guys... no one else cheered.
Connor: Heh thanks anyway, Pay.
~'Ladies and gentlemen, the final results are in! In fourth place, with a score of 86, is Connor Gunn...'~
MC: Oh, Connor, I'm sorry.
Payton: You really should've won!
Connor: Nah, it's fine. I'll get 'em next time.
Autumn: This was really fun. Thanks for inviting us to the rodeo, Connor.
Julian: Yeah! Learning to lasso was awesome! And your bull ride... that was something else.
Connor: It certainly was... uh, an exciting way to end the rodeo. I'm sorry everything always seems to go a little crazy whenever you guys are around.
MC: No need to apologize!
Kallie: Indeed! We're only grateful that your friend is unhurt.
MC: But maybe next time we hang out, we should do something less... dangerous.
Connor: Sounds like a plan--
~BLEATTTTT!~
Suddenly, Channing the goat yanks away from Payton!
Payton: Ow! Mr. Tatum, come back!
Payton rushes after the goat, followed quickly by the rest of the group.
After several minutes, the six of you manage to corner Channing near the market booths. You creep closer and closer until... Connor snags the goat's halter!
Payton: Channing Tatum, you are too much work for me! How am I supposed to take you home when you're so... so...
MC: Ornery?
Payton: Yeah. My parents will never let me keep a goat like him... I guess I should've thought of that earlier...
Connor: Well, I've an idea...
Payton: Take him back to the petting zoo?
Connor: You could do that. Or, if you want, I could take Mr. Tatum here home with me. He'll fit right in with all our other animals, and we have a pretty big property, so he'd have plenty of space to run around.
Connor: I know my parents won't mind, and you'd be able to visit him whenever you want...
Payton: Oh Connor, that'd be perfect!
Payton: Thank you, thank you, thank you!
MC: That's really generous of you, Connor.
Connor: Anything I can do to help out a little ornery goat in need!
---Part 17
A week after the rodeo, you, Kallie, Payton, and Julian are all sitting in Mr. Olson's English class reading quietly.
Suddenly, Mr. Olson clears his throat to get everyone's attention!
Kallie: Oh! That startled me!
Julian: Caught up in your book again, huh Kallie?
Kallie begins to blush.
Kallie: Indeed. I'm rereading ~Middlemarch~, and Dorothea Brooke is so fascinating--
Payton: Wait, how many times have you read that thing? It must be like a billion pages!
Kallie: Well, it's not quite that long. I've read it a few times, I suppose. I lost track...
MC: Uh, guys...
Mr. Olson is waiting patiently at the front of the room for everyone to quiet down.
MC: Sorry, Mr. Olson.
Mr. Olson shakes his head with a smile and begins passing out flyers.
Julian: ~'Cafe Night'~?
Payton: Oh, I've heard about this! Each year, the English classes get together and host a Cafe Night for the whole school. All the students read short creative writing pieces from class.
Kallie: We're being encouraged to write creatively in class? That sounds wonderful!
Kallie: Writing short stories is one of my favorite pastimes!
Kallie: Some people think creative writing is superfluous because other careers seem more profitable.
MC: They think creative writing is...
   unnecessary
   essential
   emotional
   superior
Kallie: Precisely! But imagine a world with no creative writing! It's a skill that everyone should try to develop. Even the most technical jobs could benefit from more creativity.
Julian: What about sports? Professional athletes don't need creative writing.
Kallie: I disagree. Do you think Michael Jordan lacked creativity? Or Derek Jeter? Creativity is essential when trying to outsmart your opponent. And the best athletes also need to be eloquent, a skill that is strengthened if you practice writing frequently.
Julian: ~You~ know who Derek Jeter is? That's cool.
Kallie ducks her head so her hair covers her face.
Kallie: You're not the only one who likes sports... Connor and I used to watch baseball together when we were younger.
MC: You make a good point about how important creative writing can be, Kallie.
Payton: Even if it was a rather, uh, long point. Heh.
Kallie: Oh, I apologize. When I'm really excited, I can't stop talking.
Kallie: I tend to get caught up in my circumlocution instead of being direct. Rambling is one of my weaknesses.
MC: It's okay to be very...
   wordy
   hushed
   hungry
   angry
Julian: You wouldn't be our Kallie otherwise!
Kallie: Oh, um, thank you, Julian. That's quite kind...
A sudden ~a-hem~ catches everyone's attention.
MC: I guess we should get back to the topic at hand... sorry, Mr. Olson.
Kallie: Indeed, I'm quite excited to get the opportunity to write creatively during class.
Kallie: Are there any specific rules by which we need to abide for this reading?
MC: I'm sure there are guidelines to...
   follow
   ignore
   negotiate
   defeat
You give Mr. Olson a sheepish smile as he explains the rules. Payton leans forward to whisper to you.
Payton: It's a good thing you're one of Mr. Olson's favorite students, MC. Otherwise we'd get in trouble for talking all the time!
MC: Shhh...
After Mr. Olson finishes telling the class about the details for Cafe Night, the bell rings! You and your friends collect your things and meet outside.
Julian: I'm not sure how I feel about this whole ~reading~ thing.
Payton: I don't think you can get out of reading in an English class, Julian.
Julian: I meant reading ~my writing~ in front of other people. Creative writing isn't exactly my strong suit, you know?
Julian: I don't want the whole school to know my story stinks.
Kallie: I think that's why Mr. Olson has us peer editing our work before the reading.
Kallie: It's normal for the first draft to be a maladroit attempt. As you keep editing, any clumsy writing will be corrected.
MC: First drafts are usually a bit...
   awkward
   perfect
   lengthy
   pungent
Kallie: The more you edit, the more mistakes you'll be able to catch! By the day of the reading, I'm sure your story will be terrific!
Julian: You think so? Thanks, Kallie!
Payton: I'm just glad we get a break from all that boring stuff, like ~The Red Letter~ or whatever it is. If I have to read one more sentence about that Hester girl, I'll scream!
MC: So... you aren't going to write any historical fiction, Payton?
Payton: No way! I'm gonna write something really cute, about puppies or clothes!
Kallie: They say it's best for new writers to write what they know.
Payton: And I know cute things, for sure!
Julian: Maybe I'll try my hand at poetry. I mean, how hard can free verse be?
Payton: What about you, Kallie? What are you going to write?
Kallie: I'm not sure what the subject will be...
Kallie: But I know I don't want to deviate from the genre with which I'm most comfortable. I'll stick to fiction for now.
MC: You don't want to __ what you know!
   stray from
   retreat to
   eat up
   sleep to
Kallie: Precisely. MC, what are you going to write?
MC: Hmmm... I don't know yet--
~BRRRRING!~
Kallie: Oh! We're going to be tardy!
Kallie darts away, leaving the rest of you behind.
Julian: I guess we know who'll win the Best Attendance Award this year.
MC: Come on, let's get to class.At the end of the school day, you run into Kallie on your way to your locker.
MC: Hey, Kallie. Julian and I are gonna grab some coffee after school. Wanna join?
Kallie: Oh, that sounds lovely. Let me call my parents to let them know I'll be home a bit late.
After Kallie calls her mom, the two of you meet up with Julian on the front steps of the school.
Julian: Oh, hey Kallie. Are you getting coffee with us?
Kallie: If that is amenable, yes.
Julian: Of course! Climb in.
The three of you pile in Julian's car and head over to Coffee Espress. Just as you enter the coffeeshop, you hear a familiar voice.
Payton: MC! Kallie! Julian! Fancy seeing you three here!
MC: Hey, Payton.
Julian: We should've known you'd be at the nearest coffeeshop.
Payton: What can I say? I like lattes a latte. Heehee.
Nishan: Oh brother.
Julian: Nishan! I didn't see you behind the caffeine queen over here.
Nishan: That's completely understandable.
Payton: Hey!
You notice that Kallie is looking down at her feet while the others chat. You put your arm around her and nudge her forward.
MC: Nishan, have you met Kallie yet? She used to be homeschooled, but she switched to our school a couple weeks ago!
Kallie: Uh... greetings! I mean, hello! I mean...
Nishan: Hi, Kallie. It's nice to meet you.
Kallie: I've heard quite a bit about you.
Nishan: Really? Only good things, I hope.
Kallie: I've, uh, heard that you're an excellent friend and brilliant student, and that you're quite dependable and know a copious amount about robots, both real and fictitious.
Nishan: Yup, that's me.
Nishan: Hey, you talk a lot when you get nervous.
MC: Sometimes Kallie gets lost in her...
   circumlocution
   acumen
   harbinger
   precipice
Kallie blushes bright red.
Kallie: I apologize. I frequently struggle to be taciturn, despite my mother's best efforts to teach me reticence.
Nishan: Hey, I never said it was a bad thing. In fact, I think it's pretty cool. I don't often get a chance to test my vocab skills. You don't normally hear 'taciturn' in everyday conversations, do you?
Kallie: No, not all the time.
Julian: Hey guys, we're up next to order. What do you two want?
Nishan: Hmm, I'm not sure yet...
Payton: I am! Peppermint latte, here I come!
After everyone collects their drinks, you find a cozy set of couches in the back. Payton takes a long sip of her latte.
Payton: Mmmmmm... they make the ~best~ lattes here.
Payton: One time, I asked for their peppermint latte recipe, but when I tried to make it, my latte was terrible!
MC: Did you __ from the recipe?
   deviate
   wrangle
   obliterate
   ponder
Payton: I didn't ~think~ so, but who knows?
MC: How's your hot chocolate, Kallie?
Kallie: Delicious! It reminds me of the everlasting elixir in the Mary Attwater series.
Nishan: You've read ~Mary Attwater and the Basilisk's Boulder?!~
Kallie: Indeed! It's one of my favorite fantastical series. I've read it many times over. Have you read it?
Nishan: Every novel ~and~ I've seen every movie. I've even read the short story anthology that R.U. Bowling published last year.
Kallie: Was it excellent? I wanted to read it, but it's so difficult to find a copy outside Great Britain.
Julian: ~What~ are you two talking about?
Kallie: ~Mary Attwater and the Basilisk's Boulder~ is the first book of a fantasy series about a young girl named Mary who finds herself caught up in a political battle for the faerie kingdom of Ettansmoor!
Kallie: There are seven books in all, and the final film was released a couple years ago. I've only read the books, however.
Nishan: The films were awkward attempts to adapt the super intricate stories!
MC: They were __ adaptations.
maladroit
steadfast
impromptu
deferential
Nishan: Exactly, MC. They completely changed the ending! I don't want to spoil it for you guys, but they basically changed who died at the end, and it was the worst.
Kallie: Truly? I thought R.U. Bowling assisted with the screenplays?
Nishan: She was only involved in the first five movies. Six and seven were written by some random guys who clearly never read the books.
Nishan: The last two movies were so awful... the screenwriters didn't even try to follow the real story!
MC: They didn't __ the plot?
   abide by
   abstain from
   maneuver around
   wrangle with
Nishan: Not even remotely.
Kallie: Oh, was her lack of participation due to her preoccupation with writing the prequel that came out recently, ~Ettansmoor Before Attwater~?
Nishan: That's what the rumors say.
Kallie: Personally, I thought the prequel was completely unnecessary.
MC: It was __ to the rest of the series!
   superfluous
   perilous
   gregarious
   ornery
Nishan: I have to agree. Who wants to read about Ettansmorr ~before~ Mary Attwater comes to town and kicks butt?
Julian: Yeah... who would want to do ~that?~
Nishan: Not any ~true~ fans, that's for sure.
Payton: Right... so, Nishan, what do you think of this whole Cafe Night reading thing?
Kallie: Oh, I apologize! We were monopolizing the conversation, weren't we?
MC: Don't worry about it, Kallie.
Nishan: Yeah, I'm pretty excited about the reading. I'm actually planning to write my own sci-fi adventure! I've already written quite a bit of fanfiction, you know.
MC: Oh, we know.
Payton: Anyway, I'm thinking of throwing a study party at my house later this week so we can work on our creative pieces...
Payton: And you're all invited!
Kallie: A study party? What's that?
Payton: It's my latest excuse to throw a party! Come on, it'll be fun ~and~ we can get some schoolwork done.
Julian: It would be nice to get some help on the writing...
Nishan: And we could practice reading in front of each other.
Kallie: Oh! That sounds...
Payton: Perfect! I'll see all of you there!
Kallie: ...
---Part 18
A few days after Mr. Olson tells the class about the Cafe Night reading, Payton gathers everyone at her house.
Payton: Study party, study party, STUDY PARTY!
Kallie: But... we aren't truly studying, correct? I thought we were merely working on our creative writing pieces together...
MC: I guess we should call it a 'writing party' instead.
Julian: I don't care what we call it as long as I can get some of this done! I've been working on my poem for days and all I have so far is...
Julian: ~'Rain drops... drip down the football... like the sweat on my face... I'm all alone in the endzone... safety.'~
Nishan: That's uh, great, Julian.
Julian: No, it's not. I'm terrible at this.
Kallie: Well, perhaps you need to find a genre that fits you better than poetry!
Julian: Like what?
Kallie: Maybe instead of a poem about football, you should write a ~short story~ about football! That might make it easier for you to draw on personal experience for inspiration!
Julian: Yeah... I could write about a hardworking quarterback who finally gets off the bench and snags the starting spot from his worst enemy!
Julian: Uh... not that it happened to anyone I know...
Kallie: That sounds perfect! It's precisely the type of excitement that will capture the reader's attention!
Kallie: After all, we don't want the audience to fall asleep! We have to make sure our writing isn't too pedestrian.
MC: No __ writing here!
   boring
   fascinating
   fantastical
   backwards
Kallie: What about everyone else? Have all of you chosen topics already?
Payton: I still can't decide between puppies and clothes... both are just so cute!
Kallie: What if you try your hand at flash fiction?
MC: What's flash fiction?
Kallie: It's basically really short stories. Sometimes it's fewer than a hundred words!
Payton: That sounds perfect! I could write a piece about puppies ~and~ a piece about clothes.
Nishan: You could easily read two short, short pieces in the allotted four minutes.
Payton: That's true! Thanks for the suggestion, Kallie!
Kallie: Of course.
Nishan: Well, I ~know~ what I'm gonna write about... aliens!
Kallie: Extraterrestrials? Truly?
Nishan: Why not? I love sci-fi, and this'll give me a chance to write a hero's journey through the galaxies!
MC: You know, it sounds a lot like Star Journey--
Nishan: It'll be totally different, MC.
Kallie: What if, instead of a hero's journey, you focus on the villain?
Kallie: You could write about the harrowing tale of the villain's demise and detail how his whole evil plan collapses!
MC: The bad guy's __ is the best part!
   downfall
   happiness
   breakfast
   genesis
Nishan: This... changes... everything!
Nishan grabs his laptop and starts typing furiously!
MC: Looks like he found his inspiration.
Autumn: I'm still trying to figure out what to write... I was thinking about it all last night.
Payton: OMG, Autumn! You should totally write poetry! You just rhymed without even trying!
Autumn: I don't know... my sense of meter's always been a little slow.
Payton: You just did it ~again!~
Kallie: It seems like you would be an excellent poet, Autumn! Your artistic talents will help you connect with the readers.
Kallie: You can write something poignant... something that'll make the audience feel emotional!
MC: Your poetry will be emotionally...
   moving
   dull
   edible
   desperate
Autumn: I guess I can try... there's no need for me to be shy.
Just then, Nishan interrupts.
Nishan: Okay, this is what I've got so far...
Nishan: The scene opens with a seemingly normal father yelling at his seemingly normal son for returning the spaceship without gassing it up first. Of course, space gas is ~astronomically~ priced, so the son doesn't want to pay up.
Nishan: All of a sudden, they're interrupted by an onslaught of intergalactic smugglers!
Julian: Wait, what? I'm confused...
Nishan: Already? But I haven't even gotten to the confusing part yet! I'm just setting the scene.
Kallie: I think I know how to help.
Kallie: Your writing seems to be missing tangible details. It's difficult for us to picture the scene.
MC: The details need to be more...
   concrete
   abstract
   vague
   angry
Kallie: Perhaps try describing the father, the son, the house, the spaceship... we don't even know what planet they're on!
Nishan: I was so caught up in the plot that I forgot to mention that they're on the space moon GLFROIUEKS!
MC: Good thing Kallie's here!
Kallie: Thanks, MC. Hey, what are you going to write about?
MC: Well, I think I might write...
Choice
What do you say?
   Nonfiction!
   A novel!
   Poetry!
   A short story!
if "Nonfiction!" then
   MC: I want my piece to feel genuine... gritty... real, you know?
   Kallie: That's very admirable, MC. Nonfiction pieces can often be the more difficult to write!
   MC: I was thinking that maybe I would write about my experience starting this school... like, my own high school story!
   Payton: Sounds perfect!
if "A novel!" then
   Kallie: A novel! That's very... ambitious!
   MC: Heh. I like a challenge.
   Julian: You're going to write a ~whole~ novel? Before the reading?
   MC: It'll be like an abridged NaNoWriMo!
if "Poetry!" then
   Julian: Good luck! Trust me, it's harder than it looks!
   MC: Perhaps I will try... simply writing some haikus... rhyming is too hard.
   Kallie: That's impressive!
if "A short story!" then
   MC: I've always wanted to try my hand at creative writing, and a short story is the perfect way to start!
   Kallie: It seems like that genre will be a good fit for you, MC!
   MC: Now I just need a story idea...
MC: What about you, Kallie? We've all been talking about what ~we're~ writing, but we don't even know what you're doing yet!
Payton: That's right! You love writing! You must have an idea already...
Kallie: Well, actually, I'm working on this piece that I started a while ago.
MC: Is it fiction? Nonfiction?
Kallie: Actually, it's a compromise between the two!
Nishan: How do you compromise between what's real and what's not? Is this a hallucination?!
Kallie: Not precisely... it's based on a true story, but written more in the style of a fiction piece.
Payton: It's the best of both worlds!
Julian: I don't get it, but I'm sure it's awesome!
MC: Can you share some of what you've written?
Kallie clutches her notebook to her chest and begins to blush.
Kallie: Um, it's not ready to be shared yet.
Kallie: The descriptions in my writing are too weak right now. I'll have to bolster them with some real-world observations.
MC: We can help you __ them!
   stengthen
   incapacitate
   devour
   describe
MC: After all, you've helped the rest of us with our pieces!
Kallie: I appreciate the offer, MC, but I think for now, I'll be okay on my own.
MC: Well, if you change your mind, we're all right here!
Payton: Okay everyone! Let's get this writing party started for reals!
Payton fetches some snacks from the kitchen and turns on her 'Study Jamz' at a low volume. Everyone spreads out with their notebooks and laptops.
Payton: Everyone settled? Let's write!You, Kallie, Julian, Autumn, and Nishan are all at Payton's house, working on your pieces for the Cafe Night Reading.
Payton: Okay... and done!
Julian: Already?
Payton: Yup! Well, just with my puppies piece! It's a short, short story about a lost little girl who finds a lost little puppy, and they adopt each other and live happily every after!
Kallie: That sounds very cute!
Payton: That's ~exactly~ what I was going for!
Julian: Well, I'm not done yet, but I have a decent start, I think.
Julian clears his throat and lifts his notebook up to read.
Julian: ~'It's a dark and stormy day. The perfect day for a football game between rival schools. Justin grabs his helmet and leads his team out of the locker room. It's the most important game of the season... and of his life!'~
MC: Whoa!
Payton: I just got chills!
Kallie: That's excellent writing, Julian. I particularly enjoyed your use of hyperbole!
MC: Does anyone else want to read what they've got so far?
Autumn: I could read part of this poem...
Autumn launches into her epic poem.
Autumn: ~...'At long last he grasped his enemy's hand... you saved me from certain catastrophe...'~
Autumn: ~'After enduring more than I could stand... your betrayal will be such a pity--'~
Autumn: And that's all I've got right now!
Nishan: Wow.
Payton: Autumn... that poem was so moving!
MC: It was very...
   poignant
   steadfast
   perilous
   impromptu
Autumn: Thanks, you guys. I was a little worried it was too dramatic...
Payton: It's the ~perfect~ level of drama!
Kallie: Your poetry is quite impressive. I've never heard such a superb example of trochaic pentameter!
Nishan: That's gonna be a hard act to follow!
Julian: Kallie, why don't you read some of your story next?
Kallie: Uh... I don't know...
Kallie: I'm worried that my writing is entirely lackluster and boring.
MC: I'm sure it's not...
   pedestrian
   antiquated
   hypothetical
   bucolic
Julian: Yeah, you've gotta be the best writer of all of us! I'm sure it's really good!
Kallie: I appreciate your confidence, but I... I don't know. I don't think it's very good.
MC: You don't have to share with us if you don't want to, Kallie.
Kallie: It's not that... it's hard to explain...
Kallie: I've always been incredibly self-conscious about reading my work to others... I guess my self-confidence is rather low.
MC: We can help you __ it!
   bolster
   wrangle
   flaunt
   peruse
Nishan: You've got nothing to be afraid of! Based on the advice you've given us so far, I'm sure your writing will be equally awesome!
MC: This is a safe space, Kallie. As your friends, we just want to support and help you! We'd never ~force~ you to share with us, but we're here if you decide you want to.
Autumn: Although... well, I hate to bring this up, but Mr. Olson ~is~ going to make you share with the class. Everyone has to participate in the reading.
Kallie: I know. I... I don't know how I'm going to handle this! I'm terrified of talking in front of large groups of people...
Kallie: I know it's silly to be afraid of abstract things, like public speaking...
MC: You can worry about things that aren't...
   tangible
   unencumbered
   sterling
   superfluous
MC: And lots of people dislike public speaking.
Kallie: I just... I don't know how I'll manage to conquer ~two~ of my greatest fears at the same time! How am I supposed to share something as personal as my writing with a roomful of complete strangers!
Kallie: I can't do it! I can't do it! I can't do it!
Kallie: I'm so terrified! Reading my work in front of other people will be the death of me!
MC: It won't be your __, I promise.
   demise
   circumlocution
   aberration
   comestibles
Payton: Maybe it'll be less scary if you start small... you can practice on us!
Julian: Yeah! Reading to a room of friends has gotta be loads easier than reading to a room of strangers!
Nishan: Just put one foot in front of the other!
Kallie hesitates, shuffling her feet. Finally, she looks up.
Kallie: I suppose I can try!
MC: Only if you feel ready, Kallie. We don't want to pressure you.
Kallie: No, no, I can do it... I think.
Kallie gathers her notebook and moves to the front of the room. She flips her notebook open to the appropriate page and takes a deep breath.
Kallie: ~Breathe in...~
Kallie: ~Breathe out...~
Kallie: ...
MC: Kallie?
Kallie: I CAN'T DO THIS!
Before anyone can react, Kallie runs out of the room! A moment later, you hear Payton's front door slam shut!
MC: Kallie!
---Part 19
The day after Payton's study party, you go looking for Kallie as soon as you get to school!
You finally find her sitting on a bench by herself behind the biology classroom.
MC: Kallie! I've been looking everywhere for you.
Kallie: Oh!
Kallie: Hello, MC.
MC: Are you okay? We were worried when you didn't return our calls last night.
Kallie: It's nothing. I... I am just so mortified by my actions yesterday.
MC: We shouldn't have made you read in front of us. We knew you didn't want to...
Kallie: You're not to blame! It's entirely my fault!
Kallie: I'm unbearably shy about my work. When I was little, my sister and my stuffed animals were the only ones I felt comfortable showing my writing to.
Kallie: The thought of getting up in front of everyone and reading it out loud... I don't think I can do it, MC.
Choice
What do you say?
   I know how you feel...
   I can only imagine what that's like...
if "I know how you feel..." then
 MC: Writing is an intensely personal thing, and it's hard to trust someone with your work, with something you've poured your heart and soul into.
if "I can only imagine what that's like..." then
   MC: But we're your friends, and we care about you a lot!
   MC: We'll do whatever we can to make you feel comfortable enough to share with us.
Kallie: Thank you, MC.
Kallie: I wish I could be bolder, like you...
Kallie: But I get so nervous in front of people! When I'm onstage, I feel like I'm writhing in my skin!
MC: Public speaking makes everyone...
   squirm
   stagnate
   serenade
   salute
Kallie: Maybe I can ask Mr. Olson to be excused from reading at Cafe Night... perhaps there's another way to make up the grade?
MC: It can't hurt to ask!
Kallie: Although, it'll be hard to convince him with such tenuous reasoning. Shyness is a silly excuse.
MC: Your reason isn't...
   flimsy
   reliable
   edible
   desperate
Kallie: But I also don't want special treatment...
MC: I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you, Kallie.
Kallie: It's not your fault, MC. I'll never be a successful writer if I'm always too shy to share my work!
Kallie: But I'm so embarrassed of my work! It's always been a deterrent to sharing my writing.
MC: Don't let it be an...
   obstacle
   advantage
   imbecile
   excitement
MC: I'm sure your writing's awesome! And even if it's not, that's just part of the learning process.
~BRRRRING!~
Kallie: Oh! Time for class!
The two of you walk to Ms. Young's biology class together. As you slip into your seats, you try to sneakily catch Payton and Julian's attention.
Payton: What's up, MC? Did you have the chance to talk to Kallie this morning?
MC: Shhhh...
You glance at Kallie, but she's focused on the lecture and doesn't seem to have noticed.
MC: Yeah... Kallie's still freaking out about reading her work in front of everyone at Cafe Night.
Julian: There has to be something we can do to help her...
Payton: I feel like if she just, I don't know, got up and did it ~once,~ she'll see that she ~can~ do it!
MC: That's it! I have an idea!
Julian: Whatever it is, I'm in!
MC: Julian, can you keep Kallie distracted today while we finalize the plans? I want to keep this a surprise.
Julian: Heh. I think I can handle that.
After class, you and Payton sneak away from Julian and Kallie to discuss your plans on the way to English class.
MC: I think we should throw a fake reading so Kallie can practice over and over again!
Payton: That's a great idea! We'll have it somewhere she'll be comfortable. I'll make all the arrangements with her parents.
MC: I'll see if Autumn and Nishan are around to help, too. We have to be careful to keep this quiet though.
Payton: Got it!
You and Payton arrive at Mr. Olson's class, where Julian and Kallie are already seated.
Kallie: Where were you two? We usually all walk to this class together.
Julian: I told her you guys were just, uh, going to the bathroom... right?
Payton: Exactly! We both had to go to the bathroom. Um, at the same time. And uh, you know, it just made sense to go together. Don't friends tend to go to the bathroom together? At the same, uh, time...
Kallie: Payton, are you okay? You're being quite loquacious about your trips to the bathroom...
MC: Payton's always...
   talkative
   reserved
   hungry
   angry
MC: Nothing suspicious is happening here!
Kallie: Are you certain the two of you are okay? You were also whispering a lot in Ms. Young's class...
Payton: Oh, it was nothing. Just boring stuff, right MC?
MC: Yeah! We were just...
Choice
What do you say?
   Talking about homework!
   Talking about nightmares!
   Pretending to be hoarse dinosaurs!
if "Talking about homework!" then
 Payton: Yeah, nightmares! I dreamt that a giant robot bunny interrupted my party and took all the deflated balloons and stole my peppermint latte right out of my hand...
   Payton: It was so tragic.
   Kallie: Oh, Payton, that's awful...
   You whisper to Payton...
   MC: Nice save!
   Payton: I wasn't making that up! That's one of my recurring nightmares...
   MC: Oh...
if "Pretending to be hoarse dinosaurs!" then
   Kallie: Truly? Why?
   MC: Er--
   Payton: Why ~wouldn't~ we?
   Payton: ~RAWR!~
if "Talking about homework!" then
   Kallie: Homework? For which class?
   MC: Uh, er--
 Kallie: Was it the biology homework? I thought the last assignment was quite difficult, but I enjoyed the challenge of classifying the chemical groupings of carbohydrates...
   Payton: Um, ~yes~, that was it.
   You give Payton and Julian a panicked look.
Kallie: Are you ~sure~ that nothing else is going on here?
Julian: Look Kallie! I, uh, dropped my notes!
Julian sweeps his arm across his desk, sending papers flying!
Kallie: Oh, let me help you pick those up.
Mr. Olson clears his throat to begin class. You, Julian, and Payton share a relieved look.
Payton: That was close!
MC: We'll have to be sneakier the rest of the day...
After English class, you and Payton quickly pack up, leaving Julian to distract Kallie.
Payton: It's a good thing we don't have the next class with Kallie! Otherwise we'd never get anything planned.
The rest of the day passes quickly as you and Payton coordinate to meet everyone at Kallie's house after school.
Kallie keeps giving you suspicious looks throughout the day, but she doesn't mention it again.
~BRRRRING!~
MC: School's over already?
Kallie: It has been a rather long day... I can't wait to get home and relax for a bit.
MC: Yeah... you know, why don't I walk you home? I'm going that direction anyway because I have, uh, errands to run on that side of town...
Kallie: Uh, if you say so... thank you for the offer.
As you and Kallie gather your things, you send a quick text to Payton:
MC: ~'I'm walking Kallie home. I'll try to stall as long as possible.'~
Payton: ~'Perf. C U soon!'~
You drag your feet as much as possible as you and Kallie walk to her house. You're only half a block away when...
MC: Oh, would you look at that? My shoe is untied ~again.~
Kallie: MC, I know something's going on.
MC: I don't know what you're talking about...
Kallie: You've been behaving strangely since this morning. You must be hiding something from me.
MC: What? Why do you think that?
Kallie: You and Payton have been whispering to each other when I'm not looking, and Julian keeps dropping his papers when I ask you questions.
Kallie: Based on the aggregate of clues I've gathered, I know something's going on.
MC: That's an impressive __ of facts.
   collection
   separation
   party
   backlog
MC: I guess when you lay it out like that, I look pretty guilty.
Kallie: Precisely. And I think I know what's happening.
MC: You do?
Kallie: You talked to Mr. Olson without me, didn't you? That's why you and Payton were whispering suspiciously in class, and why you've been avoiding me since then.
MC: Um, actually...
Just then, Kallie's front door is thrown open by Payton, Julian, Nishan, and Autumn!
Payton: SURPRISE!
MC: We're here to help!Julian: Are you surprised, Kallie?
Kallie: Indeed... and quite confused. What's going on?
MC: We're gonna help you overcome your fears! You can practice reading your writing in front of us until you feel prepared for Cafe Night!
Kallie: That's so kind.
Payton: Come on, everything's all set up out back.
Payton leads everyone to Kallie's backyard near a tree.
Kallie: This is where my sister and I used to read to each other... but, how did you know?
Payton: Your parents suggested this spot, actually!
Nishan: I didn't know you have a sister.
Kallie: Oh, uh, yes... her name's Melissa...
MC: Never mind, Kallie. You don't have to talk about her if you don't want to.
Kallie gives you a relieved smile.
Autumn: We just wanted to make sure you rehearsed in a comfortable place with plenty of room to move about.
Nishan: You can practice walking around the 'stage' while you read, but try not to move too much!
MC: You don't want to...
   writhe
   bolster
   wrangle
   peruse
Nishan demonstrates how much space there is by wildly waving his arms.
Nishan: See? Plenty of room!
Kallie: Oh! Uh, thank you, Nishan...
MC: We also didn't want to overwhelm you with a huge room full of people.
Payton: But we didn't let the lack of audience members stop us!
MC: It wasn't a...
   deterrent
   demise
   debacle
   deviation
Julian: So we set up some of your stuffed animals as audience members!
Kallie: Oh, that's so clever!
Payton: Do you have your piece ready? Let's get this fake reading started!
Kallie: This is truly so sweet of you guys... and I truly appreciate all the effort you put into helping me...
Kallie: But I don't know if I can do this...
MC: We've got you, Kallie! We're here to listen, even if it takes a hundred tries!
Nishan: And give advice, if you want!
Kallie hesitates...
Autumn: I know it's tough to put your work out there. The first time my art was on display, I was so nervous I could barely look at it!
Autumn: I was so worried that people would laugh at it, but they didn't. Everyone was really supportive and kind, even when giving constructive criticism.
Autumn: You just have to put yourself out there and trust that your friends have your back!
Julian: Yeah, and we don't care if you mess up! I used to mess up all the time when I gave pre-game pep talks.
Julian: But the more you practice, the easier it gets!
MC: That's why we're here... so you can practice!
Nishan: And you don't have to worry about talking a lot in front of us!
MC: Sometimes it's good to be...
   loquacious
   steadfast
   tangible
   superfluous
Payton: You can do it, Kallie!
Kallie: Thanks, everyone!
Kallie grabs a notebook from her backpack and stands behind the makeshift podium as everyone else finds their seats amongst the stuffed animal audience.
Kallie's face grows redder and redder as everyone waits for her to begin reading.
Kallie: So... what do I do now?
Kallie: What if you guys despise what I wrote?
MC: Just imagine yourself wearing a big spacesuit! Any judgment we could possibly have about your work can't touch you, no matter what!
Kallie: You mean... the spacesuit is impenetrable?
MC: Yup!
Payton: Our advice might be a little flimsy, but it's worked for us!
MC: It can't hurt to try, even if it's __ advice.
   tenuous
   perilous
   impromptu
   antiquated
Kallie: Okay... I can do this...
Kallie: Spacesuit... spacesuit...
Kallie: ~'This is the story about two sisters. Now these two sisters are just like any other sisters.'~
Kallie pauses and steps out from behind the makeshift podium. Nishan nods and gives her a thumbs-up!
Kallie: ~They don't always get along.~
Kallie pauses again and takes a few steps to the left. Her eyes are glued to her paper...
Kallie: ~They aren't always nice to each other.~
Kallie takes a couple steps to the right, finally lifting her gaze to look her stuffed giraffe right in the eye.
Kallie: ~But you'd better believe that they loved each other.~
Payton: Whoa! That delivery was perfect...
Kallie continues reading, her voice growing stronger and clearer with every word. Finally, Kallie stops and lowers her notebook.
Kallie: That's all I've got right now. The rest of the piece still needs a lot of editing.
Payton: Great job, Kallie! And you managed to combine all our advice!
MC: It was a perfect...
   aggregate
   aberration
   accolade
   acumen
Nishan: It's difficult to internalize advice so quickly, but your performance just now was very impressive!
Julian: You did a really good job, Kallie!
Kallie's blush deepens.
Kallie: Thank you. I couldn't have done it without all of you.
Payton: Do you feel ready to tackle Cafe Night head-on?
Kallie: I don't know if I would go that far at this moment...
Autumn: Then I guess we'd better keep practicing until you ~do~ feel prepared!
Payton: Okay, from the top! Julian, prop Mr. Flopsey back up. He fell over during the last reading.
Julian: On it!
MC: All right, Kallie. Whenever you're ready...
Kallie takes a deep breath, then begins again.
Kallie: ~This is the story about two sisters...~
---Part 20
Cafe Night has finally arrived! You and your friends are gathered in the school auditorium, preparing for the guests to arrive.
Payton: Oh, those twinkly lights look so cute framing the windows! Thanks for helping me set them up, Julian.
Julian: Sure thing. I like the music you picked out, Autumn.
Autumn: Thanks, Julian. I thought a little jazz would be nice in the background until the readings begin.
MC: Oh, where did Nishan go?
Julian: I think he's still setting up the sound system.
Payton: I can't wait for the night to start! Where's our audience?
Just then, the doors open, and people start trickling in. You see students and parents file into the auditorium.
Connor: Hey MC.
MC: Connor! I didn't know you were coming.
Connor: Kallie invited me this afternoon. Said she wanted me to hear this story she's been working on.
MC: I'm sure she'll be glad to see you... wherever she is...
You notice Kallie off to the side, rearranging the plates and napkins on the refreshment table again.
MC: Hey, Kallie. How're you feeling?
Connor: Are you ready to read in front of everyone?
Kallie: Oh! Hi MC. Um, hello Connor. I'm, um, well. I think.
Kallie: I certainly feel more prepared after MC had me practice at home. Still...
Kallie: I'm a bit worried my tradition of failing at sharing my work is about to be perpetuated.
MC: Remember our advice, and it won't be...
   continued
   prevented
   irritated
   stylish
Connor: I'm sure you'll be fine, Kal. Knowing you, you've already done a bunch of research on speaking confidently, huh?
Kallie: Well, um, that ~is~ true.
Kallie: I've studied many venerable speakers, like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Winston Churchill!
MC: Channeling __ speakers is a great idea!
   respected
   horrendous
   apathetic
   perspiring
MC: Come on, let's gather the others. We have to find our assigned seats.
Connor: Oh, I think your parents just walked in, Kallie. I'll go make sure they know where to go. Catch you two after!
MC: See you, Connor!
You and Kallie sit next to your friends as Connor greets Kallie's parents.
Julian: Was that Connor?
MC: Sure was! Kallie invited him.
Julian: Oh. Well, I'm glad he gets to hear all our stories!
Nishan: I can't wait to read my story. I finally finished it last night!
Nishan reaches under his seat and pulls out a huge manuscript!
Autumn: Whoa! That thing must be a hundred pages!
Nishan: It's closer to two hundred, actually.
Kallie: Two hundred pages is a very long story, Nishan. Are you reading an abridged version?
MC: A __ version would fit the time limit.
   shorter
   prolonged
   sanitary
   puzzling
MC: After all, we only have four minutes each to read.
Nishan: I know... I spent a ~long~ time choosing which passage to read...
Payton: Shh... Mr. Olson is starting the show.
You and your friends sit quietly as Mr. Olson introduces himself and gives a brief overview of Cafe Night. Then, he calls on Julian to read first!
Julian: Well, here goes nothing!
Julian approaches the podium.
Julian: This is the story of a regular guy who just wants to become a football star. But what happens when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit?!
MC: I didn't expect that!
Kallie leans over to whisper to you.
Kallie: Julian decided to make his football story into a football ~crime~ story!
Kallie: He showed me some of his new crime thriller piece. It's full of intrigue!
MC: Sounds like there's a lot of...
   mystery
   transparency
   snacking
   dawdling
You and Kallie turn your attention back to Julian.
Julian: ~'Justin had always been a second-string player. No one thought he could steal the starting spot away from Mac... but he was going to prove them wrong!'~
Julian continues to read his story, detailing the tale of Justin, the football player who comes home after the big game to find his house has been robbed... and his parents kidnapped!
Julian: ~'With the police on his tail and only one clue to go off of, Justin ran through the woods, looking for the cabin where his family used to vacation...'~
Payton: OMG, I'm ~literally~ on the edge of my seat!
Julian: ~'Justin stumbles out of the forest. He hears shouting from inside the cabin in the middle of the clearing! He throws open the door to find...'~
Julian: ~'MAC!'~
MC: No way!
Julian: The end.
The crowd applauds as Julian takes a bow.
Nishan: I don't know how anyone's going to follow ~that~ up!
Just then, Mr. Olson announces that Nishan is next.
Nishan: Oh no! ~I~ have to follow it up!
Nishan takes his huge manuscript up to the podium, flips to a marked page, and begins reading...
Nishan: ~'In a distant galaxy, on the moon of the mining plant GLFROIUEKS, there was a young lad, Stormlord, who lived there with his aunt and uncle...
...and reading...
Nishan: ~'The wise man told Stormlord, 'May the Source be with you,' as he held out his sword of light...'~
...and reading...
Nishan: ~'Stormlord trooped through the GLFROIUEKS mining sewage, looking for another master to prepare him for battle against the cyborg aliens...'~
Autumn: I'm so confused... what's 'GLFROIUEKS' again?
MC: I think that's the space moon the protagonist lives on...
After four minutes, Mr. Olson gives Nishan the signal to wrap up his reading.
Nishan: Oh, umm... and then they all lived happily ever after! The end!
Nishan: If you want to hear the unabridged ending, come find me later...
Nishan jumps off-stage as everyone claps. Next up, Payton reads a few of her short, short pieces, and then Autumn wows the crowd with her epic poem.
Finally, Mr. Olson announces that it's Kallie's turn.
MC: Are you ready, Kallie?
Kallie: I think so?
Kallie takes a deep breath and bunches her hands into fists.
Kallie: I refuse to succumb to my nerves! I won't let them win!
MC: Don't __ to them!
   give in
   resist
   ingest
   trample
MC: You can do it, Kallie!
Kallie smiles at you and then heads up to the stage. She takes her place behind the podium, her face already flushed.
Kallie: H-hello. My name is Kallie. I am going to read part of my story now.
Kallie looks down at her story and shuffles through the pages. She opens her mouth to speak...
Kallie: ...
But nothing comes out!
Kallie: ...Kallie is supposed to start reading at Cafe Night...
Kallie: ...
But she isn't saying anything!
MC: Oh no!
You jump up and join Kallie onstage! You whisper to her...
MC: Just remember... ~spacesuit!~
Kallie bursts into a fit of giggles.
Kallie: Right. ~Spacesuit.~ A-hem...
Kallie: ~'This is the story,~ uh,~ about two sisters...~
MC: ~'Kelly and Melody were inseparable when they were little girls.'~
Kallie: ~'They used to build pillow fort tunnels connecting their beds, so they could always be near each other.'~
MC: ~'Their parents would make them take the tunnels down, but within a few days, they always managed to rebuild.'~
Kallie: ~'Kelly was the more impressionable of the two.'~
MC: ~'Sometimes Melody would take advantage of her power over Kelly.'~
Kallie: ~'When Kelly tried to stand up to Melody, Mel would use her conniving ways to persuade her sister.'~
Kallie: 'Kelly always ended up yielding to her sister.'
MC: 'She would __ Melody's wily ways.'
   succumb to
   deviate from
   wrangle with
   taunt with
Kallie: ~'Still, the sisters loved each other very much.'~
Kallie: ~'Then, everything changed when Melody started high school.'~
You lean over to whisper to Kallie...
MC: It's all you. You've got this!
You take a step back as Kallie continues to read her story...
Kallie: ~'...Kelly stumbled outside and found Melody waiting for her. The two sisters stared at each other for a long moment...'~
Kallie: ~'...and then Melody pulled Kelly in for a big hug!'~
Kallie: The end! Thank you.
The crowd erupts into a thunderous applause as Kallie takes a small bow. Her face flushes bright red when everyone in the room jumps to their feet, clapping and cheering!
Connor: Woohoo! Go Kallie!
You see Kallie's parents cheering along with everyone else as you walk off stage together.
Kallie: MC... I can't even ~begin~ to express my gratitude to you.
MC: You don't have to thank me, Kallie. I just helped get the words out there at the beginning. But it was ~your~ story that affected everyone.
Kallie: I never thought I'd have the confidence to share my work with so many people, not since my sister--
Kallie: Well, that's not important. What's important is that I'm deeply indebted to you for giving me the strength to read in front of everyone.
Kallie: I've never been happier! I mean, there's a part of me that still frets over whether or not people liked it... but I'm thrilled I did it!
MC: You should be! We all ~loved~ your reading! You even got a standing ovation, remember? Everyone else will tell you...
You gesture as all your friends come over to congratulate Kallie.
Julian: Awesome job!
Payton: You definitely nailed it, Kallie!
Payton: Your reading was super inspiring, like Emma Watson at the U.N.!
MC: See? You're a __ speaker now!
   venerable
   redundant
   unwitting
   inept
Just then, more classmates interrupt to tell Kallie how amazing she was!
Kallie: Oh, uh, thank you all.
Nishan: Whew, it's getting stuffy in here! I'm gonna grab something to drink. There's a glass of lemonade over there with my name on it!
Payton: We'll come with!
After giving Kallie a reassuring smile, you head over to the refreshment table.
Autumn: Kallie sure seems to be getting a lot of attention for her story.
MC: I knew it would be a big hit!
Julian: Look! She's even being approached by some parents and... is that Mr. Olson?
Payton: Why is Mr. Olson talking to Kallie?
MC: I don't know... how __!
   intriguing
   mortifying
   jubilant
   pernicious
After a few minutes, Mr. Olson walks away, and Kallie runs over to you!
Kallie: MC! You'll never believe what just happened!
MC: What?
Kallie: Mr. Olson said he was so impressed with my story that he thinks we should start a student literary magazine!
Autumn: A literary magazine?
Kallie: It would be a way for us to print student work and continue to encourage our classmates to write short stories!
Kallie: Mr. Olson wants to continue having his students share their work! The tradition of good creative writing must live on!
MC: And we can be the ones to __ it!
   perpetuate
   elucidate
   flaunt
   peruse
Kallie: Exactly, MC.
Nishan: Is this magazine ~just~ for short stories?
Kallie: We could publish any genre, of course! Poems, flash fiction, nonfiction...
Kallie: We could even print shortened versions of longer pieces!
MC: __ stories would be perfect!
Abridged
Loquacious
Maladroit
Antiquated
Kallie: Mr. Olson said he's willing to be the teacher sponsor, but he believes that we can run this magazine on our own.
MC: That's awesome, Kallie!
Kallie: It's all thanks to you, MC. Mr. Olson never would have trusted me with this project if it weren't for all your help.
MC: I'm sure that's not true...
Payton: Come on, guys. We should be celebrating this amazing news!
MC: Payton's right. Woohoo!
---Part 21
A few days after the Cafe Night reading, Kallie finds you and all your friends after school.
Kallie: Hey, everyone!
MC: Hey Kallie!
Julian: Kallie! What's up? I've got to go to football practice, but I have a few minutes...
Payton: What's up? You look super excited...
Kallie: I ~am~ ecstatic! After discussing the details with Mr. Olson, I finally received approval to start the literary magazine!
Autumn: That's amazing, Kallie!
Julian: Yeah, really. Congratulations!
if Julian is dating Kallie then
Julian kisses her on the cheek.
Kallie: Thanks, Julian!
else
Julian gives Kallie a huge hug. She blushes.
Kallie: Uh, thanks, Julian!
Julian: This must be a dream for you, right?
Kallie: Well, I've always wanted to get my work published, so this is certainly a dream first step! Hopefully we'll be able to produce and print a journal every month, full of student-submitted work on a variety of topics and themes.
Kallie: Actually, I was hoping you could all help me with the journal, especially for the all-important inaugural issue!
Kallie: I want to get started right away since I'd like to disseminate the first issue to everyone in a couple weeks!
MC: Can we be ready to __ the issue so fast?
   hand out
   hide
   eat
   outline
Kallie: I believe so. Are you guys in?
Autumn: Of course!
Payton: Uh, yes! You don't have to ask twice! I've got millions of ideas!
Nishan: I love the idea of writing being free and open to the public, like with fanfiction!
MC: Yeah, definitely. What about you, Julian?
Julian: Uh, well, Kallie, you know I'd love to help, but I'm not much of a writer...
Kallie: That's not true! I think your writing is wonderful! And there are other roles that we'll need to fill...
Julian: Thanks, but... maybe I'll help on the sidelines, okay? I've got to go, but I'm rooting for you!
Kallie sadly watches him run off.
MC: I'm sure once we open the journal up for submissions, Julian'll contribute.
Autumn: Yeah! So where do we begin, Kallie? Or should I say, editor-in-chief?
Kallie: Hee hee! Well, to start, since we're the main editing team, we should figure out precisely what our roles are...
MC: Well, as the editor-in-chief, you should probably be the one reading submissions.
Autumn: I'd be happy to help out with the art side. We'll need a logo and we should figure out what our front page will look like... and Payton should totally do the layout.
Payton: I do like design!
Nishan: I can set up a website and help with printing...
Kallie: What about you, MC? What do you want to do?
Choice
What do you say?
   Read submissions!
   Look through the art!
   Help with the website!
if "Read submissions!" then
   MC: I can help Kallie with the main submission editing!
   Kallie: Splendid! Welcome aboard, senior editor!
if "Look through the art!" then
   MC: I can help Autumn with the submitted artwork.
   Autumn: Awesome! I'm sure I'll need the help.
if "Help with the website!" then
   MC: I can help Nishan design the website.
   Nishan: We'll be an unstoppable duo, MC.
MC: With such a small team, I'm sure we'll help each other out with all the tasks to get this magazine out on time.
Payton: Especially since we'll also be able to submit pieces, right?
Kallie: Of course! Anyone can submit, including us. ~Especially~ us.
Kallie: However, we need to choose a theme quickly so our classmates can begin turning in their submissions!
Kallie: We need a theme that will galvanize our school into action! We want lots of student participation.
MC: Hmm, an idea that'll __ them into action...
   spur
   discourage
   enrage
   shame
Nishan: What about science fiction? Who doesn't love a story about robot aliens?
Autumn: I don't know if that theme is universal enough.
Nishan: What's more universal than aliens?
Payton: We could do something like 'girl power'! It can be all about ladies kicking butt!
MC: What about good versus evil?
Kallie: Perhaps we should choose something along the lines of 'lessons we learned from our childhood'?
Kallie: Actually, never mind...
Kallie: That theme is rather nominal... I don't know if it'll amaze enough for our first issue.
MC: I don't think it's...
   trivial
   urgent
   starved
   angry
MC: We could do some cool stuff with stories from when we were kids... even artwork from elementary school, like macaroni pictures or something.
Kallie: Oh, those are excellent ideas... but perhaps not sensational enough for our very first issue.
Payton: I've got it! What better theme than... ~love?!~
Kallie: Love?
Payton: Yeah! It's sensational, fun, something everyone thinks about!
Payton: I think people would be really thrilled to turn in submissions about their first love, their first kiss... their first anything!
Autumn: I like it. And the articles and stories we do publish don't have to just be about romantic love either!
Payton: What do you mean?
Kallie: Autumn's right!
Kallie: There are all sorts of love... familial, unrequited, platonic. It's a fallacy to think that all love is romantic.
MC: Lots of people have that...
   misconception
   fact
   inclination
   validation
Nishan: There's even robot love!
Kallie: This seems like the ideal theme! But...
MC: What's wrong?
Kallie: I'm not certain I'm the best person to be the editor-in-chief for an issue about love.
Kallie: I haven't done much dating, so I have sparse knowledge of romantic love.
MC: You might think your knowledge is __ ...
   limited
   bottomless
   mathematical
   outworn
MC: ...but it isn't! You know what familial love is like, and friendship.
Kallie: Well, when you put it that way... it sounds like we have our theme!
Nishan: Awesome! I've been wanting to write a horror fic for a while now, based on that haunted house down on Maple Street... and now I have no more excuses for putting it off!
MC: But what does a haunted house have to do with love?
Nishan: They say the ghost who lives there was in love when he died.
Nishan: It's tragic, really.
Autumn: Maybe I'll try writing a poem about the love between a parent and child.
MC: That sounds really sweet, Autumn.
Payton: I know ~exactly~ what I'm going to write for this issue...
Payton: A piece all about Kallie!
Kallie: Me?Payton: I know ~exactly~ what I'll write for the theme of ~love~... and I need your help, Kallie!
Kallie: Me? What? Why?
Payton: Just hear me out... I want to write what I know, and what I know is dating! I want to interview someone who ~hasn't~ gone on a lot of dates ~and~ someone who's gone on a ~ton.~
Payton: I need all sorts of perspectives for my research so my article can appeal to everyone. What good is dating advice if it's not even applicable to you?
Kallie: I don't know...
Kallie: I feel completely ill-equipped to help you with this interview. Dating is quite complicated.
MC: That's a __. Dating can be simple.
   fallacy
   demise
   spectator
   cacophony
MC: Enjoying each other's company while watching TV is just as much dating as going on extravagant adventures.
Autumn: If anything, the little things matter ~more.~ Anyone can fall in 'love' on adrenaline-fueled dates... just look at reality TV. Falling in love on the couch ~watching~ reality TV is actually a lot tougher, I think.
Kallie: I suppose that makes a lot of sense.
Payton: It's important not to take the little things for granted... they're actually the best part.
MC: In relationships, small moments aren't...
   nominal
   abridged
   antiquated
   impromptu
Kallie: I never realized... relationships in real life are quite different in books and movies.
Payton: The media is always twisting things to be ~extra~ exciting, but that's not very realistic... which I guess makes sense, since no one wants to watch people watch TV.
Payton: But that's exactly why I want to interview you! I need your input, your view on dating, to balance everything out.
Payton: This article's important to me 'cuz I think info about dating should be out there, easily accessible!
MC: With the magazine, we can __ advice.
   disseminate
   bolster
   improvise
   ameliorate
Payton: The interview will just be a conversation, if you're up for it… and you don't have to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable.
Kallie: That's true... and I trust you to write about me, Payton.
Payton: Does this mean...
Kallie: Indeed it does. I'll do it.
Payton: Yay! I can't wait to get started! Interviewing you will be ~so~ much fun.
Kallie: Payton, I'm still not entirely convinced I'm the best person for you to interview... I've lived a very sheltered life...
Kallie: With overprotective parents like mine, I've had few chances to go out with anyone, even friends.
MC: So what if you've had __ opportunities?
   sparse
   venerable
   loquacious
   pedestrian
Kallie: I don't even have a platonic frame of reference from which to view dating.
Payton: Don't worry, Kallie. Whatever you bring to the table will be perfect, I just know it.
Payton: Now... to find someone who's gone on a ~lot~ of dates...
Payton: I know who I'll ask!
Payton: I bet I can motivate Connor to help me out!
MC: You're persuasive. I'm sure you'll __ him.
   galvanize
   perpetuate
   bolster
   peruse
Kallie: Um... are you positive that you want to ask Connor? I mean, he doesn't attend our school...
Payton: He can offer an outside perspective! Besides, you two are total opposites romantically, which'll make my article even more interesting.
Payton pulls out her phone and shoots Connor a text. A few moments later, she gets a reply.
Payton: ~'I'm down to help. Just tell me when and where.'~
Payton: Yes! My piece is basically writing itself! I'll interview the two of you tomorrow after school.
Kallie: Both of us?
Payton: It'll save a ton of time. And I don't think I can wait any longer... I'm too excited!
---Part 22
The next day, you meet Kallie at her locker after school. She's busily stuffing textbooks into her bag.
MC: Are you ready to meet up with Payton for your interview, Kallie?
Kallie: Hello, MC. I… I'm quite nervous about it, to be honest. I'm still not sure I'm the right person for Payton to interview for her piece in the literary journal…
Kallie: I just don't want to disappoint Payton with my answers. She seems so excited about it!
MC: I'm sure you won't. She's really confident you're the perfect person for it.
Kallie: If she says so... you'll come with us, right?
MC: I'm happy to tag along, if you want.
Kallie: Oh, I almost forgot. I have to text my parents to let them know I'll be home late.
Kallie takes out her phone and begins typing.
Payton: Hey guys, are you ready?
Kallie: Oh!
Kallie drops her phone, but you manage to grab it before it falls on the floor.
Payton: Are you okay, Kallie? You seem a little... jumpy.
Kallie: Yes, yes, I'm quite all right. I apologize for being so flustered...
The three of you start walking toward the parking lot.
MC: So, where are we going?
Payton: I told Connor to meet us at Jesse's Cafe. It's just a few blocks from here.
Kallie: Sounds... lovely.
Payton: Are you still nervous about the interview? Just be yourself. I picked you for a reason... because you're awesome!
Kallie: So it's okay to be idiosyncratic? To let my... unconventionality shine through?
MC: Being __ is a good thing!
   unique
   monotonous
   irate
   vacuous
Payton: Your personality is part of why I picked you! Just let me know if you feel uncomfortable. I ~really~ want to interview you, but I don't want to pressure you into saying something you don't want to.
Kallie: Okay...
The three of you arrive at the charming cafe and grab a table in the back.
Payton: Well, maybe we should get started before Connor gets here. That way, you can have a few practice questions.
Kallie: All right. I'm ready.
Payton: Excellent. Now, how many dates have you been on?
if Kallie is single then
   Kallie: I…
   Kallie: I've never been on a date. Sorry.
   MC: Don't be sorry, Kallie!
   Payton: Yeah! I mean, that's totally okay. No biggie.
   Kallie: It is?
   Payton: Of course! I'm just surprised 'cause who ~wouldn't~ want to date you?
   Payton: Anyway, you can just answer the questions as hypotheticals.
if Kallie is dating someone then
   Kallie: Oh, uh... a few? I'm not sure of the exact number... none before coming to this school, at least.
   Payton: That's totally fine!
Payton: Okay, next question... what's your idea of the perfect date?
Kallie: Um... I suppose it would be something that we ~both~ enjoy... but perhaps having tea at the library? There's a beautiful wildflower mural on the third floor that I love to sit under.
MC: That sounds really nice, Kallie.
Payton: Aw, that sounds super cute! All right, now onto some tougher questions. What are you most worried about when you go on a first date?
Kallie: I suppose I am the ~most~ worried about being too self-conscious and not having enough to discuss.
Kallie: No one wants to date a boring person.
MC: You aren't boring! And it's okay to be self-conscious on a date. In fact, I'd say that's pretty normal.
Payton: You just want to be careful that you aren't a pushover. You don't want anyone to take advantage of your kindness.
Kallie: I believe I understand...
Kallie: To avoid being too submissive, I'll do my best not to be docile.
MC: You don't want to be too...
   unassertive
   haughty
   greedy
   charming
Payton: We girls have to stick up for ourselves.
Kallie: That sounds logical.
Just then, Payton's cell phone beeps.
Payton: Looks like Connor just parked. He should be here in a sec. Are you ready to start this interview for real, Kallie?
Kallie: I do believe I am, now.
Kallie: Initially, I was dreading this interview quite a bit. Now, however, I'm rather excited and filled with alacrity!
MC: Sounds like you've found your __!
   enthusiasm
   apathy
   suspicion
   anxiety
Kallie: Precisely.
Connor: Hello, everyone.
Payton: Hey, Connor. Now that you're here, let's grab some food!
Connor slides into the spot next to Kallie, and she smiles shyly at him. All four of you grab menus and look through them.
Connor: What's good?
Payton: They have ~really~ yummy coffee cake here.
MC: The sandwiches are pretty good, too. I haven't tried all of them though.
Connor: Hmmm... maybe I'll just get a side of fries or something.
Payton: You should get what you want! It's on us.
Connor: Oh, you don't have to do that.
MC: We know we don't ~have~ to. We want to!
Kallie: You've taken us camping ~and~ to the rodeo...
Kallie: After all you've done for us, it's only right that we reciprocate in some way.
MC: We want to __ the favor!
   return
   eliminate
   snub
   consume
Payton: It's our way of saying thanks.
Connor: Well, thank ~you.~
The waiter stops by to take your orders. Once he leaves, Payton turns her attention to Connor and Kallie.
Payton: Okay, so ideally for this article, I want to try to get different perspectives on basic dating questions. That's why I'm interviewing the two of you!
Payton: Hopefully I'll be able to write something that everyone can relate to, regardless of their experience or views on romance.
Connor: Sounds good to me.
Payton: It's time for the hard-hitting journalism. Connor, how many dates have you been on?
Connor: Oh, uh, I'm not entirely sure. Many.
Payton: And how many serious relationships have you had?
Connor: Uh... none that were super serious. One that was kinda serious. I wouldn't say I was over-the-moon for her or anything.
Payton: Kallie, what do you think the best part of a relationship is?
Kallie: I'd have to say... spending time with the other person.
Payton: Connor, what about you?
Connor: I like the spontaneity, the little moments you don't plan.
Connor: Like when the other person just kisses you for no reason, or takes your hand while you're walking down the street.
Connor: The best parts of relationships can be attributed to serendipity, the moments that magically work out perfectly.
MC: It's due to...
   good luck
   determination
   hunger
   dejection
Connor: Timing is so important.
Connor gives Kallie a long look.
Connor: On the other hand, bad timing can ruin an otherwise perfect relationship.
Payton: That was great. Thanks for your honesty, Connor.
Payton shuffles through her notes.
Payton: Okay, we've eaten some food, answered some questions... now, it's time for the final part of the interview...
Payton: Connor and Kallie, pretend like you're on a date!
Kallie: Uh... I beg your pardon?Payton: Connor, Kallie, pretend like you're on a date!
Connor: Uh... what?
MC: Payton, I don't think--
Payton: Oh, relax, everyone! I'm just kidding around. Well, kind of. I want to submit photos with my article and make it look like one of those magazine spreads.
Payton: That's part of the reason why I chose this place. The cafe has a really pretty patio that'll photograph nicely. Come on.
Payton leads the group out the back and into a small garden with a flowering trellis and a bench underneath. She pulls a camera out of her bag.
Payton: See?
Connor: It is rather nice out here...
Kallie: Why photos of us?
Payton: You're the stars of the article! The visual of the two of you sitting next to each other will make it pop. Connor, did you bring the thing I told you to bring?
Connor: Yeah... it makes a lot more sense now.
Connor runs out, and a minute later, comes back with a guitar in hand.
Payton: Perfect. So now you're going to pose over there with Kallie under that trellis...
if Payton is dating Kallie then
   Payton: Just watch yourself with my girl, Connor.
   Connor: Oh, I will.
   Payton: Now go on, sit next to Kallie and be all friendly with her.
if MC is dating Kallie then
   MC: Just watch yourself with my girl, Connor.
   Connor: Oh, I will.
   Payton: Now go on, sit next to Kallie and be all friendly with her.
if Kallie is not dating MC or Payton
   Connor: If you say so...
   Payton: Go on, sit next to Kallie and be all cute with her.
Kallie blushes as she and Connor sit down together beneath the blossoming trellis.
Connor: Hope you don't mind.
Kallie: It's, um, fine.
They pose awkwardly together while Payton snaps a few photos. Connor adjusts the guitar in his lap.
Payton: You could serenade us... a guy singing a romantic song to a girl under a flower-covered trellis would be perfect...
Connor: All right...
Connor smiles at Kallie as he begins strumming a few chords.
Connor: ~'You're the open sky... to my caged up heart... oh baby.'~
Connor: ~'I never want us... to be apart...'~
As Connor continues to sing, you notice Kallie's face turning red up until Connor plays the final chord of the song.
MC: That was amazing, Connor!
Kallie: Your musical talents have indeed increased since the camping trip. That was very impressive.
Connor: Thanks! Did you get enough photos?
Payton: Almost! Let's get some of the two of you talking.
Kallie: About what?
Payton: Something that'll give me a little chemistry! Connor, how would you talk to a girl on a first date?
Connor gives Kallie a gentle smile as Payton takes photos.
Connor: You look beautiful today, Kallie.
Kallie: Oh! Uh, thank you, Connor.
Connor: How's your day going? Are you enjoying MC's school?
Kallie: Oh, it's lovely. It took a while to adjust to being taught by different people, but I'm learning so much in class... sometimes I still make social errors, but I'm improving!
Connor: That's great!
Payton: Nice one, Connor. Start with an open-ended question and get the other person to talk about themselves. Classic first date move.
Connor: Thanks, Payton.
Kallie: Oh, I suppose it's my turn to ask an open-ended question...
Connor: No pressure, Kal.
Kallie blushes as she tries to come up with a question.
Kallie: Um... how did you become known as a heartbreaker?
Payton: Kallie!
Kallie: What? Am I not supposed to ask that?
Kallie: I'm so sorry... I don't know the proper protocol!
Payton: Typically on dates, especially ~first~ dates, you don't want to ask about past relationships... or talk about your own!
Kallie: I wasn't aware...
Connor: That's okay, Kallie. I don't mind. It's a good question.
Connor: I developed a rather... well, distinctive reputation. The girls at my school weren't used to just one date.
MC: Your dating history is...
   idiosyncratic
   redundant
   venerable
   pedestrian
Connor: I guess you can say that.
Kallie: How did that happen? The Connor that I keep hearing about... the one who's dated a lot of girls... I feel like I don't know him at all.
Kallie: Not that there is anything wrong with dating a multitude of girls...
Connor: It's okay, Kallie. I liked a lot of girls, and would go on dates on them. Sometimes I would want to go on another date with them, sometimes I wouldn't.
Connor: At some point you just don't feel the excitement anymore. When you're not eager to see your date, that's when it's over.
MC: When you don't feel...
   alacrity
   intrigue
   trepidation
   qualms
Connor: I felt like I had to end it with a lot of those girls because we weren't compatible. Sometimes they ended it for the same reason. It happens.
Kallie: I'm sorry, Connor. I didn't mean to pry...
Connor: Nah, it's okay. I don't mind talking about it. But what about you, Kallie?
Kallie: Me?
Connor: I've told you my stories... you should return the favor.
MC: Time to...
   reciprocate
   galvanize
   disseminate
   writhe
Kallie: Well, I don't have any stories... not of a romantic nature, at least. I, uh, haven't dated much.
Connor: I find that hard to believe.
Kallie: Truly? I'd assume you would know better than anyone...
Connor: Why'd you think that?
Kallie: You know me. You know what I was like when I was younger... how painfully shy I was. Who would want to date someone like that?
Connor: Well, I would, for one.
Kallie: Oh.
if Kallie is single then
   Connor: I always liked you when we were little, Kallie, before I moved away. Couldn't you tell?
if Kallie is dating someone then
   Connor: I understand that you're dating someone now, and I definitely respect that. I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes.
   Connor: But I always liked you when we were little, before I moved away. Couldn't you tell?
Kallie: I... no, I was completely ignorant of your feelings. Why didn't you say anything?
Connor: I didn't want to push you or make you feel uncomfortable...
Kallie: Oh, Connor...
Kallie looks down and pushes her food around her plate with her fork for a moment.
Kallie: Things have changed quite a bit since then.
Connor: I've always had pretty bad luck in the romance department...
MC: Seems like you need some...
   serendipity
   fallacy
   circumlocution
   adversity
Connor chuckles.
Connor: I don't know if that'd be enough to fix it, MC. But things are looking up. I'm definitely a lucky guy to have found friends in all of you.
Payton: Aww...
MC: It's an honor to be your friend too, Connor!
Kallie: So, Payton, do you feel as though you've collected enough notes for your romance piece?
Payton: Absolutely! Interviewing you guys was a gold mine!
MC: Now we just have to figure out what the rest of us are going to write for the magazine!
Kallie: I believe Nishan mentioned doing a ghost story about unrequited love... he wants us all to visit that haunted house on Maple Street.
Payton: Ooooo... scary!
MC: Could be good inspiration for a story, though.
Connor: Sounds like you guys have a lot of fun. Well, it was wonderful spending time with y'all again, but it's getting pretty late, and I should probably head home soon.
Kallie: Oh no! What time is it?!
MC: Almost six... what's wrong?
Kallie: I never told my parents I was going to be home late! I started typing... but then never hit 'send'! They must be quite anxious.
Connor: I'm sure it'll be all right, if you just explain.
Payton: You can tell them it's all my fault! You were just doing me a favor.
Kallie: I... I'm not certain I will be able to adequately explain what happened to them...
MC: Can't you just tell them what happened? It was an honest mistake.
Kallie: My mom and dad can be rather intense, even when I feel as though I have a reasonable explanation.
Kallie: I often struggle to stand up to my parents. Sometimes I worry I'm being too obedient...
MC: You can be respectful without being...
   docile
   sparse
   tenuous
   tangible
MC: But first thing's first, let's get you home.
All of you drop Kallie off at her house.
Kallie: Thanks everyone. I'll see you tomorrow.
MC: Goodnight, Kallie.
Payton: Hope you don't get into too much trouble.
Connor: Take care...
You watch as Kallie trudges up her front steps. As soon as she opens the door, you can hear her mother's voice yell at her.
MC: I hope Kallie will be okay...