Hearst School Story/Dialogues

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be Max Warren?
In this quest, experience a day in the life of Max... from his perspective!
It's the morning of the big game against Hearst's rival. You stumble out of bed, blinking the sleep from your eyes.
Max: Game day... gotta get pumped.
You walk past the full-length mirror on your bedroom door and...
Choice
What do you do?
   Head to the bathroom sink.
   Stop and check yourself out.
if you "Head to the bathroom sink." then
   You stare back at your reflection in the bathroom mirror. You run your hand     through your hair, trying to tame the unruly locks.
   Max: Not too shabby.
   You brush your teeth and style your hair, going through your morning routine.
if "Stop and check yourself out." then
   Still shirtless, you step back and flex.
   Max: Lookin' good. That extra weight training has really been paying off.
   You tuck an imaginary football under your arm, striking the Heisman pose.
   Max: One day, that trophy'll be mine.
   You pull on a t-shirt, then head to the bathroom sink to brush your teeth.
Beep beep. Your phone buzzes with a text from your teammate.
Max: Wonder what Derek wants...
Derek:  'Don't forget your algebra hw today.'
Max: 'One time, man. It was one time.'
Derek:  'Yeah, one time that almost cost us our starting RB in the league finals. You ready to take on Julian's team tonight?'
Max: 'You know it. They don't stand a chance.'
With that, you tuck your phone in your back pocket, slip on your letterman jacket, and head downstairs...
You march into the kitchen, where your sister is already sitting at the table eating breakfast.
if Mia is at MC's school then
Mia: You're gonna be late.
Max: Hey, a football star's gotta get his sleep.
Mia rolls her eyes as she shoves a plate of whole wheat pancakes and scrambled eggs toward you.
Mia: Here.
You ruffle Mia's hair in passing as you sit down.
Mia: Hey!
Max: Thanks for making breakfast, sis.
Mia: Whatever. You'd better eat up. You're gonna need all the help you can get today, because our team is gonna destroy yours.
Max: Dream on.
if Mia is a Hearst
Mia: About time you woke up.
Max: Hey, a football star's gotta get his sleep.
Mia rolls her eyes as she hands you a plate of whole wheat pancakes and scrambled eggs.
Mia: I made your favorite.
Max: Thanks, sis.
You ruffle Mia's hair in passing as you sit down.
Mia: Hey!
Max: Trust me, you look way better that way. It's the hot new style.
Mia: Oh, shut up and eat your breakfast.
Just then, your father walks into the kitchen and pours himself a cup of coffee...
Max: Hey, Dad, don't forget the big game tonight. It's no big deal, but you know, you should stop by if you can.
He's already moving toward the door when he tosses back a reply...
'We'll see.'
Max: Yeah, that's cool.
You drive to school in your red Porsche, gunning the engine when you're out on the road. Your friends meet you in the parking lot.
Derek:  Dude.
Max: 'Sup.
Derek:  Did you bring--
Max: Yes, I brought it. Chill.
Derek:  Just checking...
Cheerleaders swarm you the moment you step into the main building.
Max: No need to fight, ladies. There's enough of me to go around.
Rally posters and streamers decorate the hallways. Your classmates vie for your attention, all excited for the big game tonight.
Max: Ahhh... it's good to be king.
You and Derek arrive late to homeroom period, just after the bell rings. Mr. Henderson glances up from his crossword puzzle and nods at you.
Max: Hey, Henderson.
You lean back in your seat, propping your feet on up on your desk. The morning announcements start to play...
Nick: ...and if you want to tread the boards, the drama club welcomes you with open arms!
Nick: Last, but certainly not least... the biggest football game of the season is happening tonight! We'll be on our home turf, so come out and support our team as our captain, THE Max Warren, makes his bid for league MVP!
At this, your classmates start chanting your name...
Max! Max! Max!
Max: Don't worry, guys. I'll bring home the win tonight, especially with my boys backing me up!
Derek: We've got you, man.
Max: Hear that? We're gonna destroy them on the field tonight!
During lunch, you see a long line stretching out the cafeteria.
Max: Move it, guys. Football team coming through.
Your classmates step aside to let the football team go first. One of the cafeteria workers hands you a lunch tray.
Classmate: Here you go! Enjoy.
Max: What are you doing here? You don't even go here.
Classmate: I'm volunteering for community service hours!
Max: Whatever.
As you walk to your usual lunch table, you trade high-fives and fist bumps with classmates and teachers.
Max: See you at the game tonight? Sweet.
if you have completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date) or The Victory Banquet then
   For a second, you lock eyes with Kara across the cafeteria. She's sitting at a     table with a few cheerleaders.
   Kara: ...
   You sit down at a table, which soon fills up with other football players and     cheerleaders.
if you have not completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date) or The Victory Banquet then
   You sit down at your lunch table, which soon fills up with other football     players and cheerleaders.
   Kara: Scoot over, guys. I gotta sit next to my boyfriend.
   Once Kara's set down her lunch tray, you pull her close for a quick kiss.
   Max: Hey, babe.
One of the cheerleaders drops her tray on the table, a look of disgust on her face.
Natalie: If I hear one more word about the game tonight, I'm gonna lose it.
Derek: Sorry, Nat, but I don't think you'll be able to escape it.
Natalie: Well, we can talk about something else, can't we?
Max: Sure. Let's see... hey Derek, how do you want to celebrate our victory tonight?
Natalie: I hate you...
Derek: Cheer up. It'll be over soon enough.
Max: You mean after we pound Julian's team into the ground?
Derek: I don't know, man. Julian's a good running back.
Natalie: Yeah, you don't want to go into this game cocky...
Max: I don't know any other way to play... besides, no one at that school can do anything right, let alone beat us.
Natalie: Seriously. I mean, Payton can throw a decent party every once in a while, and that one girl with the braid took some okay pictures of the squad for yearbook last year.
Natalie: But they're all so... annoying.
Derek: What about MC?
Max: MC's... interesting.
Natalie: That's putting it nicely.
Max: Sometimes you have to show your enemies a little pity and kindness.
Natalie: Good luck tonight. I mean, not like you need it.
Derek: Thanks, Nat.
Derek turns to you, a serious look on his face.
Derek:  Some of my bros say that Julian's guys have some new tricks in their playbook.
Max: Bring it. We can take them.
That night, you and your football team stand in the tunnel, waiting to run out to the field.
Max: Get ready to rumble, guys.
Leading your team, you sprint onto the field to raucous cheers and shouts from your classmates on the bleachers! The cheerleaders twirl and dance together, pom poms shaking.
Kara: Gooooo... Hearst!
Natalie: Go Hearst! Woo!
The stadium lights shine down, illuminating the entire arena. You look up at the bleachers, searching for a glimpse of your father... but you only see MC and your former classmates...
MC: Go Julian!
Autumn: You're gonna do great!
Payton: Yeah! Gooooo Julian! And everyone else! You guys totally got this!
Max: Forget them.
You shake your head, clearing your mind, and focus on the game... the roar of the crowd, the glare of the stadium lights, and the marked grass beneath your feet.
Max: It's go time.
As the game rages on, you push your team to their limits...
Max: Derek, you know what to do.
Derek catches the football, hands off to Chet, who reverses the ball back to you!
You cradle the ball, slamming into a defender and breaking away. Ignoring the throbbing in your shoulder, you rush forward with the ball.
Natalie: Woo! Give me an 'M'! Give me an 'A'! Give me an 'X'! Goooo Max!
Kara: Get it, Hearst!
Your team scores a touchdown in the first quarter, but it's followed by two of Julian's touchdowns in quick succession.
Julian: Take that! Touchdooooooooooown!
Derek:  It's not lookin' good for us, dude.
Max: We'll regroup at halftime.
At the half, your team gathers around you in the locker room.
Max: I'm not gonna lie. We didn't have a good start, but we're still in this.
Max: We've put in the hours. We've done the drills. We've practiced hard.
Max: All we have to do is trust each other.
Derek:  Cut down on the little mistakes, and we can punch through the middle. A couple touchdowns, and we're good.
You survey your team, holding each of your teammates gazes for a moment.
Max: Chet, Harry, tighten your defense. We can't let Julian break free again.
Max: Glenn, Andy, you guys need to take a stand on the line. Don't let them push you around.
Max: Two more quarters. Give me two quarters of hustle, and we'll win this thing.
You stop in the middle of the locker room, shoulders thrown back and eyes defiant. You put out your hand, and your teammates join you.
Max: Hearst on three. One... two... three...
Derek:  Hearst!
The roaring cheer of your team still ringing in your ears, you run back onto the field...
Max: Let's do this.
Back on the field, you prepare for the other team's kickoff. The kicker sends the ball soaring through the air...
And you catch it!
Max: Got it!
You barrel past the other players...
Julian: Guys! Get on Max!
Max: Andy! Glenn! Cover me!
Derek:  Go Max!
You dodge and sprint past the other team's defense, gaining ground until...
Max: Touchdown! Take that!
Soon, it's the end of the fourth quarter, and you're still down by five points. With the ball cradled in your arm, you sprint down the field toward the end zone!
Derek:  Max! Watch out!
You glimpse a trio of linebackers breaking away from your teammates, heading straight for you! A burst of adrenaline pushes you to run faster!
Max: Bring... it... on!
The linebackers converge on you, blocking your path. One of them launches at you!
Choice
What do you do?
   Stumble!
   Dodge!
   Stop!
if "Dodge!" then
   You quickly pivot, sidestepping the linebacker! You dodge the other two,twisting just out of their grasp, and race for the end zone!
   Derek: Ten seconds! Go, go, go!
   Max: Almost there...
   Two more defensive players block your path. Letting the noise of the crowd fade away, you focus on the gap between them.
   Just before the clock runs out, you hurtle yourself into the end zone! You slam    into the ground, ball clutched tightly to your chest.
   Max: Ooof!
   You climb to your feet, and your team rushes over! They hoist you onto their shoulders as the crowd shouts and cheers for you!
   Max: Told you I'd win, didn't I?
if you have not completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date) or The Victory Banquet then
   When your team reaches the sidelines, they set you back on the ground. You find Kara through the crowd.
   Max: What'd you think, babe? Impressed?
   Kara: Always. Now, come here.
   Kara pulls you into a kiss!
   Kara: Congrats, Max.
If “Stumble!”, “Stop” or you ran out of time then
   The linebacker crashes into you, tackling you to the ground!
   Max: Oof!
   With the play over, the clock runs out... and you've lost. You grimace as Derek comes over. He pulls you to your feet.
   Derek:  You okay?
   The people in the bleachers burst into cheers as Julian's team hoists him onto     their shoulders!
   Max: Sorry, man.
   Derek:  It's cool. We did our best.
   Derek falls into step with you, and the two of you walk off the field together.
After the game, you sweep your gaze over the stands, looking for your father...
if you have Mia then
   You spot your sister with MC and Julian. She shakes her head at you, mouthing words...
   Mia: He didn't make it.
if you don't have Mia
   You spot your sister standing off to the side, behind the cheerleading team. She shakes her head at you, mouthing words...
   Mia: He didn't make it.
For a moment, you feel a rush of disappointment. You sweep the bleachers one last time, hoping...
Derek claps you on the shoulder.
Derek:  Good game, man.
Max: Yeah, good game.
Still thinking about your father's absence from the big game, you sling your gym bag over your shoulder and walk to your car.
Your shadow is dark against the yellow wash of the parking lot lights. Away from the stadium, you hear crickets chirping and...
MC: Max?
You jerk your gaze up from the asphalt and see MC standing nearby.
Max: What do you want, MC?
MC: Nothing. I was just heading to my car, and you seem kind of...
You feel your skin prickle with embarrassment.
Max: Seem kind of what? If you're gonna insult me, at least try to own it.
MC: You just look down, all right. Is everything okay?
Max: I...
In the dim light of the parking lot at night, you turn to face MC.
Max: Seriously? The big game just ended, and you're wondering if I'm okay?
Max: What's it got to do with you?
MC: Nothing, I guess...
MC pauses, as though internally debating...
MC: I'm not trying to make fun of you. Honest. You can tell me what's wrong.
Max: I... the thing is...
Choice
What do you do?
   It's my dad.
   It's none of your business.;
if "It's my dad." then
   Max: I reminded him about the game this morning, but I guess... he couldn't make it. Again.
   Max: He's my dad and the principal of Hearst, but he doesn't care about football unless scouts are gonna be at the game.
   MC: I'm sorry. I know tonight was important to you.
   Max: It's like nothing I do is ever good enough for him. And I know it's even worse for Mia...
   Max: It just sucks.
   MC: For what it's worth, you did a great job out there. And I can tell your team thinks the world of you.
   Max: They'd better. I'm the one carrying the team.
   MC: Oh, uh...
   Max: Kidding. There's no 'I' in team and blah blah blah...
if "It's none of your business."
   Max: Like I'm stupid enough to give you anything.
   MC: Come on, Max. You know I'm not like that.
   MC: Look, whatever it is... I'm sorry it's getting you down.
   Max: Don't worry, MC. I don't need your pity.
if you have completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date) or The Victory Banquet then
   MC: Now that sounds more like the Max we all know and...
   Max: Love?
   MC: Don't flatter yourself. But seriously, I hope you feel better.
   MC gives you an encouraging smile, and you can't help but smile back. You look     into MC's eyes and...
   Choice
   What do you do?
       Kiss MC!
       Thank MC!;
   if ""Kiss MC!" and you have completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date)
       Leaning down, you press your lips to MC's. MC quickly responds, kissing you back...
       Max: Should've done that first, instead of all the useless talking.
       MC: Duly noted. Next time someone's down, I'll just kiss them first.
       Max: But only if that someone's me, right?
       MC: Sure, Max.
       You chuckle before kissing MC again.
       Suddenly, MC's phone buzzes!
       MC: Oh! That's Payton. I'm supposed to meet her... I'd better go.
       MC: See you around.
       Max: Yeah, see you.
       MC heads across the parking lot, and you get into your car. As you start the engine, you remember the feeling of MC's lips against yours...
       Max: Maybe MC isn't so bad after all.
   if ""Kiss MC!" and you have not completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date)
       You lean closer, then gently kiss MC. After a moment, MC kisses you back before pulling away.
       MC: What... why did you...?
       Max: It felt right, don't you think?
       MC blushes.
       MC: I... you just surprised me!
       Suddenly, MC's phone buzzes!
       MC: Oh! That's Payton. I'm supposed to meet her... I'd better go.
       MC: See you around.
       Max: Yeah, see you.
       MC heads across the parking lot, and you get into your car. As you start the engine, you remember the feeling of MC's lips against yours...
       Max: Maybe MC isn't so bad after all.
   if "Thank MC!" then
       Max: Thanks, MC. I needed that.
       MC: You're welcome.
       Suddenly, MC's phone buzzes!
       MC: Oh! That's Payton. I'm supposed to meet her... I'd better go.
       MC: See you around.
       Max: Yeah, see you.
       MC heads across the parking lot, and you get into your car. As you start the engine, you remember MC's words...
       Max: Maybe MC isn't so bad after all.
if you have not completed "The Bad Boy" (Max date) or The Victory Banquet then
   Max: But thanks anyway, MC. You're not a total loser, I guess.
   MC: Wow, the compliment of the century. I'm honored.
   With that, MC waves good-bye and heads across the parking lot. Moments later, Kara arrives at your car.
   Kara: Mia told me. You okay?
   Max: Yeah. No big deal. Let's get outta here.
   In the distance, MC drives away with Autumn and Payton. You watch the car disappear down the road...
   Kara: What's up?
   Max: Nothing. I was just thinking... MC isn't so bad sometimes.
Later that night...
You're downstairs watching TV when the doorbell rings! You open the door to see Derek holding a pizza box.
Derek:  Hey. I brought pizza.
Max: Sweet.
You step aside. Moments later, you and Derek settle in for a night of video games and pizza. He shoots you a sympathetic grin over a slice of pepperoni.
Derek: All good?
Max: Yeah, all good. Now pass me the controller...