The Triple Tiara/Dialogues

You and your friends are crammed into the gym bleachers for a school assembly. Professor Edwin paces down on the basketball court, talking into a mic.
Professor Edwin: Young ladies, young gentlemen, I'm pleased to announce the district's annual Winter Pageant!
Payton: Yes, yes, yes! I can't wait! My sister always used to talk about this! It's where they crown Junior Mister and Miss Tri-County!
MC: Are you guys gonna enter?
Julian: Hah! Me in a pageant? Yeah, like that'll happen.
Professor Edwin: Here to tell you more about it is one of this year's contestants... our resident pageant expert and the pride of the county... Phoebe Ayotunde!
The gym doors part gracefully, and in walks a tall, gorgeous girl in a dazzling dress! She smiles, and it seems to light up the entire room. The gym spontaneously bursts into crazed applause at her entrance!
Phoebe: Hello, friends!
MC: Who is that girl?
Payton: That's Phoebe! Short for Fibikemi. She's Hearst's prom queen... and homecoming queen.
Payton: If she wins the Winter Pageant this year too, she'll be the first ever to score the Triple Tiara!
Phoebe accepts the microphone from Professor Edwin and waves to the crowd like royalty. Her eyes meet yours for an instant, and in that moment, you can't help but smile.
Phoebe: Thank you so much, Professor, for giving me the chance to talk to your wonderful students about this magical opportunity.
Phoebe: Everyone has their spotlight moment, and I believe that this is yours. Each of you is already a Junior Mister or Miss Tri-County in my eyes... and now is your time to show the world what I already see in you!
MC: Hey, you know what? She's right!
Payton: Isn't she just so perfect and adorable? Like a princess! I want a doll of her!
Phoebe: We're arranging sign-up tables in the Jock Hangout, and I positively can't wait to see you there!
Julian: See you there, Phoebe!
You shoot Julian an amused look.
Julian: What? She has a point. I'm already Mister Tri-County on the inside. Just need the crown.
Phoebe waves once more as she walks away, sparking another explosion of applause... but you notice her drop a small jeweled bracelet!
The crowd begins to disperse, and you scoop up Phoebe's bracelet from the gym floor.
MC: Phoebe, wait! Gah, she's gone already... I should get this back to her.
You walk outside to the adjacent Jock Hangout. As you push open the doors, you hear a relentless series of hard thumps...
MC: Huh?
You enter to find... Phoebe unleashing a barrage of devastating punches and high-flying kicks on a punching bag! She bellows like a warrior!
Phoebe: Hyah! Hyah! Hyyyah!
MC: Whoa!
Phoebe turns at the sound of your exclamation and instantly blushes.
Phoebe: Oh no!
You just spotted Hearst's prom queen Phoebe knocking the daylights out of a punching bag with a deluge of martial arts strikes!
After a split-second of surprise, Phoebe regains the stainless decorum of her speech at the assembly. She straightens her tiara and curtsies to you, her eyes low.
Phoebe: My deepest apologies for my undignified appearance. There is no excuse.
MC: Apologies? For what? I just came to give you this back. You dropped it at the gym.
You hand Phoebe her jeweled bracelet, and she blushes even more.
Phoebe: How clumsy of me! Many thanks, you are too kind.
Phoebe: My word, what a terrible impression you must have of me. Losing things, fighting... hardly becoming of a pageant contestant.
MC: Are you kidding? I thought you looked incredible! You were annihilating that punching bag!
Phoebe: You don't think it's... weird?
MC: Not in the slightest. I have to say, you don't seem like the type who could pull off moves like that.
Phoebe: Believe me, in my world, that's a good thing. I haven't been around training equipment in forever, and I thought no one was around...
Phoebe: I'm Phoebe, by the way.
MC: MC.
You notice Phoebe smiling at you, but it's different from the pristine glint of white she beamed at the assembly. It's a goofy, side-cocked grin that makes her eyes sparkle. Her statuesque posture relaxes too, and when she speaks, her voice drops the lyrical lilt.
Phoebe: So what's the deal? You here to sign up?
MC: I wasn't sure...
Phoebe: Pfft, can't blame you. Pageants are crazy high pressure. But I've done a lot of them, and lemme tell you, they can be pretty fun too.
if MC is Male then
   Phoebe: It'd be sick to have someone like you backstage with me. We could keep each other sane. Whaddya say?
if MC is Female then
   Phoebe: I mean, you look like you'd be brutal competition, but it'd be sick to have someone like you backstage with me. You know, keep each other sane. Whaddya say?
MC: Sure, I guess I can give it a go.
A few days later, you, Julian, and Payton arrive for the Winter Pageant rehearsal at the local performing arts center.
Julian: Whoa, this place is mobbed! Everyone here's a contestant?
Payton: Yeah, looks like Phoebe really sold this thing!
You navigate the backstage chaos. Staffers and contestants dart about in a state of sustained frenzy, setting up lights and props, doing last-second hair and makeup.
You spot Phoebe kindly giving an overview to a cluster of fidgeting, wide-eyed newbies.
Phoebe: I know how overwhelmed you must be feeling. I was once just like you, a newcomer. But if you keep your chin up and just remember that you do belong on this stage, I know you'll make jaws drop.
Phoebe: Now, behind you is the makeup room. And to your left is...
A pair of contestants walk past Phoebe's herd, scoffing to themselves.
Max: Yeah, but where's the crown? Because they should just give it to me now.
Kara: Ugh, does Phoebe really need to be here? It's not enough that she got prom queen and homecoming queen?
As you watch Phoebe glide about backstage, guiding the bewildered newbies like a mother duck, Julian shakes his head.
Julian: Are you sure you weren't seeing things, MC? Sorry, but I cannot believe you saw her going Chuck Norris on a punching bag.
MC: I know what I saw. I swear, Phoebe's actually really chill. She's in pageant mode now, but you'll see.
Phoebe spots you and waves her delicate wave.
Phoebe: MC! And you must be Payton and Julian. I'm simply delighted to make your acquaintance.
Phoebe: Are you ready for rehearsal to begin?
All of the contestants line up backstage. Phoebe squeezes in beside you.
MC: Hey, Phoebe, what's going on now?
Phoebe: Many believe that pageants are all about physical appearance, but this is the most important part of the competition... the interview questions!
Phoebe: Today, we'll each receive a chance to rehearse our responses on stage! There are no judges yet, but this will give you an idea of what to expect at the pageant!
One by one, each of the contestants takes the spotlight!
Professor Edwin: How would you end the culture of conflict in the world today?
Payton: Puppies for everyone. Think about it. Deep down, you know it would work.
Professor Edwin: What's the last thing you learned about yourself?
Julian: That I tend to cut behind my left guard on read-options against a stacked box, even if the weak-side linebacker is cheating that way.
Julian: Oh, uh, I mean... I learned there's more to discover every day?
Max: What makes me the best choice for Mister Tri-County? Lemme answer your question with another question. What doesn't make me the best choice?
Kara: My favorite teacher? I'd have to say you, Professor Edwin!
Professor Edwin: Kara, you do realize I won't be judging the pageant, right?
Soon, it's about to be your turn!
MC: Any last-second advice, Phoebe?
Phoebe: Project your voice, make eye contact, and sound like you believe what you're saying one-hundred percent.
You nod and step out onto the stage, the bright spotlight nearly blinding you. Out of the darkness, Professor Edwin addresses you.
Professor Edwin: Welcome, MC. Your question is... what makes you angry?
MC: Hmm... what makes me angry? I'd have to say...
Choice
What do you say? 
   That there are children living in hunger. 
   Nothing. 
   Dumb questions like that.
if "That there are children living in hunger." then
   MC: While politicians on both sides bicker incessantly, our nation's future is being starved! Only through setting aside our petty differences and focusing on what's really important can we hope to help our youth blossom! It's just that easy!
   Professor Edwin: Excellent response, MC! It is that easy to solve hunger!
   You walk backstage where Phoebe hugs you lightly.
   Phoebe: You were simply majestic out there! The ideal contestant! Exactly what the judges will want to hear.
if "Nothing." then
   Professor Edwin: Nothing?
   MC: That's right, nothing. I've learned that anger never solves problems. It only causes them. I believe that, instead, it's better to seek understanding of a problem rather than bowing to frustration.
   Professor Edwin: That's... an excellent response, MC! If only our leaders were more like you!
   MC: Right?
   You walk backstage where Phoebe hugs you lightly.
   Phoebe: You were delightful, MC! At first, I wasn't sure where you were going... but then you ended up teaching even Professor Edwin a thing or two!
if "Dumb questions like that." then
   Professor Edwin: Excuse me?
   MC: Honesty's always the best policy, right, Professor?
   Professor Edwin: Very well. Thank you for your... illuminating response. Next!
   You walk backstage where Phoebe greets you with a shellshocked expression.
   Phoebe: That may have been... too forward.
   MC: Hey, you told me to say what I believe.
   Phoebe: On the contrary, I had merely recommended that you sound like you believe it.
Professor Edwin: Fibikemi Ayotunde, please step forward.
Phoebe floats out onto the stage, long and graceful. She beams out into the empty auditorium.
Professor Edwin: Your question is... what do you most want to achieve in your lifetime?
Phoebe bows her head under the gravity of the question... and launches into an astonishing, passionate speech about world peace, as practiced and well-crafted as a Shakespearean monologue!
Phoebe: ...and I believe our humanity will unite us as one people beneath the stars, and I will gladly dedicate my life, my soul, my entire being to that goal. Thank you.
Everyone, even the other contestants, rise to their feet in a standing ovation, tears welling in their eyes!
MC: Wow!
Payton: Woohoo! Go, Phoebe!
Kara: Ugh. Total groan.
All the contestants take turns practicing their talent on stage!
After Payton belts out an Adele cover, Max swaggers into the spotlight and rips off his shirt, flexing.
Max: Boom. Drink it in.
Next, Phoebe skates across the stage in impossible heels. She sits down at a grand piano, delicately smoothing her gown beneath her.
MC: I wonder what she's gonna play.
Payton: Whatever the most beautiful piano song of all time is! Because she's amazeballs at everything!
Phoebe's fingers rest lightly on the ivory keys, and she begins to play a tune you instantly recognize.
MC: 'The Entertainer'?
Julian: Huh. Would've thought she'd play something a little more... advanced.
Payton: Doesn't look like the organizers agree!
Professor Edwin and the pageant staffers leap up in an ovation for Phoebe!
Professor Edwin: Bravissimo, Phoebe! Magnifique!
Phoebe: Thank you, thank you!
As Phoebe strides off, blowing kisses to the empty crowd, Professor Edwin calls your name. You cross into the spotlight.
MC: Ahem. For my talent, I will...
Choice
Choose your talent! 
   Slam dunk! 
   Recount pi to the 100th decimal! 
   Be a ventriloquist!
if "Slam dunk!" then
   Julian wheels out a basketball hoop onto the stage! He adjusts the height of the rim.
   if MC is a Jock then
       Julian: This high okay?
       MC: Max it out. I've got hops.
   if MC is not a Jock then
       MC: A little lower...
       Julian: Here?
       MC: Even lower... lower... is there a 'hobbit' setting? Perfect.
   You dribble a basketball across the stage... leap... and slam the ball through the net!
   MC: Boo-yah!
   Your aggressive performance is met with tepid, awkward applause by the organizers...
if "Recount pi to the 100th decimal!" then
   MC: Three point one four one five nine two six...
   if MC is a Nerd then
       You go on, the numbers flying out of your mouth!
       MC: ...two one one seven zero six seven nine!
   if MC is not a Nerd then
       You go on... but quickly lose track! But you realize that the pageant organizers watching you probably don't know either, so you just spout numbers.
       MC: Uh, eight six seven... five three-oh niiiine. Done.
       
   You take a deep bow, and as you straighten up, you read the perplexed expressions of the organizers.
   Professor Edwin: Um... thank you, MC.
   MC: My pleasure.
if "Be a ventriloquist!" then
   MC: Please bring out the ventriloquist dummy!
   Julian: Uh... I don't think there is one.
   MC: Umm, then come sit on my lap.
   Julian: What?
   Payton: Julian, just do it!
   Payton pushes Julian out onto the stage, where he awkwardly sits down on your lap.
   MC: Oof! Just move your mouth when I talk for you...
   MC: Uh, hey, everyone! It's me, MC, with my friend... um, Beefcake McSteamy! Say hi, Beefcake!
   MC: Uh... 'howdy-doody!'
   Julian: Howdy-doody? What?!
   MC: Um, that's all, folks!
   Your act is met with tepid, awkward applause by the organizers...
Payton: Forget them, MC! I loved it!
Phoebe: I too found it charming. Two thumbs way up.
Payton: Four thumbs up!
MC: Thanks, guys... but they didn't seem too impressed.
Phoebe: That's because only three talents ever win. Singing, playing an instrument, or dancing. Stick to what they want to see, and you'll be a winner!
MC: Maybe I should've tried all three of those at once.
Rehearsal continues, a high-intensity medley of smiles, walks, poses, and waves. Phoebe excels at it all, assisting you and the other contestants with every step.
Phoebe: Loosen your hips, eyes up... beautiful walk, Adelynn! Your outfit's a little loose. Let's get you some butt glue.
Julian: I'm sorry, what glue?
MC: It's a pageant thing.
Payton: Let it go, Julian... just let it go.
You watch Phoebe dart around like a hummingbird, politely helping everyone's routine.
MC: Crazy that Phoebe's taking so much time to help out all her competition.
Payton: Because we need it! Isn't she such a sweetheart?
Phoebe: If you remember one thing, friends, it's this! Control is everything. Whether it's your walk, your hair, your words, or your talent, don't let anything out of place. You never want to surprise the judges!
Backstage slowly empties as everyone wraps up rehearsal for the night. You spot Phoebe still relentlessly practicing her walk in a long mirror.
As you approach, you notice a flicker of frustration and exhaustion. She sees you coming in the mirror, and she instantly masks it with her flawless smile.
Phoebe: MC, darling! How did you enjoy rehearsal? I'm so glad you decided to sign up.
MC: Phoebe, listen. Julian, Payton, and I were gonna head over to a friend's house party. You up for a little break? Looks like you could use one.
Phoebe: I don't look... er, do I? You're very kind, but...
Phoebe glances back into the mirror, studying her tired expression.
Phoebe: Okay, yes. I graciously accept your generous invitation!
end
You lead Phoebe into your friend's house, where dozens of your classmates are partying the night away!
MC: Hey, everybody! Remember Phoebe?
Phoebe: Good evening, friends!
Classmate 1: OMG, girl, those heels! Get in here and move around some, so there's more 'ground you walk on' to worship...
Classmate 2: I'm having deja vu right now. I could swear I dreamt of us meeting just like this.
Classmate 3: Yo, Pheebz, cop some of that Mountain Dew Game Fuel over there, then get in on this capture-the-flag tourney.
Phoebe: Thank you, one and all, for the refreshments!
Phoebe heads toward the table of snacks and sodas. You lean in, speaking quietly.
MC: Hey, Phoebe, look. You're around good people. You don't have to be like that here.
Phoebe: Whatever do you mean, MC?
MC: I think you know what I mean. All I'm saying is... here, you're free to be yourself.
Phoebe: Well... if you insist...
As the house party goes on, you notice Phoebe slowly warming up, casting off the heavy weight of her pageant persona...
Classmate 1: Hold the phone! This. Is. My. Jam! MC, Phoebe, come on!
Classmate 1 drags you both onto the dance floor and starts to boogie! Phoebe looks at you, awkward.
Phoebe: What do I do?
MC: Whatever you want!
She watches you and Classmate 1 invent dance moves... and begins to try some herself! She rolls her back while wiggling her hips, looking silly.
Classmate 1: Okay, stop. What was that?
Phoebe: I'm sorry, I just... I don't know... thought it was like a mermaid?
Classmate 1: I'm obsessed!
Classmate 1 starts doing Phoebe's dance move, and Phoebe can't help but laugh. It comes out like a goofy snort, and she smiles that same side-cocked grin from when you first met in the Jock Hangout.
Payton: OMG, cutest laugh! I just melted.
Soon, Classmate 2 unveils a tray of food!
Classmate 2: Hey, guys, I brought chili from Tio Rigo's! It's mindblowing, you've gotta try it.
Phoebe tastes some...
Phoebe: Whoa! That is some ridiculous chili!
She scrunches her nose in thought... then takes a handful of Fritos and crushes them, sprinkling the chips all over the chili before wolfing down the mix!
Classmate 2: Phoebe, that's brilliant! You're some sort of junk food genius!
Phoebe: I expect my Nobel Prize in the mail.
Classmate 3 breaks out the video game console for the capture-the-flag tournament and hands Phoebe a controller.
Phoebe: I dunno, I've never played before...
Minutes later, you hear Phoebe whooping and shouting!
Phoebe: Yeah! Yeah, get some! Take that, aliens!
Classmate 3: Dude, Phoebe, you just ran straight up to the Boss Goliath and punished him!
They high-five! You watch Phoebe's relaxed, infectious glee from a distance and smile. Julian and Payton sidle up to you.
Julian: Gotta hand it to you, MC. When you're right, you're right.
Payton: Phoebe is so chill!
The day of the pageant, you arrive with Phoebe at the performing arts center!
Phoebe sighs, relaxed, with a spring in her step you haven't seen before.
Phoebe: Seriously, MC, you've got no clue how bad I needed that. To just... be myself for once, without being judged, day in and day out.
MC: I'm glad you trusted us enough to let your guard down. Who you are is great. I'm happy to have met her.
Phoebe: Good, because the real Phoebe is here to stay. I'm so good at this pageant stuff, I don't need to be all prissy to win the Triple Tiara.
You're about to respond when you run into Professor Edwin backstage, checking items off on a clipboard.
Professor Edwin: MC! Phoebe! Hurry along now, everyone's getting ready.
Professor Edwin: I'm especially excited for you, Phoebe. I know many of us have high hopes for your performance.
Phoebe: Please. You know your girl's gonna boss this!
Phoebe laughs with a snort and raises a hand for a high-five from Edwin... but the professor just looks at her, stunned.
Professor Edwin: I hope that was a joke in poor taste. This is not at all how a Pageant Queen behaves.
Phoebe: Yes, Professor, just a joke. It won't happen again.
Professor Edwin: I fully expect it won't, Fibikemi. I expect you to be your usual, flawless self.
Professor Edwin marches past you with her clipboard, leaving you in the hallway. Phoebe buries her face in her hands.
MC: Phoebe? You okay?
Phoebe looks up at you, her makeup already streaking from tears.
Phoebe: No.
Backstage at the performing arts center, Phoebe paces back and forth, her towering heels clicking manically.
Phoebe: Stupid! Stupid, Phoebe!
MC: Whoa, Phoebe, chill out. You're fine.
Phoebe: I'm not fine, MC. You don't understand. You couldn't.
MC: Just tell me what's going on.
Phoebe takes a deep breath.
Phoebe: I wasn't always like this, okay? I wasn't always so 'perfect.'
Phoebe: When I was in middle school, I was a total loser. Like, the loser. Nobody liked my jokes. Nobody cared about the things I care about, like my martial arts. They made fun of it. They made fun of my stupid, dumb laugh.
Phoebe: Whenever I talked to anybody, they got quiet. Like, I was just so awkward it made them uncomfortable to even be around me. My existence made them uncomfortable.
Phoebe: So when we moved to this town before high school, I decided to reinvent myself. I based myself on movies, on books... on the sweet, popular girls in all the TV shows. No one in those stories ever made anyone feel awkward or uncomfortable.
Phoebe: And now, neither do I. Everyone loves me now.
MC: Everyone but you, Phoebe. Maybe others can't tell, but I can. When you're yourself, when you're actually happy... you smile different.
Phoebe: I smile wrong.
MC: That's not true. There's no such thing.
Kara: MC's right.
You turn around to see Kara eavesdropping.
MC: Get out of here, Kara. I'm trying to--
MC: Wait, what?
Kara: I said you're right. Phoebe, I get it. I've been there. I'm there every day.
Kara: I know how it must be eating at you to always have to tiptoe around everyone else's feelings... making sure the real you doesn't make things awkward... trying to be what everyone else says you should be.
MC: Kara, I... thank you.
Kara: Don't thank me. I mean it. Girls like us... there's a lot of pressure to be something we're not. It's hard not to give in.
Kara: But don't become me, Phoebe. Don't give in.
With that, Kara walks away. Still trying to digest what just happened, you turn to Phoebe.
MC: Never thought I'd say this in a million years, but... Kara's right.
Phoebe: Maybe she is... but this is what it takes to be loved.
MC: It doesn't matter how many people love you if you don't love yourself.
On the other side of the door to backstage, you hear the curtains part to a roar of applause. Professor Edwin's voice booms over the speakers.
Professor Edwin: Ladies, gentlemen, welcome to the Winter Pageant! I am pleased to present this year's contestants!
Phoebe: Come along, MC!
You look at Phoebe's face, and it's that same unfazed, beaming smile... the one you found so infectious at the assembly, but now it just feels empty.
Phoebe: We're about to go on!
The Winter Pageant kicks off in front of a full house! Dozens of contestants walk the stage in evening wear, answer interview questions, and finally perform their talents, each one drawing applause from the crowd...
Classmate 1: And voila! This is how one properly arranges a dinner place setting in southern Liechtenstein...
Classmate 2: As you'll see from my charts, using this methodology, I could have gotten Lincoln Chafee elected President of the United States. This is, bar none, the most impressive thing you'll see all night.
Max walks out in an exquisitely fitted tux, tailored perfectly for his lean, muscular frame. Assistants wheel out a range top with a whole array of cooking utensils, and Max fires up the heat.
Max: Feast your eyes, people. Best brisket you've ever seen! I dare you to top it. You can't!
The sweet barbecue aroma fills the auditorium, the attendees inhaling it deeply. Backstage, Payton laughs.
Payton: Can't tell if they're salivating more over the food or over Max.
Later, Julian debuts his talent... dancing bachata! The guitar fills the auditorium as Julian shows off moves he learned for the pageant. Some of the audience members whistle with approval!
Julian: Thank you, thank you!
Payton: He's sticking to the basics, sure... but he's got the hips for it!
You feel a tap on your shoulder as Phoebe approaches, looking sincere.
Phoebe: You were right, MC. I'm done hiding who I am because it makes other people uncomfortable.
MC: Does that mean you're ready to show everyone out there who you are?
Phoebe: Yes. Forget playing the piano. I suck at it anyway.
Phoebe: Instead, my talent should be what I'm actually good at... but I'll need your help.
At the Winter Pageant, Professor Edwin takes the microphone.
Professor Edwin: Our next contestant is a real treat! Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for... Fibikemi Ayotunde!
The crowd erupts in applause as Phoebe glides across the stage, as light as the wind. She beams her pageant smile as the lights go down.
Phoebe: Thank you, dear guests, for coming to our show. I'm so honored to stand before you.
Phoebe: For my talent, I'd like to introduce my assistants... MC, Julian, and Payton!
The crowd claps as the three of you walk out holding sets of wooden boards. You hold one aloft, high over your head. Phoebe gracefully gestures to the board, presenting it like a game show host.
Phoebe: Ready, MC?
MC: Ready, Phoebe!
Phoebe: Without further ado...
Phoebe: Hyyyyyyyah!
Phoebe leaps up, her evening gown fluttering in orbit around her as she roundhouse-kicks the board in half! Splinters of wood go flying as she lands on one foot, as graceful as a ballerina.
The crowd gasps in horror! From the stage, you can make out Professor Edwin's bewildered expression!
Professor Edwin: What on earth?
Phoebe: Woo! Keep 'em coming!
The 'Mortal Kombat' theme cues up on the speakers! You, Julian, and Payton hold up a series of boards for Phoebe, who kicks, flips, and punches her way through each of them!
Axe kicks, downward elbows, judo chops... each crack of wood elicits another cringe from the audience!
At last, Phoebe pops up from a somersault and takes a bow.
Phoebe: Phoebe, out!
With that, she struts off stage, leaving the judges' panel and audience in stunned silence.
You, Julian, and Payton follow Phoebe backstage, where she exhales slowly, calming her quick breathing.
MC: Well? What do you think?
Phoebe shoots you her side-cocked, goofy grin.
Phoebe: I think I kicked some serious tail out there.
Julian: Aw yeah!
Julian high-fives Phoebe.
Payton: I bet the Triple Tiara's as good as yours!
Phoebe: Nah, girl. The judges hated it. But who cares?
MC: I sure don't.
You see Kara nearby, smiling at Phoebe as she awaits her turn.
MC: Hey, Kara... thanks for backing me up with Phoebe. What you said... forgetting about trying to be what people want you to be, just being yourself... it meant a lot to her. And to me.
Kara: Ha! Oh yeah. Totally meant all that.
Kara winks at you. Just then, Professor Edwin's voice calls over the speakers.
Professor Edwin: Next up, we have... Kara Sinclair, performing 'The Entertainer' on piano!
You turn to Kara and say...
Choice
What do you say? 
   Gasp! You manipulated Phoebe! 
   I knew it! 
   I pity you, Kara.
if "Gasp! You manipulated Phoebe!" then
   MC: Seriously? You just said all those things to Phoebe so she'd bomb with the judges?
   MC: You know, I thought for a second there that I was wrong about you.
   Kara: Convincing, huh? I guess I have more than one talent.
   Kara: Now if you'll excuse me, I have a dumb piano song to play.
if "I knew it!" then
   Kara: Wait, you did? Then why didn't you call me out?
   MC: Because whether or not you meant it, what you were saying is true. And Phoebe's the better for it.
   MC: That's what matters to me. Not you.
   Kara: Likewise. Guess this was a win-win.
   Kara: Though my win will be Junior Miss Tri-County, and yours will be some stupid story of friendship, sooooo...
if "I pity you, Kara." then
   Kara scoffs, amused.
   Kara: You? Pity me?
   MC: Yeah. Everything you said back there was true. And it applied to you as much as it did Phoebe. You said those words, but you didn't hear them.
   MC: I hope you do, one day. I really do. For your sake.
   Kara: Thanks for the pep talk, MC. I'll give you a shout-out when I accept the tiara as Junior Miss Tri-County. Mwah! Kisses!
Kara struts out onto the stage and begins the first notes of Phoebe's planned piano song. The judges love it, gleefully enthralled by her performance...
The last contestants perform their talents, and Professor Edwin takes the stage one more time.
Professor Edwin: That concludes the competition! There's only one thing left to do...
Professor Edwin: Crown this year's Junior Mister and Miss Tri-County!
All around you, the pageant contestants hold hands in solidarity, each silently hoping to hear Professor Edwin call their name.
Professor Edwin: First, your Junior Mister Tri-County is... Max Warren!
Max: Holla at cha boy! Right over here!
Professor Edwin: And... Julian! That's right, it's a tie!
Max: You're joking, right?
Julian: Yeah, please tell us you're joking.
Professor Edwin: There's no joking in pageantry! Here is your crown. Share it! Oh, and here come the photographers. Smile those winning smiles!
Julian and Max stare angrily at the cameras, both holding the crown, each subtly tugging it towards himself.
Julian: Let go, dude.
Max: No, dude, you let go.
Professor Edwin: And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... this year's Junior Miss Tri-County is...
Professor Edwin: Kara Sinclair!
Kara: Me? Really? Oh my goodness...
Kara gets up from her seat, looking overwhelmed with emotion. As she steps across the stage to receive the tiara, you see tears pouring down her cheeks... and you can't tell if they're real or staged.
Beside you, Phoebe applauds genuinely.
MC: Are you okay with this, Phoebe? Coming up just short of the Triple Tiara?
Phoebe: Heh. Yeah... I think I'll live.
All the contestants stream out of the performing arts center, exhausted from the training, sharing laughs with the new friends they made backstage.
Payton: So, Phoebe, what's next for you?
Phoebe: A couple years ago, I vowed to never be myself again. Didn't realize how good it would feel to break that promise.
Phoebe: I think I'm ready to be me now. It'll be tough, especially at a place like Hearst. If you stand out at all there, you basically get eaten alive.
MC: You know... you don't have to go back to Hearst.
Phoebe: What do you mean?
MC: At our school, everyone gets to be themselves. It's not like Hearst, where everybody has to play their part.
Phoebe: Really? You think there's room for a roundhouse-kicking prom queen?
Max: Wait, timeout! Just timeout, okay? This is not happening.
Max storms up, holding what's clearly a broken half of the Junior Mister Tri-County crown.
Max: Gimme a break. You're not taking Phoebe from us, MC.
Max: It's one thing if you want to take all our losers and nobodies, but our cool people? Seriously, you can't steal our prom queen.
MC: Funny thing is, Max... that's not up to you, now is it?
Category:Quest Dialogues