FRACTAL 2013/08/18(Sun)00:48 No. 535304 ID: 6808dd
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There is a really big difference between the words "yes" and "sure" and "okay." Maybe it seems silly to think so but there definitely is.

FRACTAL 2013/08/18(Sun)00:48 No. 535305 ID: 6808dd
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It's really hard to sort through all the intricacies of tone and subtext in text messages so I don't understand why she's trying to do it like this.

Did your girlfriend break up with you or something?

maybe you can ask her to meet with you and talk?

FRACTAL 2013/08/18(Sun)01:13 No. 535319 ID: 6808dd
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>>535307
Not yet.

>>535312
That's exactly what I want to do, but it's a school day, and she and I go to different schools ... maybe we can meet up after school, but I don't have any way to get around, and my parents don't know I'm dating another girl ...

>>535319
Is there anyway you could bus down someplace to see her?

Maybe ask your parents to drop you off at a mutual friend's house under the guise of studying together that you both can meet at?

Say you need to go to the library and have her meet you there!

Seeing how it's a school day, you really should probably get dressed and grab breakfast before someone comes barging in to see you sending illicit texts.

Also, if you go to different schools and your parents take you everywhere, how did you two meet?

FRACTAL 2013/08/18(Sun)03:14 No. 535357 ID: 6808dd
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>>535325
Even though we don't go to the same school, we live in the same town. We met through mutual friends from parties and things like that - the kind of thing where we always saw each other around, but never really talked til later.

FRACTAL 2013/08/18(Sun)03:14 No. 535358 ID: 6808dd
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I get myself ready for school and go downstairs. My dad is reading the paper at the kitchen table.

"Hey dad? Can you take me to the library after school, please? I have to do a group project with some people."

FRACTAL 2013/08/18(Sun)03:14 No. 535359 ID: 6808dd
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He lowers his newspaper. "Sure, but ... weren't you supposed to leave an hour ago? Wednesdays you have choir in the morning, right?"

>>535319
What's the text say anyway?

Why "Not yet" on the question of breakups?

How'd you meet in the first place?

Whoops, looks like I just missed my tim-
>>535359
Starhead. What.

I'll... assume that's normal. Why arent you at choir?

>silly to think there is a really big difference between the words "yes" and "sure" and "okay."
It's not silly. Even though those words all carry the same denotation, the connotation is very different.

>choir
Uh, did you miss that? Either cop to the absentmindedness (oh no, that was today! I'm going to have to apologize to [whoever runs that]), or make up an excuse. (The truth may get you in a small amount of trouble now, but the lie may make bigger problems later).

>Starhead
You've got his... eyes... I see.

did you get distracted by the text message? that's alright, it happens to the best of us. can you still make it to practice?

>>535359
lie and say it was cancelled. best not to worry your father.

You forgot to set your alarm clock. That's he reason, isn't it? I mean, we all forget once in awhile...

don't tell him you got kicked out of choir. tell him choir was cancelled today. maybe you could pretend you're still going and meet up with your girlfriend later.

FRACTAL 2013/08/20(Tue)21:46 No. 536223 ID: 6808dd
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I don't want to tell him that i forgot thanks to getting wrapped up with my phone, because then he'll ask me who I was texting, and why it was so important that I missed choir ...

But this is the third time I've missed it. You're only technically allowed to miss one practice, and the second time my choir director gave me the benefit of the doubt and let me stay, but I don't think I can talk my way out of this one ...

Still, I lie. "Uhm, it was cancelled today, actually. Mrs. Sipriani had a last-minute doctor's appointment. Sorry, I meant to tell you last night ..."

FRACTAL 2013/08/20(Tue)21:46 No. 536224 ID: 6808dd
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"No worries, sweetheart!" he says cheerfully. "But you're a little late as it is - you might not catch the bus. Do you want Edith to drive you to school?"

Edith is my stepmom. I don't really want her to drive me to school, but he's right - even if I left right now, I would really have to sprint to catch the bus.

>only allowed to miss one
...so what's the penalty for missing more?

>stepmom or sprint for the bus?
Run, now. The physical exertion will distract you from your problems for a bit, and school buses are good for zoning out. Beats an awkward introspection with your stepmom when you're vulnerable, or follow up questions about your lie.

What happened to mom-prime anyways?

Run, baby, run!

I think you should accept the ride! School buses trips are super long and we don't know if the other students are nice.

take the bus. maybe other people can take your mind off it?

mm,i would say go with yr stepmom. you just got ready, you don't want to be all sweaty and stuff when you get to school. plus, even if you did run after the bus you might not even be able to catch it.

why dont you want ur stepmom to drive you to classes?

why don't you like your stepmom? if it's an actual good reason, then run, if it's just like "YOU AREN'T MY ***REAL MOM***" then take the ride.

is it possible for a friend to pick you up? If not just accept the ride from edith, you don't want to get all sweaty.

FRACTAL 2013/09/15(Sun)16:16 No. 540693 ID: 497431
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I mean .... Edith has never been mean to me. She's never been mean to my dad, either. It's not like she's a bad person or anything. I just don't like her because I never know what to say to her. Being around her feels weird. Every time I see her it still feels like she's just a guest in our house - like I'm waiting for her to pack her stuff up and leave any day now.

I guess I'll just take the ride. It's not like it'll be the end of the world. "Okay, she can drive me."

"She should be out on the porch!" my dad told me cheerfully. I pull my backpack on, give him a quick hug, and head outside to see Edith.

FRACTAL 2013/09/15(Sun)16:16 No. 540694 ID: 497431
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"Good morning, Mimi." She's sipping tea and reading a book, as usual. "Do you need a ride to school?"

"Yes, please."

FRACTAL 2013/09/15(Sun)16:16 No. 540695 ID: 497431
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"Sure thing." She sets her things down and we walk over to the car. I get into the passenger seat and cross my arms, hoping she won't talk to me too much. Conversations with her are so awkward.

FRACTAL 2013/09/15(Sun)16:17 No. 540696 ID: 497431
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As she starts up the car, she glances over at me, a slight smile on her face. "You know, we can spend some time together after school, if you want."

"I could teach you how to put on makeup in a way that actually hides the fact that you've been crying."

well, she seems a bit ... blunt. if she's making you uncomfortable, you could ask her to stop.

That was blunt, but kinda nice... but...

yeeeah

...well, that's kind a cute roundabout way offering support.

Mumble a maybe and a thanks of some kind. (We don't know what your plans are after school, yet).

I'd say do it! couldn't hurt none, if of course you dont have any plans.

>>540696
Say okay, if you don't have other plans.

You said you are planning on meeting up with your gf after school, right? Tell her that you're meeting up with someone after school to "have a talk". This should help explain the crying and why you're busy today.

That's a really weird comment... but maybe you should give her a chance? If she hasn't done anything to make you feel like you shouldn't trust her, then it's probably a good idea to try to form a better relationship with her.

>>540696
That sounds like a pretty useful skill to have, actually.

Go for it.

Tell her that tonight's not great but you'd like to spend some time with her another day. She seems to be genuinely trying to help.

That seems kind of super awkward. Instead you could suggest that you go somewhere with her AND your dad at the same time? Like a stylish, quiet restaurant or something where you're not in your house.

> That seems kind of super awkward. Instead you could suggest that you go somewhere with her AND your dad at the same time? Like a stylish, quiet restaurant or something where you're not in your house.

I don't know that just sounds more awkward to me.

Better not to jump to conclusions. She sounds like she's being a jerk, or at least too blunt, but maybe it's because she really wants to get to know you and help you, but she's not sure how. Obviously, you can't spend time with her after school because you're going to see your girlfriend; Maybe offer to go out to dinner or something with both her and your dad some other time so you can become closer. Or maybe some other activity that you're comfortable with. Better to see if she's an ally first before marking her as an enemy.

FRACTAL 2014/04/09(Wed)18:18 No. 569932 ID: 8dbc01
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"U-Uhm. I actually have some stuff to do after school, but thanks ..." I shift uncomfortably in my seat. This is the kind of stuff I mean. She's never been mean to me, but I don't like her version of nice.

The rest of the ride passes in silence. At least she doesn't pester me if I don't talk to her. When we get to the school, I mumble out some gratitude and hurry into the building.

FRACTAL 2014/04/09(Wed)18:18 No. 569933 ID: 8dbc01
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"Mimi!" One of my friends, Alicia, catches me almost the second I get through the door. "Where were you today? Mrs. Sipriani is kind of mad! Isn't this like, the second time you'd missed?" I know she's not trying to nag me, she's just worried, but all the same I feel a little annoyed.

"Third," I mumble miserably. She makes a small noise of worry, and I brush off her hand as gently as I can.

"Mimi ..." She sighs softly, and we start walking towards our class. "You've gotta stop doing this, you know. Missing classes, missing practice, missing project due dates - you just seem really distracted lately. Are you okay?"

FRACTAL 2014/04/09(Wed)18:19 No. 569934 ID: 8dbc01
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Before I can try to work up an answer, the door to one of the extracurricular rooms slams open right in front of me. Alicia and I stumble back, and she grabs my arm to steady me - the door nearly smacked me in the face.

FRACTAL 2014/04/09(Wed)18:19 No. 569935 ID: 8dbc01
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Two students walk out, but time seems to slow so much that it's like they're gliding. I don't know why I feel like this but I'm shivering, all my limbs are asleep. I seem to notice second that they've turned their heads to look at me, and that must be why, because there's a deadness to them that makes me want to take a few steps back. I don't recognize them. I don't know them.

FRACTAL 2014/04/09(Wed)18:19 No. 569936 ID: 8dbc01
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I don't want to be here.

FRACTAL 2014/04/09(Wed)18:20 No. 569937 ID: 8dbc01
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"Mimi?" Time's sped up again to make up for its former leisurely pace; my ears are buzzing, I'm disoriented. "Are you okay? Did the door hit you?"

I attempt, shakily, to find the two students in the crowd, but they're already gone. My legs feel hollow and weak.

"Mimi? Mimi?!"

>>569937
Is there a place you can sit down for a bit and reorient yourself? A nurse's office, or a friendly teacher's classroom maybe? Try to drink some water if you can.

Huh. Step mom and friend have normal eyes, freaky school kids have more symbol eyes. I wonder if there's something mystic at work here? Are stars natural enemies of X-es and hearts?

>My legs feel hollow and weak.
>Mimi?!
Hold onto your friend for support, and try, weakly, to reassure her. Sorry, I'm a little out of it, today.

"Sorry, I've been feeling sick all morning. Trembly sick."

>>569937

Wow, weird reaction to those two students. Are you sure theyre real? Maybe you're seeing things. You should go lie down in the nurses office either way.

Could they be ghosts? The students.

>>569975
Actually, if you arn't in a condition to do work, it might be better to play up the sickness; maybe they will let you off in choir?
And it will give you some much needed time off to rest.

Yeah, play it up and said you weren't planning to go into school but at the last minute your parents insisted- That's why you missed choir.

FRACTAL 2014/04/14(Mon)15:13 No. 570698 ID: 8dbc01
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It's like being underwater. "Yeah, I - I'm sorry, I've been feeling bad since I woke up. That's why I skipped choir, but ... then my dad said I had to come to school if I wasn't throwing up ..."

She pulls me to the side of the hall to avoid the jostling students hurrying to class. "You wanna go to the nurse's office? Or call home?"

"I'll - yeah, I'll go to the nurse's office."

"Okay, I can walk you if you want -"

"N-No, it's okay, I'll just go myself. Thanks though."

FRACTAL 2014/04/14(Mon)15:13 No. 570699 ID: 8dbc01
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She asks if I'm sure and I am. It's not far away, and after a blur of colors and footsteps I'm on my back, staring at the speckled ceiling of the nurse's office.

There's a voice that I almost think is a boy's, but after a few seconds I realize it's not - just really deep, and rich. She sounds older than me, but she's definitely a student.

"Judy, my period's acting up again."

"Don't call me by my first name. And I seriously doubt that, Miss Beyer."

"Come onnnn. It hurts. If I have to go to class I might make a scene."

"You can lie down until the middle of the period, and then you have to go to your class. And you can't come back here for the rest of the day."

"I suffer like a saint, Judes."

"Lie down, Miss Beyer."

FRACTAL 2014/04/14(Mon)15:13 No. 570700 ID: 8dbc01
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The curtain rattles back. I close my eyes. Footsteps, then the cot next to mine creaks and settles.

"Hey."

Do you know who this Miss Beyer is, or recognize her voice?

>"Hey."
...hi. (Small, listless reply).

try not to throw up and maybe spit out a hi? if not though then just turn away

"Is it really your period acting up...?"

>>570700
Say hi back, ask her how she knows the nurse

Isn't that the X eyed from earlier??? Ask her if she's ok!

"What do you want?"

If you're going to be stuck in the nurse's office sick, you might as well strike up a conversation with the girl next to you. Maybe you could make a new friend. You seem like you could benefit from that.

Don't be impolite. You can answer her, but its okay to also indicate you don't feel really up to a chat right now. Fat lot of good it'll probably do with this one anyway.

FRACTAL 2014/04/19(Sat)18:21 No. 571610 ID: 55bec4
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"Hi." My hands form fists, pulling the thin fitted sheet slapped over the cot into my palms. It doesn't do much to make me feel more stable. "Uhm ... do you want something?"

"Yeah, but I don't know if I'm gonna get it from you." I can hear her shifting rhythmically on the cot - moving her legs back and forth, I think.

Her voice sounds like she smokes, and also like she's smiling. "What's your name?"

"Mimi."

FRACTAL 2014/04/19(Sat)18:22 No. 571611 ID: 55bec4
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"Ha, I'm surprised. That's a really cute name for someone who seems so ... well. You don't look like a Mimi. You look like a .... Fern. Or Gretyl. Or ..... Mary."

Uh, okay. Do any of those names have an association that means anything to you? Is that an insult? Is she trying to say you seem lame, not deserving of your cool name?

>response
Yeah, well, who died and make you name-rater?

(Yes, the appropriate response to someone calling you lame is a pokemon joke).

She's a predator.
Maybe not the kind that kills or eats or takes lives,
but she can take a lot more than that.
She's probing for weakness in a plausibly deniable manner. Either because it amuses or nourishes her. (Though not necessarily in a literal fashion.) If you freak or lash out, she gets what she wants. If you keep calm and stay cool, she keeps up the facade of friendliness and gets to try again the next time she speaks.
Expect this conversation to be taxing. It's unlikely she'll leave if we turn unfriendy, so may as well keep this civil for the time being.

Predator? I don't think so. I think she's just a horny lesbian who has an interest in names.

>>571611
Tell her you're taken.

Are you actually taken? I'm wondering, because it wouldn't be the first time someone had a different idea of what their relationship was versus the person they thought they were in that relationship with.

Regardless, I think we've just had the 'neg' from a pickup artist who is trying to play with your feelings. The technique works by using a mixture of insults, compliments and unrelated statements to confuse, distract and interest while they try to seduce by gradually increasing their intimacy, particularly getting close and making skin contact. The correct answer here is flatly-delivered sarcasm.

Here's a workable line, if you can pull it off:
"How flattering, thank you for your wonderful compliment, it just makes my morning. Seriously, I'm not feeling well so please stop bothering me. If you press your luck you may end up wearing the contents of my stomach, and I wish I didn't know how much that can sting and reek."

>>571623
I suppose I merely overpoeticized the fact that she's looking for a prime cut of fresh meat.
She may be a good person, I don't know. But the way she approached our girl here is absolutely predatory. Maybe not entirely malicious, but interested, in a way that turns on every red light in my brain. Whether or not she is entirely friendly in her intentions, her approach was that of one looking to toy with someone else's emotions. A cat having just found some interesting morsel or insect.

>>571611
"cool. well, good luck with ur period"

get out of there she is dangerous

FRACTAL 2014/04/21(Mon)00:15 No. 571801 ID: 55bec4
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I'm ... not really sure what she's talking about, or what she's trying to do. For a moment, I think that maybe she's flirting with me, but that's silly and I don't want to say anything about it in case of the very likely event that she isn't.

"U-Uhm. Okay." It's a pathetic response but I can't force myself to spit out any of the witty ones in my head. I get up, still avoiding eye contact even when I finally open my eyes. "I'm .... feeling better, so I'm going to leave. I, uhm - g-good luck with your period." Oh my god, why did I say that.

FRACTAL 2014/04/21(Mon)00:15 No. 571802 ID: 55bec4
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"Avery." I'm stopped in my tracks when someone pushes their way through the curtain, nearly bumping into me. She barely seems to notice, not even looking up at me.

"You have to come to class. Don't leave me in there alone with those people." She seems to notice me as an afterthought. "You're blocking my view."

s-sorry!!!! trip over yrself and dive to the side. don't wanna fuck with no hearts for eyes.

Just ignore her provocations and shoulder your way past.

Once you're out- how are you still feeling? Do you feel up to going to class, or is there somewhere else to crash?

Stumble over saying sorry to her then accidentally stumble over your own feet trying to move around her and accidentally tackle her to the ground.

Oh, this is updating again huh, nice.

Apologize miserably, then make your way out. Gotta escape from the awkwardness.

you know what? NAH SON. This shit has gotta stop. Tell this bloke right the fuck now that A: you dont give a shit, B: he can move, and C: you are going to class now.
Proceed to slip the fuck out of dodge.
It is time to surgically remove all traces of our doormat nature.

>>571850
That sounds more like a carpet bombing than a surgical strike

you're blocking my path.

"You're in my way, sir."

mad hell and you aren't gonna take it anymore!

>>571873
Beware of flash grenades.

FRACTAL 2014/06/18(Wed)15:23 No. 579135 ID: c3ad33
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As my mind races to find a response, I realize that I've just .... had enough today. Not even just today. I've had enough with always bending at the slightest pressure.

"A-Actually." My voice sounds so loud, but it's not unpleasant to me. "Actually, you're in my way. I have to go to class." I lean forward a bit as I step forward, preparing to push my way through.

FRACTAL 2014/06/18(Wed)15:23 No. 579136 ID: c3ad33
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"Alex, stop her."

I jerk to a stop, tethered by a small but extremely strong hand closing around my forearm. Panicked, I turn around to see that the short girl has grabbed me.

FRACTAL 2014/06/18(Wed)15:24 No. 579137 ID: c3ad33
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The taller one is lounging back on her cot, grinning that knife-edge smile. "You know, when someone asks you your name, the normal thing to do is ask theirs back." Before I can speak, she continues. "Avery, by the way. Avery Bayer. Senior."

She jerks her narrow chin at the girl gripping my arm. "And that's Alex Whitaker. Also a senior. Say hi, Alex."

Alex turns her head very, very slowly. I feel like I'm watching an animatronic. "Hi." The word is flat, toneless, barely audible - spat out like a ticket at the exit of a parking garage.

"Alex doesn't want to go to class without me," Avery drawls, "but I don't want to leave! And you want to go to class, but I don't want you to leave. So I think the best thing would be if we just hung out in here a little longer, huh?" I didn't think it was possible, but the smile widens. I almost flinch as I involuntarily imagine the skin at the edges of her mouth splitting from the strain. "Humor me."

>>579137
Fine but hands off. Also tell them your name.

>>579137
Ask why she doesn't want you to leave. Wouldn't she like to face her period troubles without some stranger sitting there?

>>579137
these folks are bad news, you shouldn't be alone with them
break alex's grip and find yr friend
if you can't break free, call for the nurse

Continue escaping the nurse's office.

>>579179
Obviously she wants someone to suck out all the menstrual fluids. Gotta keep it fresh and clean, man.

>>579137
abso-fucking-lutely not.
where you go is in no way her decision to make, and i don't like that implied threat.

shake her off, that is a vulnerable grip in that it offers many opportunities for bending her wrist.
try to move your hand down and to the right, so that if she's still holding on her hand will be twisted behind her back - that should dislodge her but if it doesn't - from there try to grab her by the elbow and bend her arm up into a lock.
or you can put your left hand on her gripping hand, holding it in place, then lift your right arm sharply up and to the right, bending her wrist.

anyhow, once she let go make a run for it or at least get far enough so that you're not in reach.

Just stand there, without fighting, and say "please let go of me".

Continue standing there, in the doorway, without saying anything else until she does, or something else happens.

A passive non-resistance kind of thing. They can't do more unless she tries to bodily drag or wrestle you into the room. And fighting won't work- Alex is stronger than you, and it would just egg crazy Avery on. (She's like to see you fight. Don't give her that).

Ask her what she wants to do. It can't really be that bad. She's just trying to intimidate you.

After we get out of this, we are getting ripped.
As for >what do, I say humor her, but make sure her awful lacky lets go of you first.
Be assertive, but not aggressive, this chick seems a bit more than a little nutso-crazo

>>579137
Sternly (or at least an approximation of sternness) refuse. No more being dragged around by other people's whims!

Stay with her, she seems interesting and you could do with missing a bit of class. You seen stressed.

FRACTAL 2014/06/22(Sun)16:33 No. 580084 ID: c3ad33
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"Let go of me." The words come out so strong that I actually startle myself a little, but almost immediately, Avery gives Alex a curt nod, and the shorter girl lets go. My arm snaps back to my chest and I rub at my wrist instinctively.

"What do you want?" I try to make that sentence as firm and loud as the first, but I don't manage it. I look at my shoes, my hands, a fold in the blankets, anything other than Avery's impossibly widening smile.

"That is an enoooooormous question, but I'm assuming that the context is right here, right now, relevant to you." She flips back over onto her stomach. "Here's the short version: I can tell you're different. And that's interesting. And I get bored easily."

Different? I hug my arms to myself more tightly. I don't like the way she said that.

"Like I'm different," she continues. Her voice is soft but not gentle. "Like Alex is different." Alex shifts a little at the mention, but other than the subtle adjustment of weight remains statuesque. "And you know, most of these girls, most people in general, I can't even tell them apart. They might as well be wearing paper plate masks." I see Alex's lips twitch upward from the corner of my eye. "But you - you and some other people, a really small amount - I look and I can see your FACE."

I don't know how it happens so quickly but she's up and she's in front of me and her hand is reaching. "I can tell what you look like. And you look like you're worth paying attention to. Everyone else is just a blob." Her fingers stop so close to my cheek that it tickles. Her fingers are so, so long. Long like her long mouth and her long legs. "It's rare enough that if I catch somebody, I gotta investigate."

Just kind of shake your head. I don't understand. What makes me worth paying attention to? Different? I'm just me, that's all.

(Seems like she might be aware of the weird eyes thing, and might be able to actually tell us something about it. As much of a creeper as she's been, I think we have to follow that a little bit, instead of just gtfo).

Hmm. Well, don't just run off on her.

Have you noticed anything like that yourself? Your father looks weird, but your mother doesn't. Maybe you can confess your problems too.

>>580084
Everyone's different in a small way, like, I don't understand what makes it markedly different.

Does her Dad have a giant X for a head? Alex's has a giant heart? Is that how you mean different? It's just eyeball shapes. We've had them our entire lives, how that makes them significant, I have no idea.

>>580084
if yr uncomfortable with the touch, move away from it, but don't do anything too aggressive - yr outnumbered and out-muscled. stay between them and the door in case you need to make a quick exit.
ask avery to explain more about the faces

Is the difference being into girls? Tell both of them to keep their hands to themselves.

ask x-eyes what she's getting at, and tell her yr in a rush and have other worries on yr mind. But try not to piss her off too much- she has the upper hand- but make it clear you're not interested in her bullshit

"What's wrong with my face?"

What's wrong with HER!

FRACTAL 2014/06/28(Sat)19:57 No. 581816 ID: 6b7ea4
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I have no idea what she could be talking about. I look completely average - I look exactly like everyone else. I've never done anything remarkable in my life and I don't really want to. I shake my head slowly. "I don't understand. What are you talking about?"

Her hand closes the trembling gap between palm and cheek and I flinch and jerk away. It makes her laugh. "Oh, god, come on. Have you really not noticed?"

"Most people are worthless." The voice that time is coming from Alex on my right. I glance over at her but Avery's hand is on my face again, turning my eyes back to her.

"A fair, if heavy-handed, explanation." I don't think she ever stops smiling but something primal and scared in me tells me I don't want her to stop. "People just fucking skate, Mimi." Her fingers move - not really pinching, but drawing together, pulling the skin of my cheek taut.

"Railroad tracks," intones Alex.

"Just on a set little conveyor belt through school to a job to reproduction and death." I'm scared to move.

"Pathetic," whispers Alex.

"That's not fair, Alex," Avery admonishes. "They can't help it." She looks back at me. "That's why people like you and us are special. Because we CAN help it. We have the potential to be more. Because I think there's something a little FUCKED UP with us -" she nearly yelled that last part and both hands are on my face like an embrace and I feel like my knees are going to give out "- in the best way possible. We think in ways that other people never will."

Her expression hasn't changed. I'm starting to wonder where the nurse is.

>>581816
Oh I see. She recognized your PC Glow.

Start a club! You have three members, find more.

it's obvious these girls can't be trusted. play along and be polite for as long as you have to, but get away when you can. they seem quick to anger and look stronger than you too, plus there are just more of them. avoid them as much as possible.

Tell her that you're scared and that you don't know what she's talking about-- you're just like everyone else.

ask avery what that means for you specifically - what does she think you should do about this? try and get as much information as you can, but be careful, try not to make them angry.
look around for something you could "accidentally" bump into or knock over to make noise and get the nurse's attention if you need to.

O-kaaaaay.

So what kind of things do we do that are different or better?

It's simply disgusting and disturbing how they treat you - as if you where a thing, a toy they can touch and use however they want.

I don't know what they went through nor what their motives are, but it's time to drop some truths on their stupid and pretentious attitude. Everyone has their own story, each unique, different and rich. No one is "worthless". Also, this is YOUR life and it's up to YOU to decide who will be part - if you don't want them to be important characters in it, then they won't.

i say you ollie the fuck outtie as soon as you can. this is leading nowhere good, fast. smile, play polite, literally ANYTHING to get out. there's a time to take a stand and a time to run like a bat outta hell. they're our final boss fight, and we haven't even talked to our girlfriend yet.

OLLIE THE FUCK OUT. whatever you need to do, wahtever you need to say, just, lEAVE, NOW, LEAVE LEAVE LEAVE!

wait where did the nurse go

fairly certain this is stranger danger territory

>>581816
the nurse is dead and you're next. get the fuck away from that girl while you still have a face.

FRACTAL 2014/07/03(Thu)23:24 No. 582739 ID: 6b7ea4
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I think I need to leave. I think I need to leave. I think I need to -

I back into a metal cart by the curtain separating the nurse's office area from the cots and it clatters against the wall, spilling a stack of folders.

The nurse is there an instant later, exasperated. "That's it. It is WELL past half-period, and now you're making a MESS -"

"Juuuuuuudy." The tone that Avery's voice has taken on sends shivers down my spine - and down the nurse's as well. I can visibly see her shudder. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of a conversation?"

The nurse swallows thickly, then straightens her spine. "I've already told you not to call me by my first name, and I also specifically told you that you could only stay til the middle of the period. You've clearly recovered, so you need to go back to class now."

FRACTAL 2014/07/03(Thu)23:24 No. 582740 ID: 6b7ea4
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Avery leans back against the wall, legs and arms for miles. "Alex."

"Yes, Avery."

"When's the next school board meeting?"

All the color drains out of the nurse's face.

"This coming Friday evening, Avery," Alex answers tonelessly.

"And do you think, Alex, that they'd be interested in some of the stuff I've found out about the staff here?"

"I think they would find it fascinating, Avery."

The nurse's hands are balled into fists. Her lip is quivering. I've never seen an adult look like this before.

"It would cause a rrrrreeal commotion, I think." Avery turns back to the nurse, cocking her head cheerfully. "Anyway, remember how I said I'm in the middle of a conversation?"

FRACTAL 2014/07/03(Thu)23:24 No. 582741 ID: 6b7ea4
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The nurse sounds like there's something caught in her throat, but she finally manages, "Y-Yes. Take your time."

She turns to go. Suddenly Avery reaches out one long arm, knocks a pillow from the nearest cot onto the floor. "Oops! Hey, Judy." The nurse freezes. "Pick that up for me?"

I watch as slowly, haltingly, she gets on her knees and complies. Alex has a tiny, mathematical curve of a smile. Avery is openly giggling. The nurse's eyes are glittering. She places the pillow back on the bed, then quickly straightens and disappears back behind the curtain.

"Sorry about that," Avery laughs. "Anyway. YOU, actually, probably should get back to class." She claps me on the shoulder. "Sorry to keep you. But before you go, I wanted to extend an invitation."

Alex twitches. I swallow.

"Come hang out with us tonight, okay? I'll tell you more about some of the stuff we've talked about today." Her hand is light on my back, just the slightest pressure, deliberate and careful. "By the soccer fields two blocks down."

go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go

go to the soccer field

I'm going to have to disagree, not at all because of the absurd number of times "go" was repeated. Avery is a crazy bitch and I don't want to get involved with her. Ask your stepmom, she seems saner and her full face is actually visible, whereas Avery's eyes aren't. So presumably by whatever metric Avery uses, stepmom > Avery. Might want to ask the nurse about stuff later; her face's completely visible too. Also for later, get a good knife and the confidence to use it on Avery and Alex if needed.

Will you let clearly manipulative jerks led you as they please? Most likely. Well, you are not alone, I doubt anyone here has a spine. And what else can you do besides getting on this rail? Oh, yeah, you should call your girlfriend. Get to it.

>>582744
okay but no to the knife thing because we do NOT want a physical altercation between avery and mimi. mimi would end up dead or in the hospital within 5 seconds.

>>582746
And that's what backstabbing is for. I'm not suggesting we let an altercation happen, I'm suggesting we kill Avery if we can get away with it.

Forgot to mention, but I also think it would be a good idea to talk with Judy.

Oh my gosh, you *have* to go. These guys are serious. The only real question is to arrive on time, 5 minutes early, or 5 minutes late.

>>582741
say sure, smile, leave and make a mental note to NEVER GO ANYWHERE NEAR WHERE THEY TALKED ABOUT EVER FOR ANY REASON

no knife! because lets be real yo mimi here is a tiny delicate flower - she would hesitate because shes a sweetie and avery would Fuck Her Up Bigtime. also, even if avery goes down, there is alex, and while avery's the big boss of emotional manipulation, it seems that alex is the one with the brawn. plus i really dont think mimi wants to go to jail for murder.

the thing is - i would advise against going, BUT i would also advise finding out all you can about them so you can avoid them. talk to judy. but dont call her by her first name.
the thing is, if you anger them by not showing up, shit is gonna get bad - ergo, take all possible steps to avoid them when you dont show.
talk to the nurse about them and then make your decision.

>blackmails the nurse to her face
Well, shit.

>Come hang out with us tonight, okay? I'll tell you more about some of the stuff we've talked about today.
Give her a maybe to assuage her, and then get the hell out of there.

React politely to Avery, but definitely do not go to the field tonight. You don't want to end up blackmailed like the nurse, just keep away from Avery unless you have no other reasonable choice. Put those two out of your head, get through the school day and meet your girlfriend.

>>582741
What a fearful demonstration of power. It would be unwise to turn down their invitation. You have much to gain from an alliance with them, and much to lose by making enemies with them.

>>582862
*fearsome

>>582741
Well shit.
Do you have anyone you can ask for advice about this?
What about your girlfriend?

These girls are bad news and there's literally no one who can safe you right now
Get out, get out get out. Do NOT listen to them. Focus on your gf. Focus on trying to be happy. Focus on getting the FUCK outta the nurse's office

>>582741
That invitation sounds pretty damn creepy. Of course, the consequences of not going could be pretty bad. Quite a dilemma you've got here! You should definitely try to find advice somewhere.

Wait, I thought we were going to meet up with our girlfriend after school or at least try to.

FRACTAL 2014/07/28(Mon)21:35 No. 586515 ID: 06eccb
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I don't want to deal with any of this, I just want to get through the day and see my girlfriend, but I don't know what will happen if I brush them off. "I ... I'll see if I can," I mumble. Avery turns back to Alex, apparently satisfied, and rests her long arms on the shorter girl's shoulders.

"Good to hear, Mimi. Good to hear."

As I rush out of the nurse's office, I catch a glimpse of her at her desk. Her coat is hung over the back of her chair and she's leaning forward, head in her hands, taking fast, wheezing breaths. I want to ask her about this but right now, I want to get out of here more. Maybe I'll be able to catch her another time.

FRACTAL 2014/07/28(Mon)21:35 No. 586516 ID: 06eccb
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The rest of the day passes in a hazy, uncomfortable blur. I know there are a few times when Alicia tries to talk to me but I'm distracted and upset and I don't remember ever giving her any satisfactory replies. She knows that I get this way but I've probably hurt her feelings.

As I'm piling stuff from my locker into my schoolbag, not even really sure what I should and shouldn't bring back for homework, I take a moment to check my phone. Two texts - one from my girlfriend, confirming the time and place of our meetup, and one from my dad. His, with a lot of embellishment and slightly inaccurate abbreviations and emoticons, informs me that something came up at work and Edith will be driving me to the library instead. Normally that would make me upset, but ... everything that happened today isn't something I would even consider asking my dad about. Edith, on the other hand, seems like she might be better equipped to deal with it ...

The bell rings, I'm out the door, and Edith is already front and center, which is exactly like her. I get into the car silently - she has NPR on.

"How was your day, Mimi?" She glances over at me. "You don't look so good."

>>586516
Tell her some weird kids asked you to meet them after school. You're not sure if you should, but... they seemed to have power over the faculty so you're worried about turning them down too.

>she has NPR on
After school, around 2 or 3 o'clock? Word of Mouth, or Fresh Air then. Well, at least, around here. No idea what part of the country you're in, star-eyes.

>"How was your day, Mimi?" She glances over at me. "You don't look so good."
All the usual fun or surviving annother soul-crushing day of high school with the added pressure of some real freaks paying attention to me for no good reason.

>>586516
If you don't want to talk to your dad about it, and the staff have (somehow) already been brought to heel, than Edith is probably the best person to talk to about those girls.

Girl, you are dealing with a Master Manipulator. Tell Edith about how she dealt with the nurse. Ask for advice. Edith has proven to be direct and to the point If a bit blunt, tell her.

>>586587
exactly, and edith might have noticed how you are 'different', like the girls were saying, since she married your star-headed father, and give you information maybe?

>>586516
Brush it off, are you really comfortable talking with Edith about this? Better to find someone else for advice.

FRACTAL 2014/08/06(Wed)13:14 No. 588382 ID: 88625f
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"Well..." I tuck a few loose strands of hair behind my ear as she pulls out of the school drive, fidgeting. "I guess ... today was just kind of weird. I met these girls and they ... were really creepy and it kind of freaked me out."

She doesn't look away from the road, but there's light interest in her voice. "Weird how?"

"They said all this weird stuff about me being 'different' from other people, even though we'd never met before. They wouldn't let me leave the nurse's office til they were done talking to me. And they want me to meet them later today to talk more but -" I stop suddenly. I'm not sure if I should tell Edith about the blackmail. I'm not sure if she'd believe me.

"Well, if you feel uncomfortable around them, clearly you shouldn't spend any more time with them than you strictly need to," she replies evenly. "Lie if you need to. Tell them this group project you're working on at the library is due tomorrow, that it's going to take all night."

She's so blunt. I twitch and fidget a bit more. "I'm scared they'll get mad ..."

"Then let them get mad. There's nothing they can do anyway, right?" Now she breaks her eyes from the road briefly, raises her eyebrows at me. "Let them steam and fume and then they'll forget about it in a few days. It sounds like they're just playing with you."

TELL HER ABOUT THE BLACKMAIL TELL HER TELL HER.
listen, mimi, edith has NO REASON to doubt you. you do not have a habit of lying (well, except for the library bit, but thats because you arent out yet). any decent guardian, and edith is decent, WILL BELIEVE THEIR CHILD OVER OTHERS. she already gave you advice meaning she respects you and wants to help you.
please tell her, please.
you do not have to be alone.

i would tell her about the blackmail

say that their eyes looked weird. if she knows about it, she might give you information. and if not you can pass it off as meaning they looked angry/creepy

>>588382
Don't tell her about blackmailing you yet - mention the nurse first instead. They seemed to have something over her and were basically ordering her around. If they can do that, who knows if you can rely on any authority-figures at school, right?

mimi- please tell her about the blackmail. edith can probably help and telling her can't do much harm

She's probably going to bring up about talking to a teacher or another authority figure when you mention the blackmail, but you should tell her that's not really an option, you feel these girls are DANGEROUS, and the school faculty are not cops in anyway, and bringing this to the cops would just get us laughed at with no proof, and that would also probably happen with the teachers if they aren't being blackmailed either.
Schools are shit at handling these situations. You can't rely on them, no matter what they say. Look at how bullying is still around, they don't know what the fuck to do with bullying besides just keep doing PSA's and hoping the problem goes away, throwing detentions, suspensions, and expulsions are also fucking useless, and then the bully's would just target the victim MORE. Fighting ends up with the same result, but also carries an extra chance of the victim being punished as well. And avoiding too. These chica's are scary.
Most options open to you are useless.

Tell her you think the girls are dangerous, but it would be unfair of you to say why.

im pretty sure if you tell her theyre dangerous, in a serious way, she'll stop you from seeing them. so keep that in mind if you have any curiosity about them.

if i were you, i'd go, if only to satisfy some curiosity/avoid blackmail. make sure edith or your dad or someone knows where you're going to be. maybe even bring your girlfriend with you?

>There's nothing they can do anyway, right?
...that's kind of what weirded me out. I get this weird feeling like I'm not sure they can't.

Tell her they make you feel unsafe, and no don't wait Mimi TELL HER about the nurse and how they treat people.
unless, of course, this is futile and the second you open your mouth we'll arrive at the library for later plot progression ;n;

>>588382
Congratulations on a belated one-year anniversary for this quest! I agree with most people that you should elaborate, you really do need advice!

FRACTAL 2014/09/09(Tue)13:38 No. 593446 ID: 2c322d
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"But ... Edith, I dunno, I ... I think that they're." My voice drops in volume, as if somehow the car could hold eavesdroppers. "I think they're blackmailing the school nurse. An adult, you know? And a faculty member too ..."

I watch her face, anxiously awaiting for her expression to morph into exasperation or patronizing patience, but it doesn't. Her mouth sets a little tighter, a little firmer, though nothing else changes. "What makes you think that, Mimi?"

I haltingly relate the incident with the nurse. Edith listens attentively, and when I finish, she speaks again. "Mimi, you aren't going to meet these girls, alright? I don't think it's a good idea."

"B-But ... what if they get mad and do the same thing to me?" I protest.

FRACTAL 2014/09/09(Tue)13:38 No. 593447 ID: 2c322d
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We were pulling into the library parking lot as I said that, and she stopped sharply - jarring from her, usually a meticulous driver - as if to cut me off. "They will not," she said firmly.

"But -"

"I believe you when you tell me why you're scared of them, Mimi," she explains, smoothly overriding my voice. "But I am not, and I will not have my daughter intimidated and pushed around by a pair of schoolgirl punk assholes."

That leaves me reeling for two reasons - one, I've NEVER heard Edith swear, and two, that's the first time she's ever called me her daughter. My momentary daze means that when she next speaks, it's without a response from me.

"Don't worry about them, Mimi. Just stay away from them as much as you can. If they give you any trouble, tell me immediately - even call me at work, if you have to - and I'll sort it out." She finally turns to look at me, and her voice softens a little. "Alright?"

thank her and smile, but make plans to sneak out and see them

>>593447
my god, she is 135% more awesome than i expected.

>>593447
Agree, even if you're still worrying. This is all escalating quite quickly.

>>593447
Do you feel a bit better about it now? Hope so. Either way, saying thanks only makes sense. Maybe think about it more at home?

>I've NEVER heard Edith swear, and two, that's the first time she's ever called me her daughter.
...okay, that's the first time someone has been genuinely awesome to you all day. This deserves a response in kind. And it's something you should feel good about.

>"Alright?"
Okay. (A little shell shocked and dazed. But mean it. She deserves that).

>>593447
I'll support what >>593587 says, maybe things won't be so bad after all!

FRACTAL 2014/09/11(Thu)14:16 No. 593714 ID: 2c322d
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I really don't feel that reassured, but I can't say I don't deeply appreciate how Edith has treated me. I manage a smile at her, even though it's a tiny, wobbly one. "Thanks, Edith."

"No problem. Call me ten minutes before you're done, okay? It'll probably be me picking you up rather than your father."

"Okay." I wave a little as she pulls away, then turn to face the library. Here goes nothing, I guess ...

When I walk in I see her almost right away. She notices me, too, but doesn't get up.

"I don't see why we can't do this over the phone." Her voice is clipped and even and it stings that she didn't even say hello.

"S-Sorry.... I just really wanted to talk, uh, face to face, you know?" She gestures for me to sit down and I do, fidgeting.

FRACTAL 2014/09/11(Thu)14:17 No. 593715 ID: 2c322d
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"Marie."

I flinch. She rarely calls me by my first name and nothing good has ever come when she does.

"Do you know why this isn't working?

...we're meek? Clingy? Not serious enough?

...If you can't understand why I'd want to do this in person, then yeah, I can see part of why this isn't working.

Say your piece. Don't make me play games. I'm not up for that, today.

either way you're gonna say it's my fault.

>>593729
>>593723
These two. And her eyebrows are just hideous.

There's no need to be rude, but if she won't even say hello, there's no need to be friendly either. Be the better person.

FRACTAL 2014/09/12(Fri)09:02 No. 593769 ID: 2c322d
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"I feel like it doesn't matter how I answer that, Lacie, and I don't really feel like doing this, okay?" I feel tears welling already but I bite them back, and thankfully I don't think she noticed. "If you have something to say just say it."

She sighs and leans her cheek against her hand, and I have to look away. She's so pretty and if I look at her too hard I won't be able to keep it together. "Mimi, the point of a relationship is that the two of you are supposed to always be gaining things from each other, right? When you're dating someone, they're supposed to bring out the best in you."

I don't say anything. I never do, when she's going on like this. It's rhetorical - she just wants to talk.

"You're supposed to always be learning things from each other, pushing each other to be your best." She sighs again, a little harder this time. "I'm just not getting that from you, Mimi. I don't feel like I'm getting anything out of this." She laughs humorlessly. "I mean, just look at our dates. I bring you to museums, concerts, new restaurants - where do you take me? Home to watch a Redbox movie?"

I bite my lip. It's not my fault that I don't have enough money to do cool stuff. But I guess I could have thought of better dates? I don't know. She's normally not like this and I don't want to listen anymore.

"We never have interesting conversations. I try to talk to you about things but you have no opinions. You're content to just read those awful little romance comics and sit around at home. The problem is that you're - you're just!" Her voice rises a little and a few people turn their heads, and she lowers it again promptly. "There's just nothing extraordinary about you, Mimi. You're average. Honestly, worse than that - you're mediocre."

A tiny noise escapes my lips.

"And I don't have time for that anymore, alright?"

FRACTAL 2014/09/12(Fri)09:02 No. 593770 ID: 2c322d
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oh

it's not my fault i don't have money it's not my fault we like different things it's not my fault it's not my fault i'm not mediocre i'm just a different person and we obviously want different things from a relationship

She wants someone who will show her the world and have discussions whose scope will go over the heads of normal people. Unfortunately you can never be that person; but you don't need to be that person.

I know that this may pain you(it's evident in your eyes), but separating is for the best. You will find someone who appreciates you more, someone who will talk to you on your level instead of speaking down to you, someone with whom you will feel a connection ten times stronger than this one. You'll find it a bit down the road but you'll have to hold onto who you are until then.

>the point of a relationship is that the two of you are supposed to always be gaining things from each other, right?
That's an awful... limited view of things. And pretty selfish, too.

She talks a big game, and puts on all these high class and philosophical airs, but he actual argument is pretty immature. She's being selfish, and her concerns are petty.

She as good as said she doesn't respect you. Your step- your mother saw something good in you. Your friend saw a reason to watch out for you. Even those crazy girls saw something. If your girlfriend can't see anything? That's a problem. She really doesn't care about you, then. She cares about herself.

It hurts, but this really isn't someone you should be wasting time on.

>There's just nothing extraordinary about you, Mimi. You're average. Honestly, worse than that - you're mediocre.
>And I don't have time for that anymore, alright?
*slowly, and sadly* ...supposed to bring out the best in each other, huh? Well, if you can't see anything extraordinary in me, I guess, I shouldn't have time for this either.

FRACTAL 2014/09/12(Fri)10:23 No. 593785 ID: 2c322d
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(animated)

I guess... I guess this is it.

She's dumping me.

I try to reassure myself. Maybe this is for the best. If she really thinks that, then this isn't good for me anyway. But it hurts and I'm crying right in the middle of the library and I'm embarrassed and insulted and I hate this, I hate it, why did I have to pick somewhere so public?

"I guess we just want different things," I manage to choke out. My voice is distorted with tears and embarrassment plunges even deeper into my chest, making me fold up in the chair. "You know, I could only do small stuff for dates b-because I don't have much money but I - I liked just watching movies with you, y-you know? I thought it was nice!"

I get up, grabbing the edge of the chair for support. "I-If you can't see anything good about me - then I guess I don't have time for this either!" I'm sobbing but it feels good to say it, even if I don't really feel that way. People are staring but by now I don't really care.

She makes a noise of annoyance and turns away from me. "You're making a scene. You've always been a crybaby."

a crybaby? i'm sorry for feeling things

crybaby? she just broke up with you. it's fine to have emotions! anyways, just leave. nothing good will come from staying any longer, even if it feels good to get angry.

edith asked you to call for her to come pick you up, but you should probably calm down first. maybe take a walk outside the library?

>You're making a scene. You've always been a crybaby.
...and you've always cared too much about appearances. Goodbye, Lacie.

Then walk out. Don't look back.

You should probably calm down and find yourself somewhat, before we call Edith back.

Tell her at least you have the decency to feel bad about the breakup.

Aye, don't be the bad guy here. She needs a challenging relationship, and you want something slow and relaxing.
Ask her if you can at least stay friends, once all the turbulent feelings of the breakup run their course.

>>593810
To be honest I don't think they should stay friends. She seems kinda like a bitch and she's trying to put Mimi down. That's not the way friends do things.

>>593788 Do this. Whatever you do, do NOT go to where those creepy girls are.

>>593785
That's quite mean. She shouldn't be putting you down for actually being invested in what you two had after all. Sure some people can stay calm and collected even in situations like these, but it's hardly fair to expect that of you.

How was your relationship like anyway?

Fine. I hope you find someone who can do a better job of entertaining you.

It's easy to get worked up and say things you don't mean, or try to hurt someone even though you might regret it later. She doesn't seem like a very good girlfriend here and I can only hope she'll feel some regret later, but I think you'll feel better if you don't try to match her frankly callous attitude, it wouldn't suit you anyway. Just leave with a quick 'sorry we didn't work out' or 'sorry I couldn't be what you were looking for' instead.

Good god
Get out of here.
She's awful. How could you have fallen in love with THAT woman? She's super pretty but goddamn.

Why did she fall for you too you seem rather unsuitable for each other.

FRACTAL 2014/09/13(Sat)00:53 No. 593916 ID: 6ff029
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I think about a lot of snappy things I could say back, but really, I don't want to say anything at all. So I don't. I just rush out of the library, tears falling faster than I can wipe them away.

FRACTAL 2014/09/13(Sat)00:56 No. 593917 ID: 6ff029
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I want to go home but I can't call Edith when I'm like this - there's no way I'd be able to make my voice sound normal. The only thing for it is to plant myself on a bench a little ways away, far enough that I won't run into Lacie when she leaves the building.

I can't help it - I find myself thinking about the relationship. I'm not sure I know where it went wrong. I'm not sure I know ANYTHING for sure about it, anymore.

I wonder why we even got together in the first place. She's always been out of my league and I don't think I was ever the kind of person she'd normally be friends with, let alone date. But, I don't know ... at first it was fun. I really liked listening to her talk about stuff, and she liked showing me things she was into. She was really charming and pretty and I just kind of felt swept away. And she said she thought I was really cute, and seemed to really enjoy talking to me. At the time it felt like just ... a really lucky break, I guess.

Maybe she just got bored.

FRACTAL 2014/09/13(Sat)00:56 No. 593918 ID: 6ff029
File 141059499016.png - (112.35KB , 700x600 , 47.png )

I feel like I've calmed down enough to call Edith, and I do. She comments on how short a time I was here, but doesn't push it - something I'm thankful for.

When she arrives, though, I find I'm not as composed as I thought. I'm holding back tears as I climb into the passenger seat, and of course that doesn't escape Edith.

"Mimi? What's going on? Are you alright?"

If you want to talk to someone about it, Edith seems a solid choice. If not, tell her you are upset but would rather not talk about why.

i think you can trust edith. tell her the truth, or if your more comfortable lie a little bit? say that it was a "friend" not "girlfriend" if your not ready to come out yet

I feel a pretty strong impetus to trust Edith here, especially since she's the only person who's really been there for you today. At all.

But then again, I'm not sure you want to deal with coming out, on top of everything else. And letting her know you've been hiding that you've been dating (dunno if your family has strict rules about that, some do). It seems like too much.

Plus there's that nasty little voice that says we don't know anything about how she'll react. If she reacted badly it would be devastating.

>what do
Really depends on how you feel, Mimi. If you need someone to open up to, if you think talking about it will help? She's your best bet. You're not going to have a better opportunity.

If you don't want to talk about it right now, or deal with the added pressure? Compromise. Be honest (she's earned that) but don't tell her everything, yet. Ie:

>Mimi? What's going on? Are you alright?
No. I'm not. But I will be. I had a fight with someone who doesn't see me the way I thought she did. I'm sorry, I really don't want to talk about it right now.

>>593918
Obviously you're not, but do you feel like talking to her would help? Sometimes you just need to process things and let your mind run its course after all.

I'm glad at least most of your relationship was good. No wonder a break-up hurts a lot after that. If you feel like talking I think you should.

Let's face it, even if she's nice, it's not necessarily the kind of thing you want to talk about Edith with. You should call up one of your friends so they can commiserate with you.

>>593918
you should tell her or if not her then at least a friend or someone else, its not smart to just keep it in or dwell on it

You should let it out, especially the way you were treated in there. Don't want it to fester and make you doubt yourself more.

>>593918
Ask her if you're boring. Mediocre.

FRACTAL 2014/09/13(Sat)19:42 No. 593982 ID: 2c322d
File 141066255159.png - (135.70KB , 700x600 , 48.png )

It's weird - 24 hours ago I never would have DREAMED of talking to Edith about ANYTHING, let alone something like this, but it hasn't taken long for her to prove to me that she's really actually got my best interests at heart ... and the more I think about it, the less I understand why I've spent so long in the closet to her and my dad. I mean, it's not like I have any reason to think they'd react negatively. I've heard them talk about LGBT rights over dinner and stuff, and besides, Edith herself is transgender! If I wasn't so miserable, I'd laugh thinking about it. It all suddenly seemed so silly.

Saying it like that it sounds like my thoughts are a lot more coherent than they are - but really, all of that flashed through my brain as a half-formed revelation, and then before I knew it I was sobbing loudly into my hands. "M-My girlfriend ... just dumped me... she said there's nothing special about me, that I'm mediocre, and I just - I just -"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on." The car slows and stops - Edith has pulled the car over, and she leans over, her hands hovering. "Calm down, hang on, take a few deep breaths. I can't understand you."

It was all just bubbling out now - I was crying even harder than I had at the library. "I was dating this girl, L-Lacie - we were together for, for eight months, and I really ... Edith, I really really l-liked her and ..."

"Oh, honey. Come on, nice deep breaths. Count your breaths, okay?" Her hand is rubbing between my shoulders and I don't mind it. I do what she says and soon I've worked myself down to hiccuping tiny tears.

"A-Am I really boring?" My nose is running and I probably look really pathetic. She gets a small plastic-wrapped packet of tissues from the glove box and offers them to me, and I blow my nose loudly before continuing. "She said that ... she never had interesting conversations with me anymore, a-and that I don't have any opinions, and that I'm average and I-I guess all this time she thought the dates I took her on were dumb and boring."

FRACTAL 2014/09/13(Sat)19:42 No. 593983 ID: 2c322d
File 141066256572.png - (98.83KB , 700x600 , 49.png )

I look up at her, though I can barely see her through my tears, and she smiles ruefully at me.

"I wish that we spent enough time together that I could provide a bunch of examples of how interesting you are," she says plainly. I'm so puzzled by the statement that I'm not really sure how to feel about it. "But," she says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "I can say that I, at least, am VERY interested in getting to know you, and very interested in what you have to say, and I think that if someone else - even someone you really like - doesn't feel the same way, then that's an opinion that is reliant on them, not on you."

I blow my nose again and sit silently, unsure of how to respond. I don't have to, though, because she keeps talking. "Now, this is the part where I'm supposed to tell you that in ten years you aren't even going to remember who this girl is, and that everything is temporary and time heals all wounds, etc. But that's nonsense, because none of that matters when you're feeling awful right now."

I laugh a little bit and nod. She's gone back to rubbing my back, but she stops after a little bit and starts the car up. "So let's do this. We can go home, and I'll make you whatever you'd like for dinner - even if we have to go grocery shopping for it - and watch movies or play on the Wii and you can cry as much as you'd like. And if you need to take tomorrow off school, that's fine."

>>593983
Edith is pretty rad. Let's do all of that.

Edith For Best Mom Of 2kforever (excitedly yells about trans edith ❤)

take her up on the offer, you deserve to have a great night after what happened. what is your favourite dinner anyway?

maybe take time tonight to pamper yourself too, a bubble bath and reading one of your favourite comic

Edith wins plus 1000 mom points. Seriously, put her in the running for an all around awesome person award.

>So let's do this
Give her a small smile through those tears, and "okay".

>And if you need to take tomorrow off school, that's fine.
...it's a really nice gesture on her part, but I'd be reluctant to take her up on that. Running away from your problems at school isn't what you need.

>If I wasn't so miserable, I'd laugh thinking about it. It all suddenly seemed so silly.
A lot of things in life are like that. The things we take seriously can be pretty silly when we stop and step back.

This could help, and if nothing else maybe you and edith will get to know each other more! I second saying yes.

Maybe wait to decide whether to take on school until later. If at all possible it might be best to go, but at the very least it's great of edith to allow you a mental health day.

>>593989
Edith's ideas are pretty good, you're lucky you got a nice stepmom. It'd probably be a good idea to talk with friends too though.

See, you'll be alright. Though it's a pity you only came out to them just as you broke up with your girlfriend. Ah well, there will be others.

>>593983
She's right, you need to care about you right now, spoil yourself a little. It'll hurt for a while but not TOO long, really.

>>593983
D'awww, well at least something nice came from this whole thing. Hopefully you can get along better with Edith from now on.

Oh, and I forgot to ask in the other posts even though I was thinking of it before last update, how long has Edith been your stepmom anyway?

FRACTAL 2014/09/16(Tue)11:28 No. 594346 ID: 2c322d
File 141089211527.png - (277.21KB , 700x600 , 50.png )

"Yeah, Edith, that ... that sounds nice," I mumble. "Maybe later tonight though, I kinda wanna spend some time talking to a friend about this too."
"That sounds good to me." She smiles at me, gives me one last squeeze on the shoulder, and we're back on the road. It's funny - she's only been married to my dad for about six months, and they dated for a year before that. Until now, I thought that sounded like a really short amount of time, but now all I can think is that I can't believe we've known each other that long and yet I somehow managed to avoid ever talking to her much.
When we get home she starts on my dinner request - fish! - and I go upstairs to my room. There's already some messages waiting for me in the Skype window I left up throughout the day.

FRACTAL 2014/09/16(Tue)11:28 No. 594347 ID: 2c322d
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[3:40:58 PM] casualcolors: hey mimi
[3:41:15 PM] casualcolors: i know you're away rn but i just wanted to check in
[3:41:40 PM] casualcolors: don't take this the wrong way but you seemed really off today at school and i was a little worried
[3:42:08 PM] casualcolors: just wanted to let you know that if you wanna talk about it or if something's wrong you can come to me
I can feel tears prickling again. Sometimes I think that Alicia is my only friend, but just as frequently I think that maybe I don't need a lot of friends if the ones I've got are like this. I sit down to reply to her.

FRACTAL 2014/09/16(Tue)11:29 No. 594348 ID: 2c322d
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[4:23:00 PM] actual anthy: hi leesh
[4:23:20 PM] actual anthy: sorry, i went to the library after school
[4:23:44 PM] casualcolors: mimi!! hi! are you okay
[4:23:50 PM] actual anthy: not really
[4:24:01 PM] casualcolors: what's wrong?!
[4:25:15 PM] casualcolors: ?
[4:25:30 PM] actual anthy: lacie dumped me
[4:25:59 PM] casualcolors: oh
[4:26:01 PM] casualcolors: shit
[4:26:10 PM] casualcolors: shit dude i'm really sorry
[4:26:30 PM] actual anthy: it's ok
[4:26:31 PM] actual anthy: tbh
[4:26:40 PM] actual anthy: she was actually a big jerk about it
[4:26:57 PM] actual anthy: like, she spent the whole time pretty much insulting me
[4:27:10 PM] casualcolors: wow fuck her

>wow fuck her
Yeah, I guess. Edith was pretty cool about stuff though, which was nice.

Yeah but like Edith is being super nice and cool about everything, which is neat??? Never really thought of getting to know her or anything tbh

Suggestion 2014/09/21(Sun)19:56 No. 595161 ID: 2c322d
File 141135458121.png - (193.30KB , 700x600 , 53.png )

I'm not sure "fuck her" is actually how I feel. I know Alicia is just trying to show me she's on my side, though, so I don't really want to say anything about it.

[4:27:20 PM] actual anthy: i guess

[4:27:31 PM] casualcolors: do you want me to come over? or you can come over here i'd just have to ask my dads

[4:27:35 PM] actual anthy: actually
[4:27:40 PM] actual anthy: i'm hanging out with edith tonight!!

[4:27:46 PM] casualcolors: WHAT??!?!?!?!!?!?

[4:27:55 PM] actual anthy: yeah, it actually turns out she's really nice? i told her about the breakup and she's been really cool about it
[4:28:10 PM] actual anthy: we're gonna watch movies and stuff and she's making me my favorite meal for dinner and everything

[4:28:30 PM] casualcolors: wait
[4:28:37 PM] casualcolors: if you told her about the breakup that means you came out to her??

[4:28:43 PM] actual anthy: yeah, i did. she didn't really say anything about it she was more concerned w/ if i was okay

[4:29:00 PM] casualcolors: whoa
[4:29:15 PM] casualcolors: dude, that's really cool! i'm glad that went well at least

Suggestion 2014/09/21(Sun)19:56 No. 595162 ID: 2c322d
File 141135459727.png - (171.15KB , 700x600 , 54.png )

I can't help but feel tears welling up again. At least. As happy as I am about how things turned out with Edith, it doesn't change that pretty much everything else about today has been awful, and I can feel it all hitting me at once.

[4:29:45 PM] casualcolors: mimi? you okay?

[4:29:57 PM] actual anthy: yeah i just don't feel good

[4:30:10 PM] casualcolors: anything i can do to help?

I could use pictures of cute animals and possibly cute butts asap

maybe tell her you appreciate her support? also i think it might be a good idea to try to find a distraction, do something you like to take your mind off of the bad parts of today

I dunno. I'm glad that you're here and that Edith was here but that still doesn't change the fact I that things are kind of bad right now.

Sorry. I don't want to make you feel bad or like you're doing anything wrong. It's just a lot at once.

>I'm not sure "fuck her" is actually how I feel.
Yeah, it's just... everything you feel about that is way too hard to try and put into words right now.

>>595162
"You could leave a brown paper bag with 5,000 unmarked dollar bills in the dumpster near my house and not ask any questions! ;P "

Girl get you some cat videos. Cat videos are basically made of visual happy.

FRACTAL 2014/09/28(Sun)18:20 No. 596332 ID: 219868
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[4:30:40 PM] actual anthy: haha, well, cute animal videos and pics always help

[4:30:45 PM] casualcolors: ON IT!!!!!
[4:31:10 PM] casualcolors: http://tinyurl.com/ozy7bys look it's us

[4:31:15 PM] actual anthy: omg

[4:31:20 PM] casualcolors: hang on hang on i have more
[4:31:33 PM] casualcolors: http://tinyurl.com/o7twwhd

[4:31:46 PM] actual anthy: aw!!! what kind of animal even is that haha

[4:31:49 PM] casualcolors: I DON'T EVEN KNOW??? LMAO

It went on like that for a while, and it actually did make me feel a little better. Well, more like it distracted me, I guess. Soon I figure I want to go down and see if Edith needs any help finishing dinner, though, and I tell Alicia as much.

FRACTAL 2014/09/28(Sun)18:20 No. 596333 ID: 219868
File 141195363733.png - (114.88KB , 700x600 , 56.png )

[4:49:59 PM] casualcolors: okay but do you have
[4:50:00 PM] casualcolors: hang on
[4:50:08 PM] casualcolors: like three and a half minutes??

[4:50:13 PM] actual anthy: haha okay sure. why?

[4:50:20 PM] casualcolors: i have a song for you to listen to
[4:50:27 PM] casualcolors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEy5wT7iZYI
[4:50:35 PM] casualcolors: idk like, i hope it doesn't actually make you feel worse or anything?? but when taylor and i broke up i had this song on repeat and idk. i liked it. so i thought you might too

I can't help but smile. I thank her and start the song. The first word stings, but - well, there's just something about it, I guess. Alicia's got an ear for this kind of thing. And before I know it, before I even realize that I'm doing it, I'm dancing around my room.

FRACTAL 2014/09/28(Sun)18:20 No. 596334 ID: 219868
File 141195365346.png - (100.43KB , 700x600 , 57.png )

I really never do stuff like this but it feels really right, and it feels like just by moving my body I'm working out so many bad feelings and pent-up negativity. I wonder if Edith can hear the music from my room. If she can, I'm sure she understands.

By the last chorus I'm singing along and there's no way Edith COULDN'T hear me and I don't care.

I'm gonna be okay. I'm gonna be okay. It's gonna be okay.

[END CHAPTER 1]