(set: $intelligence to 5)(set: $magicalAlignment to 5)(set: $truthworthiness to 5)(set: $attraction to 5)(set: $entryToken to 0)(align: "=><=")[Before you begin, would you like to play this game as (link: "male")[(set: $sex to "man")(goto: "Set Relationship")] or (link: "female")[(set: $sex to "woman")(goto: "Set Relationship")]?]
(align: "=><=")[Who knows; there's a chance you will fall in love during this game. Are you interested in (link: "men")[(set: $likesMen to true)(goto: "Start Game")], (link: "women")[(set: $likesWomen to true)(goto: "Start Game")], or (link: "both")[(set: $likesBoth to true)(if: $likesBoth is true)[(set: $wantsLucien to true)(set: $wantsAlice to true)](goto: "Start Game")]?]
You've done the magical math.
(live: 3s)[You've been told that there are hundreds of thousands of magical families; enough to fill sports stadiums, clog the hallways of our magical government buildings.]
(live: 6s)[But there are only 4 Havenglen houses.]
(live: 9s)[Only 10 students per house per year.]
(live: 12s)[Only 7 years in the "hallowed halls of Havenglen," as their (if: $sex is "man")[annoying](elseif: $sex is "woman")[vomit-inducing] school song goes.]
(live: 15s)[Which means there are 280 students at Havenglen at any given time.]
(live: 18s)[So what happens to the kids who don't get into a magical school on their 11th birthday? The loser witches and wizards who don't even wake up to owl shit on the driveway much less a thick envelope with the Havenglen seal?]
(live: 21s)[This is the story about the rest of us.]
(live: 24s)[Now you see us.]
(live: 27s)[Now you don't.]
(live: 30s)[[[Begin game.|Begin]]]
This is where the letter said to go. Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant, coming soon. The banner above the door is barely legible, faded from direct sunlight and salt air. The restaurant has been opening soon for at least three years.
It took you until the letter to realize that the good people of Sea Pines will need to go elsewhere for their dimsum.
Behind the peeling brown butcher paper covering the front window is the Bellwick School for Practical Magic.
You take your acceptance letter out of your pocket and read the instructions one last time before stroking your hand across the third brick to the left of the knob. You hear a metallic gear in the wall click and you try the handle. It opens a centimeter.
You look behind your shoulder at the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[teenage boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[teenager girl] sitting on the bench, reading a newspaper, which is unfortunate and odd. Unfortunate because the letter also mentions that students should take great care to enter the building unseen. Odd because the words have washed off the damp newspaper.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsJane is true)[She] holds the blank page in front of (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsJane is true)[her] mirrored sunglasses like someone mimicking the worst spy ever. Really, who reads the newspaper anymore?
You're technically early for orientation. Do you want to risk it and [[slip inside|Enter Good Fortune]] or [[walk around the boardwalk|Stall]], waiting for the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsJane is true)[girl] to leave?
(set: $magicalAlignment to it - 1)You open the door confidently, as if you work there, and step over the threshold, pulling the door shut firmly behind you.
"Odd place for a school, don't you think?" a voice murmurs.
Holy crap. The (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] from the bench. You look through the torn paper over the front window and see the bench is empty, the blank newsprint folded and resting where the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] had been moments earlier. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] smoothly glides around the store, tapping a white cane against the floor as (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] peers blankly at the empty counter.
"How did you get in here?" you ask.
"With you," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says. "I just came in with you."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] smiles crookedly in your general direction, a disarming smile that makes you think about lazy afternoons on the beach with your friends. You feel yourself smiling back, even though (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] can't see it.
Every time (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] exhales, you can see magic crackling around (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] nostrils.
"So how do we get into Bellwether?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] asks, running (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] hand near the cash register.
Do you correct the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] and remind (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] that [[it's Bell<i>wick</i>|Correction]], or do you keep up the pretense this is [[just a Chinese restaurant|Just a Restaurant]]?
(set: $magicalAlignment to it + 1)You pull the handle back and hear the mechanism in the wall catch. The (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] on the bench flinches slightly.
You walk down the boardwalk. This unexpected pause allows all of your doubts to flood back into your brain.
What are you doing? You're supposed to be leaving for Yale this week. Yale. You're supposed to be studying literature or something equally useless. Years ago, the magical world made it clear that it didn't want you. And now, all it has to do is send you a stupid invitation to some second-rate magical home economics school, and you come running?
One year. You're giving this one year. You'll learn whatever magic they allow you to learn, and then give the magic world the finger and go to Yale anyway. You owe the Magic Council nothing.
You glance backward, but the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] is still on the bench. You sigh and turn to squint at the ocean.
(if: $sex is "man")["Milo?"](elseif: $sex is "woman")["Mabel?"] a voice questions from inside the cafe behind you.
You only see dark spots when you turn to look because you've been staring into the sun. Do you want to [[enter the cafe|Enter Cafe]] or [[pretend you didn't hear|Pretend]] and jog down the boardwalk?
(set: $attraction to $attraction + 1)You walk through the open door of the café, and squint at the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl's] face, though you know exactly who it is once (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] begins speaking even without being able to see (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her]. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] Lowth. You just met (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] the other night for the first time.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] crumples (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] empty, paper coffee cup but continues to hold it, picking at the lid. "(if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel], right?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] has a fantastic British accent that sounds wholly out of place in dinky Sea Pines.
"Yeah, (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]. We met at the Morrow's house last weekend?"
"Right," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says. "The Morrows."
Jack Morrow, our local delegate to the Magic Council, held a barbecue to welcome the Lowths to town. Magical families tend to group together, and we have a significant size group for the Mid-Atlantic, but (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] was the only other non-Havenglen-at-the-moment student my age at the dinner.
It was too awkward for words; not that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] was aware of that fact.
"Are you... are you going somewhere right now? On the boardwalk?"
The question hangs in the air, giving you hope, even though it seems impossible to believe that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] Lowth is going to Bellwick. Then again, <i>you're</i> going to Bellwick, so you're not sure why you think (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] must be magically brilliant. It's probably the accent.
Do you tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] [[you're going to Bellwick|Going to Bellwick]], or do you get (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] to [[admit it first|Admit it First]]?
(set: $attraction to $attraction - 1)You look at your phone and pretend to send back a text as you walk briskly toward the atrocious bronze statue of pine trees that mark the center of the boardwalk, as if that was your destination all along.
You turn your head slightly so you can peek behind you at the person coming out of the café and you inwardly kick yourself with virtual steel-toed shoes that will leave a bruise. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden Lowth](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice Lowth]. You just met (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] the other night for the first time.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] isn't that far away. Do you want to [[call out|Shout]] to (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her], or do you want to [[stick with the original plan|Enter Alone]] that you didn't hear (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her]?
You enter and hold your breath for a moment, trying to take in the contents of the room.
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $magicalAlignment to it - 1)"Bellwick," you correct. "Are you a student, too?"
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] shakes (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head, almost sheepishly, and adjusts (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] grip on (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] cane as (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] taps past the counter and into the kitchen area. "Are you? A student?"
Your heart starts to pound in your ears, like it's trying to drown out your thoughts. You've blown it.
No, calm down, you just need to fix this.
You can just pretend that you wandered in here because you were curious about the place and... you heard that the owner was going to change the name from Good Fortune to Bellwick because he clearly hasn't been having good luck…
You are the worst liar.
Do you want to [[stammer your way out|Stammer]] of this, do you want to [[walk away|Walk Away]] and leave the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] fumbling around, or do you want to [[call out|Call Out]] to someone and let the school deal with this mess? Surely they have some sort of forgetting spell they can cast on anyone who wanders inside in search of some moo shu pork.
(set: $magicalAlignment to it + 1)"It's just a restaurant. An empty restaurant that has managed to bypass the Sea Pines curse and close before it ever opened. It's boring. I'm going."
[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] turns around, [his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] brow furrowed. "I thought we were going to explore. Check out what they're hiding in their walk-in freezer."
"No exploration. I don't think we should be in here."
"What about your spirit of adventure? Isn't some maudlin thing like that printed next to that ugly pine statue in the center of the boardwalk?
How does (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] know what the statue's plaque says?
"Come on," you say. You talk a few loud steps toward the door.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] gives you a bemused shrug. "You're no fun..."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] leaves the space for your name dangling in mid-air. "(if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]," you offer. "No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]."
"You're breaking my heart, No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, gently wrapping (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] fingers around the space above your elbow. "Lead the way."
You walk out of the restaurant, [[closing the door|Exit Restaurant]] firmly behind you, wondering where everyone is if it's only 10 minutes before orientation.
"Bellwether?" Your laugh (if: $sex is "woman")[hangs on you like costume jewelry](elseif: $sex is "man")[sounds plastic]. "This is a Chinese restaurant."
"And you came in here because you thought you'd pick up a little breakfast lo-mein?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] questions. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] uses (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] white cane to poke at a loose tile on the floor.
"Fried rice, actually. Where are you going?"
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] taps past the counter and into the kitchen area. "We're exploring."
You stare at the dusty shelf of empty soy sauce bottles and whisper an obscenity to yourself. Five minutes at Bellwick, and you've already messed this up. Maybe Havenglen was right to reject you: You clearly have no magical commonsense when it comes to upholding secrecy laws.
You can hear the tapping of the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl's] cane as (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] makes (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] way around the empty work stations.
Do you follow (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] back there and [[try to guide|Guide Out]] (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] out with you, or do you just ditch (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] and try to [[get into Bellwick later|Leave and Later]], hoping that no one finds out that you were the one who let (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] in?
"I'm going," you call out.
Your words have the desired effect. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] pops (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head back into the front of the store, (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] brow furrowed. "I thought we were going to explore. Check out what they're hiding in their walk-in freezer."
"No exploration. I don't think we should be in here."
"What about your spirit of adventure? Isn't some maudlin thing like that printed next to that ugly pine statue in the center of the boardwalk?
How does (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] know what the statue's plaque says?
"Come on," you say. You talk a few loud steps toward the door.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] gives you a bemused shrug. "You're no fun..."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] leaves the space for your name dangling in mid-air. "(if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]," you offer. "No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]."
"You're breaking my heart, No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, gently wrapping (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] fingers around the space above your elbow. "Lead the way."
You walk out of the restaurant, [[closing the door|Exit Restaurant]] firmly behind you, wondering where everyone is if it's only 10 minutes before orientation.
"Anyone here?" you call out. The (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] pops (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head back into the front of the store, (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] brow furrowed.
"What are you doing?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] hisses.
"I'm just seeing if anyone is here."
You both hear footsteps at the same time and turn toward the kitchen. A guy, three or four years older than you, tying an apron around his back as he walks, comes out of the kitchen and stares at both of you. "What are you doing in here?"
"I'm sorry," you say, trying to convey telepathically that you didn't mean to let in an outsider, even though there is definitely a sheen of magic coating (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her], and you could use some help setting everything straight. He doesn't get the message. "The door was unlocked, and I was curious what was inside. I just really love egg rolls."
"We're clearly not ready for business," the guy says, motioning towards the door. You back toward it, grabbing the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl's] hand as you go. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] willingly follows as (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] smiles charmingly in the guy's general direction.
"Sorry," the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] calls out. "Like (if: $sex is "man")[he](elseif: $sex is "woman")[she] said; (if: $sex is "man")[he's](elseif: $sex is "woman")[she's] obsessed with finding the perfect egg roll."
You walk out of the restaurant, [[closing the door|Exit Restaurant]] firmly behind you, wondering where everyone is if it's only 10 minutes before orientation.
(set: $magicalAlignment to it + 1)"Look," you call out as you enter the kitchen, "we shouldn't be in here."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] raises (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] eyebrows at your use of the word "look" and runs (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] hand over the cold burners on the stove. The woks behind (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] sway precariously on their hooks on the wall as (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] steps backward.
"I'm mean that I'm going," you stammer. "You should go, too. We could get into a lot of trouble if the owner shows up. Or the police."
"So why did you come inside in the first place?"
"I just wanted to see what was in here. And the answer is nothing. So I'm going."
"Nothing? Are you kidding? There is a whole walk-in freezer we haven't explored. Who knows what they're hiding in there." (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] pauses and gives you a hopeful shrug. "You're no fun..."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] leaves the space for your name dangling in mid-air. "(if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]," you offer. "No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]."
"You're breaking my heart, No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel]," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, gently wrapping (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] fingers around the space above your elbow. "Lead the way."
You walk out of the restaurant, [[closing the door|Exit Restaurant]] firmly behind you, wondering where everyone is if it's only 10 minutes before orientation.
(set: $magicalAlignment to it - 1)You creep toward the door and open it silently, hoping that no one heard you enter and that no one hears you leave. You have a twinge of regret; what if the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] gets lost in there? But that isn't your problem. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She's] the one who followed you inside. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] could have just continued to sit and read (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] fake newspaper.
You wedge yourself into the indented storefront a few doors down for an out-of-business stationary store – Shells by the Sea – and watch the Chinese restaurant, waiting for the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] to exit.
An elderly couple strolls past, arm-in-arm, so you pretend to study the invitations. 5 minutes pass, 10 minutes pass, over 15 minutes pass and you still don't see anyone exit. Is it possible that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] went out the back of the restaurant?
This is ridiculous. You're going to miss your first class if you keep standing here. Screw secrecy laws; isn't your education just as important?
You make your way [[back to the school|Try Again to Enter]], hoping that the restaurant is empty when you step inside.
"No-Fun (if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel], do you often break into Chinese restaurants?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] asks, taking a deep breath. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] has to be magical; the air around (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] face is crackling.
"Only the ones that take forever to open."
"Are you at..." (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] pauses, as if (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] can't figure out how to ask something, and tilts (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] face blankly up towards the sky. "Are you still in school? Do you go to..."
This is how we talk in the magical world. It's all incomplete sentences and dangling questions. We're raised to be so freaked out about breaking secrecy laws that no one thinks about how it makes all of us sound like idiots as we dance around a conversation, trying to figure out who else belongs.
Do you want to break the seal and discreetly [[admit you're a part of the magical world|Admit]], or do you want to [[play dumb|Play Dumb]]?
"I'm not at Havenglen, if that's what you're asking. I'm a senior at Sea Pines High School."
Done. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] knows that I know Havenglen. Either that means something to (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her], or it doesn't.
It does.
"I could tell that you were... I'm not at Havenglen, either," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] admits.
"I could tell you were... too. Anyway, Bellwick?" I ask.
"No, I don't think they want me." (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] doesn't elaborate so I have to guess what is left unsaid. Not magical enough? Blind? The magical world can be so shitty.
Do you [[want to reassure|Reassure]] (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] not missing anything, or do you want to [[change the subject|Change the Subject]]?
"I'm at Sea Pines High School," you tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her].
"Of course," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, as if (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] already knew what you were going to say. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] drops your arm and pats your back. "You probably have stuff you need to do, places you need to be. Maybe see you around? So to speak?"
"Sure," you say. "Maybe next time we can break into that shuttered bookstore at the end of the boardwalk."
"I look forward to it," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says. You fall back slightly, walking slower so (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] can put some distance between you.
"Hey," you call out. "I don't know your name."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] twists slightly and grins at you. "It's (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Lucian](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Lucy], (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Mr. No-Fun Milo](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Ms. No-Fun Mabel]. Hope you get your egg roll."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] walks briskly over the boards and gets swallowed by the crowd around the ugly bronze statue near main street.
You turn around and [[race back to Good Fortune|Try Again to Enter]], hoping that you're not late.
"I thought I knew all of the magical families in the area," you say.
"Funny, I was just about to say the same thing."
"Well, you know my name. Are you going to tell me yours?"
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] pauses for so long that you're sure (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] going to pretend that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] didn't hear you. "It's (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Lucien](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Lucy], (if: $sex is "man")[Mr. No-Fun Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Ms. No-Fun Mabel]. Anyway, you probably have stuff you need to do, places you need to be. Maybe see you around? So to speak?"
"Sure," you say. "Maybe next time we can break into that shuttered bookstore at the end of the boardwalk."
"I look forward to it," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says. You fall back slightly, walking slower so (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] can put some distance between you. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] walks briskly over the boards and gets swallowed by the crowd around the ugly bronze statue near main street.
You turn around and [[race back to Good Fortune|Try Again to Enter]], hoping that you're not late.
You enter and hold your breath for a moment, trying to take in the contents of the room.
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $magicalAlignment to it - 1)"I don't think you're missing out on much. Unless you were dying to know how to magically clean up body fluids," you confide.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] laughs, turning (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] face toward the waves as if (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] doesn't want you to see that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] found your words amusing. "Funny how they don't make that a selling point in their brochure."
"So you know my name. Are you going to tell me yours?"
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] pauses for so long that you're sure (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] going to pretend that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] didn't hear you. "It's (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Lucien](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Lucy], (if: $sex is "man")[Mr. No-Fun Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Ms. No-Fun Mabel]. Anyway, you probably have stuff you need to do, places you need to be. Maybe see you around? So to speak?"
"Sure," you say. "Maybe next time we can break into that shuttered bookstore at the end of the boardwalk."
"I look forward to it," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says. You fall back slightly, walking slower so (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] can put some distance between you. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] walks briskly over the boards and gets swallowed by the crowd around the ugly bronze statue near main street.
You turn around and [[race back to Good Fortune|Try Again to Enter]], hoping that you're not late.
(set: $attraction to $attraction + 1)"(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden?](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice]" you call out. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] stops walking and turns around.
"(if: $sex is "man")[Milo](elseif: $sex is "woman")[Mabel], right?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] has a fantastic British accent that sounds wholly out of place in dinky Sea Pines. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] walks back to you and gives you a quick hug. As your face presses into (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] t-shirt, you smell cinnamon and soap.
"Yeah, we met at the Morrow's house last weekend."
Jack Morrow, our local delegate to the Magic Council, held a barbecue to welcome the Lowths to our town. Magical families tend to group together, and we have a significant size group for the Mid-Atlantic, but (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] was the only other non-Havenglen student my age at the dinner.
Which was too awkward for words; not that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] was aware of that fact. Not that anyone else makes me feel like crap about it. Nope, it's just me beating myself up.
"What are you doing here?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] asks. "Didn't Havenglen start back up the other day?"
Do you admit that [[you didn't get into Havenglen|Not Accepted]], or do you vaguely [[talk your way around|Lie About Havenglen]] this fact?
(set: $trustworthiness to it +1)"I actually didn't get into Havenglen." You hate this about yourself, but you can actually feel your chin jut out defiantly as you say the words, as if your face is challenging (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] to a fistfight. You tuck your chin back self-consciously.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] beams at you, "Are you going to Bellwick? Is that why you're here on the boardwalk?" You cock your head to the side and stare at (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her], unsure if you heard (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] correctly. Maybe Bellwick means something else in England, like jumpers versus sweaters. Because how could (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] know about Bellwick?
"What?"
"I'm going, too," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, dropping (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] voice and looking behind (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her].
"But why didn't you transfer into Havenglen?" you question and immediately want to kick yourself. You hate it when people ask you stupid, leading questions like that, trying to figure out what you did to get yourself passed over by your local magic academy.
"Well, I wasn't going to a magical academy back in England at all. Just regular school. So... this is a step up. Sort of the reason why my father volunteered for the committee. We don't have schools like this in Britain."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] jerks (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head in the direction of Good Fortune. The bench across from the restaurant is empty.
"Want to walk over?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] asks.
It isn't really prying if you ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about not getting into a magical academy, is it? It's sort of just bonding over a shared experience. Do you want to ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about why (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] [[going to Bellwick|Exposition Walk 1]], or do you want to [[switch the topic|Warning]] and tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] about the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] on the bench?
($set: $trustworthiness to it - 1)"I'm actually staying home this year. Not going to Havenglen."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] looks confused. "You can do that in American schools? Skip your final year? What about exams?"
"What about in Britain? Aren't you missing your final year at Hog..."
"I don't go there," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] interrupts. "I went to a regular boarding school back in England."
"But your dad is with the Ministry." You regret the words immediately after you hear them come out of your mouth. Haven't you heard those same words over and over again since you turned 11 and your letter didn't come? <i>You're a Hatch! All the Hatch children go to Havenglen! Your parents are Havenglen alums; Healers at Atlantic General.</i>
And yet, see lack of letter as evidence, Your Honour.
Do you [[confess that you were lying|Confess]], or do you [[make up a story|Continue to Lie]] about why you have to switch to Bellwick?
($set: $trustworthiness to it + 1)"Actually, I lied. I'm sorry. I'm just really... Can we start over?"
"I get it," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, evenly. "It's embarrassing, you know."
"Exactly," you breathe. "I'm supposed to be going to Yale right now. I am clearly a smart person. Plus all my siblings went to Havenglen."
"Did you wonder if one of them hid your letter?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] asks, leaning against a nearby table. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] grins at you, and your heart does a little dance inside your chest, bowing at the end as if waiting for applause. "That's what I thought when my letter didn't come. I beat up my brother for no reason."
"I didn't do that. I just... cried."
"So you're off to Yale?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] questions.
You lean forward and whisper the word. "Bellwick. I'm giving it one year."
"This is lucky. I'm also going to Bellwick. It's sort of the reason why my father volunteered for the committee. We don't have schools like this in Britain."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] jerks (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head in the direction of the door, and you begin walking toward Good Fortune. The bench across from the restaurant is empty.
It isn't really prying if you ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about not getting into a magical academy, is it? It's sort of just bonding over a shared experience. Do you want to ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about why (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] [[going to Bellwick|Exposition Walk 1]], or do you want to [[switch the topic|Warning]] and tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] about the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] on the bench?
($set: $trustworthiness to it - 1)"Actually, I had to switch schools. Havenglen didn't have... what I needed. I'm taking a year at Bellwick."
"Not enough cleaning coursework at Havenglen? The curriculum stops at Magical Cooking 101?" You know that (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] knows that you're lying, but you feel too deep into this story to backtrack now. (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] motions to the door with (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head. "That's where I'm going, too." (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] says, formally. "I'll walk with you."
You exit out the door and begin walking toward Good Fortune. The bench across from the restaurant is empty. You [[switch the topic|Warning]] and tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] about the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] on the bench.
"So no letter at 11," you begin.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] looks at you askance. "No letter. My parents didn't believe it at first; they contacted the Headmaster and the Ministry. They actually had a meeting at the school. But when they got back, they dropped the idea and sent me to a boarding school in Sussex."
"What does it say about my family that they never pursued it? They just accepted the rejection and enrolled me in public school."
"I actually," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] laughs to (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[himself](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[herself], "I actually feel like maybe there's more to it? Like the headmaster told them some big reason for why I didn't get in."
"Like... that you're destined for a very special life of magical household service?"
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] laughs again. "Never mind." You wish you hadn't been sarcastic. You pause in front of the door, realizing you never saw the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[guy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] from the bench on the boardwalk.
"We should probably go in separately like the letter said." (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] takes a step back and motions for you to enter. You slide your hand over the brick and [[pull open the door.|Enter Alone]]
(set: $magicalAlignment to it + 1)(set: $attraction to it - 1)"Just a warning; I actually got here early and was about to go in, but there was a really odd (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[guy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] sitting on the bench so I stalled."
"Odd how?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] asks, falling in step beside you.
"Well, (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] was blind. But that's not what made it odd," you hurry to add. "(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] was reading a blank newspaper. Like the words had washed off the paper. Okay, I know that sounds... odd."
"Yeah, odd," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[Elden](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[Alice] echoes. "So where is (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] now?"
"I don't," you look down the boardwalk and along the beach, surprised that you didn't notice (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] pass, "know."
You walk in silence past a few stores, and you try to get the conversation going again. "So, is this what it's like in England this time of year? Is summer hot over there or is it all rain?"
Did you actually just ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] about the weather?
"Yeah, our summer is hot, too."
You both pause in front of the door. No one is at your end of the boardwalk.
"We should probably go in separately like the letter said. Maybe your odd (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[guy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] was just another student, waiting (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] turn to enter."
"Oh," you stammer. "Maybe."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] takes a step back and motions for you to enter. You slide your hand over the brick and [[pull open the door.|Enter Alone]]
(set: $trustworthiness to it + 1)"I'm going to Bellwick. I actually didn't get into Havenglen." You hate this about yourself, but you can actually feel your chin jut out defiantly as you say the words, as if your face is challenging (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] to a fistfight. You tuck your chin back self-consciously.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] beams at you, "I'm going to Bellwick, too." Your heart does a little dance inside your chest, bowing at the end as if waiting for applause.
"Though I probably shouldn't have just shouted that, right?" (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] laughs, dropping (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] voice and looking behind (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her].
"But why didn't you transfer into Havenglen?" you question and immediately want to kick yourself. You hate it when people ask you stupid, leading questions like that, trying to figure out what you did to get yourself passed over by your local magic academy.
"Well, I wasn't going to a magical academy back in England at all. Just regular school. So... this is a step up. Sort of the reason why my father volunteered for the committee. We don't have schools like this in Britain."
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] jerks (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head in the direction of the door, and you begin walking toward Good Fortune. The bench across from the restaurant is empty.
It isn't really prying if you ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about not getting into a magical academy, is it? It's sort of just bonding over a shared experience. Do you want to ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about why (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] [[going to Bellwick|Exposition Walk 1]], or do you want to [[switch the topic|Warning]] and tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] about the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] on the bench?
(set: $attraction to it - 1)"Are you going somewhere on the boardwalk?" you ask. You hope you sound flirty, but you fear that you sound accusatory. Sure enough, (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] gives you a tight smile, like (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] can't quite figure you out.
"I'm going to Bellwick," (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she] tells you.
"Me, too," you say. "But why didn't you transfer into Havenglen?" you question and immediately want to kick yourself. You hate it when people ask you stupid, leading questions like that, trying to figure out what you did to get yourself passed over by your local magic academy.
"Well, I wasn't going to a magical academy back in England at all. Just regular school. So... this is a step up. Sort of the reason why my father volunteered for the committee. We don't have schools like this in Britain."
"So we're both going to Bellwick," you say, stating the obvious.
(if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[He](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[She] jerks (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[his](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] head in the direction of the door, and you begin walking toward Good Fortune. The bench across from the restaurant is empty.
It isn't really prying if you ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about not getting into a magical academy, is it? It's sort of just bonding over a shared experience. Do you want to ask (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] more about why (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[he's](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[she's] [[going to Bellwick|Exposition Walk 1]], or do you want to [[switch the topic|Warning]] and tell (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[him](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[her] about the (if: $likesMen is true or $wantsLucien is true)[boy](elseif: $likesWomen is true or $wantsAlice is true)[girl] on the bench?
(if: $entryToken <= 2)[There are four [[tables|Tables]] at the front of the restaurant, their tableclothes haphazardly dripping off the surface like one of Dali's melting watches. In the back corner of the room, there is a [[cashier's nook|Cashier's Nook]] for payment or takeaway ordering with an [[open window|Open Window]] overlooking the cooking stations.
There's a thin hallway that leads into the empty kitchen with shelving set into the wall holding [[empty soy sauce bottles|Empty Bottles]]. Someone has carefully lined up four dry [[water pitchers|Water Pitchers]] on a rolling cart that blocks your entry to a [[closet door|Closet]]. They've also strung colourful [[paper lanterns|Paper Lanterns]] across the ceiling, and the tiny bulbs inside them flicker as if they're getting ready to burn out.](else:)[There are four [[tables|Tables]] at the front of the restaurant, their tableclothes haphazardly dripping off the surface like one of Dali's melting watches. In the back corner of the room, there is a [[cashier's nook|Cashier's Nook]] for payment or takeaway ordering with an [[open window|Open Window]] overlooking the cooking stations.
There's a thin hallway that leads into the empty kitchen with shelving set into the wall holding [[empty soy sauce bottles|Wall Moves]], though one is tipped over on its side. Someone has carefully lined up four dry [[water pitchers|Water Pitchers]] on a rolling cart that blocks your entry to a [[closet door|Closet]]. They've also strung colourful [[paper lanterns|Paper Lanterns]] across the ceiling, and the tiny bulbs inside them flicker as if they're getting ready to burn out.]
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Tables") is 0)[You bend down and look under one of the tables. Little balls of dust blow around when you stand up.](else:)[You don't know what you think you're going to find looking under the tables again.]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Cashier's Nook") is 0)[You walk behind the cashier's station and press a few keys on the old-fashioned register. They click as if adding up an order, but not much else.](else:)[It's fun to press the keys on the register, but you really should be figuring out how to get into the school.]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Open Window") is 0)[You look through the open window into the empty kitchen. "Hello?" you call out.](else:)[You try calling out again, but no one enters the room.]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Empty Bottles") is 0)[You pick up one of the soy sauce bottles. There's a thin layer of dust on most of them.](else:)[You try the soy sauce bottles again, but they're just as empty as before.]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Water Pitchers") is 0)[The water pitchers are the cheap plastic ones you can purchase in bulk at a restaurant supply shop.](else:)[The pitchers didn't get any more interesting since the last time you looked at them.]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Closet") is 0)[You move the cart out of the way and try the door knob. It's locked.](else:)[The door is still locked. You'll have to find a key if you want to open it.]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
(set: $entryToken to it + 1)(if: (count: (history:), "Paper Lanterns") is 0)[The delicate paper lantern above your head threatens to tear when you reach up to examine it.](else:)[Do you really want to press your luck with the lantern again?]
(display: "Restaurant Speakeasy")
You go to straighten the tipped over soy sauce bottle and notice a crack of light shining from the edges of the shelving unit. The more you try to twist the bottle into place, the larger the crack grows until it looks like the outline of a door.
You pull the bottle like a knob and the shelves swing open to reveal a [[set of stairs|Welcome to Hellwick]] leading down.
You take a few tentative steps to the bottom and open a plain wooden door that leads into crowded student commons. It's so noisy that you're shocked you didn't hear anything when you were fumbling around the restaurant above.
The only person who pays any attention to you when you step over the threshold is a blond-haired girl sitting cross-legged on the floor. She looks up from what is unmistakenly a magic book. (You remember what spell books look like, even though your parents locked up their books once they realized their (if: $sex is "man")[son](elseif: $sex is "woman")[daughter] wasn't magical <i>enough</i> for Havenglen.)
Your body aches being so close to magic.
"Five minutes to get down here," she tells you. You don't know if five minutes is good or bad.
She stands up and holds out her hand to you. "Welcome to Hellwick."