CHARACTERS
- Main Characters
- Billy Porter- Played by flamergamer8
- Norah Smith- Played by imprincearthur
- Cory Bates- Played by C00LDUDE1000
- Lillian Davis- Played by Madelyn
- Lauren McCammon- Played by Rae
- Secondary Characters
- Latisha- Played by Latisha0987
- Savannah Hogan- Played by Falconbait26
- Lance Porter
- Dawn Porter
Cory and Lilly stand by the bar, scoping out the list of potential victims.
Lilly: Would that guy work?
Lilly points to a chubby man. He is a few drinks in already, and is flirting with a woman that is way out of his league. He has his back to a half empty glass of beer.
Cory: No. Too much risk for one glass. We need to find a family.
Lilly: Why can’t we just use our fake IDs at the bar again?
Cory: They gave people that are legal special cards for that. They won’t accept IDs alone.
Lilly: Ugh, that’s stupid.
Lilly looks toward the back of the bar, and sees a group of 3: a man and a woman, both middle aged, and a young woman in her twenties. Their glasses are nearly full. They take small sips as they idly chat.
Lilly: Well, what about them?
Cory: Yeah, actually. I think they’ll work. Nice catch, babe.
Lilly: I’m smart like that. So what’s the plan?
Cory: One of us is gonna play dead. The other pours their beers into our canteen- you did bring the canteen, right?
Lilly: I don’t leave home without it!
Lilly reaches into her purse and shows Cory the canteen.
Cory: Sweet. Let me see it. I’ll get the beer, and you can be the distraction.
Cory reaches for the canteen, but Lilly moves it out of his reach.
Lilly: Nuh uh uh!
Lilly returns the canteen to her purse and takes up step closer. She speaks in a soft yet confident voice.
Lilly: I get the beer.
Cory lets out a small laugh.
Cory: You sure you can handle that babe?
Lilly: You just be a good little boyfriend and go lay on the ground over there, kay? Think you can do that?
Cory: Yeah, okay. We got this.
Cory and Lilly share a quick kiss before getting into position.
There must be a hundred people dancing on the deck. There is a huge mob in a circle around the DJ. Norah and Lauren, hand in hand, run to the center of the circle. Lauren feels her stress melt away as she dances with her friend.
Latisha: White girl can dance!
Lauren turns around to see the girl that had told her to cheer up earlier. She has to scream to be heard over the music.
Lauren: Oh, thanks! I don’t think I caught your name!
Latisha: Latisha! You?
Lauren: I’m Lauren!
Latisha: Pretty name! It fits you!
Lauren blushes, but a smile creeps to her face. She continues to dance, now a step closer to the attractive stranger.
At the bar, Cory gets into view of the group of three. When he knows that they can see him, he makes a large gagging noise, before collapsing on the floor. Lilly, who had been conveniently leaning on a wall two feet from the family, storms to Cory’s side. She gets on her knees to feel for a pulse.
Lilly: Oh my God! He’s unconscious! Someone help him!
She looks to the man at the table.
Lilly: Please! He’s gonna die!
The man looks to his wife who looks just as terrified as he does. He anxiously gets up and runs to Cory.
Man: W-what do I do?
Lilly: I don’t know! Give him CPR or something!
Lilly backs up. Everyone in the bar looks in shock as the man tries to “resuscitate” the teenager. The bartender rushes for his walkie-talkie, and reports the situation to his superiors. The man’s wife and daughter have stood up from their seats, and kneel beside him, encouraging him. Lilly sneakily rushes to their table, and begins to empty their glasses into her canteen. She fills it to the brim and stands up: the mission is a success!
Lilly runs back to her boyfriend. He is still as a rock. She yells out the code words as the man continues to push down on his chest.
Lilly: Cory, wake up!
Cory’s eyes open just on queue, a bewildered expression on his face. He lets out a large sigh, and grabs for his sore ribs.
Man: He’s- he’s alive! I saved him!
The people in the bar applaud. The man stands up and hugs his family. Lilly helps Cory up and hugs him. She whispers in his ear.
Lilly: I did it!
Cory wraps an arm around Lilly’s shoulder and holds the other on his bruised ribs. They slowly walk out of the bar, fielding questions like “Are you okay kid?” from everyone they pass. In the corner, than man- still shaking frantically- breathes exasperatedly, filled with pride and ecstacy.
Man: I’m a hero! I’m a real hero!
After half an hour of dancing, Lauren and Latisha are covered in sweat. Latisha has advanced toward Lauren, and has her hands around Lauren’s hips. They look one each other in the eyes and smile. Norah has excused herself and now stands on near the edge of the boat, her phone against her ear. She sighs as she hears the same voicemail again.
Billy’s Voicemail: Hey. This is Billy Porter. I can’t come to the phone right now, so leave a message and I’ll call back as soon as possible. Thanks, bye.
Once Norah hears the beep, she begins to speak in an annoyed- though unenergized- voice.
Norah: Hey Billy, it’s Norah. It’s been half an hour. You said you’d only be a minute. Where are you? Please come down soon. Love you, bye.
Norah closes her phone and puts it away. She looks at Lauren. She looks extraordinarily happy staring into Latisha’s eyes, and it makes Norah smile. She looks toward the stairway on the other side of the deck, which leads to her’s and Billy’s room. She begins to walk, but stops immediately.
Walking down the steps stands two people in black ski masks. They sheath bloody knives. Norah looks up and sees lifeless bodies cover the staircase. They take assault rifles out of duffle bags that were hung over their shoulders. No one has noticed them yet. They aim down their sights toward the giant crowd- toward Lauren.
Norah rushes toward her friend, and gunfire begins to pierce through the crowd.
END OF EPISODE
Questions (If you'd like to answer them):
1. Will anyone in the crowd survive the attack?
2. What happened to Billy?
3. Thoughts on the story so far? Favorite character?
4. Predictions for the future of the story?
Quick note- I've been writing a "choices and consequences" document for the story. Now that shit is hitting the fan, I'll post that to Tengaged, so you can all see how much your choices thus far have shaped the story. Thanks for reading! I hope your enjoying it!
CHARACTERS
- Main Characters
- Billy Porter- Played by flamergamer8
- Norah Smith- Played by imprincearthur
- Cory Bates- Played by C00LDUDE1000
- Lillian Davis- Played by Madelyn
- Lauren McCammon- Played by Rae
- Secondary Characters
- Latisha- Played by Latisha0987
- Savannah Hogan- Played by Falconbait26
- Lance Porter
- Dawn Porter
Norah: Lauren! Wait!
Lauren storms to the nearest unoccupied corner and sits, burying her head in her knees. Tears stream down her cheeks onto her jean shorts. Norah catches up to her and sits next to her.
Norah: Lauren-
Norah tries to put an arm around Lauren, but she is immediately pushed away.
Lauren: Don’t! Please, I just wanna be alone right now.
Norah: Lori, I’m not going anywhere. You know that.
Lauren doesn’t respond. Instead, she just continues to cry, harder than before.
Lauren: I’m so stupid. I knew he was bad and I gave him another chance. I’m so dumb-
Norah: Lori, you’re not dumb. You’re just confused. And that’s okay.
Lauren: He couldn’t even stick up for me! We dated for three months and he didn’t even care enough to back me up-
Lauren’s speech cuts off. She leans on Norah and sobs into her lap. Norah rubs her back, sympathetically.
Norah: Shh, it’s okay. It’s okay…
On the deck, a new song begins to play. It’s an older one- from the 60s or 70s- but they both recognize it instantly. Norah speaks to Lauren is a soothing voice.
Norah: Hey, isn’t this your favorite song?
Lauren: I don’t know. It used to be, I guess.
Norah: How about we go dance? Would that make you feel better?
Lauren: I don’t know. I don’t think I’m in the mood.
Norah: Are you sure? I bet it’d help take your mind off of… things.
Lauren doesn’t respond for a moment, but her brain begins to race.
Lauren: You know what?
Lauren suddenly stands up. Her voice is no longer shaky, and is instead firm and confident. She wipes the tears out of her eyes.
Lauren: You’re right. Let’s go.
Lauren holds out a hand to her friend. Norah takes the hand and stands up.
Norah: That’s the spirit!
Lauren grabs Norah’s hand, and the two run toward the music.
Cory and Lilly stand by the bar, scoping out the list of potential victims.
Lilly: Would that guy work?
Lilly points to a chubby man. He is a few drinks in already, and is flirting with a woman that is way out of his league. He has his back to a half empty glass of beer.
Cory: No. Too much risk for one glass. We need to find a family.
Lilly: Why can’t we just use our fake IDs at the bar again?
Cory: They gave people that are legal special cards for that. They won’t accept IDs alone.
Lilly: Ugh, that’s stupid.
Lilly looks toward the back of the bar, and sees a group of 3: a man and a woman, bothe middle aged, and a young woman in her twenties. Their glasses are nearly full. They take small sips as they idly chat.
Lilly: Well, what about them?
Cory: Yeah, actually. I think they’ll work. Nice catch, babe.
Lilly: I’m smart like that. So what’s the plan?
Cory: One of us is gonna play dead. The other pours their beers into our canteen- you did bring the canteen, right?
Lilly: I don’t leave home without it!
Lilly reaches into her purse and shows Cory the canteen.
Cory: Sweet. Let me see it. I’ll get the beer, and you can be the distraction.
MADELYN. You have a choice!
Be Stubborn ("No, I'll get the beer. You be the distraction.") or Compliant ("Okay. Here's the canteen.")
CHARACTERS
- Main Characters
- Billy Porter- Played by flamergamer8
- Norah Smith- Played by imprincearthur
- Cory Bates- Played by C00LDUDE1000
- Lillian Davis- Played by Madelyn
- Lauren McCammon- Played by Rae
- Secondary Characters
- Latisha- Played by Latisha0987
- Savannah Hogan- Played by Falconbait26
- Lance Porter
- Dawn Porter
Norah’s leaves the room, closing the door behind her, and begins to walk away. Billy walks back to his original position on the balcony and takes out the pills. He looks out over the ocean, deep in thought. He observes the bottle once more, looking at the faded blue pills within it.
Billy sighs, giving in, and opens the bottle. He takes one out and puts it in his mouth. He grabs a cup of water drinks it, swallowing the pill as well. After a moment, gasps. The effects of the pill rush to him almost immediately. His vision becomes blurry and his legs get weak. He stammers to his bed and lays down. He fights to keep his eyes open, but the pressure on his brain is too much. They close, and Billy gives up. A sudden calm washes over him. And then, silence.
On the deck, a crowd gathers near the edge of the ship, waiting to set sail. Lauren watches from the outside as a man in a bright Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts speaks through a microphone.
Entertainer: (excitedly) Who’s ready to set sail??
People scream with excitement.
Entertainer: I can’t hear you!
They scream louder.
Entertainer: Alright, that’s what I like to hear! We’re leaving in ten seconds! Can you give me a hand in counting down!?
Entertainer and Crowd: Ten! Nine! Eight-
Norah walks next to Lauren and smiles, joining in with the people.
Entertainer and Crowd: Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!
The ship lets out a loud horn, and begins to move. It moves slowly through the harbor. People scream with excitement. Norah is among them, until she notices Lauren’s indifferent expression.
Norah: Come on Lauren! We’re on a cruise!
Lauren gives a half smile.
Lauren: I know. I’m just- thinking about stuff.
Norah gives and understanding nod, and motions to a small bar, away from the noise. They walk over to it.
Norah: What’s up? Is it the whole thing with Cory?
Lauren: Well, yeah. I think he’s avoiding me or something. I tried to talk to him earlier, but he left with his girlfriend as soon as I brought it up.
Norah sighs, sorry to hear the hurt in her friend’s voice.
Norah: That’s Cory for you. Ugh, I don’t know why Billy’s such good friends with him. He’s such a child. Are you gonna be okay this week?
Lauren sighs and looks down.
Lauren: Yeah, I think so. I just have to move on, I guess…
Norah frowns, and rubs Lauren’s shoulder. They hug.
Suddenly, a loud, familiar voice is heard from not too far away. Lauren and Norah turn in its direction.
Lilly: HEYYY!
Lilly and Cory stand hand in hand. Lilly wears a tight, revealing purple dress, showing off her cleavage and reaching just inches down her thighs. Cory wears a short-sleeved red flannel shirt and khakis.
Norah: Oh, hey guys.
Lilly: Oh my God, Norah. You look so pretty! That dress looks so good on you! And Lauren, you look- comfy.
Lauren looks to Cory for support, but he just looks down.
Lauren: Whatever.
Lauren storms off. Norah leers at Lilly.
Norah: Was that really necessary?
Lilly: What? I just complimented her!
Norah: You know that’s not true.
Lilly: I’m just being friendly. She chose to take it in a bad way. That’s her fault, not mine.
Norah: Ugh. Just stay away from her, okay?
Norah looks Cory in the eyes.
Norah: Both of you.
Norah walks away, in search of her friend. Lilly turns to Cory, steamed.
Lilly: Man, those two must have giant sticks up their asses, right?
Cory: Uh, yeah.
Cory quickly finds a way to change the topic.
Cory: Hey, let’s find some beer.
Norah: Lauren! Wait!
Lauren storms to the nearest unoccupied corner and sits, burying her head in her knees. Tears stream down her cheeks onto her jean shorts. Norah catches up to her and sits next to her.
Norah: Lauren-
Norah tries to put an arm around Lauren, but she is immediately pushed away.
Lauren: Don’t! Please, I just wanna be alone right now.
Norah: Lori, I’m not going anywhere. You know that.
Lauren doesn’t respond. Instead, she just continues to cry, harder than before.
Lauren: I’m so stupid. I knew he was bad and I gave him another chance. I’m so dumb-
Norah: Lori, you’re not dumb. You’re just confused. And that’s okay.
Lauren: He couldn’t even stick up for me! We dated for three months and he didn’t even care enough to back me up-
Lauren’s speech cuts off. She leans on Norah and sobs into her lap. Norah rubs her back, sympathetically.
Norah: Shh, it’s okay. It’s okay…
On the deck, a new song begins to play. It’s an older one- from the 60s or 70s- but they both recognize it instantly. Norah speaks to Lauren is a soothing voice.
Norah: Hey, isn’t this your favorite song?
Lauren: I don’t know. It used to be, I guess.
Norah: How about we go dance? Would that make you feel better?
Lauren: I don’t know. I don’t think I’m in the mood.
Norah: Are you sure? I bet it’d help take your mind off of things.
RAE. You have a choice!
Be introspective ("Yeah, I'm sure. Can we just stay here a while longer?") or Adventurous ("You know what? You're right. Let's go.")
CHARACTERS
- Main Characters
- Billy Porter- Played by flamergamer8
- Norah Smith- Played by imprincearthur
- Cory Bates- Played by C00LDUDE1000
- Lillian Davis- Played by Madelyn
- Lauren McCammon- Played by Rae
- Secondary Characters
- Latisha- Played by Latisha0987
- Savannah Hogan- Played by Falconbait26
- Lance Porter
- Dawn Porter
Billy stands on the balcony of his and Norah’s room, leaning on the railing. He looked at the sea, as its waves started to pick up. Only an hour had passed, but the sky was much more cloudy than it had been not too long before. To his left, Billy suddenly hears an excited feminine voice come through a loudspeaker.
Loudspeaker Voice: We’ll be leaving the harbor very shortly, so make your way to the back deck for a dance party!
The loudspeaker cuts out, and the relaxing beach music resumes where it had left off. Billy sighs, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a prescription bottle. There is no tag on it, and the bottle looks to be made of some cheap plastic. Inside, there are large pills, one side blue and the other white.
He hears Norah open the balcony door, and quickly puts the pills back in his pocket. She speaks in a soft, airy voice.
Norah: Hey, Billy.
Billy turns around to see Norah. She wears a short blue dress that compliments her dyed blonde hair perfectly. Her makeup is light and natural. Billy is at a loss for words.
Billy: Wow. Norah, you look…
Norah: You like it?
Billy responds with a long, passionate kiss. After the kiss, they stare at each other for a moment, smiling.
Norah: Ready to dance?
Billy: As long as it’s with you, I’m ready for anything.
Norah smiles wider, ecstatic.
Norah: Let’s go then.
The two start to walk out of the room. But before they can get too far, Billy suddenly stops.
Billy: Oh, shit. I forgot, I have to do something.
Norah: Oh, what is it?
Billy: Nothing, it’s just- well, my dad wanted me to do something before the dance. It won’t take long. I promise.
Norah: Oh, okay. I can wait-
Billy: Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ll meet you there.
Norah’s mood starts to drop. She hides it very well though, and Billy is oblivious.
Norah: Okay. I’ll meet you down there, then.
Norah’s leaves the room, closing the door behind her, and begins to walk away. Billy walks back to his original position on the balcony and takes out the pills. He looks out over the ocean, deep in thought. He observes the bottle once more, looking at the faded blue pills within it.
CHARACTERS
- Main Characters
- Billy Porter- Played by flamergamer8
- Norah Smith- Played by imprincearthur
- Cory Bates- Played by C00LDUDE1000
- Lillian Davis- Played by Madelyn
- Lauren McCammon- Played by Rae
- Secondary Characters
- Latisha- Played by Latisha0987
- Savannah Hogan- Played by Falconbait26
Billy and Norah walk away, and the other three are left alone.
Lilly: Oh my god, this place is sooo pretty!
Lauren: I know. And this view is-
Lilly ignores Lauren once again.
Lilly: Hey Cory. I think we should check out the room.
Lilly gets so close to Cory’s ear, she’s practically chewing on it.
Lilly: (whispering) Maybe we should check out the mattress? Make sure it works?
Cory feels his heartbeat rise, and he gets a dumb smirk on his face.
Cory: Oh, yeah. Have to make sure there’s nothing wrong with it.
Cory and Lilly start to walk away, but Lauren stops them before they get too far.
Lauren: Wait. Hey, Cory. Could we talk really quick?
Lilly: Um do you mind? Cory and I have some things to take care of. Right, Cory?
Lauren: It’s important. It’ll just take a couple minutes. Promise.
Cory: Uh, I don’t-
Lilly: Come on, Cory! Let’s go!
Cory thinks for a moment, before grabbing Lilly’s hand. He looks to Lauren briefly.
Cory: We’ll talk later. I’m sure it can wait.
Lauren: Uh- okay…
Cory and Lilly leave Lauren, taking their bags with them. Lauren turns back to the water. She rests her hands on the railing and sighs, watching as the waves crash into the ship. Suddenly, she feels a hand on her shoulder. She turns to see a young woman with dark skin, about her age. She is tall, and her long black hair is put into box braids. Her name is Latisha.
Latisha: Hey, cheer up! You’re on vacation!
The girl smiles at Lauren and walks away, gone as quickly as she had arrived. Lauren watches as she walks away, her posture tall and her gait confident. When she is out of view, Lauren turns back to the water, lost in thought.
Billy and Norah approach a fancy looking wooden door.
Billy: This should be the room. Let’s get this over with, am I right?
Norah laughs.
Norah: Billy, they’re your parents, not the cops. There’s no need to be nervous.
Billy: I know, I know. I just- I don’t wanna spend too much time talking to parents this week. It’s supposed to be a getaway, you know?
Norah: I know. We’ll just go in and talk with them for a while, and then we’ll be good. Okay?
Billy pauses for a moment, before nodding.
Billy: You’re right. You’re always right.
Norah: I know.
The two smile and share a quick kiss. Billy knocks on the door.
Billy’s father, Lance Porter, opens the door almost immediately, catching Billy by surprise.
Lance: Ah, William and Norah! Great to see you!
Billy: Hey, dad.
Norah: Hi Mr Porter! I like the haircut!
Lance: Please, call me Lance. And thank you! Please, come in!
Lance holds the door open for the two, and they walk in. Billy’s mom, Dawn, is taking clothes out of her bags and putting them into dressers. When she sees Billy and Norah, her eyes light up.
Dawn: Billy! There you are!
Dawn gives Billy a big hug, and he gives back a half-hug with one arm. Dawn turns to Norah.
Dawn: And Norah! I swear you get more pretty every time I see you!
Norah: Aw, thanks Mrs Dawn! And you are too! I love the dress!
Dawn and Norah hug. Lance comes in from behind them.
Lance: So, are you all ready to party or what?
Norah: You bet! I can’t believe I get to experience something like this! Thank you both so much!
Lance: Oh, no problem! I’m just glad we could afford to do something like this for you all.
Lance turns and looks directly at Billy. Billy stares at the ground.
Lance: I’ve always wanted to give you the kind of life my parents couldn’t give me.
Billy shifts uncomfortably.
Billy: Thanks, dad…
There’s a pause for a moment. Dawn breaks it.
Dawn: Well, the ship is leaving the harbor in an hour! They have a big dance party on the deck. Make sure you make it, and wear something nice!
Norah: We will. Thanks again for everything. Come on, Billy. We should-
Lance: Wait! Norah, could you let us have a quick word with Billy? We’ll only be a minute.
Norah: Oh. Sure. I’ll be right outside, Billy.
Norah gives one more round of “thank you’s” before leaving the room. When the door is shut, Lance locks it, and turns to his son.
Lance: William. What’s wrong?
Billy: I- it’s nothing.
Lance: (intimidating) Billy… What is it?
Billy: I just-
Billy sighs, and then speaks again, his voice taking a nervous, fast-paced tone.
Billy: I saw a kid earlier today. I couldn’t place who he was, but he looked really familiar. He looked lost.
Lance looks at Dawn for a moment, who looks just as tense. He then looks back to Billy.
Lance: A kid? William, are you still taking your medication?
Billy: Yeah, of course!
Lance: Are you lying?
Billy: No! Why would I lie? Don’t you trust me?
Dawn: Oh, of course we trust you, sweetie! We’re just making sure.
There is a silence in the room for what feels like an eternity. Lance finally breaks it.
Lance: Your girlfriend’s waiting. Go rejoin her. Don’t tell her about the kid. And keep taking your meds. Okay?
Billy doesn’t respond. Lance squeezes his shoulder, and speaks again, more forcefully.
Lance: Okay, Billy?
Billy: … Okay, dad…
END OF EPISODE
Questions on Episode 3 (if you'd like to answer them):
1. Thoughts on Billy's parents? What are they hiding?
2. Thoughts on Lauren's predicament? Do you think she should give up on Cory?
3. Favorite character(s)?
CHARACTERS
- Main Characters
- Billy Porter- Played by flamergamer8
- Norah Smith- Played by imprincearthur
- Cory Bates- Played by C00LDUDE1000
- Lillian Davis- Played by Madelyn
- Lauren McCammon- Played by Rae
- Secondary Characters
- Latisha- Played by Latisha0987
- Savannah Hogan- Played by Falconbait26
The group gets past security relatively easy. The guards caught Cory sneaking in beers and confiscated them. Aside from that however, there are no problems, and the group is on the boat in half an hour. They walk around the deck, gawking at everything they see.
Norah: This place is so beautiful!
Lilly: It really is! And look how pretty the ocean looks!
Cory: You’re parents spared no expense, Billy. What do they do again?
Billy: Mom’s a lawyer. Dad’s a real-estate agent.
Cory: Oh yeah, that’s right.
Billy: Hey, speaking of which, they wanted me to go see them once I got here.
Norah: Oh okay. Want me to come?
Billy: No, that’s fine. I just have to let them know we made it on. I’ll be back in five minutes, tops.
Norah: I’ll come with you anyway. They deserve a giant thank you for this one.
Billy: Haha. True. Okay, sounds good.
Billy turns to Cory, Lauren and Lilly.
Billy: We’ll be back in a few. Enjoy the view! This is the next week of our lives!
Billy and Norah walk away, and the other three are left alone.
Lilly: Oh my god, this place is sooo pretty!
Lauren: I know. And this view is-
Lilly ignores Lauren once again.
Lilly: Hey Cory. I think we should check out the room.
Lilly gets so close to Cory’s ear, she’s practically chewing on it.
Lilly: (whispering) Maybe we should check out the mattress? Make sure it works?
Cory feels his heartbeat rise, and he gets a dumb smirk on his face.
Cory: Oh, yeah. Have to make sure there’s nothing wrong with it.
Cory and Lilly start to walk away, but Lauren stops them before they get too far.
Lauren: Wait. Hey, Cory. Could we talk really quick?
Lilly: Um do you mind? Cory and I have some things to take care of. Right, Cory?
Lauren: It’s important. It’ll just take a couple minutes. Promise.
Cory: Uh, I don’t-
Lilly: Come on, Cory! Let’s go!
