Awkward Date

<<display SetupTimes>>Hey there! I have a question for you. Have you ever been in an awkward situation? [[Yes|Setup1][$been_in_awkward = true]] - [[No|Setup1][$been_in_awkward = false]]

<<if $been_in_awkward is true>>Aren't they just the greatest? <<else>>Oh you totally should. They're the greatest! <<endif>>It's such a human characteristic to hide information and not communicate in an effort to make a situation less awkward... Only to have the same lack of communication cause the very awkwardness they were trying to avoid. If people just decided to say what they felt to each other right away, there would be a lot fewer awkward dates on any given Friday night. Have you ever wondered what those people are thinking, while they're on an awkward date? [[Yes|Setup2]] - [[No|Setup2b]]

Great! <<display Setup3>>

Oh... Well... This is awkward, but... That's kind of the whole point of this interactive short shory. You're welcome to quit right now, but if you want to continue, you're going to end up reading the thoughts of two people while they're on an awkward date. That ok with you? [[I guess...|Setup3]]

Allow me to set the scene. We'll be following the story of two friends. Their names are Elliot and Anna. Our story starts at 10:00pm the night before, when Anna finally gets enough courage to send Elliot a text message... [[Let's read their text messages!]]

Text message conversation between Anna and Elliot, the night before their date. ------------- >>Hey. Are you doing anything tomorrow? >>-Anna, sent at 10:01pm >>No plans. What’s up? >>-Elliot, sent at 10:04pm >>Dinner. Just the two of us. You and me. >>-Anna, sent at 10:05pm >>Sure, sounds fun. When/where? >>-Elliot, sent at 10:09pm >>Charlena’s on 2nd street. 5:30pm. Sound good? >>-Anna, sent at 10:10pm >>See you then! >>-Elliot, sent at 10:15pm ------------- [[Who are these people?]]

An excellent question! Who would you like to learn more about first? [[Anna]], the college student from a conversative family. Or [[Elliot]], the friendly but extremely introverted mailroom clerk?

<<set $anna_backstory = true>>Anna's a college student in her sophomore year. She grew up in a gated community somewhere in Northern California. Her family was both rich and extremely conservative. Her mother tried to instill in her good table manners and social graces, and her father didn’t much care for conversation with her unless it was about learning the family business. Anna was a good girl, but she still tried to rebel in her own small childish ways. As soon as she could, she moved out of her parent's place to go to college. She couldn't wait to get out on her own, even though she still has not figured out what she wants to do with her life. Through the university, she met her roommate Kimberly. Anna's parents would rent her a house, but they wanted to make sure she didn't just lock herself in and shut herself off from the world. Thus they insisted that she get a roommate! Well, that and it certainly helped to have somebody paying half the rent. Kimberly's a nice girl, but the two don't have all that much in common. They talk a little bit, share meals together, or go to the movies. But beyond that, they lived their own social lives. Still, when the entire theatre department got free tickets to see an opera, Kimberly was nice enough to invite Anna to come with her. [[Tell me about Elliot|Elliot]] - [[How did Elliot and Anna meet?]] <<if ($anna_backstory is true) and ($elliot_backstory is true) and ($meeting_backstory is true)>>[[I think I'm caught up with the back story]]<<endif>>

<<set $elliot_backstory = true>>Elliot moved out here just a couple months ago. He and his roommate Robert met in high school in small town in Washington. Robert graduated high school just as Elliot was starting as a freshmen. Robert was theatre tech, and one of the few people in town that could set up and run all the theatre lights by himself. When he graduated, he immediately got a job with the school continuing to run their equipment. Elliot would often get beat up, so in between classes he would sneak off into the empty theatre building. Robert didn’t tolerate any bullies roughing people up there, and it ended up becoming a bit of a safe space for all the weird kids in the school. Soon, Elliot and Robert became the best of friends, and hung out even after school hours. They would smoke cigarettes, drink, get high on pot, or other things their parents probably would not approve of. Then, one day when Elliot was starting his senior year, the school found them both getting high on school grounds and fired Robert from his job. Robert took this as an opportunity to leave Washington, and moved out to California. Elliot kept in touch with Robert and they talked almost every day online. Elliot never liked Washington all that much, nor did he have any other close friendships. So it was natural that by the time he turned 18 and graduated high school, he took whatever money he could get and made his way south to California as well. He moved in with Robert, who by then was well established with an apartment and a nice job working for a university theatre department. Soon after, he got a temporary job as a mailroom clerk to help pay the bills while he figures out his path in life. [[Tell me about Anna|Anna]] - [[How did Elliot and Anna meet?]] <<if ($anna_backstory is true) and ($elliot_backstory is true) and ($meeting_backstory is true)>>[[I think I'm caught up with the back story]]<<endif>>

<<set $meeting_backstory = true>>Kimberly, Anna’s roommate, is a theatre major at the same university as Anna. Robert, Elliot's roomate, works for the same university Kimberly and Anna attend as a theatre tech. Robert helps set up and run the lights for the school productions. One day, one of the school’s most famous alumni (who also happened to be one of the most generous with donations) became the lead producer for an opera with one of the larger theatres in the area. As a donation, he gave coupons to the entire theatre department of the school, which really wasn’t all that many people. If a show hadn’t sold out, they could be redeemed for free tickets. Not everybody in the theatre department was interested in the opera, and so there were extra coupons. Robert invited Elliot to come with him, and Kimberly invited Anna. They happened to come in at similar times, and both got seats in the way back, where Elliot and Anna just happened to sit next to each other. In between acts they got to talking, and had a lovely evening. Afterwards, Anna looked up Elliot on Facebook and they started chatting with each other. From there, they saw each other again in person a couple of more times when Kimberly was in a production that Robert worked on. Both Anna and Elliot loved going to a free show, and their friends would sneak them in from back stage. Elliot, who hadn’t made many friends since he moved to California, enjoyed having somebody local to chat with while he was on Facebook. Anna found Elliot fascinating. They had the same taste in video games, movies, and musical theatre. Anna had no other male friends like him. [[Tell me about Anna|Anna]] - [[Tell me about Elliot|Elliot]] <<if ($anna_backstory is true) and ($elliot_backstory is true) and ($meeting_backstory is true)>>[[I think I'm caught up with the back story]]<<endif>>

Let's begin reading their thoughts! This is a duolinear story. Meaning, you can either listen to the thoughts of Anna or Eliott. But never both at the same time. You'll have to decide, do you want to know what Elliot is thinking, or Anna? Now, I know what you're thinking. "Well, why don't I just listen to only Anna's thoughts, then cheat and restart the game and listen only to Elliot's?" Well smarty pants... Yes, you could do just that. I can't stop you. But, in my opinion, the experience will be much better and more interesting if you jump around between the two of them! (Or, at least, it will be more amusing for me) That said, you may play however you wish. Who do you want to listen to first? <center>[[Read Anna's thoughts|Main Game][$side = "a"]] - [[Read Elliot's thoughts|Main Game][$side = "e"]]</center>

Time: <<print $time[$current_time]>> <center> <<if $side eq "e">>Elliot<<else>>Anna<<endif>> </center> ---------- <<if $side eq "e">><<set $current_passage = "Elliot"+$current_time>><<else>><<set $current_passage = "Anna"+$current_time>><<endif>><<display $current_passage>> ---------- <center><<if $current_time lt ($time_size-1)>><<set $current_time = $current_time+1>>[[Read Anna's thoughts|Main Game][$side = "a"]] - [[Read Elliot's thoughts|Main Game][$side = "e"]]<<else>>[[What happened next?]]<<endif>></center>

<<silently>> <<set $current_time = 0>> <<set $time to Array("88:88pm")>> <<set $time[0] = "10:20pm">> <<set $time[1] = "8:00am">> <<set $time[2] = "4:28pm">> <<set $time[3] = "4:30pm">> <<set $time[4] = "4:42pm">> <<set $time[5] = "4:51pm">> <<set $time[6] = "4:55pm">> <<set $time[7] = "5:01pm">> <<set $time[8] = "5:26pm">> <<set $time[9] = "5:31pm">> <<set $time[10] = "5:37pm">> <<set $time[11] = "5:42pm">> <<set $time[12] = "5:45pm">> <<set $time[13] = "5:46pm">> <<set $time[14] = "5:48pm">> <<set $time[15] = "5:50pm">> <<set $time[16] = "5:52pm">> <<set $time[17] = "5:54pm">> <<set $time[18] = "5:56pm">> <<set $time[19] = "6:05pm">> <<set $time[20] = "6:12pm">> <<set $time[21] = "6:14pm">> <<set $time[22] = "6:16pm">> <<set $time[23] = "6:20pm">> <<set $time[24] = "6:25pm">> <<set $time[25] = "6:30pm">> <<set $time[26] = "6:35pm">> <<set $time[27] = "6:40pm">> <<set $time[28] = "6:40pm">> <<set $time[29] = "6:41pm">> <<set $time[30] = "6:42pm">> <<set $time[31] = "6:43pm">> <<set $time[32] = "6:43pm">> <<set $time[33] = "6:44pm">> <<set $time[34] = "6:44pm">> <<set $time[35] = "6:45pm">> <<set $time[36] = "6:45pm">> <<set $time[37] = "6:46pm">> <<set $time_size = 37>> <<endsilently>>

"She thinks it’s a date." "No she doesn’t... We’re just friends..." "Elliot, don’t be naive. She likes you." "Does she? How do you know?" "Ask her yourself."

My phone made the usual loud chirping noises of my morning alarm. I’m so tired. I stayed up late last night thinking. Tomorrow morning, everything will be different. By tomorrow morning, I will have told her. For now, I need to find my phone. Where did I put it? Robert gets upset if I don’t turn it off after a few minutes...

She looks so excited. She really is a good listener, and a good friend. I was worried about telling her before, but I think I feel better now. I think I can do this. I'm going to do this.

Suddenly, we both spoke exactly the same time. "I have something to tell you." We both laugh. "Woah, that's funny." I said. She giggled. "Yeah. You first." I didn't want to cut her off... "You can if..." Before I could finish, she interrupted me. "No, I've been talking all night. Tell me what's on your mind."

Robert would be laughing so hard if he was watching me right now. Look at me. Playing with my food. Listening, but not talking. I'm like a small child. I think Anna knows something is up. I should just tell her...

"Can you let me off here?" I asked the bus driver again, who yet again refused to respond to me. This time, one of the passengers spoke up. "Wait until the next stop Sir Gaylord, like the rest of us peasants." It was a teenage boy and his friends, they all laughed. I just sighed, it wasn’t the first time I have missed my bus stop. Accidents happen. Anna would understand, she might not even notice. I made sure to mutter a quick "Thanks" to the bus driver before darting out the second he opened the door. It was just a few blocks. I could make it and only be about 15 minutes late if I hurried.

"You know you can tell me anything, Elliot." Well, here goes nothing. "I know. Thank you for that. You know I value our friendship above everything else, right?" "As do I. We'll always be friends, no matter what." That makes me feel so much better. I hope it's true. I hope we stay friends, no matter what. "Good. Well, Anna, I have something I've been wanting to tell you..."

Was that Anna’s Prius we just passed? Wait, was it "Charlie's" or "Charlena's" I was looking for? Aw crap, I think it was Charlena’s. "I missed it." I said, again out loud to myself. Now for sure I am going to be late. I pulled the yellow string on the window, and stood up next to the door. Hopefully the next stop won’t be too far away.

"I’m going to be late." I said to myself, then becoming embarrassed I spoke out loud. I am so used to bottling my feelings up inside. I barely talked to parents, my older brother, my "friends" I grew up with... The only people I am close to live out here. That’s why I moved in with Robert. Robert is the outgoing one. Why couldn’t he just tell Anna for me? No, that’s silly. Anna's my friend. Why do I have to hide myself to her? Why am I so afraid of becoming close to her? Time to open up. "What could go wrong?" I thought to myself. A frown formed on my face, as I thought of the answer. "Well, our entire friendship, to start..."

I opened the door to Charlena's restaurant and immediately saw Anna. She was sitting right by the window at a table for two. The place had a few other customers, but it wasn’t crowded. Looks like they even lit a decorative candle in the middle of the table for us. She waved at me. I tried to say "Hi" from across the room but I was still out of breath. Instead, I just tried to smile and not look as out of shape as I felt from my last minute jog. Taking in a big breath and letting out a sigh of relief, I walked to our table and sat down. The candle looks like it had recently been lit, hopefully that meant Anna hadn’t be waiting long.

Maybe some exercise was just what I need to calm down my nerves. Didn't I read something once about some guy who’d do 20 pushups before he would get on stage to talk? That guy was in better shape than I am, that’s for sure. If I was right and I saw Anna’s car from the bus, she will be there waiting for me. I wiped the sweat forming on my brow and continued jogging, trying to clear my mind. One more block to go!

"Do you like our candle?" Anna asked. Oh no, had she just lit this candle, or is this a second candle? Maybe she was waiting longer than I thought... "Oh, yes! Very nice. Hey, sorry I was late... I just-" Before I could finish, Anna interrupted. "Don’t worry about it! Take a look at the menu, I think you’ll like this place." Ok, take a deep breath. She isn’t mad about being late. I’m just being worried over nothing. "Ok then." Let’s see what kind of food this place has...

As the menu's get taken away, I notice Anna is staring at me. Directly at me. Into my eyes. ... Oh crap, does she think I’m going to pay for her meal? She is so traditional, she might be used to the "man" doing so... I can’t afford to pay for her steak. I hope she realizes that...

Woah, everything here is so expensive. All the entree’s here are over $25! "What would you like to order, miss?" "I’ll have a New York steak, medium." "And for you, sir?" Oh crap, I have to order something. "Oh, uh... Can I just get a salad?" Hopefully their portions are good. At least the salad is reasonably priced.

After showing up late like that, I couldn’t tell her right then. No reason not to just hang out like normal during dinner. I’ll tell her afterwards. That way, if she doesn’t want to see me again, she can just get up and leave... ...Hopefully she won’t feel that way...

My heart is finally back to normal after that last minute sprint. Can’t believe I missed my bus stop and had to run... Anna seems to be in a good mood. She keeps smiling, and giggling. I really do enjoy spending time with her.

I fumbled as I took the coins out of my pocket when the bus arrived. The driver looked annoyed at me as I counted out the correct change, but he kept driving the bus none the less. The movement didn’t help my balance, and it took me even longer to put the right amount of quarters, dimes, and nickels in the machine. As I sat on the bus, I checked the time on my phone again. The bus was running a little late, but I should make it there just on time. I hate being late. The restaurant was on this side of the street, so I shouldn’t miss it as long as I keep paying attention to the stops.

The bus was late. I looked at my phone again. Yes, it would be at least a couple minutes late. Hopefully not much later than that. Anna was probably already on her way there. She lives farther away from the place. I am glad she picked a place close to me. She knows I don’t like spending gas money I don’t have unless I need to. I wonder if she has any idea that I’m going to tell her tonight. I wonder if she has any idea how nervous this dinner is making me feel. While the "What if" scenarios play in my head, I secretly hope that she does know. No matter what her reaction, I want to make sure we still stay friends. She is so traditional though. I am not sure she will react well unless I get the answer I want from her.

The check is not what I should be thinking about right now. I’m sure Anna is expecting us to split it. She is the one who picked the place... It’ll be interesting to try out a nice restaurant for once. Let’s see if the food really is better, or if it’s all in the presentation...

"Elliot, you are going to tell her tonight, right?" "Yes, Robert. I told you, I will." "Good, you better not chicken out!" "I won’t." At least, I hope I won’t...

"Here's your steak miss, and for you sir the salad." "Thank you!" I said right away. "Yes, thank you." Anna joined in after me. "Is there anything else I can get you?" "No, we're good." Anna said with a smile. The food here really does look good. The steak looks amazing! Even this salad is fully loaded. She picked a good place.

I wish Robert were here. He would just tell her for me. But I can't go through life asking Robert to handle all my social awkwardness... Not that Robert does that for me now, mind you. But... Man that would be nice, wouldn't it? Robert is much better knowing what to say in these kinds of situations.

Before walking down the stairs, I turned around to look at Robert and I's front door one last time. When I return home tonight, I hope the sense of fear, dread and "What if"s? that have been ruling my thoughts might finally go away... Robert seemed to think they would, but I’m not sure. It took me so much courage just to be able to tell Robert my secret, let alone tell Anna. Tonight, when I see that door again, I’ll know if Robert was right.

Another half mile to go until the bus stop. The sun was still out and bright. I hope I won’t get too sweaty. I’ll slow my pace down. I took a look at my phone, and confirmed I have plenty of time. No need to rush. I promised Robert I’m going to tell her tonight. Anna's one of the first friends I made out here who wasn’t Robert's friend first. Yet I keep my true feelings hidden from her and every other "friend" I know. Except for Robert, of course. He knows me better than anyone. Anna may be one of my only friends in this city, but Robert is truly my best friend.

The bus stop is empty. The bench is stained, and dirty. It’s probably better to stand. I’m wearing my one good shirt. I won’t want to get it dirty. I have never been to this restaurant before. Anna picked the place, I don’t know if they have some sort of dress code or not. All the pictures on Yelp had people dressed nicely, no shorts or sandals, so I don’t want to take the risk. Not that I have ever heard of a restaurant kicking out a paying customer because they had a little dirt on their back... This is the only button shirt I own. I’ll stand, not worth the risk.

We talk for a while. We both laugh. Anna keeps talking about her school work. She hasn’t decided a major yet, but is taking a variety of classes. It's interesting to hear about. She is learning a lot of different things. Gets into arguments with people that challenge her world view. I think she enjoys having somebody completely disconnected from that world to rant to about it.

Focus, I have to tell her by the end of dinner. I promised Robert I would. I promised myself I would. I can't keep myself bottled up inside. She has to know...

I can't go home tonight without having told her. Not only would I be breaking a promise to myself, I'd be breaking it to Robert. He would never let me live it down. I'm being too timid. I need to be confident in myself. I can do this.

"I like that you wore the shirt." Guess it was a good thing I got dressed up! "Well, I honestly didn't know how fancy this restaurant was supposed to be..." "Oh not that fancy. I mean, the candles are nice and all. But, I didn't get all dressed up." She gestured to her t-shirt. I'm glad she didn't take us to a place that was too stuffy. Then I noticed she is wearing that awesome Pokémon Pink Floyd shirt. "I do love that shirt though!" "Thanks. I guess we're wearing each other's favorite outfit, huh?" I didn't realize she paid this much attention to fashion... "I guess so..."

She doesn't really know the real me. She thinks she knows me, but I keep hiding myself from her. How is she going to react when she finds out? She thinks I'm this nice normal guy. Is she going to be upset? Is it going to be the end of our friendship?

"You were saying?" She asked, keeping me on track. "Yeah... well. I want to tell you something. But, I am not sure how you're going to react." She smiled again, reassuring me. "It's ok. As I said, we're friends. What could you say to change that?" Lots, actually. But I don't say that. "Well, it's about me... And I guess it's also about Robert." Because of me, it's his secret too.

I wouldn't be telling her this if it wasn't for Roberts encouragement. Robert was the one who got me out of the house, meeting new people, making new friends. I am a more social person because of Robert. I am a better person because of Robert. Now, because of him, I'm going to tell her... "It doesn't matter." she says, out of the blue. "What?" I ask in reply.

"I don't know exactly what you're going to say, but I think I can guess." She says. Man, isn't she full of surprises? Maybe I haven't done as good of job hiding it as I thought. "You do?" I ask. "Yeah... I mean, I think I know. I want you to know, it's ok." I was worried for nothing! Robert was totally right! "Wow, I'm... so relieved."

I thought I was good at hiding my emotions. I thought I hid it well. I guess she sees right through me. The world probably see right through me. Everybody watching us probably knows. I am not as good at hiding as I thought I was.

"How's the meal? All set?" "We're fine." Anna replied quickly. "The food was great, thanks!" I added. "Will you be interested in desert?" "No thank you." Anna said. "Me neither, I'm full." That, and I don't want to have to pay for any more. "Well you let me know if there is anything else I can get you, or you're ready for the check!" "Thanks." I said as the waiter walked away.

"I promised Robert I'd say it out loud, explicitly. Do you mind if I say it?" She reached out and held my hand in support. I don't like making a public spectacle of myself. But, nobody cares about what we're talking about. It might as well be just the two of us in this whole place. Sitting together. Talking. Good friends...

I unlocked my red Prius, hopped in, and pulled out of the driveway. Why is Kimberly, and I presume Robert, so against Elliot and I dating? Shouldn't they be happy that I found love through them? She had no problem when I was hanging out with him just as friends... Ever since I told Kimberly I was going to ask Elliot out, she stopped talking to me about him or his roommate Robert. Maybe I have it wrong. Maybe Kimberly isn't secretly in love with Robert, but instead in love with Elliot? No, it's not like Kimberly to be the jealous type. Besides, she would have asked Elliot out by now if that were the case. Still, there is something there she hasn't been telling me. Maybe Elliot knows, and can tell me at dinner.

"Kimberly! I asked him out!" "Asked who?" "Elliot!" "Elliot? As in, Robert's roommate and BFF?" "Yeah! We're getting dinner tomorrow. It'll be our first official date!"

"You were saying?" I asked, probingly. "Yeah... well. I want to tell you something. But, I am not sure how you're going to react." He's so cute. "It's ok. As I said, we're friends. What could you say to change that?" Hopefully he wants to change that. I want to be more than just friends... "Well, it's about me... And I guess it's also about Robert." Robert, what does he have to do with this?

He's playing with his food! Maybe he doesn't like his salad? I guess he is more interested in paying attention to the conversation? Perhaps he's just not hungry? I hope nothing is wrong.

Maybe he had second thoughts. Maybe he doesn't actually want to go out with me. I've never been stood up on a date before. ...but I've never tried to date somebody like Elliot before. He's too sweet and nice to abandon me. He's probably running late. I was almost going to be late because of Kimberly. Maybe he was also fretting over what to wear? I hope he doesn't show up in a suit, and me in this t-shirt... I'd be so embarrassed...

"How's the meal? All set?" Ugh, the waiter again. "We're fine." Elliot chimed in "The food was great, thanks!" "Will you be interested in desert?" "No thank you." I replied quickly "Me neither, I'm full." Added Elliot. "Well you let me know if there is anything else I can get you, or you're ready for the check!" "Thanks." Elliot said as the waiter walked away.

I'm going to be non-traditional. I'm going to pick up the check for both of us! Why can't the woman be in charge? I'm the one who asked him out, I can pay the check too! I can afford it. He'll love going against tradition like that. I won't tell anybody if he won't...

Why is he bringing up Robert? Ugh, my worst fears were too. Robert has been holding him back! That meanie! Is it because Robert likes Kimberly, and doesn't want us to also be involved? Maybe it's because Robert actually likes me, I hadn't thought about that... "It doesn't matter." I find myself saying out loud. "What?" Elliot asks in reply.

I wish I could get him to talk about himself. Why is he so quiet? Maybe he is just too shy? Or... Kimberly was right, he doesn't really like me. Worse... Maybe he has a thing for Kimberly, not me! I should just tell him how I feel...

I am going to tell him that I love him. I have to. I feel it. Is that too soon? It doesn't matter, I have to tell him.

This is it! We're on a date! He's talking to me. We're dressed nice. We're at a romantic restaurant. Everything is going according to plan!

"Hello! I have a reservation. I'm Anna." "Right this way. For two, yes?" "Yes, he should be arriving very soon." "Would you like to order anything while you wait?" "No thanks, I'll look over the menu but I'll wait for him to get here to decide." "Alright. Let us know if you need anything!"

Walking in the door, I shouted in frustration. I thought she was late, but looking at the clock I saw I was still home earlier than I usually am. I heard my roommate Kimberly shuffling around things in the other room. She always kept things so messy. "Ducked out of class early! No time to talk, I have to get ready." Before giving Kimberly a chance to respond, I ran into my room. Tonight's the night!

We talk for a while. We both laugh. I'm having a really great time. We communicate so easily. He is such a good listener! I could talk with him for hours.

"Do you like our candle?" That's an awkward first thing to say... Agh, Anna, be more charming than that! "Oh, yes! Very nice. Hey, sorry I was late... I just-" "Don't worry about it! Take a look at the menu, I think you'll like this place." He's still panting, I need to reassure him everything's all right. Change of subject should work! "Ok then." he said after a moment, and started looking at the menu. I just kept staring into his eyes.

Charlena's is just down this street. Or at least, so says the GPS built into my Prius. It's a nice place, I went with my parents once. I wanted somewhere romantic, but not too fancy. Elliot definitely didn't seem like a "fancy" kind of guy. All the guys I knew in college were so full of themselves. Elliot's so down to earth. He's so... friendly. He actually talks with me, and wants to get to know me. He is not like those other guys who just try to make me listen to their opinions to try and impress me into liking them. Elliot inspires me. It's 2015, a girl can make the first move! I have never asked a guy out before. This makes me feel weird, like I'm breaking my gender role. Mommy and Daddy wouldn't approve of Elliot, that's for sure. Dad especially. He'd call him a "sissy" or something derogatory like that.

My alarm clock started to play my favorite song, and I woke up with a bright smile on my face. Today is the day I go on a date with Elliot! I've been looking forward to this day almost since the day we met. Tomorrow, everything will be different. By tomorrow morning, I may actually have a "Boyfriend"! I started to sing and dance in my room! Well, until my roommate Kimberly pounded on the wall telling me to shut up.

It's not like him to be late. Maybe he's taking the bus? Here is one coming now. ... Is that him in the window? I think I see him! ... No, it didn't stop. That wasn't him. I'm just nervous. He's only a minute late. He'll be here any second.

He's looking less flustered now. I think he's starting to get the hang of it. OH. MY. GOSH. Could this possibly be his first date? No way, a cute guy like him... He has to been on many dates before, right? Still, I've never heard Kimberly or Robert mention him having an ex, or even him dating anybody... I wonder...

Love is a strong word. But I love him! Ok, I think I'm in love with him. Love-at-first-sight kind of puppy love, at least. He's just... I can see us making such a great couple. I need to take a step back, I'm jumping the gun here... I don't want him to think I'm coming on too strong.

Ok, do I go with the dress, or the Pokémon shirt? My parents taught me that if I wanted to impress a date, I need to dress the part. I should go with the dress then, right? But, Elliot isn't like other guys. He's unique. He doesn't value the same things my parents would have. When we've hung out as friends, he always on how awesome my Pink Floyd Eevee shirt is... But if I dress normally, will he understand that this is our first real date, or will he think we're still just friends? Agh! I don't know what to do...

"I don't know exactly what you're going to say, but I think I can guess." I say, thinking quickly. He looked stunned for a moment, like I just told him his future or something. "You do?" "Yeah... I mean, I think I know. I want you to know, it's ok." "Wow, I'm... so relieved."

Suddenly, we both spoke at exactly the same time. "I have something to tell you." We both laugh. "Woah, that's funny." Elliot said. I giggled. "Yeah. You first." "You can if..." Quickly, I interrupted him. "No, I've been talking all night. Tell me what's on your mind."

This is it. This is where he tells me he loves me too. This is it. I keep daydreaming of our lives together. Wait, I can't get ahead of myself, I need to be present for this moment. I will remember this forever.

"I like that you wore the shirt." I said to him. It's so cute that he wore the same shirt to the Opera when we first met! "Well, I honestly didn't know how fancy this restaurant was supposed to be..." "Oh not that fancy. I mean, the candles are nice and all. But, I didn't get all dressed up." I gestured to my Pokémon Pink Floyd t-shirt. "I do love that shirt though!" Yes! He does like it! I'm glad I wore this one. "Thanks. I guess we're wearing each other's favorite outfit, huh?" "I guess so..."

"What would you like to order, miss?" "I'll have a New York steak, medium." I knew what I wanted before I walked in. It's my favorite! "And for you, sir?" "Oh, uh... Can I just get a salad?" Poor Elliot, he is that worried about his figure? He is already so skin and bones. I guess that's no surprise if he just orders salads.

"Hey there, I'm Steven. I'll be your server this evening. Just yourself?" "No, my friend... I mean, my date will be here soon. He's just running a few minutes late." "Ahh, a date! Would you like me to grab a fresh candle from the back?" "Why yes, that sounds lovely!" "Be right back. Anything else I can get for you in the meanwhile. Something to drink?" "No thanks, just the water is good." "You got it, be right back with that candle."

Ok, I'm wearing the Pokémon Pink Floyd nerdy shirt. Elliot will like that. Now I have to figure out my makeup... Maybe I should have paid more attention all those years when my mom was trying to teach me how to look pretty... No, this is silly. Elliot doesn't want to see me all dolled up with eye shadow. He wants to see me just like I am normally. Only now, it'll be different. We won't just be hanging out. We will be on a date! Kimberly knocked on the bathroom door. "You gonna be out of there any time soon?" "When I'm done!" I yelled back. "It's a special occasion, give me another minute." "Anna, before you go, we need to talk."

That Robert, holding him back. Why is it so hard for him to tell me he wants to date me? Unless... Maybe Robert threatened him in some way. Is he worried that people are going to be upset with him if we're together? Well, to hell if they are. We can face it. No matter what Daddy, Robert, or any of those bullies might say!

"You know you can tell me anything, Elliot." I need to be supportive, but not aggressive. Let him tell me how he feels. "I know. Thank you for that. You know I value our friendship above everything else, right?" He's worried I don't like him back! Is that what's troubling him? "As do I." Play it cool, Anna... "We'll always be friends, no matter what." Always? Maybe that's a little strong... "Good. Well, Anna, I have something I've been wanting to tell you..." I'm so excited!

He is so different than any other boy I've been on a date with. I feel like I already truly know him. Not once have I heard him make any cheesy pickup lines, or try to do any of that macho male dominance stuff. I truly want to get to know him more deeply.

Wait, did he order a salad because he wants to stay thin, or because he can't afford any better? I really don't know his money situation. He definitely didn't grow up like I did with all of daddy's wealthy friends. Maybe that's why he was nervous when he entered? Because he was afraid he'd have to pick up the check at a place this expensive? What do I do?

"Here's your steak miss, and for you sir the salad." "Thank you!" said Elliot right away. "Yes, thank you." I added in. "Is there anything else I can get you?" "No, we're good." I piped in. The waiter is just doing his job, but I want us to be alone.

"Listen, Anna. Don't get your hopes up." "And why, Kimberly, should I not? This will be the first actual date between Elliot and myself." "I've been friends with Elliot and Robert for a while now..." "Oh, Robert. He shouldn't be in charge of Elliot all the time, telling him who he can or cannot hang out with without him!" "No, that's not the case. Robert isn't holding Elliot back..." Kimberly sighed. "Yeah, I know. Robert's a great guy. Elliot's just shy, and he is really outgoing, so he kind of follows him around like a puppy." I have never talked to Kimberly directly about it, but I always suspected her and Elliot's roommate Robert might have a secret thing going on. If not, I am sure they'd both realize how good of a match they for each other eventually. I just need to be a bit more... aggressive than I usually am with Elliot to break him from his shell. "I think I just need to give Elliot a little push to get him some confidence. Oh crap, I'm going to be late. See you after!" "What? No, that's not what I was going to say..." I left the house before Kimberly could protest any further.

"I promised Robert I'd say it out loud, explicitly. Do you mind if I say it?" Robert wanted him to say it? What? Maybe he is talking about something else. I might have jumped to conclusions. I have no idea what he is going to say. I reached out to hold his hand. Both to support him, and to support myself.

"Yes, of course. Please, say it out loud." This is it. This will be the first time I've ever said these words out loud in public. I hope this doesn't go badly. If she does know... Maybe it would be easier if she said it first? Then I can just say "Yes." I just need to get this off my chest.

"Yes, of course. Please, say it out loud." This is it. What is he going to tell me? Does he want to date me? Does he love me? Is he going to tell me Robert and Kimberly are secretly going out? Is he secretly in love with Kimberly, not me? Maybe I should tell him first? At this point, I'm ok with any answer. I just need to know!

Well, that's up to you. You've gotten a chance to get to know Anna and Elliot by now. What do you think should happen next? Don't worry, there is no "right" option. No matter what you choose, somebody isn't going to be happy. Should [[Elliot speak first]], or should [[Anna speak first]]?

<<set $side = "e">>What should Elliot tell Anna? Should he [[tell her what he was planning to|Later that night][$ending = "tell her what he was planning to"]]? Would it be better to [[break his promise to Robert|Later that night][$ending = "break his promise to Robert"]]? Or should he let [[Anna be the one who speaks first|Anna speak first]]?

<<set $side = "a">>What should Anna tell Elliot? Should she [[tell him she loves him|Later that night][$ending = "tell him she loves him"]]? Would it be better to [[ask him to be her boyfriend|Later that night][$ending = "ask him to be her boyfriend"]] first? Or should she wait and [[Let Elliot say what he was going to say|Elliot speak first]]?

Time: 10:00pm <center> Anna </center> ---------- "I can't believe I'm this stupid." "Don't be so hard on yourself!" "How could you let me go through that?" "It wasn't my place to tell you." "Look, I don't want to talk about it now." "You can still be friends with him, right?" "Yeah. We will. We talked." "See? Not so bad." "I guess. Things will be ok." ---------- [[The End]]

Time: 10:00pm <center> Anna </center> ---------- "You were right." "So what did he tell you?" "What do you think?" "If I knew, I wouldn't ask." "Look, I don't want to talk about it now." "You do know... It's not you, right?" "He still wants to be friends." "That's good!" "Yeah. It is. Things will be ok." ---------- [[The End]]

Time: 10:00pm <center> Elliot </center> ---------- "You were right." "Told you. It's good to be honest with people, isn't it?" "Yeah, it is. You know what the best part is?" "What?" "I can finally start calling you my boyfriend." "I'd like that." "I knew you would." ---------- [[The End]]

Time: 10:00pm <center> Elliot </center> ---------- "I forgive you." "I hoped you would." "I know how hard this is for you." "I just... Don't feel safe. Not yet." "What can I do to make you feel safer?" "If I knew, I'd already feel safer." "Tomorrow is another day. Let's worry about it then." ---------- [[The End]]

Not all awkward dates have a happy ending for all parties involved. Still, everybody learns something. I hope you enjoyed playing the voyeur and listening to Elliot and Anna. If you're interested, you're welcome to play through again to hear the other person's thoughts. Either way, you should leave your feedback about this interactive short story! You can send an email to 4392252+AvinZarlez@users.noreply.github.com Any and all comments, critisms, questions, reviews, and feedback are both welcomed and extremely appreciated. Thanks for playing. -Avin

I looked up from my phone, and there he was. Just standing in the doorway. He looked so cute. He was wearing a nice, simple button shirt. The one I saw him wearing to the opera when we first met. He must have remembered! I gave him a little wave. Elliot just stood there looking at me for a moment, then smiled. It was a good idea to wear the t-shirt. I think he likes the way I look. He walked over to our table and sat down. His skin was red, like his heart has been racing. Poor thing, he is as excited about this as I am!

Time: <<print $time[$time_size]>> <center> <<if $side eq "e">>Elliot<<else>>Anna<<endif>> </center> ---------- ... ... ... ---------- [[Later that night, after the date|$ending]]