28AnnalieseCaprese HAS LOGGED IN
XanderHolloway HAS LOGGED IN
AC: Hi! Did you get the package? The post office said you should've gotten it by now.
XH: you're an angel.
AC: EHHHHH? What the heck are you talking about?!
XH: i mean it. you're an absolute angel. you have no idea how grateful i am to you.
AC: Um, it might help if you elaborate a bit...
XH: your package. your damned package.
AC: ...I'm confused. You said you're grateful and now you're saying mean things about my gifts for you :/
XH: sorry. i just didn't expect it. what you sent me.
AC: Oh, yeah. I wasn't sure what I wanted to send Danny, but then two days later I woke up in a baking mood, so I decided to make something yummy for you guys.
AC: Did Danny like it?
XH: did he like it? he fucking cried like a baby when i gave it to him and he found out who it was from.
AC: Oh, God. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Was he allergic to anything? I never took that into account. Or did they taste bad? Maybe he didn't like them? :(
XH: stop rambling for a minute. i'm going to tell you the story.
AC: Um...okay. So what happened?
XH: the second after i read the letter, i called the guys and told them to drag mr. depressed to my place. when they all showed up, i gave the danny the letter and told him to read it aloud.
AC: Ohhh. So then?
XH: the boy was really quiet when he finished reading. then he just stood up and grabbed his box from the coffee table. he opened it and stared at it for a good ten minutes.
XH: all the guys were looking into the box as well. toby really did beg danny for a muffin or five. jared was teasing danny about how some girl he didn't know sent him a box of desserts just for him. mark and liam were just laughing and calling him the luckiest man on earth.
AC: Wait, what about Tax?
XH: the dumbass was busy looking for my pie. of course i was smart enough to hide it where he couldn't find it.
AC: Haha, of course. As expected of Tax Montgomery, the clown of Mr. Xander's Gang for Delinquents.
XH: oi. we are not delinquents. if anything it should be called mr. xander's gang of sexy men.
AC: That was the lamest thing I've ever heard in my entire life. It makes me embarrassed to call you my friend.
XH: oh, just shut up and let me finish.
AC: As you wish, Your Highness.
XH: blehh. anyway, once danny was done staring he cried.
XH: apparently the kid was so happy that he burst into tears. he started apologizing for keeping us in the dark, how the whole situation was bullcrap, how he should've known better, yadda yadda. and then he finally smiled.
XH: you did it, liese. you saved our danny boy.
AC: Oh my gosh! I'm so glad he's feeling better! Oh, but it wasn't just me. It was mostly all of you guys! You guys are so supportive of one another. It's sweet :)
AC: So what happened next?
XH: we called him a gullible carpet-muncher.
AC: Forget about sweet. You're all so mean :(
XH: we are not. danny started laughing with us, still all teary-eyed, and agreed with us. this next part you won't believe.
AC: Why wouldn't I? Tell me what happened already!
XH: danny held the box over his head and said "thank you miss annaliese. for you, i will promise to be the best gay (happy) carpet-muncher this world has ever seen." and then the idiot dumped the entire box over his head and said "this is the sweetest shower i've ever had. thank you, my fair maiden annaliese."
AC: You're right.
XH: huh?
AC: I don't believe you. Danny wouldn't desecrate the food I worked hard to bake for him. He's nice.
XH: oh, don't worry. he and toby ate it. off the floor that is :)
AC: Oh, good! He ate them. That's all that matters.
XH: seriously? -_-
AC: Yes. I don't care if he took a shower. In fact, I applaud him for it. Spontaneity is always admired. You should've done the same with your pie as well.
XH: hell no. i ate that baby all in one go. best night of my life. there was no way i was going to waste even a bit of it.
AC: Oh, good! You liked it! I'm glad :)
XH: of course i liked it. one, it was delicious. two, it was made by your gorgeous capable hands.
AC: THEY AREN'T GORGEOUS. STOP COMPLIMENTING ME.
XH: aww you know you like it ;)
AC: YOU ARE EMBARASSING ME. STAHPPP.
XH: haha. whatever you say, sweetheart.
AC: MEHHH. Oh! You never told me. Did Danny actually LIKE the things I made for him?
XH: i think so. he and toby managed to eat all of it in less than ten minutes.
AC: What?! But I stuffed that Tupperware box until it was full! How could they have eaten all that in such a short amount of time?
XH: apparently it was so good they couldn't stop.
AC: Urgh. Boys. They don't slow down to savor the taste. Humph.
XH: i did. i would savor anything you offered me. absolutely anything ;)
AC: ...Pervert.
XH: what? me? a pervert? nahhhhh.
AC: Oh, really?
XH: well, maybe only toward you darling (^_^)
AnnalieseCaprese HAS LOGGED OUT
XH: god dammit.
XanderHolloway HAS LOGGED OUT
A 'Sort of Brief but Not Really' Interlude
"Where on Earth have you been, young lady?!"
"Mother! I-I was just—"
"Oh, spare your excuses! What good would they do anyone, let alone me? In this world, you must be direct and address everything with a firm response. Never skirt around the matter, understand?"
"Y—"
"Honestly, I don't know why you do this to me. I am your damned mother, for God's sake! Why do always strive to cause me misery? Are you trying to punish me for something I don't know about? Is that it?"
"No, mother! I would never do that. I-I can explain—"
"Do not stutter, child. I know I have taught you better than that."
"Yes, mother."
"Good. Now, answer my initial question. Where were you tonight? What is your reason for staying out this late?"
"I thought that since it was Saturday, I could go out with my friends to the movies. I promise I finished all my homework today!"
"And so you decided that it was alright to roam all over town without a care? Did you think you had earned the right to this sense of freedom?"
"Um...I thought—"
"The answer is no, child. You did not think. You simply chose to shirk your duties, the duties which I have reasonably laid out for you. For years, I have done my best to instill the traits of responsibility and obedience into you and you have defied me every single time. Do you think I deserve this lack of respect from my own offspring?"
"No, mother."
"And what have I told you about those 'friends' of yours? They are nothing but naïve children who dawdle in their own shadows and do nothing to propel themselves toward a bright future. And do you know why, child?"
"It's because they choose not to excel in their studies. They would rather spend their time playing and focusing their attention on material objects rather than sharpening their minds."
"Exactly. At least something has gotten through your stubborn brain. It's high time you realize that this sort of behavior is unacceptable in my household."
"I understand, mother. I won't go anywhere without your permission."
"No, you won't. There is no reason to attend frivolous activities which only serve to deteriorate one's conduct nor is there any time to do so. Besides, you always have homework to get done. Even right at this very moment."
"But I already told you. I finished—"
"Oh, really? So if I go up to your room, will I see a complete copy of your biology research paper?"
"Um...no, but the paper isn't due until next month."
"No excuses. I have always told you that your education comes first above all else. My mother never cared about my own education. She never gave any indication that she wanted a bright future for her own daughter. It took great self-discipline and determination to get to where I am today. I never faltered in my path.
"Unlike my mother, I take interest in your studies. I have shown you the rights and wrongs of life and I intend for you to use that knowledge in yours. Other children will undoubtedly succeed, but not without taking their time on a crooked pathway. I will have my own child climb the steps to her prosperous future. One straight staircase going up with no way down."
"Yes, mother. I'm going to do my best for you."
"You are not going to do your best; you will do your best. And I don't particularly care if you do it for me. Your education doesn't affect my life in the least. I would rather you do it for yourself. It's your own life. You should be able to control your own actions."
"Understood, mother."
"Good. I will assume you've already eaten on your little adventure away from home so I won't bother preparing dinner for you. Just go upstairs and get as much work done as possible before you sleep."
"I will, mother. Good night."
XanderHolloway HAS LOGGED IN
AnnalieseCaprese HAS LOGGED IN
XH: yo.
AC: Hi.
XH: so what's up?
AC: Not much.
XH: you sure?
AC: Yeah.
XH: how was school?
AC: Same as usual.
XH: anything new happen?
AC: No.
XH: ...anything interesting happen?
AC: No.
XH: ...any tedious things to complain about?
AC: No.
XH: alright, cut the crap annaliese. what the hell happened?
AC: What do you mean?
XH: i mean you sound fucking depressed. it must be bad if you aren't willing to even pretend to be happy.
AC: I'm not unhappy. I'm just thinking about something.
XH: that's bullshit and you know it. who was it?
AC: What are you talking about? Who are you referring to?
XH: the moron who's turned you into an emotionless zombie.
AC: I am not emotionless. If I was emotionless, then I would not be annoyed with you right now.
XH: seriously?
AC: Yes, seriously. I'm fine, Xander. Believe me.
XH: sorry, annaliese. but i'm not going to believe anything until you tell me what's wrong.
AC: And what if nothing is wrong?
XH: there's no possible answer to that question because something IS wrong.
AC: Urgh. You are so infuriating!
XH: that's a nice thing to call someone who's worrying about you. please continue.
AC: I didn't mean it like that. You're just getting on my case.
XH: ah hah! so there is a case after all. who's the offender?
AC: Hold your horses, Detective Xander. There's no mystery. I'm just tired. And frustrated. And angry at life.
XH: and that's where you're wrong, liese. you're not angry. you're scared.
AC: What? Why do you say that? I think I would know if I'm scared or not.
XH: because when you're angry, you cry and complain. you rant and rant until you're all out of breath.
XH: and then you start apologizing because you think you're acting like a selfish brat. which you aren't.
AC: That...sounds familiar.
XH: it should. i'm always the one who listens to your rants, remember?
XH: which i don't mind at all, to be honest. you're quite feisty when you get upset. it's kinda sexy.
AC: DON'T SAY STUFF LIKE THAT.
XH: but it's true ;)
AC: Gahhh. Fine then. Let's say I'm not angry, but what makes you think I'm scared?
XH: you're hiding from me.
AC: Huh?
XH: liese, we've been friends for about a year now. i'd like to think i can pick up on your characteristics by now.
XH: when you're scared, you hide yourself away. you put your emotions into this tiny box and hope no one notices.
XH: unfortunately for you, i have the key to that stupid box because i don't like how you're hiding. you're terrified, liese.
XH: i know you trust me, but sometimes you want to ignore the whole world, both real and virtual. and that includes me.
XH: i know you, liese. that might sound creepy, but it's the truth. i also know that you're crying right now.
AC: You're right. You are creepy. No one else would guess something like that behind a computer screen and be correct.
XH: what can i say? i'm just psychic :)
AC: I don't doubt it. Not even for a second. And I guess it's not too creepy, as long as you use your ability right.
XH: what's wrong, liese? please don't hide away from me. i want to help.
AC: ...Can I ask you a question?
XH: shoot.
AC: Um... how do you know if someone is confining you? Like not allowing you to experience the things you wish to? Or just observing and telling you what to do?
—:—
AC: Are you still there, Xander?
XH: yeah. sorry. i was just thinking.
XH: you want my opinion?
AC: Yes.
XH: you'd feel trapped. you would find yourself not being able to breathe. you'd be afraid to act on your own. every action of yours is examined under a magnifying glass. you'd find yourself apologizing for every mistake and every misunderstanding. it's your fault. every time.
AC: Uhh... and how would you live your life normally like that? I mean, if you were controlled or were expected to be a certain way?
AC: You get what I'm trying to say, right?
XH: yeah i do. as for how you would live your life normally... there's only one answer i can think of.
AC: What is it? Tell me! I want to know!
XH: no, you don't. because you can't. you can't live your life like that. if you have an ounce of self-respect, you can't.
AC: ...Why? Why not? Why can't there be a compromise? Why can't you be yourself and be the person others expect you to be?
XH: because you shouldn't have to sacrifice your happiness for others' selfish expectations of you. unless it's an expectation you sincerely want to fulfill for yourself.
AC: Please. Please tell me another way. You've got to know. You just have to.
XH: you can't be someone you don't want to be. that's the only answer i can give you.
XH: hey. liese. don't cry. god i wish i could be there for you but i can't. don't cry liese. it'll be fine.
AC: Shut up. Fine? You think it'll be fine?! It won't be fine! It'll never be fine!
AC: I hate this! I hate everything about this. I hate that everything I do is wrong. I hate that I have to be this way, and do this, and can't do this, and obey, obey, OBEY!
AC: I show respect! I show everyone respect! Because everyone deserves to be given respect. Everyone has a good side to them. Sometimes it's hard to see it, but I know it's there. Somewhere.
AC: And I try my best at everything I do! I don't do anything half-heartedly. I'm at the top of my class so I'm obviously not slacking off at school. I tutor kids as a part-time job. I even tried out for the tennis club on other people's demands. AND I HATE TENNIS!
AC: I hate everything. And you know what? I hate you too, Xander.
AC: I hate how you won't give me the answers I want. I hate how you destroyed my last shred of hope and turned it into dust.
AC: And I hate how you know me. I hate how you know how I act, I hate how you know I'm crying, I hate how you tell me the things I've tried to ignore.
AC: But you know what I hate the most? I hate that you care. I hate that you care about me more than my own family. I hate how you're the only one I can confide in. I hate that. Why does it have to be you?!
AC: Oh, God. Make it stop. Make it stop, Xander. JGIONEROJITHNERJKIHEOIREGHIERHHERIREGIHIRHIERO GAAAaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
XH: you're beautiful annaliese.
AC: ...Excuse me?! Did autocorrect mess up or something?
XH: there's no mistake. i think you're beautiful annaliese.
AC: What makes you think that? There's nothing beautiful about me. I'm ugly. I'm an ugly person. For goodness' sake, I told you I hate you!
XH: i don't think you've been told you're beautiful as often as you should've. and it's true. you really are beautiful liese. and for that reason i admire you.
XH: you make mistakes. you let yourself be pulled by the crowd and always end up falling flat on your face.
AC: Hey!
XH: but you always try again. you pick yourself back up and smile because there are always more opportunities. you don't have to be perfect. you think you do, but you don't.
XH: it's like you've been brainwashed to think there are requirements you have to fulfill each day. there aren't.
XH: i want you to do what you want to do. whatever makes you happy. and you should want that too.
XH: within limits of course. you're not allowed to drink, smoke, or have sex with random men. and no illegal activities either. i'll kill you if you do.
AC: ...
XH: what are you thinking?
AC: Hey, Xander?
XH: what?
AC: I think you're wonderful. I think you're the most wonderful person I've had the pleasure to meet as of yet.
XH: um what? I thought you hated me?
AC: Yes, I think I still do. You are a very annoying gang leader. Also, you go around and vandalize random buildings.
XH: that was just that one time!
XH: oh wait. never mind. uhh can we just go onto why i'm wonderful?
AC: You made me smile. No one's ever done that for me when I'm sad. It made me happy that you did. I'm glad I have you. Even though you're this awkward little boy who tries to act all tough-like.
XH: i resent that. i am the epitome of the rebellious male teenager with a bad addiction to marlboro. no awkwardness to speak off ;)
AC: Sigh. At least you don't smoke menthols.
XH: menthols are expensive liese. i may be killing my lungs but i'd like to save some money while i do so.
XH: but i'm relieved. i don't like it when you're sad. or scared. i never want you to have to experience those emotions if i can help.
AC: You made fun of me when I told you I cried when Mufasa died -_-
XH: did i really? how strange. maybe because i was shocked that you still watch disney movies.
AC: Excuse you, but the Lion King is a very important part of my childhood and I refuse to let it go. And it was probably important in yours too.
XH: yes, but unlike you, i don't continue to watch them up to this very day. and i, unlike you again, have matured since my pre-puberty days.
AC: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA! XD
XH: what?
AC: You called yourself mature! Mature! Hahaha! :D
XH: shut up.
AC: Haha, I'm sorry. Okay, I got to go.
XH: don't leave me :(
AC: You'll survive. Good night, Xander. Thank you for everything. Really.
AC: You've taught me something. Even though you can't control your life to the extent that you wish you could, you can still make the best of it and laugh. No one can take away your ability to laugh.
XH: you're so sappy. and you're welcome. goodnight sweet pea. dream only of me tonight.
AC: Weirdo.
AnnalieseCaprese HAS LOGGED OUT
XH: note to self- find some way to get to liese's house while she's at school and torture and/or murder the bitch a.k.a. liese's mother.
XanderHolloway HAS LOGGED OUT