Current Events > CYOA: You are a normal person looking for normal friends

(+) Yeah! (+)

B

but still secret fuck you Allie
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But of course B
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uppity
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double uppity
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B) Hug Her

H-hold on, she says as she braces herself, No one in their right mind would dare--

With full force, you throw your hands forward...and embrace her with all you got.

The memories explode out like colorful fireworks, swimming around like the northern lights. They then gather around you and Allie, re-manifesting into humanoid figures and embracing the both of you in a warm, giant group hug.

Tears run down Allies face. Why? Why a hug?

...Sorry, I probably missed a social cue, You say as you close your eyes. Besides, from the beginning, I just wanted us to be friends!

She starts crying harder as she slowly wraps her arms around you. Im sorry

Suddenly, the two of you start dropping from the sky since Allie stops putting in effort on flying.

Its been far too long since Ive felt warmth like this, she says weakly. Thank you, Lee.

Youre sweating a bit as you watch clouds fly by you during your increasingly speedy descent. Oh, yeah, no sweat. Hey, are we about to die?--

But, I cant fight the world, Lee she says, still closing her eyes. Even if this eases the pain, I simply cannot find the confidence to defy the will of the world.

You clutch unto her tighter for your life. Oh yes, fight the world and all that, yep, oh yeah will of the world nice, yup.

A bird zooms past you, jolting you to squeeze Allie tighter.

She squeezes back. The world doesnt deserve you, Lee! Here you are showering me with so much warmth! And here I was, traumatizing you, a young boy, and I never even apologized for it!

Your eyes dart left and right. More clouds whizz past you. Mmhm yup apology accepted, really! I mean, now that you say it, yeah it was kinda fucked up to show me how my friend dies a thousand times but seriously its cool! So, is there a trampoline at the bottom or--

She starts bawling. Youre just way too nice Lee!!! I cant keep moping like this, youre right! I have to fight the world!--

The two of you crashland in the center of the school courtyard.

Through the smoke, you hear some students voices.

Whoa, holy shit, is that the meteor?? says a random girl.

Yo, you think there are aliens on it? says a random dude.

With a gigantic flap of her six wings, Allie clears out the smoke. Cmon, of course we wouldnt die--

She gets interrupted by the collective gasps and whoas of the students around her. As she looks around, her breathing gets more and more frantic. Oh no...no no no...not again

In her eyes, all she sees are the cautious and fearful looks of all the students. And for a brief moment in her eyes, she vividly sees Lynns terrified face, the remnants of which are plastered on each of these individuals.

Just then, a cloud of purple smoke appears. Through it, the silhouette of a girl with a pointed hat can be seen.

She twirls her oar around, clearing the smoke, then slams her oar to the ground.

The students fear slightly transform into confusion, but are still mostly reluctant and frightened.

She then takes out her phone and snaps a picture with her and Allie in the frame, captioned, YOOO THEY MADE JESUS INTO A REAL THING

One of the students stare at her quizzically. Hey weirdo! What the hell are you doing?! Are you trying to die?!

She puts away her phone and stares at all the students with a confident smile. Weirdo? Im just a normal person with normal friends.

Suddenly, someone flies in from above. He stands with his back facing you and covers you with his bat-like wings.

The students start to back away. Oh my god, theres more of them?!--

HEY! Drake yells, taking out a ketchup packet and biting into it. The hell are yall afraid of? My homeboy Lee? Me? Im just a normal dude with normal homies!
---

Another person flies in between Naomi and Drake, spreading her bird-like wings to help cover you.

Oh my god, a student says, the librarians a freak too?!

Meg adjusts her glasses. A freak? The real freaks are, like, all of you who still havent returned what you borrowed. Im just, like, a normal human surrounded by normal people.

From the crowd, a certain girl meekly walks out and stands by you, spreading her arms out to help cover you. However, as she approaches, she seems to be fluctuating in her...opacity.

Who the hell is that?! Is she one of them too?! someone shouts.

All of you, shut the hell up! Iris shouts to the crowd, in a volume that is actually shouting to you rather than the usual quietness she perceives as normal. Why do you call us freaks? Is it because of the wings? The pointy hat? The invisibility? News flash, you unpeeled potatoes; nobody should give a rats ass about those things! Theyre just another trait we have! Just like having curly hair! Just like being fat! None of that makes us weirdos!

She pounds her fist against her chest. I! Am a normal person, surrounded by normal friends!

A moment of silence ensues.

Suddenly, a familiar-looking girl emerges from the crowd; you remember her name as Jamie. She closes her eyes and sprouts out a pair of cat-ears and a tail. Um! Im just a normal girl who catfished her boyfriend!

As she says that, a guy emerges as well, sprouting scales and gills. Im a normal dude who catfished his girlfriend back!

Another guy emerges, revealing the bottom half of his body to be part-horse. Im just a normal guy who hacked the school wifi to play Cool Math Games on my phone.

The students all start coming out, one by one revealing their unique and outlandish traits.

This is mixed with students who simply come out with seemingly everyday traits, such as being able to move their ears or having hazel eyes.

All across the school, you can hear the words, Im just a normal person with normal friends!

Allie looks around; her breathings calmed down as her anxiety gets funneled into confusion. What is this? Whats going on?

From the crowd, Drakes mom approaches with her wings out. She kneels next to the fallen Allie and extends her hand out. Acceptance. Something our generation couldnt receive.

Allie stares at her hand, then back around at the crowd. Daisy...did you do this?

The hand she extended suddenly swings out into a light slap to Allies face. Of course I did. I worked towards this job for a reason; so that one day, I could see us abnormals walk with humans.

Just then, another woman runs in from the courtyard entrance, panting in exhaustion as she runs up to Iris. Oh my god, darling, I saw the meteor and I just had to make sure you were safe--

Allies eyes widen as she sees the woman. ...Rana?

Rana stares back with the same shocked expression. Allie! Daisy! She runs up to them and gives them both a hug. Its been way too long!

Another person runs in from the courtyard entrance.

Mom? you say to her, What are you doing here?--

She runs up to you and hugs you. Oh Im so glad youre safe! I thought for sure this school was a goner when the meteor hit it! Speaking of, where is it?

...Lynn?! The other three older women shout in surprise as they stare at your mom.

She looks back at them; her eyes widen at the sight of Allie. As if on instinct, she sprints up to her as fast as she could and embraces her tightly. Allie...All of you, Im so sorry! You guys trusted me and I--

The rest of the group simply join in the hug and start crying together.

The students as well, as they come out to each other, all give each of their friends some hugs.

And finally, all your friends run up to you and pile unto you into a group hug.
---

We missed you so much, Lee! they all say.

You smile and accept their embrace.

Today, you drank BanApple, confronted God, and smile as youre surrounded by the entirety of the school hugging each other.



You stand in front of the mirror, located in the girls bathroom.

Daisy, are you really sure this will work? says Allie who puts her hand on your left shoulder.

Of course! You wanna know the real dumb reason why Angels and Demons are told not to get along? Because if they did, then theyd have the power to destroy the sun! Daisy says as she puts her hand on your right shoulder. And right now, we have a second sun to fix. Lee, please put your hand on the mirror.

You nod and do so nervously; your hand trembling a bit against the cold mirror. Youre not sure if youre ready to look at one right now after coming out of this same one thousands of times and seeing the same horror over again.

Both of them close their eyes and start focusing on something.

A golden aura emits from Allies body, which flows over to you.

At the same time, a crimson aura emits from Daisy, also flowing over and mixing in with the gold.

They both grasp your shoulder more firmly. To the will of the world, we have only three words to say

Suddenly, their auras burst out into great streams of light intertwining with each other and surrounding you.

...Fight! The! World!!! they scream, which cause the auras to completely engulf you and the entire bathroom.

Youre overcome with warmth. Whispers of Leahs voice echo through your ears, but heard only in reverse.

The auras dissipate.

Behind the mirror, the hand that should be against yours suddenly moves. You tear up and lay your forehead against the mirror. Leah...is it really you?

Allie pats you on the back as she walks out the bathroom. Well give you some privacy.

Daisy follows her out.

She mirrors you, ironically. Yeah. Youre looking better. Was I able to save you after all?

You saved me since we first sat together, dumbass! you say sarcastically.

She chuckles. Stop copying me.

You take your other hand and also lay it against the mirror. Hey Leah...everythings fine now, right?

She reciprocates with her other hand against yours. Yeah...everythings fine.

She looks to the side, then back to you. I think other girls are coming in. I gotta go, Lee. She smiles at you. Its really nice to see you again. In fact...its just nice to see again.

You smile back. Yeah. Ill be seeing you around...partner.

She grins at you for a moment before walking away. Your reflection slowly fades back unto the mirror.



You get up and get ready for another school day. Except, todays not a school day. In fact, todays the weekend.

As you get to the dining table to get some food, you see a note and two tickets to what seems to be a nearby newly opened amusement park.

The note reads: Breakfast is in the fridge, just heat it up sweetie! :) Also, I got these from work! Im too busy to go, so feel free to use them or give them to someone else. Maybe you could invite a friend to a date ;)

You redden up a bit after reading that.

Just then, someone knocks on the door.

Opening it up, you see that it's Drake.

"Sup bro, been a wild week, huh? Listen, me and Meg are 'boutta hang out at that new amusement park down the street--" His eyes stumble upon what you're holding in your hand. "Yoooo you already got tickets?! Shid bro, who you goin' with? We should hella make it a double date!"

Bonus round: Who do you contact?
A) Iris
B) Naomi
C) Leah (somehow)
D) Nobody
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B for witch waifu.
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A
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B

B so she can do magic and we can bring everyone.

:3
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C
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A

This story was soo entertaining
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TC, would you consider archiving this on the CYOA board? You can do it yourself or I can do it for you if you want :)
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i'll probably archive it like the other ones i finished @teepan95
aerial assault, right? or do you also mean the CYOA community board?

that said, i still technically have one more update to go for this story then i can actually call it finished :)
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aerial assault, yeah
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B
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bumpity
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another bump; the update is almost ready though
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B) Naomi (Bonus Arc)

For some reason, the first person to pop into your mind is Naomi. Probably because shes the first person you met in this school, and that shes helped you out so much.

You take out your phone and send her a picture of your tickets.

...You realize that just sending her a picture of this wont tell her much. Maybe you should--

She quickly replies with a selfie of herself in pajamas, looking like she just woke up with disheveled hair and groggy eyes. Despite that, she tries to smile in the picture.

Its then followed by a message saying, lol is this perhaps an invitation to a date? or just showing off?

Um...its an invitation, you reply.

For a bit, theres no response. You gulp with nervousness. Did you fuck up? Maybe missed a social c--

...oh. sure. Ill pick you up in 5, she replies back.

You smile and look up from your phone. Looks like Im going with Naomi!

Drake gives you a thumbs up. The witch chick? Nice, bro.

Meg tugs on his sleeve. We should arrive there soon if we wish to avoid a long line.

Oh shit, youse right! He waves at you as he starts walking away. Aight bro, well meet you there!

Meg nods at you with a small smile. It is nice to see you are well, Lee. Well be enjoying your company there, she says before following after Drake.



You and Naomi get to a parking spot. As the two of you exit the car, you actually get a good look at her. It doesnt look like she had much time to fix up her hair, but it kind of adds an odd charm to her.

But more importantly, shes not wearing her hat. This is the second time youve seen her without it. Coupled with the fact that shes dressed really nicely, youd think that she wasnt a witch.

You walk up to her with a smile. You look really really pretty, Naomi!

She looks away, slightly red. Honest as always, arent you. She fixes her bangs up. So, just so were on the same page, this IS a date, right?

You ponder for a bit, realizing that you dont actually understand what a date is. You think back to before, when you were hanging out at the mall with Iris and having fun. She called that a date, right? If so

Yeah, its a date! you say with a strong nod.

She reddens up even more, fanning her face with her hands, then calms down with a breather. Well, thank you for inviting me, Lee. Shall we, then? she says as she holds out her hand to you.

You stare at it. Uh...are you trying to give me something?

She blinks, then retracts her hand. Oh, I guess I forgot it, haha-- She turns away from you. Oh my god Im so bad at this, she mumbles to herself.

As the two of you get near the crowded amusement park line, you instinctively grab the hand she retracted. There sure are a lot of people here

She internally screams. Oh yeah, I suppose we wouldnt wanna be separated, huh? she remarks awkwardly.

You realize that you grabbed her hand and quickly let go. Uh, my bad, I only ever went to places with my mom and Id usually--

She grabs it back. Its fine. You can keep your hand here, she says meekly.

Holy shit, this feels totally weird. You held hands with Leah before, but this is way different than that.

...

After a bit of waiting, the two of you finally get admitted into the park grounds and meet up with Drake and Meg. They greet you two for a short while, then quickly go off to do their own thing.

Effectively making this a single date rather than a double date.

Naomi immediately glows up with excitement and drags you by the hand to a bunch of roller coasters and thrill rides, which is apparently her favorite.

You learn today that roller coasters are in fact, absolutely not your favorite.
---

Although in practice, it doesnt seem to be Naomis, either. She looks scared shitless in every roller coaster she gets on.

As you get off one of the roller coaster, Naomi leans against you for support, looking like shes about to faint.

Are you sure youre fine riding these? you ask.

She takes a breather. FUCK YE--er, of course. I dont get many chances to experience emotions, since Im usually busy working with magic.

Still leaning on you, she grabs your hand again and holds it up. This is a new emotion for me too.

You redden up and look away. Oh. Uh. Glad I could brighten your day.

Her eyes light up at the sight of a peculiar tent. Its large sign reads, Hall of Mirrors.

The moment you spot it, you break into a cold sweat and start breathing more laboriously.

Hey, Naomi says as she holds your hand tighter and looks at you straight in the eyes. Its okay. Shes alive now, okay?

Your breathing slows down a bit. Right...everythings fine now. Thats what she said.

Do you wanna try going in? I wont force you.

You take another deep breath. Y...yeah. Im fine. Thanks. Lets go!

...

The two of you enjoy some time in the hall of mirrors, as well as bunch of other attractions such as the bumper cars.

...We dont talk about Naomi at the bumper cars. Consider it mercy that nobody died. Physically, at least.

There were other booths that you guys took part in too, such as a shooting gallery thats clearly rigged. But not for Naomi. She effortlessly shoots down all the targets.

The part-timer behind the counter drops his jaw, then goes to grab the first prize giant teddy bear.

But Naomi raises her hand and shakes her head. Id like the third prize instead, please, she says as she points to a small racoon keychain with a leaf on its head.

The guy scratches his head and hands her the keychain. Youre a pretty fine shot, miss. I dont suppose I could get your number--

She wraps her arm around you. Sorry, Im already with somebody. Thanks for the plushie, though!

She then walks with you down the streetlit path. Lee, could you show me your phone real quick?

Uh, sure, you say, taking it out.

She attaches the keychain to it with a small bit of string. Consider it my thank-you gift. And I suppose...my farewell gift.

You raise an eyebrow. Farewell? What are you talking about?

The sun starts to set and the crowd starts to thin out.

As the sky darkens, the rides start to light up. Naomi points to the ferris wheel, showing off its grandiosity in the center.

Not saying a word, the two of you walk over to it and sit in one of its cabins, with you two sitting next to each other.

It starts to move, just as Naomis mouth does. Lee...you know that Im a senior, right? And graduation is right around the corner.

Oh. OH. Holy shit. Youre right. The years almost over, you say as you lay your head against your fist.

She looks out the window with a bittersweet expression. Its been both a long and a short year, hasnt it?

You follow her gaze and also look outside. Yeah, it sure is. What are you gonna do after graduation?

Who knows. Maybe I should take up culinary, as president of the cooking club. Well...soon to be ex-president.

You look to the floor. Im gonna miss you, Naomi.

Your cabin finally reaches the top, filling up the window with a view of the wonderful city lights.

She closes her eyes and throws her arms around you. Im gonna miss you too, Lee...thank you so much for being my friend. Thank you for treating me like a normal person. Ive long accepted Im strange, but with you, none of that matters.

You embrace her back. Im really glad were friends too, Naomi!
---

She lets go of you and opens her eyes.

All you can see is her looking at you longingly as the view behind her shows even more city lights.

She takes off her ring and leans towards you. Hey Lee...do you wanna see a magic trick?

You gulp. Youre not sure whats about to happen next, but you get a weird feeling about it.

She leans closer as she brings her ring to the side.

You close your eyes instinctively.

What follows is the sound of something tapping the floor, and then the sound of popping and mild booming.

You opens your eyes and look to the side, only to be mesmerized by the sight of fireworks setting off in the sky.

While you were fixated on that, you felt something soft and warm peck your cheek.

You redden up and look to Naomi. What was

She covers her face with her oar. If you have to ask, then who knows.



Naomi arrives at your doorway and sets the car to park. I had fun today, Lee. Thanks for being my first date.

You blink. Wait. Youre a senior, arent you? And youre like, really good at everything. AND youre pretty!! Surely youve been asked out before?

She shakes her head, reddening up a bit at your compliments. I never really talked to anyone. Even in my classes. And conversely, nobody really talked to me. She plays around with a lock of her hair. But thank you, Lee. I didnt think you thought that highly of me.

You look to your knees, unsure of what else to say. So...are we dating, then?

She looks up to the sky in thought. Well...sorry Lee. Today made my heart skip a beat. But...I think we should get to know each other a little better before actually dating. And I think Ill be pretty busy trying to get used to whats after high school.

You look to the side. Oh. Okay. Um. Are we still friends, then?

She smiles at you. Of course! Oh, I wanted to invite you to my graduation ceremony earlier. I dont think you need a ticket for it.

You light up. Id love to! Ive never seen a high school graduation before!

She lays her chin against the steering wheel. Well, I dont think its anything fancy. But hey, Ill be looking forward to seeing you there. Have a good night, Lee.

You smile at her. Yeah, good night, Naomi!



< EPILOGUE >

The next school day.

You run into Naomi on your way to school as she drives by you. You could only exchange a greeting, as shes apparently busy with finals and graduation preparation.

Then later. English class.

You arrive earlier than everyone as usual.

And Iris arrives earlier than you as usual, waving at you with a smile. Sup Lee. Hey, look over there!

You look behind you. Uh, nothings there-- looking back to her seat, shes gone. Iris? Whered you go?

Behind you, silly! she says as she pokes your back.

You turn to face her, only to see her slightly translucent. Whoa, Iris, is the curse back?!

So, heres the cool thing! She puts puts her hand on the table...except it phases through. Mom told me I actually have ghost powers, like she did! She didnt think that Id inherit it, but all that matters is, it was never a curse, Lee! I guess all that witch did was bring out these powers I never knew I had.
High five! she says as she holds up her hand.

Oh, thats pretty awesome! you say as you go to high-five her, but your hand ends up phasing through hers.

She looks to the side, chuckling awkwardly. Well, I still dont really know how to use them properly. And my mom forgot how to use hers so she cant help me with it.
---

She goes back to her seat and looks out the window. Still, I cant help but feel like I got robbed of a childhood, just because of these powers. She looks at her hand with melancholy. I dont really know if I wanna even use them at all...since theyre the cause of that invisible hell.

You sit next to her, as usual. Were you really robbed, though? You seemed fine just having your mom and games. And didnt you say you got it from your mom? Maybe you can think of it like a gift from her!

She chuckles. I guess youre right. She turns to you with a serious face. But even MORE importantly...do you have your semester paper ready?

You take a peculiar paper out of your bag. Yeah, the essay we were assigned at the beginning of class, right?

She also takes out a paper. Yup! Youre gonna love what I wrote about you!

You lean towards her, trying to get a glimpse of it. Ooh, what did you write?

She quickly hides it away. Well. Its a secret. I may read a lot, but that doesnt mean Im good at writing. All you need to know is that its about a very friendly, very straightforward guy.

You scratch your head. Well, alright. Ill respect your secrets. Do you wanna read mine, then? you say as you offer it to her.

Sure! She grabs it with glee. Hmm...Iris is a girl who loves her mom very much. She also likes video games.

She chuckles. Lee, are you sure this is a narrative essay and not a descriptive one?

She looks back to the paper and continues. Most of all...shes my great, dear friend. Shes gone through so much and I

Tears start forming in her eyes. I wouldnt*sob* ...trade our friendship for the world. Literally. She sobs again and wipes her eyes. Shit. Sorry. Give me a *sob,* give me a moment.

You reach your hand out. Are...are you okay?

She sobs a bit more. Oh god...Lee, if I was Mr. Fisch, I think *sob* I think Id give you a C.

You look to the side, dejected. Oh. It was bad enough to get you to cry?

She jumps out of her seat to embrace you. Are you fucking kidding me?! As your friend, Id give you an A plus plus-- Her powers kick in, causing her to phase through you and fall on her face. She gets up and walks back to her seat, rubbing her nose. Im fine. Thank you, Lee. I wouldnt trade our friendship for two Nintendo Switches.

You chuckle. What about three, then?

She giggles back. Tempting, but of course Id still say no.

More students start to show up to the classroom, ending this small, fleeting moment of intimacy that you get with Iris.

But then again, its these personal moments that really get you to look forward to English class.



After school.

You head to the library for a few reasons, one of which being...

Meg waves at you. Salutations, Lee. It has been a while. Are you finally here to return Naruto volume 56?

You take it out of the bag. Haha, this time Im prepared!

She takes it and scans it. Wonderful. Now, do you have volume 55 as well?

You rummage your bag. Hm. Shit.

She glares at you for a moment, but then turns it into a smile. Ill overlook the late fee for now. Just return it before the end of the year.

You light up. Really? Aw, thanks Meg! You look around. Drakes not here today?

She goes back to looking at her computer. He is currently with his mo...er, the principal. Did you need an audience with him?

Nah, its not urgent. I can see him any time. You say as you lean against the counter for a bit, staring at Meg.

She nonchalantly continues typing. Did you need anything else?

Youre a really great librarian, Meg! And a great friend, too!

She stops typing and looks away from you. ...Like, wheres this coming from?
---

You grin. No reason. It just came to my head is all.

She faintly smiles. Well, youre certainly a fantastic friend as w--

Awww how adorable! a girls voice rings out from under the counter. Out pops Allie. Dont forget, Lee, this ones taken. You wouldnt wanna piss off the principals son, wouldja?

Your face droops a little. Oh. I cant compliment friends if theyre taken?

She chuckles. Nah, Im kidding. Of course you can.

Just then, Drake and his mom walk into the library. They hug at the entrance before she sends Drake off to run to the counter.

Oh shiddd, its ya boy, Lee! he says as he slaps you on the back. How you holdin up, bro?

You put a hand behind your neck. Ive been good! Im glad you here, cuz I wanted to tell you something.

He leans closer to you. Lets hear it dude, Im all ears!

Youre a brotastic friend, Drake! you say with a big smile.

He reddens up and glances at Meg, whos also red from your previous attack. They then both laugh as Drake pats you on the back more. Thats whats up, bro. This is why were homies.

In the background, Allie and Daisy look at you three with nostalgia.

So, Allie begins, thats the kind of youth we could have lived with Lynn, huh?

Yeah, guess so, Daisy says as she leans against the counter. Lynn raised a good kid.

Allie smiles, then bops Daisys head. Still making students lives miserable?

She bops her head back. First of all, its the governments fault that schools cant have nice things. Second, I dont think Im paying you to insult your boss, Ms. Librarian.

Ass, pay me more then. Buy my silence, she says sarcastically. ...Any sign from Yumi?

She looks to the side with worry. Nothing. I faintly sense her somewhere, though. She might be in town.

I can feel her too. I really miss her.

Yeah. You too, assface; I missed being casual with you, Daisy says with a grin.

Allie grins back. How boss-like of you.



Home.

You go to the bathroom and wash up your face after a long--

So, how was school today? a certain girls voice calls out from the mirror.

You wipe your face. Oh, Leah! Today was good. But its even better now that youre here, cuz that means I got to see all my friends today!

She smiles. Thats good! I also saw all my friends today.

Your mouth opens up. You made friends over there?!

She scratches her head. Well. Not yet. I met up with this worlds version of your friends. But for now, were acquaintances.

Oh. Then whos the friend you saw?

She pokes the mirror. You, silly. I just wanted to say

...Youre a really great friend! you both say in unison. Then pause in unison. Then laugh in unison.

Hey, you begin, I still have that drawing you did of all of us earlier. I dont think I got the chance to say it, but youre a really good artist!

She grins. Thanks. But I think you mean, WERE really good artists.

Then, a knocking rings out from her end.

Oh, Leah says frantically, I think thats mom. Gotta go. Ill see you tomorrow though, Lee!

Okay, see ya! ...Wait, hold on.

Hm?

You tap your fingers on the sink. Is your mom still mean to you?

She pauses for a bit. Well, shes trying her best, in her own way. Gotta stay positive, right?

Yeah, but...you dont have to be positive all the time, yknow? Life isnt a race to be the happiest person on earth. If youre still stuck sitting at the starting line, Ill gladly sit with you til youre ready to run again.

She starts to tear up as she leans her head against the mirror. ...Im so tired of running, Lee. So, so tired.
---

You lean your head against hers, even if there is a mirror between you two. Its okay. You can rest now.

Yeah, but *sob* then what? Ill run again, running laps, and Ill still be running back here to the starting line. Its all so tiring, Lee.

Its okay. Im proud of all the laps youve done so far.

...Thank you...Is it okay if I rest a little longer here with you?

You nod.



Graduation.

Will the valedictorian please come up to the podium and give her commencement speech, the principal says.

Naomi gets up, bows, and walks up behind the podium. Ah, uh, ahem. So, I was supposed to have a paper here, where I would have read my speech from. Sadly, I dont think it actually existed. So lets just all pretend I did write it and you were all touched by a deep speech.

You clap from the bleachers, but realizing that no one else is clapping, you stop.

The principal clears her throat.

Naomi adjusts her shirt collar. You know, I think this paper is a good metaphor for what follows after graduation. Many things that youll have a plan for. And then when youre up here, on a podium, thinking your plans great, you dont actually have a plan. And so youre left winging it. Are you gonna wing it with great results? Well, you can look to me for an example.

The principal REALLY clears her throat.

...Ah, to hell with it. She steps off the podium and stands in the center. She then takes off both her rings, causing her oar and hat to poof into existence.

She twirls her oar around and slams it on the ground as she stands with a very firm stance. All of you! she bellows without the assistance of the podium mic. Nay, all of US are strange in some way! But that doesnt have to be a flaw!

She points her oar to the ceiling, charging it up with a purple glow. If nothing should be taken at face value, then why are we born with one?! So we can hide it to the world?! A blast of fireworks erupt from the tip of her oar. Let eccentricity be your sword! Cut down those who dare force you into a mask!

The fireworks get wilder; one of which explodes into the shape of a .

This world is unkind! But all of us here can make it kinder! She screams as the fireworks go haywire, blowing up the ceiling into smithereens. Fight the world!!!

The entire crowd pauses in silence. All that can be heard is the faint crackles of whats left of the burning ceiling.

And then, everyone erupts into loud, reverberating cheering.

The principal buries her face into her hands. Oh my god, the fire department is so gonna kill me

Suddenly, her phone rings amidst the noise.

Before she could pick it up, the ceiling starts magically piecing itself back together.

Out of nowhere, an unknown person in long robes sits next to you; their large hat shrouds their face, but you can faintly see that their hand is up to their ear.

Naomi finally picks up her phone. Hello. This isnt really a good time, so could you call b--

Congrats, kiddo, the figure says. Im proud of you. Really, really proud of you.

Immediately, Naomi falls to her knees and starts tearing up. ...Thanks.

Sorry I havent been there for you as much as I should have, the figure continues. Ive been busy trying to cure our curse.

Its okay Naomi says weakly. ...well, its not actually okay. But thanks for coming to see today, at least.

Of course.

I just *hic* well, I graduated.

You sure did, kiddo.

She closes her eyes and smiles; one more tear rolls down her cheek. Thats all I wanted to say.

Thats all I needed to hear, the figure says as they hang up.
---

Naomi then cries her heart out, center stage.

You stare at this person next to you. Um! Excuse me, are you...Naomis mom?

The figure adjusts her hat, revealing a bit of her face which looks just like her daughters. She raises her arm, letting her sleeve roll down a bit and revealing a peculiar wooden spoon.

With a flick of her wrist, the last piece of the ceiling returns. She then covers her face with her hat once more. ...Who knows, she says as she tips her hat.

Yumi!!! the principal shouts as she runs up to the edge of the stage.

She tips her hat at Daisy as well, before vanishing into smoke.

Daisy also falls to her knees. We miss you, you son of a bitch

Mr. Fisch then walks up to the podium amongst all the chaos. Well, since nobody here is available, Ill be the one to say it: Congratulations, all of you, for graduating!



The ringing of the school bell echoes through the hallway as everyone steps out of the classroom.

You sip on your BanApple as you open the hallway doors; sunlight bellows unto you as the sight of the courtyard fills your vision.

On a nearby bench, you see, Drake, Meg, and Iris waving at you.

On your way to them, you pass a puddle. In its reflection, you briefly catch a glance of Leah also walking by.

As you keep walking, a leaf from a familiar tree falls by your feet.

Its finally the end of the first day! ...Of your second year of high school.

...And youve made some great friends.
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So, how's THAT compared to the Slime CYOA and Demon Lord CYOA?!

Admittedly, as a CYOA, I didn't provide many "good" options this time around. It was mostly a bunch of obvious choices.

Thanks to everyone for joining me on this ride. I'm really glad for the high amount of participation that happened. It's all your votes that kept me going.

Any questions in the aftermath? Loose ends I forgot to tie? I'll gladly answer them. But for now, I'm not really sure what else to put in these post-story monologues.

If you wanna be tagged for the next CYOA (which I have no idea what or when itll be) lemme know! Or if you have ideas for what the next one should be about, go ahead and shoot em!
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:D
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Tag me please!

This was great! Thank you!
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Very funny and well written as always. Only issue I had is one you already mentioned, that being there were too many "correct" choices, but on the other hand it was also nice to just have a nice and focused story to kill time with, so that's probably a necessary evil considering some of the great CYOAs I've seen purge. I would also like to be tagged for the next one.
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Also yeah, tag me too.

Great work mate.
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*LOUD VIGOROUS CLAPPING*

caps
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I'd like a tag to. Looking forward to the next one.

I loved it! Definitely tag me on the next one. I think you wrapped up everything kinda nicely.
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Add me to the tag list too. Nice story, I like how you wrapped everything up. I was also going to mention that a lot of updates only had one viable choice, but theres nothing wrong with having a more tightly focused story like this one in comparison to the more open ones youve done.
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Great job dude! Just read the whole thing tonight.Tag me for the next one for sure! The choices were obvious, but everyone had faith that it was leading to a satisfying narrative and it did, so it's all good.
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