Sugarcane

I push through the door with far too much force. Unbecoming of their size, the large oaken door slams open with a force that resonates around the cavernous church. Everyone turns around and looks directly at me.\n\nIncluding Lori.\n\nShe stands there looking at me, almost judgingly, her mind obviously churning. <<if $currlori eq 0>>But then, without so much as a second glance, she turns and sits down in the nearest seat.<<else>> I want to talk to her, I have to talk to her. I can't lose everyone in my life. Apprehensively I start walking towards her; she looks surprised.\n\n"Hey Lori"\n\n"Hey<<if $lorisaw>>, I saw you drive by earlier<<endif>>."\n\n<<if $lorisaw and $scottsaw>>"Yea, I saw you outside your house. Hope the walk wasn't too cold."<<else>><<if (not $scottsaw) and $lorisaw>>"Oh yea? I guess I didn't notice you."\n\n<<endif>><<endif>>\n\nLori looked a little uneasy.\n\n"So..." I begin, "how are you? How is work?"\n\n"Eh, it's okay. It's been hard to concentrate."\n\n"Heh, yea, I know what you mean."\n\nA silence hangs over the conversation, this is not going as I had planned it.\n\n"Okay Lori, well I'll leave you be. Just wanted to say hello."\n\n"Well thanks. <<if $count lt 20>>I'm sorry but I really just need to be alone right now. But<<else>>Maybe<<endif>> let's catch up soon?"\n\n"Sounds good."\n\nI<<if $count lt 20>> smile and<<endif>> walk away without looking back.\n\n<<if $count eq 20>>To my surprise I hear Lori call after me. I turn to see her walking back towards me.\n\n"Hey, do you mind if I sit with you? I'm tired of being alone."\n\nI look at her and smile.\n<<endif>>\n<<endif>>\n\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------\n<<display EndingCalculation>>

It is time to go.\n\nI have to wretch myself away from the scene, but I can't be late. Not for Joey. I pull out of the lot, and set off back down the mountain.\n\nWith the speed returns the anger.\n\nBut the anger is directed inwardly, I can't help but feel responsible, and now I have lost something [[irreplaceable|Lori Church]].\n\nYou'd think that I would pay more attention to the road, drive more cautiously, given what has happened. But with clenched fists, I scream down the [[mountain|Scott Church]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottreturn>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottreturn = true>>\n<<endif>>

<<silently>>\n<<set $repcount = 0>>\n<<set $lori = 0>>\n<<set $scott = 0>>\n<<set $lorilast = 0>>\n<<set $scottlast = 0>>\n\n<<set $start = false>>\n<<set $lorihouse = false>>\n<<set $lorilanding = false>>\n<<set $loripark = false>>\n<<set $loriswingset = false>>\n<<set $loripath = false>>\n<<set $loridowntown = false>>\n<<set $lorischool = false>>\n<<set $lorimainst = false>>\n<<set $lorichurch = false>>\n\n<<set $scotthouse = false>>\n<<set $scottdrive = false>>\n<<set $scotthills = false>>\n<<set $scottpoint = false>>\n<<set $scottreturn = false>>\n<<set $scottdowntown = false>>\n<<set $scottcruise = false>>\n<<set $scottintersection = false>>\n<<set $scottchurch = false>>\n<<set $funeral = false>>\n\n<<set $count = 0>>\n<<endsilently>><<display StartContent>>

The walkway from the house spills down into the road, scrub grass clinging to life grasps at the edge of the path. A blanket of leaves is slowly starting to cover the grass, hiding some of the bare patches. I really should take better care of this yard, but its not like anyone else really does either.\n\nLeaves rustle past my feet, motivated by a crisp fall breeze. Gray clouds ripple across the West Virginian sky.The street is cracked and pockmarked, age is not treating it well. The asphalt is crumbling at the edges. \n\nA car that I once [[knew|Scott Hills]] drove past.\n\nThe wind is playing with the hem of my jacket. I fold my arms across my chest and start down the road. But which way should I take? Down the street towards [[downtown|Lori Downtown]], or cut through the [[park|Lori Park]]?\n\n<<silently>>\n<<set $lorisaw = true>>\n<<set $lori = $lori + 1>>\n<<set $landing = true>>\n<<endsilently>>\n<<if not $lorilanding>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $lorilanding = true>>\n<<endif>>

It is about time to get out of bed. The alarm went off hours ago, but I felt secure in the embrace of the blankets. There had been no reason to leave.\n\nSadly, that is no longer the case.\n\nI need to go, I didn't want to be late. I couldn't be late. Reluctantly I stand up and walk over to my closet. Some clothes that aren't mine still hide in the dresser. I almost pull them out, but I don't want to think about [[him|Scott Drive]] right now.\n\nFinally, opening the door, I step out on to the [[landing.|Lori Landing]]\n\n<<silently>><<set $lori = $lori + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $lorihouse>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $lorihouse = true>>\n<<endif>>

The two swings sat lonely in the middle of a pool of sand, swaying slightly in the wind. The one on the right is gently squeaking in rhythm.\n\nThat one was always Joey's swing.\n\nI sit down in the swing next to it. The memories are sweet, it feels like only yesterday that we would run here after school and see who could swing higher.\n\nI remeber how defensive Joey got when Scott would pick on me and pull my hair. I always wonder how they became such good [[friends|Scott Return]]. Joey was a good influence on him though, something that Scott sorely needed. Something that he still needs.\n\nThe tears come at no surprise, I have become so used to them at this point. \n\nI glance at my watch. If I don't hurry I am not going to make it. They may even not let me in, I don't know what the late policies are at funerals. \n\nThe church is just on the other side of the wood, there is a little path that should take me [[there|Lori Path]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $lori = $lori + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $loriswingset>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $loriswingset = true>>\n<<endif>>

The woods were like a second playground, perfect for hide and seek and other such adventures. Our parents always told us to stay out of the woods, but we never listened, the fact that they were off limits only added to the excitement.\n\nNow the wood is dark and unfriendly.\n\nIt occurrs to me that wandering through the woods really is a terrible idea, it has been years since I have taken this path, and I've never done it alone.\n\n...\n\nI can't do this, I can barely live with myself. I should have answered the phone. I don't know why I didn't call him [[back|Scott Church]]. \n\nI want to just sit down and forget about everything. To just be absorbed into the forest and watch the world go by. I don't want to play this stupid game anymore. What is the point.\n\nSomewhere deep inside, the darkness in me wishes it had been Scott [[instead|Lori Church]].\n\n<<silently>>\n<<set $lori = $lori + 1>>\n<<set $path = true>>\n<<endsilently>>\n<<if not $loripath>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $loripath = true>>\n<<endif>>

The world is spinning as I open my eyes, it takes me longer than I'm going to admit to realize that I am nowhere near my bed. I had, however, managed to find a blanket before evidently passing out on the floor.\n\nRolling up off the ground, I knock over couple beer bottles. They are empty of course, I could pick them up later.\n\nI stagger into the bathroom, clad only in briefs and a white T, all I need is a splash in the face and a quick comb. I am experienced with mornings like these. Nevertheless, I catch myself staring into the mirror. Someone deshevled and hollow is looking back.\n\nI'm glad [[Lori|Lori Landing]] never saw me like this.\n\nMy eyes linger on the fading bruises on the side of my face. I pull the neck of my shirt down slightly. I can still see the brusies cascading down the right side of my body. They are beginning to turn a sickly yellow color.\n\nIt is time to go. Quick shave, grab pants, change shirt, and a new pack of [[Pauls|Scott Drive]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scotthouse>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scotthouse = true>>\n<<endif>>\n\n

body\n{\n/*background-image:url('images/placeholder_lori.png');\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-attachment:fixed;\nbackground-position:center center;*/\nbackground-color:#cccccc;\n}\n\n[data-tags~=lori] {\nbackground-image:url('images/placeholder_lori.png');\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-attachment:fixed;\nbackground-position:center center;\n}\n\n[data-tags~=scott] {\nbackground-image:url('images/placeholder_scott.png');\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-attachment:fixed;\nbackground-position:center center;\n}\n\n[data-tags~=church] {\nbackground-image:url('images/placeholder_church.png');\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-attachment:fixed;\nbackground-position:center center;\n}\n\n.passage .content\n{\ncolor: #000000;\n /* text-shadow:\n -1px -1px 0 #ffffff, \n 1px -1px 0 #ffffff,\n -1px 1px 0 #ffffff,\n 1px 1px 0 #ffffff;*/\n}

You read <<if $currlori gt 0>><<print $currlori>><<else>>0<<endif>> Lori passage(s) this time. You have read <<if $lori gt 0>><<print $lori>><<else>>0<<endif>> Lori passages in total.\n\nYou read <<if $currscott gt 0>><<print $currscott>><<else>>0<<endif>> Scott passage(s) this time. You have read <<if $scott gt 0>><<print $scott>><<else>>0<<endif>> Scott passages in total.\n\nYou have read <<print $count>> of 20 passages.\n\n[[More|StartContent]]\n\n\n<<set $lorilast = $lori>>\n<<set $scottlast = $scott>>\n<<set $lorisaw = false>>\n<<set $scottsaw = false>>

<<silently>>\n<<set $currlori = $lori - $lorilast>>\n<<set $currscott = $scott - $scottlast>>\n<<set $repcount = $repcount + 1>>\n<<endsilently>>\n\nThe bell atop the church rings once, piercing the pall that has settled on the town.\n----------------------------------------------------------------\n\n<<if $currlori eq $currscott>><<if $fromlori>>[[Continue|Lori Ending]]<<else>>[[Continue|Scott Ending]]<<endif>><<else>><<if $currlori gt $currscott>>[[Continue|Lori Ending]]<<else>>[[Continue|Scott Ending]]<<endif>><<endif>>.\n\n<<if not $funeral>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $funeral = true>>\n<<endif>>

It is a gray, blustery morning. The wind gently strips leaves from their trees, falling haphazardly on to the cracked streets of a small West Virginian Town. \n\nOur story begins with two friends, and former lovers, [[Lori|Lori House]] and [[Scott|Scott House]].\n\n<<set $lorisaw = false>>\n<<set $scottsaw = false>>\n<<set $landing = false>>\n<<set $dt = false>>\n<<set $park = false>>\n<<set $first = true>>\n<<set $path = false>>\n<<set $fromscott = false>>\n<<set $fromlori = false>>\n<<if not $start>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $start = true>>\n<<endif>>

Fall

Sitting in the drive is a beautiful sight, my '52 Chevy coupe. With 90 horses under the hood and a vacuum assisted manual synchromesh 3 speed transmission, this baby is the envy of my friends. Unlike my house, I keep my chariot spotless.\n\nLori once asked me who I loved more. It was an unfair question and she knew it. Though my silence certainly didn't make her [[happy|Lori Downtown]].\n\nI get in and start the engine, wincing slightly as I shift into reverse. As soon as these bruises are gone I will finally feel comfortable in my own car again.\n\nI don't have to be there for a little while and I certainly don't want to sit around waiting in that lame parking lot. Should I drive up into the [[hills|Scott Hills]] or through [[downtown|Scott Downtown]]?\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottdrive>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottdrive = true>>\n<<endif>>

This road is usually so safe, there simply aren't enough people here to ever cause an issue.\n\nMaybe that's why there are only two, barely maintained, stoplights. They always seem on the verge of falling, held up by such a thin cable.\n\nI can almost hear the skidmarks on the ground, they seem so fresh, so vivid.\n\nThe car culture is so stupid, I don't know if I can ever forgive Scott for dragging Joey down to his [[level|Scott Church]]. \n\nI know that is not fair, I can't blame this on Scott. I know this is all on the other driver, how they can live with themselves is their own [[story|Lori Church]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $lori = $lori + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $lorimainst>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $lorimainst = true>>\n<<endif>>

<<if $path>>And just when I thought myself lost forever in these woods, the trees thin and<<else>>And<<endif>> the church comes into view, perched atop a little hill at the high point of the town. It's almost hard to distinguish the white-wash walls against the rolling gray skies.\n\nThis town was always too small for Joey, I knew that he would make it out of this town. Though I never thought it would be like this. \n\nAt the base of the hill I look up and stare into the massive oak doors of the church. I'm nervous and what I'm going to feel behind those massive oak doors.\n\nI am so fixated on the doors of the church that I find myself at their step without realizing.\n\nWalking though them will mean realizing a future that I am not sure I can accept.\n\n[[Push|Funeral]]\n\n<<silently>><<set $lori = $lori + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $lorichurch>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $lorichurch = true>>\n<<set $fromlori = true>>\n<<endif>>\n

I can never stay away from downtown when in my car. Even though I know nothing will be happening this early, I still feel drawn towards main street. \n\nEvery night the crew and I would patrol this strip, we felt like kings. And even when no one else could go out, Joey was always [[there|Lori School]].\n\nI glance again at the empty bucket seat.\n\nI can see the traffic light hanging red above Main street. The occasional car rambles past, trailing a line of morning vapor that clings to the road. It is strangely relaxing, the stillness of the morning is soothing. \n\nThe light goes green, and I turn left into my [[kingdom|Scott Cruise]].\n\n\n<<silently>>\n<<set $scott = $scott + 1>>\n<<set $dt = true>>\n<<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottdowntown>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottdowntown = true>>\n<<endif>>

What a familiar sight. Straight as an arrow, Main street stretches for miles before vanishing into the base of the valley. It was technically a highway, always making the town appear more crowded than it really was, but it was Main Street to us.\n\nJoey and I were the kings of this town, we ran this place. At least it felt like it, all those late nights cruising the streets of our little Appalachian home. \n\nLori understood, I mean, she was downtown just as often as the next gal, though she would never admit it. But never with us, she though we were too rowdy and wild, scared that we would get into [[trouble|Lori Main St]].\n\nI still... I can't believe he is gone. It seems so random, so [[cruel|Scott Intersection]].\n\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottcruise>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottcruise = true>>\n<<endif>>

It should have been me.\n\nI should have been in the driver's seat. I am always the driver. The one time I wasn't...\n\nMy car was in the shop, just for a couple of days, but I wanted to go out. I was itching for the road.\n\nI knew Joey had a car, we normally wouldn't use it because it was a hunk of scrap, so I called him up. He said something about getting going to the bar with Lori but that she never called him back. So Joey picked me up, and the night began, just like any other.\n\nAnd then... how does someone do this? How can someone smash into our lives, rip one of them from us, and then drive off into the night? How did no one see them? How could the pigs not find them?\n\n...\n\nBefore I realized it I find myself in the parking lot of the church. I never much liked it here, and really had not expected to find myself back so soon.\n\nJoey.\n\nI don't know if I can ever forgive [[myself|Funeral]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottchurch>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottchurch = true>>\n<<set $fromscott = true>>\n<<endif>>

Suddenly I am regretting coming this way.\n\nIt is the only other stoplight in town, right by the gas station and drive-in. Being here gives me a shiver, a twinge of pain shoots up my side.\n\nIt happened here, the streaks are still visible on the road. Why can't anyone just clean those up? The noise. Like a metallic thunderclap, concussive, deafening.\n\nThe police said the driver as probably drunk, too intoxicated to perceive the color of the light. Maybe even too [[wasted|Lori Church]] to realize they had hit somebody.\n\nThey just kept on [[going|Scott Church]].\n\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottintersection>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottintersection = true>>\n<<endif>>

<<if $landing>>\nThere is nothing left in that park save for painful memories. No, it's best that I avoid it.\n\n<<endif>>The housing slowly starts to get more dense as I head deeper into town. The stop light at the intersection is blinking rhythmically, swinging gently in the wind.\n\nThere isn't much to this place other than Main Street, sure there is a small residential community around it, but it seems like everyone lives for the strip. Especially Scott, driving around in that stupid car that he loves so [[much|Scott Point]].\n\nBut if it isn't a house then it is on Main Street, this is very much a one street town. Even the school is on this street. That's where this whole story begins really, that's where I first met [[Joey|Lori School]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $lori = $lori + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $loridowntown>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $loridowntown = true>>\n<<endif>>

<<if not $landing>>\nEven with the pain from the bruises, I can't resist an excuse to drive up to the point.\n\n<<endif>>I pull out of the drive and head up the street towards the valley wall. I see Lori walking down the street in front of her house. It occurrs to me that we are probably going to the same place. I would normally ask her if she wants a lift, but I already knew the answer. It was too [[soon|Lori School]].\n\nThe bucket seat seamed particularly empty now. I need to take my mind off of things. Everything is changing so [[fast|Scott Point]].\n\n<<silently>>\n<<set $scottsaw = true>>\n<<set $scott = $scott + 1>>\n<<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scotthills>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scotthills = true>>\n<<endif>>

White knuckled, I realize I am going 60 down this beat up old road. Not like the cops would care, they obviously don't care.\n\nBut I don't want to let off the gas, not yet. \n\nThe anger almost feels good, my heart pounds in rythm with the engine.\n\nAnd then the treeline breaks, slowing down I find myself presented with a familiar view. The Point. I can see the whole town from here, nestling snugly at the base of the valley, slowly beginning to sturr as the morning wears thin.\n\nMany nights end up here, though more often in the company of a <<if $park>>[[woman|Lori Path]]<<else>>[[woman|Lori Main St]]<<endif>> than the crew. And more often still I end up here alone. It's one of my secret pleasures, I like to be alone up here.\n\nThe bucket seat does not seem as [[empty|Scott Return]].\n\n<<silently>><<set $scott = $scott + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $scottpoint>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $scottpoint = true>>\n<<endif>>

No, I don't want to go downtown. It's not too loud or crowded or anything. I just... can't. Besides, the park is beautiful this time of year. \n\nThe park is surrounded on two sides by houses, a wood on the third, while the fourth is exposed to the street. It is mostly grass save for a narrow path winding through to a small jungle gym. \n\nI feel like a giant here, no longer are the pipes and logs towering into the sky above me. The swingset looks like it would bearly get off the ground.\n\nBut this is not how I remember it, I remember a great castle and a mountain, I remember airplanes swooping through the sky. This used to be a happy place, it seemed so [[alive|Scott Point]], so full of energy. Now it was quiet, the only noise comming from the swingset as it is rocked by the [[wind|Lori Swingset]].\n\n<<silently>>\n<<set $lori = $lori + 1>>\n<<set $park = true>>\n<<endsilently>>\n<<if not $loripark>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $loripark = true>>\n<<endif>>

The doors give way with a light touch, surprising given the mass of the doors. They must be very well cared for. I gently shut the door behind me.\n\nThere are a dozen or so people milling about, looking for seats and talking with one another.\n\nBANG. The church door flies and slams into the wall, causing everyone to jump. I turn around and there is Scott standing in the open doorway, just as surprised as everyone else.\n\nScott glances at me, and our eyes lock for a moment. <<if $currscott eq 0>>But then he breaks away, and hurries off to find a seat. I wish I knew what was going through his mind.<<else>>He looks stressed and burnt out, his eyes seem very distant. To my surprise he starts walking towards me.\n\n"Hey Lori" he says nervously<<if $scottsaw>>, "I drove past you earlier, almost stopped, but..."\n\n"It's alright, I needed to be alone this morning."<<else>>. \n\n"Hey"<<endif>>\n\nIt's strange talking to him again; this is not quite what I had in mind when I imagined running into him. But he continues talking.\n\n"So... How've you been? How is work?"\n\n"Eh, it's okay. It's been hard to concentrate."\n\n"Heh, yea, I know what you mean."\n\nA silence hangs over the conversation, this is getting a little too awkward for me.\n\n"Listen Scott, I'm going to go sit down, but thanks for saying hi. But maybe let's catch up sometime soon<<if $count lt 20>>, just not now.<<else>>?<<endif>>"\n\n"Uh... okay, sure. Sounds good."\n\nHe gives me a half smile and turns around, walking over to the other side of the church. I sit down at the end of the nearest pew and become lost in thought.<<endif>>\n\n<<if $count eq 20>>\n...\n\nI am surprised to see Scott coming back over, as he gets near I can see that he is clearly distraught.\n\n"Hey... would you mind if I sat with you? I really don't want to be by myself right now."\n\nI smile and he sits down. It's nice to see a little emotion out of him for once.\n<<endif>>\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------\n<<display EndingCalculation>>

Ian C. Dunbar

Ending\n- Simple Conversation\n- Dynamically revealling \n- Simple descprition of scene\n- Needs to provide closure!

The school is housed in an unimpressive concrete building, it is so small that I have always wondered how they fit every single student into that building.\n\nI remember the day that Joey first came to class after his family moved here from the city. No one would talk to him but everyone made fun of his accent, especially Scott. \n\nBut I soon learned that Joey and I were neighbors, and it wasn't long before we would walk home together. It was then that Joey finally started to come out of his shell, and began to make other friends too.\n\nEven Scott. I still don't understand how they became such good friends, but in a weird way it makes sense. Joey balanced Scott in a way that I never could. Scott needed Joey, more than I think he <<if $dt>>[[knew|Scott Intersection]]<<else>>[[knew|Scott Return]]<<endif>>.\n\nBut now... gone. Everything is gone, every happy memory, every beautiful moment. Gone.\n\nIt happened just down the road, by the second [[stoplight|Lori Main St]].\n<<silently>><<set $lori = $lori + 1>><<endsilently>>\n<<if not $lorischool>>\n<<set $count = $count + 1>>\n<<set $lorischool = true>>\n<<endif>>\n\n\n\n\n