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Watch the video above before going to the chapter.
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(Camera starts by showing the front of Phoenix Drop High, then shows Samantha's homeroom class waiting outside a door. Travis and Samantha are talking together)
Samantha: Ugh! I don't see why we have to attend an assembly right now. It's almost time to go home so what's the point of this?
Travis: The teacher said the principal wanted to have a few words with the students to congratulate them on a successful first week.
Samantha: Couldn't he just congratulate us by letting us go home early?
Travis: Meh, that'd be too easy, obviously.
Samantha: Heheheheh!
Travis: So, you never did tell me why you weren't in gym class. Did something happen?
Samantha: I-I, um, got really sick, suddenly. Heh.
Travis: Are you sure?
Samantha:U-Uh, of course I'm sure! Why would I lie about that?
Travis: Wow, you know you didn't have to be so angry— (Gasps) Ohhh, I get it. S-Sorry, that-that's girl stuff, my bad.
Samantha: What?! No, not- Travis, that's not-uh.... Just forget it it's fine.
Travis: Well, look, whatever happened, just let me know if I can help next time. Okay?
Samantha: Heh, sure. Uh, thanks, Travis that's really sweet of you.
Travis: Heh. Oh! Um, t-that reminds me. Do you... do you mind if I give you my phone number?
Samantha: Oh, um, sure! Travis I don't mind.
Travis: Since it's the weekend, and if you wanted to talk about anything, well, you could text me, or something, call me, I-I don't know.
Samantha: Heh, Thanks Travis!
(Camera shows the whole school sitting in rows at the assembly)
Teacher: (clears throat) Testing, testing, one two three.
(Door loudly bangs open, everyone gasps, and principal chad rushes up to the stage. He punches the teacher out of the way)
Principal Chad (in a funny voice): Hello, students, and congratulations on completing your first week. Truly a remarkable feat! I have no doubt that all of you have been hard at work acclimating yourselves to the year ahead. So many new things to learn! Which reminds, Mrs.Hyria (he walks over to her and looks right at her, getting really close and making her back up) has informed me that all potions brewed in the alchemy class are not to be taken from class. Correct, Mrs.Hyria? (He walks back to the podium) Ah, a fine start to an exciting new year. Now then, that ought to cover my quota for principally things for the day. I am off to go make a (He runs off the podium and towards the door) new scientific discovery! Good day, children.
(The camera fades out and comes back up on the front of the school, where Travis and Samantha are talking)
Travis: Well, that speech was... yeah. Anyway, you walk home, right? My dad's going to pick me up today, so if you wanted a ride, I'm sure he could give you a lift.
Samantha: Heh, no thanks. My mom's coming to pick me up today so you don't have to worry about me Travis.
Travis: Ah, I see. Well, you've got my number, so Text me if you want, ok?
Samantha: I will. And same to you, text me whenever you want Travis I won't mind.
Elizabeth: (Pulling up and honking on her horn, and yelling) Samantha! Vamenos, get your butt over here! Wait, is that a boy?!
Samantha: Uhhh, mom! Stop yelling and honking the horn!
Elizabeth: (Still yelling) Hey, you with the white hair! Don't get any ideas with my daughter! Remember, you marry into this family, you have to deal with me!
Travis: (Quietly to Samantha) Oh my Irene your mom is so embarrassing.
Samantha: (Quietly to Travis) I know, right! But I still love her with all my heart.
Travis: (louder, to Elizabeth) (clears throat) Um, miss? I'm just Samantha's not-alone buddy.
Elizabeth: Oh, if that were the case, why didn't you just say so? Alright then, it was nice to meet you. Come on, Samantha, let's get going!
Samantha: Heheh, see you later, Travis!
Travis: See ya!
(Samantha gets in the car and they drive away. Screen fades, and comes up on Samantha's house. Then it shows her sitting on her bed, on her computer. She gets a notification)
Samantha: Huh? Uh... Laurence! (Looks at her phone and sees that it's Laurence)
Laurence: "Samantha? Hey! :D"
Samantha: "Laurence? Hi!" I wonder what Laurence wants?
Laurence: "Hey, you free to hang out today?"
Samantha: Hmm "Hang out yeah we can hang out today."
Laurence: "Yeah" "I was thinking we could chill at the park down the street from your place"
Samantha: (Smiles) "yeah we can hang out at the park for a bit."
Laurence: "Ok I live nearby so it won't take me long to get there."
Samantha: "Oh okay I don't mind."
Laurence: "Another friend of mine is going to stop by too but we can be alone for a bit to talk."
Samantha: (Gasps) Uh," Ok, cool. I have to ask my mom first."(smiles)
Laurence: "Cool. I'm headed there now, ttyl. :D"
Samantha: Uhh, Ahh! I can't believe its... we can finally get to know each other better.
(Camera sees Samantha walking down the stairs towards Elizabeth, who is sitting at the table)
Samantha: Mom? Hey, mom!
Elizabeth: Yes, sweetheart?
Samantha: May I go to the park to hang out with a friend?
Elizabeth: A boy friend?
Samantha: Hehehe, no Laurence is just a friend you know my heart belongs to Aaron right?
Elizabeth: Hey, Samantha! (Sighs, then breathes in and out) Fine, you can go- Only if you promise to tell me everything that happened if I ask you and I know you're heart will always belong to Aaron and I think you guys are cute together.
Samantha: (Blushes) MOMMA stop!
Elizabeth: Okay ok I'll stop teasing you about your feelings for Aaron.
Samantha: Thank you.
Elizabeth: Promise me that you will tell me everything if I asked.
Samantha: Of course I will, mom. You know you can trust me with everything.
Elizabeth: You know I trust you. I just don't trust other people. Not only that, but the thought of my baby dating is just- oh! (She starts crying and muttering in Spanish) A dios mio! (Something else in Spanish I couldn't hear)
Samantha: Mom, I'll be fine!
Elizabeth: Ok, just, be careful okay I can't lose you like how we lost your father.
Samantha: Yeah mom I promise that I will be extra careful just to keep you happy.
Elizabeth: That's my girl. Have fun and be safe! Remember to be back at nine.
Samantha: I will!
(Screen blacks out and comes up at the park, where Samantha is walking)
Samantha: Man, it's been ages since I've been here! I mean, the last time I came here was when me and Aaron were children. Wow.
Laurence: Hey!
Samantha: Oh! Uh, do you always have to sneak up behind me Laurence?
Laurence: Haha! Sorry. I've always had this habit of doing that.
Samantha: (Sighs) Well, maybe you could give me some warning next time?
Laurence: Heh, I did. I said "Hey".
Samantha: Uh, oh. R-right. Heheh.
Laurence: Heh, Hey. Don't get all blushy around me like that. I was enjoying your confident side.
Samantha: Me? Confident? That isn't exactly the word I would use to describe myself, hehe.
Laurence: Just, give yourself some time. Haha!
Samantha: Mmmmmm...
Laurence: Heh, I won't bite. Unless you want me to.
Samantha: (Squeaks)
Laurence: Heh, so, you're new to town?
Samantha: Um, kinda. I used to live here when I was younger but my dad died, then my family moved because of his death.
Laurence: Strange, you don't have any friends other than Aaron you're childhood best friend from back when, or are you just taking this weekend off from them to see me?
Samantha:Uh, haha! I didn't even think you would actually reach out to me. I wouldn't wait around for you to call when I wasn't expecting it.
Laurence: That's... kinda refreshing to know.
Samantha: Heh. I don't have any other friends then my childhood best friend Aaron aka FC my video gaming buddy and plus we known each other for a long time and he makes me feel happy when I'm around him I love him with all my heart.
Laurence: I see, well then, I'll be your friend.
Samantha: What?
Laurence: Yeah, I mean, if you'll be my friend, that is.
Samantha: (Smiles) I wouldn't mind being your friend.
Laurence: I mean, I kinda of just want to get to know you more, and I'd like for you to get to know me.
Samantha: Huh, what do you mean Laurence?
Laurence: What I'm trying to say is, I'm really interested in you as a—
Stranger (Gene): Gross.
Samantha: Huh? What? Uh—
Gene: Good to see you around this park again, Laurence.
Laurence: Ugh, Gene.
Gene: Trying to be forward there, eh?
Samantha: Who are you?
Laurence: What do you want, Gene?
Stranger (Sasha): Geez, we just wanted to say "Hi" Laurence. Gosh.
Stranger (Zenix): So rude.
Samantha: Who are these guys?
Gene: Haven't even properly introduced us to her, eh?
Laurence: I'd rather not introduce her to you guys at all.
Gene: Fine then, I'll be a gentleman and do it myself.
Samantha: Huh? What? (Gene walks over) Uh...
Gene: Hello, there. My name is Gene. I'm the leader of the shadow knights.
Samantha: Sh-shadow Knights?
Gene: It's our group. If you want to know more, you could always join us.
Samantha: Huh? What do you mean?
Laurence: Enough, Gene. Leave her alone.
Samantha: Huh?
Gene: In any case, if you're interested in having some close friends, you might want to check us out. We hang out, talk about things, and sometimes do our group activities. We usually hang at this park so, so feel free to stop by.
Samantha: W-well, thank you. Uh, maybe I will stop by.
Laurence: No!
Samantha: Huh?
Gene: (sighs) Laurence used to be in our group, but he wasn't hardcore enough.
Samantha: What do you mean?
Laurence: Samantha, we should just walk away.
Zenix: A guy who just walks away from his problems? I wouldn't want to be with someone like that.
Sasha: So true, Zenix.
Samantha: Huh? Uh, what?
Laurence: Ugh! Come on, Samantha. Let's go somewhere else.
Samantha: Uh, ok.
Gene: You used to be cool, Laurence!
Samantha: What?
(They walk to a bridge)
Samantha: Laurence? What was that about?
Laurence: That's just... Gene and his gang.
Samantha: Gene? Wait- Dante's older brother?
Laurence: You know Dante?
Samantha: Uh, kinda.
Laurence: In any case, Gene is the leader of this little group of mischief makers at our school. They call themselves, "Shadow Knights". It's- real stupid. In any case, Gene and his group are- bad apples. Don't get involved with them.
Samantha: Mm, I see. Wait, what did he mean when he said that you used to be cool?
Laurence: When I was a freshman, I thought that their group was cool because they were always so awesome and confident. ...They're just a bunch of drama queens. Gene's not as crazy around Dante, but he's definitely influenced Dante's recent outgoing spurt.
Samantha: Hmm, I see.
Laurence: Yeah. Just, Stay away from them. It's your choice, but I highly recommend not talking to them.
Samantha: Hmmm...
Garroth: Hey!
Samantha: A-ah!
Laurence: Hey, Garroth!
Garroth: Huh? I didn't know she would have been here...?
Samantha: H-heh...
Laurence: Huh, well I did invite you first, but I knew you'd take a while, so I asked Samantha here if she wanted to come.
Garroth: Wait, so you told me you'd be around here at this time so you could be alone with her?
Laurence: Maybe. Hehehehehe.
Garroth: Hey! Ugh, well, in any case, I'm glad you could make it, Samantha. I'm actually kind of happy about this. I've been wanting to spend some time with you.
Samantha: !!! Is he-!
Laurence: Hey! Garroth!
Garroth: What, you know I'm interested, too.
Laurence: ...
Samantha: Eh, mmmm, In any case, um, do you guys, like, want to talk for a bit?
Laurence: Sure!
Garroth: That sounds wonderful!
Samantha: Heh, follow me. There's a bench...
(She turns to walk down to the path, the screen fades out. It comes up when they got to the bench)
Garroth: So, you've ever thought of having a boyfriend, Samantha?
Samantha: (Blushes) W-What i um I am in love with someone who stole my heart at a very young age but yes I did think about having a boyfriend (I want to Aaron's girlfriend)
Laurence: Geez, Garroth. Making things pretty obvious, aren't you?
Garroth: W-What? N-no, It was just a question.
Samantha: Obvious?!
Laurence: Rather blunt question, don't you think?
Garroth: Huh, at least I'm not afraid to ask blunt questions.
Laurence: Two can play at that game. Samantha, want to be my girlfriend?
(Samantha faints out of sock and falls over)
Garroth: Oh, great, you killed her!
Samantha: (Getting up) No no I'm okay, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine!
Laurence: See, she's fine.
Samantha: L-Laurence, I-I don't know you that well yet, and I uh- am in love with someone else.
Laurence: Hey, calm down, I was joking. Heh.
Garroth: You're acting weird, Laurence.
(Car honks in the background. Elizabeth just pulled up)
Elizabeth: Samantha, I was heading to the grocery store, and I was wondering... Wait! Is that two boys I see you with?!
Samantha: Mom! You said you trusted me!
Elizabeth: I do! And I'm respecting your privacy by staying in the car? But I'm also asserting my authority as your parent by throwing those boy nasty looks!
Laurence: Don't worry about it. My dad is the same way with my sister.
Garroth: Your mom is kinda of scary. She's staring so hard, I feel it in my soul.
Samantha: Uh, mom, I'm coming to the store with you! (To Garroth and Laurence) Sorry to cut this short, but I want to talk to my mom about her yelling problem.
Laurence: No worries. We'll see you at school, then?
Samantha: For sure.
Laurence: Great. Remember, you have my number if you ever want to talk. Call me.
Samantha: Uh, huh? Thanks for hanging out with me! Heh. Bye!
(Camera shows Samantha in the car with her mom)
Elizabeth: How many boys do you know?
Samantha: Mom, can we just drive?
Elizabeth: Fine, fine. (Sighs) But you know. That one boy looked familiar. I can't place my finger on it.
Samantha: Mom, please! You're embarrassing me!
Elizabeth: Psh, Mija, that's my job. Hey, are you mad at me? You mad? Ugh, I'm sorry. Want to go to McDonald's?
Samantha:(excitedly) Yeah!
Elizabeth: Ok! Let's go!
(They drive off, Outro plays)
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To be continued