#changes: chapter 5

[Phone Call]

Johnny: So I had a run-in with Shi earlier.

Kylo: Oh shit! How did that go?

Johnny: Not too bad... He basically told me to talk to Casper.

Kylo: I agree with him.

Johnny: I know. It's just- I don't know what to say! I go to type up a message, but I can't bring myself to send it.

Kylo: Call her?

Johnny: [Laughs]

Kylo: I'm serious, Johnny.

Johnny: [Sigh] I know...

Kylo: Are you still pissed off with her?

Johnny: I... I don't know. It's all very confusing and I don't know how I feel about them and the whole situation!

Kylo: [Hum] I get that... You've still got a few days left in Del Sol Valley, right?

Johnny: Yeah, why?

Kylo: If you can, I'd say use the next few days to clear your head, or at least process everything.

Johnny: Yeah, I think I might do that.

Kylo: Well, either way we're here if you need to talk at any point.

Johnny: I know... Thank you.

Kylo: It's okay. Get some sleep, yeah?

[Phone Call Ends]

[Text Messages]

Cas: Hey

Cas: Can we please talk?

Cas: I'm sorry.

Johnny: [Sigh]

Johnny: Sure [Deletes Message]

Johnny: [Groans] Fuck.

Johnny, quietly: What am I doing...?

Caleb: Right. Let's talk. What the hell happened last night? Because suddenly, you're not talking to Casper and Shi. And don't bullshit me on this one.

Johnny: [Sigh] We got into a fight.

Caleb: Is that it?

Kylo: It wasn't just a fight though, was it Johnny? What happened?

Johnny: It was that fucking Ouija Board...

Caleb: What Ouija Board?

Kylo: Johnny, none of us have brought one here.

Johnny: Shi did, but he claims to have "stumbled across it".

-

Chris: Where did you even find that board anyway?

Shi: In the woods outside of our camping area.

Chris: Oh, right.

Shi: I didn't think we would actually get in contact with a spirit or anything.

Casper: It wasn't just a spirit...

Shi: Shit, yeah.

Arya: It's just- Scott's death is still a very touchy subject for Johnny... well for all of us, really.

Shi: I get that, and we really didn't think he was going to reach out like that.

Arya: I know. It's not your fault.

Chris: Like you said, it was unexpected. I'm sure he'll come round. He probably just needs some time to himself. Y'know, to process everything that had happened last night and to allow himself to feel whatever emotions it is he's feeling.

Casper: I don't think I've ever seen him this angry... or hurt.

Arya: I know. Just give him time.

-

Kylo: So you think that one of them was moving the planchette?

Johnny: Yeah, pretty much. I'm not so sure which one of them did it, or if they decided to take it in turns on each question.

Caleb: If that really is the case, then that's just fucked up and your anger would be completely justifiable.

-

Shi: Still not sure what gave him the impression that I used my ability on him, especially for something like this.

Arya: Your ability? Oh- Yeah, I only just clocked on to what you meant.

Casper: Well, he thinks that I told you everything that he had told me that night, just to use it against him?

Chris: Honestly, I think that this is something that can only be resolved by just sitting down and talking it out. Have everyone say their piece and just listen to each other.

-

Kylo: Okay, so clearly this is a messy situation where everyone has their own version of their "story". If you want, I can talk to them, have them explain their side since I'm basically a walking lie detector and can smell bullshit from miles away.

Johnny: You sure that's a good idea?

Caleb: Unless you want to talk to them yourself? [Scoff] Look, here are the possible outcomes. Worst case scenario, they're lying and did in fact manipulate the board to fuck with you. In that case, they will be dealt with and you can do whatever you please.

Best case scenario, they are also telling the truth and it really was Scott communicating with you all. Which in that case, you will need to sit down and talk it out, come to an agreement on something and then do whatever the fuck you want after.

Johnny: I'll think about it. I need some time away from them, I think.

-

Casper: Shi?

Shi: Yeah?

Casper: Do you think he'll ever listen to our side?

Shi: Not any time soon, no. Honestly at this point, just let the human believe what he wants to believe. And if he doesn't want to listen? Then fuck him.

Casper: I don't like this... I just want everything to be okay again.

Shi: [Scoffs] Even after the way he spoke to you last night? You're too forgiving...

Casper: I still really care about him...

Shi: He basically called you a shit person and said you fucked his life up. Is he really someone you want to be friends with after all of that?

Casper: ...He probably just said all of that in the heat of the moment. Like when you say things out of anger, but you don't really mean it?

Shi: Sounded pretty genuine to me... Either way, you don't need that shit in your life.

-

Braeden: You both clearly like each other, so why the fuck are you freaking out about it so much?

Malaya: Because I've never felt this way before and I'm scared I'm going to fuck it up!

Braeden: I doubt it.

Salem: It sounds like the date went really well, and she wants to see you again.

Connor: I say go on that dinner date and see what happens from there. You're letting your self doubts get to you and that could lead to you sabotaging your potential relationship with her.

Malaya: [Heavy sigh] You're probably right. I definitely do want to go on a second date. I really do like her!

Salem: But when you do go, you have got to let us know how it goes.

Braeden: Yeah, we want all the details!

Kathryn: I second that. Tell us everything.

Nikki: Holy shit, dude. You fucking smashed it!

Johnny: I did?

Nikki: Yes, you dickhead, you absolutely smashed it. The audience loved you. Now come, have a drink and put a smile on your face, sunshine.

Johnny: Fuck it, go on then. I'll have whatever you're having.

Nikki: That's the spirit! But seriously, what's got you feeling so down?

Johnny: Ah, it's complicated.

Nikki: Whatever it is, I'm all ears, sunshine.

Johnny: I know...

Johnny: Well, where do I even begin?

[Chattering]

Fallon: Johnny! You were amazing up there tonight.

Johnny: Oh, uh, thanks?

Fallon: I'm so sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Fallon.

Johnny: Fallon... Well, it's nice to meet you!

Fallon: So Nikki and I are gonna go to the theme park tomorrow with some friends, you should come with us.

Johnny: Sure, I'd like that.

Fallon: Great!

--

[Chatter and music in the background]

-

Johnny: [Sigh] What the fuck is wrong with me lately? [Muttering] I'm fine. Everything is fine. Fuck.

[Door opens]

Shi: Huh. Didn't think I'd see you here.

Johnny: What do you want?

Shi: Not you, obviously. No need to shit yourself. I didn't come here to hurt you.

Johnny: Good to know... You're not here to fuck with me though, are you?

Shi: [Scoff] You got me there.

Johnny: Shi...

Shi: [Sigh] Obviously I'm not. I came here to piss, duh. You've got something in your eye.

Johnny: Oh, right...

Shi: We weren't fucking with you that night, by the way.

Johnny: [Sigh]

Shi: Oh, and you owe Casper an apology.

Johnny: An apology?

Shi: [Lowers voice] Don't fuck with me. You know exactly what I'm talking about, Johnny.

[Door opens and then shuts]

[Rail Announcement]

This is a security message! If you see something that doesn't look right, speak to staff or text the Transport Police on 61016. We'll sort it. See it, Say it, Sorted!

Speaker: Welcome on board this Myshuno Railway service to Del Sol Valley. This train will be calling at: Bridgeport, Roaring Heights, Starlight Shores and Del Sol Valley. Safety notices can be found throughout the train - please take your time to look at them throughout the journey.

[Train announcement continues]

Johnny: On the train now

Kylo: Sweet! Lmk when you get there

Johnny: Will do :)

-

Speaker: We are now approaching Del Sol Valley where this train terminates. Please make sure you take allyour personal belongings with you when you leave the train. Thank you for travelling with us today.

--

[Phone call]

Don: I take it you've arrived in Del Sol then, yeah?

Johnny: Yeah! Just got here actually. God, that train journey was long.

Don: [Laughs] Of course it was.

Johnny: I can't wait to check in at the hotel! I need a nap.

Don: Hmm, I think a nap will do you good. Can't have you falling asleep while filming that Stand Up Special.

Johnny: Exactly! Wouldn't want to fuck this up by being sleepy, you know?

Don: You'll be fine. You're Johnny fucking Zest. You've got this!

Johnny: Thanks, man.

Don: No worries.

Johnny: I'm gonna head off, it's almost check-in time. and the sooner I unpack the better.

Don: Yeah, that's fine! I need to finish this assignment anyway.

Johnny: Alright, I'll catch you later. Make sure you stay out of trouble, yeah?

[Indistinct chatter]

Arya: You okay? Salem: Yeah, I'm just tired... [yawns] Kathryn: Another nightmare? Salem: Surprisingly not. It's those bloody crickets, I swear. Forgot how loud those fuckers are. Malaya: I have some spare ear plugs if you want a pair? Salem: Please!

Braeden: Anyone down for a film night later? Johnny: Got a film in mind? Braeden: Not yet. Just wanna see how that projector thing works. Casper: I'm down. Kathryn: Me too. Arya: Can we watch some horror films? Kylo: Can do. Caleb: If the horror films you're thinking of are good, then sure.

[Alternative music playing]

Kylo, casting a spell: Hoppaþ nu swilce swá lieg fleogan. [Dance now just as flames with wings.] Johnny, impressed: Woah. That's so... cool.

Kathryn: You know, now would be the perfect time for story telling. Caleb: Who wants to go first? Chris: I think Kylo should.Kylo: Why me? Chris: You always have a story to tell! Kylo: Okay, fine... So there was this group of students who were going on a school trip. They were travelling by the school bus, passing through a small village. It was night, and the bus was fairly quiet, with more than half of the class alseep. The driver continues driving, choosing not to stop for a small break, as he wanted to pass through this village. One student looks out of the window to her right, curious to see what was out there. Kylo: She spots a group of people dressed in all black gathering outside of the Church. Arya: This can't be good... Kylo: She asks the teacher what they're doing. All of a sudden, the bus breaks down. The driver can't get the engine to start. They're stuck. At this point, the class is alert and are all confused as to what's going on. Kylo: After taking another look outside the window, the student sees a member of the group looking in her direction. The bus driver then instructs everybody to close the small curtains and get down. "Stay low. Don't make any sudden movements, and do not make any noise," he said. Everybody listens, lowering themselves on to the floor. Lights started flashing in their direction, as if somebody was trying to see into the bus. The lights would flicker on, and then off again. All of a sudden, it stopped. It was quiet, Too quiet. Moments pass and the student sat up slightly, going against the previous instructions and peered through the gap between the curtains and the window to her left. That's when she saw it. Dead bodies hanging from the tree. Then the other students noticed, and it all goes downhill from there... Braeden: Jeez... Kylo: The group started freaking out, and the teacher was desparately trying to calm her class down. But it was too late. Because noises were then heard from outside, nails scratching against the surface, followed by banging. The people were outside, coming to get them. ** Caleb: How do you manage to come up with these stories, Ky? Kylo: Imagination? Caleb: [Sighs] I love you. Kylo: I love you too.

Malcolm: Mind if I join you?

Johnny: Why are you here?

Malcolm: Paying my respects.

Johnny: Sure you are.

Malcolm: What’s that supposed to mean, Johnny?

Johnny: You didn’t even bother to turn up to his funeral, and yet you have the audacity to come here and act all “fake nice”.

Malcolm: [Sigh] It’s not that I “didn’t bother”, I had other commitments that prevented me from being able to come.

Johnny: [Scoffs] Sure you did, Malcolm...

Malcolm: Johnny...

Malcolm: Look- I get that you’re pissed off with me for telling Mum you went out that night, but I didn’t think she would kick you out over it.

Johnny: [Scoffs] She disowned me, actually. I’m not welcome back.

Suze: Everything okay, boys?

Suze: It’s good to see you again, Malcolm.

Malcolm: It’s good to see you too, Ms Whalen.

Suze: You can call me Suze, it’s okay.

Johnny: So you said something about other commitments earlier, what were they?

Malcolm: Exams, and I went to a few corporate events with Mum.

Johnny: Hmm...

Suze: Sounds like you’ve been very busy.

Malcolm: Yeah. I think it all went well, to be fair.

Malcolm: Could’ve been you, you know?

Johnny: [Hums] Yeah, I don’t think so.

Suze: Oh! Speaking of events, you mentioned being invited to one in Del Sol Valley, right?

Malcolm: Del Sol Valley?

Johnny: Yeah, actually. It’s still some time away, though.

Malcolm: So what are they going to have you do, then?

Johnny: I’ve been asked to film a Stand Up Special.

Malcolm: Oh, so you’re still doing Comedy?

Johnny: Well, yeah I have, and it’s been going well.

Malcolm: Hm, cool. Guess I’ll have to see you perform, then.

Johnny: I guess you will.

Suze: You’re gonna smash it! I just know it. I mean... Del Sol Valley. That’s usually where you’d go if you’re looking to make it big in the entertainment industry. Impress the higher ups, and you’re pretty much good to go.

--

Suze: Before I forget, Scott has left something for you, Malcolm.

Malcolm: Really?

Suze: Yeah! I’ve left it aside for you to come pick up whenever you were ready.

Malcolm: Thank you.

Suze: It’s okay. How are you feeling?

Malcolm: I’m not so sure, honestly. I think I’m still processing it all.

Suze: Yeah, I get that.