#changes: chapter 3

JOURNAL ENTRY

‘I got a text from Lawrence asking me to perform at the Stargazer Lounge tonight. He even offered to pay the travel costs. Obviously, I couldn’t say no to the offer! I’ve never been to this lounge before, and wow this place is big.

I was a bit nervous about tonight. This place is notorious for having influencers and upcoming celebrities hang out here. And yet there I was, performing in front of them. They looked like they were enjoying themselves, at least? I wonder if I’ll be a part of this crowd one day. Maybe if they think I’m good enough, I could?

The performance went well. I decided to stay back a little bit to meet some people, have a chat and all that. I found myself having some drinks with this guy - I think his name’s Connor? He’s a pretty chill guy, very easy to talk to. Then this guy came up to me at the bar and told me Lawrence wanted to speak to me.

So I sat down with him, and he told me he really liked my performance. He even decided to offer me a job as an entertainer! To make a long story short I accepted the offer. I just know mum is going to kill me, but I’ll worry about that later...

Detective Argent: Find anything else? Over.

Bella: Not yet. About to head inside. Over.

Detective Argent: Copy that.

Bella: I’ve got a weird feeling about this...

--

Bella runs out, screaming.

Detective Pakhauro: Bella?!

Detective Nakajima: Oh my God, Bella what happened?

Bella: There’s something in there!

Detective Argent: What?!

---

Later that evening...

Mortimer: Bella, my love, it’s getting late. We should probably get to bed.

Bella sighs.

Mortimer: Is everything okay, sweet? Did something happen to you at work earlier?

Bella: Mortimer...

[Comedy Show Playing]

[Nancy enters the room and switches the TV off]

Johnny: I was watching that!

Nancy: I don’t care. We need to talk about last night.

Johnny: Fine...

Nancy: Where did you go last night?

Johnny: The Stargazer Lounge.

Nancy: The Star- You went to San-Myshuno?! What on earth were you doing there?

Johnny: There was an event taking place, and I was invited there.

Nancy: By who?

Johnny: A guys called Lawrence. He was looking for someone to perform there last night.

Nancy: Perform?! Is this that stupid little interest of yours?

Johnny: It’s not stupid.

Nancy: Why would you even want to do that, to sing and look like a fool in front of people?!

Johnny: It wasn’t singing... it was comedy.

Nancy: THAT’S EVEN WORSE! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, BOY?! You stupid boy! How could you embarrass us like that?

Johnny: Embarrass? How’s this going to affect you, exactly?

Nancy: People talk, Johnathan. You already know that by now.

Johnny: I don’t care. This isn’t about you. Now if you excuse me-

Nancy: Where do you think you’re going? Do not walk away when I am talking to you!

Nancy: You cannot seriously believe that you’re going to succeed as a comedian. Do you really think that people would want to watch you make a fool of yourself?

Johnny: Well I’m clearly not doing too bad at it considering the hiring manager enjoyed it.

Nancy scoffs

Johnny: He even offered me a job in the entertainment industry.

Nancy: Tell me you weren’t daft enough to take it.

Johnny: I did take it, and I’m dropping out of Economics.

Nancy: You what?! After everything I’ve done for you? I worked so hard to give you boys everything you could ask for, and now you want to throw it back in my face?

Johnny: You’ve still got Malcolm, I’m sue he’ll still be your perfect little angel.

Nancy: You are a disgrace.

Johnny: You know what, mum?

Johnny flips her off.

--

Nancy shouting from downstairs: Pack your things and go. I want you out by tonight! Do you hear me? You are dead to me!

Johnny sniffles.

Extra:

Nancy: Now that you’ve passed all your exams, we can start looking into further education. Have you started looking into which University you’re going to?

Malcolm: Well, I’m quite interested in the Communications Degree at Foxbury.

Nancy: Perfect!

Johnny: Mum, can I ask you something?

Nancy: Yes, Johnathan?

Johnny: Can I drop Economics and do something else? I’m really not enjoying the course, and I’ve found something that I like doing.

Nancy: Absolutely not.

Johnny: But-

Nancy: Johnathan, we have already discussed this. I will not have you ruin your chances of being successful because of your silly little interests.

Johnathan: It’s not silly! I genuinely think I can get a career from this.

Nancy: Listen now. I will not let you abandon the opportunities I have laid out for you. By carrying out our legacy, you will have a secure life, along with everything you could possibly ask for.

Johnny: What makes you think that my idea won’t work out?

Malcolm: Why must you be so stubborn...? Mum has worked so hard to give us the life that we have, and you want to throw that away by dropping out? You need to be more grateful.

Johnny: I-

Nancy: See, Malcolm understands. It’s time you adjust your attitude, Johnathan.

Johnny: But-

Nancy: Enough. I will not be discussing this any further.

Geoffrey: Your mother has a point, Johnny. By getting that Degree, you’ll have a lot of opportunities that will guarantee a successful life. That way, if your career choice doesn’t work out, you’ll at least have a degree to fall back on.

Johnny: Man, I was really hoping you’d stick up for me on this one.

Malcolm: You’re so dramatic.

Johnny: Shut up.

Nancy: Enough!

Saturday 22 February 2020 - Landgraab Estate 02:55

Malcolm: What the hell are you doing up so late?

Johnny: Uh-

Malcolm: Wait, have you been out this whole time?

Johnny: Why are you even awake?

Malcolm: Getting water, and don’t even try to dodge my question.

Johnny: [Sigh] Yes, I went out for a bit.

Malcolm: Doing what?

Johnny: That’s none of your business.

Malcolm: You smell like alcohol. You’re not drunk, are you?

Johnny: No, Malcolm. I’m not drunk. I just had a couple of drinks. Can you just go back to what you were doing?

Malcolm: Why would I want to do that? This is far more interesting. What would mum say if she saw you dressed like this?

Johnny: Malcolm, move.

Malcolm: You’re in deep shit.

Johnny: And you’re annoying as fuck.

Malcolm: But seriously though, what were you doing?

Johnny: I’m not telling you! Now move so I can go to bed.

Malcolm: You’re hiding something.

Johnny: Move.

Malcolm: I’ll tell mum.

Johnny: You are such an arse licker. Don’t you get tired of brown nosing mum?

Malcolm: I’m not an arse licker!

Johnny: You are.

Malcolm: Well you’re an ungrateful shit.

Johnny: [Scoffs] Whatever.

[Door Opens]

Nancy: Why are you both up so late, do you have any idea what time it is?

Malcolm: I was just getting water.

Nancy: Johnathan.. what on earth are you wearing?

Johnny: Clothes?

Nancy: Don’t get smart with me. Why are you dressed up at this time anyway?

Malcolm: He snuck out and went drinking.

Nancy: Is that so?

Malcom: Also, he’s definitely hiding something, because he is dead set on not telling me what he’s been doing.

Johnny: Malcolm!

Malcolm: What? It’s true. You’ve definitely been up to something.

Johnny: Didn’t realise you were still up.

Scott: Yeah, don’t feel like going to bed just yet.

Johnny: Fair enough. Mind if I sit with you for a bit?

Scott: Yeah, sure! Is everything okay?

Johnny: Yeah, no I’m fine. Just tired. Today was pretty eventful.

Scott: Yeah, it was.

Johnny: You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about that conversation we’ve had with Nikki not too long ago...

Scott: The one where you were heavily contemplating life, and we were offering help?

Johnny: Yeah, that one.

Johnny: Remember when you and Nikki both said that you could see me getting into entertainment?

Scott: Uh-huh.

Johnny: I think its something I’d like to do as my career. When I was in front of that mic, I really felt like I was in my element.

Scott: I could tell, you were really into it! Everyone was into it!

Johnny: Really?

Scott: Yeah! We were all laughing.

Scott: We were serious about seeing you ending up on the big screen. You have so much potential, and I really think you should trust us on this one.

Johnny: Thanks, it means a lot.

Scott: No problem, funny man. What you did there is just the beginning to your future.

Johnny: You think so?

Johnny: But before I make any final decisions, I need to give this whole comedy thing a go. I could probably try out a few gigs to see if it’s definitely something I want to do.

Scott: Sounds like a plan. You better invite me to these. Gotta hype you up, you know?

Johnny: Only problem is, I don’t even know where to start looking!

Scott: I might be able to help with that... I happen to know an events manager who assits with booking in performers.

Johnny: Go on...

Scott: Okay, so his name is Lawrence Gardner. He’s the one who takes care of the events and all that. I heard they’re looking to have a perfomer at the Yacth Club Calico this week. Maybe you could try there?

Johnny: Yeah I could probably do that! It’s not far from where I live as well.

Johnny: But seriously though, Scott, I really appreciate the help. It means a lot to me.

Scott: It’s okay, I’m happy to help!

Johnny: So.. what do I need to know about my life right now?

Valeria: I think you already know the answer to that by now...

Johnny: Uhm..

Valeria: Well, I can tell that you’re feeling stuck. You’re being pressured by your family to carry the family legacy. You want to try something different, but you’re worrying about how your family will react.

I’m also sensing a lot of tension in your current relationship. Why do you allow yourself to be treated the way you do by your partner? You need to be more firm when setting boundaries. Not doing so will only hurt you.

Johnny: Right...

Johnny: What should I do about my career path? I know I definitely don’t want to get into business, but I don’t know what I could do that would work out fine for me...

Valeria: Hmm, strength card reversed... It seems you already have an idea, and you’ve got the ambition. But you’re letting your fears and self doubt get in the way. Listen to your friends, and go to that Festival.

I need you to take a closer look. You are far more capable than you believe. Trust in your abilities, and take the risk. It’s not your family stopping you. It’s you.

Johnny: Soo.. in other words I just need to get my shit together?

Valeria: If that’s how you interpreted the message, and if that’s what Kylo himself said, then the answer is yes.

Johnny: Is there anything else I need to know?

Valeria: Yes, there is. The Tower Reversed card I pulled out not too long ago has something to say. Your life is going to change drastically within the next few months. There’s going to be changes to your love life, your living situation and, uhm... including yourself, to put it simply... Disaster is inevitable, but you will get through it!

On the bright side, though, I am seeing a lot of new experiences for you in the future! You’re going to be okay. Just trust your instinct.

Johnny: Maybe Kylo was right... although I do prefer your delivery of it all. Don’t tell him I said that, though!

Valeria: Before you head off, there is something I need to mention quickly.

Johnny: What is it?

Valeria: Spend as much time as you can with Scott?

Johnny: Why, is he okay?

Valeria: It’s hard to say, but please do this.

-

Caleb: Your hair’s tickling my face!

Kylo: Cope.

[Door opens]

Kylo: So was I right, then?

Johnny: Yeah...

Kylo: I knew it!

Caleb: So are we gonna go and get ready for this festival, now?

Cassandra: Thank you for taking the time to come over. There’s not many people I can tell about this. They’d think I’m crazy.

Johnny: It’s fine. I know this is something you’re worried about, and I’m happy to help you through it.

Cassandra: Remember when I mentioned looking through the office?

Johnny: Yeah, I remember.

Cassandra: So I managed to get hold of the files I found. They’ve been moved to the bedroom for some reason.

Johnny: You reckon she knows that you found them?

Cassandra: Not sure...

-

Cassandra: The bedroom’s this way. My parents won’t be back for another few hours, and Alex is downstairs doing his homework so...

Cassandra: Okay, so since what I’m about to show you is very much strange, do you promise not to judge?

Johnny: I promise. Bella’s smart as fuck, she wouldn’t be doing all of this for no reason.

Cassandra: Right...

-

Article Headline 1: Flying Saucer Captured On Ranch in StrangerVille

Article Headline 2: My Brush With The Aliens

Article Headline 3: Alien Sighting in Oasis Springs

Johnny: And you’re saying this is only the beginning of this pile?

Cassandra: Yup. There’s more... a lot more. I found a few journal entries about that mission I mentioned a while ago.

Johnny: What did it say?

Cassandra: She mentioned being called to a crash site, since there was a lot of calls about something crashing just outside of the community centre, 94 to Nowhere. Her team found this spaceship? I don’t know. But they investigated it, and Mum mentioned coming into direct contact with a creature.

Johnny: Holy shit....

Cassandra: Yeah. Freaky, huh?

--

Chloe: So she mentioned breathing in some sort of gas right as she came face-to-face with that thing?

Cassandra: Yeah.

Chloe: Well, how do we know that the creature is actually real? For all we know, the gas she breathed in could have just caused her to hallucinate.

Johnny: But what if the creature is real? While I’m not denying the possibility of the gas causing hallucinations, it’s also possible that extraterrestrial beings exists. Surely we can’t be the only planet with living creatures, right?

Chloe: Okay, so let’s say this creature is real, did your mum pick up on any vibes from it? Like, was it friendly, malicious...?

Cassandra: She didn’t say. Probably too busy freaking out.

Johnny: Well, if you find any more information on this, just let us know.