WTF? This for me? stands frozen, backpack slung over one shoulder, eyes wide.
Wait- B-day party?! U did this for me? looks around nervously
So uh- Thanks Trophycoad.. awkward smile.
You have no idea how long I spent planning this… every thing from the cake to the presents took hours
Looks nice. No need to thank you. You should have fun though. Go hang out with the guests.
Oh wait your parents are coming
Shit- What?! They’re coming here? How did you even know? Did I forget about something?
Well they sent an invitation like everyone else who’s here
Damn- Should I hide somewhere? Do you have extra gifts for them to bring to? Shit- This was supposed to be a chill night.
It’s okay it’s okay go enjoy yourself their probably just bringing more junk food anyway
Thanks T, but still keep it down ya know? Don’t want my parents catching wind of the whole ‘secret party’.
See ya. walks into the hallway, fiddling with phone nervously
I thought you said earlier that you wanted to spend a private moment with me… did I mishear?
Huh- N-no you didn’t mishear.. I did mean that- But my parents are coming.. and you know how awkward that can be…
I’ll hide somewhere for you then… oh! And by the way, Happy Birthday!
Thanks Trophycoad- But honestly it’s not that big of a deal. We should’ve been honest with them. It’s fine really- Let’s just get through tonight and tomorrow we’ll talk about this. Tries to walk past you and back into the apartment
Not happening, you’re having some alone time today buddy even if your parents are here. You said you wanted it, so I’m giving it to you
I- I… I guess I did.. But look- We should really have a serious conversation after this.. Can we agree on that at least?
Sure, talk all you want after everyone leaves
That works. smiles and hugs Trophycoad. Thank you. You’re really something special you know that?
Yeah yeah now have fun and take a drink hands you a beer
Sure thing. takes a swig of beer and walks into the apartment. Looks around at all the decorations and sees everyone having fun Well this is gonna be interesting. Let’s see where this night takes us.. smiles
mimics clapping Bravo bravo!
Yeah yeah.. C’mon we gotta make sure there’s food left. walks over to the food table, scanning all the options and grabbing something to eat
oh my god you ate a whole cake piece without cutting it first!!!
The edges are the best part anyway. Plus- Who needs plates right? sticks another piece into mouth.
What am I going to do with you?
Probably find a corner somewhere and let you have your alone time.. laughs awkwardly and continues eating cake
Stop eating the damn cake!! Your parents are here!!
Oh shit- Right- tries to spit out the cake and wipe his mouth. Sorry. My bad. puts down empty plate. Guess it’s time to put on a face then.. walks over to parents greeting them politely.
Smile and waves back Oh hey Mr. James! Ms. James! Good to see you again! Trophycoad quickly grabs Mr. James coat and hangs it up, he also does the same thing with Ms. James coat So how’s Alaska?!
standing off to the side observing the interaction between Trophycoad and his parents, feeling relieved for now Mr. James: Hey Troy. Alaska’s doing great. The scenery’s beautiful up there and the people are friendly. Ms. James: Yeah- It’s definitely a change of pace from living down here in the city. Ms. James: And Ethan has really been taking care of himself lately too- He’s been putting less emphasis on gaming and more on school and spending time with friends..
Of course he has! As he said in our interviews, he would say that he would never change a thing about living up there. He loves the nature there
nervously tapping foot and looking around the room Mr. James: I can tell that he really enjoys it up there. He seems more relaxed and calm. Ms. James: And you two have really taken the time to bond. I’m really proud of you Troy..
Oh yeah, If I remember correctly last time we went fishing together we stayed up passed our curfew… my mom almost scolded us on the phone… oh good times
pulls a playful face and puts his arm around Trophycoad. Ahhh- Those were the days. Remember how you tried to catch a fish with your bare hands? laughs.
they hear the doorbell ring, thinking it might be someone else and gets excited before remembering who it is Uh- oh- I- uh- Sorry we gotta get that.. runs to answer the door
looks at parents awkwardly and shifts weight from foot to foot Guess that means we have another guest then.. awkwardly smiles.
Oh!! You came too Elizabeth!! That’s awesome! Come on in! let’s Elizabeth in the apartment, she’s holding a present
stares awkwardly at the gift Elizabeth is holding, feeling unsure about whether or not he should open it