Authors note Maybe to some people I'm taking my sweet time to get to the underground and to the true part of the story. I just want to flesh out Frisk. She's a complex character and deserves to be given a developed background. I want that to be conveyed as clearly as possible. I Want the Frisk I create to be someone who has her own life dreams and skills. She has a good group of friends that she can count on and a good life she's lived. She's kind of the opposite of most versions of Frisk that already exist. Hell, most Frisk I've Read about before in other stories, usually, Frisk has had the worst possible life ahead of them, lacks friends or has a dark life before they fell or are incredibly unhappy or bored with they lead or lead so far. Why not write a version of Frisk who is kind and sweet but kicks butt? Who had a happy life and skills not many people would assume she gained? People who would miss and mourn her. That's the kind of person I want to create. Also remember to comment or leave a kudos .
It wasn't a long walk, but it felt like forever with Chad eye humping me with every step we take. The sidewalk was still moist from the freak rainstorm earlier this afternoon. It made the sidewalk shimmer like stardust under the streetlights. This neighborhood has become so ritzy. As we walked, there are bike lanes on the roads, and we passed quite a few very posh boutiques and shops that were still open. I could see a few brownstone apartments expertly maintained. As we walked forward, there was music wafting from somewhere far off. Across the street, I can see a couple giggling while sharing a sundae at an ice cream shop. I noticed Steph and Aiden walking hand and hand looking incredibly like young sweethearts.
Aren't they beautiful and sweet? I'm going to tease the ever stuffing out of her when the night is over. She completely loves him, and that makes me smile. While I may not be happy, I'm glad at least she is.
I look up to see that we were finally at the Bright Blaise theater. Weird name but apparently the founder believed the mountain was actually a volcano and wanted that to be immortalized forever. As insane as the idea is, it's still beautifully built and maintained. The marquee wasn't set up, but I'm not shocked it was off-season and slow for patronage and considering there was no usher or valet outside they were also understaffed tonight. At least the one ticket girl is out here tonight. Looking at the archway, the beautiful carpeting, and the atmosphere, I had a desperate need of a breather from Chad and his creepy staring. I look at Stephanie and Aiden, but it seems like they were busy seeing into each other's souls.
I interrupt, "Wait! Stephanie, I need to use the ladies room. Can you come with me?"
"I'll be back in a second Aiden." Leaving on Aiden a longer kiss on his cheek.
Stephanie and I walk quietly to the ladies' bathroom.
"Okay, Frisk I get it! He's a complete jackass, and I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have pawned him off on you. Can we talk about this when we go home?"
"Sure Stephanie but here's the deal for this whole weekend. You owe me big, and you need to put this guy on Angie's show next week! He said that that was his best outfit, he doesn't know how to behave and he's borderline undateable!"
"Fine, deal but first we have to make this look good. We have to keep a steady mask for the rest of the night. Chad gets on my nerves just like he does you. I really like Aidan, and I don't want to screw up another date again. Chad ruined our stay-in date night a few weeks ago! You know how hard it is for me to find a guy I would want to have a night like that with?!" She turns to the mirror to fix her hair.
"What is the name of this play and what is this play about. What are we even seeing anyways, Stephanie?" I was honestly curious. While I had a few ideas what plays were out at the moment, nothing stood out as a must-see play of the evening.
"Frisk, it's an original play. It talks about the legend of the mountain."
Stephanie wasn't looking me in the eyes. Now I'm worried about her. She has bad news to tell me I'm sure of it.
"Like we haven't heard it a dozen times, "
I say jokingly trying to make sure she knows I won't be mad.
"Apparently, it has a new spin. The writer supposedly found something looking through books on the myth or whatever. He calls it 'The Truth of Mt Ebott'."
"Maybe this won't be so bad, Stephanie. I can act really engrossed in the play since it's an original production." The plan was already formulating in my head to schmooze some of the elite audience to try and be kind to Chad but still keep my distance.
"...Frisk, I don't want to be the bearer of bad news since I didn't know Aiden was thinking of here-before he brought us here-but your ex-boyfriend is the director of this play. "
"-You're kidding!" This can't be happening. What's next, I'm going to be swept into OZ, and I'm going to have to play my part as Dorothy?! This night is only getting worse by the hour!
"I wish I were, Frisk." Her face seems somber, like she didn't want to deal with anymore conflict and drama tonight. It's already been a bit of an emotional roller coaster tonight. At least for m, it is.
"I haven't talked to Jacob since we broke up and it's not like it ended it on good terms considering how and when I broke up with him! He wanted to marry me, and I wasn't even half as in love with him as he was with me, Steph!" Thinking back to him, I remember it vividly; it haunts my dreams because of how cruel I felt I was.
We were at the quad laying on the green grass, trying to just spend time with one another and he saw an opportunity. He was on his knees with a beautiful diamond ring in hand. There was a gigantic crowd of the other coeds. They dropped what they were doing just to watch this including an intense game of hacky sack and ultimate Frisbee. Everyone was watching with baited breath; the relief of finals being over long forgotten in their minds. The summer sun was gleaming over him creating a beautiful halo around us. He goes on a soliloquy about his love for me and how long he's loved me. Mentioning things he's never shared until that moment in front of at least 100 people. So I felt even more distraught when I shot him down. I tried to be gentle, but he wouldn't get the hint. I had to be blunt and harsh and tell him that this relationship was over in front of all those people. I wish he had at least gone to a more private setting. The audience was crushed, but Steph wasn't shocked even though she looked disappointed with me at that moment.
"I still don't know why you broke up with him. You could have learned to love him." Stephanie's words brought me to the present drama about to unfold tonight.
"You can't marry someone you will get tired of and feel like you can't really talk about your life with" Stephanie begins to honestly think about it "-What? Did you want me to marry someone I don't love just to try to be happy while on the inside I'm unhappily married to them?"
"No I wouldn't wish that on anyone but, he's the only guy you dated seriously. You were with him from senior year in high school all the way through college. That's a lot of time to date someone Frisk, and to feel nothing."
"I know that Steph. I wanted to break it off so many times during freshman year in college, after high school graduation, there were so many times, but I got comfortable. In a lot of things, He was some many of my firsts. This is going to be awkward."
"Hopefully, he's not here tonight."
"Knowing my luck he'll be here Stephanie, and honestly when that time comes when he sees me in the crowd; I'm going to try to book it for the concessions."
"All right all right all right If all else fails, I'll try to skip out with you but honestly, I really like Aiden, and I don't want to do that to him." She starts pouting at me.
"I know you like Aidan, Stephanie I can see it in your eyes. I haven't seen you look at anyone like that. I think the closest you come to this amount of happiness is when you look at food!"
"Stop kidding around Frisk we have to go out there." She made a stern face knowing from the earlier sigh that was about to run and hail a cab home.
"Yeah, we don't want them thinking we decided to skip out and run out of the bathroom window. Though I've considered it twice already, Stephanie. At the restaurant."
Stephanie huffs, "Just one more day for both of us and I promise, I'll get Chad on Angie's show before you know it." She takes in a shaky deep breath feeling like she's holding back tears, "I really am sorry that I got you roped into this. I'll explain when we go home, I promise." She was downcast and couldn't look at me.
"It's okay Steph stop those tears. Aiden needs to see you at your best!" My heart was in it, but I felt like I was about to go meet the grim reaper. But, I was determined to tough it out for Stephanie.
Out of the bathroom, we came out, I with my plastered on smile and Stephanie with a real one.
Smirking, "Hey, do you miss us?" Says Chad trying to smile naturally but honestly is coming off even more creepy.
"Yeah, nothing like freshening up after a succulent meal," Stephanie said though her words wavered.
Especially since if things get pretty awkward, we're getting the hell out of here. I don't care what she says.
"'The Legend of the Mountain' is the name of this play? Not a really imaginative title," I say to Aiden. I don't care if I'm ignoring Chad, I have to talk to someone of substance tonight other than Stephanie. At least Aidan is obviously the brains of this operation.
Still, while Chad made me want to tear my hair out doesn't mean I can't pretend I'm not enjoying Stephanie and Aiden's company. Who are making up for this terrible night so far. Though I feel like an unintentional third wheel since Chad is bordering 'creepy clinger who wasn't invited, but he's here anyway.' My nerves are frayed knowing Jacob might be in there isn't helping, but I got to do this.
Knowing that you will be going home after the play fills you with determination.
We walked through the halls, and I can see the concession. While I wasn't hungry anymore, I know I'll be thirsty half way through the play.
"Hey, can we get some drinks before the play starts? I get the feeling that this play might be a long one?"
"Hmmm I see where you're going with this Frisk and I like it," Chad probably assuming I wanted to drink. Gross, not tonight doofus, not with you.
"Chad, all I want to drink is a soda." I raise an eyebrow making it clear I'm not budging on that. He gave me a smile, and in that moment I was hoping Aiden was ordering the snacks.
We start walking to the concession, and already there was a decent crowd. I recognize a few people there; some as other actors I usually work with on their night off like I was. Whether watching the performance for entertainment value or to see the competition for the spotlight on center stage, I felt all the dread from before well up inside me and all I wanted to do was run out of the audience because right there center stage was obviously the narrator, director, and writer, Jacob standing there smiling happily.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, let me take you back 5,000 years ago. We had settled this mountain range that was fret with monsters. Fearful though they were the monsters promised no harm. An uneasy peace was started, that is where this story begins. Now sit back ladies and gentleman for a story you will never forget."
With his opening narration, the play began and honestly I was pretty entranced with the play even though I've heard this legend so much in my life but the new angle was great and does give a better idea. A tragic love story between a young noblewoman who was promised to the prince to maintain peace and her soulmate a monster who stole her away on the eve of when she was to be married. Demanding action from the kingdom for the betrayal of a broken betrothal inciting war. It was a thrilling tale of bloodshed and heartache with casualties on each side. I was so entranced I didn't notice what Chad was doing to my left.
I felt his hand on my kneecap without looking away from the performance. I decide to tell Chad off controlling my voice to make sure my anger doesn't bleed through it.
"If you don't move your hand I will crush it," I whispered in his ear so only he could hear.
"Fine baby whatever you say," He says in a mock whisper.
"Don't call me baby," I say through grit teeth. I can barely hold back my rage. What! The! Fuck! Dude!
"Fine," he says winking at me with what I think is supposed to be a smoldering look. It makes me sick. Thank god intermission had come.
"Hey Steph, let's hit up the concession stand? The final act will start in 15 minutes. Might as well get some snacks right, Steph?"
"Sure, Frisk, I could go for some malts balls right now. I'll be right back Aiden." She smiles at Aiden while she starts walking up the aisle. We start walking towards the concession. Thankfully most of the patrons lined up to use the bathroom leaving the concessions barren.
"Frisk just hold a little longer the play is almost over."
"He's touching my knee he's crossing the line we just met tonight what does he take me for?!"
"I know I know I owe you big."
"You owe me so much Steph, he's not even trying to be decent in front of this crowd. For Pete's sake, the elite are here tonight!"
"I'm so sorry, truly!"
The only person in line finally finished with their excessive order of buying one of everything. The guy behind the counter looked beyond tired and harassed. I asked for a slice of pizza and the malt balls. Heck, maybe grossing Chad out might work at making him keep his hands off me. I gave him a $20 tip and told him it'll be okay. He gave me a gigantic smile just barely reaching his eyes, but he thanked me. Probably the nicest anyone has ever been to him in months, but that's issue working register anywhere I swear. The customer thinks it's ok to harass the cashier even when it's out of their control, whatever the complaint may be. It's the sad reality we live in.
Getting back to our seat wasn't much of an issue. Chad gave me a lusty look. I wish he'd at least try to conceal his animalistic behavior. I think I heard the women behind us scoff at us and talk about the classless youth of today. Under other circumstances, I would have given that woman a piece of my mind, considering Chad was trying to grope me again. I had no leg to stand on; in her eye, I was just some woman with an amorous date. For all she knew, I reciprocated the lout's feelings. I swear I can feel my rage building as keep trying to stop myself from making a scene and being spotted. Jacob was in the front row center of the audience enraptured with his masterpiece. I don't blame him I've heard this myth a thousand times, and he made it interesting. Something I wasn't expecting, he should be proud he made a myth I've heard a thousand times interesting. Though I hope he doesn't try to gauge the audience as he used to in college when he would put on his original plays. He noticed everyone no matter how inconspicuous. If he notices me, I'm hoping he doesn't make another scene I've been avoiding this confrontation for the last two years. While I haven't talked to him in three years. He's tried to contact me, and more than once begged me back on several occasions, publicly and privately, not getting the hint that it's over for me in every way. I'm not even going to try to be friends with him, or it will encourage more of this begging or worse, any more desperate attempts.
The play was ending on the dark note of the monsters' banishment and humanity winning the war. He gave a final narration reminding me of the speech the Lorax gave about love and acceptance being the answer. The cast showed up on stage as the clapping started and they started taking their bows. Jacob looked at the audience like he used to. I tried to hide in my seat , while Chad started making lewd commentary about me blowing him and a bunch of gross imagery.
"Let's just go. We don't have to stay for the ovation, right?" Steph was making excuses, and that was enough for us to start moving.
"Frisk! Frisk!" Jacob had not only spotted me, but he was also running towards my seat!
"We need to leave now." My voice stronger than I actually felt.
"Okay, okay, hold your horses sexy we'll get to my bed in due time."
"Ugh, I just want out of here." Whatever mental deficiency he has I hope it isn't contagious to the general population because he's lucky I didn't turn him into pulp after the stunts he pulled tonight.
"Please, Frisk wait!"
"Wait, does that guy want to talk to you, sexy? Maybe we should hear what the dork has to say."
"Frisk! It's been so long, but you're here for the debut of my Magnus opus that will place the town of Ebbot on the map. You have returned to me my love, take me back, Frisk! I've changed! I'm a different man, I promise! I missed you so much sweetheart, I'm so sorry just don't leave me-Frisk wait!"
During his monologue, I was looking for the clearest path around these people, noticing the rows behind me had to be cleared. All the onlookers were standing in the aisles watching the train wreck that is Jacob Marsh's anxious and desperate plea to get his ex-girlfriend back. I can't take it. I started jumping the seats and running towards the door. Not now, I'm not doing this again with him.
"Steph let's go I can call a cab, and we can get going," I yell over the crowd people muttering and murmuring about the event.
I'm running towards the front doors pulling my phone out to call the taxi company I normally use.
"Jacob, you need to stop. Frisk doesn't want to speak to you." Steph was pleading at Jacob, but he was too far gone. He had found me, and he wasn't stopping till he got me to take him back.
"Frisk, please! Wait I'm sorry, I loved you, Frisk. I still love you, and if you take me back, I promise it will change. I'll treat you like the queen you deserve to be, I'll be your slave! Anything just takes me back, Frisk!"
My face blanks as I try to become stone and to not let his heartache affect me. Though, I couldn't help but feel sorrow that he still loved me and it was unrequited. That's gotta sting. He kept going on and Steph, Aiden, Chad and the rest of the audience followed us out of the theater. People love a good train wreck against all common sense of minding your own business. The cab had finally arrived, and Jacob continued to sob and plead. Off to the corner, I see Aiden and Stephanie saying goodbye unnoticed.
"Steph, our ride is here!" I say stepping into the cab to leaving space for Steph.
"Frisk please!-"
"I told you, Jacob, I'm sorry this happened to you, but you need to move on," I say closing the cab door. Tell the driver the address.
"The evening shouldn't have ended this way," I say, sighing.
Steph reasons, "Well it did but, it wasn't your fault. I blame Chad's bad behavior for half of it at least."
"At least I get to relax with my best friend at home for the rest of the night, right?"
Grinning, "Yeah, you're right Frisk. Way to stay determined and positive."
"More like great fake optimism you mean," I say with a laugh.
We were both laughing. I guess we both knew tonight was not only a bust, but supremely embarrassing. I can't show my face anywhere near that part of town for who knows how long! That was last thought I had as I paid for the cab fare and automatically walking myself to the apartment with Steph. I open the doors and head to lie on the couch like I'm on autopilot. I had to speak up about what had been bothering me all night.
"Stephanie," I start, "care to explain why you didn't mention Chad is the worst guy you've ever set me up with?"
"First, you wouldn't go, but I couldn't pawn him off on our other friends. At least you can kick his ass if he tries something. Can you imagine Angie who's so kind-hearted putting up with Chad's advances? Or Jessica? Tina? None of them can deal with how slimy he is."
We talked into the night while watching TV about the play, dinner and how to explain to Angie that fixing this guy will give your show enough buzz to get nationwide status.
Final note why ends it here? Well, they settled the night and it ended on good terms at least for Frisk. Though I think Stephanie has residual guilt for what she did to frisk. Even if Frisk forgives her it's bothering her what she did. She didn't want to be a selfish ass to Frisk but she's falling for Aiden. I'm not going to lie my dear readers I will be flipping perspectives a lot from the first person to the third person to second person. Usually, the chapter will be dedicated to that point a view and perspective. I want this to be a fully developed world. To do that others insights and perspectives are needed to be able to be read. Maybe I took a hint from someone whose work I read and he decided to go to the left of plot and build an entire world. He focused on everything but the actual plot of the story and he's about 1000 of pages in and only a month has happened in that story. I wish I was that good at descriptive detail and world building. One day to be able to write exposition without it sounding tedious, but I do the best I can and practice makes perfect. Also, there will be no consistency on chapter length. Some chapters are big some are snack bites in size. Also if you bold words and no reference to whose talking? That's an intentional or unintentional save . Like what happens in the game .