03.2023 | WELCOME BACK! Hello friends old and new! I'm so excited to welcome you all back to SITW! I've made some changes to the plot and added the ability to play supernatural charcaters! So come and check it out! I can't wait to jump back into this little town with all of you!
A strange history surrounds the town, it is a place where mysterious and supernatural things have been known to happen. The reputation of the town reguarly draws in visitors and newcomers alike. While some residents avidly believe in the supernatural, others are far more skeptical. What do you believe?
Friday nights for Dakota Bartlett were spent one of two ways: either she was at a football game cheering on the Hollifield Harpies or she religiously watched horror movies at the local movie theater. Such was the case tonight, her older sister came with her because that was the only way Kota was going to get to use her sister's truck. However it didn't matter because as soon as they arrived Kota for ditched so her sister could go hangout with her friends and it didn't hurt her feelings or anything either, she was content being alone or with her own peers she had plenty. Still she could be fine by herself too.
She was just waiting in line for concessions typing away in a group message between a few friends, she had one ear bud in listening to a podcast on Greek mythology. A message dinged from her brother asking if she could app him some money, she sent him twenty bucks, the line inched slowly forward, a message from Mom that she had fed the goats for her so she sent a reply back with a bunch of hearts and a thank you, but as she zoned out stalling movement forward Kota hadn't realized she was next in line.
Post by Delaney Arquette on Mar 20, 2023 18:51:43 GMT
Delaney was about half way through her shift and was working the concession stand tonight. Already smelling of popcorn and sugar, she had her long hair pulled up so it wouldn't get in the way or into any of the food. The hard part about working on Friday nights was that the theater was usually packed with people from the high school, going to movies with all their friends, while Delaney was being working instead of out having fun. Not that she had anyone that would have really invited her to go. She was friendly enough but didn't have a lot of close friends because she was always busy studying or working.
The night moved along, impatient teenagers rushing to get to their seats on time instead of leaving enough time to not have to hurry to get snacks. It was a typical night. The line stalled for a moment and Delaney looked up to see the familiar face of Dakota Bartlett. Founding family member. Super cool. So pretty. And here alone. That felt odd. Delaney was sure that Dakota didn't know who she was but Delaney knew just about everyone even if they didn't know her.
"Miss?" she asked, hoping to get the girl's attention. "What can I get for you?" She could see the people behind Kota starting to get impatient. It wouldn't be long before someone snapped at her.
Post by Dakota Bartlett on Mar 22, 2023 17:45:06 GMT
"Miss what can I get for you?" and someone behind her cleared their throat loudly that snapped her out of her phone, "so sorry everyone," she pleaded with those behind her before stepping up to the counter honestly wishing she could shrink into herself, "Sorry Delaney, Delaney right? Hollifield high? I'm Kota," she pushed a lock of her own hair behind her ear as she scanned the menu board, she knew of Delaney from passing in the halls but the girl was a year younger but she hadn't heard anything bad about her. Big plus: she was freaking cute.
"I'll take a combo number 3, coke to drink, and extra butter," Kota smiled at the girl before digging through her pockets for loose cash, "I know you work here but you should really hit up the Friday night horror show," it was definitely an invite.
Post by Delaney Arquette on Apr 4, 2023 22:21:09 GMT
As Kota said her name, twice, Delaney's heart skipped a beat and she felt the heat in her cheeks. She had been sure that the girl had no idea who she was, let alone her name. She cleared her throat and nodded. "Yeah, it's nice to meet you, Kota. I've seen you around." She tried to act casual but her voice came out a little more shakily than she would have hoped as she blushed again.
"Sure thing," she said when the girl placed her order and she was glad for a reason to refocus before she made a fool of herself. She stepped back to fill a bucket of popcorn and pumped some extra butter over the top, making it as evenly dispersed as she could. She moved back to set it on the counter in front of the customer, the gorgeous Dakota Bartlett-she still couldn't believe she knew her name, and then grabbed a cup to place under the machine to fill it with coke.
"Oh, uh, I get off in an hour or so. Maybe I could catch at least part of it-," she said, though she seemed unsure that the invite was genuine and not one of out of pity. "That will be 8 dollars even."
Post by Dakota Bartlett on Apr 5, 2023 2:45:37 GMT
Kota counted out her cash, "I'll be in my sister's truck, row b," she replied confidently with a smile, Kota saw how the girl blushed and Kota thought that was super cute. After handing Delaney the cash she went into her pocket and pulled a pen out and as she took her change she took Delaney's hand, "this is my number text me when you're done and I'll get out and meet you..." Kota scribbled her cell number then her name with a smiley face heart, "...see you in a hour Delaney."
Taking a piece of popcorn and popping it into her mouth Kota gathered her items and walked away from the concession stand looking back once at Delaney with a smile.
Post by Delaney Arquette on Apr 10, 2023 21:27:09 GMT
Row b. Easy enough to remember. B for Bartlett. Now it was even easier to remember. But as it turned out, she probably didn't need the reminder quite as much as she thought when the other girl snatched her hand when she went to take the money that was owed for the popcorn and drink. Delaney's big brown eyes widened a little as her felt her body flush with unexpected heat. Then the girl was writing down her phone number and Delaney couldn't stop smiling.
"O-okay, see you Kota," she stared for a second as the girl walked away and then looked down at her hand, the sight of the smiley face heart made her smile again. But her attention was soon caught by the next guest who was giving her a knowing look which made Delaney want to tuck her hand in her pocket and hide her face inside of her hoodie.
Instead, she went back to work like the good little employee that she was. The number was pretty noticeable though and over the next hour she got more than enough comments about than she would have liked. The trouble of working in a place that was usually filled with teenagers more than adults is that they love gossip and don't care about keeping their opinions to themselves.
When her shift was over she actually considered just going home instead. But...in spite of her embarrassment, the temptation was just too much. So she pulled out her phone and put in the number. The last one was smudged just a little after it being on her hand for an hour but she was glad it wasn't on her palm at least.
10:15 PM: Hey Kota, it's Delaney. I just got off. Are you still in row B?
Post by Dakota Bartlett on Apr 10, 2023 22:20:07 GMT
Kota was fully invested in the horror movie and she had her little one hitter so she took a quick little toke thinking about even though she had thought about taking her now empty popcorn for a refill (not to flirt with Delaney of course, but for the munchies) but she didn't want to delay them hanging out any further. With every ding of her phone she would check, not Delaney and ignore the messages. Putting her pipe away she'd spray a little perfume and eventually the movie had recaptured her attention so when her phone did ding again it just so happened during a little jump scare resulting in Kota letting a squeal escape. She juggled her phone a bit before reading the text, Delaney, a smile spread across her face as she started typing back. Opening her door as soon as she sent the text Kota walked to the back of the truck to stand, looking down both rows of cars she spotted Delaney coming from the concession stand direction.
Her sister's truck was a rebuild of their Dad's, a square body was super sexy and Kota hated that her sister got the truck but since she was older and done graduated Kota couldn't complain, plus her dad had done promised each of his kids that they'd get a vehicle upon graduation. As Delaney got closer Kota smiled and jokingly said, "hey stranger, haven't I seen you already once tonight?"
Kota would go and open the door for Delaney, "thanks for coming and hanging out," Kota jabbered on, "you'll love this one, it's about vampires, kinda campy but the jump scares are mint," if Delaney climbed in Kota would close the door and go back to the driver side.
"How long have you worked here Delaney? I'm here religiously and I've never bumped into you," she tossed her phone on the dash and adjusted herself in the seat so she could give her new friend her full attention.
Post by Delaney Arquette on Apr 14, 2023 15:50:34 GMT
It wasn't long before she spotted Kota standing at the back of a truck. It was hard to see it much in the dark but it looked pretty cool. Delaney could just make out that it had a stripe along it's middle. Delaney chuckled and blushed a bit at the joking comment and though she wanted to come up with some clever response it was as though her mind not only decided not to work but it kept her tongue from producing any sound either.
Kota opened the passenger door for her and after a second of hesitation she mumbled a whispered little thanks and climbed inside. "Oh, vampires are...cool," she forced herself to say, though the truth was that Delaney, as a siren, knew that vampires weren't just silly made up creatures but actually existed. It made watching movies about them, or any number of other 'mythical' creatures to feel a bit odd. Delaney might be supernatural herself but it didn't make her any less afraid of monsters.
As Kota walked around the car Delaney looked around the car. It wasn't new by any means but it was pretty comfortable. It smelled faintly of perfume and what she was pretty sure was weed though Delaney had never tried it herself. Soon Kota was in the driver seat and she turned towards her, and therefore away from the movie. Delaney stayed facing forward and pressed her hands between her knees shyly as she looked over at Kota to answer her question. "A few months, but I work more often at the theater in the shopping center. I imagine they'll have me here more often now that the weather is warming up though."
"So then, since you're here a lot, what is your favorite kind of scary movie?" she asked. "What is your favorite monster?"
Post by Dakota Bartlett on May 1, 2023 15:36:38 GMT
Kota didn't really have to think about her answer, "I love a good slasher! Honestly the cheesier the better, blood don't bitherme either. As for monsters," she seemed to get more serious, she had chills just thinking about it, "so my mom use to tell me stories about Skinwalkers, she's of the Hopi nation our ancestors have been in Sweetwater since well before any of the founding families. Some traditions say Skinwalkers are powerful medicine men who succumbed to the temptation of using their abilities for evil. Other traditions claim that the Skinwalkers are the punitive form of any man, woman, or child who commits a deep sin."
Kota glanced toward the movie but she couldn't focus on that, her attention was on Delaney. She pushed a lock of her own hair behind her ear, "My Moms always been into her legends but the Skinwalker has always been my favorite in a macabre kind of way...but yeah um how is your year going?"
Post by Delaney Arquette on May 2, 2023 14:49:30 GMT
The way that Dakota talked about Skinwalkers gave Delaney the chills. Quite literally. Goosebumps raised up on her arms and she found herself wrapping her arms around herself and rubbing at her skin to try to smooth them away. "Skinwalkers...are those the ones that can change into other people? Or is it animals?" she couldn't remember the legends exactly and different movies and books portrayed them differently which only made the term more confusing.
She glanced up at the movie but Kota's own little tale was already scary enough and she decided she was less interested in added to the chill she already felt when it was easier to just focus on the conversation. "It's going pretty well. Excited it's almost over and we can get to summertime. I want to spend every day at the pool or the lake..." she said with a sweet, dreamy tone. "How about you? Your a junior, right?"
Post by Dakota Bartlett on Aug 21, 2023 0:24:17 GMT
"the ones that turn into other humans," she whispered watching Delaney's reaction, "didn't mean to freak you out, it's just legends and folk talk really," Kota didn't really believe that but if it put the other girl at ease then it was only right so the subject change was also good.
"I am a junior! I'm so ready to get to my senior year, I mean I could graduate early next year but I am going to stick out the experience," Kota offered a kind smile, "yesss! We have a family get together on the lake every summer you should totally come with me...if...if you wanted to..." and Kota's tone definitely strongly implied she wanted Delaney to come.
Post by Delaney Arquette on Aug 21, 2023 21:36:04 GMT
The idea of something turning into other people was actually more terrifying than turning into animals. It was the difference between avoiding a dog in the street and talking to someone you thought was your best friend or your mom or your sister and finding out it was all a trick. For all she knew, Kota might be one right now.
She quickly waved off the apology, feeling dumb for getting so nervous. “Oh I know it’s all pretend,” she lied. “I’m totally fine,” she said with a small little laugh trying to act as if she was unbothered and failing completely.
She did like the change of subject though. Thinking about the warmth of summer made her happy. The tone in Dakota’s voice as she inviting her along made her feel warm from the inside out. The invitation itself…a day at the lake around others…that was harder. Still, she couldn’t just say no. She could come up with a reason later why she wasn’t able to attend. So instead she smiled shyly, a genuine smile, and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Ya, that would be really awesome to go…with you.” Her heart raced.
Post by Dakota Bartlett on Sept 14, 2023 11:30:44 GMT
'Ya, that would be really awesome to go…with you...
With you...
...you.' Delaney had said, truthfully and Kota explained, "And don't worry, I love my family and we have a great time but I have this sweet secret spot where I hang out by myself, it's beautiful," her heart was also feeling fuzzy because she couldn't lie about being attracted to this girl, "I'd love to show you and share the secret, I'm fun," she laughed, "...you could even bring your boyfriend? Or girlfriend?" Kota was curious, she was investigating and not being sly in the least but she would be a liar if she said she wasn't interested in Delaney Arquette.
Post by Delaney Arquette on Sept 14, 2023 17:23:27 GMT
Delaney felt instantly both excited and incredibly nervous to see Kota's secret spot. Maybe she would really would say yes. It wasn't as if her tail would just suddenly appear as soon as she got wet, it was a choice. It was just a very tempting choice whenever she was in water. She felt so nervous about being alone with Dakota but only because the girl was so pretty and she was afraid she'd do something embarrassing. Technically they were pretty alone right now...but parked a drive in with tons of other movie goers around them.
"Are you sure you want to share you secret with me?" she asked, trying to sound light and playful but probably came off as more of a genuine question than she meant it to sound. "That does sound like a lot of fun...and I can already tell that you're fun too," she said, looking away back to the movie as a blush rose to her cheeks.
That blush only deepened at the suggestion of a boyfriend or girlfriend. "Oh, no, I don't have either. Single like a pringle," she said with a nervous laugh. "I've never actually had one before, my parents would love it if I didn't date until I was, like, 30." She cleared her throat. "But either sounds nice to have one day. A boyfriend...or a girlfriend. What- what about you?" she asked. "Are you dating someone right now?" Dakota was so gorgeous, surely she must have a flock of people trying to date her.
Post by Dakota Bartlett on Sept 14, 2023 18:49:11 GMT
"For you I'm sure," that was a little stronger than she meant but Dakota wasn't going to deny she was attracted to her but not all girls were like her but she could still see them as friends!
"but you know what I mean," did she? Did Kota? She was starting blush herself and played with the steering wheel a little smile on her face, "and yes, I'm fun, not entirely wild but...I'm definitely fun," she looked back over at Delaney and the bright screen showed the other girl was blushing too?
When the question about dating was rebounded back at her Kota giggled, "most of the boys at school are ick, legit dorks, but I've had a few girlfriends but not in the last two years...but I'm available," was it a hint? Was she fishing out if Delaney was...curious...yes and yes.