FRESHMEN HEARTS
REVIEW:
The following scene depicts the main character, a freshman in college juggling various challenges at school with the affections of multiple love interests. It is the beginning of the winter quarter, and the freshman (referred to as "You") has just reunited with Brant, a football player she dated in the previous fall quarter.
VISUAL NOVEL SCENE
by Derk Bramer
Event: Brant points across the misty campus toward something dimly glowing in the distance. The faint sound of sleigh bells can be heard drifting through the frosty air.
Brant: Look, there’s a winter-themed festival going on over at the quad right now.
Brant [Happy]: If you want to check it out, I’d be honored if you’d join me.
You [Happy]: All right, it’s a date!
Event: You and Brant head toward the festivities, pausing beneath a tree decked in glittering snow and glimmering lights.
Brant: Oh hey! Remember this tree? Last quarter, after finals...?
You [HAPPY]: Of course. This is where we kissed goodbye before the break.
Brant [SURPRISED]: That's right! I wasn't sure if you'd remember.
You [HAPPY]: How could I forget? The leaves were falling, the scent of pumpkin spice latte was in the air...
Brant [HAPPY]: And all <i>I</i> could think about was how much I wanted to keep kissing you.
You [HAPPY]: Believe me, the feeling was mutual.
Brant: Then we couldn't have picked a better spot to make up for lost time.
You: Oh really. And why's that?
Event: Brant smiles and points toward the branch above your heads.
You [SURPRISED]: <jiggle><i>Mistletoe?</i></jiggle> For real?
Event: Brant takes a step closer and leans in toward you. You get on your tiptoes to meet him halfway in a kiss.
You [HAPPY]: ...Wow. I've never actually been kissed under the mistletoe before.
Brant [HAPPY]: Stick with me, and there'll be more firsts where that came from.
You: Hmm. In that case, I've never been kissed under the mistletoe <i>twice</i> before...
Event: Your lips meet with Brant's in another kiss. His breath is warm and smells faintly of cinnamon. This time, there is no hesitation... only passionate desire.
Event: Eventually, you give his hand a light squeeze and pull back to catch your breath.
You [HAPPY]: Okay, okay. As much as I'd love to kiss you forever, I don't want us to become a pair of ice sculptures.
Brant [HAPPY]: Speaking of which, I heard the Art Club made some postmodern ice sculptures that have to be seen to be believed.
You: Well, seeing <i>is</i> believing. So let's go see what this winter festival is all about.
Event: After taking your arm in his, Brant guides you onto the quad. Student groups from across the college have set up booths with festive decorations and wintry activities.
Brant [SURPRISED]: Whoa... the clubs have really gone all out this year.
Event: Each station is jollier than the last; ornaments dangle from every tree branch, twinkling lights blanket the campus in a warm glow, and there seem to be more paper cut-out snowflakes than actual snowflakes.
You [SURPRISED]: Incredible. It's like we really are walking in a winter wonderland.
Event: After a sign that says 'Film Club Fundraiser' catches your eye, you drag Brant to a booth selling used DVDs of holiday flicks.
You [HAPPY]: Look, they've got all my favorite Christmas movies here... even <i>Die Hard!</i>
Brant [SURPRISED]: I did <i>not</i> expect to hear that from you. How is that even a Christmas movie, anyway?
You: It's about family coming together for the holidays, isn't it? My parents and I always watch it on Christmas Eve.
Brant [HAPPY]: Well, I guess every family's got their own annual traditions. I'd wager you can't guess what I do with mine.
You [HAPPY]: Challenge accepted. I bet you...
CHOICE #1 WITH THREE OPTIONS
OPTION 1: Wear ugly sweaters.
OPTION 2: Sing Christmas carols.
OPTION 3: Dress up as Santa.
IF YOU CHOSE OPTION 1:
Brant [HAPPY]: Ugly sweaters are a given. But we <i>also</i> have a white elephant gift exchange, my nephews and nieces get a visit from Santa... the whole nine yards.
You [SURPRISED]: All you're missing is fruitcake and eggnog to complete the corny picture.
Brant [HAPPY]: Hey. Don't knock my aunt's homemade eggnog until you've tried it.
Brant [SURPRISED]: ...But I will admit that my uncle used to make the <i>nastiest</i> fruitcake ever.
You: 'Used to'?
Brant [SAD]: My uncle passed away a while back. It's hard for me to open up about it...
Brant: But something about you makes me feel like I can tell you anything.
You: I feel the same way.
Brant: Then hopefully, we can swap memories over a mug of my aunt's ‘nog sometime.
You [HAPPY]: I'd like that.
IF YOU CHOSE OPTION 2:
Brant [SURPRISED]: Wow, that's actually really close. We <i>used</i> to go caroling. What tipped you off?
You [HAPPY]: I have a sixth sense for good-looking guys with golden pipes.
You [SURPRISED]: ...But what do you mean, 'used to'?
Brant: Every year we'd walk around the neighborhood, belting out the classics as loud as we could.
Brant [SAD]: But one Christmas Eve, my uncle passed away in his sleep. I'd been singing ‘Jingle Bells' with him just hours earlier.
You [SAD]: Oh Brant, I'm so sorry...
Brant: It's okay. That was a while ago. My family still gets together, we just don't go caroling anymore.
Brant: And maybe I'll make some new traditions with my friends here... starting with you.
You: I'd like that.
IF YOU CHOSE OPTION 3:
Brant [SURPRISED]: No way... how'd you guess?
You [HAPPY]: You've got a lap that was <i>made</i> to be sat on... but seriously, I need details!
Brant [HAPPY]: I just put on the beard and hat, stuff my shirt with a pillow, and pass out gifts to my nephews and nieces.
You [HAPPY]: That's so cute! What gave you the idea?
Brant: Actually, it was my uncle who started it. Back when <i>I</i> was just a kid.
Brant [SAD]: But he passed away one Christmas Eve, so when my cousins started having children of their own...
Brant: Dressing up as Santa was like sharing my uncle's memory with the grandkids he never got to meet.
You [SAD]: Oh Brant, I'm so sorry... but thank you for sharing that. I think it's a beautiful tradition.
THE CHOICE PATHS REJOIN HERE TO CONTINUE THE STORY
Brant: But enough about my family. How does <i>yours</i> think <i>Die Hard</i> counts as a holiday classic?
You [HAPPY]: Watch it with me and I'll show you.
Brant: Only if you agree to watch my favorite with me.
You: Deal. So, what's your favorite Christmas movie? <i>The Grinch</i>? <i>Elf</i>?
Brant: <i>A Christmas Prince</i>.
You [SURPRISED]: The romcom that came out last year? I never would've guessed...
Brant [HAPPY]: What can I say? It's a guilty pleasure, and...
You [SURPRISED] And?
Brant: The main character kind of reminds me of you.
You [HAPPY]: I'll assume you mean the titular prince and leave it at that.
Event: You and Brant pick out a few DVDs and move on. Arm in arm, the two of you pass a row of ice sculptures before stopping at another table.
You [HAPPY]: Ooh, a craft station!
Brant: 'DIY Snow Globes'? Sounds fun.
You [HAPPY]: Let's grab some mason jars and get to work!
Brant [HAPPY]: I'll go get the glue and glitter ready.
Event: Brant sits across from you and plays footsie under the table the entire time you're crafting together.
Brant [SURPRISED]: Wow, {You}! Your snow globe looks amazing!
You [HAPPY]: Thanks! And your snow globe looks, uh...
Brant [SAD]: Pathetic.
You [SURPRISED]: No, I mean, it's just... unique!
Event: Brant laughs with you as you pack up your crafts and step into a snowy clearing.
Brant: Well that was fun. What next?
You: Let's...
CHOICE #2 WITH THREE OPTIONS
OPTION 1: Build a snowman.
OPTION 2: Make snow angels.
OPTION 3: Have a snowball fight!
IF YOU CHOSE OPTION 1:
Event: Brant helps you build a snowman, complete with corn cob pipe and button nose.
You [SURPRISED]: I always wondered what the extra button in men's shirts were for...
Brant [HAPPY]: Just don't ask me how I got the corn cob pipe.
You [SAD]: Aww, our snowman looks kind of cold without a hat...
Brant: I don't have a hat on me, but I've got, uh... this snow globe.
You [HAPPY]: Put it on! Now it's not just a unique snow globe... it's a unique hat, too!
IF YOU CHOSE OPTION 2:
Event: Brant lies next to you on the ground as you move your arms up and down.
Brant: Whew. It's been ages since I've made a snow angel.
You: Same here! I feel like a kid again.
Event: Brant offers a strong, warm hand and helps you back to your feet. You inspect each other’s handiwork.
Brant [SURPRISED]: Nice snow angel! Once again, yours is perfect, and mine's...
You [HAPPY]: Unique.
IF YOU CHOSE OPTION 3:
Event: You roll up a snowball before Brant realizes you're being serious.
You [HAPPY]: Think fast!
Brant [SURPRISED]: <jiggle>Whoa!</jiggle>
Event: The snowball hits Brant square in the face. He topples down onto the ground.
You [SAD]: Oh no, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?
Brant [HAPPY]: ...Gotcha!
You [ANGRY]: Brant!
Event: Brant reaches up, grabs you, and pulls you down with him. You roll together in the snow, laughing.
You [HAPPY]: I can't stay mad at you.
Brant [HAPPY]: Lucky me.
THE CHOICE PATHS REJOIN HERE TO CONTINUE THE STORY
Event: You and Brant play in the snow until the sun starts to dip behind the trees.
Brant: I don't know about you, but I'm going to turn into a popsicle soon.
You [SURPRISED]: I was having so much fun I didn't even notice my teeth ch-ch-chattering!
Brant [HAPPY]: Then let's call it a day. Movies and chill back at the suite?
You [HAPPY]: 'Chill'? No thanks, I want something <i>warm</i>.
Brant: Maybe I can help with that.
Event: Brant pulls you close and for a while you both just stand there, wrapped in the warmth of each other's arms.
Brant: I missed you, you know. It's good to be back.
Event: You steal a quick kiss before slipping out of his embrace with a grin.
Brant [HAPPY]: Oh, you are <i>so</i> going on Santa's naughty list next year.
You [HAPPY]: If this is what 'naughty' feels like... I don't want to be nice.