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Isabella V: Hannah will remember that
Music: BGM Tension 2
Show the letter to Rose (click for video)
I blurt it out before I could think twice about what I'm going to say.
Rose, we need to get out of here! This place is cursed!
I think the next Game Over we see will show Isabella in a padded cell.
Most are still engaged in a conversation with their peers. But those curious enough to turn their heads in our group's direction have been given her trademark saleswoman smile. A tight expression is on her face when she pulls me aside.
Isabella, we've already had a conversation about this weeks ago! Those are just stories!
And I'm telling you that it's not! I saw something in there. It's not… it's not human at all! I thought it was just nothing, but... isn't this letter proof enough—
She gently reaches out to pluck the paper off my hand. Without even taking a glance at it, she folds it back neatly.
...huh. I wonder if it still counts for the purpose of the curse if she didn't look at it? Just... asking for a friend.
Look: I'm really getting worried about you. I know you want to see this open house through, but your condition is more important. Give me a few minutes to wrap things up here, and I'll drive you to the nearest hospital.
No! No! You don't understand! There isn't a condition, Rose! No concussion at all! I'm fine! But this place isn't! And you're being stubborn about it!
Music: BGM Tension 1
Now, now, ladies. What seems to be the problem here?
Nothing, sir! I just had to clarify a few things with my colleague.
Well, it certainly seems… intense. A smile fits the two of you better, in my opinion. Especially darling Little Lily here.
He gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze, while an inscrutable smile spreads across his face.
It's Isabella, sir.
Of course, of course. But my point still stands. And with two beautiful ladies here, I'm sure—
*in Telltale Games voice* Hannah will remember that.
The pressure on my shoulder lifts as soon as those words leave his wife's lips, while the scowl on her face is like a splash of cold water on me. It is also impossible to miss the displeased frown on Miss McCollough's face.
Relationship Change
Welp, there goes all the favor we had curried with Marianne last update. Back to where we started.
The realization that we might lose this sale, because of my outburst, instantly dawns on me. Rose will be beyond pissed!
I—I think I need to step out for a while. I'll be back.
Bowing my head, I mutter a quick apology and gather my stuff to make quick exit.
Music: Ambience Neutral
It doesn't matter if this place is haunted or not. I've caused trouble and Rose can be quite unforgiving of behavior like this. I'm almost at the door when she catches up to me.
Isabella, wait!
The apprehension must have been quite obvious on my face, because her expression instantly shifts to something gentler—eyes softer, a fond smile spreading on her lips.
I know. I'm sorry I ruined this for you.
Come on. You didn't ruin anything. It's not like we haven't ran into any problems before. If we don't get a deal today, we can always try on a different day.
And... look...
She hesitates, completely trailing off, before shifting her gaze down to her hands. A small gesture to stall. Her fingers are fiddling with a piece of folded paper. It's that stupid letter again. My hands stiffen when she gives it back, but I take it, nevertheless. More as an automatic response than any desire to have it back. I'll throw it away if I can. But I have this nagging feeling that, one way or another, it'll find its way back to me regardless of what I do about it.
Look, you won't know if you don't try. Just toss it!
Rose, this is—you have to let them know about—
I know you want us to get this sale so badly. And we've made a lot of plans on how to go about this. I mean, who wouldn't? This is the first time I've been assigned to a property like this.
But I think— Look. Here's the thing, Isabella: if we are going to do this, work on something, I don't know… this big, I need you in top shape. And the way you are now...
My mind stops.
What? Wait. No! I can still work! I just need to get myself together…
That's what you said earlier. I let it go because I thought, 'Hey, it's your own body and you should know more than anyone how you feel!' But after this, I really think you should take a break.
how_to_handle_a_nervous_breakdown.ppt
You're... you're kicking me out?!
No, I'm not!
Look, all I'm asking is for you to take a seat somewhere I can see you and let me handle this for now. You're clearly not yourself. And I honestly could use some time not worrying when you'll fall over or not. The day's not even over and I'm already feeling the stress!
Please? Humor me just this once?
She clasps her hand together in front of her, eyes pleading for understanding. And I do understand! ...To some extent. That doesn't mean I'll feel any less awful! Whether at myself, at the unlucky turn the situation has taken, or for her, I don't really know.
Fine. Okay. I'll step aside for now.
You're upset.
A little, yeah, obviously!
If it's any consolation, I won't tell the boss about today? You know how he is.
Please don't. I don't want a repeat of the lecture I got during my first assignment!
He called me a "noob", and I don't even know what that means!
At the memory, we both burst into helpless giggles, earning us strange looks from the guests milling about the door.
Crisis averted. Rose is a trooper. It's high time she got started on damage control with the Wrights, though.
Talking and laughing like this, it's easy to forget any mishaps that happened. Little things you learn to appreciate, I guess?
So, are we good?
I'm still not okay with it, but... Rose has a point. It's better for me to step out of this one for now.
I won't be able to help you anyways if I keep getting distracted like this. Maybe I'll just take a walk outside or something while I wait for you to wrap things up.
Please. Just stay put. I insist.
I'm not an invalid, Rose!
You clearly have not seen how you looked earlier.
Color hasn't even returned to your cheeks, yet! Just stay here, alright? Don't even think of going anywhere. Let me finish what I'm doing here, and then I'll take you back to Luxbourn myself to have that "minor bump" checked.
Or at least wait for me to call someone who'll fetch you, m'kay?
She's gone before I can voice one word of complaint.
[Video ends here]
'October 21, Friday | Mansion Foyer | Afternoon'
Music: BGM Open House
Left with nothing else to do, I find myself drifting back to the foyer. A few visitors linger in the area. Some, merely enjoying the afternoon sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. Others can be seen admiring the priceless antiques decorating the room. One group of elderlies, gathered some ways across from me, is occupied in a friendly banter about which one would cost more to buy. A little argument here, an occasional laughter and teasing there...
I smile to myself. The conversation reminds me of what I've been missing these past few months. Rose is probably right. I do need a break. Maybe this afternoon's hangout will help?
Speaking of... I should call Ash.
Oh great.... that guy.
Besides, I don't have a ride back. He offered, so I might as well take it! Or bribe him into giving me one. Not that he'll ever accept the latter; personal convictions and all. Honestly, if there's something I find admirable in him, despite his tendency to annoy the hell out of me, it's that. Well, whatever way works! A free ride is still a free ride!
There's Rose's offer, too. But despite what she says, I know she'll be busy for the rest of the afternoon, especially without me assisting. Bothering her for a favor as small as this is the last thing I want to do right now. A couple of minutes and a few prayers asking for a decent signal later, the call finally connects, and—
Music stops.
(*phone rings in the distance*)
You should really listen to this. What the fuck, Ash? This is your ring tone?
???: Shit!
What?
???: Shit! How loud is this thing even—
A sharp ringing fills the entire hall, disrupting the pleasant quiet that has settled. Soon enough, heads begin to turn in search of the source, mine included. My eyes dart around the small crowd, before zeroing in on a lone figure crouched behind the same group of old people checking out the decors moments ago.
He is facing away from me, fumbling with something in his hands. But I don't need to see his face to know whose back it is. Oh, I'd recognize that dumb parka anywhere!
Glad it's not just me. That thing makes him look like a Game of Thrones reject.
Without bothering to end the call, I march towards him. After what happened today, I'm really not in the mood to deal with this.
Of all the times to—
Even his name reminds me of Game of Thrones. Coincidence?
What happens next is something I'll surely regret later for having not recorded.
Music: BGM Open House
(*cartoonish GWUAAAAHH*)
He jumps, lets out an undignified yelp, followed by his phone slipping out from his grip. It bounces from one hand to the other in his poor attempt to catch it, before ultimately falling flat on the floor with a resounding clack. I kind of feel sorry for the phone.
And the floor.
But it's not everyday that you can catch someone like Ash off-guard and get a reaction. Damn his stupid detective senses.
You're really telling me this guy is supposed to be a detective? 
I'll take every ounce of victory I can get, no matter how small. Ha! An awkward pause passes between us.
A blink. A cough. He makes a face. And then, in a too-quick motion, he ducks and retrieves his abused gadget, while a grin threatens to break out from my lips.
In another universe, where we haven't known each other for five years and suffering through his teasing isn't a day to day occurrence, chances are, I'd find that adorable. Endearing, even. Unfortunately, this isn't that kind of world. The way things are, I'm already content to see him out of his obnoxiously calm and collected disposition.
Hello to you, too, scaredy-cat. I could stand to be greeted like a normal person, you know?
What? And miss that look on your face?! No way! Oh, man. I should've taken a picture.
I am so honored you find this funny. Is that how you treat your guests? I think I need to talk to your supervisor.
Talk to yourself. You aren't even a 'guest' here! What are you doing here in the first place?
For a moment, he looks like a cat that swallowed the canary. Suddenly, checking every nook and cranny in his phone for any damage or scratches, seems to be a more interesting activity than explaining himself.
Ash.
I could be looking to buy a house.
…A mansion?
Yeah? Why not? Did you see the view outside? It doesn't look haunted to me at all.
He's messing with me.
He chances a glimpse at some point behind me… The... parlor? Curious, I follow his gaze. But before I can figure out what has caught his attention, he places a hand on my shoulder and turns me back to face him.
I just finished working on something so I dropped by.
I still don't see how his work has anything to do with why he's here. At my confused look, he drops the hand resting on my arm, like he has touched something particularly hot, and casually rubs the back of his neck.
And I... uh... I said I'll see if I can pick you up. Turns out I can, free time and all. So, h-here I am. Uhh…figured you'd still be busy… and... so I... roamed around for a while.
Oh. You should've mentioned that sooner. I was about to throw you out.
Throw me—Hey, I was given a pamphlet. I think that makes me a legitimate client.
We have mandatory sign-in sheets for 'clients,' Ash. I didn't see your name on it. And you can't just 'roam around' because it says, 'open house.' Normal people actually follow an etiquette here!
Right. Okay. I think I'll just go ahead, and—
No! Wait! I wasn't really going to throw you out. Rose said—
Never mind. I was just about to leave anyway.
Something must've shown in my face, because he pauses and gives me a long, hard stare. Sometimes, I forget how easy reading people is for Ash, given how he often looks as if everything around him is a chore. I avoid his eyes, hoping he'll drop the subject and won't ask any more questions. The last thing I want is to tell him what happened—especially the part about the letter.
In fact, he's the last person on earth I'll ever think about telling it to, if I can help it! Sure, he's a dependable guy! God knows how many times he has helped me, even without me asking for it. But stuff like ghosts and the supernatural? He'll never believe those even if he hears it from a friend. Except maybe if it's Becca. On a good day, the most harmless thing he'll do is give you an explanation why those things have no chance of ever being real.
He doesn't look like a skeptic to me. He's wearing a cross, at least.
At worst? He's insufferable. He'll poke fun at you at every. single. chance. he'll get! Ash-hole!
What did I ever do to him?! He never does that to Becca or Zach! I can already imagine how things will go down the moment I spill a word of what I saw. Nope! Over my dead body!
Before it catches his attention, I shove the letter deep into my bag.
Aww. Depending on whether Rose counted or not, we could have gotten rid of the curse now if we just showed him!
What's wrong?
Nothing. Let's just go.
Doesn't look like a 'nothing' to me.
We still have Zach's movie tonight, remember?
It's still early. And didn't you say your shift will end at around five or six? What about—
Hey, Isabella, wait up!
'October 21, Friday | Ermengarde Mansion | Afternoon'
Music: Ambience Mansion Exterior
A rush of air greets me as soon as the main door opens. Not the usual autumn draft, but it's still a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere inside the mansion. Ash's footsteps are quick behind me. The soles of his shoes, thumping hard against the polished concrete in an awkward cadence as he rushes to catch up. He calls out once, twice. The mansion still looms in the background—
Whispers calling me back, shadows beckoning...
Help me.
Help me.
I don't look back.
'October 21, Friday | Luxbourne City | Afternoon'
Music: Ambience Inside Car
We spend the ride back to Luxbourne City in a relatively quiet manner, with only the radio's disjointed hum in the background to fill the silence. Occasionally, Ash will reach out to fiddle with it until the signal settles or it's on a respectable volume. But, otherwise, he doesn't say anything. Neither do I. However, if the furtive glances he's been sending my way are signs, I know there are things he's been itching to ask since we left the mansion. I keep my eyes trained on the passing scenery outside, in the small hope that my disinterest will dissuade him.
Here.
All of a sudden, he tosses something at me from a small compartment on his side. It hits me cleanly on the chin before I can make a move to catch it; the small package makes a soft landing on my lap instead.
Sorry.
The glare I send him wipes the smirk about to form cleanly off his face. He clears his throat, focusing his eyes on the road again. I swear, he did that on purpose!
Okay, i'm not the biggest fan of Ashton myself, but Isabella seems REALLY down on that guy for just being a bit snarky and looking dumb.
Ignoring him, I flip the half-forgotten package on my lap…
I always have one on my person. And you looked like you were about to pass out back there.
Have you eaten lunch yet?
I don't even get a chance to deny it because right on cue, my stomach rumbles loudly and an empty, gnawing feeling in my belly becomes noticeable. No surprise there. I did skip breakfast and lunch so I could catch Becca while she was on break. I was hoping to get a small meal after. I guess with everything going on, I just forgot until Ash mentioned it.
It's not like the hollow feeling's new to me, though. If anything, it's just one of the things I've gotten used to ignoring over the years, growing up.
A thanks, then I tear open the package and start nibbling on the edge of the bar. Apart from an acknowledging nod, Ash doesn't say anything after that small exchange. For that, I'm thankful. After getting an earful from both Becca and Rose, it's nice to be able to just sit down with someone who's not going to nag at you.
(click for video until end of update)
I'm including a video here so you can see one part of why i don't like Ashton much. His voice acting isn't too hot. I know, it's an indie game and it's pretty impressive that every spoken line is also voiced, but Ashton is kind of a major character settled with a sub-par voice performance.
For a cast of no-names (to me at least) that does a surprisingly good job, Ashton's performance just sticks out. He tries, but he just sounds so flat most of the time, like he is - well, reading off a script. Which he technically is, but you're not supposed to hear that.
How'd the open house go?
The usual. We got a bigger crowd than normal because of the property's fame, but really, no different from the typical open house.
On second thought, it actually looks like a fancy party more than an open house. I've never felt so underdressed in my life.
Weren't you there?
I wasn't really listening.
I should have asked someone to kick you out.
No, you won't.
And what makes you so sure?
One, ever since you got assigned to this property, you've been 'freaking out' about it. Rebecca's words, not mine.
She's been complaining to me about how you talked her ears off, by the way.
Two, despite your initial qualms about the place, you still took the job. Which brings us to three: it's been months since you last settled a deal. And you're short on money right now since you're back to your instant noodle diet.
How'd you even know about the last one?!
Rebecca.
Anyhow: You're hell-bent on selling the mansion. Even if someone you know personally is in the tour group, you aren't going to just 'kick them out'. Every single person who went to your open house is still a prospective client to you. Even me.
He's... not entirely wrong. Oh, man. I walked right into that one, didn't I?
I hate you. I really hate you right now.
His answer is a small laugh. The kind that screams, 'I'm right, I told you so'. hate it when he does that.
I'll have you know that there's already someone who's extremely interested in this property. So even if you expressed any sort of interest in it, I don't think they'd be willing to let you have it. Too bad.
Provided I didn't botch it with the Wrights!
This little butterfly is just a small reminder that it could've gone differently, had we kept the letter to ourselves.
I owe Rose a big apology. I hope she likes free donuts.
You don't seem too happy about it.
I am happy! Doesn't this look like a happy face to you?!
Really? And here I was thinking you found another one stuffed in the sofa. Or is it the wardrobe this time?
He meant that as a joke. But how close it is to the truth made my blood run cold and my own heartbeat a heavy weight in my chest. All at once, the letter in my bag feels a whole lot heavier, burdened by my own guilt and apprehension.
Yeah, well... things happened. Stuff the Wright couple might not be pleased about.
No need to make a fuss about it. It's normal in the business.
You made them angry?
Not angry! Just... stuff happened!
Like?
Things.
Did they do anything? Your clients—the Wrights, was it?
I can't answer that.
Poll: Do we talk to Ashton about the attic?