Toggle Background Color
Isabella VII: Art House Blues
Stay for the movie
Any other day, I'd excuse myself and go straight home. But this is something special to Zach; something he worked so hard to bring to life. I should know better. I might be having a bad day, but being with the few people I care about far outweighs the idea of spending the rest of the day throwing a tantrum alone in my room. And what if the thing in the attic follows me home?!
I don't want to be left with my thoughts either. I can still see it whenever I close my eyes. And maybe, if I stay, let our heads cool down first before telling them what happened, they'll listen to me? There's nothing you can't solve with a calm head. "One step at a time, Isabella." That's what Mama used to tell me.
Besides, I don't have the heart to ditch Zach.
Hell, same.
A smile is back on my face when I look back at them.
If we keep arguing here, we're going to miss the first few minutes.
Relationship Change
Lots of changes! Since the game doesn't show you the relative change to the last position, and only indicates where the relationship STARTED, it can get pretty hard to see what changed how, if you didn't exactly compare the before and after with a ruler.
That's why i'll supply some hard point values for the changes in relation to the current POV character from now on. Even then, they're less useful than you might think, because the bar length can stand for different maximum values with different characters! 
- Zach +1
- Ashton +1
- Rebecca -3
Oh, good. I thought for sure you were going to cry—
Guh!
This time, I really do send an elbow straight to his stomach. Stupid Ash! Being vertically-challenged has its perks, too!
What was that for?
Stop calling me a crybaby! I'm not one!
Awww, don't cry.
Stop it!
Okay. Scaredy-cat, then.
That, too! If you repeat that, I swear, I'll—
Without another word, Becca goes inside. She doesn't even stop to wait for us when I call after her!
We successfully ostracized Rebecca. 
We don't officially know it yet, but it wasn't just her relationship to Isabella that took damage here.
Ash and I exchange looks at that, the same question likely swimming inside our minds. Did something happen at school after I left? Is she having a bad day, too? I'll try asking her about it later, I guess?
So... uh... you guys go catch up with her. I'll go get us the food I promised.
But you'll miss it!
Didn't you say watching a movie without food ain't fun? And it ain't like I haven't seen it! I made it, remember? I'll be in there soon!
One friendly tap on my shoulder and then he's gone. A few movie-goers are still milling about. Some are still waiting in line for tickets, but otherwise, most of the crowd are already inside. There's nothing much for us to do here now. Not a word of protest comes from me when Ash gestures for the two of us to head inside.
Music: Ambience Movie House
And then?
Are you sure it wasn't one of the cleaning crews?
Absolutely sure.
Somehow, halfway through the movie, the conversation steered towards what happened in the mansion. To be fair, Zach was the one who brought it up again. In his own movie's premiere! Now, the film's just serving as a background noise, while we're speaking in hushed tones, careful not to disturb anyone inside the small hall. Well, except for Ash.
I just hope we don't end up arguing about it again. We'd all get kicked out, for sure! Though, with how loud Ash's voice is, we'll probably get thrown out way before any argument happens. Only Becca still remains engrossed in the movie, completely ignoring us. She's been quiet the whole evening, speaking only when referred to. If I didn't know any better, I'd think we did something that offended her. Did we?
I dunno, Isabella's been acting like an attention-hogging drama queen all day and has completely derailed the evening and the attention of her friends to be all about her. But what could it have been???
And then I ran. You heard what happened after!
I still think it's something else.
It was standing right in front of me, Ash.
He's one of the smartest people I know, but geez, he should learn to listen! Plus, didn't he say he doesn't believe in these things? Why is he in this conversation again?
I heard what you said. But it's a small room. There are a lot of things someone else could've done there without your knowledge. If I could see it up close, maybe I can—
I am not going back there!
Oh geez, Zachary! What the hell is happening to your shoulder here?
Rose does the first floor tour.
I ain't sure ghosts can be restricted to one room, Bella.
There are no ghosts, Zach. Stop putting useless ideas in her head.
Yeah, but I was thinking... maybe all the house needs is a blessing? Wasn't it left uninhabited for years?
I'm trying to come up with a horror film where a blessing or purification has ever worked. I'm p. sure in The Grudge 2, it only made Sayako mad.
Edit: Did i really say Sayako? My brain is already smushing up Sadako from Ring and Kayako from Ju-On involuntarily. Then again - i think that's exactly what i'll call the ghost lady in this game from now on. Happy accident.
Oh. The house did change hands over the years, from one distant relative of the Ermengardes to another. None of them bothered to live in it though, and it remained that way up until its current owners decided to sell it. Why didn't I think of that?
I didn't peg you as the religious type, Zach.
Nothing like that, Ash. Who knows, though? It might bring something positive to the place?
That's not a bad idea. I just don't know where I could find someone…
You're not seriously considering his suggestion, are you?
Do you have a better idea?
I know where. I could contact him for you if you want.
You'd do that?
Or we could find you a psychologist instead.
Christ, what an asshole.
There are very few times in my life when I wish my glowers can kill. This is one of those.
Ash, that is not a very appropriate thing to say right now.
No, wait—that's not what I meant! Ethnographer! I meant ethnographer! This guy is a psychologist too, of course, if you—
Ashton, if you don't stop—
Rebecca knows the guy I'm talking about, too! She can vouch for him.
Becca tears her eyes away from the screen at the mention of her name.
And can you guys keep it down?
Sorry. Scaredy-cat mentioned curses. Not that I'm saying this is one.
But talking to him is a better solution for me, than getting a random priest to bless an old house.
He'll even help you figure things out; teach you a couple of things.
And probably put your fears to rest, since... this looks to be bothering you a lot.
Ash might be right, too. However, what Zach suggested is something I'm more familiar with. Granted, they don't believe me. They're only giving me these suggestions to put my mind at ease. But it's better than being ignored or being laughed at. I can take comfort in knowing they are willing to hear me out.
So... what do you think?
It's your call. We'll go with whatever you want.
I don't know. I—
Remember, i put something like this to vote last time in case it comes up. We never get this choice if we don't watch the movie and talk to the group, because Isabella just heads straight home.
In any case, this was the first vote that was even kind of close, and 61% of you decided we'll ultimately...
Meet with the priest
Story Branched
I'll think about it, but maybe we could go with Zach's idea?
I'm not so sure about that.
Well, it wouldn't hurt to try, right? If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. At least we did something than just standing around.
I'll let you know when he's available, Bella.
Thanks, Zach. I knew I could count on you.
For some reason the game doesn't tell us with the usual notification, but this nets us favor with Zach.
- Zach +1
It ain't a big deal, Rebecca. I'm the one who broached the subject in the first place.
It's still your film, Zachary. A good film, mind you. You worked hard on this.
The least we could do is watch it with you.
And that's what you're all doing! I really appreciate all of you making time for this.
Sorry, Becca. We'll stop now.
I throw her an apologetic look, even if Ash's the only one she should be reprimanding, but her attention is already back on the screen. She's ignoring us again. When Becca's acting this is way, there's a big chance something's nagging at her. We really need to talk.
We all fall into a comfortable silence after, the kind only you can share with people you're most at ease with. For the first time today, the letter lays forgotten in my bag, if only for a few hours.
Journal Updated - OCT 21
Luxbourne Independent Film and Theatre Festival celebrated its 9th year discovering new creative talents in the film industry. Included in the few showcased this year was Zachary Steele’s, “Bleu Foncé: Dark Times of the Black British”. Isabella Santos, Ashton Frey, and Rebecca Gales were also seen amongst the crowd for its premier.
'October 21, Friday | Luxbourne Movie House | Evening'
Music: Ambience Atmospheric 3
Night has fallen by the time we exit the movie house. Despite the late hour, the streets are still bustling full of people: those about to head home, those set to meet someone, even those simply wandering about. Walking in this sea of unfamiliar souls, it strikes me how easy it is for one to get lost in a city as nondescript as Luxbourne.
No seriously, our fictional town is completely unremarkable. What do you mean, that's lazy writing? It says right there, 'nondescript'! It means no description neccessary, y'see?
Oh sorry Isabella, you were saying something?
I was afraid, too! At one point, back when I was new and had just set foot in this place. Now, with familiar faces walking with me, it feels a little like home.
Zach and Ash bid us goodbye shortly before Becca and I cross to the other side of the street. The former claiming he's got a few freelance jobs to take care of before the day ends. And Ash? Eh, who knows? He never tells. Sometimes he'll just randomly appear at your doorstep, looking for a place to crash. He does that to Zach a lot, much to the latter's frustration. But he's a busy guy too, in spite of the laid-back air he gives off.
Thanks for today, everyone!
Music: BGM Mystery
(*quiet whispering*)
???: Help me.
Huh?
???: Help me.
???: Help me.
A sensation. Cold, sickening, drowning. My chest tightening, breathing becoming laboured.
I can taste blood in my mouth. The edges of my vision blurs. In the distance, amidst the countless, nameless people going about their lives, a voice reaches out to me.
I thought we passed the letter on to enough people to get off the hook? Is it because we did too many? We spilled over to 6, so now we have to find 4 more to get to a multiple of 5 again?
Or maybe this is just vengeful spirit speak for "Thanks, you were a great help". Who knows.
???: Help me.
Pleading even as I clench my eyes tight and clasp my hands over my ears. Whispering and whispering and whispering.
Calling out.
???: Help me, please.
No... Not me...
???: Help me.
Somebody—
??? Help me.
BECCA: Isabella! Earth to Isabella?
(*whispers stop*)
At her voice, the whole world suddenly snaps into place, the murmurs, gone. When I open my eyes, Becca raises an eyebrow at me in question.
Oh, I—yeah. Just—okay.
Sorry, I spaced out.
You always do that.
I follow her without complaint, but not before sneaking a glance to the far end of the street. Where the voice came from, where another set of eyes might be staring at me.
Nothing. There are only Zach and Ash watching over us as we head back to where Becca parked her car. If I'm expecting to see something or someone there, I try not to let it show; try not to think of the tiny pinpricks of fear crawling at the pit of my stomach.
See you guys some other time!
Y-Yeah, see you!
Another glance, and with a final wave, we go off our own ways. I don't know what I saw, I don't know what I heard, I don't want to know. And if this is what would help me sleep tonight, what would give back that normalcy in my life, then so be it.
Music: BGM Horror
The darkness closes around me. Grasping. Pulling. Engulfing me. The ground caves in and without warning, I'm falling.
Hey, we finally made it through our first whole day! And we cursed everyone we met that day.
'October 22, Saturday | Isabella's Room | Morning'
Music: BGM Hannah Theme
This is also a nice background. There's the dots crawling over the TV, the curtains blowing in the... wind (coming in through the closed windows), and we get to see some details about our character. Check out the pictures at the head of her bed.
One thing though: The alarm clock is not animated. As far as i can tell, it's not actually 5 o'clock. It will always show the same time, whether it's morning, or afternoon, or night in this room. It caused me quite a deal of confusion when i first tried to figure out what time it is, exactly.
My eyes snap open. For an instant, it doesn't immediately register where I am. Both my back and shoulders ache after I've fallen asleep all hunched-up the night before. Drenched in sweat, the nest of pillows I often keep around me feels more suffocating than comforting.
I let my eyes adjust to the bright morning light streaming through my window, and allow my breathing to slow down before untangling myself from the pile.
I haven't had a single dream since coming to Luxbourne. Or at least, none I can recall having. It's a shame because they used to be so vivid! Not the crazy vivid, but the more pleasant kind I'll tell my siblings about. Maybe it's just the stress of living alone? The knowledge that I'll always wake up in an empty apartment, with no one to tell stories to…
Ugh... what time is it?
Habit forces me to look over at the clock, even with the soreness weighing heavily on my shoulders and the compulsion to never leave my bed for the day.
... In a heartbeat, I'm up.
Oh, man! Of all the times to oversleep! Towel, towel, where's my towel?!
(*things get thrown about*)
Admittedly, it's a weekend. As an unspoken rule, that entitles me to extra hours of sleep. But if Rose didn't kill me yesterday, she sure as hell will now! And right after what happened! Oh, Lord. One box of donuts as peace offering won't be enough the second time around!
(*phone buzzing*)
Grabbing my towel, I'm already a few short steps away from the bathroom, when a muffled ringing breaks out from my bag. There's a moment of indecision at first, my mind conflicted whether I should just ignore or answer it.
But… what if it's Rose? Or worse... our boss?
Ah, sheesh. In the end, the rational part of my brain wins out. The letter from yesterday peeks out when I pull the device out. Just the sight of it is enough to put me in a foul mood, and it takes every force of will for me to ignore it in favor of answering the call.
No profile picture for your mom? Huh... Well, maybe she couldn't afford a phone back home and only got one when she moved here.
Huh?
It's around 4:45 PM in the Philippines right now.
That's... an unusual time for them to call.
Usually it's around noontime here and I'm the one calling, not the other way around. Better for them to use that money on something else than an international call! Regardless, in the most cheerful tone, I can gather—
Hello?
Brace for some Tagalog 101.
Mama! I'm doing okay! How are you guys over there?
MAMA: We're good, we're good! EJ won a storytelling contest at school the other week; brought home a medal. I thought you should know.
There's a tired lilt in her voice as she speaks; it's been there since Papa had to leave his job. I wish there's something I can do for her. But, from miles away like this, the least I'm able to is not make her worry.
If only my older brother would actually lend her a hand. But Lord knows if that'll ever happen! Odds are, Kuya Jordan's already out drinking right now. Again. I can't count on my older sister either, knowing she has a family of her own. And... well— Ate Ann's financial situation isn't exactly great right now, having ran herself knee-deep in debt.
If you've ever watched an anime, you can probably figure out from context what the words in italics mean. They love throwing around their untranslated family titles, too.
For the rest of you, i'll spare you a trip to Google and tell you: Kuya means 'elder brother', and Ate is 'elder sister'.
At least they dropped the honorifics, am i right?
Great! That's great! Tell him congratulations from me! And let him know I'm gonna send him a little something extra this Christmas.
How about Niko? Karen? Michael? I hope they're okay?
Man, Isabella has a lot of siblings.
MAMA: They're doing well. They wanted to talk to you, but they're all busy with school.
Oh, no! That's fine! I don't want to bother them. Just tell them to keep doing their best for me. I'll just call back when I know they're not busy.
And… Papa? How's Papa doing?
It's a subject I'm a bit hesitant to broach. From the way Mama's voice hitches, she doesn't want to bring it up either.
MAMA: Papa... Grace, Papa's—He's having a little difficulty right now. Weak appetite, he's having trouble swallowing, and lost a few pounds. But the doctors said we should keep encouraging him! It just means his body's accepting his new treatment well. The money you sent last time helped a lot to pay for it, by the way.
Oh... I see. Tha—that's good.
I won't deny that life has gotten tougher for our family. It used to be easy back when Papa was in good shape. But ever since he was diagnosed with a sickness five years ago, he had been unable to provide for us. Now, the burden of feeding eight mouths and settling Papa's bills all rest on my shoulders. Although Mama makes a little, accepting sewing and laundry jobs in our neighborhood, it's scarcely enough to cover the costs of day to day living. Let alone the bloating hospital bills. We can't even expect help from our own government, because the health insurance there barely covers anything!
I'm sure he'll get better soon! Is he well enough to talk? Do you think I'll be able to speak to him, Ma?
Silence. I start to think that the call got cut, until—
MAMA: Listen, Grace... Maybe it's better if we transfer Papa to a different hospital. Somewhere cheaper?
What? Why? Did something happen? Is it the deposit issue again? Give me the hospital's number, I'll talk to them!
MAMA: No, it's nothing bad. The service here is good. Too good! Even the doctors! But I'm worried you're working yourself to the ground because of it…
Mama, we've been through this before. I want the best for Papa. And don't worry about the bills or the medicine. Or me, for that matter.
I can handle myself. Everything's going well here. In fact—In fact, we're about to close a large sale!
Hopefully. If not, then I'll find another way. She doesn't need to know that. Sorry, Mama. You taught me not to lie, yet look at what I'm doing.
More context on how much Isabella fucked up with the Wrights. It's the hugest deal she's ever worked on, they promised bonus money, and she doesn't even need the money to eat properly, but because she's basically the sole provider for a huge family which she doesn't even get to see for years.
I'll have money to send over soon to cover the rest of Papa's treatment. And there's more than enough for Karen, Niko, Michael, and EJ's school tuition, too!
MAMA: Thank you so much, dear. I appreciate it. We all do. But I— I just wish you'd come home to us soon.
Music: BGM Emotional
Ah. Kailan ka uuwi? When are you coming home?
EJ, the youngest, used to be the only person asking me that. How do you respond to a question you don't have a definite answer to? Five years later and I still can't give them a straight one.
I smile though Mama can't see it. I fight to keep my lips from quivering, my voice from shaking. She's got enough on her plate as it is. No need to weigh her down with unnecessary concerns.
Promise me you'll be there to welcome me when I do, okay?
MAMA: Of course. I'm sorry, Grace. I need to take this for a while—
(*ruckus in the background*)
There's a small commotion on the other end: the sound of gates opening, the voice of a child—EJ—talking excitedly about his day at school, the tapping of feet on the floorboards as he runs. It's been years since I went home, but I can still picture the whole scene in my mind.
How tall is he now? Are the neighborhood kids bullying him now that I'm not around? Did Mama rearrange the furniture in the living room again? What are they having for dinner today? I miss them. I miss them so much.
It's okay, Ma. I need to go, too. I've got work today. I'll call again soon, alright?
MAMA: On a Saturday? Oh, never mind. Take care of yourself, dear. I love you.
I love you! Bye!
(*click*)
It ends with a soft click, leaving half-truths and empty promises hanging in the air.
Closing my eyes for a moment, I take a deep breath and shake away the thoughts beginning to swim inside my head. It's pointless to mull over these things right now.
Music: BGM Hannah Theme
Okay, Isabella. Time to get that mansion sold!
(*phone buzzing*)
Unfortunately, before I can take a single step away from my phone, it rings again. No doubt Mama forgot to say something.
Excuse you. I'm too young to be your mom! Are you still sleeping?! Hold on. Never mind that. Get yourself in the office! Hurry!
Office? What about the open house?
Oh, no. Is it Sir John? Did he hear about yesterday? Am I in trouble?
Oh God, oh God, oh God. I'm going to get yelled at, aren't I? What do I do? Um… I'll buy you an extra box of donuts if—
No, no, no! It's nothing like that! Will you calm down?! Get yourself here, alright? I'll tell you everything then.
There's the telltale din of several feet shuffling against a wooden flooring and an indistinct yelling in the background before Rose cuts the connection.
(*click*)
That... isn't in anyway comforting. But it's enough reason for me to hastily discard my phone and finish my shower in record time.
Journal Updated - OCT 22
Isabella received an unexpected call from her family back in the Philippines. An emotional moment, her mother informed her of her father’s deteriorating condition despite treatments. Nonetheless, the young woman assured her and continued to work hard to be able to support all of them.
Look at that huge adorable family.
No vote this time, since it was in the middle of the update. Next time, we'll see if Isabella can still salvage the deal and send her siblings to school, of if her family has to starve.
... I'm not trying to ruin the sad mood or anything, but what exactly is 'a sickness' that her father caught?