Drunken Master

Author's note: I now have a p-word as you all know, so if you feel like reading 3 advanced chapters and in a couple of hours...5, at the measly price of $3, then do join. The link is in this book's bio, or you can just search 'Archonstine' followed by p-word on your browser.

Also, join my discord will ya? For movie and tv-show recommendations and character images. And also it's the one place where I ask you all for suggestions. The link is in this book's bio.

Also, donate some power stones while you're at it. And maybe... write up a review?

1st November 1996 (Friday)

Ambrose Stirling (POV)

"Paranormal Activity is a gripping exploration of the macabre, a tale woven with threads of domesticity unraveling under the weight of the supernatural. Directorial debutante Richmond 'Ricky' Stirling captures our attention, introducing us to the tumultuous union of Ricky and Janice, a young couple thrust into matrimony by the unforeseen consequences of youth.

From the film's opening frames, the dynamic between Ricky and Janice sets the stage for a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of their relationship. No strangers to insecurities, the couple attempts to project an image of blissful togetherness, yet beneath the surface lies a poignant undercurrent of uncertainty, stemming from the unorthodox circumstances that bound them in marriage.

Janice's traumatic past, unearthed from the recesses of her childhood, becomes a specter haunting their domesticity. It's a subtle touch by the director, using the supernatural as a lens to explore the psychological consequences of suppressed trauma. As Janice grapples with the resurgence of paranormal events, her past unfolds, revealing a tragedy that had long been dismissed by those who should have listened.

The crux of the film lies in Ricky's journey from skepticism to horror, a transformation that mirrors the audience's own descent into the unknown. The chemistry between our leads transcends mere on-screen performances, breathing life into characters grappling with both otherworldly and internal demons.

The introduction of a paranormal consultant adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. His enigmatic guidance, coupled with a subtle nod to the incompetence of authority figures, amplifies the sense of dread, leaving Ricky and Janice to navigate the supernatural maelstrom on their own.

In the film's climactic moments, 'Paranormal Activity' delivers a gut-punch revelation—a miscarriage and Janice's eerie transformation. The decision to keep Ricky's demise off-screen heightens the emotional impact, leaving the audience with haunting echoes of his screams and an unsettling ambiguity surrounding Janice's fate.

The epilogue, framed by the inconsolable sobs of Janice's father, further deepens the emotional resonance. The film refrains from neatly tying up loose ends, opting instead for an unsettling ambiguity that lingers long after the credits roll.

While 'Paranormal Activity' isn't without its moments that flirt with genre conventions and industry wide tropes, the film distinguishes itself through its raw emotional depth, nuanced performances, and a narrative that doesn't merely rely on supernatural frights but delves into the very fabric of human relationships. The result is an impressive debut that earns its 3.5 out of 4 stars—a haunting exploration of the fragility of love when confronted by forces beyond the mortal realm. In the shadowy realm of horror, this film stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the resonance of the unexplained."

…

Wow.

Just Wow.

I snap myself out of my trance and raise my head up from the daily copy of Chicago-Sun Times only to meet the eager eyes of my son.

"So, how is it?" He asked, his face betraying nothing, but his eyes… oh the amount of mirth and smugness contained within them.

Kiddo knows exactly 'how it is'... probably deduced it based on my facial expressions or some other psycho bullshit he probably pulled.

Sigh… it's been 19 years. 19 full fucking years and I still don't have a clue how he does it. His ability to deduce and disseminate someone's thought process in a fraction of a second, simply by glancing at his/her face… I could have sworn he was reading people's minds left and right.

I sighed in frustration, before rolling up the newspaper and tossing it at his head across the coffee table… only for him to snatch it out of the air, and open up to the page of the review in a single uninterrupted motion.

Kid's definitely got some superpowers.

Either that, or the quaalude I had yesterday, kicked in 9 hours too fucking late.

"Hmm… 3 and a half stars out of 4, by Roger Ebert… not bad I think, right dad?"

Oh great. Now I'm gonna have to listen to his sassy 'I told you so' tirade.

An exhausting monologue that will never contain the words 'I told you so', no-no, it's Ricky. He'll as usual find an increasingly pretentious way to convey the message to me, using colorful vocabulary that wouldn't look out of place in a goddamn Shakespearean play.

And just as he was about to open his mouth-

A click sounded out, as a girl with disheveled hair walked out of Ricky's room, and trotted down the spiral staircase, adjusting her shoulder strap as she descended, when she spotted me.

Looking like a deer caught in the headlights, her eyes dramatically widened as she started looking around in a panic, her face flushed, no doubt embarrassed at having her walk of shame be witnessed by the father of her… boyfriend? Paramour? One-night stand?

Wait… hold on, her face seems oddly familiar. It's like she bears a vague resemblance to someone who I've seen in the past. But who? And just as I begin to ponder, the mystery solves itself in the form of my son…

"Janice! Down here! Come, have a cup of coffee!" He waves, almost too enthusiastically, all the while side-eyeing me to 'behave'.

Huh.

*Snort*

Never thought I would be on the receiving end of that look anytime, and from my little kiddo of all people.

Ricky Stirling (POV)

Damn it… now ain't this a disaster.

And here I was looking forward to a nice cup of coffee, and a smug little speech to daddy dearest about how I'm always right.

Sigh. I guess last night really ended on a wild note.

It wasn't meant to, you know?

I mean, me, Trent, Missy, and David, were planning on going to a nightclub, not just to celebrate the theatrical release of my very first movie, but also to spend a nice night out with my friends, celebrating my 19th birthday.

It was right after an interview with the LA Times when I got the call from Trent and thoughtlessly put it on speaker, which resulted in him blurting out our plans right in front of Janice.

And though she brushed it off, my Observe decided to throw a cruel wrench in my plans by describing in detail how hurt she felt at being left out. Reading lines about her, feeling lonely, and seeing the look in her eyes as she tried to act like she was 'fine' with it… she looked like a kicked puppy.

And it was my birthday, a day when I had wanted to just let off some steam you know? It was meant to be a night filled with booze and dance, that incited nothing but fun… not something anyone wants to start with a healthy serving of guilt.

So… I invited her to join us.

I know, I know, even Trent, who was Janice's friend, was all like, 'way to make things awkward dude', but joke's on them. Cause I had devised a rock solid plan to get rid of the awkwardness and have some crazy ass fun.

The plan involved 2 vodka shots per person, and one of the finest bottles of Jack Daniels… neat.

Suffice it to say, we all got piss drunk pretty quick, and soon started having the time of our lives. Including me.

Yep, as it turns out, the gamer does not prevent alcohol from affecting my brain cellular chemistry.

Granted I got a pretty interesting status effect for my wanton intoxication.

[Status Effect: Alcohol Intoxication

This will result in WIS and DEX reduced by 20% and 40% respectively, with incremental increases in CHA by +1 as you ingest more alcohol. More symptoms in the form of increased excitement, and decreased inhibition will manifest with time.

Duration: 4:59:59 (timer will reset upon more alcohol consumption)]

Yep, I got drunk as hell. It brought about a severe decrease in DEX as my movements became increasingly erratic, and my WIS, while taking a massive hit, was still leagues above that of everyone else in that nightclub I reckon.

The real kickers were the increased CHA and lowered inhibitions though. Apparently, my drunk persona is a charming smooth talker, whose unfocused gaze looks more like an 'intense smoulder'... or at least that's what I remember Missy telling me, right before she got freaky with David on the dance floor.

No wait… we went on the dance floor sometime around… ok, it seems my memory insists on playing petty tricks on me.

Luckily my hangover status effect will cease to exist in about an hour or so.

Anyways, long story short… me and Janice ended up doing something I regret wholeheartedly… and I have a feeling she does as well.

Her thoughts became increasingly clear as she took a seat at the table, exchanging glances with my dad, who looked more amused than anything.

Yep, she definitely regretted last night.

Anyways, a tense atmosphere took hold, as we drank our respective beverages in utter silence, all the while I communicated with my dad solely through eye contact.

Well… it wasn't a dialogue per se, he more or less just glanced at me, shook his head lightly towards Janice in a questioning manner. If he had used his words, I reckon it would have come out as 'Her? Really? Of all people, her?'

I responded with a classic, 'It just happened okay? Drop it for god's sake!'

After another tense minute…

"Ok! I gotta get to the office, see you this evening, yeah?"

"Yeah, goodbye dad!" I waved exuberantly, never been happier to see him go away for a change.

"So…" Janice started, as she met my eyes, her body language screaming discomfort.

"Jan listen, I-I'm sorry, I really am. But I've gotta do this. Last night was a-"

"Mistake."

"Mistake!"

We both uttered at the same damn time.

Oh thank fuck! And here I was all worried I would have to end up dealing with all kinds of messed up drama.

"You know what? Why don't you go first?" I offered graciously, my visage displaying a relieved smile.

"Yes, thank you. I-I, listen Ricky, please… no-one can know about last night okay? I made a really drunken mistake. I… I have a, well he's not a boyfriend, not exactly… it's complicated I guess. Just, please. Promise me, let's forget this ever happened, okay?"

Well damn! She took the words right out of my mouth! And this 'not a boyfriend'... huh. I guess it's an on and off kind of thing for him, but she's got some unresolved feelings for him, and now she's just had some of the best sex of her life with her boss/co-worker of sorts.

I guess I can see why she wants to forget this ever happened, and it's not like I want anything different. After all, a single hot steamy night with her will by no means discount her countless shortcomings and emotional baggage that I'm not ready to touch with a 10 foot pole.

"Yeah," I began, nodding my head intently, "I can live with that. We forget this ever happened ok? Sounds good to me. Just one little thing… I'm pretty sure Missy and Trent saw us making out by the bar so you might wanna run some damage control there. You know what? I'll call up Missy, and you talk to Trent, let's bury this once and for all, what do you say?" I ask, reaching out for a high five… which in retrospect is a pretty weird fucking thing to do.

Judging by the confused look on her face, she seems to agree, but nevertheless reciprocates my attempt at lightening things up.

"I'll pay Trent a visit, and you better clear things up with Missy today itself, got it?"

"Loud and clear." I said, raising my hands up in the universal sign of appeasement.

"And Ricky…"

"Yes?"

"Thanks… a lot. I was not in a good place, emotionally, that is, yesterday. You didn't have to invite me… but you did so, thanks I guess."

I didn't need to use Observe to know she was being genuine in that instance.

"Hey, you're welcome. And relax would you? After 'everything' we've been through… I would like to think we're friends at the very least right?" I said, adopting a playful tone.

"Oh! Of course! I make it a policy not to sleep with anyone below an acquaintance, so yeah I guess, we're friends." Her face lit up in a smile as she finally let her guard down.

Sigh. I really should figure out my alcohol tolerance limit, and fast.

Otherwise, who knows? I could end up with even more 'friends', or worse… something more.