[Note: Choice 3 provides an alternate way to get to Raphael's story, as opposed to the A.R.X experiment and messing with time and space. You can pretty much ignore the chapter after the flashbacks, and continue on that, as he reminisces about past experiences]
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"I know the two of them. They're not a bad influence at all... though I'd say, they may be a bit on the overprotective side..." Lulu said, and out of the classroom, both Jen and Lillian felt attacked by that statement.
"Huh?" Both you and your dad were thrown off by that statement, but you more so than him.
"Again, this mostly comes from other teachers' notes, but they do mention that Blaise's friends both actively and passively limit his interaction with other students..."
"That sounds terrible when you put it that way" You said with a nervous chuckle
"They just worry about me... and they know that I can't really defend myself much from... well, less than nice girls..." You explained. Jen blushed a little and both she and Lillian smiled, feeling good you spoke up for them.
"Wait, does that mean there is bullying at the school?" Your dad asked
"Unfortunately, just as in every school, yes. We try as hard as we possibly can to promote healthy interactions, but you know, there's always a bunch of bad apples... so, yeah, there is some bullying issues we try our hardest at controlling. Nothing too bad has happened, to my knowledge. And maybe, a bit more uniquely to this school is that given the large female population relative to male, there's a more noticeable amount of female bullying than you'd observe in other schools..." Ms. McAllen said, but then she noticed the look on your dad's face. He knew... from personal experience apparently.
"Mr... Mr. Santos, are you alright?" She worriedly asked
"H-Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine... sorry I spaced out for a little. You were saying there is some female bullying in school right? Because there are so many girls compared to boys..." He asked and she nodded in response, but something in his voice told her he drew that from personal memory rather than from having listened to her.
"So, as I was saying... the girls' reaction is perfectly understandable, and I myself have taken note of that, so I'm not reporting this 'social limiting' factor other teachers are claiming.
"I see..." Your dad nodded slowly. Memories were coming to his mind, of which you probably did not know about.
'I can't believe the story repeats itself like that... I swear it could feel as if it had been merely yesterday...' He thought, remembering his own high school days, and how, like you with Jen and Lillian, he mostly hung up with Sheila and Miriam in his youth, and like them and you, not only they were the only friends he had, but they also helped protect him from some of the meaner girls around, as it'd be heavily frowned upon for him to defend himself.
He shook his head, getting himself back to reality from memories neither you nor Lulu had any idea about.
"Then, it's not a problem, right?"
"No, it's not. Officially we have to let parents know about these things in hopes that they can help their child with whatever issue they're facing and to try and steer them in the right direction, but I don't believe any of that is necessary myself" She smiled at you as she said that.
"Further, I can personally attest that your son is a kind young man, a little shy like we discussed before, and somewhat quiet and reserved, but polite and well-meaning, almost always willing to lend a helping hand to those that need it..." She said, making you blush again.
"Plus, another positive thing worth noting is that he doesn't engage in the social hierarchy dynamics that often happen amongst students..."
"I'm sorry, Ms. McAllen, but what does that exactly mean? I just want to be sure... I could be getting the wrong impression" Your dad asked.
"Well, what I mean is that there always social groups, cliques, friend groups, and they all have their ways of interacting with one another, based on age, ethnicity, interests in common, etc... and there are always some students that don't quite conform to those molds... and they tend to be seen and treated as outcasts..."
"You could've just said 'the nerds' and I would've understood" He chuckled
"Oh, but 'the nerds' aren't as much outcasts anymore, they've become one more of the accepted subgroups or subcultures, but yes, we could say some of the students treated as outcasts share traits in common..."
"But what does this have to do with Blaise?" He asked.
"Well, what I was trying to say, is that Blaise doesn't care about these social complexities other students have built around others, he'll treat them the same as he treats anyone else. Sometimes, I can tell he's the only one around that does so, or at least is in the minority. We've talked to some of them about it, and they do take notice that when he greets them or offers to help with something, as minor as it may be, it makes them feel better, that they matter"
You were surprised Lulu actually cared enough to observe such things. It was true that you'd greet people as you passed by, regardless of who they were, for that was something your mom taught you, and the clearest example that came to mind was "Snickers", who seemed to be treated as if she were invisible to the others. Even to Jen and Lillian. You even felt bad for not knowing her true name, unsure if the nickname was made to mock her, or if she had given it to herself.
"Oh... well, that's more of a thing his mom taught him. I think he got the 'being quiet and reserved' thing from me. But it's nice to know it helps make a difference..." He smiled.
The rest of the meeting went relatively well and pleasantly, and Lulu had him sign some papers to prove he attended and that he was given feedback about you, among other things you weren't really sure about.
"It's been a pleasure, Mr. Santos. If you have no more questions, we're done here"
"Likewise. Oh, and you can call me Raphael" He shook her hand.
"Alright, Raphael..." She said his name in such a flirty way that somehow still seemed ambiguous enough, that if someone were to call her out on that, the person would seem crazy.
"My name is Lourdes, but I prefer to simply be called Lulu, as my students can confirm" She said with a cute giggle that made both you and your dad blush and quietly nod.
After what felt like forever, you two said goodbye and walked out of the classroom. Jen and Lillian barely avoided getting spotted as they retreated to their lockers, not too far away, but not close enough for either of you to think they were listening in.
"See? That was a normal meeting, just stuff teachers have to tell the parents" Lillian said.
"I know... but I was worried... besides, they did talk about us" Jen said in a slightly shaky voice.
"Both Blaise and Lulu spoke up for us though, and his dad seemed to be fine with it too" Lillian replied, herself also relieved that they didn't say negative things about her or Jen.
"That was good... and, hey, he does look a bit like Blaise..." Jen said, looking at them as they were talking just out of earshot from the classroom, and theirs, but she could at least see them.
"Hmm? I didn't know you had a thing for dads... You like him better than his son then, huh? Wanna call him daddy?" Lillian teased as she leaned on her and suggestively wiggling her eyebrows.
"L-Lillian!" Jen blushed intensely and shot her an annoyed glare.
"I didn't mean it like that..." She sighed.
"So you don't want to have him as your father-in-law and call him 'dad'?" Lillian teased again with a smug smile, giggling as Jen angrily shoved her away from herself.
"You're the worst, Lillian..." Jen huffed.
"Or the best, depending on how you look at it... Hey... why don't you go meet the man himself and score some family points? You know you need them..." Lillian suggested, making Jen blush again and sweat a little, feeling pretty anxious about the whole prospect.
"I don't know... I don't think I can do that without embarrassing myself... what am I gonna say? 'Hi, I'm Jen, I'm your son's friend, but I also want to go out with him and probably kiss him sometimes, would that be okay with you?'
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[Path for choice 2]
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"Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no, huh?" Jen felt like she was about to have a heart attack as she heard Raphael's voice right behind her, with Lillian covering her own mouth to muffle her laughter. Meanwhile, you were in absolute shock yourself.
"Hahaha, relax... I'm actually okay with that myself, you've gotten my blessing, young lady. That was a little too forward, but that can be excused..." Raphael said as Jen slowly turned around in fear and embarrassment. However, Lillian was surprised by his answer, and her eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
"But, I think you forgot asking him too" He said as he pointed at the near frozen you, who was mentally debating whether or not this was one of those insane dreams he'd soon wake up from, or if he accidentally walked into the wrong Universe.
=====
[back to the chapter]
"That wasn't so bad, actually... just need to work on your nerves and polish the wording a little bit" Lillian said while Jen looked away.
"Look, he doesn't know you, just go there, introduce yourself and see what happens. Think about it... if he can tolerate me, you have it pretty easy. You're welcome, by the way" Lillian giggled as she playfully pushed Jen towards you and your dad...
=====
"I know the two of them. They're not a bad influence at all... though I'd say, they may be a bit on the overprotective side..." Lulu said, and out of the classroom, both Jen and Lillian felt attacked by that statement.
"Huh?" Both you and your dad were thrown off by that statement, but you more so than him.
"Again, this mostly comes from other teachers' notes, but they do mention that Blaise's friends both actively and passively limit his interaction with other students..."
"That sounds terrible when you put it that way" You said with a nervous chuckle
"They just worry about me... and they know that I can't really defend myself much from... well, less than nice girls..." You explained. Jen blushed a little and both she and Lillian smiled, feeling good you spoke up for them.
"Wait, does that mean there is bullying at the school?" Your dad asked
"Unfortunately, just as in every school, yes. We try as hard as we possibly can to promote healthy interactions, but you know, there's always a bunch of bad apples... so, yeah, there is some bullying issues we try our hardest at controlling. Nothing too bad has happened, to my knowledge. And maybe, a bit more uniquely to this school is that given the large female population relative to male, there's a more noticeable amount of female bullying than you'd observe in other schools..." Ms. McAllen said, but then she noticed the look on your dad's face. He knew... from personal experience apparently.
"Mr... Mr. Santos, are you alright?" She worriedly asked
"H-Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine... sorry I spaced out for a little. You were saying there is some female bullying in school right? Because there are so many girls compared to boys..." He asked and she nodded in response, but something in his voice told her he drew that from personal memory rather than from having listened to her.
"So, as I was saying... the girls' reaction is perfectly understandable, and I myself have taken note of that, so I'm not reporting this 'social limiting' factor other teachers are claiming.
"I see..." Your dad nodded slowly. Memories were coming to his mind, of which you probably did not know about.
'I can't believe the story repeats itself like that... I swear it could feel as if it had been merely yesterday...' He thought, remembering his own high school days, and how, like you with Jen and Lillian, he mostly hung up with Sheila and Miriam in his youth, and like them and you, not only they were the only friends he had, but they also helped protect him from some of the meaner girls around, as it'd be heavily frowned upon for him to defend himself.
He shook his head, getting himself back to reality from memories neither you nor Lulu had any idea about.
"Then, it's not a problem, right?"
"No, it's not. Officially we have to let parents know about these things in hopes that they can help their child with whatever issue they're facing and to try and steer them in the right direction, but I don't believe any of that is necessary myself" She smiled at you as she said that.
"Further, I can personally attest that your son is a kind young man, a little shy like we discussed before, and somewhat quiet and reserved, but polite and well-meaning, almost always willing to lend a helping hand to those that need it..." She said, making you blush again.
"Plus, another positive thing worth noting is that he doesn't engage in the social hierarchy dynamics that often happen amongst students..."
"I'm sorry, Ms. McAllen, but what does that exactly mean? I just want to be sure... I could be getting the wrong impression" Your dad asked.
"Well, what I mean is that there always social groups, cliques, friend groups, and they all have their ways of interacting with one another, based on age, ethnicity, interests in common, etc... and there are always some students that don't quite conform to those molds... and they tend to be seen and treated as outcasts..."
"You could've just said 'the nerds' and I would've understood" He chuckled
"Oh, but 'the nerds' aren't as much outcasts anymore, they've become one more of the accepted subgroups or subcultures, but yes, we could say some of the students treated as outcasts share traits in common..."
"But what does this have to do with Blaise?" He asked.
"Well, what I was trying to say, is that Blaise doesn't care about these social complexities other students have built around others, he'll treat them the same as he treats anyone else. Sometimes, I can tell he's the only one around that does so, or at least is in the minority. We've talked to some of them about it, and they do take notice that when he greets them or offers to help with something, as minor as it may be, it makes them feel better, that they matter"
You were surprised Lulu actually cared enough to observe such things. It was true that you'd greet people as you passed by, regardless of who they were, for that was something your mom taught you, and the clearest example that came to mind was "Snickers", who seemed to be treated as if she were invisible to the others. Even to Jen and Lillian. You even felt bad for not knowing her true name, unsure if the nickname was made to mock her, or if she had given it to herself.
"Oh... well, that's more of a thing his mom taught him. I think he got the 'being quiet and reserved' thing from me. But it's nice to know it helps make a difference..." He smiled.
The rest of the meeting went relatively well and pleasantly, and Lulu had him sign some papers to prove he attended and that he was given feedback about you, among other things you weren't really sure about.
"It's been a pleasure, Mr. Santos. If you have no more questions, we're done here"
"Likewise. Oh, and you can call me Raphael" He shook her hand.
"Alright, Raphael..." She said his name in such a flirty way that somehow still seemed ambiguous enough, that if someone were to call her out on that, the person would seem crazy.
"My name is Lourdes, but I prefer to simply be called Lulu, as my students can confirm" She said with a cute giggle that made both you and your dad blush and quietly nod.
After what felt like forever, you two said goodbye and walked out of the classroom. Jen and Lillian barely avoided getting spotted as they retreated to their lockers, not too far away, but not close enough for either of you to think they were listening in.
"See? That was a normal meeting, just stuff teachers have to tell the parents" Lillian said.
"I know... but I was worried... besides, they did talk about us" Jen said in a slightly shaky voice.
"Both Blaise and Lulu spoke up for us though, and his dad seemed to be fine with it too" Lillian replied, herself also relieved that they didn't say negative things about her or Jen.
"That was good... and, hey, he does look a bit like Blaise..." Jen said, looking at them as they were talking just out of earshot from the classroom, and theirs, but she could at least see them.
"Hmm? I didn't know you had a thing for dads... You like him better than his son then, huh? Wanna call him daddy?" Lillian teased as she leaned on her and suggestively wiggling her eyebrows.
"L-Lillian!" Jen blushed intensely and shot her an annoyed glare.
"I didn't mean it like that..." She sighed.
"So you don't want to have him as your father-in-law and call him 'dad'?" Lillian teased again with a smug smile, giggling as Jen angrily shoved her away from herself.
"You're the worst, Lillian..." Jen huffed.
"Or the best, depending on how you look at it... Hey... why don't you go meet the man himself and score some family points? You know you need them..." Lillian suggested, making Jen blush again and sweat a little, feeling pretty anxious about the whole prospect.
"I don't know... I don't think I can do that without embarrassing myself... what am I gonna say? 'Hi, I'm Jen, I'm your son's friend, but I also want to go out with him and probably kiss him sometimes, would that be okay with you?'
================
[Path for choice 2]
================
"Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no, huh?" Jen felt like she was about to have a heart attack as she heard Raphael's voice right behind her, with Lillian covering her own mouth to muffle her laughter. Meanwhile, you were in absolute shock yourself.
"Hahaha, relax... I'm actually okay with that myself, you've gotten my blessing, young lady. That was a little too forward, but that can be excused..." Raphael said as Jen slowly turned around in fear and embarrassment. However, Lillian was surprised by his answer, and her eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
"But, I think you forgot asking him too" He said as he pointed at the near frozen you, who was mentally debating whether or not this was one of those insane dreams he'd soon wake up from, or if he accidentally walked into the wrong Universe.
=====
[back to the chapter]
"That wasn't so bad, actually... just need to work on your nerves and polish the wording a little bit" Lillian said while Jen looked away.
"Look, he doesn't know you, just go there, introduce yourself and see what happens. Think about it... if he can tolerate me, you have it pretty easy. You're welcome, by the way" Lillian giggled as she playfully pushed Jen towards you and your dad...
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May 12, 2023
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