This story may be a little different to what you're used to. It's a highly experimental 'interactive' story. If you ever played those old adventure game books that stated things like "if you want to kill the dragon then turn to page 13, or if you want to run away screaming turn to page 57" then you should feel right at home.

The main reason for this is that I wanted to write a first person adventure from a man's point of view, but it's difficult to prescribe to the dominant person in a situation what they're doing... otherwise, they become more like the submissive. So, you've got choices in this story. And there are many possible endings (including six 'proper' endings), so feel free to read it many times! Oh, and many apologies, but the first few choices aren't really choices at all... but don't despair, since it gets more interesting later on.

INTER ACTION

The hour is late, and you're not having a good night. You've been drinking and dancing, but your advances towards the pretty girls have thus far been rejected. And, even worse, it's now your round. You barely listen to the different drinks your friends shout at you as you amble down to the bar - you position yourself between two groups of girls, standing on your toes as you lean against the bar, using your height to try to get you noticed by the bartender. Catching his eye seems to be a sport of its own, and you're not doing so well at it.

"Excuse me!" comes a voice from by your right elbow.

You look down to see a young woman, not as tall as you but still tall for a girl. She has long, blonde hair and large blue eyes that look up at you from behind long eyelashes. Her full lips form a smile as you forget about the bartender and turn your attention to her.

"Yes?" you ask, your brain momentarily freezing as you search for something witty to say.

"Would you mind not standing so close?" she asks.

"Why?" you ask.

"Because you're giving me palpitations..." she replies, her smile forming into a grin.

You are taken by surprise - was that a chat-up line? Before you can reply, you notice that the barman is looking at you, asking what you want to drink. Your mind has gone blank, and you can't remember the drinks that your friends ordered.

Your choices: Ask this nice young lady what she wants to drink or Return to your friends and ask them to tell you again what they want.