The First of Many

Stephanie was at home. It had been a strange day indeed. More rumors of werewolves, but no actual proof. People have been throwing accusations all over the place. She didn't want to be a part of it though. She's a Texans—Texans have a reputation to live up to.

She sat down at her oak desk in her study and examined the various pictures all over the walls. Most of them were of her holding hands or under the arm of various strapping men. They were on the beach, hiking the mountains, or—she doesn't quite remember the story behind one—touring the Dominoes Headquarters. Each one had his own fun memories, but little did they know she was an Apathetic Lover.

Meanwhile, a dozen people or so were at the Institute Building, all arguing over the existence of werewolves. Most were dubious. It's kinda like Bigfoot, where there's just not enough hard evidence. Others compared it to a chupacabra, where anytime someone thinks they find one, it's on CNN—not because it's real, but because they want to make the person look like a lunatic.

"What about the attack on Laura?" someone said.

"Hel-lo!" said Laura. "I'm right here! Obviously I wasn't attacked by werewolves." 

It was a pretty mild debate. Though, a few accusations did go around. People quickly dismissed them though. There's no way anyone there could be a werewolf.

Stephanie, meanwhile, reached down to the secret drawer in her oak desk. She pulled out a leather case of some kind. She procured an ancient key from the pocket of her jeans and opened the lock on the case. Inside, she saw the familiar sight of an old pocket watch. Hypnosis, contrary to popular belief, isn't that silly garbage like what you see on stage, she thought. Some even claim to use it for medical purposes. She actually laughed out loud at that as she grabbed a rag and started to polish the old watch. No, she thought, only real Hypnotists like myself truly understand the power that comes—

Suddenly, something flashed past her window.

Stephanie froze. What in the world could move that fast, she thought, and why in the world was it outside my window? She carefully set down the rag and pocket watch and slowly walked towards the window. After opening it, she stuck her head out the window. She looked back and forth outside and saw nothing. Just as she was about to dismiss it as some parcel-delivering owl of some kind, she saw it! Just before it turned the corner of the building next door, she saw the figure of a man. Or was it a beast? One thing she knew though, was that it looked like…

Back at the Institute Building, people had long dismissed the idea of werewolves. Surely a person that can turn into a beast is a thing of fiction. People were casually eating food left over in the kitchen and playing ping pong when suddenly, Stephanie burst into the room.

"Men!" She cried. "I saw Men outside my window!"

People stopped what they were doing. "Did you call the police?" someone asked. "If there are creepers, and a lot of them—"

"No!" Stephanie interrupted. "Not men. Men! I saw Men Do outside my window. Guys, Men is a werewolf!!"

All eyes turned to Men, who was sitting in one of the couches. "Uhh, hey guys," he said. "Um. Well, obviously I'm not a werewolf. I was sitting here the whole time."

Some people were able to vouch for that, but others couldn't since they were busy playing other games like Mafia. Whether Men had actually run past Stephanie's window or not, no one could say for sure.

Marcos turned to Stephanie, "I see the werewolf is first to accuse."

Brandon, with sunglasses on so one one could see who he was talking to, said, "Said the werewolf…"

Marcos, glad he was getting some support said, "See, Brandon knows what's what."

Stephanie, incredulous that no one believed her, said loudly, "I'm telling you it's true! Why would I turn on my own?"

People were more focused on the exchange between Marcos and Brandon though. While Stephanie was accusing Men of being a werewolf, Marcos was accusing Stephanie, and Brandon was accusing Marcos. Brandon said, "Yup. Marcos just admitted."

Stephanie, "Ugh nope."

"He's one," Brandon said, removing the sunglasses finally so people could see who he was talking to.

Marcos, finally understanding the accusation, said quietly and slowly backing away, "I thought you meant steph and your that probs makes you one."

Men, who was bewildered at the accusation from the beginning, was grateful the attention was being drawn away from him. "You wouldn't turn on your own. Since I'm not a werewolf though, I wonder what that says about you," he said, looking at Stephanie.

Stephanie, so frustrated at everyone's responses, pointed a finger at Brandon, "You too! Laura saved you cuz you are lovers, Brandon!"

Brandon, meanwhile, was doing something on his phone, not really paying attention anymore. Frustrated at the tiny keyboard, said, "I type fast enough—I mean, I can't type fast enough. Now everything I said is out of context. I'm done." He noticed everyone looking at him and realized he had just spoken out loud to his phone. Awkward. Not sure what to do, he got his things, and left, saying, "Enjoy the accusing."

Stephanie just smiled.

This new chain of events, however, caused everyone to start talking about werewolves again. They were huddled like football players, occasionally, looking up at Stephanie. Deb asked once, "Steph. Are you traitor?"

"Nope."

Most of the people didn't believe her. By the end of the night, they had approached Stephanie and told her she was no longer welcome there anymore. The group didn't like werewolves, nor did they like people that accused others of being a werewolf. Stephanie, completely outraged, stormed out of the institute building, and was never seen again.

* * *

Here were today's votes:

Stephanie: 5

Carlos: 2

Men: 2

Kyle: 1