002 | Video

[alterer]

[The feed kicks on to Nilin looking a little weary. Her day thus far hasn't been a good one and it's starting to show.]

Can anyone tell me where in this place I can get a drink? A good drink, mind you. The last bar I found tried to serve me something resembling dishwater.

[And it tasted what she imagines dishwater would taste like, too. There's a pause, and with a light sigh, Nilin speaks again.]

And, to the anonymous voice who spoke up when I first arrived. I'm listening.

[This time, she'll cooperate.]

Comments

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[washitaway]

[Um excuse you Hayley you don't know him!!!]

I don't drink near as much as I used to. And I don't see what business it is of yours.

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[everylittlegirl]

[See her eyebrows. See how they raise with skepticism.]

That's.. not an argument. And it's not, but I'm really good at getting into other peoples' business when they might be ruining the innocence and mental health of young girls close to them.

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[washitaway]

[That just deepens his scowl. You know who was ruining her mental health? The guy Booker saved her from.]

I'd say if you're concerned about Elizabeth, you should talk to her about it.

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[everylittlegirl]

I'm concerned about you.

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[washitaway]

I'm no concern of yours.

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[everylittlegirl]

You should realize by now that you don't really get a choice in that.

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[washitaway]

Yes I do. I don't know you, you don't know me, I think it's best we just stay out of each other's business.

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[everylittlegirl]

Aw, come on. Where's the fun in that, Bookster?

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[washitaway]

Booker. And I think maybe you should find some other way to have fun.

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[everylittlegirl]

I wasn't kidding when I said I'm worried about you.

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[washitaway]

So which is it? Are you worried about me, or are you havin' fun? Are you concerned for my daughter's well-being, or do you find her entertaining?

[Booker's actually getting a little angry, now - not so much for himself, but for Elizabeth. This girl - whoever she is - if she wants to treat him as a joke, she's welcome to. But pretending concern for Elizabeth for her own entertainment? That's crossing a line.]

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[everylittlegirl]

We talked about this when you were drunk, but I guess it's not surprising you don't remember. I thought we agreed she's better off without you? But then here you are, closer to her than ever.

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[washitaway]

Problem with that being, it's not either of our place to decide who Elizabeth should or shouldn't be associating with. She makes her own decisions.

Like I said, you think she's made a bad one, you can take it up with her.

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[everylittlegirl]

I will.

But I think if you know that she's going to make that choice and if you actually care about her, you should do something about that whole drinking problem thing.

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[washitaway]

And I think you don't know what you're talkin' about.

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[beunbroken]

[Do NOT call her dad an alcoholic, okay? Not cool. She will, however, happily call him an alcoholic herself. But that's for her to do. Not random kids.]

Booker is not ruining my mental health. Or my innocence.

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[everylittlegirl]

I hope you're right, but I don't think being an alcoholic caretaker is a good idea even if he's a great guy.

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[beunbroken]

He's not my caretaker. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

And his caretaking is better than any other I've ever had.

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[everylittlegirl]

Then what is he?

And being better doesn't mean good.

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[beunbroken]

My father.

In my life, yes, it does.

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[everylittlegirl]

So it's okay with you that he's a neglectful alcoholic?

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[beunbroken]

Even if I wasn't, why would I tell you? So you can judge the nature of my relationship with my own father? My best friend? What even is it to you?

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[everylittlegirl]

[Hayley clicks on the encryption and is suddenly much more serious.]

So I can help you if you need help.

[Because no one was there to help her when she needed it.]

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[beunbroken]

Help?

[Elizabeth is slightly taken-aback but does her best not to let it show.]

What exactly would I need help with?

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[everylittlegirl]

Finding a place to stay, having enough money to eat and get everything you need. Mainly to make sure you're safe.

[She pauses.] Booker seems like a really cool guy, but alcohol can do some pretty bad things to good people sometimes and it wouldn't be your fault - or his - if that's happening.