Page 25 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien
Jeneticist: My turn for a game!
SquidHead: Oh no, it’s contagious.
JazzyPlum: I have more time today.
Stargazer: I knew I couldn’t be the only fun one.
FarfromHome: Reluctantly curious.
Seeker: I can’t wait to find out what you have in mind.
Jeneticist: I’m thinking Truth or Dare.
SquidHead: Ooh, spicy choice!
JazzyPlum: I’m in!
Stargazer: Count me in too.
FarfromHome: I’m not doing anything dangerous or silly.
Seeker: I’m unfamiliar with the rules, by the way.
Jeneticist: How have you never played Truth or Dare?
SquidHead: Some of us didn’t get invited to parties growing up, okay?
Stargazer: OK then, quick recap. If you’re picked, you choose Truth or Dare. Then you answer a question or do the dare. If you choose truth and then opt to pass on answering, you have to do TWO dares.
SquidHead: Wait, I never heard of that.
Jeneticist: Sounds good to me! But how do we prove we did the dare?
JazzyPlum: Pics or it didn’t happen.
FarfromHome: What if we don’t want to send photographic evidence of participating in this?
Stargazer: Then you better stick to truth. Booooooooooring.
Seeker: Fair enough. Start us off, Jen?
Jeneticist: I’ll start tame. Star, Truth or Dare?
Stargazer: Dare, obviously!
Jeneticist: Oooh. Spicy. I dare you to send a sincere compliment to someone in the group via private message.
Stargazer: I thought for sure I’d be eating hot sauce and crying. You’re too nice.
FarfromHome: Hmm. I find it hard to credit that you mean that, Star. But…thank you.
JazzyPlum: Oooh, wonder what she said!
Stargazer: That’s for me to know and you to find out. I pick…Seeker! Truth or Dare?
Seeker: Truth.
Stargazer: Have you ever had a crush on anyone in the group chat?
SquidHead: Ugh. I knew this would happen!
Seeker: Define “crush.”
FarfromHome: Even I know this.
Jeneticist: Don’t tease him.
JazzyPlum: You want their attention. You think about them often.
Seeker: Oh. Then yes.
Stargazer: So sweet! Who is it?
Seeker: I don’t believe I’m required to disclose that. Isn’t it my turn to pick someone?
Jeneticist: It is.
Seeker: JazzyPlum, Truth or Dare?
JazzyPlum: Dare. Do your worst.
Seeker: Record yourself playing the violin and share it with the group.
JazzyPlum: Give me a minute.
[Two minutes later, JazzyPlum sends mp3]
SquidHead: Wow, that’s beautiful. You’re so talented.
Seeker: Definitely.
Stargazer: Is that Liszt?
JazzyPlum: It is. You have a knowledgeable ear.
Stargazer: My dad loves his music. Rhapsody No. 2!
SquidHead: It’s a very moody piece. Anyway, Jaz, it’s your turn.
JazzyPlum: And I’m picking you! Truth or Dare.
SquidHead: I’m doing Dare too. Have at me.
JazzyPlum: Let’s see…record yourself hopping on one foot for 30 seconds. You can just show your foot, if you want.
SquidHead: Cruel and unusual, but okay.
[One minute later, a video pings the chat]
Jeneticist: Don’t take this the wrong way, but your feet are huge.
SquidHead: I’m aware. And I’m picking FarfromHome. Truth or Dare?
FarfromHome: Truth, obviously.
SquidHead: Who do you like the most in the group chat?
FarfromHome: That’s like asking where I want to be hit. But…fine. I’d have to say Jeneticist.
Stargazer: Really? I thought you disliked us all equally.
FarfromHome: Some more than others. To end this game, I pick Jeneticist.
JazzyPlum: Saving the best for last?
Seeker: It seems so.
FarfromHome: Truth or Dare, J?
Jeneticist: Truth.
Stargazer: Boo! You wimped out.
Jeneticist: Pffft. Go ahead, FFH.
FarfromHome: I’m thinking what to ask. Oh. What’s your biggest regret?
SquidHead: Deep one.
Seeker: I’m interested in this answer as well.
JazzyPlum: Me too.
Jeneticist: I’d have to say, taking the safe job instead of holding out for my dream offer. I settled in and got comfortable. Now I don’t know if I’ll ever get in at an observatory.
Stargazer: Aw. It’s not too late! Probably. You’re not 87, right?
Jeneticist: I’m not. ??
Seeker: Then believe in yourself. You never know what the future holds.
FarfromHome: A thoughtful response. I expected nothing less.
JazzyPlum: That’s it for me.
SquidHead: Same! Take care, everyone.