My Life Is [A Never-Ending Story]

[x] Stop by Speedy Sam's.

If you say you're gonna do something, do it.

Entry 39. June 15, 2009.

[x] Stop by Speedy Sam's.

"Yeah, I know neither of us want to go there and be reminded of the pain, but we have to face it eventually. Melanie wants to say good-bye. We have to move past this every way we can."

Felix and Melanie drive to Speedy Sam's and aren't surprised to see that it's still blocked off for investigation. Felix parks as close as he can and the two get out of the car. They stand facing the diner they've known and loved for so long. They hold hands, mourning the amazing friends they had made here. Melanie cries as she remembers the times she had growing up with Tiffany. Even Felix manages to let himself go and begins to cry, despite his vow to never again do such a thing. He regrets never getting a chance to call him. He regrets his last words. He regrets never being able to honor that promised favor...

Back inside the car, after their special farewell to their lost friends, Melanie suddenly says, "Felix, I don't want to hide from this. You shouldn't give in to what I want so easily just so you don't hurt my feelings. You're right. We are a part of this now, and we will solve it together." Felix looks surprised and responds, "You know how dangerous this could be." "Yeah, I do. I've always stuck by you, Felix. I've always told myself I'd do anything for you. And now I'm running away and acting like someone fake after we're finally together? It just doesn't make sense," she says, sorting through her feelings; "No, we're going to figure this out. Together." Felix is filled with a sense of pride after listening to the words of the woman he's called his best friend for years. "Now let's go back home and talk about us and where to go from here," she tells him.

Inside the Swinson residence, Melanie asks Felix to talk about that fateful day four years ago. "I never told you the real reason I said those things to you..." Felix begins.

---

Flashback 1. June 27, 2005.

It's 6 AM in the Legard residence when a 16 year old Felix is awakened by the sound of his father screaming downstairs. He rolls out of bed and runs down to see what's wrong. Chad is lying on the floor, crying and screaming--a broken image of his former self. Felix notices a letter sitting on the table above his father. He walks over to read it...

"To my husband,

You are a fool to think you could hide it from me forever. You will sign the divorce papers without debate or I will ensure everyone is aware of your little secret. Trying to use me as your pawn was your first and last mistake. One day your foolishness will be the end of you. Mark my words.

To my son,

It is unfortunate you had to be born into such a horrible family. Don't grow close to anyone, for they will only betray you one day. Trust is a human's greatest weakness, remember that. I will see you again someday, Felix, my boy.

- Rose"

After reading his mother's letter, something changed inside Felix that day. The voices he had combated his whole life grew stronger, more present. They demanded to be heard. He grew darker and skeptical of everyone he called a friend. He suddenly longed for a life of peace...by himself.

That day in school was the last day Felix was kind to Melanie for several years. The voices inside Felix's head told him he couldn't trust Melanie. She was going to betray him when he was most vulnerable, just like his mother did. "Break her heart first! Get rid of her! Stop being nice to such a person!" they would taunt him. After school, on their usual walk home together, Felix shoved Melanie to the ground and screamed, "I HATE YOU! TO THINK I EVER TRUSTED YOU! I WON'T MAKE THAT MISTAKE A SECOND TIME!" Melanie lie on the ground, confused and crying. She couldn't understand why her best friend would suddenly become so cruel. She didn't know what she had done...

After that terrible day, Felix would never pay Melanie much attention. He blew her off every chance he got. He was rude when she'd try making conversation. He would often completely ignore her. Despite all of this, though, Melanie never stopped watching and caring for Felix.

---

"I see... Why would you change so suddenly... Just because of what your mother wrote? I never understood how you could be so cruel..." Melanie asks. "My mother changed something inside me that day. I can't really explain it," Felix hesitates, "but I wanted no one in my life anymore. Even you." Melanie tries to take it all in and understand the pain Felix went through. "It must have been very traumatic for you. Maybe you can't tell me everything yet...so I'll wait for the day when you can," she says. Felix feels guilty he can't explain the voices inside his head to her. Melanie notices the look of confliction on his face and hugs him. "Thank you for explaining to me this much, Felix," she reassures him and adds: "You really were a jerk, you know, right?" Felix laughs.

After taking these steps further into strengthening their relationship, they begin to brainstorm on solving the mystery that has entered their lives. "It's obvious we have to talk to Patrick when we can," Felix tells her, "but he's not an option for some time." Melanie thinks thoroughly about all the clues Felix has shared with her. "With the FBI around, it's going to be harder to do any of our own investigating, but maybe we can use them to our advantage," she suggests, a plan brewing in her mind. "Tell me what you're thinking, Mel," he asks. "Well, I'm sure we can find out some clues by talking with the agents around here. There's some at Sam's, your house and NewFuture. And who knows, they will probably even expose everything about NewFuture," she says, hopeful. "Perhaps. But Tom and Patrick made it seem like it was near impossible to find out anything about that project. Unless, of course, they were to read my dad's diary," he remembers. "That diary... That reminds me, we still know nothing about that burglar or the note he gave Chad," Melanie mentions; "What did it say again?" "Speedy Sam's. June 27th... HEY WAIT A SECOND!" Felix yells as he realizes something.

"June 27th."

"Melanie, that date. It's the exact same day that my mother left us her farewell letter," he tells her. "It could be a coincidence Felix..." she reminds him, to prevent jumping to conclusions. "True, but think about it Mel. What if... What if someone used that date to meet my father to add an extra taste of aggravation to the stealing of his diary? If they knew about my parents, they'd know it was a date that always made my dad extremely upset," Felix's mind races. "It could make sense..." Melanie thinks. It's 2:30 PM.

[] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.
[] Drive around town and try your luck with the FBI.
[] Begin physically retracing your steps from the beginning to see if you find anything.
[] Head to the hospital to find out when you can meet with Patrick.

What are the voices inside Felix's head telling him to do?

 Spoiler

*notices Opeth's guild is Reverie*

lol...I swear that was totally unintended man. I picked the name to match Clarissa's arrogance in her coffee and shop. Haha. That's funny.

And hey guys, have I accidentally created any serious inconsistencies? I'm starting to fill in many of the vague spots from before and I hope I don't change something by mistake. I remember I've vaguely mentioned things about Felix and Mel falling apart and stuff about his mom. I remember at one point I was planning on having her dead, but I changed my mind a while back. I didn't say she was dead or anything at one point did I? And I didn't mention a different length than 4 years for how long Felix has been mean to Melanie? lol I guess I'll have to sift through everything again.

[X] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

[x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

Originally I was going to say physically retrace your steps, but then I remembered the po-pos are involved now... the places of greatest interest are probably still taped off and being investigated and whatnot. They probably wouldn't let you into your own house yet.

Damn you, I'm supposed to be asleep but I stayed awake hoping you'd write some more. And yay you wrote some more. Now I can sleep.

]o[ Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

Tehe. Now we know who the "Ro" person is.

[x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

Only option that makes sense to me. The others seem like they'd just be a waste of your time at the moment. I don't think the FBI would help you, retracing your steps would be hard with all the prime locations on lockdown, I don't really think Patrick is well enough be to seen yet.

[x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

[x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

It's the only option that actually seems practical, and will lead somewhere.

Stop making decisions so easily and quickly guys. Dangit. ;_; Slave drivers!

The big Entry 40 won't be coming until the morning hours, so discuss and stuff until then. OR GO TO SLEEP.

Tehe. Now we know who the "Ro" person is.

! It makes me happy when people pay attention. I wonder what other clues people have picked up on already.

Stop making decisions so easily and quickly guys. Dangit. ;_; Slave drivers!

The big Entry 40 won't be coming until the morning hours, so discuss and stuff until then. OR GO TO SLEEP.

I had to update the compilation. SHH.

Looking forward to reading more at work tomorrow. WRITE MOAR YAH YAH! *cracks whip*

Melanie lie on the ground, confused and crying.

I lol'ed. You should always listen to your mother. Because nice boat.

Stop making decisions so easily and quickly guys. Dangit. ;_; Slave drivers!

The big Entry 40 won't be coming until the morning hours, so discuss and stuff until then. OR GO TO SLEEP.

Maybe now is a good time to bump up the number of votes to reach a decision, but don't start until after the next entry of course.

[COLOR="DarkSlateBlue"] [x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

Yeah, with the fuzz blocking off most important places, you can't physically retrace your steps.
Checking to see when you can see Patrick again would probably just end with you at a dead end.
Messing with the bigger fuzz will just get you in trouble.[/COLOR]

It makes me happy when people pay attention. I wonder what other clues people have picked up on already.

I've noticed that one and at least 2 others (I think). You'll have to excuse me if I don't comment, I'm just enjoying the story as it goes on. lol

[x] Begin physically retracing your steps from the beginning to see if you find anything.

Might have missed something important because of the rush felix was in on the first day.

Wake up, Felix. Wakey wakey, time to write.

(Not like I can blame you, I sleep in till noon a lot... XD )

 Spoiler

I don't think you've messed up anything, but I'm not sure.

And... god, Felix, you better hold onto that girl if she's been that patient for you.

[x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

Safest and most logical option in my eyes. Wait, I have options in my eyes?! Can't wait to read more.

Entry 40. June 15, 2009.

[x] Thoroughly compile all your clues and try discovering something else.

"Great idea. We have a lot to keep track of and figure out. Maybe if we get everything together in a more organized way, something will jump out at us."

Hot on their latest discovery, Felix suggests they start organizing their information and see if they can't piece together more things they might have missed before. In Melanie's bedroom, on her computer, they begin by first writing down everything of any relevance they can think of.

- Odd flashes of light (most likely lens reflection in sun)
- Mysterious burglar steals Chad's diary
- Video of robbery along with note ("Speedy Sam's. June 27. Alone.") sent to Chad
- Burglar mentions someone saying where diary would be
- Extremely mysterious project at NewFuture - headed by Chad and Anthony
- Anthony murdered by Chad
- Boss tries shutting project down, always changes mind - seemingly very important to him
- Patrick and Tom apparently deeply involved - exact reasons unknown (possibly suspicion/revenge stemming from Anthony's murder?)
- Chad's diary contains detailed information about the project
- Diary extremely important to Chad, led to a mental breakdown
- Involvement of Stan for unknown reasons (loyalty to Chad??)
- Tiffany and Joseph murdered by Chad, seemingly for information on Tom/Pat's whereabouts
- How did Chad realize it was Tom/Pat over the phone anyway? (curious, maybe thought was someone else or jumped to conclusions)
- Tom and Patrick have mysterious conversation downstairs (mentions of words "irrelevant," "kill" and "diary")
- Rose involved on unknown levels (role in everything very mysterious; why was she mentioned? what was Patrick going to say? she's related to the diary theft?)
- Chad warns "Ro" is not to be trusted

Felix suddenly freezes as Melanie types the last two bullets. "Melanie...how could we have not seen that before? Dad must have been talking about my mother: Rose!" Felix exclaims. "It could just be another coincidence Felix... Lots of names start with 'Ro,' she responds. "I don't believe in all these coincidences when it comes to my parents," he says.

- "Ro" likely to be Rose (again, why would she be mentioned?)
- Meeting date on letter from burglar is the same date as Rose's departure (coinciden

Felix stops Melanie and tells her again it's not a coincidence. Melanie rolls her eyes as she deletes it and continues.

- Meeting date on letter from burglar is the same date as Rose's departure
- Repeated mention of "conspiracy" when discussing NewFuture and project
- Calling in FBI after questioning Clinton and Chad (how serious is this? has Chad been telling them about the project?)
- Why has Chad been confessing so completely and easily (possible guilt?)
- Patrick hospitalized with gunshot from Stan (Patrick of high importance)

Felix and Melanie rack their brains and manage to remember a few more things that could be significant.

- Patrick had handgun at his house
- Urgency of obtaining Felix was suspicious and mysterious (never fully explained? understandable after Chad caught on... but why the rush beforehand?)
- What was Chad hiding from Rose before she left? (how was he trying to use her?)

Together, they stare at the list for hours, bouncing theories back and forth. They try desperately to remember anything else that might be important but remain stuck with their current list. Melanie mainly focuses on NewFuture and believes the root of the mystery comes from the boss. They realize they do not even know his name and make a mental note to find it out ASAP. Felix dwells largely on his mother and what her involvement could possibly be. He believes that maybe Chad was trying to use her to further his project, though he has no idea how, and perhaps now someone close to Rose is trying to get revenge for her. Both have countless questions and things that simply don't make sense.

At 6 PM, with evening beginning to roll around, Felix and Melanie's investigation is brought to a close when they hear her parents returning home. Melanie saves their list of thoughts and clues, and they go downstairs to greet the Swinsons. After supper together, all four of them sit and chat in the living room. They learn that Clinton is probably not going to be questioned anymore after tomorrow. "I think they're finally starting to realize I don't know as much as they want me to," Clinton smirks. Sonia rubs his back while sitting next to him, the stress of the previous days clearly visible on her face. While discussing some of the things they've been asking Clinton, Melanie finds a casual time to ask the name of the head of NewFuture. "Lizor Calranian," Clinton answers without a thought. Felix and Melanie exchange a quick glance.

Around 7:30 PM, Clinton and Sonia decide to check in for the night and get some much deserved rest. Becoming obsessed with the mystery, Felix and Melanie decide what to do next.

[] Research Lizor Calranian on the internet.
[] Wait until dark and snoop around the Legard's/Stan's
[] Take it easy until tomorrow.

What are the voices inside Felix's head telling him to do?

 Spoiler

Hey now! I've been up for several hours already. I just took the time to catch up on some other things first. f3

Anything else you guys are really curious about? I'm wondering if I missed some sneaky detail I threw in somewhere. The pieces are starting to fall onto the board...

[COLOR="DarkSlateBlue"] [X] Research Lizor Calranian on the internet.
The bigger fuzz are probably still investigating the Legard's. Going to a new day already is boring.[/COLOR]

[X] Research Lizor Calranian on the internet.