CCE Portsmouth

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<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Autumn Term. Monday.. Your phone alarm goes off. You are still kinda asleep as you get out of bed. Out of the window, the sky is grey and cloudy. It is the first day of the new school year. This year you will be a [[Year 8.]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Year 8. Finally. You won't be the youngest in the school anymore. Could be good to not be at the bottom of the school anymore. How are you feeling about that? [[Nervous]] [[Excited.]] [[Who cares, it's school.]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> There are those lads in the year above you though... Maybe they won't notice you this year, maybe they will pick on the new Year 7s. Maybe they'll just leave you [[alone.|yeah.]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Might be kinda fun being older in school for the first time, get a bit of respect from the new Year 7s, could be [[good.|yeah.]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Whatever, more teachers, more homework, same as last year, let's get it [[over with.|yeah.]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> You find your uniform and get dressed. Your Mum says you'll be late if you don't hurry up and put your jumper on because it's cold. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Roll your eyes.]] [[Wear the jumper.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "Fine, be cold," your Mum says, "don't forget to have breakfast". You don't fancy toast again, [[skip it.]] <<set$choice = "skip">>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> You feel warmer immediately as your put it on. You grab some toast [[too.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> <<if$choice is "skip">>A few minutes walking and it's freezing. You grab some crisps from the corner shop for breakfast, wishing you'd had the toast. You see some of your mates walking to school. And some new Year 7s are heading in too, their parents hovering around trying not too be too embarrassing. And failing. <<endif>>At the school gates Mr. Barnett, the Head of Year 10, is watching everyone arrive. He nods you a hello. <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Alright sir."|Ignore him.]] [[Ignore him.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> You grab your phone, bag and coat and head out the door to [[school.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> He doesn't notice. He's already speaking to a parent. The school seems smaller, or perhaps you've just grown. All familiar but slightly different now you're a year older. The corridors of the school are already busy with newbie year 7s looking lost in their oversized coats and bags. New teachers pretend they aren't nervous, and try desperately to fit in. You head inside to [[your new form room.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> Spring Term. Your phone buzzes. It's Leigh. "At the park. Come join us." It would be fun to have the day off school. It's been getting to you lately. Leigh and his mates seem sound. Treat you with respect. How do you feel about that? <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Pretty good.]] [[Hesitate.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> You get dressed and head out before your Mum sees you. You head to the [[park.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> You pause. You've got football training tonight and Mr. Dale said he'd start playing you upfront. It'd be good that. You look at your kit in the corner of the room. Your phone buzzes again. It's Leigh. "Hurry up mate. Come on" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Don't keep Leigh waiting.|park.]] [[...having second thoughts?]] <</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh and his mates, Jack and Dylan, are chatting when you arrive. An older man and woman are there too. You don't recognise them. "Alright, you one of Leigh's mates?" asks the older man. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Nod.]] [["Yeah"]] [["Who's asking?"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> Leigh and his mates treat you like an adult, not a kid. They respect you, look after you. Feels good to be treated with respect finally, doesn't it? <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Yes...|Pretty good.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> "Chatty ain't you, big man," he laughs "Just messing with you. I'm Ryan, this is Becca" he points out the older woman next to him, "Leigh, we'll see you at the gaff later, yeah?". Ryan and Becca get into a silver BMW, you'd love a car like that. "Right, staying here is tired, man," says Leigh, [["Let's go into town"]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Ryan laughs loudly, "I like this kid, Leigh, thinks he's mugging me off. I'm Ryan, this is Becca" he points out the other woman next to him, "Leigh, we'll see you at the gaff later, yeah?". Ryan gives Leigh a bag, and then gets into a silver BMW, you'd love a car like that. Leigh rolls the bag up and puts it in his jacket. [[You guess what is in the bag.]]

<img src="Images/Outside2.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A spiked railing with a shattered street sign fastened to it."> The group of you walk towards town. Leigh walks next to you. "Those kids at school chatting about you. We can't have that, yeah? You're with us now mate. No one is gonna be chatting behind your back about you no more. You get me?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Keep quiet and nod.]] [["Yeah."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Outside2.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A spiked railing with a shattered street sign fastened to it."> "Quiet type, I get that. Just get on with your business, no fuss. We'll look after you, fam." Leigh says. He stops outside a corner shop. "Get us something, yeah?", Leigh says to Jack. Jack nods and heads [[into the shop.]] You stand outside waiting.

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> "Ok, let's see what you got today, prove yourself as a man, yeah?" the older man says directly, "That's what you are yeah, the provider, the man of the house, yeah?" [["Yeah"|Nice one.]]

<img src="Images/Outside2.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A spiked railing with a shattered street sign fastened to it."> "Exactly," says Leigh, "we'll look after you, fam. Sort you out, no one is going to mess with you anymore. People are gonna respect you". He stops outside a corner shop. "Get us a couple of beers yeah, you get me?" Leigh points to [[the shop.]]

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> You see Jack head into the shop. He hovers around the beers and wines, eyeing up some cans of lager, you know he's going to steal them. You can see the shopkeeper watching him, this doesn't seem right. Kinda exciting though, isnt it? <<timed 4s t8n>>[[This is exciting, better than school.|Keep quiet.]] [[This is wrong though. Say something.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> You walk into the shop, the shopkeeper meets your eye as you look at him. Outside you see Leigh point to the cans of lager. It's clear he wants you to nick them. Your heart begins to beat faster as you decide what you're about to do... <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Grab the cans and run.|As you run with them.]] [[Walk out.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> Jack grabs a pack of cans from the shelf and sprints out of the the shop. The shopkeeper is shouting after him. "YES MATE!" says Leigh laughing, and the group begins to run. Your heart is pounding with excitiment. [[As you run with them.]]

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> You tell Leigh you couldn't get served. He looks at you for a moment, knowing that you're lying, not saying anything. "S'alright mate, this place is a rip off anyway" Leigh says aiming it loudly at the shopkeeper inside, "don't worry about it". "What do you think we should do instead, big man?" [[Go to North End.]]

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> Your feet pound against the pavement. And when you come to a stop you're out of breath. Leigh smiles, "Well done mate, knew you were proper sound". You hear the pfft-clak of lager cans being opened. Frothy beer sprays out where they've been shook up from running. The lads are all sat around catching their breath, laughing and drinking. He offers you a can, "You're having one with us, yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Accept the can, drink it.]] [["Nah, I'm ok"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> You tell Leigh that you don't think Jack should be doing this. Leigh looks at you for a moment. Not saying anything, "Alright mate," he calls Jack back out, empty handed, "this place is weak anyway" Leigh says aiming it loudly at the shopkeeper inside.<<set $nobeer to true>> "What d'you fancy doing then, big man?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Go to North End.]] [[Head back to the park.|You guess what is in the bag.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."><<set$choice = "beer">> You have a drink. It's cold and bubbly and bitter. Leigh and his mates are proper looking after you, you're part of this now. <<timed 1s>>You drink more. <</timed>> <<timed 2s>>These lads are your family now, feels great.<</timed>> <<timed 4s>>You feel your cheeks turn a bit red.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>You drink another can.<</timed>> <<timed 8s>>They're a right laugh.<</timed>> <<timed 11s>>The morning is now the afternoon.<</timed>> <<timed 14s>>Leigh lights you a spliff. <</timed>> <<timed 17s>>Why not, it's just a bit of weed.<</timed>> <<timed 20s>>You inhale and hold, it burns. You cough it out.<</timed>> <<timed 24s>>The group laugh and it feels great.<</timed>> <<timed 28s>>The afternoon becomes the evening. <</timed>> <<timed 32s>>Leigh tells you about a Ryan's gaff tonight.<</timed>> <<timed 36s>>You remember his car. <</timed>> <<timed 40s>>He's got everything sorted out.<</timed>> <<timed 46s>>[[The Gaff.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> Leigh doesn't hide his disappointment, the group begin to turn away and he joins them, "Thought you was one of us, fam. Nah mate, maybe those kids at school were right, you're just a kid," he spits angrily. "Go home, yeah, don't need to be babysitting a kid like you" [[Head home.|BRANCH]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> Leigh and his mates seem alright. That money he gave you bought a fat takeaway, and you've still got a pocketful of change to keep. Your phone buzzes. It's Leigh, [["At the corner of park"]] is all it says.

<img src="Images/Outside2.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A spiked railing with a shattered street sign fastened to it."> The streets are busy walking to North End. Cars queue at traffic lights, their engines idling noisily, while elderly shoppers push granny carts up and down the high street, looking at you suspiciously as your group of friends walk confidently [[down the pavement.]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> "Nice one," he says, "that's good to hear". "I'm Ryan, this is Becca" he points out the older woman next to him, "Leigh, we'll see you at the gaff later, yeah?". Ryan and Becca get into a silver BMW, you'd love a car like that. They drive off. "I'm starving, fam," says Leigh, [["I need to eat."|Go to North End.]]

<img src="Images/Outside2.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A spiked railing with a shattered street sign fastened to it."> Leigh heads towards a takeaway he likes, "Chicken there is the best, man". You all head in. Leigh, Dylan and Jack order their food. "What you orderin'?" asks Leigh. You can feel how empty your pockets and stomach are. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell him you didn't bring any money out with you.]] [[Lie, and tell him you're not hungry.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Chicken.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cardboard takeaway box, the flimsy card bending in the heat"> "S'cool bruv, we got you, yeah. What you want?" <<timed 2s t8n>>[[Wings.]] [[8 pieces of chicken.]] [[Chicken burger.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Chicken.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cardboard takeaway box, the flimsy card bending in the heat"> Leigh looks at you, "Mate, it's ok you don't have the money. Ryan gave me some notes earlier, just say what you want, yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Just some chips.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Chicken.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cardboard takeaway box, the flimsy card bending in the heat"> "Good choice," he says, "yeah, I'll get some too". He orders. When the food comes, he hands you the box of wings, "See, we'll look after you." You stand outside and [[eat.]]

<img src="Images/Chicken.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cardboard takeaway box, the flimsy card bending in the heat"> "Ok, no worries," Leigh says. He orders. When the food comes, he hands you the box of chicken, "Here you go" says Leigh. You stand outside and [[eat.]]

<img src="Images/Bike.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A bike, a good one, sporty with nice tires"> As you eat, a man rides up and leaves his bike outside the takeway. He heads inside, ordering his food. Leigh looks over at Dylan, and nods towards the bike, they both look inside at the man ordering his food. He's on his phone, not paying attention to his bike. Dylan says to you, "Take it, we're gonna Snapchat it, it'll be jokes". <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Take bike]] [[Say you don't feel like it]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Chicken.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cardboard takeaway box, the flimsy card bending in the heat"> Leigh frowns, "Really? From here? Mate." He shakes his head, "Ok", and he shrugs. He orders. When the food comes, he hands you the box of chicken, "Here you go" says Leigh. You stand outside and [[eat.]]

<img src="Images/Bike.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A bike, a good one, sporty with nice tires"> As you eat, a man rides up and leaves his bike outside the takeway. He heads inside, ordering his food. Leigh looks over at Dylan, and nods towards the bike, they both look inside at the man ordering his food. He's on his phone, not paying attention to his bike. Leigh says to you, "We're gonna Snapchat this, it'll be jokes". You can see that Dylan is going to take the man's bike. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Say you will instead.|Take bike]] [[Say they shouldn't]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bike.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A bike, a good one, sporty with nice tires"> Without thinking you grab the bike leaning against the window of the takeaway, and begin to pedal away as fast as you can. <<set$choice = "bike">> You hear the shouts of the owner behind you and the laughter of Leigh, Dylan and Jack as they film you riding off. After riding for a while, your phone buzzes, it's Leigh, "Nice one, dump it, see you at [[the park]]".

<img src="Images/Bike.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A bike, a good one, sporty with nice tires"> Leigh shrugs, as Dylan grabs the bike leaning against the window of the takeaway, and begins to pedal away as fast as he can. The owner bursts out the takeaway and Leigh and Jack film him as he chases Dylan riding off. Leigh looks at you, "You got to man up, it's just a bike, man. It's a laugh". He texts Dylan, as you all head back to [[the park|You guess what is in the bag.]].

<img src="Images/Bike.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A bike, a good one, sporty with nice tires"> Dylan shrugs, and he grabs the bike leaning against the window of the takeaway, and begins to pedal away as fast as he can. The owner bursts out the takeaway and Leigh and Jack film him as he chases Dylan riding off. <<set $nobike to true>> Leigh looks at you, "You got to man up, it's just a bike, big man. It's a laugh. You're still just a kid, go home". Leigh texts Dylan, and the lads go, leaving you to walk [[home|BRANCH]].

<img src="Images/Bike.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A bike, a good one, sporty with nice tires"> You dump the bike, leaving it on the road, some junkies will pick it up, then it won't be your problem any more. You meet Leigh and the lads at the park, they're watching the video and laughing, [["Mate, this is so funny".]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> You all hang around the park, chatting, every now and then, Leigh's phone [[buzzes.]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh answers and sends a Snapchat back, then goes back to talking with you. Jack and Dylan are both smoking weed, Leigh offers you a spliff, "It's Ryan's stash," he says, taking a long drag on the spliff, "Go on, you take a hit of it". <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Join in.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> You recognise the smell and the smoke hovers around you like a cloud. You take the spliff and smoke. You feel it pour into your lungs, you cough it out. The lads laugh, [[you're one of them now, it feels good.]]

<<timed 0.5s t8n>>This is what you wanted.<</timed>> <<timed 1.5s t8n>>To be part of something.<</timed>> <<timed 2.5s t8n>>Out of school, with mates.<</timed>> <<timed 3.5s t8n>>Proper mates.<</timed>> <<timed 4.5s t8n>>People who respect you.<</timed>> <<timed 5.5s t8n>>Look after you.<</timed>> <<timed 6.5s t8n>>This is what you wanted<</timed>><<timed 8s t8n>>[[?]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh's phone buzzes. He checks it lazily, he laughs, shows the Snapchat to Jack and Dylan, "DT's in a silver Ford today, why do they have such crap cars." They continue smoking. A silver Ford pulls up a few minutes later. [[Two men get out.]]

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> The men walk towards you. "Alright lads," says the taller one, "me and Millsy are seeing who is out and about. What's your lot doing today, Leigh?" "Nothing much," Leigh replies. The shorter of the two, Millsy, looks at you, "Who's your mate then, Leigh?" Leigh looks across at you. "Come on then, who are you?" asks Millsy again. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell them to get lost, you don't snitch.]] [[Tell him.|GOOD COPS]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> "Alright, good to meet you. I'm DS Miller and this is DS Nicholas, but call us Millsy and Nicky. Everyone does," says Millsy, "Police drugs team," says Leigh, "but they're alright'. "Cheers Leigh," says Millsy. "Your car is still jokes though", Leigh laughs, and so do Millsy and Nicky. You laugh along too. [[These two cops seem alright.|These two seem alright.]] <<set$choice = "bobby">>

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> "It'll be better to talk to us. And we'll find out your name anyway, mate" says Millsy, "you could spare us the effort". "What else would you Feds be doing then, just driving round in your cop car? We all know when you're coming, man" Leigh laughs. "We'll be trying to help you and your mates," Millsy says seriously, he looks at you, "you can talk to us anytime, we're always around". The two officers head back to their car and drive off. Leigh says, "Good work on keeping quiet, just keeping doing that, yeah?" [["Yeah," you say to Leigh.|"No"]]

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> "And hopefully we won't see you out here again," says Millsy, looking at you, "you don't want to get mixed up with those two, they won't be looking after you". They nod their goodbyes and get back in their car. "Ignore them" says Leigh, "they're just looking for a weak spot. You're not gonna be a weak spot and be a snitch, are you?" [["No"]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> They show you the video on their phone. You watch you grabbing the bike and pedalling off as the man runs out of the takeaway shouting, dropping chips everywhere as he runs. He notices he's being filmed and chases after then, dropping his burger out of the container. He swears, trips and tumbles hard onto the pavement. Leigh, Jack and Dylan laugh. Leigh grabs you under his arm, "that was mad funny, man", he laughs, "we'll have to show Ryan this later. You're coming yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Yeah, I'll be there."]] [["What's happening later?"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh nods, "knew we could trust you mate." Leigh and the others begin to head, Leigh stops and gets some notes out of his pocket, he hands you a couple of tenners, "See you back here in an hour. Get yourself something to eat yeah, and I'll see you later", [[Leigh says|The Gaff.]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> "Ryan's gaff, it'll be mental, you are coming right?" Leigh says. <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Yes."|"Yeah, I'll be there."]] [["Not sure."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh rolls his eyes, "Come on mate, don't let us down now, I've told Ryan you were coming and all, don't make me look like a prick yeah?" [["Course, I'll see you later."|"Yeah, I'll be there."]]

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> "What you selling today, Leigh?" asks Millsy. "Just a bit of weed, that's it", Leigh replies. "What's it like?" asks Nicky. "Alright, yeah. Stronger than the last stuff," says Leigh. Leigh can see the surprise in your face that he's talking to them, "Calm down, man" Leigh says, "these two are sound, they're not here to bust us. We chat, they leave us alone, [[that's it]]".

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh nods, "Good. And you are coming later yeah? It's gonna be a big night." You don't know what Leigh is talking about. <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Yeah, I'll be there."]] [["What's happening later?"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> You see the silver BMW from earlier. The lads are all stood around chatting to the driver. It's Ryan. "Alright mate," Ryan says, "Leigh was telling me you had a busy day. We're all heading to my gaff tonight, you're coming yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Yeah." Get in the car.]] [["Where's your gaff?"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Outside3.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A larger dumpster, the plastic warped and covered in scrawlings."> You ride in the car to an area of town you don't know that well. The lads are joking and chatting with Ryan from the back of the car. As you arrive at Ryan's gaff, his place is less nice than you thought it might be from seeing his car. You can hear the music beating and [[you go inside.]]

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> "It's like 10 minutes away, just get in," Leigh says irritatedly. "We're all going, don't be weird" says Dylan and he laughs, Ryan interupts him, "Shut up". Ryan looks at you. "Today's been fun with this lot?" Ryan says, "And tonight will a right laugh, we'll make sure you have a great night, proper party yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Get in the car.|"Yeah." Get in the car.]] [[Hesitate again.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bench.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A park bench, sitting on a concrete block, grafitti scrawled underneath."> Leigh gets back out of the car. And takes you to one side. "Mate, you are embarrassing me now yeah? We've looked after you all day haven't we, had a laugh? So why are you mugging me off now? It's just a party, so get in, it'll be fun." [[Don't let your mate down, go to the party.|"Yeah." Get in the car.]]

<img src="Images/Outside3.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A larger dumpster, the plastic warped and covered in scrawlings."> The music is loud and there's a familiar smell of weed in his flat. There's a lot of people. Leigh, Jack and Dylan know a few of them and shout hello over the music. <<timedcycle 1s>>[[You can't hear what anyone is saying properly.|You can't hear what anyone is saying properly.]]<<becomes>>[[It's hard to hear anything over the music.|You can't hear what anyone is saying properly.]]<<becomes>>[[It's so loud your ears are buzzing.|You can't hear what anyone is saying properly.]]<<endtimedcycle>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> You see Becca from earlier, she smiles you a hello, "Bet you can handle your drink," she shouts over the music and offers you a can of [[lager.]]

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> The can goes //clik-pfft// as it opens. Leigh and the other lads come over, they all have cans too. You're loving being here. Leigh shouts something over to you, but you can't hear what he's saying. <<timedcycle 1s>>[["Fa c a pl f?"|"Fancy a spliff?"]]<<becomes>>[[". n y a s if ?"|"Fancy a spliff?"]]<<endtimedcycle>> <<timedcycle 1s>>[[". u ha g a o d im ?"|"You having a good time?"]]<<becomes>>[["Yo vin a g o t e?"|"You having a good time?"]]<<endtimedcycle>>

<img src="Images/Lighter.png" width="500" height="300" alt="a cheap bic lighter sits in front of a large spliff"> You nod, and Leigh passes you a spliff. Ryan sees Leigh pass it to you and he gives you a thumbs up and goes back to talking to someone. You take a long drag on the spliff. It clouds your lungs and your chest feels hot. You exhale. You can feel your phone buzzing in your pocket. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Check it.]] [[Ignore it.|Put your phone away.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Can.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A can of beer, cheap and non-brand."> You nod, and Leigh passes you another can of lager. You think about today and how Leigh's really looked after you. It's good to have a proper mate. Leigh lights a spliff and passes it to you. You take a long drag on the spliff. It clouds your lungs and your chest feels hot. You exhale. You can feel your phone buzzing in your pocket. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Check it.]] [[Ignore it.|Put your phone away.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> It's a message from your Mum, "Its late. Where are you?" [[Reply.]] [[Ignore it.|Put your phone away.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> You message back, "Out. back later." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Put your phone away.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Lighter.png" width="500" height="300" alt="a cheap bic lighter sits in front of a large spliff"> The music feels louder and it feels good to be surrounded by mates like Leigh and Ryan. The walls of the room are slick with sweat where so many people are packed into the tiny flat. <<if$choice is "bike">>The weed and booze are making you feel relaxed. Leigh and the boys are all buzzing and showing the video of you nicking the bike earlier and a group of people laugh and cheer you on. All the lads cheer you on as they watch it again and again and again [[and again...]]<<endif>><<if$choice is "beer">>The weed and booze are making you feel relaxed. Leigh and the boys are all buzzing and Leigh is telling Ryan about you nicking the booze today. Ryan waves you over, he grabs you under his arm, "Nice one!" he shouts and laughs, and all the lads are piling on now all cheering and shouting and pushing. [[These are proper mates.|and again...]]<<endif>><<if$choice is "bobby">>The weed and booze are making you feel relaxed. Leigh and the boys are all buzzing and Leigh is telling Ryan about you and the drugs squad. Ryan waves you over, he grabs you under his arm, "Never trust the Feds," he passes you a beer, "they are always out to get you whatever they tell you. We're the ones who will look after you, got it?". [[These are proper mates.|and again...]]<<endif>><<if$choice is "bobbybad">>The weed and booze are making you feel relaxed. Leigh and the boys are all buzzing and Leigh is telling Ryan about you and the drugs squad. Ryan waves you over, he grabs you under his arm, "Never trust the Feds," he passes you a beer, "they are always out to get you whatever they tell you. We're the ones who will look after you, got it?". [[These are proper mates.|and again...]]<<endif>>

<img src="Images/Lighter.png" width="500" height="300" alt="a cheap bic lighter sits in front of a large spliff"> <<fadeout 12s 22s>>You can feel your phone buzzing in your pocket. One message, another, another, a phone call. You ignore them all. Eventually it stops. Leigh keeps passing cans of lager and spliffs. The music beats harder. You're sweating and dizzying and drunk and it feels like the best night of your life. ... ...<</fadeout>> <<timed 34s>><<goto "Summer Term.">><</timed>>

<img src="Images/Lighter.png" width="500" height="300" alt="a cheap bic lighter sits in front of a large spliff"> After that legendary night, you and the lads spend more time together, it's a proper laugh. Bit of weed every now and then from Leigh, he teaches you how to roll and inhale. Dylan is terrible at rollies, Jack still coughs when he inhales. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Missing school becomes a more regular.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> In your new form room, your form tutor is a new teacher, Mrs Stevenson. She says something about making a good start to the term and the new year. You can feel a buzz in your bag - you've not turned your phone off. It keeps buzzing. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Ignore the phone.]] [[Check it, it might be important.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> You can feel how tense from the day you are as you head to football training late after school. Running all this off will be good. Mr Dale has already started as you get to the pitch, "Alright," he says as he sees you head into training. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Mumble a reply.]] [[Ignore him and carry on to training.]] [[Ask if he has a minute to talk.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> You mumble a hello under your breath, and move quickly to get ready for training. "Oi!", you hear Mr Dale's voice call after you. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Turn to see what he's calling about.]] [[Keep going.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> "Oi!", you hear Mr Dale's voice call after you. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Turn to see what he's calling about.]] [[Keep going.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> Mr Dale catches up with you, "You alright? You look like you're chewing a wasp. You ok?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell him about the Year 9s earlier today.]] [["Nothing important."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> "OI!" you hear him shout, and you can hear him jogging to catch up with you. "What's the matter? Storming passed me back there. You look proper wound up." Mr Dale asks. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell him you just want to get to training quickly.|"Nothing important."]] [[Say something about earlier.|Tell him about the Year 9s earlier today.]] [["Nothing important."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> "Some lads giving me a bit of grief is all, sir. It's fine", you say. "Well, obviously it isn't fine because you're walking around with a face like you're chewing a wasp," Mr Dale replies. You roll your eyes and try not to smile, Mr Dale is actually pretty sound for a PE teacher, and he's a decent football coach. You nod. "Look, you can tell me about it when you want, ok? Always about school somewhere. You need to get your head clear if you're playing up front, right? Get ready for training." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You hurry to get ready.]] <</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> Kit on and out in training you breath easier. Everything is simpler on the pitch. As you get into the training you can feel your breath become ragged and heavy. "Right," says Mr Dale, "we're going to do some shooting drills with you. See if you got what we need to play upfront, yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Great."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> "Yeah, course I do," Mr Dale says putting his phone away. You hesitate because he's taking this very seriously all of a sudden. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell him about the Year 9s earlier today.]] [[Change your mind. Don't tell him.|"Nothing important."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> "It's nothing, just got some stuff on my mind, don't worry about it, sir, just need to get on the pitch, get ready for training" you say. Mr Dale pauses, "Sure?", you nod. "Okay, but you let me know if there is something, yeah?" he says. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Nod, and head to training.|You hurry to get ready.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> Mr Dale has selected a few of you to try out as striker. "So, the team are going to cross into the box. You will sprint from outside the D, take two touches to control the ball and shoot, beat the keeper, score. Straight forward stuff to start." Some of the crosses go long, some short. The other try-outs are sprinting all over the box. Your turn, you sprint in, your cross lobs straight into the centre, two touches, and... <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Aim left top corner.]] [[Aim straight down the middle.]] [[Aim bottom right.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> You smash it into the top corner, pace is a little too hard and the ball catches the bar and bounces down. You sprint forward but the keeper's already cleared it.<<set$choice = "miss">> "Good placing and effort, well done, just a fraction lower, don't rush yourself," says Mr Dale, "Great work." "That's it for this session," says Mr Dale, the team begin to head to get changed. [["Can I have word?", he asks.]]

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> You hammer the ball straight down the middle, right into the keeper's gloves, and the ball rebounds away hard, out of control.<<set$choice = "miss">> "Brilliant power behind that, nice one, great stuff." says Mr Dale, "Remember, look for the keeper before you strike, otherwise, very good." "Well done team, see you next week, keep your fitness levels up" says Mr Dale, the team begin to head to get changed. [["Can I have word?", he asks.]]

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> You tuck the ball away to the bottom right corner, placing it perfectly, and the ball just slips under the keeper as he dives. Goal! <<set$choice = "goal">> "Excellent. Good position, very precise, just need a bit more energy and speed behind the ball to make sure the keeper can't get to it, but I'm very happy with the accuracy, well done." "Good work today, stay hydrated and stay moving, see you next week" says Mr Dale, the team begin to head to get changed. [["Can I have word?", he asks.]]

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> "Your heart didn't seem to be in it today at training," Mr Dale says, "and you're the best striker we have out there, and I want to start playing you upfront. So I need you to be focussed. Tell me if something's up ok?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Ok sir," you say.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> You start to head home, and you can feel how hungry you are after training. Mum gave you some money the other day, might as well spend it. What do you fancy? <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Kebab.]] [[Chicken shop.]] [[Pop into Tesco for a soup or noodles or something.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> You head into the kebab place, it's a little busy. You recognise some older kids from school in there too. You order a kebab with everything, extra garlic sauce. You sit at one of the plastic tables, brushing the bits of old soggy lettuce off the table. The polystyrene box squeaks as you open it and begin to tuck in. [["Well hello mate," a voice you recognise says...]]

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> You head into the chicken shop, it's a little busy. You recognise some older kids from school in there too. You order a chicken burger with chips, extra mayo. You sit at one of the plastic tables, brushing the dry and burnt half chips onto the floor. The takeaway box is hot as you hold it and begin to tuck in. [["Well hello mate," a voice you recognise says...]]

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> You wander in to a small Tesco on the way home. All the soups look lame frankly. And you want something more filling than just noodles. I know Mr Dale said keep fitness up but one takeaway will be fine. Treat for being the best striker out there. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Kebab.]] [[Chicken shop.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> It's that lad Josh from school. "I thought I told you to jog on earlier? But you didn't, did you? You stayed and decided <<if$choice is "miss">>you'd be crap at football all night. So what you doing here?"<<endif>><<if$choice is "goal">>that you'd play with that loser football team that Dale runs for all the little kids. So what you doing here?"<<endif>> <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Go back to eating and ignore him.]] [[Tell him to do one.]] [[Walk out of the takeaway.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> You keep your head down and continue eating. He stands right next to you, pushing you to one side slightly. "What are you still doing here? Come on, say something," Josh says. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell him to do one.]] [[Walk out of the takeaway.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> "Just leave it out, yeah?", you say. "What'd you say? Come on, tell me.", Josh moves into you pushing you further, "Oi, dickhead. Say something." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Walk out of the takeaway.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/SmallChange.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A collection of loose chanege, adding up to £4.46"> You pick up your takeaway box and your bag, and try to stand up. Josh still stands pushed against you. "I didn't say you could go," Josh says, "sit down". "Look, I said I was sorry about earlier," you tell him. [["Yeah, well, we'll see who's sorry..." he says]]

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> He knocks your takeaway box out of your hands, the sauce splatters all over your clothes as the food hits the ground. A shove then pushes you back over the fixed plastic seat. You can hear the owner shouting, other customers shouting, Josh shouting. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Just noise.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> "Oi, leave him alone, what is wrong with you," a voice you don't know says. It's some lad, seventeen maybe, with two others. "Shut up, this has nothing to do with you," Josh spits. The new lad squares up to him. He's taller and broader than Josh, and the new lad's mates close in on Josh at the sides. "Well, it's something to do with me now," he replies, as the new lad keeps walking towards Josh, pushing him back towards the door, "so why don't you just walk away before I change my mind". Josh hesitates. [[And leaves.]]

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> "You alright, yeah?" the new lad asks. "Yeah, fine, thanks" you reply. "Who was he?" the new lad says. "Just some kid from school," you say. "Right, well, you want some of our chips? Jack's got enough to share." he says. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Go and share the chips.]] [[Say no thanks and head out.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> You sit at the table with them. One of them, Jack, has a huge tray of chips in front of him. He pushes them towards you. "Here, help yourself," Jack says. "Was well impressed with you back there, kept your cool, didn't let him get to you," the new lad says, "I'm Leigh, this is Dylan and that's Jack, whose chips you're eating." [[Tell him you'll pay him back for the chips.]]

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> "Nah, thanks though", you say and head towards the door. "Whoa mate, slow down, that kid is clearly going to be waiting for you, yeah. You just showed him right up, he ain't gonna be happy, we'll go with you for a bit." You grab your stuff and the three lads head [[out the takeaway]] with you.

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> You all head down the street together, Jack still offering you the occasional chip. "Was well impressed with you back there, kept your cool, didn't let him get to you," the new lad says, "I'm Leigh, this is Dylan and that's Jack, whose chips you're eating." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell Leigh 'thanks']] [[Tell Leigh that you 'know how to keep your cool']]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> "S'alright," says Leigh as you all walk down the street. "You want us to see if we can have a chat with that lad after school one day?" he says. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Say yes, could they talk to him?|"Yeah, maybe you could just have a word with him"]] [[Say it's ok, not to worry about it|"Nah, that's alright, don't worry about it"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> "Is it that right, big man?" Leigh laughs, "That is good to hear, gotta keep a cool head when things get mad, sounds like you can handle yourself". [[You nod.]]

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> Leigh looks at you mock confused, "Fam, they're just chips, don't worry about it. Look, we're about most days, so let us know if you want us to sort this lad that's bothering you out yeah?" Might be good for these older lads to sort Josh out... <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Nah, that's alright, don't worry about it"]] [["Yeah, maybe you could just have a word with him"]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> "Look, how about we add you to the group chat, and if you're around let us know", says Leigh adding your number. "I am sure we'll see you around big man," Leigh says nodding as they head off. You're left standing, with your kit bag and a tray of [[lukewarm chips.]]

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> Leigh nods, "Ok, I get it, you want to solve it yourself, I get that". Leigh gets his wallet out, and hands you a fold of notes from it, "So you can buy your own chips and whatever else you want, yeah?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Take the money.]] [[Tell him it's alright.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> They all chuckle, "Yeah, we'll have a word, sure" says Leigh smiling. "So, we'll see you around yeah? Add me on Snap or something and we'll see if we're about," Leigh says. Him, Jack and Dylan are head off. Leaving you, with the [[leftover chips.]]

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> "Good lad, we'll see you around, yeah fam? Add me on Snap or something and we'll see if we're about," Leigh says. Him, Jack and Dylan are head off. Leaving you, with [[cold chips and money.]]

<img src="Images/Outside1.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A telephone junction box its doors tied closed and from covered in spray paint"> "Don't mug me off, we did you a favour with that lad just now. It's free money, so just take it and don't make a fuss" Leigh says sharply. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Take the money.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> You head home. Your Mum says, "You're back later than I expected, was getting worried. You ok?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell her you're fine.]] [[Mention what happened at the takeaway.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> You head home. Your Mum says, "You're back later than I expected, was getting worried. You ok?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Tell her you're ok.]] [[Tell her what happened at the takeaway.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> You head home. Your Mum says, "You're back later than I expected, was getting worried. You ok?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[["I'm fine, Mum."]] [[Mention what happened with Josh at the takeaway.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> "Whose phone is that?" asks Mrs Stevenson, "You all know they are supposed to be off when in school. Whose is it?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Admit it is yours.]] [[Stay quiet and hope the phone stops buzzing soon]].<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> You unzip your bag quietly and look at your phone. It's a message from your Mum, "Have a good first day back xxx" "I'll have that phone, please," says Mrs Stevenson sharply as she holds out her hand. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Say it was just your Mum.]] [[Hand over the phone.|"Phone, please," she repeats.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> "It was my Mum, Miss" you say. The class burst into laughter, whispered teasing about your Mum starts. "Quieten down!" Mrs Stevenson says sharply, "Your Mum knows that you are in school, and when you are in school your phone should be off." [["Phone, please," she repeats.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> "Sorry, I forgot to turn it off this morning, Miss" you say. "Right, well thank you for saying that. But you're still going to have to leave that with me and collect it from reception at the end of the day." [[You hand your phone over.|"Phone, please," she repeats.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> She looks directly at you, waiting. "I was hoping you would admit it was yours. This is not a good start to me getting to know you." [[Hand your phone over.|"Phone, please," she repeats.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> She takes the phone, and says "You can collect this from reception at the end of the day. It's a disappointing start to the day to have to do this. Off to class everyone please." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You head to your first lesson.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> "Ok, as long as you're alright" she says giving your hand a little squeeze. You give her a smile and [[head up to your room.]]

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> But you think that if you tell about what happened in the takeaway with Josh, she'll only worry and exaggerate what's happened. It'll probably make it worse at school. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Definitely tell her what happened in the takeway with Josh.]] [[Tell her you're fine.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> In your room you count the fold of notes Leigh gave you, it's fifty quid. [[Feels good to have some mates that have got your back.]]

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> You throw your kit bag down and lie on the bed. Your phone buzzes. It's Leigh and the lads. "We got you fam, that kid ain't gonna bother you no more". [[Feels good to have some mates that have got your back.]]

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> You sit on your bed. Your phone buzzes. It's Leigh and the lads, a stupid video of them pranking someone, makes you laugh though. A second message comes through, "You gotta hang with us fam, it'll be jokes!" [[Feels good to have some mates that have got your back.]]

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> "He's a boy at your school, isn't he? I'm going to email Mrs Stevenson, that shouldn't be happening. The school should be doing something about it." "Don't make a scene Mum, I handled it, it's fine, he's not gonna bother me anymore, just leave it, trust me," you say. She pauses, looks at you. "Ok," she sighs, "but if anything like this happens again, I'm calling the school straight away. Come here". She gives you a hug and then [[you head to your room.|head up to your room.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> You can feel your face burn with embarrassment, your form mates tease you lightly but it still stings. Anyway, it's done now. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Keep your head down, no more drama.]] [[Head up, stride forward.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> The next few days at school are quiet. Josh isn't in for them. You don't miss him. When he comes back the following week, he avoids you. His face looks swollen. Things get better. School is more settled. And you meet your new mates a lot, [[Leigh, Jack and Dylan,]] after school. Term ends. Feels good.

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> <<timedreplace 3s>> <<becomes>>You all hang out<<becomes>>you get food<<becomes>>they usually pay, <<becomes>>you all game online, <<becomes>>you beat Dylan because he sucks at gaming,<<becomes>>sometimes you beat Leigh,<<becomes>>Leigh buys the team skins so you can have a team uniform,<<becomes>>you hang out in the park,<<becomes>>they offer you a smoke,<<becomes>>sometimes you accept,<<becomes>>you're going home later,<<becomes>>but not too late,<<becomes>>because Mum worries,<<becomes>>you're part of the lads group chat,<<becomes>>they are your mates,<<becomes>>proper mates.<<endtimedreplace>> <<timed 56s>><<goto "Act 2.">><</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Once a week, sometimes twice. Weekends are spent out with the lads. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You see less of your Mum, she's always so stressy.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Mr Dale asks you whether you're still coming to training. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Shrug.]] [[Tell him no.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "So, that's it, is it? All that time and work you put in, you've decided to bin it all?", he sighs. You say nothing. "Ok, well, whenever you want to put the effort back in, let me know, I'm always around. Football, a cuppa, a chat. Your call, look after yourself" he says, and walks off. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Whatever.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Mr Dale sighs, nods sadly. "Ok, that's your call. Shame, because you're a talented lad, but I'm always here for football... or if you just want to talk. Up to you". <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You walk off.|Whatever.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Money.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Banknotes, coins, and rolling papers."> Things have become harder at home with Mum so you're spending longer out with Leigh, Jack and Dylan. Leigh lets you sleep on his sofa sometimes after nights out. They have your back. Sort you out with weed. Money if you need it. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You are part of something.]] <</timed>>

<img src="Images/Money.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Banknotes, coins, and rolling papers."> It feels good, to be known. To be someone. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Someone people know.]] [[Someone people respect.]] [[Someone people fear.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Money.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Banknotes, coins, and rolling papers."> The drug squad detectives, Millsy and Nicky, know your name. Know about you. So do the feds in uniform. Talk to you like they do Leigh and the lads. [[Like you're one of them now.|Ryan.]]

<img src="Images/Money.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Banknotes, coins, and rolling papers."> You see the other kids wasting their time in school, the teachers give you a wary look at home time when they're outside the gates. The other kids know about you. Who you're friends with. [[Who you are.|Ryan.]]

<img src="Images/Money.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Banknotes, coins, and rolling papers."> The shops around the park close their doors when they see your lot. Follow you around the shop. But they back off when you're all there. People avoid the park when you're in it, take the long way round. No one's gonna mess with [[you.|Ryan.]]

<img src="Images/Money.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Banknotes, coins, and rolling papers."> And when Ryan has a gaff now, he just invites you directly, doesn't do it through Leigh anymore, tells you to bring a new mate, [[he respects you too.|Phone.]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> Your phone buzzes, it's Ryan. "Alright big man, come round ours, need a favour" See, you've earned [[Ryan's]] respect too.

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Ryan's flat in the daytime is a lot less nice. You're usually here when it's late and full of people but it's empty and kinda dirty. Leigh's there too, filling a backpack, "Alright fam," he says when he sees you, "joining the big leagues now", he smiles. Ryan walks in, picks up the backpack. "Right, here's the bag. Take the bike downstairs, I'll send you the address". <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Ask Ryan what's in the bag.]] [[Look to Leigh for help.]] [[Say yes and do the job.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "Don't ask questions, just drop the bag off" says Ryan firmly. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Leave.|Say yes and do the job.]] [[Tell Leigh you don't want to.|Look to Leigh for help.]] [[Have a look in the bag.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "Good lad," says Ryan, "and you've a lot pay back so you'll be doing this for a while, don't make any plans yeah? You'll be busy". You head towards the door with the bag, Ryan places a hand on the door before you go, "And don't do anything silly, no one likes a snitch, and I don't want to have to pay your Mum a visit, because it won't end well for her, understand?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Leave with the bag.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Ryan snatches the bag out of your hands and baggies of weed and pills fall out of the bag onto the floor. "What did I just tell you?" Ryan snaps, "Take it, and do the job". <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Go now.|Say yes and do the job.]] [[Tell him you don't want to.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "I don't care what you want. You owe me a lot of money, and you're in a lot of debt, and now you got to pay it back". You've never taken money from Ryan, ever. Say something. [["No, I don't owe you anything."]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "You wanted in. This is it. You owe us... owe Ryan". <<timed 4s t8n>>[["I don't owe anything", you say.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> Leigh looks angry, "Are you joking, fam?" he says, "you owe me big time". <<timed 4s t8n>>[["Like what?"]] [["I don't owe you anything".]]<</timed>>

"All the weed you've smoked, the money from Leigh, you think I just give that away? You think that was free? That is your debt, mate. And there's a lot of it. And now you need to pay it back. So you're going to take the bag to where I tell you". [["Leigh, is this where your money's from?"|Look to Leigh for help.]]

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> "We had your back in the takeaway when you were about to get battered, we looked after you, and now you do something for us. Thinking you gonna snake on us? Snitch to someone? I wouldn't advise it, fam. Or we'll have to make life difficult for you and your Mum. You get me?" <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You nod.|Say yes and do the job.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> <<if$choice is "bike">>"What about that bike you nicked, fam?" Leigh says, "we got you on video. The police would love to have that, easy arrest. What you gonna do then, with a record for life for thieving? Hmm? Take the bag and shut up".<<endif>><<if$choice is "beer">>"What about that that booze you nicked, fam?" Leigh says, "Bet the cops would love to sort that out. Easy arrest. What you gonna do then, with a record for life for thieving? Where's your Mum gonna shop then? Hmm? Take the bag and shut up".<<endif>><<if$choice is "bobbybad">>"What about you mugging off the drugs team? They know you hang about with us. Bet they'd love fresh meat like you. Easy arrest. And if you snitch, your Mum will get hurt. So do as you're told".<<endif>><<if$choice is "bobby">>"What about you getting all friendly with the drugs team? No one likes a snitch. Anything like that and your Mum will get hurt, you get me?"<<endif>> <<timed 2s t8n>>[[Take the bag.|Say yes and do the job.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> The bag is heavy on you back as you cycle to the address Ryan has given you. What you are doing now is a serious crime, there's no way back after this. Your mind spins with what happens next, what you could or should have done. Do you take the risk of trying to [[get out]], or [[deliver the drugs]] and hope you can pay off your debt?

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> There has to be a way out of doing this. There must be. You could... <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Talk to Mr Dale.]] [[Talk to your Mum.]] [[Go to the police and ask for Detectives Nicholas and Miller.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Bag.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Red school bag"> You keep your head down and continue on to the address. Just get it done, and perhaps that'll be it. You sling the bike to one side when you arrive, and walk towards the flat. Two young lads run around the corner, heading straight [[for you.]]

<img src="Images/Football.png" width="500" height="300" alt="Ball resting next to the boundry line"> <<fadeout 12s 22s>>Mr Dale is at the training ground packing up the equipment, he's surprised but pleased to see you. "Can I have a word?" you say. You tell him everything, he listens and listens. <</fadeout>> <<fadeout 8s 26s>>At the end, he says, "Right, that's quite a problem... and I'm going to try and help". He makes some phone calls, and he takes you to a police station. You're met there by your Mum and she hugs you whilst crying. <</fadeout>> <<fadeout 6s 28s>>Mr Dale accompanies you with the officers to take your statement, you show them the bag. <</fadeout>> Mr Dale says, "It'll be ok. We'll work it out, and if you feel like it, you can come back to training if you want, we still need a striker". <<timed 34s>><<goto "END">><</timed>>

<img src="Images/Kettle.png" width="500" height="300" alt="An electric kettle with a clear plastic body."> <<fadeout 12s 22s>>You cycle home, all your thoughts on how you're going to look after your Mum. You dump the bike and run in, you hug her. "What's the matter?" she asks, you show her the bag.<</fadeout>> <<fadeout 8s 26s>>Everything slows down and she becomes very still. "Right," she says, "we can handle this. But we need to do something about this now".<</fadeout>> <<fadeout 6s 28s>>You get in the car and go to a police station. Your Mum is clear and firm and in control as she explains. You're met by officers who come to take your statement, your Mum is there.<</fadeout>> "It'll be ok, love" she says calmly, and right in this moment... you know that she's right. <<timed 34s>><<goto "END">><</timed>>

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> <<fadeout 12s 22s>>You cycle fast to the central police station and ask for Nicky and Millsy. The police officer on duty calls DS Nicholas and Miller. "Thought we might see you again at some point," says Millsy cheerily when he sees you. You show him the bag and tell them you need help.<</fadeout>> <<fadeout 8s 26s>>His mood immediately shifts, your Mum is called, and he takes you inside the station. Millsy says, "Listen mate, don't worry, we're not here to arrest you - we're here to arrest them. Whatever you can tell us, that'll help". You take a deep breathe and tell him names, numbers, addresses, events.<</fadeout>> <<fadeout 6s 28s>>When you're done, Millsy says, "I know that was tough but it'll help us a lot, we'll get you through it, you and your Mum".<</fadeout>> You breathe, and breathe again. There's no going back. <<timed 34s>><<goto "END">><</timed>>

<img src="Images/Ketchup.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A takeaway ketchup bottle laying on it's side"> <<fadeout 12s 22s>>The first punch connects with your nose and a stinging sharp pain hits you. Blood fills your mouth and throat. The next punches hits your ribs, you double over almost vomiting. The punching and kicking continues until you drop to the floor helpless. They grab the bag, and run.<</fadeout>> <<fadeout 8s 26s>>Your blood starts to pool on the pavement running from your nose, mouth and head.<</fadeout>> <<fadeout 6s 28s>>Everything hurts. You don't know what will happen now.<</fadeout>> You shut your eyes. <<timed 34s>><<goto "END">><</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> There's a slam and crash of books and papers, shouting, and you tumble to the wall as you collide straight into another student. Those lads from the year above you, [[from last year.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> You pick your head up and [[run quickly]] to your lesson.

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> "What is your problem?" the student says as he picks himself up from the floor, "watch where you're going, you utter freak". <<timed 4s t8n>> [["Don't call me that".]] [[Just walk on.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> "Don't just mug me off and think you can just walk away!", he shouts as you purposely [[walk off.|Walk off.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> The breath is knocked out of you as you collide head on with a student coming around the corner. You hit the ground hard, there's swearing and shouting. It's the same lads you had trouble with [[from last year.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> You explain it was accident to Mr Barnett, Josh interrupts, "He did it on purpose, Sir". "Quiet please, Josh. And have you apologised?" he asks you. <<timed 4s t8n>>[["No, Sir."]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> "Why is there this shouting over here?", Mr Barnett commands as he comes into the corridor. "He just knocked me over, Sir! And he's now mugging me off", the lad says immediately. "Yes, thank you Josh, that's enough," Mr Barnett says firmly turning to you, "You. Explain." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Return and explain.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> "You serious after what you just did?! Just walk away, don't come near me again" he shouts. <<timed 2s t8n>>[[Walk off.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> "Right, that tells me a lot. Respect is one of the key values of this school. You can both go see the Deputy Head at the end of today to explain to her why that is. Go to your lessons." Mr Barnett says clearly. <<timed 2s t8n>>[[Head to your lessons.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> You barely notice the day passing. You think how embarrassing it'll be for your Mum to be told about this. How awkward it'll be later with Mr Barnett. How you'll be late for football training. You can't concentrate. Distracted. Brain feels fuzzy with [[frustration.]]

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> At the day's end your muscles are tense with anxiety. A silly mistake has wound you up here, it's not like you. You wait outside the Deputy Head's office, Miss Paxton, to see her. When you go into her office she talks to you about the need for focus and concentration, and the school values of respect and tolerance. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[You nod, but you're not listening.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> When you leave you see Josh walking down the corridor towards her office. <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Apologise.]] [[Ignore him and head to training.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> Before you can speak he stops you, "Don't talk to me, you melt," Josh says and waits for you to leave, "Jog on and be grateful you only see me in school". <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Leave him and head to football training.|Football training.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/School.png" width="500" height="300" alt="School Building"> "Yeah, you better walk on," Josh hisses at you as you pass him, "because if I see you outside of school I am going to batter you. Landing me in this. Jog on." <<timed 4s t8n>>[[Leave him and head to football training.|Football training.]]<</timed>>

<img src="Images/Streetlight.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A pidgeon sitting on an illuminated street lamp."> If you have been effected by anything in the digital story, talk to your teacher, a parent or carer, or a friend. Or talk to the police. If you have been involved in similar events to this digital story, talk to the police, you will be listened to, treated as a victim of crime and supported. //You won't be arrested.// More information is available here: Active Communities Network http://www.activecommunities.org.uk/hampshire Safer Portsmouth https://www.saferportsmouth.org.uk/what-is-child-criminal-exploitation/ Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/abuse-safety/child-trafficking-exploitation/ NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/gangs-criminal-exploitation/ Safe4Me https://www.safe4me.co.uk/portfolio/child-criminal-exploitation-county-lines/ [[Credits]]

<img src="Images/Phone.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A cheap phone, with a large screen and physical buttons"> Next morning Your phone buzzes. It's Leigh again. "At the park. Wanna hang out again? Or are you still being a baby?" A second day off school? You shouldn't, but you can prove to Leigh you're one of them. And it's Friday anyway, so you might as well.. [[Head out to the park|You guess what is in the bag.]]

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> "Whoa, easy fella, calm down, we're just talking," says Millsy, "you met Ryan and Becca yet?" "Maybe off to their gaff later?" asks Nicky. Leigh stares at you and shakes his head slighty. "They're not nice people those two, just know that," says Nicky, "they'll act like your mate, but they're not." Leigh rolls his eyes and blows the smoke from his spliff at the two police officers. Jack and Dylan laugh. "Maybe we'll see you lot around here again, yeah?" asks Millsy. [["Yeah, maybe", you say]] [[Say nothing.|Don't tell them]] <<set$choice = "bobbybad">>

<img src="Images/Car.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A car door, slightly open, light peeking out from the inside."> "Yeah, just a chat, find out who you are" Nicky says, "we ain't here for you lot. But don't give the uniform officers a hard time though, Leigh, yeah?" "Sure", says Leigh. "Right, we're off. We'll see you lads around, yeah?" says Millsy. "Yeah," you say. The two men walk back to their car and drive off. "Don't worry about them," Leigh says to you, "They're sound, if we don't give them grief, they leave us alone. Keep this between us though, yeah, don't tell Ryan or Becca". [[You nod|"No"]]

<img src="Images/Streetlight.png" width="500" height="300" alt="A pidgeon sitting on an illuminated street lamp."> Writing and direction - Ian Nicholson Illustration and design - Amy Godliman Created with funding from Hampshire Police and Crime Commisioner, and supported by Active Communities Network and University of Portsmouth. With special thanks to Portsmouth Police's High Harm Team and Portsmouth Youth Offending Team.