Hometown Heartthrob
Released: 6th February 2015
Chris Date Quest
Previous Chris Date Quest: Italian Romance
Next Chris Date Quest: Trouble in Thailand
Chris Date Quest
Previous Chris Date Quest: Italian Romance
Next Chris Date Quest: Trouble in Thailand
Main Characters / Extra Characters:
My Characters
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Requirements / Rewards
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Part 1
Chris: I’d like to take you to visit my hometown. What do you say?
You’re relaxing after class on a Friday afternoon when you get a phone call.
Danny: Hello?
Chris: Hey, Danny. Are you free this weekend? I’ve got a break in filming and wanted to take you somewhere really special.
Danny: What did you have in mind?
Chris: I thought it’d be nice to get away from the Hollywood craziness for a while and take a trip out to Missouri. How do you feel about you, me, and the American countryside?
Danny: I love the country! Fresh air, open spaces, wild flowers… what’s not to love?
Chris: Sounds like you’re right at home in the country!
Danny: If only Hollywood were in the Midwest…
Chris: Ha ha, if only. I’m glad you’re a fan. I can’t wait to show you everything. We’ll spend an afternoon at the lake near my house, we’ll go horseback riding through the countryside and watch the sun set… And I’ll take you out to watch for shooting stars once it gets dark. I promise you’ve never seen so many stars in the sky. But most of all, I want to show you my hometown and my family’s farm… I want you to really know where I come from.
Danny: Sounds amazing! Let’s go!
The next morning, you and Chris fly to Missouri on his private jet! Once you land, he drives you through the countryside in a large truck.
Danny: It’s so beautiful out here… the plains seem to go on forever!
Chris: One of the things that I really miss about Missouri is how you can look out and really see the horizon. It’s a lot harder to do that in L.A..
Danny: Yeah, all the skyscrapers kinda get in the way.
Chris: So, what’s your hometown like, Danny?
Danny: I grew up in the suburbs. I had a pretty, well, suburban childhood. It was quiet, but we still went to the city every once in a while.
Chris: Sounds like the best of both worlds.
Danny: You could say that.
Chris: Now you’re in Hollywood, living the dream… Did you always know you wanted to be a director?
Danny: Of course! Like you, I dreamt of bigger and better things… and now that I’m at Hollywood U, those dreams are my reality!
Chris: I’m not surprised. You seem like the kind of person who goes after what you want.
Danny: And I usually get it.
You wink at Chris. He reaches over the gear shift to hold your hand.
Rewards
Chris finally turns onto a country road.
Chris: I think you’re really going to love our first stop. It’s a place everyone in my hometown knows about… Don’t forget to wear a swimsuit!
Part 2
Chris: Everyone in my hometown knows about this place…
Chris parks the car at the base of a hill.
Danny: So where are we?
Chris: You’ll see… this way!
He grabs your hand, and together, the two of you run up the hill. On the other side is a beautiful, blue lake!
Chris: Gorgeous, isn’t it?
Danny: Wow… the water is so clear and blue. I can see the whole sky reflected in it!
Chris: I spent a lot of time at this lake when I was little, so I definitely wanted to share it with you. My brothers and I spend all our summers here.
Danny: Brothers? I didn’t know you had more than one brother…
Chris: Yeah, I’m a middle kid, actually. Sean’s my older brother. He’s the one I mentioned last time. He used to drive me in our old pickup truck to go see movies. Tyler’s my younger brother. He’s the brains of the family. He’s at college studying agriculture.
Danny: Aw, I’d love to meet them.
Chris: And I’d love to introduce you sometime… now, come on! The water looks fine!
You strip down to your bathing suit, toe off your shoes, and wade into the water.
Danny: Oh! It’s freezing!
You look back and see Chris in his swim trunks.
Chris: If you jump in all at once, it won’t seem as cold!
Danny: I don’t think that’s how that works…
Chris: Yeah, it is. We’ll jump in together. Grab on! One… two…
Time - 4 hours
Chris: Three!
Danny: Ahh!
You and Chris take a flying leap and land in the lake with a splash!
Danny: S-s-so cold!
Chris: I can warm you up…
Chris pulls you closer, wrapping you in his arms.
Chris: Is this better?
Danny: Much.
You lean in to kiss him. When you pull apart, you splash Chris playfully!
Chris: Hey!
Danny: So I bet things weren’t always so charming at the lakes when you were younger…
Chris: No, we mostly bet each other to do crazy stupid things. Like taking a leap off the rope swing my brother and I built.
Chris points at a rope swing tethered to a tree near a deeper part of the lake.
Chris: You in?
Danny: I’m game if you are…
The two of you swim over and climb out. Chris takes the rope, swings out onto the water, and backflips in!
Danny: Woo hoo!
Chris: You’re up!
You take hold of the rope, swing out onto the water, and double flip! You gracefully double flip into the water! You surface to Chris’s applause.
Chris: Nicely done. A perfect 10.
Danny: I’m expecting a gold medal… but I’ll take a kiss instead.
Chris: Anything for a champion…
You pull Chris into a deep kiss. The water laps at your back as he wraps his arms tighter around you.
Rewards
Some time later, you and Chris get out of the lake.
Chris: Here, let me help you towel off.
Danny: As long as I get to help you too…
Chris: Sure.
Once you’ve dried off, you and Chris walk back to the truck.
Danny: This was a lot of fun… So what’s next on the agenda? I hope I get more of the grand Chris Winters tour of Smalltown, USA! I like seeing the places you enjoy. It gives me a picture of how you grew up.
Chris: Well, you’re in luck. I know exactly where to take you next! Just as soon as we get into some dry clothes…
Part 3
Chris: Here’s another stop on the Chris Winters tour…
Chris drives the two of you to the main part of town.
Danny: Main Street is so, uh… short.
Chris: It’s not Rodeo Drive, that’s for sure. This ‘town’ really only has a few stores and restaurants, but I’ve heard they were talking about putting in a movie theater soon.
Danny: Aww, and then they’ll finally be able to see what a star you are!
Chris: Something like that.
The two of you walk hand-in-hand through the center of town.
Chris: Here, I want to show you something.
Chris pulls you over to look at something on the ground.
Danny: Are those… tiny handprints in the sidewalk? And why does it say your name over them?
Chris: Yeah… when I was thirteen, I had just earned about the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I knew then and there that I wanted to be a part of it. I snuck into town to do these handprints one night when they were redoing the sidewalk.
Danny: I think it’s nice that you were dreaming so big at such a young age.
Chris bends to put his hands in his cement handprints.
Danny: I’m sure that some day, you’ll have your very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Chris: That’s sweet, Danny— Oh!
Suddenly, you’re interrupted by a big, burly man who grabs Chris!
Time - 6 hours
Danny: Chris!
Chris is hoisted up by a big man with a loud voice.
‘Why if it isn’t ‘lil Chris Wizards!’
Danny: ‘Chris Wizards’?
Before Chris can answer, the man ushers both of you into a nearby steakhouse.
Chris: Abe, it’s great to see you, but really, you don’t have to do this…
Abe waves away Chris’s protests and seats you at the best table! Abe retreats to grab you drinks.
Danny: What just happened?
Chris: That’s Abe. He owns this place. I used to work here as a busboy when I was in high school, so I could save up for my plane ticket to L.A. and--
The two of you are interrupted by a middle-aged couple.
Chris: Oh, hello Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. It’s great to see you again…
Chris talks with the couple as you peruse the menu. After a few minutes, the Johnsons return to their table across the restaurant.
Chris: Sorry about that, Danny. The Johnsons were my neighbors. Mr. Johnson is the one who taught me how to cut down a tree, which was really great when I filmed--
Just then,two guys around your age step up to the table. They both slap Chris heartily on the back, and one of them ruffles his hair.
Chris: Hey, Joe and Eddie! I haven’t seen you guys in forever. Danny, these two jokers went to high school with me…
As your lunch continues, everyone in the restaurant comes up to you and Chris, and he greets all of them by name. Eventually…
Chris: Whew, that’s everyone, isn’t it? Sorry again.
Danny: You don’t have to apologize. It was fun. I didn’t think I’d get to see anyone give the famous Chris Winters a noogie…
Chris: Yeah…
Danny: It’s cute. Everyone loves you here, Chris. I can see why you like to come back.
Chris: Yeah. they’ve all been so supportive, and I really appreciate them. When my first blockbuster came out, the whole town caravanned over two hours to see it in theaters…
Danny: They’re really proud of you. It shows.
Chris: I’m glad… I didn’t want to let them down. I wouldn’t have made it to Hollywood without their support.
Rewards
After dessert, Abe stops by the table for a final good-bye.
Chris: Please, Abe, you have to let me pay for the meal this time.
Abe is adamant, despite Chris’s protests, give you both one big hug!
Danny: Oomph! Thanks for lunch, Abe!
Chris takes your hand again as you exit the steakhouse.
Danny: Where to next, Chris Wizards?
Chris: I still can’t believe they keep calling me that…
Danny: Wow, you’re actually embarrassed, aren’t you?
Chris: I got the nickname back in high school. You’d think it would have worn off by now…
Danny: Ha ha, what does it even mean?
Chris: Never mind that. Look, this afternoon, I wanted to take you on a tour of my family’s farm. You up for that?
Danny: Of course! I can’t wait to see the house where you grew up!
Part 4
Chris: Let’s tour my family farm!
A short while later, Chris turns the truck onto a tree-lined driveway. At the end, behind a sprawling green lawn, sits and elegant, three-story craftsman-style house!
Danny: This is your childhood home? It’s huge!
Chris: Er, well, not exactly. It’s been remodeled. The first thing I did with my first paycheck was renovate my parents’ farmhouse to thank them for supporting me. They took care of me growing up. I want to take care of them now.
Danny: Aww, that’s so sweet of you…
Chris: Come on, I’ll take you on a tour of the place.
Chris leads you through the house, showing off its hardwood floors, tasteful furniture, and stylishly rustic decor.
Danny: Wow, it’s like walking into a model home. You really did everything up!
Chris: Wait until you see the rest of the farm…
Chris leads you further onto the property towards a wide open pasture and another impressive structure.
Chris: And over here are the stables. I had these rebuilt as well. I used to train and ride horses with my brothers when we were younger, so it made sense to spruce the stables up.
Danny: I didn’t know you could ride a horse!
Chris: I can. My brothers and I were big shots in the town rodeo. I won a trophy for calf roping.
Danny: I’m impressed. Hey, if you hadn’t made it in the movie industry, you could’ve become a rodeo star instead.
Chris: Ha ha, maybe. I had a lot of fun with it, but it wasn’t really my thing. I’m much happier on a stage than in an arena. Can’t say the same for everyone around here, though.
Danny: Yeah, it seems like everyone who grew up here stayed here. But not you.
Chris: No. It’s kind of a sore point with my brothers actually.
Danny: Really?
Chris: Yeah, Sean and Tyler love living here. Sean still works the farm when he can. Tyler wants to move back here after he’s finished with college. When I told them I was going to go to L.A. and hopefully make it big, they didn’t know what to do with me. They still don’t. Sean will ask how things are going from time to time, but Tyler doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. We used to do everything together. I don’t think he’s ever forgiven me for leaving home when I did.
Danny: Awww, Chris…
Chris: I do what I can. I feel a little guilty leaving the farm for Hollywood. My moving to L.A. really threw everyone for a loop, but I’m happy, and my brothers are doing well too. And that’s pretty much it… anything else you wanted to see?
Danny: Can I see your room?
Chris: Sorry, it was renovated along with the entire house several years ago…
Danny: Oh.
Chris: You sound disappointed.
Danny: Well, I am in a way. Your home is beautiful, but it’s not exactly the farm you grew up in. I wanted to learn more about you. Who were you before L.A.? Who is that Chris?
Chris: Really?
Danny: Yeah, that’s why I came all the way out here… to see who you were before Hollywood.
Chris: I’ll admit I did a lot work rewriting my history with building the farmhouse and improving the farm… But if it’s the real story you want… I know just the thing to show you. But first, we have to saddle up!
Inside the stables, Chris grabs two saddles, expertly cinching straps and settling packs on a pair of chestnut horses.
Danny: You really do know your way around a horse.
Chris: You didn’t believe me when I said I did some riding in my youth?
Danny: There’s hearing a story and seeing someone in action…
Chris: Wait ’til you see me ride. Ready to go?
Danny: Oh yeah…
You walk over to a saddled horse and study it.
Chris: Need help up?
Danny: I wouldn’t mind a hand.
You walk up to one of the chestnut horses. You slide a foot into a stirrup and push off Chris’s outstretched hand to swing into the saddle.
Chris: You look good up there.
Danny: You don’t look so bad down there yourself. Are you coming?
Chris saddles up, and together, you ride out on the plains, following a horse trail into a forest. In the distance, the sun is setting, reflecting gold off the lake.
Danny: This is beautiful. I can see why you’d enjoy riding out here.
Chris leads you to a vista where you dismount, tying your horses. Chris grabs blankets and a picnic basket from one of the horse packs.
Danny: What’s all that for?
Chris: It’s for later tonight. But for now, come with me.
Rewards
You and Chris ride the horses away from the farm and past his family’s orchards…
Chris: You said you wanted to see the real Chris… I hung out here a lot. Sean, Tyler, and I used to climb these trees and steal some of the apples…
Danny: Sounds like you and your brothers had a lot of fun.
Chris: Yeah, we definitely did. But we also worked really hard… you had to around here.
He reaches up to pluck a small apple off a tree, polishes it, and tosses it to you.
Danny: Why, thank you.
A little farther, he leads you off the main trail and onto a smaller path that looks like it hasn’t been used in ages.
Danny: Where are you taking me?
He smiles at you as you both duck under trees and through brush. Eventually, the path opens up onto a clearing. To your back is the forest, and in front of you is a view of the vast plains.
Chris: When I was younger, I didn’t spend my time in my room… I was here. I climbed trees, I ran wild, I lay on blankets and dreamed about what was beyond the horizon…
Chris spreads the blanket out and sets the picnic basket down on it.
Danny: Aww, Chris…
Chris: Now if you really want to see what I was like when I was younger… I’ve got something you’ll be very interested in up here…
Chris walks up to a tree with thick branches and grabs ahold of the lowest branch.
Danny: Chris, what are you doing?
Chris: You’ll see in a second…
Part 5
Chris: I have something I want to show you…
In the forest clearing, Chris easily climbs up a tree with thick branches.
Chris: With any luck, it’s still here…
Danny: What are you looking for?
Chris: Did you ever make a time capsule when you were in elementary school?
Danny: That’s where you put a bunch of memorabilia into a box and come back to it later to see what’s changed, right?
Chris: Yeah. I made one a long time ago in high school, right before I left. On the off chance I made it big in Hollywood, I wanted something to remember where I came from.
Chris stops climbing and reaches his hand up, feeling for something on a higher branch.
Chris: Found it!
Danny: Come on down so we can open it!
Time - 8 hours
Together, in the light of the setting sun, you and Chris open the box. Inside it are a bunch of photo and mementos from Chris’ past.
Danny: This is amazing. You have to walk me through everything… starting with this.
You produce an old photo of Chris wearing a wizard’s hat with blue stars on it. Chris grimaces when he sees it.
Danny: What are you wearing?
Chris: That was the costume for my high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. I was the wizard.
Danny: Oh! Is that why everyone at the restaurant called you Chris Wizards?
Chris: Unfortunately…
Danny: ‘Unfortunately’? But you must have put on a very memorable performance.
Chris: It was memorable all right. If you count throwing up in front of a hundred of your closest family, friends, and classmates memorable.
Danny: Oh no… what happened?
Chris: It was opening night for The Wizard of Oz, and it was my first time onstage in front of an audience. I was nervous. I’d never done anything like it before. Everything started out fine. But when it was my cue to speak, I threw up all over the stage.
Danny: Yikes.
Chris: Not the best start to my acting career. I was mortified. I ran off, intending never to act again.
Danny: I guess that didn’t happen.
Chris: No, thankfully. The next day, I talked myself into getting onstage for the second performance we’d scheduled. I was nervous, and I thought it might happen all over again. Luckily, when I got my cue to talk, someone shouted, ‘Come on, Chris Wizards!’ Then everyone applauded and cheered me on. It actually made me laugh. I nailed all the lines after that. And the nickname stuck.
Danny: Ha ha, I see.
Chris: I kept this photo around to remind me of what it was like acting for the first time. I never wanted to forget how exhilarating it was to perform, despite my earlier setback.
He sets aside the photo. You reach in the box and find an old take-out menu from Abe’s Steakhouse with numbers in Chris’s handwriting scrawled in the margins.
Danny: What’s this?
Chris: That’s me tallying up my last paycheck with the savings. See that circled number at the bottom? It means I made enough for the bus ride to L.A..
Danny: Chris, that’s amazing!
Chris: And here’s an original ticket stub for my favorite movie…
Danny: ‘The Matrix’?
Chris: Yeah. I didn’t think it was going to be good, but Sean dragged me to see it. I loved it. It was what inspired me to want to star in action movies.
You go through the rest of the box, reminiscing with Chris over an old movie poster, photos of drama club, and local newspaper clippings about his plays.
Danny: This is great, Chris. I’m… I’m glad you shared this with me… it means a lot.
You lay your head on Chris’ shoulder.
Chris: I’m glad I shared it with you too.
Rewards
After the sun sets, you an Chris sit in front of the vast plains and wrap yourselves up in warm blankets. As the evening turns cool, Chris hands you a thermos.
Chris: Just a little something to warm us up.
He twists open the thermos and pours you a steaming cup. You take a sip.
Danny: Mmmm, this is really good hot chocolate. And with marshmallows! It’s perfect!
Chris: I’m glad you like it.
You and Chris cuddle together. In front of you is a great view of the plains and the night sky, dotted with stars.
Danny: This is so beautiful. I can’t believe how many stars you can see out here.
Chris: It helps to not have the smog layer and lights blocking them like you do in Hollywood…
Danny: Ha ha, yeah really.
Chris: A view like this kind of makes me miss being out here…
Danny: I know L.A. was your dream, and you left Missouri as soon as you could… but do you ever regret leaving this place?
Chris: No. I’m doing what I love, what I’ve dreamed of doing my whole life, and I don’t want to let go of that. But this is where I came from, and I’ll never forget it. In a way, it’s never really left me, so there’s nothing to regret. Does that answer your question?
Danny: Yeah. It does.
Chris: I’m really glad I brought you here. I wouldn’t have wanted to share this with anyone else.
Danny: Really?
Chris: Really.
He leans in for a kiss, but before you touch, a shooting star goes by! You pull away.
Danny: Did you see that?!
Chris: Yeah. Looks like it’s time for you to make a wish, Danny.
Danny: I wish to be happy.
Chris: What would make you happy?
Danny: I’m still working that part out. I know that I’m pretty happy now though.
Chris smiles as he wraps an arm around you.
Chris: Me too.
He kisses you long and deep as more shooting stars streak past. The next day, you fly back home, and Chris drops you off at the university.
Danny: So… when will I see you again?
Chris: I hate to say it, but it might not be for a while. My next movie’s starting up, so I’m going to be busy, unless…
Danny: Unless?
Chris: Well, you could always visit me on set. It could be a lot of fun…
Danny: You’re inviting me on the set of an actual Chris Winters movie? Of course I’ll be there!
Chris: All right. I’ll give you a call. See you soon, Danny!
Chris: I’d like to take you to visit my hometown. What do you say?
- Preview!
- Spend 100 Diamonds
You’re relaxing after class on a Friday afternoon when you get a phone call.
Danny: Hello?
Chris: Hey, Danny. Are you free this weekend? I’ve got a break in filming and wanted to take you somewhere really special.
Danny: What did you have in mind?
Chris: I thought it’d be nice to get away from the Hollywood craziness for a while and take a trip out to Missouri. How do you feel about you, me, and the American countryside?
Danny: I love the country! Fresh air, open spaces, wild flowers… what’s not to love?
Chris: Sounds like you’re right at home in the country!
Danny: If only Hollywood were in the Midwest…
Chris: Ha ha, if only. I’m glad you’re a fan. I can’t wait to show you everything. We’ll spend an afternoon at the lake near my house, we’ll go horseback riding through the countryside and watch the sun set… And I’ll take you out to watch for shooting stars once it gets dark. I promise you’ve never seen so many stars in the sky. But most of all, I want to show you my hometown and my family’s farm… I want you to really know where I come from.
Danny: Sounds amazing! Let’s go!
The next morning, you and Chris fly to Missouri on his private jet! Once you land, he drives you through the countryside in a large truck.
Danny: It’s so beautiful out here… the plains seem to go on forever!
Chris: One of the things that I really miss about Missouri is how you can look out and really see the horizon. It’s a lot harder to do that in L.A..
Danny: Yeah, all the skyscrapers kinda get in the way.
Chris: So, what’s your hometown like, Danny?
Danny: I grew up in the suburbs. I had a pretty, well, suburban childhood. It was quiet, but we still went to the city every once in a while.
Chris: Sounds like the best of both worlds.
Danny: You could say that.
Chris: Now you’re in Hollywood, living the dream… Did you always know you wanted to be a director?
Danny: Of course! Like you, I dreamt of bigger and better things… and now that I’m at Hollywood U, those dreams are my reality!
Chris: I’m not surprised. You seem like the kind of person who goes after what you want.
Danny: And I usually get it.
You wink at Chris. He reaches over the gear shift to hold your hand.
Rewards
- none
Chris finally turns onto a country road.
Chris: I think you’re really going to love our first stop. It’s a place everyone in my hometown knows about… Don’t forget to wear a swimsuit!
Part 2
Chris: Everyone in my hometown knows about this place…
- Danny wearing a Miami Vice Outfit
Chris parks the car at the base of a hill.
Danny: So where are we?
Chris: You’ll see… this way!
He grabs your hand, and together, the two of you run up the hill. On the other side is a beautiful, blue lake!
Chris: Gorgeous, isn’t it?
Danny: Wow… the water is so clear and blue. I can see the whole sky reflected in it!
Chris: I spent a lot of time at this lake when I was little, so I definitely wanted to share it with you. My brothers and I spend all our summers here.
Danny: Brothers? I didn’t know you had more than one brother…
Chris: Yeah, I’m a middle kid, actually. Sean’s my older brother. He’s the one I mentioned last time. He used to drive me in our old pickup truck to go see movies. Tyler’s my younger brother. He’s the brains of the family. He’s at college studying agriculture.
Danny: Aw, I’d love to meet them.
Chris: And I’d love to introduce you sometime… now, come on! The water looks fine!
You strip down to your bathing suit, toe off your shoes, and wade into the water.
Danny: Oh! It’s freezing!
You look back and see Chris in his swim trunks.
Chris: If you jump in all at once, it won’t seem as cold!
Danny: I don’t think that’s how that works…
Chris: Yeah, it is. We’ll jump in together. Grab on! One… two…
Time - 4 hours
Chris: Three!
Danny: Ahh!
You and Chris take a flying leap and land in the lake with a splash!
Danny: S-s-so cold!
Chris: I can warm you up…
Chris pulls you closer, wrapping you in his arms.
Chris: Is this better?
Danny: Much.
You lean in to kiss him. When you pull apart, you splash Chris playfully!
Chris: Hey!
Danny: So I bet things weren’t always so charming at the lakes when you were younger…
Chris: No, we mostly bet each other to do crazy stupid things. Like taking a leap off the rope swing my brother and I built.
Chris points at a rope swing tethered to a tree near a deeper part of the lake.
Chris: You in?
Danny: I’m game if you are…
The two of you swim over and climb out. Chris takes the rope, swings out onto the water, and backflips in!
Danny: Woo hoo!
Chris: You’re up!
You take hold of the rope, swing out onto the water, and double flip! You gracefully double flip into the water! You surface to Chris’s applause.
Chris: Nicely done. A perfect 10.
Danny: I’m expecting a gold medal… but I’ll take a kiss instead.
Chris: Anything for a champion…
You pull Chris into a deep kiss. The water laps at your back as he wraps his arms tighter around you.
Rewards
- 50 Cash
Some time later, you and Chris get out of the lake.
Chris: Here, let me help you towel off.
Danny: As long as I get to help you too…
Chris: Sure.
Once you’ve dried off, you and Chris walk back to the truck.
Danny: This was a lot of fun… So what’s next on the agenda? I hope I get more of the grand Chris Winters tour of Smalltown, USA! I like seeing the places you enjoy. It gives me a picture of how you grew up.
Chris: Well, you’re in luck. I know exactly where to take you next! Just as soon as we get into some dry clothes…
Part 3
Chris: Here’s another stop on the Chris Winters tour…
- Danny wearing a Vintage Cool Outfit
Chris drives the two of you to the main part of town.
Danny: Main Street is so, uh… short.
Chris: It’s not Rodeo Drive, that’s for sure. This ‘town’ really only has a few stores and restaurants, but I’ve heard they were talking about putting in a movie theater soon.
Danny: Aww, and then they’ll finally be able to see what a star you are!
Chris: Something like that.
The two of you walk hand-in-hand through the center of town.
Chris: Here, I want to show you something.
Chris pulls you over to look at something on the ground.
Danny: Are those… tiny handprints in the sidewalk? And why does it say your name over them?
Chris: Yeah… when I was thirteen, I had just earned about the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I knew then and there that I wanted to be a part of it. I snuck into town to do these handprints one night when they were redoing the sidewalk.
Danny: I think it’s nice that you were dreaming so big at such a young age.
Chris bends to put his hands in his cement handprints.
Danny: I’m sure that some day, you’ll have your very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Chris: That’s sweet, Danny— Oh!
Suddenly, you’re interrupted by a big, burly man who grabs Chris!
Time - 6 hours
Danny: Chris!
Chris is hoisted up by a big man with a loud voice.
‘Why if it isn’t ‘lil Chris Wizards!’
Danny: ‘Chris Wizards’?
Before Chris can answer, the man ushers both of you into a nearby steakhouse.
Chris: Abe, it’s great to see you, but really, you don’t have to do this…
Abe waves away Chris’s protests and seats you at the best table! Abe retreats to grab you drinks.
Danny: What just happened?
Chris: That’s Abe. He owns this place. I used to work here as a busboy when I was in high school, so I could save up for my plane ticket to L.A. and--
The two of you are interrupted by a middle-aged couple.
Chris: Oh, hello Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. It’s great to see you again…
Chris talks with the couple as you peruse the menu. After a few minutes, the Johnsons return to their table across the restaurant.
Chris: Sorry about that, Danny. The Johnsons were my neighbors. Mr. Johnson is the one who taught me how to cut down a tree, which was really great when I filmed--
Just then,two guys around your age step up to the table. They both slap Chris heartily on the back, and one of them ruffles his hair.
Chris: Hey, Joe and Eddie! I haven’t seen you guys in forever. Danny, these two jokers went to high school with me…
As your lunch continues, everyone in the restaurant comes up to you and Chris, and he greets all of them by name. Eventually…
Chris: Whew, that’s everyone, isn’t it? Sorry again.
Danny: You don’t have to apologize. It was fun. I didn’t think I’d get to see anyone give the famous Chris Winters a noogie…
Chris: Yeah…
Danny: It’s cute. Everyone loves you here, Chris. I can see why you like to come back.
Chris: Yeah. they’ve all been so supportive, and I really appreciate them. When my first blockbuster came out, the whole town caravanned over two hours to see it in theaters…
Danny: They’re really proud of you. It shows.
Chris: I’m glad… I didn’t want to let them down. I wouldn’t have made it to Hollywood without their support.
Rewards
- 50 Cash
After dessert, Abe stops by the table for a final good-bye.
Chris: Please, Abe, you have to let me pay for the meal this time.
Abe is adamant, despite Chris’s protests, give you both one big hug!
Danny: Oomph! Thanks for lunch, Abe!
Chris takes your hand again as you exit the steakhouse.
Danny: Where to next, Chris Wizards?
Chris: I still can’t believe they keep calling me that…
Danny: Wow, you’re actually embarrassed, aren’t you?
Chris: I got the nickname back in high school. You’d think it would have worn off by now…
Danny: Ha ha, what does it even mean?
Chris: Never mind that. Look, this afternoon, I wanted to take you on a tour of my family’s farm. You up for that?
Danny: Of course! I can’t wait to see the house where you grew up!
Part 4
Chris: Let’s tour my family farm!
- Tour!
- Spend 500 Cash
A short while later, Chris turns the truck onto a tree-lined driveway. At the end, behind a sprawling green lawn, sits and elegant, three-story craftsman-style house!
Danny: This is your childhood home? It’s huge!
Chris: Er, well, not exactly. It’s been remodeled. The first thing I did with my first paycheck was renovate my parents’ farmhouse to thank them for supporting me. They took care of me growing up. I want to take care of them now.
Danny: Aww, that’s so sweet of you…
Chris: Come on, I’ll take you on a tour of the place.
Chris leads you through the house, showing off its hardwood floors, tasteful furniture, and stylishly rustic decor.
Danny: Wow, it’s like walking into a model home. You really did everything up!
Chris: Wait until you see the rest of the farm…
Chris leads you further onto the property towards a wide open pasture and another impressive structure.
Chris: And over here are the stables. I had these rebuilt as well. I used to train and ride horses with my brothers when we were younger, so it made sense to spruce the stables up.
Danny: I didn’t know you could ride a horse!
Chris: I can. My brothers and I were big shots in the town rodeo. I won a trophy for calf roping.
Danny: I’m impressed. Hey, if you hadn’t made it in the movie industry, you could’ve become a rodeo star instead.
Chris: Ha ha, maybe. I had a lot of fun with it, but it wasn’t really my thing. I’m much happier on a stage than in an arena. Can’t say the same for everyone around here, though.
Danny: Yeah, it seems like everyone who grew up here stayed here. But not you.
Chris: No. It’s kind of a sore point with my brothers actually.
Danny: Really?
Chris: Yeah, Sean and Tyler love living here. Sean still works the farm when he can. Tyler wants to move back here after he’s finished with college. When I told them I was going to go to L.A. and hopefully make it big, they didn’t know what to do with me. They still don’t. Sean will ask how things are going from time to time, but Tyler doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. We used to do everything together. I don’t think he’s ever forgiven me for leaving home when I did.
Danny: Awww, Chris…
Chris: I do what I can. I feel a little guilty leaving the farm for Hollywood. My moving to L.A. really threw everyone for a loop, but I’m happy, and my brothers are doing well too. And that’s pretty much it… anything else you wanted to see?
Danny: Can I see your room?
Chris: Sorry, it was renovated along with the entire house several years ago…
Danny: Oh.
Chris: You sound disappointed.
Danny: Well, I am in a way. Your home is beautiful, but it’s not exactly the farm you grew up in. I wanted to learn more about you. Who were you before L.A.? Who is that Chris?
Chris: Really?
Danny: Yeah, that’s why I came all the way out here… to see who you were before Hollywood.
Chris: I’ll admit I did a lot work rewriting my history with building the farmhouse and improving the farm… But if it’s the real story you want… I know just the thing to show you. But first, we have to saddle up!
Inside the stables, Chris grabs two saddles, expertly cinching straps and settling packs on a pair of chestnut horses.
Danny: You really do know your way around a horse.
Chris: You didn’t believe me when I said I did some riding in my youth?
Danny: There’s hearing a story and seeing someone in action…
Chris: Wait ’til you see me ride. Ready to go?
Danny: Oh yeah…
You walk over to a saddled horse and study it.
Chris: Need help up?
Danny: I wouldn’t mind a hand.
You walk up to one of the chestnut horses. You slide a foot into a stirrup and push off Chris’s outstretched hand to swing into the saddle.
Chris: You look good up there.
Danny: You don’t look so bad down there yourself. Are you coming?
Chris saddles up, and together, you ride out on the plains, following a horse trail into a forest. In the distance, the sun is setting, reflecting gold off the lake.
Danny: This is beautiful. I can see why you’d enjoy riding out here.
Chris leads you to a vista where you dismount, tying your horses. Chris grabs blankets and a picnic basket from one of the horse packs.
Danny: What’s all that for?
Chris: It’s for later tonight. But for now, come with me.
Rewards
- none
You and Chris ride the horses away from the farm and past his family’s orchards…
Chris: You said you wanted to see the real Chris… I hung out here a lot. Sean, Tyler, and I used to climb these trees and steal some of the apples…
Danny: Sounds like you and your brothers had a lot of fun.
Chris: Yeah, we definitely did. But we also worked really hard… you had to around here.
He reaches up to pluck a small apple off a tree, polishes it, and tosses it to you.
Danny: Why, thank you.
A little farther, he leads you off the main trail and onto a smaller path that looks like it hasn’t been used in ages.
Danny: Where are you taking me?
He smiles at you as you both duck under trees and through brush. Eventually, the path opens up onto a clearing. To your back is the forest, and in front of you is a view of the vast plains.
Chris: When I was younger, I didn’t spend my time in my room… I was here. I climbed trees, I ran wild, I lay on blankets and dreamed about what was beyond the horizon…
Chris spreads the blanket out and sets the picnic basket down on it.
Danny: Aww, Chris…
Chris: Now if you really want to see what I was like when I was younger… I’ve got something you’ll be very interested in up here…
Chris walks up to a tree with thick branches and grabs ahold of the lowest branch.
Danny: Chris, what are you doing?
Chris: You’ll see in a second…
Part 5
Chris: I have something I want to show you…
- Danny
In the forest clearing, Chris easily climbs up a tree with thick branches.
Chris: With any luck, it’s still here…
Danny: What are you looking for?
Chris: Did you ever make a time capsule when you were in elementary school?
Danny: That’s where you put a bunch of memorabilia into a box and come back to it later to see what’s changed, right?
Chris: Yeah. I made one a long time ago in high school, right before I left. On the off chance I made it big in Hollywood, I wanted something to remember where I came from.
Chris stops climbing and reaches his hand up, feeling for something on a higher branch.
Chris: Found it!
Danny: Come on down so we can open it!
Time - 8 hours
Together, in the light of the setting sun, you and Chris open the box. Inside it are a bunch of photo and mementos from Chris’ past.
Danny: This is amazing. You have to walk me through everything… starting with this.
You produce an old photo of Chris wearing a wizard’s hat with blue stars on it. Chris grimaces when he sees it.
Danny: What are you wearing?
Chris: That was the costume for my high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. I was the wizard.
Danny: Oh! Is that why everyone at the restaurant called you Chris Wizards?
Chris: Unfortunately…
Danny: ‘Unfortunately’? But you must have put on a very memorable performance.
Chris: It was memorable all right. If you count throwing up in front of a hundred of your closest family, friends, and classmates memorable.
Danny: Oh no… what happened?
Chris: It was opening night for The Wizard of Oz, and it was my first time onstage in front of an audience. I was nervous. I’d never done anything like it before. Everything started out fine. But when it was my cue to speak, I threw up all over the stage.
Danny: Yikes.
Chris: Not the best start to my acting career. I was mortified. I ran off, intending never to act again.
Danny: I guess that didn’t happen.
Chris: No, thankfully. The next day, I talked myself into getting onstage for the second performance we’d scheduled. I was nervous, and I thought it might happen all over again. Luckily, when I got my cue to talk, someone shouted, ‘Come on, Chris Wizards!’ Then everyone applauded and cheered me on. It actually made me laugh. I nailed all the lines after that. And the nickname stuck.
Danny: Ha ha, I see.
Chris: I kept this photo around to remind me of what it was like acting for the first time. I never wanted to forget how exhilarating it was to perform, despite my earlier setback.
He sets aside the photo. You reach in the box and find an old take-out menu from Abe’s Steakhouse with numbers in Chris’s handwriting scrawled in the margins.
Danny: What’s this?
Chris: That’s me tallying up my last paycheck with the savings. See that circled number at the bottom? It means I made enough for the bus ride to L.A..
Danny: Chris, that’s amazing!
Chris: And here’s an original ticket stub for my favorite movie…
Danny: ‘The Matrix’?
Chris: Yeah. I didn’t think it was going to be good, but Sean dragged me to see it. I loved it. It was what inspired me to want to star in action movies.
You go through the rest of the box, reminiscing with Chris over an old movie poster, photos of drama club, and local newspaper clippings about his plays.
Danny: This is great, Chris. I’m… I’m glad you shared this with me… it means a lot.
You lay your head on Chris’ shoulder.
Chris: I’m glad I shared it with you too.
Rewards
- 5 Diamonds
After the sun sets, you an Chris sit in front of the vast plains and wrap yourselves up in warm blankets. As the evening turns cool, Chris hands you a thermos.
Chris: Just a little something to warm us up.
He twists open the thermos and pours you a steaming cup. You take a sip.
Danny: Mmmm, this is really good hot chocolate. And with marshmallows! It’s perfect!
Chris: I’m glad you like it.
You and Chris cuddle together. In front of you is a great view of the plains and the night sky, dotted with stars.
Danny: This is so beautiful. I can’t believe how many stars you can see out here.
Chris: It helps to not have the smog layer and lights blocking them like you do in Hollywood…
Danny: Ha ha, yeah really.
Chris: A view like this kind of makes me miss being out here…
Danny: I know L.A. was your dream, and you left Missouri as soon as you could… but do you ever regret leaving this place?
Chris: No. I’m doing what I love, what I’ve dreamed of doing my whole life, and I don’t want to let go of that. But this is where I came from, and I’ll never forget it. In a way, it’s never really left me, so there’s nothing to regret. Does that answer your question?
Danny: Yeah. It does.
Chris: I’m really glad I brought you here. I wouldn’t have wanted to share this with anyone else.
Danny: Really?
Chris: Really.
He leans in for a kiss, but before you touch, a shooting star goes by! You pull away.
Danny: Did you see that?!
Chris: Yeah. Looks like it’s time for you to make a wish, Danny.
Danny: I wish to be happy.
Chris: What would make you happy?
Danny: I’m still working that part out. I know that I’m pretty happy now though.
Chris smiles as he wraps an arm around you.
Chris: Me too.
He kisses you long and deep as more shooting stars streak past. The next day, you fly back home, and Chris drops you off at the university.
Danny: So… when will I see you again?
Chris: I hate to say it, but it might not be for a while. My next movie’s starting up, so I’m going to be busy, unless…
Danny: Unless?
Chris: Well, you could always visit me on set. It could be a lot of fun…
Danny: You’re inviting me on the set of an actual Chris Winters movie? Of course I’ll be there!
Chris: All right. I’ll give you a call. See you soon, Danny!