C +10 Points
Just outside the mall, you feel a tap on the shoulder. Turning, you’re surprised to see your old flame from high school. Back in the day you two were pretty serious, and thought you’d be together forever. Things change though, and going off to college the distance proved to be too much. But seeing them here again, you can still feel that old spark. Could this turn into something more serious?


B +9 Points
You’re about to enter the crowded mall when you hear your name called. Turning, you don’t initially recognize the face, but on closer inspection discover that it’s Doug Giomondi, an old friend you haven’t seen in ages. Giving him a friendly hug, you joke about his now lack of hair and you both have a good laugh. During your time in town, the two of you get together and reminisce, vowing to keep in touch from now on.


G +8 Points
Checking out the discounted section of the book store, you hear a sudden “Hi.” from behind. Seeing who it is, you’re almost speechless. “Remember me?” He asks. You most certainly do. Matthew Hewell. During high school this guy was nothing but a jerk to you. You hated his guts. But time seems to have changed Matthew. Before you can speak, he ashamedly admits how terrible he was and apologizes for his actions. Accepting his apology, you begin to talk and discover what a nice guy he’s become. Looks like you’ve made a new friend.


H +7 Points
Why are you browsing the clothing racks? You really don’t know the size of anyone in your family. Returning a particularly tacky sweater to its home, you jump at the sound of your name being exclaimed. Well what do you know? It’s Mrs. Rosales, the lady who lived next door when you were a kid. She’s still the same: small and plump and full of smiles. She pinches your cheek and gives you a big kiss, like you were still seven years old. Mrs. R invites you out to lunch. You try to explain that you’re short on time, but she’s just so jolly, that you can’t say no.


E +6 Points
Does kitchenware make a good present? Maybe not. You shrug and put down the hand mixer. You’re about to move on, when you do a double take. There, looking at the blenders, is Ellen Rittenberg. Criminey, you haven’t thought about her in years. Up until the tenth grade you both were as thick as thieves. But then there was a major falling out. Words were said and you two never spoke again. You debate whether to say hello, when she spots you. Pleasantries are exchanged, but there is still a pronounced awkwardness. You’re surprised though when she asks for your Facebook address. You give it to her and she quickly heads off. What does this mean? Could it be a chance to start again?


J +5 Points
Checking out the high end plasma TVs is fun, even if you can’t afford one. The prices on these things are seriously ridiculous. Good thing looking is free. You turn to exit and run right into another shopper. “I’m sorry, I didn’t…” You begin to apologize, but then grimace. “Well, look who it is.” The man smirks. Of all the people... Daniel Kurakawa, your old rival. Back in high school, you two competed for everything. Neither of you could stand being outdone by the other.
“Can I help you fellas?” The attendant smiles.
“Yeah, I’m looking for a TV, about 32’.” Daniel says.
You don’t know what possesses you, but instinctively you interject. “I wanna buy a 42’!”
Daniel’s face sours. “Did I say 32? I meant a 55’!”
There’s no way you’re going to let him beat you. “I want a 64’!”
“72’!” Daniel cuts in.
“I want the biggest TV you have in the store!” You’re screaming now. The salesman is thrilled. “Yes sir.”
Daniel crosses his arms and grins. “Looks like you win, chum. I could never afford an $8,000 TV.” Oh crap, what did you just do? You better hope they have a good return policy.


I +4 Points
You browse the selection of fruitcake, wondering if anyone actually eats them, when an unwelcome voice hits your ear. “Hey loser!” Ugh, why did it have to be her? During your school days, Leslie Macaroy was the biggest bully in school, and she particularly delighted in tormenting you. “It’s good to see you again, dweeb.” She smirks. Is she for real? “You know we’re adults now, right?” You say. “Aren’t you a little old to still be acting like such an asshole?” This definitely doesn’t make Leslie happy. “What did you say to me?” You sigh and cross your arms. “You heard what I said. Grow up. You don’t intimidate me anymore.” … It’s an entire ten minutes before you’re able to remove yourself from the trashcan.


D +3 Points
Just inside the mall entrance you’re greeted with an interesting sight; a rather agitated-looking gentleman with a duffle bag on his head. You try to steer clear, but he makes a beeline in your direction. “Hey Santa, you got a dollar?!” He gesticulates wildly. ... Sure, why not? It’s the season of giving, after all. You hand him the single and he jumps into the air. “Calloh callay, with this token of love, you seal the deal, Frenchie! Soon we will be married!”
What the hell?! The man is kicking his heels and making quite a fuss. Soon mall security arrives to investigate the ruckus. “What’s the problem here?”
The man grabs your arm. “Just me and my fiancée, constable.”
“What?” I am not… I don’t even know this person!” You protest.
“Such a shy badger. We had our first kiss under the moonlight. I braided pork chop through my hair. I couldn’t talk then, cause I traded me voice for legs. Oh, but the fishes, they sang! LA LA LA LA LA!”
The mall cop frowns. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you and your fiancée to leave.”
“I told you, he’s not my…”
But before you can finish your sentence, you and your new friend our escorted outside. … “Let’s go back to my place.” The crazy man smiles. “Dracula makes a mean eggnog.”


F +2 Points
Y’know, most people read a greeting card only once and then completely forget about it. So why are they so darn expensive? You replace the one decorated with kittens when a shrill voice makes you jump. “Aha, I found you!” Oh no, it can’t be! “Miss Heidelberg, you’re still alive?! Er.. I mean, it’s good to see you.” Back in the day, Miss Heidelberg was the meanest librarian in town. Even then she looked like she was a hundred, now she’s positively ancient. “Save your honeyed words, brat! I’ve been looking for you for years and now I found you!”
“Years? Why?!”
“You checked out Spaceman Steve on the Planet of Werewolves and never returned it! I want it back!”
“Are you nuts?! That’s when I was a kid! I don’t know where it is now!”
She scrunches up her wrinkled face. “Then you’re going to have to pay the fine.”
Sigh. “Whatever. How much?”
“With late fees, $20,000.”


A +1 Point
Even though it’s warm in the mall, a nice coffee drink will take the edge off this day. You pay for your low fat, mocha cappuccino and head toward the escalator. As you ride up, you look across and see a familiar face moving down. Oh crap, it’s your old flame from high school. Back in the day you two were pretty serious, but then you had to go and do something stupid. It was a small infidelity, but you were caught and the person who was supposed to be most special to you was hurt. It’s a mistake you’ve always regretted. You try to get their attention, buy they’re deliberately ignoring you. You stumble back against the flow of the escalator and then trip. Drenched in scalding hot coffee, you hit the bottom of the steps, only to be carried up again. The cycle of tripping and ascending repeats a few times before mall security is able to help you out.