Choose Your Own Adventure

When I was a kid, I used to read these Choose Your Own Adventure books. Basically what they were was little novels that allowed you to choose what the main character would do next. For instance, if you wanted the character to skip school, you turn to a certain page and see what happened, or if you wanted him to go to Egypt, you turn to a different page and see what happened. My next 3 posts will allow you, the reader, to decide what I write about next. I’ll start it off, and then give you a few choices about what happens next. I will go by majority vote in the comments section. Because I’m not a kid anymore, I will be writing these stories about adults and for adults. You ready? Let’s Go!!!

Jamal was always a cautious guy. He was known for playing it safe. As a youth, he never indulged in drugs or alcohol, and had the reputation of a straight arrow. As his 25th birthday approached, Jamal decided that it was time for him to start taking some risks. This was unfamiliar territory for the guarded young man, but he was determined to truly experience life for the first time.

Thoughts of cutting loose encircled Jamal’s mind. He listened to his coworker’s tales of adventure and imagined himself in those situations. Jamal wanted to have fun. He was invited to go bungee jumping with a group of his colleagues on Saturday. He thought about the offer, but figured that this was something that white people do. Still, if he was going to lose control, what better way to get the adrenaline pumping? He did some online research on bungee jumping and discovered that it was actually quite safe, which allayed his fears. Jamal gave serious consideration to taking his coworker up on the offer.

Riding the train home from work, he overheard a conversation between two attractive ladies. Jamal was quite handsome, but never really confident around women. They were discussing a party they were going to on Saturday. He wanted to ask them where and when this festivity would take place, but was too shy. Jamal slouched in his seat and resigned himself to the fact that he could not approach these women. As luck would have it, the tall sister with shoulder length hair walked over to Jamal and handed him a flier about the party, and her phone number. Jamal’s self esteem was boosted, and as he watched the young lady exit the train, he realized that his birthday wish for fun just might come true.

When he arrived at his downtown loft, Jamal stretched out on his couch and fell asleep listening to ESPN. His effortless slumber was interrupted by the shrill ring of his phone. He heard his cousin’s familiar voice on the other end of the receiver.

“What’s up Jamal? I’m coming to town on Saturday. We need to get together and hit up a strip club or something.”

Jamal was nervous about hanging with Lorenzo. His cousin had a reputation for getting into trouble wherever he went. In fact, Lorenzo was fresh off of a 12 month stay in the county correctional facility for beating up a bouncer at a local nightclub. But he sure knew how to “keep it crunk.” Jamal knew that if he rolled with Lorenzo, it would be a night to remember.

There are three offers on the table. Which one should Jamal take? Should he:
A. Try Bungee Jumping
B. Go to the party with the girl from the train
C. Hang out with his criminally inclined cousin.
Vote for what you think Jamal should do in the comments section and I will post the next part on Thursday morning.

It was written…