A vent about Spike's behavior in Chapter 2... · 2:09am Sep 9th, 2017
I'm not going to proofread this because it IS a bit of a rant about something upsetting me in my personal life...
So, a few people have commented that Spike is acting unreasonably or badly behaved in Chapter 2. As I've stated, he's more responding to a real possibility that Twilight is brushing off. The basis for his behavior is that Twilight is rushing blindly into the situation without thinking of the risks, and after repeatedly telling her she needs to be careful, he finally just leaves for a few days.
I now have the perfect example of this, because it's happening to me right now.
I recently moved out of my apartment, and have been staying with a friend's father while I sort out what to do next. With no real reason to rush anywhere else, I've just been casually trying to get rid of the many unimportant things that got packed at the last second. Unfortunately for me, the house I'm in is directly in the path of Category 4 Hurricane Irma.
Hurricanes aren't new for me: I've lived in South Florida for over 15 years now, and I'm pretty sure at least one of the hurricanes I've watched was just as big as this one. The difference is that, in the past, it was with the proper preparations made, including cleared debris and metal shutters, or in the case of my apartment, on the 2nd floor with hurricane-proof windows. This time, the person I'm staying with refuses to even let me buy plywood for the 7ft by 7ft back window, or anything else hurricane related. In fact, he's been outright lying to me about how bad the storm is supposed to get in this area, insisting that we would only see gusts around 60 MPH, and only from the North. The latest prediction is that we will see a Category 4, with sustained winds around 100 MPH (not starting with the gusts) AND a potential storm surge several feet above the house's foundation, AND today they expanded the evacuation zone to this area.
Throughout this, me and his girlfriend have repeatedly told him to quit fucking around and take this seriously, like putting up plywood or something, but he refuses because he doesn't WANT to THINK it will be a bad hurricane, insisting that we're all panicking over nothing. This blatantly insane attitude has persisted over several days of the shock-value news yammering on non-stop about how everything is going to be gone and anyone here is going to die. Now, I've been friends with this guy's family for several years: his son is one of my best friends, I was there when the house burned down, I was there for his wife's funeral, I've watched his grandkids. I do care about him and don't want to see anything happen to him, but I cannot be part of this: tomorrow morning, I'm leaving to a secure location for the storm, leaving him and his girlfriend somewhere where there is a very real possibility of them dying, because he refuses to secure the house or get out.
This is not something I want to do, nor is it something I'm taking lightly. Though he'd probably survive a flood, I am leaving pretty much half of the stuff I moved out of the apartment at this house, meaning I'll lose things I cared enough about to pack into the car if the storm surge gets in the house. I can't take the stress of being here without preparation though, I've literally felt like I was going to vomit for several days straight from this ongoing path to disaster. This is a terrifying situation and there's nothing I can do but drive away while there's still time, even if it means I'm fleeing in terror, even if it means leaving him behind. Even if this decision isn't entirely driven by cold logic, I cannot take the emotional stress of it.
So... When people think it's odd that Spike gets increasingly emotional and eventually leaves in Chapter 2, this is the kind of thing he's going through. I just wanted to share to maybe get myself calmed down and maybe help other people understand.
Now... The question is... How far North do I want to drive?
That is quite a bad situation you found yourself into because of an optimist.
I can only hope that his wish comes true, just so that your stuff that you left behind doesn't get ruined.
I wish for you and your girlfriend to be safe until everything is safe again.
Upstate New York. North Syracuse, to be exact.
Well... shit. I never compained, but having read that background info I... I completely understand his actions.
I live in nebraska so I have no worries about hurricanes but we, occasionally, still have severe thunder storms. Even if we know the storm wont hit us that bad, we still head down to the basement. Your friend really should be concerned about the safety of his friends and family.
Also, I don't see the issue with Spike's behavior - he's got his clawed feet grounded on the floor, while Twilight can be a little... which word could describe her properly?
Hum... I know! She's an OCD mad scientist! When interest is at a hight, she's all for it no matter the result!
Give Spike a rolled newspaper, and he'll be able to teach her to not mess with causality or some other thing!
It's totally warranted. It felt like doomsday girding up for Haiyan. But I think it's not good for your story to reflect your present situation so directly, and IMO Spike OoC for leaving and would have stayed just to make sure Twilight would be safe. Also I'd give Dad-guy one more urgent call before you completely leave him behind.
You made the right, logical choice.
I understand his behavior. That is like me when a tornado hit the ground around here in Indiana.
Just like I understand yours. And I would a bed to sleep on if I could.
If it's any consolation, I never had a problem with Spike's concerns, just that he seemed ooc with how he used reasoning.
Not sure how far. I live in NC, last time we had a hurricane this bad it dropped from a CAT 4 to a tropical storm by the time it hit us. I don't get why people in my county are so freaked out. Sure the Hurricane is bad NOW but by the time it gets to where we are, the hurricane will have lost a lot of steam. It'd have to hit us on the coastline where it still has access to water to retain it's strength.
4662715
This isn't optimism, it's insanity. He refuses to act because action is difficult for him. I made sure to get my stuff off the ground before I left. It should be safe even if the house floods a little. Also, it's his girlfriend, not mine.
4662734
No no, this is something that is happening in real life right now, a month after the chapter was released.
4662972
You'll be fine there.
Just a quick update
I evacuated about 15 miles inland, just outside of the flood zones, to a house which is rated to withstand these things. I almost drove up to where Frelania lives and stayed with her, but I didn't do that and it's too late to make that drive now. I kind of regret that: I know I should be safe here, especially compared to that house that could literally be completely submerged in sea water tomorrow night, but I'm still nervous... Also, I'm staying with my drummer, but Frelania is one of my closest friends too.
4663558
I misread again, my bad. I still think you should have had Spike stay, IMO it feels OoC for him to leave Twilight's side angry and frustrated. BTW have given dad-guy one more call at least? Maybe follow up your friend about his dad's situation?
4663549
Oh, my bad then. From what you wrote down, I assumed it was your girlfriend, not his.
Also, perhaps he doesn't have anywhere else to go? As in, all his property is there, and can't leave?
That doesn't excuse his madness to not protect the fragile glass panes, though.
Shit.
Isn't there someone else you can call who that guy will listen to? Any relatives that can maybe talk some sense into him?
Hope things turn out okay.
Geez, I'm glad we don't have hurricanes here in Germany.
4663604
The shelter is a block from where I'm at, which is a short drive inland.
4664059
We've all talked to him, we've assumed he's just gonna have to swim or die.