Love Is A Game

CHAPTER1

Erica’s Pov

“Hey, I helped you secure a spot at the club. You just need to turn up early and perform your magic.” I heard my best friend say as I beamed happily.

“Thanks, babe, I don't know how to appreciate you more!” I said I was quite elated.

My name is Erica Rivera, a young aspiring musician.

I didn't classify myself as pretty but I knew I looked good. My hazel brown hair complimented my deep blue eyes, I had a plump lip and an hourglass figure. Of course, only I could see that because I was always covering it up with baggy clothes.

In high school, I was always a laughing stock because of my fashion sense but I didn't care anyway. It was my choice and I loved it. I didn't have time for love or should I say about how much I had a dislike for the male gender in general.

They were too sly, cunny, selfish, stupid and I could go on with the list. Even my father unfortunately couldn't escape this list!

I was a songwriter and performed in small clubs and restaurants hoping to become one of those famous musicians soon.

Music was my solace, it was safe to say it was what kept me going. My bastard of a father had left when I was just little, precisely ten with a woman. Leaving my mother behind without even turning back.

I loved my father so much and he did love me or that was what he portrayed. Our family was a happy one, with my father always acting a little too perfect. It was when he left us with nothing that my mother realized how he had been toying with her emotions.

Till now, I couldn't place why he had done that to us. Why did he even do that to my Mom, why did he act so inhumane?! Thinking about it just makes my heart shatter into more pieces thinking of the way my mother had felt.

It wasn't a good time for any of us, including my little brother who barely understood what happened. My mother lost her feelings that day, shattering her heart into pieces. She didn't speak for days and stayed in the confinement of her room, ignoring all our requests.

“Mom, Leo is sick! We haven't eaten for days, please come out!” I whimpered, as I tried to convince my mom. My brother; who was still very young, had become weak from not eating since my mom refused to do anything.

I loved my brother so much and couldn't watch him break down like that, my next cue was to go over to my neighbor that day. She was surprised and had everything sorted out. All I knew was my mom was gone for a few months and when she came back, she was over my father.

Life wasn't easy for us, my father; Carlos bore almost all the responsibility. My mom never made any attempt to work. To be sincere, we barely lacked anything at home.

It was then the reality of the situation started dawning on us, we had nothing! My mother started several menial jobs just to fend for the family but it was never the same.

I felt several kinds of pain, my mother became distant as she tried to fend for the family. There was no one else to talk to except my brother, I started loving him so much and was willing to go to any length for him to be okay.

We suffered in silence, as no one was there for us. I barely had friends in high school because of how I dressed and looked while my mother became the laughing stock in the area.

My mother could barely settle all our bills and I had to step in. I started doing after-school jobs to at least earn some money. During the weakest moment of my life, I wrote down words into music to affirm that everything was going to be fine, it was a constant reminder of what had happened to me and was a form of affirmation.

“Erica, you zoned out!” Steph, who was a co-worker, said to me, I realized I was still at work and scurried to find something to do. I had to finish this as fast as I could and prepare for my show later tonight.

“Thank you, everyone, please support me by streaming my songs!” I said as I bowed. I had just finished performing and was beaming.

Music just brings out the best in me and I love the feeling. “That was awesome, I will be sure to contact you for more shows!” the manager of the club said to me.

“Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!” I said as I bowed a little.

I started packing my things as I had to get home, everyone was dispersing and made the exit a bit crowded so I decided to wait behind.

I fondled my sweater as I thought about today’s event. It had been eventful and I loved every part of it, I had made some cash from the club and couldn't wait to get home. I yawned out of exhaustion, praying that the exit was cleared as soon as possible.

“Hey,” I heard someone say. I turned to look at who it was and met the sight of a decent-looking man. “Hey,” I replied, unsure of what to say. “I'm Lucas, I enjoyed your performance.” he complimented earning a beam from me.

“I'm glad that you enjoyed it,” I said, making a dramatic bow. Just as he was about to utter something, the buzzing of his phone interrupted him.

Shit! I have to go, have this card, and give me a call.” he said before hurrying away. I stare at the card blankly, why did he give me this? And who was he by the way?

I tossed the card into my bag before making my way out of the club in exhaustion.