Game Of Survival

Chapter 2

JAMES

My smile faded after I looked away from her and I covered my mouth with the back of my palm as I let out a yawn. She was right though, I needed to give myself a break sometime... but giving myself a break only meant putting my sister at further risk so I couldn’t.

I heaved a light sigh as I rolled my shoulders and was about to stifle another yawn when my eyes caught the flyer on the table.

‘It must have been left by that customer that I annoyed,’ I thought while moving towards the dust bin after I picked it up but I instantly came to a stop when I read the content. It was an invitation for a reality TV show sponsored by Omega Companies and my heart leapt as I saw the prize money.

"Hundred million dollars..." I whispered with wide eyes as I tightened my hold on the flyer. “Holy shit.”

This was more than enough to solve all the problems in my life. Maybe the sun has finally decided to shine on me. But then again, I couldn't be too happy. Getting this money was going to be a battle of luck but that didn't mean I wasn't going to give it a shot. The application requirements weren't anything too personal and without entertaining further thoughts, I slipped my phone out and checked out the website that had been listed on the flyer.

For the first time in so long, I actually went home with a tiny ray of hope and happiness in me.

As I sauntered into my small apartment, my eyes found Daniel almost immediately. He was sitting on a couch, busying himself with his phone and some files.

"Hey," I called out.

"Welcome, how was work?" he asked but he barely gave me a glance and I couldn't help but approach him.

"Same old thing. What are you doing?" I asked once I sat beside him on the couch.

"I..." His voice trailed off as he glanced at me. Whatever it was, I had a feeling it was up to no good.

"You're what?" I asked but he still hesitated for a while.

"I'm thinking of accepting Mr. Greg's offer," he replied and my eyes widened immediately.

"What?! Are you crazy?!" I yelled but he just let out a sigh in response. "Daniel, haven't I told you we're never going to meet that man again?! Yes we're in dire need of money but that doesn't mean we should start dealing in his shady business!"

"We don't have a choice James."

"We have a choice, don't give me that crap!"

"Oh really? You mean with the payment we get from the petty jobs we do that barely amounts to anything!" He raised his voice and a muscle in my jaw twitched. "You think I'm happy I want to involve myself with Mr. Greg? James we work tirelessly but there's no gain. We've tried every honest means possible, even the bank but yet nothing. And don't let me even get started on our parents. Our sister’s health is deteriorating day by day and just the thought of it alone is driving me crazy!" He paused for a moment and I noticed that his eyes were filled with tears.

"I don't want to lose her, James." His voice was so low, it was almost a whisper, and my heart tightened in my chest. "I don't..."

Tears started to fill my eyes too and I looked away from him, taking a deep breath. "I don't want to either..." I whispered.

"Then let me do what I have to do. I don't care if I have to suffer for her."

"She wouldn't be proud of us if we did this Daniel," I replied.

"I don't care at this point. The only thing that matters is saving her life."

"I found a way out and it doesn't need to involve this." I took the file he was holding and squeezed it before tossing it away. I then slipped the flyer I found at work out of my pocket and handed it to him.

"Hundred million!" He yelled. "My goodness..."

"Yep..." I said while nodding and he glanced at me.

"Where did you get this?"

"I found it by chance and I applied immediately. They seem legit," I replied and he focused his attention on his phone again. “... What are you doing?"

"Applying of course! This is a one in a million opportunity. We have to do it together, so if one fails at least the other will pass," he muttered and I smiled. I was relieved he'd finally dropped the idea of working for that drug dealer. If I hadn't arrived in time, he would have probably gone ahead with his reckless decision.

"Yeah, you're right. We can only hope one of us qualifies. Sincerely, if they're going to choose between us, I want it to be you," I said and he frowned. "I mean, I don't think I'm cut out for a reality TV show but you on the other hand..." I paused. "You can pull it off. I'm only doing this for the money," I remarked and he heaved a light sigh.

"I want the both of us to qualify, but then again things like this... People like us are only lucky if we qualify," he responded and I nodded.

"Let's just hope for the best," I said.

He was right though. We probably weren't going to qualify for a reality TV show seeing as we were literally nobodies.

****

My eyes jolted open due to the morning rays that were illuminating my room and the sound of my blaring alarm. I had morning shifts today but my body was surprisingly weak and I groaned as I turned to the side of the bed before turning the annoying alarm off. I then grabbed my pillow tighter and shut my eyes again.

"James! James!!" Daniel yelled, excitement evident in his voice as he barged into the room.

"What now?"

"I've been accepted!" He screamed and my eyes snapped open immediately to see him standing next to my bed. "I've been accepted!" He repeated, showing me his phone which was displaying a congratulatory message. "You should check your mail too!"