One Up

Chapter 2

I plop on my bed, phone in hand as I relive the life of today. I always dreaded coming home.. not that it is bad or anything. I just hate how empty it feels.

After the typical pizza that we enjoyed within Roma's, Rachael and I parted ways as we always do. Though I love the life that we share, sometimes it feels as though it's too typical. I hope that this tournament coming up can better prepare me for a moment of unknowing bliss.

I log into my f*******: account, feeling the social urge that the introvert in me despises. The screen takes a few seconds to load before the kingdom of internet drama comes to life. I'm reluctant to find too many notifications. Though I've achieved many awards, it hasn't boosted my popularity too much. My main source of internet fame comes from my YouTube channel. I have over two hundred thousand followers who watch me test out new games. I can't wait until I can test out One Up.

I look towards my friend request link and find... a friend request? I quickly open it and gasp. Staring back at me with his beautiful green/blue eyes is that boy Rachael showed me. Sage... Sage Remington.

I hover over the accept button, almost afraid of what it may mean. Does he want to be friends? Does he just want to get to know more people? I almost cringe. How can anyone want to get to know me?

I click away from the friend request page, going into my own. I stare at my profile in estranged bewilderment. My dark red hair dances within the photo, causing my grey/blue eyes to pop with vibrant color. My freckled pale face suggests that I look girly-ish, unlike Rachael who looks like a gorgeous young woman. I look at my too-thin build, glancing at my all-too-small chest and wonder how anyone could want to be friends with me.

'Enough Sam,' I think to myself. 'You're not perfect but people like you.' I sigh before returning to the friend request list, and accept Sage's request.

I almost feel giddy in nervous excitement as I press the call button and speed dial Rachael. Within a few rings she answers.

"Hey girl, wassup?"

"Rachael, you're not going to believe this but guess who friended me?" I clue in excitedly. Silence remains for a few second before she wonders.

"Who Sam? I'm seriously curious."

"Sage Remington, the new boy."

"Sage?? For real?? Oh my gosh girl, that's awesome!" Rachael muses excitedly. My exclamation lessens as I feel self conscious.

"Why would he friend me though?"

"Who knows girl. Maybe he's trying to find some people he can trust to start a friendship with."

"Why me? I can't be that interesting."

"Sam, listen to me. Maybe things have been weird since Jordan passed but that doesn't make you an unfriendly person. When my sister passed things were hard, but you know who was there for me?"

I blush sheepishly. "Me."

"Exactly. You Sam. Not Rebecca, Murella, or anyone else. You. You have a way with people that is beyond high school. You're a smart, strong and beautiful girl. If anyone needed a true friend, I'd recommend you first before anyone."

"You as well. You helped me when I lost my brother Jordan. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here."

"Well please understand that I'm seriously glad you are. But hey, don't be afraid to meet new people. You're a great person, okay?" she pauses. "I have to get ready for bed but I'll see you at school. Love ya and bye girlie!" Rachael says.

"Bye Rachael," I whisper before disconnecting the phone. I slump flat on my bed, looking at the teal coloration of the ceiling. It felt nice to know I was important to someone. A small smile spreads across my face and the weight on my chest feels almost nonexistent.

I was so glad to be able to just breathe. Even for a small moment.

A rustling movement downstairs followed by the door shutting alerts me to my mother's entrance back home. With a sigh, I rise from my bed before bounding down the stairs to greet her.

She stands at the door and regards me with a warm smile.

"Darling! Hello! Nice to see you my love," my mother says as she pulls me in for a hug. I give her a gentle squeeze in return. Ever since my brother passed, she has been more affectionate. What can I say though, I'm her only living child.

"How was work mom?" I ask curiously. She huffs.

"Don't remind me. If I could ring my boss's neck I would but that would land me in a cage I don't want to be in."

"What happened?" I ponder.

"Tut my darling. Work stresses stay at work. I'm just happy to be home."

My mother works as a manager for the Coca-Cola company. Her and her boss never seem to see eye-to-eye. It was the wonderful pains of being in management but having to deal with someone such as him. His son goes to my school and he's just about as bratty as his father seems to be. Boy did I dislike his son...

"Anyways, would you like to help me in the kitchen?" My mother asks. I smile. "Of course mom."

For the next half hour we resort to cleaning the kitchen. My mother cleans the floors while I tend to the dishes. I'll admit, it was hard on her. My father left shortly after we lost Jordan. Not like he was much of a father to begin with...

I know it wears on her though. She lost half of our small family so quickly. Worry lines decorate her pale face and her grey eyes shine with suppressed sadness. Sometimes I hear her crying in her room. She doesn't like to know I hear it but I do.

Shaking off my wet, wrinkled hands, I walk over to my mother and hug her. She stiffens at my touch before hugging me back. I don't care what the world has in store for us. She will always be my favorite person and I want her to know I appreciate her.

"I love you, mom."

She sighs, a small smile decorating her face. "I love you too."

She kisses the top of my head before releasing me from her embrace.

"You should probably get to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow."

"Okay mom," I say lightly, kissing her cheek before happily bounding up the steps to my room.

I shut the door carefully behind me as I enter, almost feeling as though things would be changing soon. I almost hated to think it could. In the same mindset, I crave it. I crave the feeling of unknowing. I crave the life I have always dreamed of. In almost a year and a half I'd graduate high school and be on my way to college, where I'd learn 3D Design. Then one day, I could actually be apart of building a pretty awesome game.

I can't wait for my life to begin. With the international tournament coming up in just a few days, I have a feeling it finally will.