My head hurts, and my lips definitely hurt more. I looked at the scattered tables in front of me, and I shook my head. I was better than this. I didn't want to fight him at first, but when I remembered everything that had gone on between the two of us, I had more reason to thrust my fist at his face. Now, things are even worse. I mean, his father was getting married to Mrs. Tracy. How do I tell my mother that she was making the biggest mistake of her life?I know I was being selfish telling her to let go of her happiness for mine. I grabbed my books, shoving them into my bag at the thought of both of them walking down the altar, hand in hand and smiling at themselves. I shrugged as I pictured it in my head. I knew I had to stop it. But how can I? I still remember Mrs. Tracy singing his praises at the dining table this morning. I should have known, should have been more observant, but then I had a lot to worry about. The system was back, which means more missions for me, and there

I was not sure if I was selfish or if I was just being paranoid. The system has made sure I learn that trust is rare. Maybe this was why I was always so defensive. I have learned to always stand up for myself, and I don't have to depend on others. That was the only way I got to where I am today. I landed on my bed, shutting my eyes. The drug I brought earlier was working now. I felt drowsy and weak. I heard a slight knock on the door. "Come in," I said, trying to sit up. The door opened and Selena walked in. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she saw the marks on her face. "Did you fight at school?" she asked, grabbing my face like she was my girlfriend. "It will heal," I replied, forcing a smile. "This is going to scar if it is not properly taken care of. Where is the medic kit?" Her eyes darted through my rooms. Selene knows where I keep most of my things, and she doesn't need my permission to go and get whatever she needs. We were so close now that she felt

Sometimes making others happy was not an easy task. All I ever wanted was to make her happy. It was the only thing I could think about. I wanted to be the better son to her and make sure she lives happily, but I was not sure if I was doing the right thing by asking her not to marry Derek's family. It runs in the genes. What if Derek's father was exactly like his son? I rubbed my palms together as if the friction would burn away the unease in my chest. The bench beneath me felt colder than usual, the kind of cold that reminded you that you weren’t in control. The system’s message wouldn’t stop flashing in my mind, and the words might as well have been branded into my skull.Final Task. End of Semester. Life or Death.I was thrilled to be back in the game, but also I was not. Maybe I needed to give my mother more money. Something that she won't see the need to have any man in her life. Or was she lonely? I remembered what Selene had said. I had never asked her about her late husba

Have you ever tried to savage everything you hold dear? That was the point I was in right now. I wanted to protect her. I was going to try my very best at least. I got home and noticed she was not home. I ran my hands through my hair. " Jeez! Where the fuck are you Mrs Tracy!" I fling my backpack to the floor in anger. I ran back to my car and grabbed my phone. I know if this was actually going to be the last test by re system then I had to pass. I needed to save her. Selene walked in not too long. " You need to calm yourself, Jason. I am sure she is fine." I raced my eyebrows to meet hers, " Do you think any of this is a joke?" The room fell silent. It was so deafening that even if a pen had dropped the sound could be heard. "No." Selene said after a while of looking at me. She walked closer to me and drew me to a seat. " I know you want to protect her but she is a grown woman, Jason. Mrs Tracy can take care of herself. All you need to do is calm down and breathe."I let

The graduation ceremony was unlike anything I have ever expected. Most of the academic staff were present. Some faces I had seen and most others were never seen. Selena came in one of her fancy cars. The photographers and many other camera man and woman did well to take capture of everyone. Derek Carter who had been my arch enemy was seated with some of his friends oblivious to the fact that I existed. Today felt like it wasn't all about the system. It felt like it was all about us graduants. We were finally leaving, finally going to be free of everything. But I can't stop thinking about it all. I can't stop thinking about what I had seen in the future. What I had known. Was thjs really the end to it all? Was the system going to let go and finally select another gamers?I sat still, my gaze reading through the crowd. I was always on alert. The system had thought me that. It had thought me never to trusted too much, never to believe. I wanted to believe this was it. Our fina