Chapter 8 #2
Luckily, Buzz catered to all religions, which meant DragonByte closed for no holidays.
He just alternated days off with the staff.
So the place was about half-full with all those who didn’t celebrate Christmas.
Or those who thought this was the best way to celebrate the holiday.
I was starting to lean in that direction.
Buzz was used to my cell-less self, requesting the use of his phone, and I dialed Lin. I actually had to memorize numbers, unlike everyone else I knew. She answered, but there was a lot of noise in the background. “Lin?”
“Merry Christmas, Molly! Guess who showed up this morning? My parents. It’s the best surprise!” She went on to tell me all the plans they had for that day. And while I was happy for her, I got a little depressed. Charisse, too, was with family.
I smiled into the phone as I said goodbye—no sense in ruining her mood—then looked around.
The nasty stuff was still falling outside, so I was stuck here.
I could think of worse ways to spend the holidays.
I had access to frozen pizzas reheated in the oven like the one I smelled now, and free computer time on a fast gaming computer that ran COTSA.
I slipped upstairs to number twelve, open as usual, and logged in.
ScarlettSaber hacked and slashed his way through enemies, picking up some loot along the way.
For once, I didn’t let myself worry about how rare it was or how much it was worth.
Though my inability to go to SCAD with my friends weighed on me.
IK interrupted a skirmish with my least favorite, super-fast jungle warriors with spears. What was he doing on? He had a family. I checked the time; hours had passed. Maybe his family stuff was already over. I should head home soon.
ScarlettSaber: Hey. Y R U here?
IvoryKnight: Hey. Meet me at the overview?
ScarlettSaber: OMW.
It was silly; we weren’t really face-to-face. But there was something about being in our special place together when we talked. I was glad that I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
IvoryKnight: I just finished watching a princess movie with my little sis. Parents make us go to fancy dinners, family gatherings, and midnight masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas night, so we get to do whatever we want during the day.
ScarlettSaber: Already all played out with your toys?
IvoryKnight: Hah. I got gift cards. My parents dont bother thinking about what to get me anymore. Why arent you doing family stuff?
ScarlettSaber: My mom and I did our thing yesterday but Dad bailed on me today.
IvoryKnight: Sorry, that sucks. What about friends?
ScarlettSaber: We had fun the other night but theyre busy today. Speaking of, I didnt want to hurt their feelings but I made a promise I cant keep.
I told him about the situation with the house and the tuition and how I had felt trapped into saying yes.
IvoryKnight: Im sure it will all work out. Do your best to apply for scholarships and such. If you cant get in, just tell them. Theyll understand.
ScarlettSaber: You dont get it. If I tell Lin I cant, she will invade the office and force them to give me a free ride.
IvoryKnight: ROFL. I dont think she can actually do that.
ScarlettSaber: I wouldnt put it past her.
A loud crack of thunder had me glancing at the windows. The sleet had turned to rain.
ScarlettSaber: At times like these I wish I had a car.
IvoryKnight: Where are you?
ScarlettSaber: My work, and theres a nasty storm outside.
IvoryKnight: Be careful.
ScarlettSaber: Of course.
I looked at my watch. Was that the time?
ScarlettSaber: I need to get going. Bye.
IvoryKnight: DM me when you get home.
I logged off, taking my time in hopes the weather would clear up a bit.
If Mom got home from her thing and called Dad—I’d just have to walk my bike.
I could pull my sleeves over my hands, or maybe Buzz had a pair of gloves I could borrow.
I unlocked my bike and contemplated the mess from the safety of the covered sidewalk.
I didn’t want to go into that. If I waited just a few minutes longer, maybe it would stop...
A truck drove up and parked at the curb. The window rolled down, and a familiar voice called out, “You want a ride?”
Ni was well known for being nice, and it was unlikely he was a serial killer. I thought about the time ticking away and looked up at the unending rain.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to play video games? Look, I would offer a ride to anyone. This weather isn’t safe to bike or walk in. Just get in.”
True that. He opened the door and came around to get my bike. I reluctantly released it to him.
But I still stood there, not stopping him, yet undecided.
He laid it in the bed, pulling some sort of blanket or tarp out from behind the seat and covering it. He gestured to the open seat.
I sighed and climbed in.
The ride was uncomfortable, to say the least. And not just because of the torn seat cover that didn’t want to stay under me. I tried to keep my conversation to directions, while he leaned in close to the windshield. The storm was getting worse. I was glad I hadn’t needed to walk in it.
The truck didn’t seem like him. It was old and dented and used.
I put my hands out to the vents to warm them. “Thanks,” I croaked, worried he’d try to start a conversation like he had at the theater, but the ride was over fast since I didn’t live too far.
I wasn’t the kindest when I ripped my bike from his hands and raced up the flights of stairs, but I could blame that on the weather. Just as Mom turned off the water for her shower, I scrambled out of my jacket. I dried off my bike, hung up my jacket, and cleaned up as best as I could.
“Hey there. How was your Christmas?” She was drying her hair with a towel, barefoot and in PJs.
Perfect. The question was vague enough that I didn’t have to lie. “It was good. I wish the weather had been better, though.” Had she noticed my missing bike when she’d gotten home? “I’m gonna go change.”
Mom didn’t stop or question me as I slipped into my room to change while my laptop booted, then logged into the game.
ScarlettSaber: Home.
IvoryKnight: Good night.