So that's how I spent my week. I started running in the mornings as the schedule changed, I saw Claire Dunphy around the neighborhood while running. She was also jogging. We said good morning to each other and passed by. She must live around here then. I am surprised I didn't notice her before. Nothing unordinary as Los Angeles was a big city.
I then went to school, attended classes, studied coding in breaks and free time. Went home on the bus, worked out a bit and then spent some time with family and chores, ate dinner and then played some games. I was content. I have been thinking about talking to my parents about some of my future plans to keep them in the loop.
I should tell you about my family. I live in a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. There are nice parts, normal parts, and then parts you probably wouldn't feel comfortable walking through at night. So basically it's like any other city. Except this one is mine.
My family is probably lower middle class, not exactly poor but not rich. Both my parents work jobs. We live in a peaceful community. We are content with our lives. Despite not having things like my own car or a fancy phone, we're not too worse off. We're healthy, we have food and water, and my parents love me and each other and that is a blessing if you consider how many kids with dysfunctional families go to my school. Divorce is ugly thing for a kid.
We have the essentials but there's still those dreams for better, dreams that start with me. They want me to do better. It's my mom's dream to send me to a good college for my studies because of some family reasons she wasn't able to attend Howard even when she got accepted.
That's why I want to go to college even if I don't need to, So my mom can live her dream through me. My dad is a chill guy. He supports whatever I do, within reason of course. He wants the best for me as well.
We all have high hopes for my future but I'm the only one who knows how much closer we are to making them a reality due to this Gamer ability. I haven't told my parents about Gamer.
And for the time being, I think it's best if it remains that way. Better they, and everyone else really, think that my sudden change is simply because I started applying myself rather than receiving powers from some unknown source.
I love and trust my parents but I worry what their reaction would be to something distinctly supernatural like this. Something out of this world that has seemingly latched onto their only child and will slowly warp him over time. They would likely panic which, you know, is honestly the logical and sensible thing to do in a scenario like that. In fact, I'm the weird one for accepting this so readily.
Like, did I even feel the least bit scared that day? Kind of, but even then it was about how the world might turn on me rather than any fear about suddenly having powers.
I think it's the gamers mind that lets me see logic and reason but it's not the same as making me a robot. I feel emotions. I can make stupid decisions, I look at girls with those thoughts that probably every does.
I think gamers mind activates in extreme situations or adrenaline moments when my mind's thinking ability will be hampered by my emotions.
I can calculate advantages and disadvantages in critical moments. That says something about me. Huh.
Long story short, this is one secret that I'm taking to the grave. Better to lie than have the truth literally put me in a grave. I don't want to be a science experiment, rather I want to be on the other side, Doing experiments. I went a little dark there.
Now, coming back to the present. On one of the nights at dinner. Me, my mom and dad were sitting at the table talking about random things, their work life and all those things. I decided to open up about my plans a little.
"Mom, Dad. I want to get a job." I say to them.
They're average people for the most part except for their heights. I get my 6'3" height which is still growing and blue eyes from my mom, Andrea Reed, who's around 6' flat, very tall for a woman, she turns heads. While my dad, David Reed, throws in the dark hair and facial structure. He is also tall with 6'4" height.
My Mom says I get my sense of humor from him too but I think it's actually a bit of both.
They exchange curious looks, probably having a telepathic conversation, that most parents have before Dad responds, "Before anything else is said, why now?"
That's actually a good question. I hadn't wanted the hassle of working while also trying to stay on the honor roll so I'd decided to wait and get a job in the summer that just passed.
Of course that summer break came, and So did 'the gamer' that just changed all my plans and The summer break got over before I knew it. Didn't have any time to apply for a job. I don't regret my decision and I firmly believe focusing on my ability was the smart decision.
Now that I have the hang of it, it's time I got a bit more spending money. Money I'll probably use towards books of all things.
"Well, I was busy during the summer working out and prepping for college entrance exams." Is what I decide on. It's the truth, but they don't know why.
"And school has been really easy the past few weeks so I feel I can balance things ok." They couldn't disagree on that. I was a good student before all this and now it's just child's play.
"Your grades have been amazing so far. Better than usual." Mom relents with a nod. She checks online every weekend like an Asian parent but she is not overbearing at least.
"But are you sure that's the only reason? Nothing else?" She asks probing for some hidden agenda.
"Yes, That's the main reason." I didn't need my extra smarts to recognize that look on her face.
"Really? You don't want the money for certain….. outings or girls?" And they're both probing me now, something I saw coming. Kids my age are doing all sorts of things: partying, weed, drugs. They don't want me to be in the wrong kind of crowd. So, not to worry them, I said.
"Yeah. I'm planning on trying out for the basketball team and-"
"Wait, basketball team?" My mom clarifies, "You didn't want to work while in school but now you want to work and take up sports during the school year?" She is clearly surprised as she said, I did not like playing and working before but now it's different. When you can see the progress you make in clear terms as levels, it encourages you to do more good. Basketball is something I have been thinking about for sometime now.
"Yes, but I have a plan though. I've gotten really good over the summer so I have a good chance of making it onto the team. I can add it to my resume and even get an athletic scholarship if everything goes well." That was the original plan to get good enough for a scholarship in a good college. So I grinded those levels in basketball.
"It's not a bad idea but that would take from your free time Lucas," Mom points out while Dad nods beside her. She doesn't want me to overwork myself. I can understand that.
"Exactly. It would be a commitment, probably a big one. You sure work can fit into that schedule without impacting your grades?"
"That's why I'm looking for something part time. Maybe online because that would be convenient. I don't need that much money, only enough for athletic supplies and books." I told them to appease them. I would rather work some projects on freelancer and other similar sites than work in McDonald's or something. No hate on those guys. I respect everyone.
______________________________
AN: Show some support and throw those damn stones.