The Game (25 page)

  Lisa flashed the camera her best smile. Behind her were monitors that would display live Game footage leading up to the event that everyone was tuning in to see. “I’m pleased to announce that before the end of the program we will be visited by both Brandon and Lilith, dressed in their best finery, to give us lots of new information on the soon-to-be newlyweds. Before that happens, let’s fill you in on where Trew and Danielle are at the moment.”

  Lisa saw the live feed monitor switch from a view of her to a scene with Trew pacing nervously in front of three men in tuxedos. “Trew is at his parents’ house, getting ready with his best man and groomsmen. Fans around the world were touched when Trew asked his father to be his best man, in a very emotional scene that left many fans reaching for the tissue box. Trew’s mother and sister will be watching the ceremony from the first pew in the local church, along with a small group of less than 100 friends and family members.”

  The camera view switched to look in on Danielle at her mother’s house, relaxing with friends and sharing some breakfast. “As we all know,” Lisa said, “Danielle did not know her father, but she has asked her close family friend Raphael to walk her down the aisle. We’re not really sure who Raphael is, even though we’ve seen him throughout Danielle’s life. Many speculated that he was romantically involved with Danielle’s mother, but that turned out to be an incorrect theory. We’ve attempted to find Raphael and subscribe to view him, but searches have been unsuccessful in the database. Whatever the truth is, this handsome and mysterious man is an integral part of the lives of the young couple, and will likely continue to be for many years to come.”

  Again the live feed shifted, this time revealing camera shots of large crowds gathering at different locations. “Fans all over Tygon are coming together to celebrate this historic event,” Lisa said. “Merchandise of all sorts is being sold and collected, one of the most popular pieces being a graphic of Zack and Alexandra together with the comment, ‘We’re married?’ displayed and a picture of their two avatars kissing below the message. It’s always interesting to see a small, quiet affair in the Game being celebrated worldwide on Tygon. At times like these you can truly see how important the Game is to us.”

  “They’re here, Lisa,” a voice in her invisible earpiece announced. Lisa nodded slightly and her smile widened. This was it, her time to shine as millions of viewers tuned in to see the powerful Patrons. If she stayed sharp and got a great interview, perhaps a wealthy husband was in the near future. Lisa knew she had only a couple more years before someone younger and more perky knocked her out of the position she enjoyed. There would never be a better opportunity, all thanks to the Game and Brandon!

  “Exciting news, everyone. As the young couple is getting ready to head to the altar, Brandon and Lilith are entering our studio to speak with us. But first, a word from our sponsors.”

  Lisa held her smile in place until the cameraman announced that they were off the air, then she relaxed slightly and walked towards the set built for Brandon and Lilith. Her makeup girl applied a light coat of powder to her face as she walked briskly to the door. Lisa moved into the room and admired the set. It was a recreation of the grand ballroom in the Capitol’s most expensive hotel. Crystal vases adorned elegant wood tables and the floor appeared to be made from very expensive marble. There was a main table raised slightly where the bridal party would normally sit; today it was where Lisa and the Patrons would sit for their interview. As Lisa moved closer to the centre of the dance floor, the large double doors opposite from her opened and Brandon entered the room, striding in like a majestic tiger, Lilith gliding smoothly beside him, her arm rested gently on his.

  Brandon saw Lisa and flashed his captivating smile, leaning slightly towards Lilith and quietly saying something to her as they approached. Lilith smiled and nodded almost imperceptibly, extending her hand towards Lisa as they came together.

  “Lisa Rohansen, it’s so nice to see you again,” Brandon said, his hand coming to rest gently on Lilith’s back. “It’s my great honour to introduce you to global businesswoman and Alexandra’s Patron, Lilith. Lilith, this is the Lisa that I’ve been telling you about.”

  Lilith shook Lisa’s hand. “Ah, yes, Lisa. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve been after Brandon to introduce us for weeks now. I’m glad we get to meet under such happy circumstances.”

  Lisa observed immediately that Lilith was beautiful, confident, and comfortable with being a powerful businesswoman in the world. She couldn’t help but notice a faint trace of sorrow in Lilith’s eyes. Lisa was curious about what could make Lilith sad on a day like today, but she didn’t presume to ask.

  “The honour is all mine, Lilith.” Lisa said. “I’m looking forward to discussing your player in some detail after the ceremony.”

  “Oh, dear.” Brandon’s face looked pained. “I’m afraid we won’t be able to stay with you for the entire ceremony, Lisa. Today is a very busy day for us and we have dozens of appearances to make.”

  Lisa looked disappointed, even though she’d been told this was the case. “Well, I suppose I will make the best of the time we have together, Brandon.” She smiled seductively at him. It didn’t hurt to let him know she was interested in him romantically, once again.

  Brandon laughed. He admired her determination and made a mental note to have his assistant invite Lisa over for dinner. Perhaps it was time to reward her efforts with some private time. “Well, I hope it makes you feel special that we came to you first. You get the opportunity to ask the best questions before anyone else.” He placed his hand affectionately on her shoulder.

  “I’ll make certain to take advantage of that, Brandon.” Her comment had more than one meaning, and her eyes hinted at something very specific.

  “Well, then, let’s have a seat and get to it, shall we?” Brandon held Lilith’s chair as she sat down.

Chapter 47

  Excuse me, sir. Do you follow the Game? Excellent. My friend here and I are having a discussion and we can’t seem to remember a very important detail. Can you tell us the name of the player who went on to become the Buddha? Surely you remember the Buddha? He was some Indian prince that helped change the world. Millions follow his teachings, centuries after his death. He must have been in the Game about 15 years ago? Right! The Buddha! Do you remember the name of the player who was Buddha? No? Hmm… that’s odd, neither can we.

  Well, what about Jesus Christ? What was the name of the kid who played that avatar? I seem to remember it being a 16 year old girl…? No? Hmm. Yes, you’re right. There are Game historians who are supposed to know that stuff and keep detailed records of it.

  Here’s the problem with that.

  I
am
a Game historian, and I’ve searched for the colleague who knows these things…but that colleague doesn’t seem to exist.

  Recent conversation on the street of the capital city of Tygon

Trew - 25

  What a magnificent day!

  Time just flew by. I remember waking up nervous, spending time with Dad and the guys, getting dressed… Going to the church and standing there by the preacher, still nervous. Then seeing Danielle enter the church and walk towards me… and no longer feeling nervous.

  Now it’s 2 AM. The vows have been said, the meal served, the dances danced, the bouquet and garter thrown. Everything was perfect. It was a small crowd, but somehow I kept getting the feeling that millions of people were watching us. Maybe we’re popular in this game we’re living in and a big audience tuned in to watch us. That’s a nice thought.

  Now the day’s over, just like that. The present has become just another memory of the past, and I’m lying here in bed with my gorgeous bride resting her head on my shoulder, savouring every detail so that it’s burned into my brain for as long as I can hold it.

  “Great day, huh, babe?” she asks sleepily.

  I kiss her forehead and close my eyes. “It sure was, Danni.”

  “Quick, though,” she says.

  I laugh. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

  “So how do we top this, my love?” Danni asks.

  I hug her close and bury my face in her hair. I can feel myself drifting off to sleep, but before I do, I say, “Oh, I’m sure we’ll think of something.”

****

  The sky is clear and crisp, full of stars. Brandon stands in the cool night on the balcony of his penthouse, sipping a brandy and reflecting on the events of the day.

  Lilith opens the sliding door and comes out to join him. “Well, today was a special day, Brandon.”

  Brandon continues to look at the stars, “It certainly was, Lilith. The kids did extremely well. They’re naturals at entertaining the masses, even though they have no clue that’s what they’re doing.”

  “Maybe.” Lilith said uncertainly. “You heard Trew… he felt like millions were watching.”

  “Yes, but there’s no way he could know he was right,” Brandon said.

  “Still, it was a great show for the world, and a happy day for our players.”

  “And for us, too.” Brandon looked at Lilith and raised his glass in salute. “It’s nice to have a relaxing day. I don’t remember the last time so little went wrong.”

  “The easy part is over now, Brandon.” Lilith said. “Our babies are all grown up and married. Now they start to really play the Game.”

  “You look sad, Lilith,” Brandon said gently.

  Tears came to Lilith’s eyes. Brandon walked over and took her in his arms. “I
am
sad,” she said. “It might be just a Game, but they come back changed, and most times it isn’t for the good. One child enduring lifetimes of pain and sorrow. I don’t think I can take it anymore, Brandon. This will be my last player sponsored, I think.”

  “Mine too,” Brandon agreed, deciding now was not the time to tell her that the Game would soon end and there would
be
no more players sponsored.

  Lilith buried her head in Brandon’s chest and sobbed.

  “Lilith, what’s the matter?” he asked with concern.

  “She didn’t have enough points to spend, Brandon,” she sobbed. “I hope she’s strong enough for what’s coming.”

  Brandon understood, and held Lilith in his arms for a long time.

Chapter 48

  This game we play is full of contrasts. It has to be. Being warm is much better if you have known what it is to be cold. The light is a welcome break from being surrounded by darkness. Earth is contrast. Nothing is bad nor good; things are just on one end of the spectrum or the other. Some periods in a person’s life are full of confusion, peril, and pain. Other periods are filled with times of clarity, safety and pleasure. I advise you to slow down and enjoy yourself when things are good. It can go on for years, but don’t waste one precious moment of the good times. Because the bad times come, and if you haven’t built up your reserves during the good times, you may not make it through the bad and into the next session of good.

  Excerpt from Earth book called- ‘The Game Is Life’

  George Knight (avatar)

  Brandon called the meeting to order, and the team sat quietly in their chairs. There was no scrambling for last minute updates, or whispers to get details for Brandon when he called for them. It was a calm time for their players. The team had enjoyed the break in stress for the past few days.

  Michelle stood up and walked to the front of the room, smiling and looking relaxed, as if she had actually gotten a few hours’ sleep lately.

  “What details do you have for us, Michelle?” Brandon asked.

  “Everything is quiet and normal, Brandon,” Michelle said. “Our newlyweds have settled into their new home and careers with no excitement or incidents. They are active in their community, and everything indicates they are still madly in love with each other.”

  “How long have they been married now?” Lilith asked from the opposite end of the table.

  “Three years,” Brandon said, looking to Michelle for confirmation which she gave by nodding her head.

  “That makes Trew 28, and Danielle still 27.” Lilith said. “No babies yet?”

  Michelle smiled, “No babies in the past three years, but that’s why we’re all here today, Lilith. To celebrate the announcement of Danielle being pregnant.”

  Everyone in the room smiled, a few people gave little cheers, Brandon and Lilith became very intent on the news, sharing a glance and nod during the brief outburst of the team. When silence returned Brandon spoke up with a smile. “This is wonderful news. How far along is she?”

  Michelle called up a chart on the screen beside her. “A few weeks. She’s taken the test and the two of them know. It’s too soon for them to share it with their families yet.”

  Brandon nodded. “This is truly wonderful news. Let’s all keep a close eye on this development, please. I also want to know what player ends up getting this avatar. It’s going to be an expensive life to buy into, let’s make sure the player buying in is worthy.”

  The rest of the meeting was very uneventful. Danielle was running her own alternative medicine practice and enjoying phenomenal success. Trew was working as a middle sales manager for a large multinational company, leading a team of twenty employees. Thankfully, he was home almost every night and their relationship was not suffering due to their jobs. Both of them were happy and fulfilled; everything was terrific.

  As the meeting let out, Brandon asked Michelle and Nadine to stay behind. Lilith remained also.

  “Michelle, you’re Zack’s Right Hand, and Nadine, you’re Alexandra’s. The two ladies nodded. “Tell me the challenge we face with this pregnancy.”

  Nadine’s face was serious. “The odds of this baby being born are slim to none.”

  Michelle looked alarmed. “Why?”

  Lilith spoke up. “Because having a healthy child involves spending points in luck. Significant points. When a player chooses to be a female avatar and have children, they must spend credits on luck for a successful birth. To not do this almost guarantees no births.”