Life with the Video Game Cast

Chapter 7

So a few days later at school, I figured out it'd be a half-day for today. That means I didn't have to be in each class for too long. In coding class, I sat next to Monika who seemed happy to see me. "Hey Derrick, nice to see you!" she greeted. "Same here. By the way, why are you being so nice to me? I mean, not to be rude, but don't you hate everyone?" I asked. "Can I be honest?" she asked shyly. "Yeah, sure! I don't judge!" I replied happily. She gave a huge sigh while looking at Ayano who was laughing with some others in the room. "I don't... I don't like what I'm supposed to do. What my code was assigned to do. When I was created, they said my whole purpose was to use, back-stab, and kill. But it's not what I want to do. The "guy" I'm supposed to like isn't even that great! Like, why can't I make my own decisions or find my own purpose? Why can't I just... find out who I really love?" she asked sadly. "Before I answer, what exactly is stopping you? I mean, no one's telling you to not talk to her." I asked.

She sighed sadly and looked back at me. "It's not as easy as it sounds. We don't get to choose what we want. We just do whatever we're told to do. It's not our job to ask. It's not our place to ask. It's not right to ask for anything we have. So we're stuck being whoever we're meant to be. Even I can't change anything and I'm a person who destroys everything." she explained to me. I wasn't sure what to say now. What does she mean by no one can change who they are? No one can see what they're doing! Who's really stopping them? So many questions raced through my mind once she said that. But I'd have to wait for now, I don't want to make Baldi mad while I'm in his class.

When the bell to dismiss that class rang, I ran to the principal's office. I wasn't sure what I was planning to do, I just thought I could get some answers. I knocked on the door, waiting for any answer. "Come in." I heard the voice say. I walked inside and saw the tall figure just standing up in the room. His head almost reached the ceiling. "Oh, the mystery boy. I was wondering when I'd get to see you again." he said out loud before taking his seat. "Please take a seat." he ordered. I obeyed and sat down. "So, what brings you to my office?" he asked. "Well, Mr. Slenderman, I've been here a few days already. It's been fun getting to know everyone and everything here! But... there's one thing that's been sort of bugging me," I explained. "You see, I know some of the students here aren't exactly happy. They want to be other people. But they say they can't change. Why not?" I asked confused.

Slenderman looked shocked and fearful by the question. I could only tell when he barely rolled back. "Well... Mr. Barrows... you see... everyone in this universe, is given a purpose and a gift. We have to abide by those wishes. All our lives we've had to hide who we are. Trust me when I say, tons of people come in every day to my office to talk. I wish our lives could be different. But unfortunately, we were only made for the purpose of other's happiness and entertainment. I'm at peace with this but I know it's harder for others here at the school. You're lucky to not have a code or anything similar. You've got choices boy. I hope you get back home soon, you don't want to live in this world forever." he sighed. I could sense his sadness from just right here. "Well... I appreciate your time sir." I thanked him as I stood up. "No problem young man. Here, take this so you can be excused from your class. Have a nice one." he replied happily and gave me a blue slip.

I gently took it and smiled. That's when I left a small mint at his desk for him to do whatever to it. I know he didn't have a mouth, but I didn't need it. It was just something I ate when I was sad, and it made me happy. Maybe he could find happiness himself one day. I walked out the door and closed it behind me. I didn't know what else to do other than just head back to class. That's before I decided to go get a sip of water. As I walked over there, I heard something that sounded like whistling. It sounded like two people were whistling now.

Quietly I peeked around to see familiar characters washing and cleaning the bathrooms and hallway floors. One wore a red cap, the other wore a green cap. I knew right away. "Mario! Luigi!" I cried not really thinking through it. They looked at me and were shocked to see some kid show up randomly. "Oh, hello! What can Mario do for you?" he asked happily, his Italian accent on point. "Wow! I can't believe it's really you guys!" I told him. I was freaking out! These were the guys who made games happen! But, why were they working here? "Oh well, you know how it goes! Just trying to earn some more bits for ourselves!" Luigi chimed and he gave me a thumbs up. "Are you guys ok?" I asked. I was just confused why two guys who had so much for themselves would be working at the bathroom or anywhere cleaning. "We're fine! We've had a good day cleaning so far! I just can't stand the filth of all of this! Agh! Well, someone has to do it. And thankfully I get paid overtime!" Mario smiled.