#DeadLives4Ever

7 - Thomas

I had a busy morning with my videos. I heard that Derek Jackson had been suspended for refusing to take the knee. Could you believe that shit? He was one of our star players and now because he was standing up for himself (as he said, kneeling is a sign of submission and he refused to submit to anyone) we were probably going to lose the season! I wasn't the only one furious about it, as my Twaddle feed could attest to. I made a video, making my feelings perfectly clear.

Not long after posting that, another news dropped on my newsfeed. Actress Jackie Cardona was fired from her film company for posting 'Necrophobic comments' on her Twaddle. Necrophobic? Are you fucking kidding me? Of course I knew this was the media making up lies about her. I knew that her comments were in response to her haters sending her abuse – all because she wouldn't follow their agenda. She essentially got bullied for standing up for her rights.

Jackie and Derek were just the latest victim in a long line of people being cancelled for speaking their mind. There had been tons of people that got booted off the Internet and lost their jobs because they said the wrong thing. It's become an epidemic.

The Doke media obviously denies this of course and there are some who don't believe in this Cancel Epidemic, as it's been called.

But then again, some people also didn't believe the Holocaust happened.

Just saying.

I filmed a video about that matter pretty much straight after. This wasn't unusual for me as I normally filmed about three or four a day depending on what news there was.

That took me up to lunch, I was hoping that Hope would make his famous pancakes for me – my belly rumbled for it. As I came up, I saw Hope was on the phone. As soon as our eyes met, he waived me over. "Can you hold on a moment please, he's just here." Away from the phone he said. "Tommy, phone call for you."

"Who is it?" I asked.

"It's some executive or something."

"Executive?" I took the phone from Hope. "Hello?"

"Hi, is that Thomas Goldman?" said a female's voice on the other end.

"Speaking."

"Hi, Mr Goldman, sorry for disturbing you on the weekend. My name is Chantelle and I'm the Personal Assistant of David Michaels from the TV show Talk is Cheap."

I almost dropped the phone from shock. Talk is Cheap was my favourite all time show and David Michaels was a god to me! Not THE God, but A god. And before you try and point out the irony of me believing in more than one god – shut the fuck up!

"David Michaels? THE David Michaels?"

"Yes, you've heard of him?"

"I watch his show all the time!"

"Great. I hope you don't mind me calling you, we had a bit of trouble tracking you down – you're a hard man to find."

"I don't exactly give out my number it out."

Not after what happened last time.

"I understand. We got your number from an old colleague that you used to work with. We wanted to know if you were available this evening? Mr Michaels wants to invite you onto his show for a debate."

I was shaking like a kid at Christmas – it's like I won a trip to MickieLand. "This evening? Really?"

"Yeah. He'd like to use you in a debate tonight about Dead Rights. We've seen your videos and want to have you to represent the opposing argument."

"Really? Who will I be arguing with?"

"Anneka Sharkskin."

What did I do to deserve such a great gift? I'd been wanting to argue with that bitch in like forever. Even though the thought of her made my blood boil, I restrained it just long enough to hear what Chantelle had to say. "Really?"

I was surprised she had the guts to come out in public. Even though she was willing to post her shit online (and then blocking anyone who tried to counter her), she never did public debates. Probably because she knew whoever did would bury her alive! "Of course. I've relished the chance to... talk with her."

"Great. Can you get to the studio to us for 5pm tonight?"

"You just try and stop me."

"Cool, you need the address?"

"No, it's fine. I know the place. I was there as an intern."

"Good, I left my number with your partner, just call me if you have any problems."

"Will do, see you tonight."

"See you later."

I was so excited when I hung up I could barely catch my breath. My heart felt like it was about to exploded. "Hope. Do you know who that was?"

"I think she said her name was Chantelle," Hope replied.

"That was the assistant to David Michaels, from Talk is Cheap! They want to use me on the show tonight!"

"Oh baby!" Hope said, throwing his arms around my shoulders. "That's great news! But, wasn't I going to cook you my special tonight?"

"We can get a takeout," I said, "Hope, this is my chance to talk to the world! And guess what – Anneka Sharkskin is going to be there!"

"Oh my!" Hope gasped.

"I've wanted a chance to face that bitch for years!" I said, rubbing my hands.

"Don't let yourself get out of control," Hope warned him, "remember what happened when you went to that debate at the University?"

"That dick deserved it!" I replied. "Besides, he didn't know what he was talking about." My fists slam together. "This is the moment I've waited for all my life. You're coming with me, right?"

"Baby, I wouldn't miss this for the world," Hope said, planting a kiss on my forehead. "I'll go get ready!"

Hope ran up the stairs. My fingers rubbing together. Finally it was going to happen. Finally I would get my chance

He turned to Mom, her smile warming my insides. "I'll do you proud, Mom. You just wait and see. I'll fight for the Livings, even if I have to walk over Sharkskin to do it!"

I knew Mom was watching over me, she had to have been pulling strings. She was my guardian angel.

I love you, Mom.