Where the Consoles Lead, The Heart Will Follow

The Follow Up

I had to leave the hospital to make it to the tournament. I had to win. I begged the doctors to give me one more day, and I would have them money they needed.

I arrived back to the tournament, to see a bigger crowd than before, but I didn't bother looking through the crowd. Nobody's there for me. They're probably there for that Conor guy. They did say he was popular. Most chances are that no one knows me, I'm more of a low profiled gamer. I'm the type of girl everyone forgets. I've won so many championships, yet no one remembers me. I'm just that girl.

But none of it would matter, after the surgery, I'll have my mommy back. Which is more than I could wish for as it is. And maybe dad will come back too.

I put all thoughts aside, my biggest moment only seconds away. I walked on stage, waving to the crowd, their roars of cheers barely audible. But it didn't matter to me. But the second Conor walked up, the crowd ate him up. In this light, his young features glowed, and his freckles very evident. He was the young puppy everyone would cheer for. Buying into his cuteness. I won't lie, even I wanted to cheer for him. He had such a confident walk, wave and smile. I began having doubts of my chances of winning. Look at us, he more skilled. He obviously knows his stuff more than I. How can I possibly win?

Stop thinking like that, your mom is counting on you. Your life is depending on this very moment. No pressure.

For once, I was beginning to get nervous. Doubt that I could even win. How can I possibly win.

--

The tournament was over. And so were my chances of renewing my life. As I was walking away from the stage, after shaking Conor's hand and the proper send off, I walked to the hospital, not caring how far away it was. On my way out, I ran into Conor, he looked as if he was on his way somewhere. He beamed a smile when he saw me and it wanted to make me smile, but how could I? I just lost everything. And I'm only seven.

"Hey! You wanna get some ice cream?" His big enlarged smile was too big for his smaller features.

"N-no. I think I'm gonna head home. It's getting late." I lied

"But my mom can give you a ride. Plus, I wanted to hang out with you!" I wanted to say yes, but, I was too down for something as cheery as ice cream.

"No, but I could use a ride."

"Yeah! Whatever you need! Now will you please tell me your name cutie?" He reached for my hand

Me, being the awkward little girl I am, pulled away, holding my hand to my chest. "T-thank you, but all I need is a ride. And it's Jackie. Jackie Waters"

"You don't look like a Jackie."

"Then what does a Jackie look like?"

"Hardcore! Unstoppable, fearless! And she's gatta be a ninja" he attempted at some form of ninja moves himself, but like I said, attempted. "But you, you look cute, innocent, sweet, shy. You remind me of a flower... Oh, I'll call you my Water Lily!"

"No. You will not. Well, if you're going to call me Water Lily, then I'm calling you Kid Fury. Your thumbs were moving too fast for me to keep up! No wonder you won. Besides, after today, I don't think I'll be staying in town for much longer."

"Why's that?"

I took a moment to give a reason that's the most truth possible. "It's up to my mommy when she wants to leave. I don't know if I can go with her though. But I will someday."

He had a clearly confused look smeared on his face, but it quickly went away once he saw the tears forming in my eyes. "Shh, hey it's okay. What's wrong?" He ran into me, engulfing me in his embrace.

"It's nothing you can fix." I shoved him off of me so hard, he fell to the floor with a loud thud. I felt sorry for him, but I wanted to get away from there. I wanted to be alone. I can't possibly face my mom, knowing I failed at receiving the last portions of the money she needed to live. But I also wanted to be with her in her final moments.

I waited outside, on the curb, wishing Conor hadn't forgotten about giving me a ride. But minutes turned into an hour. He obviously left me. It didn't matter anyway, I would probably never see him again anyways.

I got up, and headed for the hospital.

When I reached my mom's room, it was empty, the bed was freshly made. I was too late.