How Could This Be Real?

6. This Isn't Right

"What a day," my dad said as he flopped on the bed.

"Just wait until tomorrow, you'll be even more tired."

"Then I guess we'd better get some sleep."

"Don't you go waking me up at 4:30 in the morning," my mom warned.

"No promises," I said and went into my room and set my alarm for the morning.

Luckily I didn't have any trouble sleeping, so I was somewhat awake when the alarm went off. I tossed on my Minecraft shirt and some jeans, brushed my hair, grabbed my bag, and was ready to go. We managed to leave without waking my mom and walked to the station since it was right around the corner. We arrived right before 5 o'clock and got our tickets. When we got to the waiting area, Squid was already there. He smiled and waved us over.

"You don't look like a zombie," was his greeting.

I quirked an eyebrow, "Uh, I'll take that as a compliment."

"I just meant-"

"I know what you meant."

"Ok, good. Are you excited?"

"Yeah, this'll be fun."

"Is it your first Minecon?"

"First Minecon, first convention, first train ride, first time out of the country, lots of firsts."

"First youtuber you've met?"

"Actually, no."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, one of my classmates used to do YouTube, she was pretty famous too apparently. 600,000 subs I think she said? Maybe 60, I don't know. Anyways, her dad sold her recording equipment so she couldn't continue."

"Ouch, that must've hurt."

"I can imagine."

"Wait, back up, did you say this is your first train ride?"

"Yeah, why?"

"What? But train is such a popular mode of transport."

"Not in America, or at least not where I live. The only train that comes through brings corn to the mill."

"Do you live in the country or something?"

"No, just a smaller town. Not a big city."

"Does this town have a name?"

"Does it matter?"

He shrugged, "Was just curious."

"It's called North Branch."

"Is there a South Branch?"

"Nope."

"Well then why is it north?"

"I dunno."

"Such logic right there."

"I know, right?"

We laughed and my dad stared at me quizzically.

"Geez, what happened? Yesterday you could barely say two words to the guy."

Shoot. I shrugged, "Who knows?"

"Maybe she's an alien," David said. "They came down last night and replaced her with this." He poked me and I rolled my eyes.

"I can see that happening," my dad said.

"Uh huh, that totally happened," I replied sarcastically.