Let the Games Begin

01

Maybe it was her laugh. Maybe it was her eyes. Maybe it was her smile. Whatever it was, I was madly infatuated with her.

I've never truly met her before, but I've been watching her since I was fourteen. She was ten at the time, and now she's going to college. I'm very proud of her.

I knew she wouldn't give me a second of her time if she knew who I was, but she will listen to me. I gave her a very generous gift, and she accepted it. So now she has to play by the rules. My rules.

It's simple really. I find a way to deliver a note to her and she has a week to accomplish the goal. If she doesn't? Well, it depends on what I see fit.

"Why are you obsessed with her?" You may ask. I wouldn't say I'm obsessed. I just want her to know she is mine and no one else can have her. See? I'm not obsessed. If I were obsessed, she'd be with me. But I'm granting her freedom unless she breaks my rules.

Good luck, Melanie Isabella Brown. And let the games begin.

//////

"Mom! Dad! Oh my gosh, come here!" I yell. I give the envelope to my parents when they come down, bouncing excitedly.

"Congratulations, Melanie Brown. You have been accepted into University of Seattle!" My mom reads, smiling wide. "Oh honey, I'm so proud of you!" My mom hugs me and I hug her back.

"That's fantastic, Mel. I always knew you'd get accepted." My dad smiles and kisses my head. And then reality hits me.

"I better go apply for some financial aid and student loans." My excitement is gone, but I'm still happy. I mean, come on. I got accepted into University of Seattle!

"Want me to drive you?" My mom asks.

"No, but thank you, Mom. I can handle it. Plus I also want to go visit Delilah, I'm sure she'd like it if I told her in person." I grab the car keys that my whole family shares.

"Okay, darling. Be careful driving, there are so many crazy people on the road." I tense up but nod.

"I will. Love you." I wave goodbye to my parents before walking out of the house, shutting the door behind me. I hear rustling and then it disappears. I shrug and then walk to the car. It's a 1996 Jeep Sahara, beat up but running strong.

I stop when I see an envelope under the window wipers. I slowly walk over and take the envelope. "To Melanie Isabella Brown, from your lifesaver?" I open the letter, completely confused. I pull out a check and a small note. I read the check and my jaw drops. It's enough for me to pay for my entire tuition and even all of my fees! Based off books I've read, I looked at the note, knowing there's a catch.

"Congratulations, Melanie. I knew you'd do something great one day. Now since you've opened the envelope, you've accepted my gift. Every week, you'll receive a note from me with a task. You do the task and do it to my standards, you'll receive a reward the next day. If you don't, well, let's just say you better take me seriously. If you mess up five times, your check will be null and void, and you'll regret ever opening this note. Take care, Melanie. I know you won't disappoint me."

I look around and I don't see anyone. I look over the check again before putting it back in the envelope, not wanting to lose the strange, but very generous gift. I open the Jeep's door and get in, buckling myself up. I pull out of the driveway and drive to my Delilah's house, needing my sister's opinion on this.

//////

"So you're going to use the check? What if it was stolen? You can still get in trouble for using it. And even if you don't get in trouble, imagine what Mom and Dad will say when you tell them." Delilah looks at me, staring into my eyes. "You don't want to tell them, do you?"