Just a Virus {ON HOLD}

Chapter 1

*Jack's POV*

"Welcome home, my prince."

All ten voices were distinct, even though they spoke at the same time. Their owners looked a bit odd, but fine nonetheless.

"Umm... Hello," I awkwardly responded.

The group consisted of a princess, a knight, a mage, a cleric, a monk, a wizard, three apprentices of that wizard, and... What appeared to be a captain or general of sorts. The princess was the first to speak without the accompaniment of other voices.

"So, you've finally returned, dearest brother?"

"I suppose so," I said, somehow managing not to stutter.

Brother...? I suspected her to be my bride. How terribly awkward...

"Jack, you home?"

I'd recognize that voice anywhere, and it wasn't in the game.

"Yeah, Ma! I'm upstairs!" I yelled, yanking out my earphones and minimizing the game. Ma walked in, immediately noticing the flashing icon at the bottom of my screen. She eyed me suspiciously.

"What're you up to?"

"N-nothing, Ma! Why do you ask?" I grinned nervously, scratching the back of my neck.

My mother doesn't know I'm bi. She'd be crushed if she ever found out. She might even kick me out of the house. It might seem selfish of me for lying to her, but honestly, I'm protecting both of us.

"Open the tab."

"Wh-what?! What tab?"

"Sean William McLoughlin, open the tab."

As soon as I heard my real, full name, I knew I'd been defeated. I clicked on the icon and feared the worst. Gulping, I turned to her, waiting for any sort of reaction.

"You're playing Destiny's Dungeon? Isn't that a game that allows you to date and... Do other things... With virtual men?"

I couldn't respond, so I nodded slowly, expecting her to laugh or walk away. I even thought for a second she wasn't going to be bothered, but then all at once, her stern look turned sinister, and she smacked me across the face.

"Ma.. I.."

"Shut the hell up. I'm going to your grandmother's house for a while. I'm going to be sending over a Christian counselor. When she confirms that this sinful phase of yours is over, I'll move back in. Don't screw up the house, and be nice to the counselor."

"Ma, that's not how it works."

"Sounds like a personal problem. That's what this is. A major, disgraceful problem. I suggest you fix it quickly."

She walked out of my room, slamming the door behind her. I cried as soon as she was out of earshot. Minutes later, I heard the car pulling out of the driveway. I guess she was serious...

In an attempt to cheer myself up a bit, I wiped my eyes and nose on the sleeve of my dark grey hoodie and turned back to my computer screen. I put my headphones back on, and this time, the wizard spoke.