"I just stood there, short of breath and he just left because it was time for him to go," I say to my homeboys Kacey and Andros.
"What?!" Kacey say and pauses the Smash Bros playing on my 50 in.
"So, you just let him walk out, without discussing your work? Why would you do that?" Andros tosses in.
"I guess I got nervous," I say holding the useless Nintendo joystick in my hand because Kacey paused the game.
It's only been two weeks since the conversation I had with Mr. Stagger and I'm just now telling them and only them about it; if I told my family I would've been ripped to shreds with them telling me how silly I was for letting an opportunity like that slide. But from these boys' reactions, I'm starting to think I should've just kept it to myself.
"You were talking all that stuff at first, even tossed in a lil twang for theatrics with your voice. So confident," Kacey says mocking disappointment."I know right! I got to thinking about how professional and big corporate is and all its important responsibilities. I just couldn't keep up that persona for long." I say, starting back up the fighting game. My character, Kirby, sends distracted Kacey's character off the edge but he takes notice and hops back up in battle.
"You thought." I hear him say.
"When that type of opportunity comes a knocking, you have to answer it bro. You'll never know if it was for you or not if you're too scared to see what's on the other side. Know what I mean?" Andros tells me.
"Yea, I know."
I let Kirby fall off the map, ending our tie and allowing Kacey to get the winning reef. "GG," I say to Kacey and pass my controller to Andros. I walk to my office and look at my computer desk. A few of my game file folders lie across the keyboard. I see the one labeled "Nevalon, CYOA" and open it. A drawing of the main character, a black girl in a high school uniform, with some atrocious aliens surrounding her is first to appear. My favorite game that I created--it was a great combination of sci-fi, horror, and of course comedy; I had to add a dash of me in there. It's my only game that is fully finished with all the characters and the storyline. All it needs is a platform. I could've had a platform by now but my current state of security and comfort in this room kept me from obtaining it. One day I'm going to have to make a decision between keeping my life at a plateau because it's all I know or taking my chances and submitting my work. I decide to call my mom and tell her what happened that day at work. Some people call me a "Momma's boy" but I don't really care, she takes care of me. After a short ring, she answers.
"Why didn't you give him your number?"
"I was scared."
"It's ok to be scared but be scared later and step up now. That way you'll already have both feet through door and all you'll be worrying about is building your project. Instead of worrying about what could've been because you're already there. If you think the gaming world needs to play your games, then let them get the chance."
"You're right ma. But what do I do now? I blew my chance."
"You got his name, right? Go up there to the building one day and ask for him and present him your work. You can ask your sister to help you with your files and build a resume."
"Sounds like a plan ma. Thanks."
I end the call and place a new one for Debra. I tell her about my plans, and she agrees to help. I skip over the part where I stumbled so I won't have to relive that moment again. We plan for her to come to my apartment tomorrow.
DING DONG. I hear my doorbell ring. I open it up and find Debra right along with Deshawn and Daniel. I partially close it, keeping only my head in view between the door and the doorframe. "What y'all doing?"
"Man quit playing and open the door," Deshawn says and pushes open the door to come in.
The rest of the crew follows suit. "I didn't know this was a family meeting." I close and lock the door behind them.
Debra places Aubrey's car seat on the island. I immediately take her out of there and hold her in my arms. My sweet baby gives me peace with all the hostile characters in the room.
"We heard you were making business moves so we wanted to come witness our baby brother do it," Daniel says.
"Chill, you're barely two years older than me."
"Yea, I want to see these projects you claim to be working on," Deshawn says, taking a seat on the couch.
"They're right there," I say, pointing to the coffee table while taking a seat and carefully situating the baby. Debra and Daniel take a seat and look at the folders as well.
"You drew these?" Deshawn asks me, taking out some of my drawings.
"Mmhm."
"These look good," he says.
"Yea these are some good notes," Debra says. "We should type these up and file them based on title then group them based on genre."
I smile hearing my business savvy sister talk about my work as well as the compliments I receive from them all.
"I'm sorry for being at your neck at that dinner,"
Deshawn says to me. I listen attentively. "I just want what's best for my lil bro, you know you're the baby and I just worry about you. I want you to succeed and be well off and not so dependent on other people. But I'm actually seeing your good work and talent, and I'm proud you're making something of it."My heart warmed up from Deshawn's words. A tear almost falls, but I was never the one for the mushy tears, so I keep them at bay and give him a hug.
"I really like this one," he says, holding up the folder titled "Nevalon CYOA".
"Thanks man," I say. "Well, let me get to typing."
I type up all my notes in a professional document and make an intriguing resume. I call and make an appointment to speak with Mr. Edward Stagger for tomorrow. Now, I lay in my bed, drifting off to sleep, awaiting the day ahead.
My mom fixes my collar as I fidget around. My family, friends, and I stand in front of the window filled building.
"The boy can't breathe, Mel," my dad says.
"Here ma, let me do it," Debra says, letting the first button loose on my light blue button down I paired with some fitted khakis.
I just stand stiff and still as I think about this meeting.
"Relax, dude," Kacey says, noticing.
"You got some great game-changing content. Literally," Andros says.
"We'll be out here supporting you the whole time," Deshawn says.
"Yea, and we still going out to eat and celebrate regardless," Daniel says.
I try to relax taking in all the words of encouragement, but I couldn't believe I was about to make my dreams come true. Then I hear my mom say,
"It's going to be okay Dante, remember what I told you baby."
I relax right after I remember our conversation that put me in this position today.
"Be scared later and step up now." I take her in for hug and check my watch. "Alright here I go."
I gather my briefcase and proceed through the automated double doors. I take a deep breath and display an award-winning smile to the lady at the front desk.
YOU ARE READING
I am Dante
Short StoryA short story about a 25 year old, inspired to be, game designer. He's the youngest of 4 and it shows. He has trouble wowing his family with his life decisions. Can Dante get over his fears and family's negativity to pursue his dreams? Or is he too...