The Lonely Genius

Chapter 1: Selfish

  "Selfishness, harming others and benefiting oneself, serves by mistake as human basic motivation in social science research. Even today, such a mistake is still unknown to academic circles; instead, it has become common knowledge. Selfishness is not a human motivation; it is one type of human behavior.

  Selfishness can be dated back even to the primitive age where our ancestors would pillage, hunt, and take anything to ensure our survival. Selfishness, however, is not always a bad thing. After all, we can strive as a community now mostly thanks to our selfish desires to learn and evolve."

  That was the beginning of an essay I submitted to my teacher as a joke and ended up winning an award. I guess to doesn't take much to get an award nowadays, huh? But in the end, it doesn't mean anything. After all, getting an award in Greenwood doesn't mean much. Greenwood is a shitty town filled with shitty people after all.

  The name's Brian. Brian Pierce. I've been living here alone for a few years now. My parents died when I was a kid and none of my relatives wanted to take me in. Well, one of my aunts did take me in but she abandoned me right away and took all my family's possessions with her. She did give me some allowance in the early days but at some point, I just stopped existing in her life I guess.

  So I was left to fend off for myself to survive. I took on a couple of jobs, it was hell. I went to school, still a hell. And now I'm a high school student, going through even more hell. Of course, it's the usual bullying with a little isolation sprinkled on the sides. But hey, at least I'm still alive. I've been facing this shit for too long, I've gotten used to it. Not proud of it but I'm grateful for it.

  "The fuck are you doing shithead?! I didn't pay you so you can sit on your fatass and daydream all day long!!" my employer yelled at me.

"Sorry, Mr. Kraabs. I'll do my best now." I yelled back.

  Well, I guess that's enough self monologues for now. It's time to go back to work. Now, where did I put the spatula again?

.  .  .  .  .

  Phew. My evening shift is done for today. Let's see... I just have a night shift at the bar left. Then I have to deliver some milk in the morning. Nice. Any homework I haven't done yet? Math, physics, chem-

  "Shithead!! Someone's here for you!!" yelled my employer.

  Who the hell could it be? Wait..... Is it the cops? Holy shit I'm dead, aren't I? OH MY GODDDD!!! God, please don't let me get arrested!! I'm still too young. I got a future to chase. I got a family to avenge. I'm still single!! Nooooo! Don't throw me into jail. Pleaseee... I wanna keep my anal chastity...

  "Get your ass over here before I make it grass!!" my employer yelled again.

  I see that this is my end. What a short life it was.

  I slowly make my way there.

.  .  .  .  .

  I arrived at the entrance only to see a classy-looking old man in a brown suit. He looks like a villain. And he looks like a pain. Looks like your stupid son is coming to meet you earlier than expected, mom, dad.

  "Are you Mr. Brian Pierce?" said the fancy old man.

  "Ah, yes. That would be me. How can I help you?" I responded.

  The man scans me from bottom to top. "I see..." he said. "Forgive my impudence. My name is Charles Gardner. Call me Charles."

  "So, Mr. Charles. What business do you have with me? I'm running a bit late for my shift today. If possible, can you keep it brief?" I said.

  "Certainly. Then, please read this letter when you get back from your job." He handed me a fancy-looking envelope. It even smells nice. Holy shit, the hell is this? I took the letter.

   "Then, please excuse me. I shall be looking forward to hearing from you soon." He said as he left the store. What a weird fella. Oh shit. Look at the time. I'm gonna be late for work. I packed up my stuff and rushed for my night shift. Not knowing that it will be my last shift for the year.

.  .  .  .  .

  Finally, break time. Now, where did I put that fancy envelope? Aha, found it. Let's see what does it say. I opened the envelope and a fragrant smell filled the room. Holy shit, what am I getting myself into? I looked at the title of the letter. "An Invitation To Enroll In Charles' Academy For Elites (C.A.F.E)." Hold up, what? 

  "I hereby announce that Mr. Brian Pierce is invited to enroll in Charles's Academy For Elites of C.A.F.E for short. If you had received this letter, the director, Sir Charles Gardner should come to pick you up soon. You have been chosen among millions of people to be a student of the highly prestigious C.A.F.E for the potential you possess."

  "Be it academic prowess, athletic traits, artistic nature or any promising talent you have mastered. C.A.F.E will help you be a man worthy of your abilities and live in a world fitting for you. This is what the director defines as an "Elite". Furthermore, for those who received this letter. You shall get a full scholarship and more as a gift for the future elites that is eligible but doesn't have the finance to back it up."

  The rest of the letter talks about its faculties and how it's situated on an island and stuff. What draws me in the most was that full scholarship thing. Bruh, the entrance fee itself must have costed a fortune. There is no way in hell this is legit. He just went all the way to meet me at my job just to scam me? What the fuck? Nah forget about this, Imma finish my shift and call it a night.

  And not for a second did I thought keeping that letter would change my life. Forever.

~To be Continued~