Winner Takes it All

Today was just another day; we went to school as normal and waited for morning announcements. My English teacher had the tv on the static as we waited for it to come on. I turned to my boyfriend; he gave me his sweet smile that always made my day. The static went out and came up with our principle with another guest, the mayor.

"Good morning Huskies! Today is a special day. Our guest speaker, Mayor Hunchback will share the good news."

"Thank you principal Seetson. Every ten years the different universes send their greatest warrior to battle. For us to compete, we are very fortunate. As this competition is dangerous and can result in death, only students over the age of 18 can compete. As I do repeat, this competition can kill you and it's all voluntary. For more rules, come down to the counselor's office. Times for a meeting will be on, good luck to all. Have a nice day."

This news was a shock to me, never in any of the history books have mentioned this event, maybe there were more books. It didn't matter to me anyway; I was only 17. I moved my bright blue hair out of my face revealing my boyfriend, smiling, almost jumping out of his seat. I didn't expect anything until a horrifying realization came over me, he's 18. He couldn't compete; I didn't want him to; he could die. I wanted to go over and talk, but the class started. Everyone was distracted though; everyone was talking about it, the teacher finally gave up and let the students have some free write for their essay. No one cared and split up with their friends; I went over to Abe, I needed to talk my boyfriend out of this.

"Hey babe," I approached, wrapping my arms under his shoulders.

"Hey, I think I want to try for the Universal Competition," he spoke with excitement.

"Babe, I can't lose you too," My voice started to crack.

"Hey, my strength and your brains can get me through this; let's go to the meeting, plan and let me win, I will come home to you."

"Fine, but please come home, promise me," I held out my pinkie, he took it.

"I promise Jaya." The bell rang, and we separated into our classes, I would meet him and lunch. I had a free period, so I went straight to the library. I asked the librarian if she had information about the competition.

"You're the only one who's asked about them. I thought people would be flooding in asking for them. I got some new ones in the back. The knowledge in them will help. I hope you win." She took me to the back room. I didn't process what she said until we reached the books and I didn't have the heart to correct her. She gave me a copy of each book she got, scanned that I took them and I went to reading.

Lunch finally started and Abe knew right where to find me. I was sitting almost laying on the couch so developed in the book. The whole games seemed fake. I reached into my pocket and pulled out an old receipt to use as a bookmark.

Abe grabbed my books and we left to the courtyard to sit under our tree. No one ever went outside, yet it there was always trash everywhere, so we made it our goal to clean it every day. As we sat down, you could hear the wind and the birds. The sun gleamed right on us keeping us warm.

The light of the sun always made Abe look good. His shirt hung tight to his chest revealing his strong abs and broad shoulders. His brown styled hair in taper cut, spiking on the top. He always hated facial hair and always shaved leaving his face smoother than a baby's bottom. His eyes were my favorite, angel eyes. They changed based on the weather or his clothing choice. Today they are a bright blue, reflecting perfectly in the sun. The other day they were green for his swim team colors. On a stormy night, they were gray.