2

  “Did I really go to the past,” he asked himself.

  Colton leaped out of bed and went straight to a mirror. When looking he couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. He looked so much younger and didn’t look exhausted. The bags under his eyes were completely gone. His raven, black hair was short and vibrant. His eyes were still dull black however, they have a sense of life in them. It was like looking at a completely different being.

  A strong aroma guided its way into Colton’s nose. That’s an aroma he knew far better than anyone else. The smell of his mother’s cooking, something he hasn't smelt in years, was right behind this door. Colton burst out of his room and found himself standing in front of his family. His mother was in the kitchen while his father and sister were at the dinner table. Colton felt emotional after everything that happened to him. Crystal clear water droplets poured out of his eyes. Tears that he thought could never rise again, did so with ease. His sister got up from her chair and immediately dashed towards him.

  “Colton, are you okay,” she questioned.

  Without batting a single word, he grabbed his sister and pulled her in for a hug, “Yeah, I’m fine. I just had a nightmare, that's all.”

  Coltons head was still buried in her shoulder, however, he had to let the girl breathe a little bit. Colton moved aside and the two headed to the dining table. The food had such a delightful smell. A smell that he missed very much. No food is better than home cooking. Colton was broken out of that deep thought when his sister began talking.

  “It’s rare for you to express yourself like that,” my sister stated, as if it’s something foreign, “is that so.”

  “He actually replied,” Charlotte thought.

  “So Charlotte, how was your sleep,” he asked, wanting to continue the conversation, “It was actually quite good.”

  “He actually wants to talk to me,” Charlottetold herself.

  “Judging how you woke up, your sleep wasn’t good,” Charlotte said in a teasing voice.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Colton stuttered.

  His mother laid the food on the table and they began to eat. It has been so long since Colton has eaten his mother’s cooking and naturally, he was euphoric about it. Colton still wanted the conversation to rage on so he continued.

  “So I think I’m going to play T.D.S,” he stated.

  Everyone in the room was astounded. Even his parents, which shows little to no interest in what the boy says. Colton had a feeling of discomfort when this happened. However, Charlotte's eyes started to glimmer and started speaking loudly.

  “Really! Hey, what class will you pick,”Charlotte questioned, feeling excited and proud in the dining room. She shot up from her chair and glanced towards his eyes, “Hurry, tell me please.”

  This was something he really didn’t need to think about. Colton was a swordsman before his regression, so he should pick the class that’s comfortable and most compatible for his abilities. Besides, although he may not have knowledge of the game, there should be pirks that make it possible to do what the kings have done.

  “I think I will choose swordsman,” he replied. “What, that’s such a boring class.”

  “Why don’t you choose mage or priest,” Charlotte asked. “I’m not too interested in hiding behind others.”

  Everyone had a face that emitted a feeling of doubt. Of course he was sweating a bit from their response.

  “Hey, hey, what’s with those looks,” he asked, confused, “Nothing.”

  “Anyway, how long has the game been out,” Colton questioned, still clueless about the day he regressed to, “I think a year by now.”

  “I see, want to get the game with me, I need a professional tip,” I asked.

  Again, she was surprised by Colton’s answer and he couldn’t help but feel baffled. Colton felt like he did something wrong. Would it fade, this state of shock their all in, if Colton continues this, will time allow them to get used to this? Can the coherence of Colton truly be explained? Probably not but Colton cannot be distracted. Focus on your goals and don’t forget your path.

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  “Yeah, let’s do that,” Charlotte answered, overjoyed, “Okay, let's go after school then.”

  After that conversation, they finished the food then Charlotte and Collymore headed to school. Looking at her sister now he’s confused. She was cold hearted and did everything to help the family. He decided to ask a question that’s been on his mind for a while now.

  “Charlotte, why are you so happy,” Colton asked.

  “That’s because you finally talked to me,” Charlotte answered truthfully, making me jump in place, “What is she talking about?”

  “Oh, I remember now,” he told myself.

  Growing up, the two were always compared to each other. Although she was adopted it didn’t matter because the world is a very judgemental place. She had many aspects that Colton didn’t. For example, Charlotte was smart, athletic, and was very beautiful. Everything about Colton was mediocre compared to her, not to mention he was an absolute coward when it came to things he can’t do. She got all the attention, in school, public places, even at home.

  Due to all of these reasons Colton loathed Charlotte and ignored her all the time. She became the most popular girl in school while he was the biggest clown in the school. Knowing this, Colton still never asked for help when needed. His pride got in the way of that. Can you believe it? A coward like him still had pride. That flimsiness, already broken pride, gets in the way of asking for help.

  Thinking back on it, Charlotte was so dense about the situation that she didn’t know the reason why Colton kept ignoring her. She treated Colton with care and never once judged him. He was irritated that she was getting all the attention from everyone; however, Charlotte was the only one that still recognized him. Many regrets were enclosing on him fast so Colton gently placed his hand upon her head.

  “Sorry about that,” he said, looking at her eyes, “I will change okay.”

  Her eyes were in a state of shock but moments later she was happy. She pulled him in for a hug and buried her head into his chest. After a good twenty seconds, she got out of his grasp and still had that kid-like, huge smile on her face.

  “Come on, we’re going to be late,” Charlotte stated.

  “I know but let’s walk slowly,” he begged.

  After arriving at school Charlotte's friends were waiting at the gate. Naturally, when Colton was in sight those eyes became daggers. Those stares were a substance he was used to. He experienced them more than anyone, especially in the future. What Jack Huxly told Colton was true. He was someone that became so strong without the guidance of the game. So people became jealous or completely hated him.

  Colton knows very well that all he has is his experience and skills. Knowledge about T.D.S was something he didn't have. Information is very crucial that is why pro’s at the game conquered the world. Knowing the mobs movement patterns, weak spots, and even knowing where good equipment is was absolutely priceless. The game has already been out for a year so Colton only needs to search the web for information. He has two years before the catastrophe happens. Preparations are indeed ideal.

  “Why are you guys staring at me like that,” he asked, obviously knowing the answer.

  “Hey, what did my brother do,” Charlotte questioned. “Oh, that’s right. I totally forgot he was your brother.”

  “You shouldn’t hang out with someone like that Charlotte,” another girl exclaimed, thinking Charlotte will oblige, “Please don’t say that about my brother.”

  “It’s fine Charlotte,” Colton said, standing in front of her, “What they said is true.”

  “See you later,” Colton said, before Charlotte called out to him, “bye!”

  School was just like Colton remembered. Constant stares and annoying teachers. Although, even Colton knows that he’s enjoying being a normal student again. This was something that became estranged for him. It has been far too long since he experienced this. It was fourth period and out of nowhere, Charlotte burst through the door, stood in front of the class, and began talking.

  “Okay everyone, I will be talking about drug intake and why it’s bad for you,” Charlotte said, glancing ever so slightly towards Colton’s direction.

  During the entire speech everyone was paying attention and was enjoying the sight of Charlotte. Colton also was paying attention, wanting to see how well his sister can do under the pressure of many eyes. She did exceptionally well, and he was impressed. When Charlotte finished her speech she shot a glance towards Colton’s direction. Since he was pleased with the presentation, he shot her a small smile. Smiling was something Colton never does. It seems he’s getting soft and he knows it himself.

  Class ended but Colton still had a few assignments that needed to be completed. His past self never did any thus, Colton is very, very behind. Everyone had already left for lunch and he was running late. By the time he finished the school work there was only ten minutes left for lunch. He arrived in time but didn’t know what was on the menu, so he headed to someone that does.

  “Hey, Charlotte, what's for lunch,” he asked, peeking his head over her shoulder, “I’m quite curious.”

  “It’s burgers and fries,” Charlotte responded.

  “Is it good,” he questioned. “Yeah, do you want a bite?”

  “Yes,” I replied, taking a small bite of the burger, “So, does it taste good?”

  “Yeah, I think I will buy a plate,” Colton said, leaving to get food.

  “Okay, do you want to eat with me,” Charlotte asked, with a stutter between words, “Sure, be right back.”

  Everyone on the table was baffled about what just happened in front of them. They were too bewildered to even respond and Charlotte knew everyone was going to be against Colton eating with her.

  “It’s fine that he’s eating with us, right?” Charlotte asked.

  “That tone was more of a demand than a question,” everyone thought.

  Colton returned with his food and took a seat across from Charlotte. The room was mostly quiet except for Charlotte and Colton, who were talking to each other. The friends wanted to talk but, anything that comes out their mouth would just be insults. They don’t want to be on Charlotte's bad side and he was with them. The rest of the school day was peaceful and had no disturbance whatsoever. Charlotte, Colton and her friends decided to head home. The street reeked of suspicion. Colton’s instincts are usually on point. Something’s going to happen. Something unpleasant, distasteful, and most of all, something that will harm his sister.