…Game Over…You've lost…Sitting across his computer, as he gazes at the home screen. He realizes he needs to blow off some steam. Turning to his right, he is unknowingly now observing a house.
Familiar yet not…Somewhere inside him reminds him that it's his childhood home. He doesn't even have the time to process, as his perspective starts to move.
Panning across the house, he sees the people inside talking to one another. A language he recognizes, yet can't process into his mind. Like something stuck at the tip of his tongue.
Watching over these people, he starts to notice the comfortable pace in everything he is in. Sitting from the perspective of the viewer, he watches the people act in a way that entertains him.
And with such a nostalgic feeling the house has, he seems to have a feeling of comfortable rest as he relaxes into this surreal reality.
…~Jingle~...A noise interrupts the rest, as the reality around him starts disappearing as quick as it came. ~Jingle~ Again it rang, misting the illusion into darkness.
And into darkness he sank until he seemed to be now in his bed groggily opening his eyes. Along with the alarm ringing next to him. ~Jingle~ Thuck!
"NOoooo! Let me go back to sleep!" Vick says hatefully at the fact that he is now awake, missing the comfortable dream he was in.
Still in his bed, he twists and turns before stopping for he knows he can't possibly sleep now that he reacted with such energy.
Cursing to himself, Vick gets up to prepare himself for work…
Plopping into his couch, he starts to devour his breakfast looking for something to watch. Yet, as he browses for a video, Vick starts to feel the repetitiveness of such a routine, so he instead starts a song.
Opens up his curtains and windows, feeling the coldness of the night whilst listening to the music as he gazes outside of his apartment.
Looking into the sky, staring at the darkness of it, he ponders, "Man, I miss the stars…" Nudging to himself as he finishes his breakfast.
Feeling the cold breeze against his skin, the music plays ~Passing us by, the world stands still~ He relaxes into the song.
~At the end of the night, the stars no longer fill~ A smooth jazz that encompasses the quiet, blanketing Vick as he hums along with the music.
Putting his hand on his heart, he feels the calming beat that his heart pulsates with. Something many overlook, yet is always there.
In this meditative-like state, Vick slowly starts to clean everything up. Grabbing his keys and badge, Vick is seen putting on his work outfit before leaving.
Click!
Lights automatically shine down on Vick, as he walks to the elevator. And out he goes into the parking lot, feeling the same cold breeze brush past his face.
A crawling up his spine was what he felt, as wind pushed his clothes onto his skin. In effect of this, was a shake-like movement meant to stop the shiver as his muscles seemed to calm themselves from trembling.
Beep!
Sitting onto his car seat, Vick waits in his heating car whilst the news automatically starts playing. And just as he was connecting his phone, he noticed a shadow rush sharply towards his view.
Jumping in his seat, Vick quickly stares at the figure running in the parking lot. He sees his neighbor running to his car raising his hand in the direction of Vick.
Showing an apologetic smile as he seems to mouth sorry before getting into his car.
"Fuck! Man, you scared me." Vick curses while waving his hands to show that it was fine.
Relieved from the scare, he looks at his phone only to see a couple messages from a texter named, "Unsatiated Garcia Living Yuck ". In other words, U.G.L.Y
Hey roundo, remember to pick up my kids
Only to respond in kind… Ik oh and can u tell my boy Shu he should sleep somewhere else cause im sure the bed aint big enough for you to share.
And a response comes diving right in! I don't see no one next to you though! But fr I got smthng to do, so u got it bro?
Hah! My kind will live on! With another text right after I gotchu
Ending with a thumbs up from his sister, Vick starts driving.
A turn here…left there…with nosey curiosity, Vick takes glances at a car getting pulled over, "Oh? Whosit this time?", and to the highway he goes.
7:20AM Finally arriving at work, Vick turns up the music. Bumping to the sound, only this time there on the right of him was Carl knocking on the window.
Not even a moment goes by, when a Click! Was heard…
Another presence appears in the "Caraoke", with the appearance of a mini microphone grabbed out of the glove compartment and onto the hands of Carl.
The music seemed to pause, as if waiting for the singers to appear…
…Before soothing strings follow along with Carl echoing along with the notes, though with a bit more pitch. A soft approach leading up to a sudden yell that drops it into rock!
~UGG! CAUME ON!!!!~
Even with such intensity, it was followed by Carl singing the lyrics. With such precision and passion it's as if the song was made for him. Word for word, line for line.
Only to be joined by Rohan and Mateo who seemed to have just appeared out of nowhere. In synchronization, the music seemed to bring out the energy within them.
From the energetic and boisterous Carl, to the groovy and smoothness of Rohan, Mateo though quieter follows along with his own softness, and Vick in his own tone-deaf voice sung along with this group.
The synchronization of the singing fortunately is unseen to the people around, as if trapped within the confines of the car. A mystery that the passengers of said car seems to know about, as they continue the "caraoke" session before unfortunately being stopped by the alarm.
~Jingle~ ~Jingle~
7:30PM
~Jingle~ Tap!
"Haa" "Time already?" "Damn it!" Sighs escaped the mouths of these men, who dejectedly got out of the car and dragged themself into the building.
Wandering through, they get to their box, where the manager seems to be tapping his feet.
Shit The four cursing at their own luck, as they subtly go to their office. Only for Rohan to be stopped by the manager, as he begins to assign Rohan a task.
Looking back at the booth, with a desperate face yearning for help.
The group responds in kind; Carl with a thumbs up, Mateo with clear signs of ignoring the call, and Vick with a smile.
Mother F—
And Rohan was quickly taken away from the booth, leaving with an unknown fate as the group breathed a sigh of relief over not getting taken away.
With the worst seemingly past, the remaining survivors pretend to work again. While in actuality the three were engaging in discreet communications with one another through private channels, orchestrated in a manner intended to remain unnoticed by others, especially from the one that overlooks all their procedures and activities.
Or in simpler terms, they were secretly messaging each other.
Unknowingly, time passed by quickly in the midst of their conversation. As Rohan silently returned with a face ready for vengeance.
Fortunately, the time for vengeance was turned to confusion with the appearance of a bribe…namely a royal welcome from the group, as they prepare themself for the appearance of a king.
Skeptical of the behavior, Rohan is interrupted from his thoughts with Carl saying, "Let us give a round of applause for this hero who has sacrificed himself for us!"
A quiet applause hears out, as Mateo walks up to give Rohan a cup of coffee and Vick patting the throne for Rohan. Suspicious of this, Rohan hesitantly sits in the throne, his office chair before finally ending in silence.
…
…"What? Nothing? No pat on the back? Not even a prank?" Questioned Rohan, but the group stayed silent as if they hadn't heard it at all.
"Oh you bitches. Ya'll tryna get me heated!"
The flames were stoked, yet it didn't burn, no…Rohan held it in, saving it for later. For work was needed to be done before vengeance.
Inhaling slowly, Rohan simply said, "Alright…Better watch out later"
"Kidding! We're kidding!" Carl said, as Vick then explains, "We'll pay for your dinner, so what'd is he about this time?"
…Shrugging off the group's little event, he starts, "Nah its nothing, just had to do more work for today"
"What? Has the schedule changed?!" Vick blurted out, as if the appearance of the manager was uncommon during early hours. And it was, at least according to Vick.
"Please NO!" Carl begs, with Mateo in the background trembling at the thought. Before being answered by Rohan. "Calm yo'selves!"
"Hes going to be taking the day off, so he's leaving some work for the rest of us, aka US." Emphasizing 'us', while pointing back and forth at the group and himself.
"We-we're staying overtime?!" Carl stutters, hands over head while slumping in his seat. "Why!" Vick, copying the despair, drops his head onto the desk.
All hope seemed lost, before Rohan turns to the group and says, "And I'm not missing dinner"
The groans and despair stopped, as understanding the hint, the group started to work with an unknown vigor. A kind that made the group both efficient and quick in their work.
The flames of vengeance were lit again, this time however it was aimed at the additional work assigned to them. With such drive, the group drove away their past laziness to get rid of such a problem.
However it was only for a moment, for when the work was done, so too did their flame.
And back at it again with the same old routine of resting seventy percent of the time. Of course this time, they now have a justification to their relaxation. Granted, it's in their motto to work just enough and so this excuse wouldn't matter, but since they can rest, they will.
Click click click…
12:30
Unlike the day before, luck was on their side as the group was able to free themself earlier due to their previous motivation. And with such, slowly got into the groove of what they called 'Lush Hour'
Instead of the rushing traffic, it's a visit to the lush and bountiful room where they deemed the Lush Hour for its lunch-related use. To be more specific, a room that can be reserved freely and within which is then used for a quick all-in-one style lunch.
A further explanation isn't required as Mateo quickly reserves the room along with Carl microwaving cup-ramen for each person.
Rohan brings out different types of drinks; A coffee for himself, sweet-tea for Mateo, soda for Carl, and juice for Vick.
Vick set up the table and brought along snacks from chips to candy, along with a portable mini vacuum cleaner.
And whilst the Lush Hour was being established, Mateo quickly connects to the room's TV to put on a show.
With everything set and ready for a taste, the group began popping open their lunchbox to start with the feast.
12:45…"Nah, I gotta pause this! Ain't no way he actually died here!"...12:50 "Damn! You hear that!...'I had let the stars have guide me here, but when I look in your eyes I'm lost in them'. Like shit, if someone said that to me, I'd get down on one knee!"
But just like that…12:59–1:00
Carl wept.
For he knew the action of a hero always required sacrifice, and now, he was going to be a hero …at least to his so called, "friends".
With an exaggerated sniff and a sad turn, he walked on to this path of pain with support behind him bidding him farewell "Wish you luck" "See you on the other side"
Silence answered back as Carl bravely ventured forward before disappearing around the corner. Only to be interrupted by Mateo questioning, "Hasn't it changed to group work since last month, so why are we still getting a single person to do it?"
Rohan answers back, "Oh its tradition at this point. You've only been here half a year, but this group work has always happened whether on point or random times. The work itself isn't too hard, since their boothmates finish up whatever the person had to do before so the person with the tasks doesn't have to worry about their work and just focuses on the task given to them."
"Plus we want to mess with each other, like you know how you were picked to do chores instead of your siblings?" Vick inserts before adding, "Its kinda like that, but with friends instead"
Mateo nods understandingly, "So we're all just trying to see others suffer, right?"
"Yeah! That's exactly it, it's always so satisfying to watch someone you saw relaxing dragged off to suffer!" Vick cackles with a smile gleaming with sadistic energy.
During the conversation, the group cleaned up and started throwing away trash, from the plastic tupperware to cup noodles and the napkins. Before actually exiting the room, Rohan questions, "Hey Vick, how long are you going to be gone for, you think?"
"Probably ten or fifteen minutes, so just order something for me while I drop Noa off over at my sister's"
"Alright, so like the same thing again, fries and burgers?" Rohan disses before Vick interrupts, "Hey hey hey! I'm not as bad as Mateo okay?! 'Cause ain't no way a person can eat all three types of matter along with dessert all in one go!"
"I eat good" Mateo interjects, "You eat too good!"
Arriving at their storage lockers, the group starts to put away their lunchboxes with the chatter they brought into the room.
And just like a routine, the three finally reached their office booth. Where they then started to work, of course they helped with Carl's work but it was quickly shifted to their own work.
Fortunately because of their earlier motivation, the three had already done most of their work for the day. Only to end in…
Click…Scroll...Vick glances at the clock 1:28PM
"Think we can just leave early today?"
"Stop hoping, you already know it won't happen" Mateo says while finishing up, "I'm just saying in case it actually happens…Ah welcome back, how was it?" Vick's change in tone alerted the others of Carl.
"It-it-it was horrible! I had to…Sniff Sniff…" Exaggerated, Carl with a hand over his eyes before switching his story, "Sniff…Yeah no it wasn't too bad, just had to deliver some stuff and print some papers"
The group nodded as Carl sat down.
1:50PM…2:30PM…3PM
Out the door they went as Vick separated from the group.
~Song Lyrics~ …3:20PM…
Click! Thump! Thud Thud Thud. Click! Like a doorbell, the click alarms the clerk at the front desk. Beep! Unlocking the door, Vick walks up to the front desk
"Hello again Pamela! I'm here for my nephew again." Whilst looking through the glass at the clerk.
Nodding along, "Garcia called in this morning, but I'ma have to make you sign some things first."
The next couple seconds was filled with the sound of pencil hitting paper, before finally being returned and hearing Pamela say, "Hey Bella…Yeah, Noa's uncle is here to pick him up"
And with that Pamela looks at Vick, "Why is Garcia going to the DMV anyway?" "Her license is expiring and she forgot about it"
"Ah! Then we should've gone together! My son is trying for his license this weekend" Playfully clicking her tongue, the conversation is interrupted by Noa.
"Oh looks like he's here, gotta go! Wish Sonny luck for his license!" Ending the conversation, Vick turns to Noa, "It's been a month since I've last seen you, little man!" Exclaiming Vick, as he keeps the door open for Noa, with Pamela waving at the two. Followed along with a little duckling, who starts to brightly talk,
"Bye Mrs. Pam!" Waving at her, Noa quickly turns to Vick, "Where's mom at?" "She's fighting someone right now" "REALLY!"
"Nah, your mom is doing something boring so she sent your favorite uncle" "NO your not!" "I can dream at least…Sniff…Anyway how's school?"
"OH! I created a GIANT poster that showed my family" "Oh? Did you have me in there?" "Of course! It's a family tree! I put everyone in there" "Nice…"
And just like that, the two were on the highway. While driving, Vick glances at Noa in the rearview mirror, as Noa continues on with his day.
"AND then! Ms. Bella told my friend Niam to go to the nurses office" "Woah, did you help?" "Yea! I was the one who helped him to the nurse!"
…And finally they reached home…4:03PM
As Vick starts to park in the driveway, another car starts to drive into the driveway. "ITS mom!" Noa starts to exit the car excitedly, as Vick starts to secretly curse Garcia.
"This lazy–" Stopping himself, Vick gets out of his car to confront his sister. Only to stop, as she grabs out a cup carrier holding four drinks.
"Huh!..." Gasping with his hand to his mouth, before Garcia hands him a drink. "F-f-f-for me?! Ah, you shouldn't have." Yet Vick's hands seem to betray what he says, as he reaches for the drink.
"Yeah, yeah. Now before you say how I was relaxing while you were getting Noa, JUST KNOW! I was insanely lucky with the line at the DMV. SO cool yourself with that drink, cause I can already see you're out of breath"
"Cough! Cough! Noa! You're mom's calling me big!" "You are though?"
"AH! Why're you two so mean!" Dramatically falling to his knees, Vick wipes his non-existent tears before heading for his car.
"But gotta go so see yall later, tell Shu I said hi." Vick waves at the two heading inside the house.
"Sure" Garcia nods , before turning to Noa and lecturing, "Noa, leave your shoe at the rack!"
Click! Thump! Vrmm…
Just like that, the car was moving atop the pavement again. Nothing major nor insignificant, just the road, the music, and him. And he was vibing…
The drive was long, a half hour yet it could've been ten, as he arrived before he knew it. The restaurant appeared before his eyes. Showing a neon sign atop the entrance of the restaurant, glowing…
"Rolling Steam? So like steamrolls? Or is it some other type? Eh, who cares, as long as it's great, I'll visit again." Pulling into the parkway's outer section, Vick starts to walk towards the place.
Turning his head, nothing on the left. Again, nothing on the right.
"Did they go do something?" Questioning the lack of appearance from his entire group, he starts to text them.
'Ey! Where yall at?'...
Silence
'Hey' 'hey' 'hey' 'ehy' 'yeh'...Nothing, and so, "WELP! Guess, I'll test it myself" Opening the door, Vick enters, "Nice!" Looking at the authenticness of it all; The smell of cuisine in the air, booths with leather seating with tables that are filled with seasoning atop them, and even the families and people there seemed to just enjoy the atmosphere. A perfect blended amount showing the skill-set the restaurant had, though it didn't show hidden masterpiece it showed potential.
Yet, amidst his wonder, Vick couldn't hear the door close behind him. "Wow, thats new, soundless doOORS!"
…
Unknown to him, Mateo had snuck up behind him, leaving not even a sound. "What the hell, man?" Hushing his voice, Vick quickly apologizes to those who heard him and turns to Mat, only to see him walking into the booth the group hid themself in.
"I'm so sorry about that. I'm with that group over there, so…haha" Awkwardly laughing, Vick quickly sits himself down in the booth, as the people chuckle over the weird sight.
"Fu–" "We ordered extra" "Fu–uuaabulous, Lets eat"
"Told'ja he'd get over it" Carl says. Causing Rohan to "That's crazy man! Second time seeing this, but ain't it weird?"
Carl answers, "Nah, he's always been like this since we were teenagers". Rohan interjects, "Dude, I would've taken full advantage of that" "I'm a foodie, but I know my limits. So don't think strange"
The nonsensical conversation kept its pace, with the group adding more and more to the conversation. Only to end in the presence of the food arriving, giving rise to the different ways the group reacted.
From the gleam of the eyes from Rohan, with the eager Mateo reaching out for his plate, to the considerateness of Carl clearing the table. Yet none, could compare to behavior Vick was displaying,
As Vick seemed to efficiently and quickly sort the food and drinks, setting the table in record time. Causing the waiter to stand there blankly as Vick seemed to do his job for him.
And devour said the food, as their continued conversation was said in chewed words.
"MUNCH! How are you even here? Ain't Samantha gon' kill you?...Wait…How 'bout you bro? Maya most definitely whooping you." Vick questions Carl and Rohan in sequence.
"Oh it is most kind of you to remind me of my one true love, however! My beautiful sandman who has made plenty of my dreams come true has blessed me with another...…" Carl said with one hand to his head, before dropping the full story, "She brought Darren to shop with her and her sisters so I got time to hang for a little bit"
"Nice, but for me well…" Rohan pauses before continuing, "Today's the day she gets her dress, so I got kicked out the house for a little bit"
"Oh! Dude, that's awesome! Look at you! The man, the myth, the legend, himself getting married!" Carl excitedly says before mentioning, "Come ask me for help to if you need it"
Rohan thanks Carl, as Vick turns to ask Mateo, "Speaking of lovers, when is Liam getting home this week?"
"Friday" Mateo says while taking a sip of his drink.
"Neat, how've you two been?" Vick continues, as Mateo says, "Great, nothing much has happened the since last month"
"Dang, I'm jealous. These past few months been hectic, man." Rohan mentions as he blows into his food.
"Plus your wedding's gonna be in like what?...a couple months now?" Carl cuts in
Following Rohan's nod, the conversation flowed on until finally the group finished their meals.
And so as if on cue, the group starts their cleaning process.
"So where is the…Wait hand that bowl over–no not that one. The one on the right–No not my right, your right! Just let me do it"
And the shenanigans followed the group out the door, as Rohan turns to the group.
"Y'all free after this?"
"Not anytime soon" "Nope, I'm gonna die if I'm not home in ten minutes" "Work"
"Good, 'cause looks like Maya's done with her things." Rohan points at the screen of his phone. Showing the time and a message,
5:13 PM
I'm done, u can come home
…A slight pause before, "That's adorable! Dude, you don't have to be nonchalant about it, you want to get back to her!--" Vick teases while patting Rohan on the back before immediately switching to a firm expression
"--But we gotchu" With a pat over the heart as if it was a sworn promise, the group finally parted.
5:38 PM
Returning to his home, Vick is seen slumping into his couch before raising his head and sighing…
"Damn it!...I'll just finish it quickly"
And finish he did. Just like a snap of the fingers, Vick is immediately set free.
From having a quick work out session to a routinely website check on literature. Yet, this time Vick seemed to have finished even this limited resource, leaving him nothing to do but lay in his own bed.
Turning his head to look at the clock.
8:57 PM
"Haa…30 more minutes, should I just go to sleep?...Nah, I'll just lay in bed watching a documentary" Vick continues with bed-rotting falling deeper and deeper into sleep.
…Leaving nothing but a quiet narrative on the world that seems to surround him…