Help! I Have A Crush On My Rival!?: Prompt 6

(Read the previous prompt here.)

PROMPT 6 - THE PARK BENCH

I haven't mentioned it in a few posts, but this a playthrough of the game "Help! I Have a Crush On My Rival!? available at itch.io.

Let’s choose the card to the right/east.

Card Draw: 7 Diamonds [Red] Gain 2 Potential

Prompt: You find out something deeply personal about your Rival’s past, something that seems like it causes them great pain. How do you find it out? What is it? How does it change your understanding of this person?

This is a great prompt for me.  Whenever I’m playing one of these narrative heavy games, whether it is a traditional TTRPG or a journaling game, I am often thinking ahead and imagining possible scenarios. I say possible, because not everyone gets used. The reality is that I end up discarding a majority of them.  The 7 of Diamonds prompt, however, feeds right into one of those scenes for this story.  In fact, I was really hoping to be able to use this scene, because I felt it could be an important moment.

Disclaimer: This scene involves discussions about serious medical conditions that I have no personal experience with.  If this was a serious work of fiction, I would have done significant research on the topic.  However, as this is a casual hobby, I am relying only on what I think I know and the small amount of basic research I did on the internet. Furthermore, I have tried to stay away from a lot of specifics and be rather vague.  As a result, I am fully aware that the situations I am describing are probably inaccurate, if not outright incorrect, and may not align with real world situations.  On the off-chance that someone is actually offended, I apologize.  That is not my intent.

* * *

You know what is one of the best things about not having to go to school, or holding a 9 to 5 job? You’re free to do whatever you want during the week without having to fight the Friday and Saturday night crowds. That’s exactly how Erik, Wayne, and I were spending that Wednesday night in mid-October. The sun was dropping below the town’s skyline as the three of us walked past the local shops on our way to the theater. We were going to see the recent release in the Planetscan series: Transcendence. 

We were excited -- joking and laughing -- our conversation bordering on immature, if we took the time to really think about it. Our way to the theater took us past the food trucks that set up near the park. Normally, I would pass without a second thought, however, someone caught my eye. Gwen was sitting alone at a table near the Frozen Feast ice cream truck. She was looking down, contemplating the paper cup of ice cream sitting on the table in front of her, slowly swirling her plastic spoon mindlessly. As the street lights flickered on, I thought I saw a brief twinkle on her cheek.

“Guys,” I said, suddenly being serious.  “You go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”

“Okaay,” Wayne said suspiciously.  “You know they have bathrooms at the theater if you need to . . . “

“No, that’s not it.” I said.  “I just see . . . there’s something I need to check on. You guy go in without me.  If I don’t show up, don’t worry.”

“But all you talked about last week was seeing this movie,” Erik reminded me, as if I had forgotten. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” I said, growing more agitated than I should.  “I can see it next week if I need to.  Just go.”

“Whatever,” Wayne said as he and Erik exchanged a “he must be crazy” look before continuing down the street.

When I saw they had turned the corner, I walked over to where Gwen was sitting.  I could see all that was left in the cup was the melted remains of what appeared to be vanilla.  She did not notice me.

“Gwen? Hey.”

Her eyes shot up. Quickly,  she turned her face away and wiped the back of her hand over her cheek and eyes. I had seen tears.

“Hey, Lance,” she said, composing herself.  “You startled me.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Everything’s fine.” Her words came in rapid succession. “I was just having some ice cream, but I’m done now.”

“I thought you were diabetic,” I asked, remembering the latte incident.

“Yeah, that.  Insulin pump. It helps, but I’ll probably still regret this later.”

I had no idea what she meant, but before I could ask she rose from her seat, obviously attempting a quick retreat.

“I gotta go,” she said, and reached to pick up her empty ice cream cup.  Instead, she knocked it on the ground near my feet.  We both bent to pick it up and I got to it first.  I looked up to tell her I had it when I realized she had stopped and slumped to her knees. She held her face in her palms, covering her eyes in hopes I didn’t see her struggle to fight back another wave of tears.

It was time to drop my shield and be vulnerable.

“I’m sorry, Gwen. I’ve been acting like an ass toward you and I need to apologize. I want to start being a better friend . . . or at least a better person, by listening.”

She let down her hand and looked at me with brown eyes that were red, puffy, and full of hesitation.

Real vulnerable!

“I’m safe.”

Gwen let out a breath and stood up.  She glanced around at the people enjoying their food truck eats.

“Not here,” she said.  “Let’s go to the park.”

I followed her across the street to where she chose a bench that was away from the main pedestrian traffic. She sat and motioned me to sit beside her.  I waited patiently, allowing her to speak when she was ready.

“I had to get out of the house.  It was one of those nights. My dad had gotten angry and he was yelling at my mom as she just sat there. I hate to see him like that, but I knew there was nothing I could do.  I had to just let them be them, so I left.”

I couldn’t help but be concerned.  “Did he . . . does he . . . “

“Oh, no!” Gwen quickly assured me.  “It’s not like that. He’d never hurt us or get physical.  Mom would have left if he did. I’d make sure of it. They’re actually a loving couple and he loves us kids.  I’m sorry.  I should have explained first.

“I have a younger brother, Fisher.  He’s not very well.  He was born premature and has been sick for most of his life.  The doctors have labels for all that’s been going on with him, but all that’s important is that Fisher’s been in and out of hospitals for most of his life.  He has his good streaks.  In fact, during most of elementary school, we thought he was through the worst of it and, if not completely well, he would be able to have a life similar to those of his friends.

“Unfortunately, when Fisher turned eleven or twelve, his health took a turn for the worse and the hospital stays resumed.  Any semblance of normal schooling was impossible.  He had to be homeschooled.  I helped tutor him and keep him company, whether he was home or in the hospital.  I know he’s my brother, but he was . . . is my best friend. We’d play games.  Watch movies together . . . scary ones if our parents were asleep.” She smiled at the thought.  “I didn’t have time for any friends except those I had made “Dice & Deck,” my one escape.  But I didn’t mind.  Lance, there’s no one more important to me than Fisher.”

Her voice cracked as she spoke those last words. Tears welled up again in her eyes.  I wanted to reach out to her, offer some comfort, but I didn’t know how she would respond.

“A couple years ago,” Gwen continued. “Right before I left for college, Fisher’s kidneys started failing.  He was taking all kinds of medications and watching his diet, which really was nothing new.  All went well during my first year away, but then about a year ago he had to start dialysis.  At first, it was a few times a week but has since increased to every other day or more.

“My parents dealt with it differently.  For the most part, they’ve supported each other.  They are a strong, loving couple. But when Fisher goes through his really rough times, mom withdraws.  She spends more time reading the Bible and praying for God to ease Fisher’s pain and make him well.  But while mom looks for spiritual comfort, Dad needs personal comfort.  He’s able to cope better with mom’s company and companionship.  Yes, he gives her the space she needs in those times and takes care of things around the house.  But if days grow long, he gets frustrated,  begins feeling alone. 

“In the past, Dad just had to wait a day or two and mom was attentive again. However, as the dialysis increased and mom needed more time, he’s been feeling more and more alone.  If it lasts too long, he gets like he did tonight and blows up.  All he does, yell and complain, venting his frustration, but he won’t listen to anything mom or I say.  It doesn’t last long, usually ten or twenty minutes.  At his worst, like he was tonight, it might be an hour.  When it's over, you can tell he’s broken.  Admittedly, it’s not great, but Dad realized it and he feels he can’t apologize enough.”

She stopped and I thought she might be done.  I didn’t know what to say, but I spoke anyway.

“I hear some people find great comfort in prayer, and it’s good your  mom has that.  But if God’s so good, why . . . “

“Stop!” Gwen glared at me and held up her hand.  “Don’t say ‘If God’s so good, why would he let this happen to Fisher.’  That’s just an excuse used by people who are afraid to trust in God. The fact is, God’s been present with Fisher since the day he was born.  He gave him life, first of all.  He wasn’t supposed to make it out of the hospital. Then, despite his illness, He gave Fisher a great life.  He has a good family . . . a wonderful sister.” Her harsh countenance softened a bit at her own joke. “He’s creative. He writes and draws.  Whatever treatment Fisher needed, somehow God always provided the money or assistance we needed.

“But most of all, God kept . . keeps our family strong.  Despite the brief moments like tonight, we are there for each other.  Never has the thought of separation ever crossed my parents minds.  Yes, dad gets mad and yells sometimes. It’s a sin, for sure. But as I said, he’s never harmed us and he repents immediately. Oh, how he repents, sometimes. I’m actually a little worried to see how he’ll be tomorrow.”

Gwen let out a chuckle, remembering some humorous secret meant only for her.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized.  “I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay,” she replied, having calmed down from her initial reaction. “It was a fair question.”

We shared another silent moment before she continued.

“They’re both right, you know. Mom knows our family’s faith in Jesus is what has maintained us throughout this. Feeding that faith that gives her comfort.  And Dad knows we would have given up long ago if we didn’t support each other as a family. That continued emotional and physical connection, especially with mom, is what comforts him.  It’s just that sometimes those two needs aren’t compatible.  I just feel helpless to fix it. Like tonight.”

“Is that the reason you didn’t go back to college?”

“You hit the nail on the head!  I want to get into law. Not be a lawyer, mind you, but possibly a legal investigator.  Someone who’s very involved in the case, but doesn’t have to put on a show, if you know what I mean. After I graduated from high school, I offered to stay home and help with Fisher, but my parents urged me to go.  They said there was no reason my life should be put on hold when they could handle everything here.

“That worked out fine, until Fisher started needing dialysis.  It became more and more difficult for them to care for him alone.  Mom was already a stay-at-home mother, but dad started missing more and more work.  At the end of last semester, despite their urging me to continue, I made the decision to put my schooling on hold.  Me being home would mean dad wouldn’t lose his job and I could be that companionship for him those times when mom couldn’t.  It isn’t perfect, as proven tonight, but it helps.”

Nothing more was said.  We must’ve sat there for at least five minutes without speaking.  I couldn’t be sure because of the dark of night, but I think Gwen allowed herself to shed a couple more tears.

“Thanks,” she said.  “I really needed a friend tonight. More than I knew.”

“Anytime.” And I meant it.

“I really should be going home.  I hope I didn’t keep from you anything.”

“No worries.”

She stood up and I followed suit.  Without warning, she reached around and gave me a hug.  I had no idea what to do, so I weakly hugged her back.

“Thanks for being the friend I didn’t know I needed,” she said and then turned to walk away.

I took a few steps in the other direction when I heard her call.

“Lance.”

“Yes?”

“Play a game on Saturday?”

“Sure.  Wyvern’s Retreat?”

She smiled, waved, and walked away toward home.

I couldn’t help but feel heartbroken on the way home.  I had no idea what a heavy burden Gwen was carrying.  Obviously, this was the “rough time” Art was talking about. How could I have been so stupid? So callous?

However, I felt something else as I walked home.  It might sound crazy, but along with this sadness I also had a sense of . . . joy?  Okay, that might be too strong. But I did feel like I just did a good thing.  I was there when Gwen needed someone to talk to.  Moreover, she felt comfortable enough to tell me her deepest concerns.  Art was right.  Gwen needed a friend and I was able to be one.

The October night had a chill, but I felt warm.

Suddenly, I stopped.

Crap!

I have a crush on my rival!

(Read the next prompt here.)