I fix my mask with the tips of my fingers. I hate it when it slips, and I should probably get a new buckle for it or something, but money's a rare commodity in my life. I look up when my features have settled properly into the grooves of the mask into the eyes of the principal. Her eyes are purple, which is kind of unnerving. Contacts, I think. Her long, brown hair is done up in a serious bun, and she looks at me over the top of thin, rectangular glasses, scrutinising me like only an authority figure can. She clears her throat, making me jump slightly.
"Welcome to Let'sPlay Academy, Ryan." She says in a strict voice. She stands up from her chair slowly and paces around the desk towards me. "You have been allowed entrance to this school because you are one of the best gamers the world has to offer. Please know, there is no school uniform, and not many restrictions on accessories." She stops in front of me and purses her lips, examining my mask. "So I suppose the mask can stay."
She walks past me and picks up a black clipboard and a thin pen. I let out a small sigh of relief. I had been really worried that the mask wouldn't be allowed, and I needed it to conceal who I am. If he found me…
I didn't want to think about that…
The principal clears her throat again to get my attention before looking down at her clipboard. "Now, what would you like to be referred to as?" she asks. I raise an eyebrow, but the feeling of it touching my mask reminds me she can't actually see my face, so I cock my head to the side.
"What do you mean, miss?" I ask. She sighs.
"At Let'sPlay Academy, we allow our students to take on a fake name, though we prefer the term 'Gamer Name'. It gives our students a bit of anonymity that gaming requires."
I have to think about this for a while. Does she mean a nickname? I only had one nickname, but it was the one he gave to me. Using that would make it easier for him to find me. My mind goes into overdrive as I try to think of a name. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, I remember when I was little, sitting on my mattress on the floor while my parents hugged me. "Go ahead and cry," they whispered. "It's okay to cry, it helps you to heal."
I look up at the imposing woman. "Cryaotic." I say. "Cry for short."
The principal's stern appearance falters slightly and she smiles. "Well, then. Welcome the Let'sPlay Academy, Cry."