109. The Aftermath

My head pounded even before I opened my eyes, but the glare of the sun through my windows certainly didn't help. I had heard that the bubbly wasn't exactly good for a hangover, and considering this was my first one…

Wait. I remembered drinking—shit, had I gotten drunk with my parents of all people?

No, Steven was there. Even worse.

But after that? I couldn't really remember what happened. Hopefully I hadn't done anything stupid.

I didn't want to get up. But I would have to face the day as the new Champion and everything that came with it.


110. News to Me

"So, your father and I didn't realize you already knew the Champion. Or should I say former Champion?" my mom commented with a bit of a sly grin that morning over breakfast. "The two of you seemed to be close."

"Close?" I repeated, and I began to fix my hair if only because it would distract her from my red cheeks. "Really? I mean, sure, we know each other…"

She shrugged. "But, you know, he seemed a bit put off by something when he left yesterday. Did you two fight?"

Panicked, I choked, "I… I don't remember." Because I didn't.


111. Fame and Glory

Word spread quickly. In the two weeks that followed my victory over Steven, I had been on the cover of eight magazines, done fourteen interviews, and received two marriage proposals in the fan-mail I had gotten so far.

It made me realize that I was an actual idiot for not realizing Steven was the Champion. With all of the buzz that came with it, how could I have missed it?

Of course, it all made sense by the third week. The buzz died down and with it my popularity.

Maybe now I'd finally have time to go see Steven again.


112. Elusive

I couldn't find him anywhere. We always had the habit of just running into each other, and I figured that it might happen again.

But even Wallace didn't know where he was. "Steven's always been elusive. Don't be offended. I'm lucky if I hear from him once every month or two."

It wasn't an answer that satisfied me. Steven wasn't at home, and I wasn't bumping into him…

What had I said to him that night? What sort of idiot did I become when I was drunk? I could only imagine…

How long was I expected to wait for him?


Author's Note: So close, and yet so far—so close again, yet further! It's life, let me tell you.