Chapter 1 Beware of The Old Lady

"It's here! Really here." My friend gasped and shook me back and forth.

I covered my ears and glanced around the game shop. All around us, girls were going crazy about this new game called 'Choose your Prince' I snorted at the stupidity of the title and the game. I mean seriously, what kind of fool would name their game as stupid as that? It's just a cheap Otome game.

The more that I see these girls rushing in the store in hopes to buy their copy, the more I got pissed. Shame on you all! I screamed in my mind. Why waste your parent's money for something so useless!

"Do you really have to go, Jen?" I asked. Really annoyed by her screams.

"Why yes, Rose. I do. If you're a normal teenage girl then you would do the same." she said.

I rolled my eyes and sighed "Yeah. And if you were a smart girl then you would keep that money of yours and buy yourself some cake instead." I said.

"No way. I have waited for this day to come! I need to get that game." Her eyes sparkled as she gazed dreamily at the poster where the banner of the game was posted. I rolled my eyes. "If you badly needed the game, then why did you drag me along?"

"Because you're my friend." I stared at her. Not believing that it was the only reason why she brought me here. She rolled her eyes when she saw my look. "Fine. You're supposed to be the sacrifice to those girls if I have some trouble getting a copy. I want you to tackle any girl that gets in my way."

"Jen!"

"What? That's what friends are for, right?" She gave me an innocent grin in which I countered with a glare. The nerve of this girl. She was willing to sacrifice her one and only friend for a game. But her purpose was clear. I'm doomed if I don't find a way out of here.

Knowing her, I can't convince her to change her mind on not buying the game.

And now I wish I had a few more friends instead of one. It's my fault anyways why I don't have that many friends.

"Jen? Do you mind if I look around for a while?"

"Planning on ditching me again huh? Come on, Rose. Live a little." She said without looking at me. She knows how much I hate the crowd and she knows me too well to know that I don't have the patience for these kinds of stuff.

I sighed tiredly at her, looking at the crowd of teenage girls gathering around the shop. I wrinkled my nose at the idea of going in there. For all I know I might not be able to get back in one piece after I charge in there. "Seriously, Jen. You can't expect me to go there with you. You know how I feel about being crowded." I admitted. Just imagine yourself charging inside of the store full of rabid girls fighting for the chance to get their hands on the game.

Since when did dating simulation games become so popular?

She puckered her lips and begged me with her eyes. "Won't you do it for a friend?"

"No."

"I might need some backup."

"Not my problem."

She looked at me then sighed with resignation. "Fine. But if you ever beg me to lend you the game, expect a big NO to it. Some friend you are! Leaving your friend all alone...."

I stifled a laugh. "Sorry, Jen. I'll make it up to you - And don't give me that look or try to guilt me with our friendship. It's not working. And besides, mom and dad are going out on a date leaving Stella alone."

She let out a huff. "You're choosing a 7 year old kid over me?"

"A 7 years old kid who is my sister? Yes."

She stared at me for a few moments before it registered in her mind that I would - and never will - come with her on her foolish adventure to get her game. "Fine. You have my permission to leave." She waved me off with her hand. "But you must know that you owe me a drink from Barkbucks after this."

I patted her on the back. "Sorry, Jen. Maybe you should look for a boyfriend instead. That way you won't need a game and you'll have another companion." She reached out and attempted to slap me. I laughed and moved away from her attack.

"Yeah yeah get out. Just say hello to Stella for me." I nodded at her as I went out of the shop. I tried to be as casual as I could until I was pretty sure that I was far from that place as possible. Once I was a good distance away, I checked my right then my left.

"Yes!" I whoop and yelled, causing a lot of people to stare at me. I starred back at them. How dare they stare at me. Haven't they seen a happy person before?

In any case, I can finally go home and watch some movies, preferably scifi movies. I don't know why but for some reason I have become addicted to it. I have this whole bunch of collections in my room that I kept hidden from Jen. Knowing her, she'd throw them in the trash and replace them with a bunch of romance chick flicks.

I looked around the mall, trying to find something to eat. Maybe I could just buy some popcorn or something. Better yet, cake or ice cream. Stella would definitely love ice cream. Now would be the perfect time since mom and dad wouldn't be home until tomorrow.

Seriously, after I reach the age of 17, they always have their weekly dates like teenagers. And yet they wouldn't allow me to even date.

Not that I really care.

I paused when I saw a woman tripping on her grocery bags. Judging from her silver hair and wrinkled fingers she was definitely old. A bunch of fruits and other stuff rolled out of her shopping bag and she struggled to pick them up. I couldn't help but notice that none of the people seemed to notice this or even cared. They could at least have help her out.

What is wrong with this world? Don't they feel pity for the woman? I mean, she's right in front of them and yet they acted as if they didn't see her.

What is she? Invisible?

I changed my direction and grabbed one of the fallen pieces of apple, which happened to roll in front of me. I gathered them in my arms as much as I could. Seeing as I couldn't carry no more, I made my way and handed the fruits to her.

She grabbed them from me with wrinkled hands and gave me a kind smile. "Oh thank you child" she said.

"No problem." I said and eyed her grocery bag. No wonder she tripped. "That's a lot of bags for you to carry, are you sure you're alright with that?"

"Yes I am. By the way, child. I saw you coming out of that game shop over there. Were you interested in that game?" She asked.

I looked behind me to the shop, which was currently crowded for sure. I'm pretty sure that one of them is Jen. Although I couldn't really see her right now.

She must be dead.

I cringed at the sight of the shop. "No way."

The old woman chuckled. Her silver hair falling from her bun. "Oh? And why so?"

I shrugged "It's strange. At least for me that is. I mean, sure it's kind of interesting? but what happens when you finish the game? Game over. That's it."

She nodded as if she were digesting my words. "Indeed it will." She said in wonder. "But wouldn't it all be worth it once you have played? Who knows? Things might get interesting."

I raised an eyebrow at her in confusion. "What do you mean by interesting, granny?"

"The game. Aren't you the least bit curious of what's in it?" Okay, is it me or is this old woman here the old version of Jen? Anyone? "Sure. But right now the only thing I'm curious about is how much that game will cost me my lunch." I said and glanced at my watch. It was already 1 in the afternoon. Once again, I looked at the old woman and offered her a smile. "As much as I love chatting with you. I believe that I should be heading home to my sister."

She chuckled "Well as a token of my gratitude, please take this." She handed me some sort of charm.

"Take it child. It is a token of my appreciation. It's a good luck charm." she said.

"Ma'am, you need luck more than I do. I can't take it." I said politely.

"Take it."

"...no"

"Come on child. I know you want to." She bribed. WTH!?

"Um, no. I don't want to..."

"Take.It." She said through gritted teeth.

"Uhhh....n-"

"TAKE IT!" She shouted angrily.

I quickly took it.

She smiled victoriously. "Good. Now just imagine that it has some sort of magic that can make your wish come true, dearie. Oh and don't give it away. I'll know if you do." She winked before walking off.

Weird.

In a haste, I kept the charm hidden in my bag and hurried home before I encounter any more of these weird old people in this place. I swear, people are just insane whether they be young or old.

On my way, I couldn't help but get the feeling that I was being watched.