SWNOVELS Chapter 3: At the Chess Club.
Later the same day, I was playing chess against Eric. Chess itself was just a reason to meet up in a safe and friendly environment. Eric didn’t know that we were related, that we had the same father. I had withheld the information from him, because I had foreseen that telling him the truth would not be a clever idea. Either he would believe that I was a crazy liar, or I would destroy the memory of his father, Marvin Orchard. Eric had a glorified image of his father, who died when he was only a couple of months old. Destroying that image, by claiming that his father had an affair a few months before his death, was not the way to go.
I enjoyed spending time with my half-brother. Although, because he didn’t know that we were siblings, he tried to kiss me once, and I freaked out.
This day, I decided to lose the chess game in 37 moves. My mental connection to the True Maker made chess too easy for me to win. Even the highest difficulty level on the computer wasn’t a challenge. But losing in a certain number of moves was a lot more challenging, as it takes more brainpower to lose a game in a certain way than to win. I had to manoeuvre the game, and I could feel how it widened my thought-pattern.
After acing the target of losing in 37 moves, I smiled at Eric and complimented him on what a good match it was.“Well played Eric, you beat me again,” I said. He looked back at me, but he didn’t look pleased with winning the game.
“Sabina, stop letting me win on purpose. That’s not how real life works!” Eric said
I faked my surprise and replied, “I am not letting you win. Why would you say such a thing?”
“I saw you beat the AI at the holographic chessboard competition the other day. You defeated the AI at the Kasparov difficulty level, the most difficult chess games ever made.” Eric revealed
I looked at Eric and decided to come out clean. I laughed and said, “Yes, you are right. I did lose on purpose. But that’s because I enjoy spending time with you.”
“You like to spend time with me, but you are lying to me?” Eric asked indignantly.
I decided that this was far enough. I grabbed Eric’s hand and looked deep into his eyes. “I did not lie to you, I let you win to build your confidence. Unfortunately, you were too smart for me and saw through it.”
Eric sighed, and said, “Ignorance is bliss. I would rather not know that you lost to me on purpose.”
“It sure is!” I replied while smiling cheekily.
I changed to a lighter topic and said, “So Eric, do you want to come with me to Joshua’s party on Friday night? Lindsey will be there.” I winked at Eric, and, for a moment, I could see a smile in his eyes before he fell into melancholy again.
“Did Joshua really invite me to his party? He doesn’t even like me,” Eric said sceptically.
“Well technically, he invited me. You are coming as my sidekick, so I can help you get closer to Lindsey.” I replied and winked.
Eric gave me a concerned look. “Thank you, Sabina. But I am worried about you. Joshua is obsessed with you. You don’t want to hear the things he says about you.”
“You’re right about that,” I said casually.
After a short silence, I reassured Eric that it was alright to go to Joshua’s party. I smiled at him and spoke, “Look, Eric. I am aware that Joshua is very keen to have sex with me. But I can handle myself, and I am happy that he doesn’t have an emotional bond to me. I hate hurting people.” I looked at my wristwatch and spoke. “I need to go home now, but I will see you on Friday. It will be a lot of fun.”
As I walked home, I thought about what Eric had said about Joshua. Should I go to the party or not? I don’t like parties nor being around people, taking recreational drugs to alter their minds. I was happy with my mind, the way it was. Drinking tea and studying the intricate design and beauty of flowers was a lot more interesting than taking drugs. If I wanted to experience physical closeness and fantastic sex with someone. I’d rather experience that with my full awareness.
As I came home, I told the AI in my room to turn on my favourite music album, “The Best of Chopin,”. I found peace from the perfect balance and harmony, that only good music can bring.