Shapster's Game of Life 2.0 [Closed-Started]
- Thread starter Shapsters
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"Yeah, I'm fine. Wait, Lyla has a beach house? Awesome, I never knew! What's it like?" Jenna deliberately changed the subject, steering away from anything that could lead the others to a conclusion about what had happened between her and Nathan.
Yeeeeeaaaah, You do not need to read all of that. Seriously, I was writing and couldn't stop. It's just more life
Drake had grabbed enough food for two carts and was ready to leave as he and Devaughn pushed them through the aisles. As they stood in line they got a small amount of glances and watched from some of the older people living there. Wondering why as they looked around they saw that the majority of the people shopping where middle aged and Caucasian. Drake looked over to Devaughn and could easily place the look on his face, annoyance. Drake guessed Devaughn would have figured the looks where due two the fact that there were not only two males shopping, but two young African American males. Drake was never one to play the race card so he waved it off. It wasn't until one of the people moved up to his cart and asked him something that Devaughn's eyes opened a bit.
"Excuse me young man. Why did you choose to pick up these spices rather than the ones across the aisle" The one who asked was a elderly woman who's creaky voice and use of the word "young man" would make you wanna just go 'Awww, what a sweet old lady.'
Smiling Drake realized that for a young adult his selection of food looked much healthier than most. Looking to her he smiled and gave a bit of an answer about enjoying cooking and keeping taste in the picture. Out the corner of his eye he saw a few families leave and come back switching a few of the things they had. After he was finished the old lady smiled and spoke, "Why thank you for the cooking lesson sonny. And May I say you speak very well."
By this time the food and everything was rung up and ready to go. Thanking the old lady Drake walked out and placed bags in the back of the car. He turned to Devaughn ans smiled "See Devaughn, this town is all about race man. I try to tell you that."
Devaughn wasn't amused, when it came to race issues he was just about as Radical as ever, "You do know why she said you speak well right? It's because she expects you to speak with a heavy slang."
Drake sighed hopping in the car. "Ugh, just shut up man. You got issues when it comes to that. You need to chill with the racist nonsense."
Devaughn stayed silent after that. Whenever Drake said that he knew he went too far as he did try to watch it. Changing the subject the sir a bit tense he figured he would poke at Drakes strings rather than have his own get tugged.
"So when was the last time you went out?"
"I went out this morning, when I walked to the store man."
"You know what I mean."
This is where Drake groaned, his mood shifts prevalent. "How many times do we have to go through this. I don't know anyone in this damn town alright."
"And you know how me and Sabrina feel about that. You know you need to know some people around here."
Drake's tone was getting a bit louder "Why? What purpose does it serve when they just go away later. The only reason you and Sabrina don't do the same is because we're family."
"That's not fair Drake. We do what we do for you because we realize how much your father has impacted your life, and not for better."
Despite the heavy tone in his voice you could tell he was torn thinking about it, "...Don't call him my father."
Sighing Devaughn pulled into the parking lot and began loading up the bags. "Fine...but the fact remains if you don't want to constantly see my face you need to make some friends. And since you aren't gonna do it yourself. I'm gonna have to help."
Drake was lost in his new mood, keeping his answers short and low, "Knock yourself out, don't expect me to help though."
Knowing Drake's set of moods Devaughn worriedly looked over to him as he held bags in his hand fumbling with keys. "Your shifting around Drake. Have you taken your medicine?"
"Yeah I have..."
"Just stay calm man. See what I mean. You need someone besides me to keep your mind occupied. You and I both know you need some friends."
Drake sighed as his body tinged slightly, the medicine kicking in. Groaning he leaned over slightly and looked up to Devaughn. "I know...I know. Just give me a moment,"
As her friends discussed the beach house and the beach party, Tori had gone silent, her mind had wondered off to a bad place, a place occupied by Rick. Ever since talking to Lucy, and the party, Tori had gained a lot of confidence when it came to breaking up with him, but why hadn't she done it yet? Sitting at the table, sipping her lemonade, she realized that the only way to break up with him was to just do it. Stand up to the jerk and just break up with him!
Tori abruptly stood up, she drank the rest of her lemonade and stepped away from the table,
"Uh, I will be back guys, I have to take care of something." she left 5 dollars on the table and walked toward her car, saying nothing more about where she was going.
She got into her car, with trembling hands she turned the ignition and started the car. She knew where Rick would be, he wasn't working so that means he was at the gym, and soon so would Tori.
Tori abruptly stood up, she drank the rest of her lemonade and stepped away from the table,
"Uh, I will be back guys, I have to take care of something." she left 5 dollars on the table and walked toward her car, saying nothing more about where she was going.
She got into her car, with trembling hands she turned the ignition and started the car. She knew where Rick would be, he wasn't working so that means he was at the gym, and soon so would Tori.
As Tori walked away a look of determination in her eye, Josh chuckled to himself, "Well it looks like I'll be walking home today, its gonna be a long walk."
"Okay, bye Tori." Micah said goodbye to another friend who was leaving. "Dropping like flies... Looks like Lyla or I will have to give you a ride home, Josh."
Micah continued eating, and then changed the subject.
"So how are liking the town so far?" Micah asked. "I've been to New York a few times before, it's different than this quaint little place. Although, the people are much nicer here, usually."
Micah continued eating, and then changed the subject.
"So how are liking the town so far?" Micah asked. "I've been to New York a few times before, it's different than this quaint little place. Although, the people are much nicer here, usually."
Ryan picked at the rest of his potato skins. "Damn, you really get a lot of these suckers for $7.00," he thought out loud to himself. He had just been sitting at the bar, drinking down a couple of beers, nibbling at the skins and watching the basketball game on display at the bar. Maryland was performing very well. He made a note of that on his phone, useful info to have come bracket time. The bar was relatively empty, but he heard a lot of noise coming from out on the patio. "I'll get this next beer in bottle form, mate." he told the bartender. "Think I want to step outside for a little bit."
After paying for his meal, Ryan took the bottle of Red Rock and the rest of his skins and stepped out onto the patio. He got a much better view of the sunset then he would have from the balcony. It seemed like it was just about to dip into the ocean. It was a far cry from Illinois, that was for sure. He looked around to see where the chatter was originating from, and he was pleasantly surprised to see it was a group of people around his age that was the source. "All right, Ryan, play it cool. Don't come off too desperate to meet people, you want to at least get a home game invite or another bracket pool out of this."
He walked over to the group, relieved to see a couple of empty chairs present. There were openings. "Hey," he started. "You guys look like you like food. Anyone want to take these potato skins off my hands? Kind of had eyes bigger then my stomach on this one, I think."
After paying for his meal, Ryan took the bottle of Red Rock and the rest of his skins and stepped out onto the patio. He got a much better view of the sunset then he would have from the balcony. It seemed like it was just about to dip into the ocean. It was a far cry from Illinois, that was for sure. He looked around to see where the chatter was originating from, and he was pleasantly surprised to see it was a group of people around his age that was the source. "All right, Ryan, play it cool. Don't come off too desperate to meet people, you want to at least get a home game invite or another bracket pool out of this."
He walked over to the group, relieved to see a couple of empty chairs present. There were openings. "Hey," he started. "You guys look like you like food. Anyone want to take these potato skins off my hands? Kind of had eyes bigger then my stomach on this one, I think."
"So far, I'm not minding it here, though it seems I've walked onto a little bit of something right now," Josh smiled, "You're right it's more personal in this city than New York, which is a good and a bad thing I suppose."
"Loaded potato skins?" Micah asked, eying the thick chips piled with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives. He looked down at his own plate of wings, he had finished most of his medium-heat, but there were still about ten or so of the mild.
"Just put'em on the table." Micah said. "Someone's bound to finish them or take them home. Here, have a seat."
Micah pulled out one of the empty chairs and motioned for the guy to come on over.
"Being at a restaurant isn't as much fun alone." Micah said.
"Just put'em on the table." Micah said. "Someone's bound to finish them or take them home. Here, have a seat."
Micah pulled out one of the empty chairs and motioned for the guy to come on over.
"Being at a restaurant isn't as much fun alone." Micah said.
"Of course they're loaded. Can't have potato skins any other way!" Ryan put the tray in the middle and grabbed the seat being offered.
"Yeah, it isn't, not unless you got the funds to make it fun, but when you're new in town, you kinda don't have a choice, you know what I mean?" Ryan said, answering Micah's question. "I'm Ryan by the way, just so, you know, you can call me something other then 'Random potato skins guy.'"
"Yeah, it isn't, not unless you got the funds to make it fun, but when you're new in town, you kinda don't have a choice, you know what I mean?" Ryan said, answering Micah's question. "I'm Ryan by the way, just so, you know, you can call me something other then 'Random potato skins guy.'"
"Hi Ryan, I'm Lyla. It's a pleasure to meet you." Lyla finished off her lemonade and put it to the side. When Tori left Lyla had an idea of where she was going. Hope everything goes well for her. She needs to dump Rick A.S.A.P.
"Today sure has been interesting..."
"Today sure has been interesting..."
The gravity in Drakes apartment hadn't loosened yet as the food was slowly being put away. Things had sometimes ended like this, with Drake having to calm down. Drake hated it as much as Devaughn did. He knew his cousin meant well but sometimes his words were uncontrollable. He just didn't want anyone else to leave him.
"Look Devaughn, I won't blame it on my condition. I was upset, I'm sorry."
Devaughn looked over to him with a slight smile,"It's just as much my fault man. I know how you feel talking about you fa-Sebastian." He quickly caught himself.
"Thanks man." Drake picked up a nearby remote and turned on his stereo system. The speakers were set up all around the apartment so the entire area was filled with smooth jazz. The only thing to really calm him down short of pills.
Devaughn grinned, "You still need to get some girls in here. You already have the place rigged like a club."
Drake let out a genuine laugh, "What about you? You complain but you don't bring any over."
"Cause, not my place, not my job." Devaughn said as he folded his arms.
"Weak excuses man." Drake laughed as he finished putting the rest of the food away.
"Whatever, lets hit the gym and blow off some steam. Then we can do some friend work, agreed." Devaughn looked at him with a slightly serious face holding out his hand.
Drake groaned, he knew Devaughn was only looking out for him though. He was beginning to be a bit more alone around here, and it was getting to him. He didn't want to stack another complex along him and he was sure Devaughn was thinking the same way.
"Agreed." Drake dapped him up and they changed clothes ready to hit the gym.
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As they arrived they saw it was actually pretty empty. Devaughn went to go sign themselves in as Drake handed him his membership card. As Devaughn walked away Drake felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. He sighed slightly as he turned and saw Rick leaning on his shoulder. Rick was slightly bigger than him but it was mainly due to Ricks constant weight-lifting. He couldn't stand Rick for a good amount of reason. The most noticeable was his treatment of his girlfriend Victoria. He constantly bragged about how he had her on a tight leash and everything. However he was one of the only people in the town that talked to him. Even if it was to comment on his small muscles. Rick spoke is his ignorant voice that rang in his ear.
"So brotha, are you gonna stop influencing the stereotype and hit the weights with me finally."
Drake couldn't be anymore annoyed at his comments. It was always straight for the black and basketball jokes with him. He let it slide though as he replied.
"Until you can shoot a free throw without having to go under your legs, you can't talk shit brotha. Besides, you need to lift without me so you can get on my level."
"Like your stronger than me!"
Drake always ended his sentences to Rick with that snobbish overtone, he felt he had to just to return the snarky attitude. Normally it would catch Rick off guard and he would leave, today was no different. Rick scoffed and moved away from him as he headed to the weight room across from the courts. You had to walk through them to get to the weight room. Devaughn was already standing there waiting as Drake ran up.
"That white dude give you any trouble man."
"Hell no, he just like any other monkey. Outsmart it and it goes away. Now ball up!"
"Look Devaughn, I won't blame it on my condition. I was upset, I'm sorry."
Devaughn looked over to him with a slight smile,"It's just as much my fault man. I know how you feel talking about you fa-Sebastian." He quickly caught himself.
"Thanks man." Drake picked up a nearby remote and turned on his stereo system. The speakers were set up all around the apartment so the entire area was filled with smooth jazz. The only thing to really calm him down short of pills.
Devaughn grinned, "You still need to get some girls in here. You already have the place rigged like a club."
Drake let out a genuine laugh, "What about you? You complain but you don't bring any over."
"Cause, not my place, not my job." Devaughn said as he folded his arms.
"Weak excuses man." Drake laughed as he finished putting the rest of the food away.
"Whatever, lets hit the gym and blow off some steam. Then we can do some friend work, agreed." Devaughn looked at him with a slightly serious face holding out his hand.
Drake groaned, he knew Devaughn was only looking out for him though. He was beginning to be a bit more alone around here, and it was getting to him. He didn't want to stack another complex along him and he was sure Devaughn was thinking the same way.
"Agreed." Drake dapped him up and they changed clothes ready to hit the gym.
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As they arrived they saw it was actually pretty empty. Devaughn went to go sign themselves in as Drake handed him his membership card. As Devaughn walked away Drake felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. He sighed slightly as he turned and saw Rick leaning on his shoulder. Rick was slightly bigger than him but it was mainly due to Ricks constant weight-lifting. He couldn't stand Rick for a good amount of reason. The most noticeable was his treatment of his girlfriend Victoria. He constantly bragged about how he had her on a tight leash and everything. However he was one of the only people in the town that talked to him. Even if it was to comment on his small muscles. Rick spoke is his ignorant voice that rang in his ear.
"So brotha, are you gonna stop influencing the stereotype and hit the weights with me finally."
Drake couldn't be anymore annoyed at his comments. It was always straight for the black and basketball jokes with him. He let it slide though as he replied.
"Until you can shoot a free throw without having to go under your legs, you can't talk shit brotha. Besides, you need to lift without me so you can get on my level."
"Like your stronger than me!"
Drake always ended his sentences to Rick with that snobbish overtone, he felt he had to just to return the snarky attitude. Normally it would catch Rick off guard and he would leave, today was no different. Rick scoffed and moved away from him as he headed to the weight room across from the courts. You had to walk through them to get to the weight room. Devaughn was already standing there waiting as Drake ran up.
"That white dude give you any trouble man."
"Hell no, he just like any other monkey. Outsmart it and it goes away. Now ball up!"
"Nice to meet you too, Lyla," Ryan said, returning the greetings. He took a long drink from the bottle of beer he had and set it back down on the table. He thought about the comment she made after that. "Interesting, huh? That's an interesting way of putting it."
Ryan couldn't help analyzing everything everyone else said. It's how he made his money. If someone was going to talk to him at the table, they better be real good at hiding their intentions, because even a slight off-hand comment about how the waitress has legs that won't quit could tell him how interested in their cards that person was.
"She kind of trailed off at the end there, almost a sigh. This interesting thing must be heavy, lot of drama in it. There's a lot going on in this group. Now I'm interested. And this can't be everyone. Too many chairs left pulled out. The real good stuff must be happening at another venue. Let's see if I can't get further, see what this is."
"Yeah, its been that kind of a day," he said, "I mean, like I said, I just got into the city myself, been kinda settling in. Course living the hotel lifestyle, I guess you get used to it eventually." Doesn't mean it's a good lifestyle though. "So what do you guys do around here for fun? Gotta be something right?"
Ryan couldn't help analyzing everything everyone else said. It's how he made his money. If someone was going to talk to him at the table, they better be real good at hiding their intentions, because even a slight off-hand comment about how the waitress has legs that won't quit could tell him how interested in their cards that person was.
"She kind of trailed off at the end there, almost a sigh. This interesting thing must be heavy, lot of drama in it. There's a lot going on in this group. Now I'm interested. And this can't be everyone. Too many chairs left pulled out. The real good stuff must be happening at another venue. Let's see if I can't get further, see what this is."
"Yeah, its been that kind of a day," he said, "I mean, like I said, I just got into the city myself, been kinda settling in. Course living the hotel lifestyle, I guess you get used to it eventually." Doesn't mean it's a good lifestyle though. "So what do you guys do around here for fun? Gotta be something right?"
"Well, there's word that there's going to be some kind of beach party sometime soon." Micah answered Ryan. "Which goes right along with the mandatory intoxication, inebriation, flirtation, mastication, and fornication."
Micah smiled at his own little attempt at humor.
"The beer will flow like water, that's for sure." Micah commented. "My name's Micah, by the way."
Micah smiled at his own little attempt at humor.
"The beer will flow like water, that's for sure." Micah commented. "My name's Micah, by the way."
"Haha, that sounds like my kind of time, Micah!" Ryan laughed, taking another swig of his own beer. "I've never even been to an honest-to-god beach party. Not many opportunities for that out in the Midwest, you know? Unless you want to party right next to the beautiful chemical factory. Although it does make the sand glow up real nice at night." Nice one. "But yeah, that sounds awesome. Whenever you know the timing on it, let me know, here, pop your number in here." He slid his Instinct over to Micah, contact book already on the screen, so he could enter the number.
After Jenna had returned to the table, Nathan had taken a minute to recollect himself. Leaning against the smooth wooden counter spotted with condensation rings, he found his mind straying to the outside weather. Tori had mentioned a beach party- was this really the best time for that? Now?
Heaving a sigh, he looked at the watch on his wrist, bound by a thick leather band. The hands read just past noon. Glancing back at the group, Nate was able to see Tori leave from the patio exit and head toward her car. He frowned. We've only been here a few minutes and she's leaving already. What's going on?
Pulling out his phone, he quickly found her name in his contacts and sent a small text: Where are you off to?. With a final look at Jenna, he turned and left through the front door, running a hand through his hair. Time to catch up on the three days he had missed.
Heaving a sigh, he looked at the watch on his wrist, bound by a thick leather band. The hands read just past noon. Glancing back at the group, Nate was able to see Tori leave from the patio exit and head toward her car. He frowned. We've only been here a few minutes and she's leaving already. What's going on?
Pulling out his phone, he quickly found her name in his contacts and sent a small text: Where are you off to?. With a final look at Jenna, he turned and left through the front door, running a hand through his hair. Time to catch up on the three days he had missed.
Micah entered his phone number into Ryan's phone, and then called his own phone with Ryan's.
"There... I'll be sure to call you, then." Micah said, winking. "So what brings you here, anyway? You backpacking, or something?"
"There... I'll be sure to call you, then." Micah said, winking. "So what brings you here, anyway? You backpacking, or something?"
"Something like that," Ryan said, returning the phone to his pocket. Do I really want to trot out the story now? Ah it can't hurt right? These guys seem cool enough. But still, don't want them to think I'm some sort of sleaze, only out for their money......Ah, I'll give 'em half. "I don't really have a fixed address at the moment so I'm traveling around the country, just, you know, taking in the sights, only just started heading out East last year, this is the next stop on my magical mystery tour of the USA."
Once again, sorry for the delay.
"Sure, sounds like it could be a laugh," Jenna said between bites. She finished the wing, only noticing Ryan as she set the remains down and took another. "Oh, hi. Haven't seen you before. Name's Jenna." She began to offer a hand to shake, but took one look at it and immediately grabbed a serviette to clean the grease off her fingers. A few seconds later she extended her clean hand to Ryan.