Introduction and Acknowledgement
NOTE: This book is written with honour to the Lord God. Also, no part of this book or the entire book should be obtained without the writer's permission, because all rights are reserved. If any part of this book or the entire book is obtained and published without the original writer's permission, legal action will be implemented.
Chapter I
One of Spades
"Awake!"
Wait… what was that? Alice thought to herself.
"Awake!" the voice from the shadows commanded again.
"Where am I? And why is it so dark?" Alice asked, trembling with confusion.
"Alice! If you do not wake up this instant, I will be forced to fail your grades!" hissed Mr Johnson.
A loud laughter echoed across the classroom.
Wait… was I dreaming? Alice questioned herself.
"Wowww, Ms Hammington. Not only do you fail my class, but you also dare to sleep in my class?" Mr Johnson hissed. "Well? What excuse do you have for me this time? You do realize that the college entry exams are due tomorrow, and here I am trying to give tips on how to go about the exams, and yet you slept through the entire lesson."
"Sorry, sir, but the college exams are the reason I slept. I was up all night studying for it," Alice replied, but she was cut short by Mr Johnson.
"I am tired of your so-called late-night studying excuses. You always give that excuse not just in my class, but in other classes as well. As of course, I have heard from other teachers. And now I am sure you're going to fail, and who knows what happens to you afterwards," said Mr Johnson.
"You're right. I always give that excuse, but this time I am serious. I really was studying," Alice explained honestly.
"I do not care anymore. You're always late, failing, and sleeping in my class, so take yourself to your final detention this instant!" Mr Johnson exclaimed.
As soon as the bell rang, the entire classroom rushed out, no sooner than you could say "when." But Alice remained for detention.
She didn't really have friends. Her only friend was the dog back home. She lived with her mother; her parents had long separated. Her dad used to visit… well, until he got remarried. Alice had to do night-time jobs just to help support her mother with the bills.
"Hey, Alice. Why do you look so sad?" said Mrs Mwale, Alice's favourite teacher.
"Nothing really. I'm just so stressed about this exam and how so many people don't understand what really goes on with my life," Alice cried out.
"Ohhh, dear, don't cry," Mrs Mwale said as she wiped Alice's tears. "I understand your life has been tough, but I believe tomorrow will be the day you show all of them," Mrs Mwale said. " Here , take this" Mrs mwale reached out some cash notes to Alice.
"Take this cash and buy yourself something nice today. You should sit back and relax, dear," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Thank you so much, but I shouldn't," replied Mrs. Mwale.
"Just take it," said Mrs. Johnson.
"Thank you, ma'am," Alice thanked Mrs. Mwale.
Mrs. Mwale walked out of the dentation class and left. Alice finally felt better, and dentation which was just another session alone in class for four hours was finally over.
Alice stormed out of the classroom and the school, rushing to reach home in time.
As she was walking down the busy streets of St. Anton, a voice from behind said, "Hey dear, would you be kind enough to spare some cash? I promise I will give you something in return. I'm just really hungry."
Alice, with sympathy in her eyes, answered, "Of course, but you do not need to give me anything in return. Here, you can have five notes. It's all I have right now."
"Why, thank you dear. This will surely go a long way. But please, take this box of CARDS," answered the old man suspiciously.
As Alice reached out to obtain the box. CARDS.
Time itself seemed almost frozen. She couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Ummm, thank you ma'am," Alice said.
"You're welcome, dear. These cards will change your life permanently," responded the old lady.
Alice carried on with her journey, trying not to think about the cards too much.
"Finally, home," sighed Alice.
She reached the building which hosted the apartment she lived in. She entered through the main hall and headed towards the stairs. She climbed up and finally reached the apartment door. Using the spare keys, she opened the door.
The house was not really that impressive. The lights were dim, the ceiling leaked, and the walls were thin and cracked. You could literally hear the neighbours' snores at night. She didn't even have her own bedroom. Alice slept together with her mom on the same couch.
She hated this place, and she vowed to change the way she lived with her mother.
Alice walked up to the fridge and saw a note that said, "There is leftover pizza in the fridge. Enjoy. Love, Mom."
Alice got the pizza slice, placed it in the microwave, and began warming it as she sat down on the couch.
"I wonder why that old man was being so suspicious about this box of cards," Alice thought to herself. "But again, let me not get too confused. I would love to play them with my mother when she comes back home. It's been a while, honestly," said Alice.
As she opened the box, it was as if darkness crept near her. The number of cards was exact, but the cards were strange-looking. It felt as if the face cards were looking directly at her.
Then there was another card. It was plain white with words saying:
START GAME
"Start game?" Alice said questionably.
Everything instantly went dark.
Alice, wondering what was going on, heard a voice lound and commanding " Awake!!"