The Game (31 page)

  We leave the beach and go shower in our room, relaxing for the next couple hours and taking a nap. It’s going to be a long night; they usually are. After his talks, Trew and I mingle with the attendees, listening to stories and discussing the specifics of our beliefs. Sometimes we encounter skeptics, but more often we meet people who sincerely believe in our message and can’t wait to tell us how their lives have been changed since learning about our movement. Long nights, but extremely enjoyable.

  We go downstairs to the main conference area and head backstage about an hour before the talk is scheduled to start. Trew is shown to a room to put his makeup on (not a part of the job that he particularly likes), and I go in with him to sit and talk. We just love to be together. All these years and I’m not even remotely sick of that man. He’s just as excited to be with me. It’s like the more time we spend together, the more time we
want
to spend together. Sure, we both do our own things, which is important for couples to do, but when it comes right down to it, ask us each where we want to be more than any other place in the world and we always choose to be together.

  Raphael and Stephanie are in his makeup room when we enter, and everyone hugs, covering points about the upcoming talk.

  The next hour is filled with what has now become routine stuff, greeting the planner of the event, going over any logistics or details that need to be addressed, discussing the meet and greet session that will take place after the event — minor but important stuff.

  Then it’s time. I stand on one side of the stage, preferring to be in the wings rather than in the limelight. Someone from the host group comes on and introduces Trew, pumping up the crowd and building excitement, then he’s introduced. With a kiss and hug for me, he puts on his winning smile and walks onto the stage to greet his fans and give his talk.

  The crowd is a group of wealthy people from different parts of the world. I’m not sure how they all found each other, but that’s part of the magic of this movement. If you have a powerful message and it resonates with people, then they’ll do the majority of the work to gather together.

  The next two hours pass smoothly. Crowd trouble is a rare occurrence for us; Raphael says it’s an indicator that we’re on the right track and attracting the correct crowd. I know he has a small but efficient security force in place to spot any trouble before it starts.

  Trew always opens the floor for questions at the end of his talks. We all know what a fan Trew is of questions. The third question of the night quickly gets our attention.

  “Why don’t you all just kill yourselves, then?” The voice asking the question is deep and menacing. It feels like darkness. I peek out to get a look at the man. He’s well dressed and tall. Spanish looking, dark and fit. “If you all believe you’re in a computer simulation, just kill yourselves to get back to wherever it is you’re really living.”

  I hear Raphael hiss softly behind me and Stephanie puts her hand firmly on my shoulder, pushing me behind her. “You recognize that man, Trew?” Raphael whispers into a small handset which is wired to a microphone in Trew’s ear. Trew looks over briefly and nods with a small smile. He makes a signal indicating that everything is fine. Raphael grumbles into the microphone but stands beside me, glaring at the man talking to Trew.

  “Who is that?” I ask. “You know him?”

  “It’s Carl.” Stephanie says, watching the man intensely. “What’s he up to, Raph? I don’t like him so close to Trew.”

  Raphael continues to watch Carl, looking for some sign of danger.

  I hear Trew answering Carl’s question. “Killing ourselves is not an option I would recommend, friend. All religions agree on this point, and here's why I don't suggest it from a Game point of view. If you’re playing a game, it’s for some type of reward or prize, right?”

  Carl smiles and I shudder. He looks insane, like he wants to take a bite out of Trew. “Some type of prize, yes,” he says smoothly.

  Trew nods. “So if the only way to claim your prize is to finish the game, and you get nothing for quitting halfway through, what would the average player do?”

  “So you’re saying,” Carl asks. There’s an innocent tone to his voice that sounds…
frightening,
somehow. “If you start a game, make certain to play to the very final moment?”

  “I’m saying don’t give up. Don’t quit right before the finish line. Everyone gets some reward for finishing; of course, the better you play, the better your reward. But I believe that in this Game we live in, it’s always better to play the Game until the finish. Sometimes it’s not possible, and that’s very sad. I don’t judge those who end their game before it’s done, but I encourage everyone to run right to the end.”

  Carl runs his hand over his cheek, rubbing his chin in thought. “Makes perfect sense, boss. I was seriously considering quitting before coming here tonight, but you’ve helped me realize there’s no way I can. Thanks, friend.” Carl turns and strolls towards the door.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Trew says.

  Carl doesn’t bother to turn around, he just waves his hand and says loud enough for the room to hear, “Not today, Junior. Perhaps another time.”

  I look behind me, but Raphael is already gone. Off to hunt Carl down, I hope. I almost fall down as I gasp for air. I guess during the interaction, I forgot to breathe.

  “Hun, we are going to finish this event and leave immediately,” Stephanie says.

  I look at her and can tell that there’s no use trying to talk her out of it. “What was that all about?” I ask.

  Stephanie looks worriedly at Trew, then back to me. “Hopefully nothing, Danni,” she says. “Hopefully nothing.”

Chapter 60

  “Belief is a remarkable thing. If we believe that we can do something, we can. If we believe that we can’t do something, then we can’t. Our belief system limits us, shaping our entire lives, as well as the lives of those around us. In order for any progress to be made, a Heretic is required.

  Heretics do not share the common beliefs of the masses, they think bigger. They are scorned and mocked and laughed at for their strange beliefs, yet still they believe. People challenge them, scoff at them, dismiss them as absurd. Yet still they believe. Time passes and sometimes others join the Heretic, one or two at first, and then even more begin to tag along.

  When enough time has passed, if the Heretic has been particularly persistent in their beliefs and persuasive in their ability to share the message they believe in, the Heretic disappears. Where once a lonely believer of strange ideas had stood, now stands a visionary thinker, a remarkable person who had the strength and wisdom to look at the world differently; a person who leads us to a better understanding of the universe, and a deeper view of ourselves.

  Our limits increase; we advance and prosper.

  Thanks to the Heretic... and thanks to Belief.”

  Excerpt from “A Players’ Handbook for the Game of Life”

  Trew Radfield – avatar

Trew - 39

  “Ten years ago I thought I couldn’t have a better birthday, Danni, but look what we’ve accomplished in the last decade. Look where we sit tonight!”

  I raise my glass of French red wine and Danni raises hers to me, smiling that beautiful smile that melts my heart and so often makes my mind stop racing. I look past her and see the lights of Paris below us. The breeze is mild and warm tonight, we are the only two people sitting at the top level of the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a romantic meal while violins play softly in the background. Two waiters stand far enough away to not hear us, but close enough should we require anything.

  “I’m glad you like it, babe. It gets harder each year to find a better gift for you, and tougher to surprise you.”

  She’s wearing a blood red dress, her hair curled and bouncing on her bare shoulders. Diamonds glitter around her throat, matching earrings dangling like cold fire from her ears.  She gets more beautiful every day. I look around slowly, just soaking up the moment. Life is really about moments; they come too rarely and they leave too soon. We have had so many incredible moments throughout our lives, but I never want to take a single one of them for granted. I finish by allowing my eyes to come to rest on her. “Come dance with me, sweet girl.” I stand up and walk to her, holding her chair while she gracefully stands up.

  We move towards the little makeshift dance floor and start to dance. Nothing fancy, but it feels good.

  “Happy early birthday, Trew.” She kisses me. I still feel the electricity and the tingles, exactly like the first time we kissed.

  “Sneaky girl,” I say. “How’s a boy to guess at his surprises when you don’t even give them on the correct day?”

  She laughs, “I will always surprise you, hun. Even if I have to spring it on you six months from the actual date.”

  I dip her and she giggles in surprise. “Six months from the actual date, huh?” I say. “So that means you’re going to get me my Christmas surprise in June?”

  “If that’s what it takes.”

  We dance until the song ends, then go to the balcony to look out over the city. “It’s magical, Danni,” I say. “Thank you so much. It will make tomorrow seem like a boring, normal day in comparison.”

  “Oh, please.” Danni raises her eyebrows at me. “Tomorrow is going to be a major celebration for the digital prophet, Trew Radfield. The man who has shown the world a better way to think about — well, about
everything
. People will line up outside just to catch a glimpse of you.”

  “A glimpse of
us,
” I say seriously.

  “Pfft, not us. Just you, babe. But that’s exactly how I want it. I have lots of work to do and you’re the man on the stage. I’m happy to do my thing from the sidelines.”

  “Yeah, it should be okay,” I say doubtfully.

  “Trew!” She laughs and slaps my chest gently, leaving her hand resting on me. “It’s a birthday bash in a real German castle! There will be thousands of people there, and the event will be televised.”

  “I know. It’s too much,” I say with concern.

  “It’s fine,” Danni says. “The movement has exploded. We have a worldwide following of how many now?”

  “Millions,” I say.

  “Over
forty
million,” she confirms. “We are helping so many people. They love you, and me; I know that, but
you’re
the leader, the one who sees where we all come from, and where we all go. You’ve given the hopeless a reason to hope. You’ve fed the hungry by the millions, and you continue to inspire the world to be a better place.”

  “Did you ever think it would get this big, Danni?” I ask.

  “No.” She shakes her head. “I thought it would be much
bigger
by now. But my husband is a bit of a slacker. He prefers to spend too much time hugging and kissing his wife and ignoring the
real
important things in the world.”

  I pull her close and kiss her again, this time a long one. I wait until I’m dizzy before I stop, and I can tell she’s dizzy too.

  “You
are
my world, Danni,” I say seriously. “If you weren’t with me doing this, then I wouldn’t have done it.”

  “I feel the same, Trew.” She hugs me, then looks at me with sympathy. “It’s just a shame that tomorrow you’ll be an old man. Only a few good useful years left in you now that you’re turning 40. I guess we should get you measured up for a home and wheelchair.”

  I laugh and reach out to grab her, but she dances away lightly. “Very funny, lady! You’re almost as old as me. Maybe we can get a wheelchair built for two!”

  “
Almost,
but not quite,” she says playfully. “Besides, I’m going to live another 100 years after I turn 40.”

  “Really?” I ask.

  “Of course,” she says. “Remember those chicken cells that lived way longer than they were supposed to? Well, if a chicken can do it, then so can a human. It just takes belief, which I have plenty of. Add some talent and knowledge that the computer that runs this universe can be communicated with, and presto! It should be no problem.”

  “Hmm. I think you’re on to something there, lover,” I say seriously.

  “Of course I am,” she says. “What do you think? Want to join me? Live another 100 years? Can you put up with me for that long?”

  “Yes,” I say cheerfully. “I most certainly can!”

Chapter 61

Trew - 40

  Today was certainly busier than yesterday’s intimate celebration, but I have to admit, this birthday bash wasn’t as bad as I had feared it would be.

  We flew from Paris to Germany late last night (early this morning, actually) and fell asleep together in our penthouse suite. Danni said she was getting tired of fancy hotels. I laughed at first, but then paused to consider it and then agreed with her. I promised her when we get home we’ll hang out in our modest little 3,000 square foot cabin for a couple of weeks.

  This morning we were up early to have breakfast with our family, who had flown in to be with us. We’re so blessed to have all our parents still living and in good health. My sister brought her husband and kids as well; the little brat grew up into an awesome lady and her kids are wonderful. Of course, Stephanie and Raphael were there, too. My Dad always cracks jokes about Raphael and Stephanie looking horrible for their age and offering to share his beauty secrets with them. They look the same age as they did when I was just a little boy; one of the perks of being an Eternal. I wouldn’t accept the job; the price is just too high, in my opinion, but they are part of our family and I’m glad to have them with us.

  The afternoon was busy, moving from venue to venue, shaking hands and meeting with the thousands of followers who travelled long distances to celebrate with me but weren’t able to come to the actual event. Even castles can only hold so many people.

  The crowd at the castle was huge. The organizers brought in famous bands to play for us, and the meal was class A. The entire night I was on top of the world, smiling and holding hands with my bride. I could see that she was proud of me, and I glowed every time someone complimented her.