Chapter 1: The Beginning

"Wake up, Alex!"

"Uhm... um, what happened?"

"What happened? It's been 3 times that I tried to wake you up but you kept sleeping. And now you're late for classes-

"But classes are online, mom so-

"So, you can slack off?"

Alex rolled his eyes. Although he knew he was wrong and he was tired. Also, he knew it was hopeless to argue with his mother so he decided to act properly.

"Sorry mom, let me get ready. I have classes to attend" said Alex as he smiled casually as his usual self.

"That's better. Now go, you are already late 5 minutes."

"What-

Alex rushed towards the bathroom, not to take a bath but just to brush his teeth so that he can enjoy his favorite cup of coffee during online classes. Soon he was sitting dressed appropriately for the event of online classes at the expense of losing the first period. But he couldn't care less. It didn't matter as during online tests he used to cheat all time to get marks. He wasn't a bad student, but online classes had made him wasted. He didn't use to study, generally browsing the internet during the classes or watching youtube videos of videogame gameplays and walkthroughs.

"So, in today's class- wait I have an announcement! And trust me it's good news"

Alex could not trust Mr. Alerkson anymore. Christopher Alerkson, or generally known by his students as 'Mr. Alerkson', could not be anymore notorious. Because of this reason, a lot of students-including Alex- used to call him 'Mr. Sadistson'.

"Guess what you guys are going to come to school for...giving exams!!!" While giving the information Mr. Alerkson jumped a little in excitement.

"All of you are going to struggle, especially those who think they can cheat Me. Hah! On your face" He also started to laugh hysterically, but soon gained his composure when he noticed the students getting uncomfortable.

"Oh, I am very sorry. I lost my shi*- I mean composure. Haha"

Soon after the class ended and the students continued with their other classes, but not Alex. He froze the moment he heard the notice. He could not think of a situation where he will not fail.

'What will I say to my mom and to my dad…'

He was lost in his thoughts when his door opened gently.

"Alex, here is your coffee. For my studious boy"

Alex could only smile sadly. His mom did a lot for him, also she was a teacher herself but he was just a fraud. He could only describe himself as a hypocrite and nothing else than a liar. Then was his dad. He did everything in his control for his son. How could he see the sadness in their eyes when he will fail in his exams? He was feeling extremely tensed. All the time he had wasted till now, how will he ever recover them? A lot of questions came to his mind. What is he gonna do now?

Beep*Beep*

His phone vibrated indicating an SMS. He looked into the phone, and he read the message.

"What the hell? These marketers nowadays-

Alex jumped in fear. Some voice just in his head said, "So, you don't believe me? Ok but soon you would"

'Hun, what was that?' He thought.

*Gulp*

He shook his head and went on with his schedule. Later he went online for browsing the sports car.

"Umm, that looks fine. And that is awesome, wait-wow so awesome-

He suddenly stopped judging the cars which were price in millions and just thought,

'Man, what am I doing? I am wasting my time in such crap-

"Why don't you buy one. You like those, don't you?" Again that, sinister voice inside his head, started speaking.

'What the, umm no I can't' This time he just decided to reply hoping for no answer.

'Why?' It asked

A chill went down his back. He was scared but then became curious and replied

'Because I am not that rich. And even if I was rich, I would never buy such a car as they are just marketing strategies by big corporations to make money from people'

Alex felt satisfied. His answer was morally justified as well as accurate.

'Hun… do you want it? You know if you just sign the contract you will get anything you want'

'No, I don't want it. It's all just scam'

'Ah! Such hypocrite…

The voice just sounded honest.

The door exploded and following it entered a girl of nearly 18 to 19 years.

"You still wasting your time, my hopeless younger brother," She said gritting her uneven teeth.

"So, now it's your turn, Hun?" Alex said in an arrogant way.

"Well you know if you will give me your remaining data, I will not tell mom you are watching cartoons"

And yes, Alex used to watch the 'Family Guy' in Facebook videos.

"No, I won't give you my remaining data packs. And you are no better yourself, you know, that right?"

"So what? You got any proof?"

"No-

"So, here I am in benefit. Now give me your data you little punk"

"Come on! Please don't be that cold. Please"

"No, are you giving or MOM-

Alex thought to himself, 'If I give in, I am doomed to be a slave. No, I won't give her my data. Not this time.'

"No, I won't. Call Mom if you want"

"Ok"

........................…

After a long class of getting scolded, Alex went to complete his Physics Practical notebook. It's been months since he even looked at it. Now that his high school was going to reopen, he needed to complete his notes for additional note completion marks.

"Ah! Man, this suck"

'Do you need any help'

"Hun? What the hell. Not again" Alex couldn't remain calm anymore. He had reached his limits. He had to, somehow, complete more than 10 chapter notes within a month as well as need to study for the upcoming semester exams. Also, some creepy voice would keep bothering him throughout the day.

"Why the hell you keep creeping me out!!" He shouted.

"Why? Are you shouting because you need me?"

Alex was scared to his nerves. This time the voice was real and it was coming from his back.