Chapter Text
Oh, to be a Twitch streamer. Working 9-5 in an office is not how I expected to spend my Saturday...or any other day if I’m being honest. My phone chimed, signaling a text. A smile grew on my face as the name Melanie appeared on my screen.
Melanie
Hey, Wilby! Just texting to tell you I’m not going live tonight so no minecraft.
Wilbur
Oh? Why is that?
Melanie
I have a date tonight with that guy, Jared, I was telling you about!
Wilbur
Exciting! Have fun okay, but not too much fun! >:(
Melanie
I promise hehe ;) Call me when you get off?
Wilbur
Of course
I sat at my desk for what easily could’ve been another hour as I waited for the clock to strike 5. As soon as the arrow hit the 5, I was out of my chair and headed to clock out. However, my boss had to stop me right now. Right as I was about to call Melanie.
“Can I speak to you for a second, Wilbur?”
I swallowed hard. Did I do something wrong?
“Yeah, I was just about to clock out. Is something wrong? Am I in trouble?”
“No, no. It’s not that. I just wanted to tell you personally, because I know you’re a hard worker, that corporate is gonna start cutting people.”
“Like our hours orrrr...?”
“No, people are gonna get fired.”
“Okay. Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you’re on the list of those who might get cut. I’m not saying you are, but there’s a possibility.”
I let out an exasperated sigh.
“Are you kidding me? I’ve been working here longer than anyone and they wanna cut me? After everything I’ve done.”
“I know, it sucks. Just keep your head up no matter what happens.”
With a gentle slap to the side of my bicep, my boss walked away. I clocked out, in a worse mood than when I came in that morning. I dialed Melanie‘s number and put my phone up to my ear. I walked to my car and the turned on the engine. My phone rang for a few moments before a soft voice came through.
“Hey! Did you just get off?”
“Yeah, but I’m far from happy.”
“Is everything okay?”
“No, I just found out I might lose my job.”
“Aw, no! Don’t you hate your job, though?”
“Well, yeah, but I have no other way to make money.”
“You could stream! You always talk about how you want to be a streamer. I’m sure my fans would love to watch you!”
“Eh, I don’t know. I suck at commentary.”
“Oh, come on! You could at least try it! If you don’t like it, no harm no foul.”
“I don’t know, Mel.”
“Wilbur...I just don’t want you wasting you time away weeping. If you lose your job, just consider it, okay?”
I sighed. “Okay. I’ll think about it. When do you have to go see Jared?”
“Here in a few. He’s picking me up.”
“I really hope you have fun.”
I could hear her smile on the other line.
“Thank you, Wil. What are you gonna eat for dinner?”
“I don’t know. I might order a pizza.”
“Again? You have to eat something more healthy.”
“I know. I just can’t cook well.”
“I ought to come over and cook you something.”
“N-No! Jared must be on his way.”
“He’s late. I could Postmate something to your house. Anything that isn’t pizza.”
“It’ll be okay. I won’t order pizza. I’ll order from Panera.”
“Okay. Jared just texted me saying he’s here. I gotta go.”
Once again, I sighed. “Alright. Call me when you’re home. I wanna hear all about this date.”
“I will.” Melanie giggled and my heart warmed.
“I’ll talk to you later, Wilby.”
“You better.”
With that, Melanie hung up. I sat there for a moment longer, my phone up to my ear, before pulling out of the parking lot and making my way to Panera. I order a grilled chicken panini with a tea, make change, and then go home. I open the door to my apartment and go inside. I sit at my table, not even bothering to change before eating. I wasn’t even hungry. I just didn’t want to lie to Melanie if she asked if I actually ate.
After eating, I go to my setup and connect to a voice channel in discord. Shortly after, my friend, Tommy joined.
“What is up, big man?”
“Not much. Just got off of work and ate Panera.”
“Why aren’t you playing minecraft with Melanie?”
“She’s got a hot date with that Jared guy.”
“Aw man. That really sucks for you. Are you jealous?”
“No, I’m not jealous. I’m happy for her. I just— I just wish I could be the one to take her out on dates.”
“Hey, don’t get so down. Maybe Jared is some arsehole and Melanie doesn’t like him.”
“Maybe. I just wanna take my mind off it. Wanna hop on the bedwars?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“I’m totally kicking your arse, Tommy.”
“You wish, Wilbuh.”
Tommy and I played bedwars for a couple of hours before Melanie calls me.
“Hey, Tommy, I gotta go. Melanie is calling.”
“Damn, what ever happened to hoes before bros, man?”
“Shut up. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
I disconnect and pick up the phone.
“Hey! How did the date go?”
“Great! We hit it off instantly. He’s really sweet. We’re going out again tomorrow night.”
“I’m glad. Where are you going tomorrow?”
“Oh, I don’t know actually. He said it’s a surprise.”
I lean back in my chair and crack a smile.
“He’s gonna murder you.” I say with a laugh. Melanie is short to follow.
“Yeah, yeah. You would think that, wouldn’t you?”
“Just mace him if he reaches in his pocket too quickly.”
“Duh. What did you do while I was gone?”
“Played bedwars with Tommy.”
“Did you eat?”
“Yes, I ate.”
I heard Melanie throw her phone on her bed and then the ruffling of clothes. She must’ve been changing. I stand up and disappear into my room to change as well. I was still in my work clothes.
I sit on my bed and lean against my headboard, my phone against my ear.
“When can I see you? I feel like I haven’t seen your face in person since you went with me to my family reunion.”
“That was almost six months ago.”
“Yeah. We don’t even live far from each other. It’s just—”
“Life is preventing us from hanging out.”
“Yeah. I miss you, Mel.”
“I miss you too, Wilby. When my family reunion happens in a couple of months, maybe I’ll drag you with me.”
“Oh boy. Your mother is keen on the idea that I’m gay.”
Melanie giggles. “I know. It’s funny watching you two bicker about it. But she loves you either way.”
“Well, she’s known me all my life so I’d hope so.” I laugh, but it fades into a sigh.
“Do you wanna sleep on call together tonight? I’ll sing you to sleep.”
“You’d really do that?”
“Yes of course. I know you love it when I sing. I want it to be the last thing you hear before you fall asleep.”
“Aw, Wilbur. I really appreciate that.”
If only you knew how much I like you.
“And I really appreciate you.”
I heard her smile. I heard ruffling sheets, meaning she was getting comfortable before falling asleep. I do the same.
“I love you, Wil.”
“I love you too, Mel.”
“Goodnight.”
“G’night.”
I begin to sing softly to her. The tunes were random and instrumentals were filled in with humming. Once I knew she was asleep, I silence myself and just lay there in the ringing silence, hoping I can find the courage to tell her I’m in love with her before Jared takes her away from me.