Page 56 of The Deceptions

His treasure has never been found, but this town was named after him. Casinos were erected in his honor. Similar to the eatery and bars. All for him and the memory he left behind after discovering this land.

And now, his memory is being used to help kids pummel each other on Friday nights for shits and giggles. Probably bets, too.

It’s just another aspect of our childhood used for their fun and games, tarnishing what we once had there.

I sigh, drowning in the memories of our youth. An ache forms in my chest. The remnants of what we once had flooding behind my eyes like a movie on repeat. If I could step out of my mind and body and truly become Oliver, I would. No more memories. No more rushes of emotions I’ve buried.

I flick through several more photographs, taking in the scenery and people in front of the lens. More fights. More carnage. More blood. Bloodied fists and missing teeth. All documented on the web for the people on campus to glimpse.

And then, there was him.

My delusional bubble pops into a million pieces at the sight of the bloodied Viking, standing tall with a grin on his face. His arm is above his head, raised in victory for all to see. People cheer around the make-shift ring. Their joy is written on their faces. Mouths open. Hands whooping in excitement.

All for him.

The motherfucker who fucked me in the bathroom and put a tracker in my pocket.

Great. Just wonderful. Everyone I want to avoid is here on campus.

Maniac—Undefeated champion! Who will take him on next?The caption reads as he stares into the camera with a wild gaze.

That’s it. I’ve had too much time to look at half-naked men fighting until they’re unrecognizable. I’ll have to see it in person at some point to document it for my findings, but right now, I need something else.

Beyond the message board promoting unsanctioned events throughout campus. Like parties. Parties. And oh, more parties with multiple comments under each party announcement like a social media site made for Greenwood University only.

Next Saturday Night–Graveyard. Party. BYOB. Snacks. Selves.

Anonymous1:This is it, isn’t it! Omg Amanda!

Amanda Devalle:It is! This is the party of the century every year.

Next Friday Night–After Fight. Party. @ Malic and Wilder’s. Alcohol provided. Snacks included. Just bring you. Interest in joining us for the long term included.

Anonymous:Wait. You’re opening enrollment for your house?

Anonymous3:I heard they haven’t done that in four years!

Anonymous4:Because they killed a guy!

Anonymous5:Liars! He wasn’t killed. He ran away…

The bickering goes on between each anonymous member for pages and pages. But I make notes to investigate the supposed guy who was killed. And why hasn’t the frat opened any spots for incoming freshmen in four years? That means it closes with whoever is at the top.

Ugh.

Frats are weird. But this town is weirder.

I scroll through more posts, finding a confession page. A gossip page. Suspicious activity around campus page. Each having detailed posts about what's happening around campus and who is with who.

Anonymous:AmandaDevalleis officially engaged! Did you see the rock he gave her?

Anonymous 2:Wow. They’ve been together for over a year, and he’s just now giving her a ring? Such a shame…

I sigh, taking in all the information about these people I don’t know. It’d be easier if I had grown up with them, too. But people apparently come from all over to fill the college to capacity.

Eventually, my eyes grow heavy from staring at my phone for way too long. And just as I’m about to close the SlamApp, an anonymous post pops up on the screen.

AnonymousUser:A snake slithers through the forest in borrowed skin. Walk carefully when the sun and moon shine.