Internet love is not real love

Jackson walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, his heart dropping as he looked around and realised the house was empty. The twelve year old sighed, he was very used to being left home alone. Now usually, kids his age would be thrilled to be left home alone but when it kept happening it lost its thrill. Especially when he would have to be excepted to walking to school.

Jackson was a middle child, expected to live up to the standards of his older sister but not getting the same amount of attention as his little brother.

Jackson made himself a bowl of cereal. There wasn’t even a note on the table saying that his parents had left. After finishing his cereal, Jackson put the bowl into the sink and took a shower. His curly blonde hair was constantly a tangled mess. Once he finally finished tackling his hair, Jackson got his books into his bag and started walking to school.

As he walked, Jackson passed by an old, worn out poster on a light pole. The post was a warning about child predators online. Jackson just ignored the poster and continued walking. The walk to school was about thirty minutes long. As he walked he couldn’t help but feel like he was being watched.

Once he got to school, Jackson ran into his classroom. The teacher gave him a stern glare, going over to his computer to sign Jackson in.

“Mind explaining why you’re late?” The teacher asked him as Jackson slid into his chair. Jackson didn’t understand what the big deal was, it’s not like he hadn’t shown up in years.

“I overslept Mr Harris,” he replied yawning. It was technically the truth. Mr Harris didn’t need to know that his family had left him alone, no one did.

“Detention,” Mr Harris said, his voice still stern. Jackson wasn’t that surprised, Mr Harris was known for his no nonsense attitude and not caring about any excuses.

Jackson just stayed quiet and got his work done. Maybe if he got high enough grades his parents would notice him. Jackson was just invisible at school as he was at home. It was partially his fault but Jackson didn’t exactly care. It’s not like he was being bullied or anything.

During detention, Jackson snuck onto his phone and began watching a video from his favourite creator, Zane. Zane was known for his skating videos and really upbeat attitude. Zane had over one million subscribers, he had the attention Jackson would kill for.

Jackson began wondering if maybe he should begin posting skating videos. If it gave Zane attention why wouldn’t it give him attention. Later on, while he was once again home alone, Jackson pulled out his cheap and dusty skateboard from the garage. He set up his phone and pressed record.

All he did was a basic kick turn. Nothing too flashy, just a basic introductory trick. Jackson then posted the video on his channel called “SkatingTricks”.

Jackson didn’t have to wait long until he got his first comment. His eyes widened when he realised that it was his idol. Zane had noticed him!

Zane: great going kiddo, just pls remember to stay safe :)

Jackson assumed that Zane was talking about wearing a helmet. He’d ask his parents about it when they got home or at least the next time they weren’t too tired.