Chapter 10: Moving Forward
The days had become a blur of calculations, purchases, and growing possibilities. Andrean had never imagined that his life would change so drastically in such a short time. What started as a fluke — a cashback system that rewarded every penny he spent — was now a tool that he used with precision. Slowly but surely, he had amassed enough wealth to make moves that most teenagers could only dream of.
Each day, he found himself more aware of the immense power that lay at his fingertips. The money wasn't just stacking up in his bank account — it was fueling his confidence. He could do things now, things he couldn't have even considered before.
Andrean walked into school the next morning with a sense of purpose, a bounce in his step that hadn't been there before. He wasn't just a normal high school student anymore. He was someone with potential, someone who knew that every dollar spent meant a step closer to freedom.
"Hey, man. You're looking... different today," Richard remarked, raising an eyebrow as they passed by each other in the hallway. Richard had always been the more observant of the group, and Andrean knew he wasn't going to get away with hiding his transformation.
Andrean smiled, trying to play it cool. "I guess I'm just in a good mood today."
Richard didn't press further, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. As much as Andrean tried to keep his secret hidden, he knew his best friend wouldn't stay oblivious for long. But for now, Richard didn't ask, and Andrean was grateful.
As the bell rang for their first class, Andrean settled into his seat, his mind already elsewhere. His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was a notification from his bank. Another cashback reward had been deposited. This time, it was a larger amount than usual — enough for him to seriously consider taking the next step. He opened the app, staring at the growing total.
This is it, he thought. I've got enough to make a real move.
It was time to stop playing small.
The first thing Andrean did after school was head to a local real estate office. With his newfound wealth, he wasn't just going to let it sit in his account — he needed to invest it. He had researched properties for weeks, reading articles and watching videos about how to make smart investments. Real estate was the perfect place to start. It was stable, and with his ability to get cash back, he could potentially double his returns.
Walking into the office, he was greeted by a friendly receptionist. "How can I help you today?"
"I'd like to speak to someone about making an investment," Andrean said, his voice steady. He had prepared for this moment. He wasn't the nervous teenager anymore; he was a young man with a plan.
The receptionist directed him to a real estate agent named Mrs. Hernandez. She was a middle-aged woman with a sharp look in her eyes and a professional demeanor.
"So, you're looking to invest in real estate?" Mrs. Hernandez asked as she shook his hand. "I have to admit, you're quite young to be making such a decision."
"I've done my research," Andrean said confidently, sitting down across from her. "I know it's a big step, but I think it's the right time."
Mrs. Hernandez smiled, clearly impressed by his determination. "Well, let's take a look at what we have. We have several properties that would be great investments for someone starting out. Let me show you some options."
Andrean listened carefully as she detailed various properties. His mind raced with ideas. This was it — the moment he had been preparing for. With the cashback system, he could afford the down payments. He could rent out the properties or even flip them for a profit. The possibilities were endless.
After some deliberation, Andrean settled on a small apartment complex on the outskirts of town. It was affordable but had a lot of potential for growth. The neighborhood was slowly improving, and he believed it could yield a good return on investment. Mrs. Hernandez walked him through the paperwork, and by the end of the afternoon, Andrean had secured his first property.
Walking out of the office, Andrean couldn't contain his excitement. This was the beginning of something big. The money was no longer just something he used for small luxuries or to help his family. It was a tool — a means to create a future, not just for him, but for everyone around him.
Later that evening, Andrean sat at the dinner table with Cicil. She smiled at him as he sat down to eat, her blind eyes not missing a single movement. There was something about the way she could read him — the way she always knew when something had changed in his life.
"Something's different," she said softly, as if reading his mind.
Andrean met her gaze. "Yeah... I made a big move today."
"Good for you," Cicil said with a smile, her voice warm. "You've always had a good head on your shoulders. I'm proud of you."
For a moment, Andrean felt a pang of guilt. He couldn't tell her everything, not yet. But the time would come when he could explain. Until then, he'd keep moving forward. He had a plan, and he was ready to see it through.
The next day, as he walked into school, Andrean felt the weight of his decision. He was no longer just a student who stumbled into luck. He was becoming someone. Someone who was starting to take control of his life. And no one, not even Athena, could stop him.