“I think you should play the new mode that came with the pack we bought today. That way you both are on unfamiliar grounds.”
“It doesn’t matter, she’s gonna be on unfamiliar grounds in whatever mode we play in.”
“Not really, I play all the time.” Derek turned his head quickly and Mark chuckled.
“She does. She plays with me when you’re not here and when she’s home alone and bored. She’s actually pretty good.” Dereks smirk slid off his face. There was a flash of worry that quickly was replaced with determination.
“Fine, let’s play the new stuff. It’s called Hide and Seek. It’s hard. 50 against 50. Whoever can find and kill the other first wins. Sound fair?” I agreed to the terms and we picked our characters and weapons.
“Are we still watching the other fight? It’s gonna start soon,” Adrian asked. Everyone shushed him and he sighed deeply, grabbing the remote to find the channel.
“Fine. I’ll watch it. This game isn’t going to solve anything,”
“Shut it Crespo.” Derek snarled as we pushed the start buttons on our controllers. The chatter stopped completely as the music from the game filled the room. My eyes focused on the screen and tried to get my bearings. They weren’t kidding, this was hard.
This was the largest amount of players I’d ever played with. People were running everywhere. I had the top screen, while Derek played on the bottom. I focused on getting out of the clump that was my team. As people were dying, they’d spawn everywhere. It was frustrating trying to run when I’d hit a wall of someone returning to the game.
As I ran, I searched for his name, KISSMYBASS. I hid inside buildings and ran using the rooftops. Suddenly a bullet shot right past me. I ducked and rolled. Another shot and I heard Derek mumble, “Bingo,”. I swore and army crawled to the edge of the roof.
Taking a risk, I jumped up and leapt down. Another bullet and he groaned loudly, frustrated that he was missing me. As soon as I was on the ground I sprinted away. Then, realizing he knew where I’d run decided to run back towards the building I had just been on top of. I snuck inside and started climbing the stairs, moving slow and cautiously.
There was a hatch open for the player to climb up onto the roof. I angled myself just right to look out without being seen right away. Moments later I saw a player jump onto the roof and begin whipping his gun around, looking for someone. It was Derek. My heart was racing, and my palms were so sweaty I could barely hold the controller. This was it. Finally.
I aimed my gun and pushed the trigger. He dropped to the ground, revealing that I had a managed a perfect head shot.
“NO!” He screamed. I bit my lip and sighed with such relief. Thank God. I laid back into the couch, satisfied and still in shock over what had just happened.
Turning to my right, I saw Derek pulling on his hair.
“This can’t be happening. What the hell just happened. I lost. I lost!” Mark, being the best friend in the world patted him on the shoulder.
“It’s no big deal man. I’m sure you can crash with someone else for the night and tomorrow I’ll help you find a place.”
Derek brushed his hand off him and stood up.
“You can stay with us tonight,” Adrian offered but he shook his head.
“No, no, no, no. I can’t,” he mumbled, then turned his eyes on me. They were filled with fury.
“Fuck you Renee. You think you’re so damn funny. You all think this is a joke? Sure, make fun of me all you want. I don’t need this.” He turned abruptly and started out. Adrian jumped up and grabbed his shoulder stopping him.
“Dude, why are you making this into such a big deal? So what, you’ll have to find a place of your own. Just come stay with me for a night or two.”
Derek laughed. It came out hollow and cold.
“I think it’s great that the only friend who actually has my back is the one I really betrayed.”
Adrian frowned and took a step back.
“What?”
Derek laughed again and extended his arms, turning around slowly, as if revealing himself.
“You guys keep asking about who I’ve been seeing. Why do you think I’ve been so secretive since before Cleo’s wedding?” He took a step towards Adrian and put his face two inches in front of his.
“Who do you think fucked Dita?”
Adrian swung his fist forward and Derek was knocked out completely cold before he could say another word.
