The Beginning, Middle, but not the End

Day 5,959 (February 9th)

"So.." Zelda speaks in the middle of our game of Black Ops multiplayer. While I respawn, I take a handful of popcorn and shove it into my mouth like there's no tomorrow. I shoot someone on the other team in the game, but unfortunately only wound them. They kill me before I get a chance to finish them off, a feeling of fury brought on by the game fills me.

I'm sitting in her room on her bed, playing xbox. It's been a while since I was last here. Maybe a week or so. We bought a pack of root beers and some pizza, which was finished off hours ago so only the take-out box remains on the floor. Zelda is seated on her rotating chair as we game. I glance at her, "So what?"

She yells in defeat, "Screw you, douche! Anyways, what are you doing for Valentine's Day?" I hadn't really thought about Valentine's that much.

My stomach starts to get butterflies, "Dallas and I were probably gonna go get dinner." I continue playing the game and try not to think too much about dinner with him. I mean, it's not a big deal. It's just dinner. We do that often, it's not a date. Right? I change the subject, "How about you? Any big dates?" I raise an eyebrow and quickly meet eyes with her before we start a new match.

"Maybe. I don't know. You remember Daisy, uh, Pointelle, I think?" I nod. She's had a fling with Daisy, who she met at the mall a few months ago. "She texted me today asking if I wanted to hang out on Valentine's Day but I haven't responded yet."

I try to focus on both our conversation and the game simultaneously. "I think you should go for it, she seems pretty nice." I smile, but it's quickly diminished when an enemy kills me again. I'm not the best at this game apparently.

"Yeah?" Zelda looks at me and I look at her briefly before bringing my attention back to the game.

"Yeah! Sometimes you just gotta take a chance, ya know?"

She scoffs, but then smiles. I try to bring my attention directly to her but I'm too distracted by the game. "That's funny coming from you. I mean, no offense, but you're not exactly Daredevil."

A sour taste fills my mouth, that was like a slap. "Jesus, ouch. You have my full attention now." I set down the controller onto the bed and look at her.

Zelda elbows me, "I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just saying. List one risk you've taken in the past year; and notice, I put a limit on that so you can't use a time from third grade as your proof."

I think about it. I mean, sure I've gone out with our friends but I've never really put my life in danger or anything, not even in social danger. A feeling of inferiority dwells in the pit of my stomach, "Fine, you win."

She shrugs and then finishes what little soda remains in her can. "Besides, when are you and Dallas gonna make it official?"

I choke on air at this, "Make what official?"

She sighs, "You know what I'm talking about. Trust me, I won't tell." I slump back into her bed. I don't like Dallas, and Dallas doesn't like me. Why is she so dead-set on us?