Fair Game

Chapter 10

"What do you mean you didn't tell him" Bree demanded, that afternoon at practice. "You texted me saying you did. Were you lying to me? Is that what you're saying?"

"No, I... it wasn't the right time to tell him," I answered. "And he... he asked me to the dance."

Bree blinked multiple times at me. "Don't tell me you're thinking of going."

"Maybe, I want to. He said he isn't taking Dixie. Your plan worked."

She let out one single laugh. "Well, you two are both idiots. Neither of you can go to the dance."

I laid my head on the table. "Why not?" She was being difficult, again.

"Because," she said. "It's on the same day as the tournament. How did neither of you know that?"

"I don't know," I murmured. "I guess I never paid attention because I thought nobody would ask me..."

"You seriously wouldn't go to a dance instead of an important tournament we've been practicing for, right?"

I turned away. Bree gaped at me while Dani and Elijah turned to face their computer screens. "See? You're not even sure. You should be sure. Why have we been practicing so hard if you're just going to blow it?"

"What if I can go to the dance and the tournament?"

"I predicted this. You're unbelievable," she scoffed.

I sighed. "I knew that was going to be your response. I knew it. I should've told you this earlier but I told Asher no. I'm not going with him. This team comes first. I thought you would know I wouldn't choose him over you guys. But I guess not."

Elijah spoke up, "Guys. Stop. You two fight every single day. Just figure it out because we have to log on in a minute."

Bree bit her lip and looked at me. "Thanks Lissie. I shouldn't have doubted you. Let's play."

We played a good game, beating Dixie's team. At the end, we all jumped up and hugged each other. It was like everything was back to normal.

"Woo!" Dani cheered. "We did it!"

Elijah chuckled. "Go team!"

Dixie congratulated us. "GG, Lissie," she said through her mic. "Amazing what can be done when you actually show up."

I rolled my eyes towards Bree, who giggled. "Yeah, GG."

"You know, Bree told me how you've been ditching her for a dude. You're so predictable and unreliable," sneered Dixie. I slowly turned to my best friend who was giving me a look.

"Don't listen to her," Bree told me.

Dixie continued. "Bree, I should've listened to you last time when you told me to have someone on standby."

"What is she talking about?" I whispered. At this point, Dani had ended the game and kicked Dixie out of the chat room.

"Nothing" was Bree's reply.

"It doesn't seem like nothing. What was Dixie talking about?"

Bree let go of her mic and took off her headphone. "When we were on her team, I told her to have a player ready but she insisted you would show up. That's why we played with one less player, and lost."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" I demanded.

Bree swung her chair to face me. "Lissie, she's playing mind games. Don't let her get to you."

I shook my head. "No, tell me the truth. Have you been hanging out with her behind my back?"

"I went over to her house once to play Among Us and drink smoothies. It's not illegal. I never shared any of our strategies." Bree looked defeated as she tugged on her eyelashes. A sign she was nervous.

"Wow," I crossed my arms, turning around to face Dani. "Did you know?"

Dani looked towards Elijah. "Um... no?" Pause. "I mean, yes. I did. But..."

"Everybody out."