Stranger Love (Discontinued)

11: Game On!

Audrey's PoV

Jess has been hella stressed lately with school and work on the farm. So what better way is there to relieve it than the Arcade? This place is similar to Flynn's Arcade but more space and games that will suck you in and make you lose track of time. I know Theo will also like the Arcade. It'll help her grow used to large crowds of humans which is a must for her. We pull up to the arcade and hop out and I can already tell Theo is anxious when holding her tail close and wrapping her arms around herself. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" She asks quietly. "Of course it is. You'll love it, I promise," I say as I wrap an arm around her shoulders.

We walk in and get greeted by a blast of cold air from the AC above the entrance. I'd stand here longer if I could. "Let's do a little challenge," Jess starts with a smirk. "What would that be?" I ask. "If I win at street fighter, you owe me something. If I lose, I owe you. Deal?" She gazes at me in silence with her hand out. I almost want to lose on purpose to see what I'll have to owe her, but if I win, I might have a chance to feel her lips on mine again. It worries me that I've been wanting to kiss her again more and more lately. So I've concluded that I'm bisexual but telling anyone is a big No for now. My parents might kill me if they find out.

"Deal," I say as I shake her hand. "Game on." Her smirk sent a sudden thrill down my legs. I smile in return and follow her to Street Fighter as Theo followed. "Hey, Theo. You can go play some games if you want. Make a friend if you can." She smiled and nodded and quickly darted off with a place in mind by the looks of it. "Hope you're ready to get your ass whipped," Jess says, readying herself. We press start and smash buttons for a solid five minutes. We were laughing like tweens at a birthday party but we were enjoying it. Moments later, the final round, I catch a familiar face in the corner of my eye.

Sasha José stood at a machine looking mesmerized by the colours while she listens to the music through her earphones. Her hair is now short and horribly cut as if she cut it herself impulsively. Even with it in a mess and poorly done, she looks a little bit attractive. The colours flickered and changed in her glossy eyes and cheeks which only made what I saw a trophy winning photo opportunity that she would loved. Our machine played the game over theme and it was I who lost. I look to Jess in defeat but with a gentle smile. "I won," she says calmly with that funny smile of hers.

"So what do I owe you?" I ask, leaning against the machine. "I'll let you know later. I'm sure you'll not mind at all. What do you wanna play now?" She asks. "Anything at all. What about a race?" She shrugs and walks on to find a racing game. I look back to Sasha who pushes herself off the machine, looking defeated and exhausted. I've noticed her change in style recently, more simple and not too flashy. Today she wore hippie blue jeans and a white crop top with an abstract blend of pinks and blues. She turns to face my direction and catches my stare, our eyes only locking for a brief moment before I walk away with a little smile.

I join Jess at a game called Highway Racers. She had already payed so I sat down and gripped the wheel. "Let's see how fast you can be," I say with a somewhat flirtatious tone. A tone I didn't intend on using but I did instinctively, I assume. Maybe it's her doing this to me. "I know how to ride, Audie. Maybe you'll understand one day." Before I could question it, the race had started and we were racing around a future highway dodging cars and gunfire from police. I had no idea why I couldn't handle this game but I ultimately failed and didn't finish in time. Jessica, on the other hand, finished first with time to spare. She laughed and playfully pushed me when we left the game, saying I was too good at real driving.

I look at the far end of the little lane we were in and saw Theo playing a basket ball game with Taylor and enjoying it. They were clearly having fun hanging out here together but why is she with her? I won't ask her. I'll just leave her be to have some fun. She can protect herself, I know she can. Four arms, after all. "So, how's Theo been?" Jess asks. "Alright, surprisingly. She enjoys school and home. Still a bit quiet, though. She has her own room now and we're helping her... Decorate to suit her liking." She nods before spotting a dance machine and pulling me over with her. It's like she wants to feel like she's fitter than me which is a fact that she is. I can't dance on these to save my life.

Sorry for the short chapter. I will try to write the same amount every time. Hope you're all loving the story so far. Next Chapter "A Little Help"