Testing The Waters

Chapter Eleven

You know those people who are just really gracious in the face of defeat? The kind of people who smile after losing a game and say things like, "good game" or "nice win"?

Yeah, that's not me.

Maybe it's the only-child in me, but I'm a competitive person. Always have been, probably always will be. So, when Anna asks Alex to play Mario Kart with us, and he gifts me with that pretentious grin of his, I know exactly how this is going to end.

I'm going to annihilate him.

I'm a freaking beast at Mario Kart. The Friendship Center has a Switch, and I have the longest winning streak for Mario Kart than anyone to date. Let's just say that Carter will be on trash duty for a really long time.

I'm currently sitting on the couch in the Richard's living room next to Anna while Alex starts up the game console. Gripping the black controller in my hands, my stomach tightens in anticipation for what could potentially be the best moment in my entire life. I can't wait to beat that smug look off his face.

I might still be a little bitter about the whole Joe thing.

"Babbie, which character is your favorite," Anna asks.

I smile over at her. "Donkey Kong's my boy." I have his vehicle combination down to a science.

"I like Yoshi. He poops eggs!" Anna says, excitedly.

My laugh turns into a grunt when Alex pushes himself in between Anna and me, sitting right next to me on the small area of sectional that barely has room for two people.

I look at him in annoyance. "There's literally an entire section of couch being unoccupied right now." I say, pointing to the open area of the sectional.

He just grins up at the TV as he sets up the multi-player race. When he gets to the character selection screen, he leans into me. "Ready to slide on my banana peel?"

I glare over at him. "I hope you're hungry, cause you're about to eat turtle shell."

When I look back at the screen, my eyes grow slightly larger.

Noooooooo!

The stupid prick just took Donkey Kong.

My Donkey Kong!

I look over at Alex in quiet rage.

His lip twitches.

I let out a huff and turn back to the screen, strategizing my next best option before making my selection. I hate Bowser, but he's the only character that will rival Donkey Kong's weight and top speed.

"Anna, what track do you want?" Alex asks.

"Moo Moo Meadows!" She screams in excitement.

As Alex sets up the track, I start cracking my knuckles and stretching out my fingers.

The countdown begins, and Alex leans forward, grinding his leg against mine. I push back just as the light turns green.

And we're off!

I accelerate at just the right moment which starts me off with a speed boost, putting me instantly into first place. Bowser is zipping past every bend, cow and mud pit with Donkey Kong right on his heels. Right after I start my second lap, I pass through an item box and immediately use the item to spray ink all over Alex and Anna's screen. I don't hide my grin.

Sorry Anna!

Near the end of the second lap, I'm dodging a banana peel when Donkey Kong plows by me. But he doesn't stay ahead of me for long. I get a speed boost from drifting a long corner and pass him.