𝓣𝓮 𝓪𝓶𝓸 - 𝓐𝓵𝓮𝔁 𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓸

Chapter 13

Chapter 13:

IN POV OF VALENTINA

The arcade is fucking lit. I swear, walking in feels like stepping into a whole ass wonderland. The sounds of games beeping, the laughter of kids, and the smell of popcorn and pizza hit me like a wave of nostalgia. It's 100% a vibe shift, and I'm here for it.

"Let's start with the Go carts I promise I'll beat ur ass" I shout, grabbing Amanda by the wrist and dragging her toward the bright screens. "You know I'm about to smoke you, right?"

"Bitch, please. Try me" she smirks and says back jokingly, her competitive spirit flaring up.

We hop into our seats, buckling in like we're about to drive some fucking moster truck. "Ready to lose hoe?" I tease, eyes on the screen, adrenaline pumping.

As the countdown begins, I grip the wheel tight, and when it starts, I'm off like a rocket. The rush of the race feels incredible, and I'm weaving through cars like I own the damn track. I glance over, catching Amanda struggling to keep up. "Told you I'd beat ur ass"

"Shut the fuck up! I'm just getting started!" she shoots back, laughter spilling out between her words.

Just then, I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Damn, Val, you drive like a psicópata (psycho)." Alex chuckles as he and Alan stroll over, tokens in hand. "Think you can handle a real challenge?"

I look back at Alex, and my heart does a little flip. Why does he have to be soo hot like Ughh it's hard to stay mad at him.

"Sure, if you're down to lose," I retort, trying to play it cool while my stomach does somersaults.

As we switch places, I can't shake the nerves. Amanda gives me a look that says "You got this," and I nod, forcing myself to focus. I'm not gonna let him get to me.

With the game firing up again, Alex and I go head-to-head. I'm throwing every trick I know at him, but he's keeping up, and it's fucking infuriating. "C'mon, Val!" Amanda yells, her excitement infectious.

"Okay, okay!" I shout back, pushing the gas pedal harder. I zoom past him in the last lap, crossing the finish line first. "Yes!" I scream, throwing my hands in the air like I just won the lottery.

"No way! You totally rigged that shit princess" Alex laughs, pretending to be mad, but I can see the spark in his eyes.

MY HEART IS BEATING SOO FASTT UGHH

After a few more rounds, Alan finally gets in on the action, and Amanda and I step aside, letting them take over the game. I grab a drink, my heart racing but not just from the games.

"I need to rest for a second." Amanda says, pulling out her vape and giving me that look that says "let's chill for a bit"

"Good call," I reply, and we slip behind the arcade machines, where it's quieter.

As Amanda takes a hit off her vape, she offers it to me. "You want some? It's blue raspberry, my fav."

"Bet," I say, taking a quick drag. The sweet flavor fills my lungs, and I let out a slow exhale. "It's good"

Amanda laughs, leaning back against the machine. "Right? It's the best but anyways how you feel?"

"Good I guess" I reply with a genuine smile.

We watch as the boys continue their game, and I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about how things are between us. "So, how are you feeling about Alan?" I ask, trying to keep it casual while I'm buzzing from the vape.

"I don't know, honestly. I want to trust him, but it's hard, you know? He hurt me, and that shit doesn't just go away."

"Yeah, I get that. You gotta protect your heart. But if he's serious about fixing things, maybe give him a shot?" I suggest, hoping she sees the potential for a real reconciliation but again I don't wanna pressure her into a relationship she doesn't want.

"I want to, but I need to see some effort first. No more bullshit," she replies, taking another hit and passing the vape back to me.

I take another drag, letting the calm wash over me. "Same here with Alex. I want to believe he's genuine, but can he really change? We've been through too much."

Amanda nods, her expression thoughtful. "It's gonna take time, but if we can just be real with each other, maybe we can figure it out."

Just then, Valentina breaks into our moment, pulling us back into the fun. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the night? I'm starving, and this place is packed."

"Let's grab some food, then hit up laser tag or something," I suggest, feeling the tension start to melt away.

"I'm down," Valentina says, her excitement contagious.

We start talking about random shit and a good 20 minutes go by before we make our way to get food.

As we make our way to the snack bar, I can't help but feel like we're starting to get our smile back again. The night is still young, and maybe, just maybe, we can get through this bullshit together like we always have.

POV OF AMANDA:

After piling our trays high with nachos and soda, we find a booth in the corner. As we dig in, Valentina's eyes light up. "So what's the deal, Amanda? You still feelin' iffy about Alan, or are we cool now?"

"I mean, it's a work in progress, for real. But I want to try. I can't keep running away," I say, looking at Alan who's across from us and waiting for my reaction as he overheard our conversation.

"No pressure, take the time you need I don't think Alan wants u rushing into a relationship u don't want with him now and ruin if later if you fr want to date. You gotta let it breathe. No rush," Valentina adds, chowing down on her nachos like she hasn't eaten in days.

Alan leans closer, his voice low. "I really want to fix this, Amanda. I don't want to lose you again."

I feel my heart flutter at his words, but I remind myself to stay grounded. "You gotta prove it, though. Actions speak louder than words, Alan."

"Trust me, I will," he replies, and for a moment, I believe him.

As we finish up our food, I start to have some hope that maybe we can find our way back to where we were before all this shit hit rock bottom.

POV OF VALENTINA:

With the arcade buzzing around us, I know tonight's going to be fun. We're just getting started, and honestly? I can't wait to see what shit happens next.

As we make our way to the laser tag arena, Amanda checks her phone and suddenly stops in her tracks. "Oh shit look" she says, her voice laced with excitement.

"What's up?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

She turns the screen toward us, and I see the notification: "Party at Gabe's house tonight,"

"Gabe's party? We have to go" I reply and add "we have literally nothing else to do anyways"

"Ofc we r going dumbass. We can get drunk and hit more blunts there and have a good time,"

Alan shrugs "I'm down" and Alex adds "Bet i don't mind"

We all start to make our way outside and into the car.

"Aight, let's go then."Alex says, one hand on the wheel and one hand on my thigh.