Book 1 - Slit My Wrist, Hope to Die

Chapter 3 - Tate

Tate

   "I hope your day was nice. I really do because, no matter where you are and what you do, I really do get happy when I find out your day was great and happy. Finding out the one you love, the one who you protect and do things for to see that one thing; their smile. It makes you at peace and, and, and I don't know. I just really hope your day was amazing." A deep breath was given, until exhaled with a sob.

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 "Would you ever?" Tate asked.

"Maybe." Alex replied. "Just maybe." Tate let out a long groan. "Heh, come on. Let's go already." Alex grabbed his hand and rushed down the block with him. Everyone from school was rushing home or to meet up with their friends. Alex used to ust hang with Kathy or read books at home but ever since her date with Tate, they stayed together like a boy at his mother's side. They were inseparable. "Over here."

"Alright, alright." Tate rushed by Alex's side and matched her speed. "Where are we going again?"

"I told you you so many times." Alex said. She softly hit him over the head. "We've been together for three weeks. Listen already!"

"Oh god," he rubbed his head. "Okay, okay." He faked a sad face and looked down. "Um, food?"

"Nope."

"Mall."

"Try again."

"Oh my god," Tate looked up at the sky. "Uhh, arcade?"

"Bingo, you butt."

"Yeah!" He gave a short cheer and smiled wide. Alex smiled back and it wasn't fake this time. It was a real smile that formed from the heart; it was big and adorable to him. "But, I haven't seen one around here before."

"That's because it's hidden." Alex led him downstairs through this building that had other stores within it. When they headed down the stairs Alex couldn't help but chuckle at the fact it looked like she was about to rape him.

"You're not gonna rape me, are you?"

"Maybe." She smiled.

"Oh jesus." Tate tried to run back but Alex pulled him. When they reached the bottom step, the store in front of them was bright and full of life. It was flashing like a nightclub in the city or a massive laser tag match happening. When you looked closely at the window to see what was happening inside the store, it was a bunch of teenagers playing games on flashing machines and skiball in the back. There were adults as well at the bar drinking. "Oh shit."

"I know." Alex opened the door and walked in.

    The arcade was bigger inside than it appeared to be and way more alive than outside. Since it was still light outside, you barely could tell it was here but when you get up close, it's very hard to miss. The games itself were the classic kind where you had to put in the coins to play and the selection was massive; Alex and Tate both loved that. The bar was open to anyone who had an ID, so that's why there was no guard there but if someone who didn't showed ID was thrown out and not allowed in for a week. There was also mini games like skiball or air hockey; things in that nature.

"Holy shit," Tate yelled. The noises around him made it hard to hear. "I love this place already! They even have Missile Command and even the orginal Donkey Kong!"

"I see you know your games!" Alex yelled as high as she could.

"Believe me, I do!" Tate laughed loud to where his teeth showed. Alex blushed. "I have an Xbox and PS3."