Coasters

The beginning

“Jacob, baby, let's go do something.” Lisbeth whines, her breath tickling my ear. Her hands graze my neck, causing my hair to stand on end.

Casually, I shrug her hands away and turn back to my computer. My fingers click the worn mouse, causing my character to move. Through the speakers, battle music starts to play. Immediately, I sit straight and prepare myself.

“Babby.” Her hand grabs my bicep, trying to draw my attention to her. I try to shrug her off again, but she tightens her grip.

“Liz, stop, can't you see I'm busy?” My eyes never leave the screen. My character has his sword up ready to strike. Deep in concentration, I tap the keyboard in a strategic gesture. The outside of the screen blackens out the background as he jumps forward. Right now, to put it lightly, is a matter of life and death.

“Jacob.” Her tone is demanding of my attention. Assertive and ready to strike.

My chair rolls away from the screen until I'm face to face with my girlfriend. Her arms are crossed and she looks ready to explode. My lips open to expose the dry ravine of my mouth. A million words blow at my brain, none having the will to form into speech.

Luckily, a bright light catches the corner of my eye. On the screen thick red blood starts to drip from the top. The tip of a crimson blade poking out under my ribcage.

“FINISH HIM.” Rumbles from the speakers.

My enemy’s character has a smile on his face. I can see his muscles strain to match the shaking of his sword. He pulls out causing me to collapse to my knees. In one fluid motion, the sword goes above my head before slicing straight down. Right before the screen completes it transition to crimson, I fall to the floor cut into two.

“Liz! How dare you!” I turn away to yell at her. “You know how long I had to work to get the stats that I had! Just to have you-” My finger jabs at her stomach. “You ruin it.”

I snap up from the chair and start to pace. The end of the tournament is tomorrow, there is no way I can get myself back to the top in just one night. My right hand reaches up as I fingers glide through my hair.

A whimper breaks my thoughts.

Sighing, I turn towards her. Her eyes have now turned puffy threatening to release the water works.

“Babe…” My voice is small. I hate it when she makes me yell at her.

“I just wanted to do something.” She whispers before running from the room.

Yeah, I understand. Guys mess up, a lot. And I don't know what I'm doing half off the time. But don't blame me. Girls are confusing. At least I know when I've crosses the line.

That is why my feet pound the wood floor as I take off after her. Right before she slams the door in my face, I tackle her onto the bed. My wet lips press against her forehead, as I kiss her, making sure to make it the messiest and sloppiest one. I soon plant more of these kisses on her face, knowing darn well that she loves it.

Soon she starts to giggle. I take that as my cue to finally place my lips upon hers. I find it amazing how I can still feel the rush just like the first time.

Our lips soon disconnect. My eyes meet hers to find them glossy from previous shed tears. Carefully, I move my thumb under her eyes to wipe away the wetness. For once, this makes her smile.

“Sorry babe. You know how I am when it comes to that game.” Immediately her smile disappears, causing my brain to go into red alert. The red button is the only option.

I pull my girlfriend in for a hug. My fingers gently tracing her back as I try to calm her.

“So… babe, you said you wanted to do something?”

She breaks the hug and stares at me. “YES!”

Sometimes, I question why I am deaf, but this sure puts the candle on the cake.

“Do you having anything in mind?” I question my over excited girl.

“LET’S GO TO THE AMUSEMENT PARK.”

Those words break my heart. Sometimes I wish things could be different, but I know if they were, I wouldn't have her.

“Lisbeth, you know it has been closed for 10 years now?” It never hurts to try.

Shock covers her face, just like it always does, right before the denial.

“I'm not falling for that Jacob, just because you don't want to go, doesn't mean you have to lie. Now get your keys so we can leave already.”

I get up from the bed and walk to my dresser. In the third drawer from the top, I have it buried under my socks. The newspaper article I saved for this very moment.

It only takes a second for her to glance the headline.

“..you mean you were serious. But what about splash-cano, and mystery island? That can't be gone. I remember going on them yesterday!”

I just nod my head, not physically being able to have my words cause her more grief.

Her head turns back to the article. Glancing at the words. Reading, but never remembering the moment. Never remembering how the armed man walked into the park and killed 10 people. Never remembering how she was almost 11.

“Show me.” She demands, just like she always does.