Game Over

5

I woke to a vibration in the middle of the night. I quickly muffled the noise and checked my handheld. 

Midnight tournament for Guitar Hero 3. Meet at warehouse in sector 5. Password is Roundhouse.

I looked over at my mom, who was still sound asleep, and slowly grabbed my jacket. I picked up my boots and tiptoed towards the door. I heard her stir and my heart stopped. 

I sighed, she was just rolling over in her sleep.

I carefully opened the door and closed it gently, locking it with the keypad to make minimal noise. 

Once outside the apartment building, I laced up my boots, pulled my jacket on, and set out for the tournament. 

What was I doing? Should I really lie to my mom about all of this? The look on her face when I handed her that money was the happiest I'd seen her since we got downgraded a class. With that money we'd be able to pay our bills consistently and maybe even be moved back up to a two bedroom apartment. I had to do this. For my mom.

-----

I tapped on the door to the warehouse.

The door creaked open, "Password and name."

"Roundhouse. Victoria Ross."

The guy opened the door fully and his toothless grin smiled at me, "Ahh Vicki, I've heard a lot about you already. Heard you beat Snowstorm earlier."

"Who? Adriana?"

He nodded and ushered me inside, "We have little code names around here."

I nodded and walked to the player's circle at the corner of the room. Adriana was also there. 

"See you showed up. Decided not to quit huh?"

I scoffed, "Why would I?"

Adriana got in my face and whispered, "Listen kid, I don't know who you think you are but just because your great granny was a pro doesn't mean I still can't kick your ass. So I'd watch your mouth if I were you."

"Great-great actually."

"Why I oughta-" she launched herself at me but before she could throw a punch two guys pinned her arms to her sides. "Say one more thing to me Princess and we'll see what happens!"

Internally, I was terrified. I tried not to let it show and walked away to join the others. 

The "ref" shouted for the attention of everyone.

"Sup y'all I'm Rowdy, I'll be the judge at tonight's tournament. Now I've got a couple of rules, so as long as you follow them we won't have any problems. First rule, no physical fighting like I almost saw earlier, save that for the games. Anyone that gets physical will be given a strike. Three strikes and you're out of the Elite. Second rule, no cheating. Anyone caught cheating will be revoked of their position in the Elite and be bumped down to the lowest class. Finally, rule three is no cheering too loud because last time I judged we were almost caught. We clear on all that?" 

A chorus of agreement waved through the crowd.

"Alright, then let's start. First match is Snowstorm and Rider. Y'all are up."

Adriana walked up and I felt someone elbow past me and push me out of the way.

"Hey an excuse me would be ni-" I started.

The boy, Rider I'm assuming, turned back and our eyes locked, causing me to stop mid-sentence.

He grinned and winked, "My bad."

I felt my cheeks getting hot and I immediately put my hands on my face. Focus Victoria. You're here for the game. Nothing can make me lose my focus.

The match started and Adriana won. She looked around at the crowd smugly. I internally groaned. They called another person to the match and I felt myself drifting off when I heard "Alright Princess you're up!"

I looked around and no one seemed to be walking up. I heard someone clear their throat. Adriana looked at me with an are-you-stupid face. I sighed, I guess I'd forever be branded as Princess now.

I was playing Rider, who had won the match between him and the girl called before me. 

He winked at me, "Ready to rock Princess?"

I groaned, "Don't ever wink at me again."

He looked a little stunned but immediately wiped the expression off his face and picked a song. 

"Remember, best 2 out of 3," the judge reminded us.

I nodded and put the guitar around me.

I fiercely played, I had always been mediocre on my best days of Guitar Hero, but it was like I was the best player in the world because I wanted to beat Rider so badly. In fact, I was so in the zone that I didn't even realize I was winning by a huge margin. Rider kept looking over at me, and I never once glanced his way.

I ended up winning all three matches.

"God, show-off much Princess?" he threw the guitar down. 

"Sore loser much?" I said under my breath.

I heard a chorus of "oooohs" run through the crowd and Rider turned around. 

He got close to my face, "What'd you just say to me?" 

I gulped, conflict was not what I needed right now.

I mustered up all my courage, "You heard me."

He glared at me and pointed, "Watch your back Ross."

This was not a good place to make enemies.