Shadow

Chapter 9

FIRST OF ALL

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!

I hope 2020 holds much better adventures and memories for you all than last year!

...

"Holy crap," I squealed as we stood in front of the arcade.

Despite the exterior appearing extravagant, there was a private arcade for VIP guests located at the back of the diner. Obviously, Fraser was one of the VIP guests, allowing us entry into the arcade.

The arcade had everything that a normal arcade would have, but better. Ranging from basketball to pool tables, the large arcade was full of gaming facilities.

"VIP guests don't have to pay for anything so we can play to our hearts desire today," Fraser grinned, unleashing my inner child as he spoke those words, "Shall we?"

I nodded and skipped into the arcade and Fraser walked behind me, chuckling at my excitement.

I ran to the nearest machine from the doors. Crossy Road.

Oh, bring it on.

"Fraser!" I called, "Get your ass over here."

Fraser jogged to the spot beside me and took a seat, "I gotta say, I think it's safe to call me a professional at Crossy Road."

"We'll see about that, Frazzy," I challenged.

I selected my character, the classic chicken as I was too lazy to scroll through the list of characters. Out of curiosity, I looked at Fraser's choice. The butterfly.

"You chose the butterfly?" I grinned, poking Fraser's arm, "That's cute."

"Shut up," Fraser said, scrunching his nose, "It feels lighter to play with. I would know since I'm the professional here."

"Alright, sir," I said, saluting Fraser, "Game on."

I pressed play and we were off. I tapped my button furiously and Fraser was doing the same.

100.

500.

1000.

We were zooming through the game. Cars and trucks rushed from either side of the virtual roads as our characters pranced through the world. My eyes bore into the screen as I played on.

I stopped at a river, waiting for a suitable log to appear so I could make my character jump onto it. I watched the logs flow through.

Too short.

Too fast.

That's a hand.

Too small.

Wait, what?

"Fraser, stop blocking my screen!" I scolded, "And you call yourself a pro?"

"Anything to keep my title, love," he laughed.

I blushed at his use of the word 'love'.

"Sorry," I said, pushing him off of his chair, "Not sorry."

I heard the classic "game over" song play on the machine.

"I won!" I laughed, pumping my fists into the air.

"You cheated!"

"And you didn't?" I countered, "Get up."

I chuckled and offered Fraser my hand to help him up, "Let's go play something that you'll find easier-"