I can’t help but laugh. “I learned from the best.” I give her a little nod.

“Yes, you did, little Padawan! Let the hate flow through you,” she mocks with her sinister emperor voice. We both crack up laughing.

“So, you conquer any good countries lately?” I try to shift the conversation back to the game.

“I’ve had to put a couple people in their place. This new league is forming, Law of Superiority. Bunch of dipshits and punks who think they can bully The Federation just based on sheer numbers. Bunch of noobs. They’ve been trolling the shit out of me. So, I think I’m going to have to own a couple of their asses.”

Jackie and I are both part of the same league, The Federation, a group of people who work together in the game. It’s an online version of NATO. There are a bunch of different leagues with different levels of strength or prestige, but The Federation is one of the largest and most influential. So, naturally we get targeted a lot by the new leagues or players trying to make a name for themselves quickly.

“I’ve never heard of them,” I answer as I click around, seeing if I can find any Law of Superiority players near my country.

“Well, you haven’t been around much.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.”

“Look, I don’t care. But you should watch your ass. These guys are out to pick a fight. You get caught with your pants down and they’ll make you regret it. And if The Federation drops you for inactivity, you’re proper fucked.”

“I know. I’m going to make more time to play.” I mean it. As stupid as it may seem to some people, this game is important to me. It’s a big part of who I am. “Shit, I’m going to be late for class. I’ll be back on tonight, okay?”

“Whatever.” Jackie tries to sound detached, but I know she cares. She’s a big sister to me, both in and out of the game.

* * * *

As soon as I get back from class, I toss my bag down and get logged in. It’s good to be back in my element. I’ve lost track of time when Austin strolls in.

He heads straight to the kitchen, but calls out a quick, “Hey.”

“Hey,” I call back.

I don’t log out. I don’t get up. I don’t even look at him. Austin’s the reason I’ve been so distracted lately. I need to finish before I let myself get lost in him. I’m ignoring him, something I know he hates, so he makes his way over to me. I tense with every step closer.