This game isn’t my escape anymore. It’s a chore. I’ve poured myself into it, hoping I could turn myself back into the person I was before Austin. The girl who was happy playing make-believe and living online. But I’m not that girl anymore. I’m not sure this ever made me happy, but it certainly can’t now. I know what happiness is. I know how love feels. Home. This game can’t give me what I felt with Austin.

I hate it a little more every day. It taunts me with what I lost. Who I was stupid enough to give up. If it weren’t for Jackie’s constant ranting about “teaching the bastards a lesson,” I would’ve quit by now. It’s not about trade deals and peace treaties anymore. It’s all war and embargos. Jackie loves every second.

“Eat shit, punk. Think you can invade one of us and get away with it?” she taunts the latest Law of Superiority player she’s targeted for destruction. “Vendetta, bitch!” she screams into the mic like a crazy person. She’s on a bit of a havoc bender.

My country isn’t mine anymore and I honestly don’t care, but Jackie’s made it personal. They came after me because the rest of The Federation was too strong. Earned myself a big fat told-you-so on that one. Funny how things can seem so important one day, and not matter the next. Without Austin, this game is just a game.

“Lizbit, you take the southern border. Make sure they can’t resupply. Another week without alcohol or sugar and we won’t need to invade. Their people will tear them apart for us.” Jackie’s sinister laugh fills my ears.

I unenthusiastically reply with, “You got it, boss.” I go through the motions, her reluctant sidekick for another forty-five minutes before I beg off. “Jackie, I’m about ready to call it for tonight,” I sulk into the mic.

“It’s only eight-thirty. Come on. We can take down at least one more city.”

“I’m really not up for it.”

“Hey, what’s up with you?”

She stares at me in our video chat. I keep my eyes focused on one of my other screens, refusing to meet her eyes as I lie. “Nothing.”

“Nothing my ass. You’re beyond distracted. I thought you were done with finals.”

“I am.”

“Then what is it?”

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

Jackie busts out her warning tone. “Lizbit, lie to me again and I’ll hack your Facebook and post pro-Apple memes.”

I gasp. “You wouldn’t”

She quirks an eyebrow. “Try me.”

I let out a deep sigh. “Fine. Austin is in trouble.”

“Who gives a shit?”

“I do.”

Jackie groans. “Why? The prick deserves it.”

“He’s getting framed for using performance-enhancing drugs. He got kicked off the team.”