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Jeremy raised his phaser and fired at Ella’s chest. He missed and swore under his breath, ducking back behind cover. She was still there, the last person on the opposing team that was still guarding the control point.
Quiet footsteps sounded behind him and he whirled, gun raised. He sighed in relief — it was only Toby, who was on his team. “Is she still holding that point?” Toby asked in disbelief.
“Sure is. She’s always been good at tactics in shooter games.” Jeremy shook his head. “She really puts me to shame.”
“We can’t let her beat us. Two minutes left!” Toby leapt out from behind cover and moved into the open, phaser held at the ready. Jeremy snorted with laughter when Ella appeared in a different position and shot Toby, causing his vest to light up, flashing red and blue.
“Nice!” Jeremy yelled in mock appreciation.
Toby glowered at him. “Shut up, Jeremy!”
Jeremy hid behind the barrier again, trying to work out how to sneak up on Ella and attack her. Thoughts racing, he didn’t hear another person approach his position. His vest lit up and he turned to see Ashad winking at him. “You’re dead,” Ashad informed him with a mischievous grin.
“You’re dead next,” Jeremy threatened him good-naturedly, waiting for his ‘death’ to be over in 30 seconds.
“Try and catch me.” Ashad dashed around the corner and out of sight. Caught up in the moment, Jeremy followed and forgot that Ella was still on the prowl. As soon as his vest turned back to his team colour red and his phaser was ready for attack, he was shot again.
“Nice one Ashad, using your charm to lure my brother into the open!” Ella shouted, laughing.
Jeremy’s face burned with embarrassment. “God, Ella, you’re evil. Two deaths in a minute.”
“I don’t play nice, little brother,” said Ella with a devilish grin.
“Nor do I!” A girl’s voice rang out from the darkness and suddenly Ella’s vest turned from blue to flashing lights. Red vest glowing, Cassidy emerged, flipping her dark braid over her shoulder. “Sorry babe!”
Jeremy rolled his eyes. Ella and Cassidy had been flirting hard and going everywhere together for the last few days. He couldn’t tell if they were officially dating yet, but they seemed pretty close to that stage. The pet names were already sickening to hear, though.
“Time’s up!” announced a voice over the loud speaker. “There’s no winner for this round, but red team won two out of three!”
“YES!” Toby roared, thrusting his hips and waving his arms in a victor dance. Jeremy collapsed into laughter; he’d never seen Toby acting silly, or with so much enthusiasm.
“I was so sure we were going to win,” sighed Ashad. “I need a burger to cheer me up.”
“Righto, off to Maccas it is!” Ella galloped towards the door followed by Cassidy, who was giggling about something or other. Jeremy was put off by the powerfully gay aura being exuded by the two girls. He decided to hang back with Ashad, Toby, and Toby’s friend.
After dinner, the group parted ways. Jeremy and Ella’s dad came to pick them up. “I can’t wait till I can drive on my own,” Ella groaned. “How long is it until we’re 17, Jer?”
“Um, a couple of months I think.”
She sighed. “Good.”
“Did you have fun, kids?” asked their dad.
“Yeah, it was good,” they said simultaneously.
“I stopped our team from losing all three games,” Ella said.
“That’s not much of an achievement,” Jeremy chortled. “We still beat you.”
“Alright, guys, the game’s over,” their dad laughed. “How about I beat you at Halo when we get home? That way you’ll both be losers.”
“Dad, you can’t be beat Ella.”
“Hm. You might be right.”
They pulled into the driveway at about 9pm. “Did you have a good time?” Jeremy and Ella’s mum asked, kissing her husband on the cheek as he walked in.
“Yep,” Jeremy said. “We’re gonna play Halo with Dad now.”
“Alright, I’ll bring some dessert over,” their mum said, smiling.
Just after they’d all settled in the lounge room, the doorbell rang. “Who’d be here at this time of night?” Ella mused. She got up and Jeremy heard her open the door. “Daina?” Jeremy’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Their cousin was here?
“Hey, Ella, um…” Daina’s voice faltered. “I just didn’t know where to go. My parents—they just—they kicked me out.” Her voice was laid thick with emotion, making her small voice difficult to understand.
“Oh it’s okay,” Ella soothed. “Come in here,” she said, leading Daina into the kitchen. Jeremy followed them and offered Daina a tissue. She wiped her watery brown eyes and pulled her hood off of her head as she tried to calm herself.
“Damn,” Jeremy exclaimed, “your hair looks amazing!” Daina’s head was shaved on one side, and the rest of her hair cascaded in smooth, straight waves of vivid crimson.
“Your parents didn’t kick you out for dyeing your hair, did they?” Ella asked.
“No, it was something else,” Daina mumbled, sniffing. “Is it okay if I don’t talk about it right now?”
Jeremy nodded. “Sure. Do you want to stay here tonight?” Daina nodded mutely in response.
The twins’ mum peered into the kitchen. “Hey, sweetheart,” she said softly, pulling Daina into an embrace. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.” Jeremy saw his mum turn to him. “Can you clear out the spare room for Daina, Jer?”
“Sure.” Jeremy wondered what on earth could have caused Daina’s parents to kick her out. Sure, they were a little strict, but he’d assumed they loved their daughter enough to let her stay there no matter what happened. After all, Daina was only 16, the same age as he and Ella. He found himself growing angry at his aunt and uncle for his cousin’s sake.
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