265: GAMERS LUKE’S POV I walked into the living room to see Randy and Ethan engrossed in a soccer video game. They were both sitting on the edge of the couch, their eyes glued to the TV screen. I couldn’t help but chuckle at their intense concentration. “What are you guys playing?” I asked, trying to stifle my laughter. “It’s this new soccer game,” Randy replied, not taking his eyes off the screen. “It’s so cool; you should try it.” “I’m good,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “I’ll just watch.” Randy and Ethan continued playing, with Randy leading by four goals to nil. I couldn’t believe how good Randy was at the game; he was completely dominating Ethan. I couldn’t resist teasing him a little. “Is this how you spend your mornings, Randy?” I teased. “Beating your brother at video games?” Randy shot me a playful glare. “I’m not just beating him; I’m destroying him,” he said proudly. I couldn’t help but laugh at his confidence. “Well, I used to be pretty good at this game when I was younger,” I said, trying to sound modest. “Really?” Randy’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Then why don’t you play against me? Let’s see if you still have it.” “Trust me, you do not want that happening.“` “Why? Are you scared?” Randy playfully smirked at me. I looked at him for a moment, and if that was what he wanted, then so be it. I couldn’t turn down this challenge now. I took Ethan’s controller and sat down next to Randy. “Alright, you’re on. The game began, and I felt the competitive spirit rising. I was determined to beat Randy and show him that I still had what it took. We played with intense focus, both of us trying our best to score goals and defend our nets. In the end, I emerged as the clear winner, with six goals to Randy’s nil. I couldn’t resist a smirk of satisfaction as I handed back the controller to Ethan. “It looks like I’m still the king of this game,” I said, trying to hide my smugness. Randy rolled his eyes at me, but I could see a hint of admiration in them. “Okay, okay, you win,” he conceded. “But I have to admit, you were pretty good.” I felt a sense of pride at his words. “Thanks, little guy,” I said, patting him on the back. Ethan couldn’t stop laughing at Randy’s defeat. “Randy, you got beat. And here you were, acting like you were the beast of this game.” Randy playfully shoved him away. “Shut up, Ethan. At least I put up a good fight.” We all laughed and continued playing the game, taking turns and trying to beat each other’s scores. I know it was too early for that, but the morning was quite fun, filled with laughter and friendly competition, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend it. Well, there were better ways, but this was awesome. After some minutes spent in this game, we eventually put down the controllers, which felt like hours. “You know, Randy,” I said, ruffling his hair. “Maybe you’ll be as good as me one day.” Randy just rolled his eyes at me, but I could see a glimmer of determination in them. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll surpass me in this game. But for now, I was happy to be the reigning champion in our little living room tournament. “Never!” Ethan joked loudly, standing on the couch. “Rand’s a loser. Randy’s a loser. Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah.” “Keep it down, will you?” I held him and made him sit down. “I know. I was just joking.” “Well, you have to be careful with your jokes. Do you want to upset Randy?” “Oh, please, he totally understands. He’s not going to get mad.” Ethan glanced at Randy. “Right, Randy?” Randy nodded, and Ethan smiled at me. “See, it’s just natural. We always make fun of each other, but that doesn’t mean we’re enemies.” “I’m not saying you’re enemies. Just be careful, okay?” “Yes, sir,” Ethan said loudly, in a playful tone. I laughed right away and ruffled his hair. “Silly.” “Daddy?” Janice pooped up on the stairs. Cleaning her eyes. I could tell she was still sleepy. “Oh, Janice, sweetheart.” I got up from the couch and quickly walked to her. “You’re finally awake, little one.” She yawned. “Where’s mommy?” ARIEL’S POV “Luke’s all good,” I gave Andre in response to his question. “That good? I thought he was shot in the shoulder.” “That man can be unbelievable sometimes, especially when shot.‘ “How many times has he been shot?” “I can’t remember clearly; it should be two or three.” Andre chuckled. “Wow, your husband’s bulletproof.” I laughed. “Say what now?” “Nothing. I’m just surprised and a little bit jealous.” “He still feels the pain, though.” “But he acts like he doesn’t feel a damn thing,” André told me. I laughed softly and fed him another spoon. “Aren’t you going to eat?” “No, I’m good.” “Oh really? You’ve had breakfast?” “No,” I answered, shaking my head. “Then have some. “Nah, I’m good.” “Ohhhhhhhhh,” André uttered. I furrowed my brows at him promptly. “I see what’s happening here.” “What?” “I can see what’s happening here,” he said again. “What?” I repeated my question. “You don’t want to have a taste of this food, right?” “Excuse me?” I heaved one of my eyebrows. “You don’t like this hospital food. But you’re here, feeding me.” “No, that’s not it. I’m not hungry.” “Okay, then, have a spoon.” I gave him a crazy look. “No.” “Then it’s pretty clear now.” “Think whatever you want to think; that’s none of my business.” Andre snatched the spoon from my hand, served some food, and wanted to feed me, was closed to the fullest. There was no way I was letting that shit get in. but my mouth “Come on now, Ariel. Just one spoon,” he suggested. “Just let it be; I’m not hungry.” “Okay then. I’m not hungry as well.” He dropped the spoon and pushed the tray aside. “You have to eat.‘ “I’m not hungry.” “You’re at a hospital, doofus. You’ll need some food for strength.” “I have all the strength I need,” Andre said, letting out a deep sigh. “So, have you heard from Mason?” “No, I don’t even know where he is right now. If he’s dead or if he’s still alive, “He can’t be dead. He’s definitely hiding somewhere.” “Yeah, you’re probably right about that.” “I can’t believe my brother would do all those things. I can’t believe he would be so heartless.” Andre spoke lowly, his expression making it clear that he was thinking about the moments spent with his younger brother. “He always had this bitter character, this terrible attitude, this disgusting demeanor. But…” He trailed off, letting out a deep sigh. “I don’t even know what to say.” “Are you surprised?” I asked him. “Of course, I’m surprised. I never thought Mason would go to such lengths to get payback. His actions left me shocked, honestly.” “I’m sorry, Andre,” I told him, fixing my hand on his shoulder. “But that’s just it. Mason is a heartless human being.” He looked at me. “So, what are you going to do to him?”
