Chapter 24 #2
Maddie rolls her eyes dramatically. “And the conferences.” She adds. “Don’t forget those.”
She glances over at me. “One semester she was just another grad student.” Her eyebrows lift. “And the next she was presenting research alongside him like they were academic equals.”
I frown slightly, remembering. “People used to say she had access to his office whenever she wanted.” I shrug. “Like it was completely normal.”
“Exactly.” Al says. “And the way he looked at her during lectures?” He shakes his head. “Totally obvious. He’d literally stop mid-sentence if she walked in late.”
Al laughs softly. “The rest of the room might as well not have existed.”
Maddie lowers her voice slightly, leaning closer. “Someone in my department swore they saw them leaving campus together a bunch of times. Same car.” She says. “Same timing.”
She shrugs. “Always after evening classes.”
I shake my head. “And somehow it was still ‘purely academic.’” I say dryly.
Al snorts loudly. “Purely academic, my ass.” He leans back in the seat. “The whole department knew. They just chose not to say it out loud.”
The conversation quiets for a moment before Maddie glances back at me again, her expression growing more serious.
“Ree.” She says gently. “Are you really okay?” Her fingers tighten slightly on the steering wheel. “With the stalker and everything else piling up?”
I stare out the window for a second. “The fear’s still there. Constant. But days like this help.”
Maddie nods slowly. “You know you can always come to me if things get tough.” She says quietly. “No matter what time it is.”
Al leans forward again from the back seat. “Same here.” His voice is steady. “Day or night.”
He taps the back of my seat lightly. “Call me. We’re in this together.”
Warm gratitude spreads through me. “Thanks, guys.” I say softly. “That means everything right now.”
A few minutes later the car slows and pulls into a brightly lit car park. Maddie parks and turns off the engine. I glance out the window, confused by the glowing signs and loud music drifting from the building.
“Wait.” I say slowly. “What is this place?”
Maddie’s face lights up instantly. “Oh, you’re going to love this.” She gestures toward the entrance. “It’s a real-life tactical tag arena.”
I blink. “You mean like laser tag?”
“Not just laser tag.” She corrects excitedly. “Think bigger.” She spreads her hands dramatically. “Laser guns. A full maze arena. You run around, shoot people, capture points, and actually win prizes.”
Her grin widens. “Perfect stress relief.” Then she points at me playfully. “And don’t expect mercy just because you’re my friend. I play to win.” She winks.
The excitement in her voice is contagious, but exhaustion still presses down on me.
“I don’t know, Mads.” I admit honestly. “It sounds fun. But I’m exhausted.”
I sigh. “Like… bone-deep exhausted.”
“That’s exactly why we’re doing this.” Maddie says immediately. “You’ve been holding everything in.”
She gestures toward the arena. “You need something loud, chaotic, and a little stupid.” Her smile softens. “Come on. Just for tonight.”
Al nods enthusiastically. “She’s right, Ree. Let’s dominate the arena.”
He taps the door handle. “Think of it as controlled chaos. Very therapeutic.”
I hesitate for another moment. But their energy slowly pulls me in despite the exhaustion. A small smile creeps onto my face.
“Okay.” I say finally. “I’ll try it.” I point at them both. “But if I’m terrible… You’re sworn to secrecy.”
Maddie snorts as she hops out of the car. “No promises.” And she’s already heading toward the entrance.
Inside, we’re handed heavy vests fitted with sensors and sleek laser guns. The gear feels strange in my hands, unfamiliar but intriguing. I adjust the straps, tugging at the vest until it sits comfortably against my chest.
"Ready?" Maddie asks, tightening her own gear.
I nod, nerves buzzing under my skin. "What exactly are the rules?"
"It’s a free-for-all." Al explains. "About fifty players in the arena. Shoot to tag people out. Last one standing wins."
"Survive first." Maddie adds. "Then get aggressive."
Adrenaline starts to stir as the doors slide open and we step into the dimly lit maze. The air feels cooler inside, shadows stretching across narrow corridors. An announcer’s voice crackles over the speakers.
"Players, the game begins now. Good luck."
The signal sounds, and suddenly everything sharpens.
At first, I move cautiously, every sound making my heart jump. My grip tightens around the gun as I hug the walls, peering around corners, more focused on not getting hit than on hitting anyone else. The thrill is there, tangled with lingering fear, but it’s different. Contained, purposeful.
"See anyone?" I whisper to Maddie as she keeps pace beside me.
She shakes her head. "Not yet. Stay close."
A sudden movement catches my eye. Someone tries to slip past us, and before I can second-guess myself, I shoot. The sensor on their vest lights up.
"I got one." I whisper, surprised. "I actually got one."
Maddie beams. "Nice, Ree. See? Natural."
With each passing minute, something loosens inside me. The fear fades into the background, replaced by focus, then excitement. I start moving faster, reacting instead of hesitating. Another tag. Then another.
"This is actually fun." I admit breathlessly to Al as I tag someone else out.
He laughs. "Told you. Now don’t get cocky."
Soon the arena grows quieter. Only a handful of players remain, tension thickening with every echoing footstep and stray laser shot.
"We might actually win this." Maddie murmurs.
Suddenly a laser shot slams into my back, my vest shrieking as red lights flare across it. I stumble a step, startled.
"Got you, Ree." Al calls out. "I’m so sorry."
I laugh, hands dropping as the vest signals I'm out. "You sneaky jerk. Unfair play."
The game ends moments later with Al declared the winner. He throws his hands up in triumph. "Victory is mine. Dinner’s on me tonight."
Cheers break out as we exit the arena, flushed and smiling. Something warm settles in my chest. Lightness I haven’t felt in days.
At the restaurant, the lights are soft, the food rich and comforting. Steaks, salads, glasses clinking together.
"To normalcy." Maddie says, raising her glass. "And to friends who refuse to let you spiral."
"And to Ree kicking ass next round." Al adds.
I smile, meaning it. "Thank you. I didn’t realize how badly I needed this."
Maddie squeezes my hand. "Anytime."
"Always." Al agrees.
Laughter fills the space between us, and for the first time in a while, the weight lifts just enough for me to breathe.