1. Jamie

1

JAMIE

I f I were a wizard, life would be so much more rad.

Instead, I was stuck like everyone else in this office for another two minutes. I stared at the clock, waiting for 5 P.M. to hit. I impatiently drummed my fingers on the desk, twirling the phone cord with the other hand, hoping time would move faster.

The phone rang, and I let out a hiss between my teeth. Another angry person hoping to catch an insurance agent so they could vent about whatever had happened.

"Are ya gonna get that, Jamie?" Lucy asked from her cubicle next to mine.

Hell no.

9 to 5, Monday through Friday, I was a driven business woman. I'd worked my way up through the insurance company I worked for, and was on the verge of getting another promotion despite the assholes I worked with. I did everything I could to be the best. Do the best work, get the most clients, make the most sales.

But the moment the weekend hit, my secret addiction called like a siren from the sea.

The clock hit 5pm, and I stood up, ignoring the petulant ring. "It's five o'clock, babe," I said, looking at Lucy.

Lucy paused, caught in the middle of putting on lipstick. Her teased platinum blonde hair radiated hairspray like a cloud of smoke, even from where I stood. She wagged a lace gloved finger at me, rolling her eyes.

The nice thing about Lucy was that she knew I always left like this on Fridays and was used to it. It meant I did her other favors here and there when she covered for me. "Fine, I'll answer it for you, sugar, but you owe me one."

"I'll bring you a chocolate suisse mocha on Monday," I promised.

Lucy gasped. "I can't wait!"

The phones in the office kept ringing in a loud chorus, some employees choosing to answer while others left. Like me.

On the clock, I was the best of the best—but it was the weekend, baby. I could already feel the tingle of victory in my fingertips.

"I would. I'm out of here," I said, grinning at her.

"You always rush out of here on Fridays," she sighed, picking up the phone. She winked at me as she put on her best customer service voice. "Hello, thank you for calling Haunt Insurance, where we help you make decisions that won't haunt you for the rest of your life. How can I help you?"

Good luck, I mouthed, already grabbing my bag. I rushed out of the office, squeezing into the elevator and riding down to the parking garage. I slung my purse over my padded shoulder, adjusting my plaid blazer as I almost ran to my cherry red BMW M3.

I slid into the back seat and slammed the door, looking around to make sure no one was peeping. I always parked away from everyone else because my backseat was my changing room on Fridays.

All clear.

I ripped off my blazer and turtleneck, leaning down and snatching my gym bag. I unzipped it quickly and pulled out a lime green crop top and high-waisted fade jeans. Within a few minutes, I was a changed woman. I had morphed from Career-Jamie to Arcade-Queen-Jamie.

The mall's parking lot was already crowded when I arrived. My radio blasted rock, a shot of adrenaline straight into my bloodstream. The neon sign above the doors burned bright pink, Creepy Court drawing all of us in like moths to a flame. I pulled into a parking spot, excitement making my stomach flip.

Home sweet home.

I grabbed my bag and got out of the car. The cool breeze ruffled my dark curls as I crossed the parking lot, joining the masses that went through the front doors. A chill went up my spine, which I'd found to be my normal reaction when stepping foot onto the carpet lobby of Creepy Court.There was something strange about this place, but that only made it more exciting.

It was a wonderland.

Laughter and shouts surrounded me, the scent of burning corn dogs and popcorn wafting through the air. Teenagers moved in packs, adults stood in front of shop windows fishing out their wallets, and the elderly sat by the fountain at the center of the food court. Creepypasta had a line outside of it, the noodle sign blinking like a carb calling card.

Pasta sounded delicious, but my reward for making it to the weekend was waiting.

I strolled down one section of the mall, passing other shops. None of them mattered to me the way my destination did.

I passed Frankie's Funhouse, the only other arcade in the mall. That one served pizza, but I couldn't get over how it made me feel. I'd gone in there once before, but had felt like I was being watched.

The vibe of that place was really unsettling.

I let out a sigh of relief as I bounced to the front of GalaxyGames. The outside was painted dark blue with specks of white. The name was displayed on a glowing, planet-shaped sign. Two massive windows showed the inside. As per usual on Friday nights, it was jam-packed.

"Damn it," I breathed out.

Other people were waiting outside. I went towards the front doors, but a girl hissed at me. "Hey, lady, get in line."

My fingers itched. I had to be at my game, to make sure I'd maintained my high score.

"I work here," I lied.

She scoffed at me, popping a bubblegum bubble as an exclamation point of disgust. I ignored her and went through the front doors, sweat dripping down the back of my neck.

The clerk at the counter recognized me. Jimmy. He raised a brow but said nothing as I slinked through those that waited and eventually disappeared into the chaos of the arcade.

I was pretty sure he had a thing for me and I was chaotic enough to accept the favors.

I went down a row of pinball machines, squeezing past the shouting kids. I felt a little out of place here, sometimes, but all of those feelings drifted away as I rounded the corner and met my machine.

Playing Mantis.

No one was playing at the moment, so I stepped forward, claiming it as mine. I reached into my purse and pulled out the stash of coins I had.

I let out a soft breath as the screen flashed brilliant colors. I braced my hands on either side of the green and white machine, smiling as three digital hearts charged up.

I waited patiently to see my name at the top of the leaderboard as always. I grinned as it popped up.

But then my stomach dropped.

"No," I whispered.

My name was not number one. JamieandtheJets had been knocked down to number two by a simple name.

Mantis.

Fuck.

"No, no, no," I groaned.

Who the fuck was that ?

I'd been playing this game for years, and no one—NO ONE—had ever beaten me. Never. I had held the golden spot for so long.

I was going to destroy them.

My heart hammered in my chest, moisture exuding from my palms. I swallowed hard as I slid two coins into the slot and slapped the red start button.

I felt autopilot kick in, fueled by adrenaline and the need to beat them. I knew this game like the back of my hand. I'd been playing it for years. Coming to this arcade for so long that I could tell when there was a new stain on the zigzag patterned carpet. I played the game, smirking as I hit a level I'd never hit before. Surely, this would be enough to defeat my enemy.

"Fuck," I whispered.

"Damn, you're totally rad!" A teen called.

I ignored them, and the weird feeling of being observed. They could watch all they wanted.

Hell, part of me hoped that the mysterious Mantis was watching me right now, too.I wanted them to see me absolutely destroy them.

My heart raced faster as I played through the level. I slammed my hands down as I lost my last life; the screen turning black with the neon green Praying Mantis emblem.

The high score bloomed on the screen.

+++

1. Mantis

2. JamieandtheJets

+++

My name remained in second place.

My chest heaved with breaths. I stared at their name, stared at the game I felt had betrayed me.

I was superb. But I wasn't superb enough.

I blew a stray curl out of my face and reached for the coins. I slid one into the slot and started it over.

Whoever Mantis was, I would crush them.