Tape • NH

23

Chapter Twenty Three, The Weekend (entirely conversation)

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"DUDE, WHAT THE HELL?"

"I WAS DOING THE MISSION."

"I SAID COVER ME, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?"

"YES."

"THEN WHAT THE HELL?"

"Look, just let me get through this so you can come back!"

"You're gonna die! We always die! We had a plan, what the hell?"

"YOU'RE PUTTING TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON ME. BACK OFF."

"I HOPE YOU DIE, NIALL."

"I HOPE YOU STAY DEAD, ADRIAN."

"What is going on?"

"We're playing Halo, dad. Adrian brought his X-Box and a couple of games over."

"But are you boys okay?"

"Oh my god, dad, we're fine."

"Adrian, are you guys okay?"

"Yes, Mr. Horan. Sorry for the yelling. We're just frustrated about this one part."

"Do you guys need help?"

"Dad! Seriously, we're fine."

"Mr. Horan, if you want, I can show you how to play when Niall dies?"

"No! He's not playing. Dad, don't you have work?"

"I do, Niall. Thank you for offering, Adrian. Have fun guys, but try to keep your voices down."

"Yes, Mr. Horan."

"What the hell was that?"

"What?"

"You don't ask if he wants to play!"

"Dude, he offered to help. What was I supposed to say?"

"How about that we don't need help?"

"I'm sorry it never occurred to me. Happy?"

"No! I'm not happy. I am not freaking happy."

"I get this sense you're talking about something I don't know."

"Just... forget it. I'm restarting this."

"No, forget about the game and talk to me. Niall, what's wrong? Is it about Carmen?"

"No, not everything is about her."

"Lies. It has been since the second week of school when she moved here."

"No."

"Then what? Is it about Samantha?"

"God, no."