Claws & Conflict
The arcade was louder than Beth expected. Flashing lights danced across the walls, paired with bursts of electronic jingles and the occasional thud of someone slamming a button too hard. It was chaotic, but not entirely unpleasant. Not that she’d admit that out loud.
“This is gonna be so fun,” Samantha said, practically bouncing as she pulled Beth toward a row of claw machines. “I’m winning you something.”
“You think you’re winning me something,” Beth corrected. “These are rigged.”
“Pfft. You underestimate me.” Samantha grabbed the joystick with exaggerated confidence and started maneuvering the claw.
Beth crossed her arms. “You’re just gonna waste your money.”
The claw jerked downward, missing its target completely. Samantha blinked at the empty claw, clearly offended.
“Okay, that one doesn’t count.”
Beth snorted. “Sure.”
Before Samantha could try again, a sharp voice called from behind.
“There you are! I thought we lost you.”
Beth’s stomach twisted.
Anna was standing a few feet away, her arms crossed, flanked by Ryan and Sarah. Anna’s smile was wide and plastic, the kind that never reached her eyes.
“I was wondering why you weren’t answering your phone,” Anna said, voice syrupy sweet. “Didn’t know you were... busy.” Her gaze flicked to Beth, her smile tightening.
Samantha’s own smile faltered. “Oh, hey! Yeah, I was just—"
“Making new friends?” Anna cut in. “Didn’t think she was your type.”
Beth bristled. “My type?”
“You know,” Anna said, her voice dripping with mock innocence. “The whole ‘doom and gloom’ thing. Kind of weird to see you with someone who doesn’t, like, own color.”
“Wow,” Beth muttered. “Great insult. Did you come up with that all by yourself?”
Anna’s eyes narrowed. “I’m just saying, Samantha doesn’t need to be dragged down by someone who hangs out in cemeteries.”
“That’s enough,” Samantha said sharply. “You can chill.”
Ryan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. “Relax, Anna. It’s not a big deal.” His tone was casual, but he shot Beth a quick, curious glance, like he wasn’t sure what to make of her either.
Sarah, meanwhile, kept her gaze fixed on the floor, avoiding Beth’s eyes entirely. Beth’s chest tightened. She wondered if Sarah’s silence was guilt or indifference.
“Whatever,” Anna scoffed. “I’m just saying we have practice tomorrow, Sam. Maybe hanging out with... that isn’t the best way to stay sharp.”
Without another word, Anna turned on her heel and strutted away. Ryan followed with a lazy shrug, while Sarah lingered for a second longer. Her eyes flicked up just briefly—then she turned and hurried after the others.
Samantha let out a breath. "Sorry about that."
Beth shoved her hands in her pockets. "I’m used to it."
“Well... don’t get too used to it," Samantha said firmly. "Anna’s just—"
"An insecure control freak?" Beth offered.
Samantha laughed, loud enough to pull Beth out of her simmering anger. "Yeah, pretty much. But hey—you're still getting a prize."
Beth raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? How?"
With a triumphant grin, Samantha stuffed a crumpled ticket from the claw machine’s prize slot into Beth’s hand. Printed on it was a single word: 'TRY AGAIN.'
"Told you I’d win something," Samantha said brightly.
Beth couldn’t help but smile.