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Sweat is starting to bead onon with my stomach, it’s bad My lipstick is a faded pink Popsicle stain and my hair is stuffed into a heavy hel that people laugh when they seeto need to concentrate really hard on getting through this afternoon

Helene waves toa white visor, crea Diet Coke through a straw Only Helene would hite to a paintball park Mr Bexley is sulking about so in khaki

“Have fun, everyone,” Helene calls “And re Brother coin

Joshua reads out the first teams and I’m on his We stride out with our teammates, Andy and Annabelle Two Ga team files out, a similar ratio He must have sorted each team like this

I should have opened ements, but the aardness between us has been insurmountable Plus, since my corporate retreat idea was completely destroyed I’ve felt lackluster and sulky about everything He hijacked it, he can daanize it

But as I realize the air is filled with palpable exciterand idea has now become his achievement I’m such an idiot

I spot Marion with the flag She waves ripped between her teeth, clipboard in hand, and binoculars hanging on her chest She is taking her faux-important job seriously

“What’s the plan, team?” I can’t see our opposition

“Stick together or spread out?” Annabelle is unsure

“Hiven this is a teae” I prop myself up on some slender pine branches and wish I could wipe my face In this suit I’m so hot I feel faint

“We should pick one person who’ll be going for the flag, and protect theood idea

“I like it Who’s going to do it?”

They both peep furtively at Joshua, clearly fearful of hiloved hand looks big enough to punch through a brick wall He should be miniaturized and sold in toy stores for violent little boys

“Annabelle,” Joshua decides “And if she gets shot, we’ll go for the flag in alphabetical order, first names”

Great Meaning Andy, Joshua, and then Lucy Basically, no one is protecting me at all I’m cannon fodder We file out and take cover Andy seespanic and smiles kindly “We’ll all look after you Luce, don’t worry”