“Let’s sit over here by the desk. I’ve got some models to show you of my robot.”
Liam pulled up a wooden chair and Lo took a seat. He then sat in his chair and turned on the computer.
“I’ve been building these since I was sixteen. I have about five of them right now.”
With his elbows resting on his knees, Lo took a look at the screen. The robots were cool, but his was better.
“You see how I connected the adapter to that battery.” Liam pointed at the screen. “It’s really cool how I did it.”
Lo eyed him. “How old are you?”
“I’m twenty-three.”
To Lo, that sounded old in his thirteen-year-old mind.
“I’m an engineer major at the local university. I come here in the summers to teach children about science. I actually picked you to come, Kylo. I seen your grades and the recommendation from your teacher. You have a very nice resume.” Liam grinned.
None of his compliments impressed Lo. He was way too ornery to receive the nice things Liam said about him. All Lowanted was to go home and eat food that had just a bit of seasoning.
Liam planted his hand on Lo’s shoulder. “I think you're going to be an amazing asset here. What do you think?”
Lo shrugged his hand off him and sat back in his seat. “To be honest, it’s boring here. We ain't did nothing fun since I got here.”
Liam nodded, giving him a flat smile. “I understand. The first week is very drab. You know we have to do all the introductions, talk about the rules and mission statement. I get it. But we can have fun here.”
“What you mean?”
“Me and you. Nobody would have to know how much fun we have. What is it that you like to do?”
“You got a Dreamcast?” Lo asked eagerly.
“A Dreamcast?” Liam waved his hand. “I have something better than that. I have a PlayStation 2.”
Lo’s eyes glowed within an instant. Liam got up and went inside his closet. He pulled out the game system and hooked it up to his TV. For the first time since he’d been there, Lo was happy. Even if it was for an hour, he was glad he could escape the boring reality and dive into a game.
“Alright, Kylo, I have all kinds of games you can play. What would you like to start with?”
“You got 2K?”
“Of course, I do.” He grabbed the case and took the disc out. He then inserted it inside the game console.
“How about a one-on-one game?”
Lo nodded, almost bouncing in his seat. “I’m ‘bout to bust yo’ ass.” Quickly, he covered his mouth, forgetting that he wasn’t playing against Devyn or Meco.
“It’s okay, Kylo. I give you permission to curse. Just don't do it in front of the other kids or instructors.”
“For real? I can curse while we play?”
“Yeah,” he said so casually. “I used to be a kid once upon a time. It’s okay if you do it between us.”
“A’ight.”
Lo and Liam played so many games that night that he didn’t realize it was closed to midnight when they were finished. Liam was really cool. Although he was corny, Lo didn’t mind hanging out with him.
“Man, Kylo, you really are good at this. I think I only won one game.” Liam shook his head.
Lo chuckled. “You weak as shit, Liam. Step yo’ game up.”
