‘Zak, you’ll never make it as a professional,’ she said firmly. ‘These stars who play in the big leagues are a different breed to you. They’re ex-military, or former gang members, or come from parts of the world with no child protection. They’re from the wrong side of the tracks. They’ll rip apart a pampered kid like you, who’s not had a single real adventure in his life.’
Zak sighed with frustration.
‘That’s why I need to start playing on True-To-Life now. If I wait till I’m eighteen I’ll be way behind so many others.’
Skye shook her head.
‘I bet you’ll play it once, and be too scared to ever play it again.’
Zak normally tried to be unmoved by Skye’s provocative remarks. But these stoked a genuine fear within him that he had already left it too late to start playing the game for real.
‘Do you want to shake on that?’ he said, his voice unintentionally croaking.
‘Yeah!’ said Skye confidently. She lifted her hand, but put it to her ear and glanced away.’
‘Mum wants you downstairs now,’ she said.
‘I’m not going,’ said Zak.
‘Suit yourself,’ said Skye. She spun round and walked to the door.
‘By the way,’ said Zak, as she opened it. ‘What happened to your hair?’
Skye snapped her head back.
‘You’re one to talk, with your spiky mess,’ she said. ‘This is the latest design. I’ve got the most expensive hair system – I’m gonna use it!’
Zak waited until she had left the room and slammed the door.
‘Yeah,’ he said, ‘but computers weren’t invented for you to do that to your hair.’
A deliberate cough echoed around the room.
‘Tom,’ said Zak.
‘Ready to see some real fighting Zak?’ said Tom. ‘We’re all waiting.’
‘Yeah. I’m ready,’ said Zak, his voice taking a nervous wobble.
