11

It's not really a board game. It's a turn-based fantasy strategy sim combined with a trading card game component," she says, licking the end of a cigarette before lighting it.

"We need a fourth to make it even. Lizzie needs a partner," Derrick says. Up to tenth grade, you knew 'Lizzie' as Ruby, her birth name. After summer of freshman year, Ruby's appearance and attitude changed into the darker being you see before you. She got a lizard tattooed on her neck, which earned her the short-lived nickname, Lizard. Over time, it became Lizzie after her idol, Lizzie Borden, the famous early American (suspected) ax murderer.

"I don't need a partner, and he never played before." Lizzie's face turns red, showing the first bit of color on her eerily pale skin.

"You're losing so badly," Jeremy says, glancing sideways at you. He shuffles in his seat and lifts a can of Bud Light to his mouth, missing and spilling some on his shirt.

"Why don't we raise the stakes?" Lizzie says with a mischievous smile. "Lose a round and do a shot. Lose the game, and you have to streak through the party."

"Are you serious?" Derrick says. "You're so going to lose."

"I guess," Jeremy asks, wiping his shirt with a dirty napkin.

"What do you say, Victor Zombie? Help me beat these guys." Lizzie pulls a chair over for you.