“Yeah. We booked the park for the day. It will be like a family day.”

“Paintball? You want a paintball competition. Honey my team will run circles around you guys.” Bette bragged.

“Don’t be so sure about that.” Tina said smugly. “Element of surprise.”

Bette laughed. “Oh it’s war.”

“Bring it.”

The following morning the girl met at the park. There were walls and obstacles placed in strategic positions to act as shields. It was decided that Tina and Bette would be team leaders since the idea for the family day was Tina’s. She, Alice, Shane and Dana were the red team while Bette, Helena, Kit and Carmen, Kits house DJ and friend would be the blue team. Christian and his best friend from school decided to play video games instead.

The whistle blew for the start of the game. Bette and her team took position behind a large wall on one end while Tina’s team split up and hid behind poles and logs or anything they could find. Shane and Dana tried to get the girls organised but their efforts were futile. Alice was the first out by a shot in the head by Bette. “Gotcha!”

“How the hell?” Alice put her hands in the air. “I’m out!” Alice and the other team members were still in shock as to how Bette could have gotten her where she was hiding. They continued running and hiding and shooting at each other. Shane, Kit and Carmen were all out no thanks to Bette and Helena who clearly forgetting that the day was all about fun. Dana soon joined them and it was down to Tina alone against Bette and Helena.

Tina laid low behind a log. She was very patient. Her patience has worked for her so far. She stayed there for about ten minutes before Bette sent Helena in to get her. Tina waited and listened as the footsteps approached. She used her compact mirror as the eyes behind her back. When Helena was close enough she sprung at her and took a shot hitting in the chest. “Shit.” She raised her hands a glared at her assailant. “I’m out.” Tina winked and smiled cockily bringing the barrel to her mouth and blew into the tip. She pointed in Bette’s direction and mouthed, “you’re next” to her.

Bette and Tina take turns shooting at each other, ducking and rolling to avoid the onslaught of paint balls they shot. Tina managed to get a few good shots at Bette but Bette always managed to dodge her. They snuck around and under obstacles. Bette lost sight of Tina for a while and decided to remain concealed behind a pole. Tina crawled to a log near to Bette’s hiding place. She was a few feet from her now standing on the other side of the pole with her gun pointed at Bette. “You gotta ask youself one question. Do you feel lucky, punk?” Tina said mimicking Harry Callahan.

“So you wanna play rough huh?” Bette said imitating Tony Montana as she came out from her hiding place and stood defensively. “Well say hello to my little friend.” Bette took her shot but when nothing came out she looked down and realised that she was out. “Shit!” She looked up at Tina who had an evil smile on her face.

Tina raised the gun to Bette’s head and took pleasure in carefully taking her shot. “Who’s running circles now?” She said haughtily. She turned slowly and walked away leaving Bette standing in amazement.