[Alyssa Hicks]

It's just a kilo of chips covered in Tabasco sauce, they say. It's just a dare, they say. Though, it's not just a dare. Even though I love everything spicy, I don't know if I can take it. Nonetheless, I want to prove Chiana wrong. I never back down when it comes to challenges like this. Most importantly, I want to make Kendall proud of me.

I pick the first chip and start munching it. Then, I proceed with the next one, not bothering at all about the growing hotness of the sauce. The more I ingest it, the more I want this to end quickly and then go on with the next round of the game.

Ten minutes are gone and, as of now, I've eaten only about one hundred and fifty grams of chips and salsa. Still a long way to go, I guess. Meanwhile, Chiana is going back to the kitchen (why on hell is she always there? I mean, isn't she interested in seeing my face turn red like the tomatoes her mother grows in her garden? Oh, screw it), while Kendall is heading towards the toilet, claiming that 'she needs to adjust her make-up.' Honestly, I don't know whether believing her is a good idea or not.

I keep eating in silence, stopping for a couple of seconds every once in a while in order to take a breather. I'm trying not to think of how hot the sauce is. The more I do, the worse. It's anything but easy, but it should be definitely worth the effort.

Ten more minutes later, Chiana is back from the kitchen with two bottles of milk and a mischievous smile plastered on her face. Goddamn, I really want to slap it! Why on hell did she decide to torture me like that? I need to come up with a convincing plan for payback...

"Do you like it?" she asks, clearly taunting me, but I don't answer. I'm still munching more and more chips. I can't stop if I want to succeed, otherwise I'll definitely face a penalty. To be honest, I'm not very keen on that, given that Chiana's penalties are usually grueling and humiliating. Last time, I had to stay out for an entire day without wearing a bra because I lost a bet to her and Griffin. I don't want that to repeat, honestly.

I keep munching in silence, easily looking away from Chiana, who, anyway, is laughing under her breath. Now I'm too focused on the dare to fall in her trap of provocations. Right now, she's pouring milk into a glass, probably because she's thirsty. Oh, come on, who am I going to fool? It's not for herself, it's for me. Does she really think I'm that desperate? Well, I guess she doesn't know me so well, after all.

At last, Kendall is back, too. She sits next to me, cheering me every time I eat a chip, especially if it's been dipped in sauce. The more, the merrier, I guess. I just have to hope my throat doesn't turn into that of a dragon, ready to spit fire at any time.

***

Almost one hour into this absurd dare, I'm full and don't think I want to see another chip again for at least a month more or less... now, it's all about just eating two more freaking chips. Then, I can finally get some milk to ease the increasing pain in my throat.

Even though Kendall would like to help me to finish the challenge, Chiana is glaring at her to remind her that she's not allowed to do so, otherwise there will be a penalty. Goddamn, I really hate that girl! Why can't she just get a life of her own? Oh, I shouldn't judge Chiana too harshly. She's not so mean, I guess...

This is why I'm trying to gather what's left of my courage to eat those last two chips. My throat looks like it's been anesthetized, since I can't feel any flavors anymore and, moreover, it's sore.

At last, Kendall hands me the glass of milk, which I send down the throat without looking away, before letting out a gulp and a burp. Kendall laughs slowly, amused by the situation. On the other hand, Chiana is rolling her eyes disdainfully, clearly showing off her annoyance at me and my friend.

For some reason, she wanted me to fail, which probably led her to hold a grudge on me. But now I don't care anymore. The game can reprise, which means that I get to ask Kendall to pick either truth or dare. She chooses the former.

I try to think of a question that would not put anyone, especially her, into an embarrassing position, since this is not exactly my aim. I just want her to answer, that's it.

"What's the most exciting thing you've done with me in your opinion?" A significant question, but not an overly direct one. This is perfect. She'll definitely give an answer, regardless of how she reacts and acts. After all, we're friends, so I don't see why she should feel like she's been judged.

Kendall is trying to look away from the rest of us, only to fail. I know she's not comfortable with the current situation; this is why I gently ask Chiana to go back to the kitchen and put the milk back in the fridge, as well as clean up a little bit.

She stutters, unsure of my possible reaction. "W-well... the best... I mean... the very best moment w-we had together... I mean..." I notice that she's almost being short of breath, which prompts me to put a hand on her chest.

"Take a deep breath. Don't be scared." As soon as I say these words, I notice that she's blushing. I smile at her to reassure her, after which she restarts talking.

"Okay." She gulps and takes breaths as I told her, then she closes her eyes for a couple of seconds and restarts talking, slowly but more calmly. "Well, Alyssa, I've always told you that the most exciting times are when we're all together, you, I and our other friends."

I nod, a little surprised by her words. She goes on, "But I think our moments alone, just the two of us, are more exciting... they are... how can I say that?" She pauses, before saying, "Oh, yeah, they're special. And you know why, I guess."

Those words are leaving me confused. What does she even mean?