Star Runners Read Online Free PDF Page B

collector's edition of the Star Runners ’ Trident fighter hung from one branch, its wings in a downward position as if ready to attack. A gold lightning bolt spread the length of the fighter, splitting the blue paint. On the branch below it, a Zahl Imperial Interceptor with black and red colors, swayed as if fleeing the attack. He sighed. Both were gifts from Dad following long business trips.
    "I always thought those things were so cool," Josh said, touching the Trident fighter with his index finger. "Why don't you open your present? My parents want me back before too long."
    "Oh, okay." Austin picked up the package for Josh. "This is from me and Mom."
    Austin sat in the floor and tore apart the ornament-covered wrapping paper. He didn't recognize the black box as he tossed the crumpled paper to the side. He turned it over and saw a graphic novel based on the Star Runners ’ universe taped to the side. 
    "Cool!"
    He pulled back the rest of the paper, revealing a Flight Explorer joystick officially endorsed by the Star Runners game.
    "This is too much, man,” Austin said. “I don't, uh, I don't know what to say."
    Josh shrugged. "It's cool. You always complained about that old joystick. I've seen you play a couple times. You're pretty rough on the thing. This stick'll hold up even to you." He turned to his present. "Whatta we have here?"
    "Like I said; it's not much.”
    Josh tore past the wrapping paper, revealing a dark green satchel with Josh's initials stenciled on the top. "Cool! It's like a military bag, right?"
    Austin exhaled. "Yeah, we thought it would come in handy for your books and whatnot."
    Josh held the satchel in the air like a tournament prize. "Thanks, man."
    Austin nodded and placed his presents on the coffee table. "I wish I could have gotten you more."
    Josh waved his hand past his face. "What are you talking about? It's perfect."
    "Well, I guess you better get going unless you want a drink or something to eat?"
    "Wish I could, but I have to go."
    Josh stood and grabbed his leather jacket. His car keys jingled and fell to the floor. As he picked up the keys, he turned to Austin. “I know the past few months have been super crazy. With football winding down, we didn't get to hang out that much."
    Austin shrugged. "I don't care about that."
    "I know you don't, but I need to say it anyway." He swallowed, his brow wrinkled in thought. "You're my best friend. I'm going to miss you."
    He lumbered across the living room and hugged Austin.
    "I'll be in touch. I'll give you a call when I get there."
    He turned and left through the front door.
    Austin sat on the couch, staring into nothing. He thought of waking Mom, but she slept for once instead of watching mindless television. Since she started her medical assisting job after Thanksgiving, she hadn't wasted time doing anything but housework, giving Austin rides to his job at the fruit stand, and going to work. 
    Mom planned on making breakfast for Christmas tomorrow and they would spend it opening presents. There would be no visitors, parties or events. It would be a quiet day.
    From inside his house, Austin watched the wind tussle with the trees outside. He took in a deep breath and released it. The couch engulfed him. Propping his feet up, he locked his fingers behind his head and leaned back farther. He thought of all the events during the past year and knew the next year would be different. Everyone he had known in the past four years of high school would scatter like grains of sand in the wind searching for their own paths in life. Kadyn would probably go to the local college. Josh would be on the west coast. And Austin didn't know where he would be.
    He cleared his throat and sat forward. Deciding on his life path wasn't a decision he’d make on Christmas Eve. He smiled. Unplugging the tree lights and grabbing his new joystick, Austin shuffled back to his room and suppressed a yawn. He wasn't ready to sleep. With a jiggle to the mouse, his computer