Halo 3 Stole My Boyfriend

I first knew something was going on two weeks ago when my boyfriend brought home a brand-new Xbox 360. He never buys anything, so this was a major purchase, especially as he already owned an Xbox that was in fairly good working condition. He just wanted an upgrade, he said. I let it go, and pretended to marvel at its sleek new design.

As time went on, I noticed he was playing more and more with his new toy, especially a certain game called Halo. Now, I wasn't oblivious. I had even played the game. It wasn't bad, but I much preferred Star Wars Battlefront, since I was a fan of that sci-fi series.

And then came the doozy. One day, a 36" high definition TV appeared in his apartment. It looked nice, but I wanted to know what was up. Two high-cost purchases in two weeks? Was he having a mid-twenties crisis? Was he feeling like he had to impress me with his money? Seriously, buying me ice cream and paying for my beer at pub trivia would be more than enough of a show of wealth. He insisted nothing was up, he had just finally decided to enjoy his money. Fine. That's great.

And now, as I write this on September 25th, I ask, where has my boyfriend gone? I got a voice mail from him this afternoon telling me that I probably shouldn't come over tonight. I was pissed.

"What's going on? Is there somebody else?" I demanded, knowing it would be a complete shock and completely out of character if this was true.

"Not exactly," was his evasive reply.

"Not exactly? Tell me. Now."

He knew I was mad. "Never mind,"he said, covering his tracks. "I'll come by you tonight. We can watch The Biggest Loser together. It'll be great!"

But it wasn't going to be that easy. "What's her name?"

A long silence.

"Well?"

"Halo 3?" he asked, in that sort of apologetic questioning way, as if asking if this was enough to send me over the edge.

"A game? You're ditching me for a game?"