Turbo's evil laugh chills me to my core as I watch the cy-bugs advance on Vanellope. "Time to watch your little friend die!"

I struggle helplessly against his grip, feeling tears stream down my face as the cy-bugs attack. "No!"

I shoot up in bed, panting, sweat covering my body when I catch my breath. I lie back and try to calm my pounding heart. It was just a dream. Vanellope's okay.

Turning over, I look at the picture of her and me on my nightstand. Felix had taken it shortly after Turbo had been destroyed. Vanellope's sitting on my shoulder and we're both smiling, the medal she made for me around my neck. I never take it off. With that image in mind, I close my eyes and try to fall back to sleep. Morning will come before we know it.

Litwak's Arcade is open Monday through Saturday, but closed on Sundays so Litwak can do repairs and give the consoles a break. I'm sure he also likes to spend time with his family. Saturday is crazy busy because none of the kids are in school, but we have a steady flow the rest of the week as well, usually older gamers.

I usually see Vanellope three days a week: Tuesdays when Tapper's allows characters under the age of 21 in and she, Calhoun, Felix, and I meet up; Saturdays, when DDR has their weekly rave; and on Sundays, when we don't have to worry about quarter alerts. I don't really like the raves, but, since Vanellope is princess-excuse me, president-of Sugar Rush, I wouldn't see her otherwise.

Today is Tuesday and Felix, Calhoun, and I are walking to Tapper's. As usual, they're being kind of lovey-dovey, which is kind sickening. I'm happy to see Vanellope sitting at the bar with her chocolate ice cream soda when we get there. Ryu and Zangief from Street Fighter are there too, talking to her. She's friends with about 90% of the arcade.

"I have news!" Vanellope calls, literally bouncing in her seat when she sees us.

Ryu laughs. "You better sit down. She's about to burst."

We sit and order ice cream sodas-chocolate for Felix, vanilla for me, and strawberry for Calhoun-then wait patiently for Vanellope to spill the beans. "Well?" Calhoun asks.

"We're getting upgraded!"

The news takes a minute to sink in. "Congratulations," Zangief, whose game has been upgraded numerous times, says.

We all chime in, but I notice Felix's furrowed brow, a sure sign he's concerned. So many things can go wrong when a game is upgraded, and I don't want anything to happen to Vanellope. I know Felix doesn't either.

"When is the upgrade?" Felix asks.

"It's starting Saturday night after the arcade closes. It will probably be finished late Sunday night." She pouts, crossing her arms. "I'm going to miss the rave."

"We'll miss you," Ryu assures her.

She smiles. "I know."

We change the subject and spend the next hour laughing and talking. I love Tuesday nights.

Vanellope spends the next few days alternating between worried and excited about the upgrade. Zangief tries to reassure her by saying only small things will change such as outfits, tracks, and possibly a few new characters. That seems to ease her mind a bit. I'm still worried going into Saturday night, though, and so is Felix. Calhoun tells us both to stop being silly, that everything will be fine. I don't think she realizes how important Vanellope is.

It's weird seeing the entrance to Sugar Rush sealed off when I walk through Game Central Station on Sunday. It's even worse when Felix and I rush to the portal Monday to find it still sealed off. It's supposed to be finished by now.

"Excuse me, sir, is everything all right?" Felix asks the Surge Protector politely. I can tell by the crack in his voice that he's worried too, though.

"Hello, Felix," SP says, softening. I know he wouldn't have been so nice to me. "I believe so. Sour Bill told me the Princess' code is still fragile, and he needed her to help get the new racers acclimated."

"But the upgrade went as planned?"

"Yes."

"Thank you very much."

We walk away in silence, then report our findings to Calhoun. "See. I told you you were worried for nothing."

I hope so.