Poker

Assignment: Write a scene describing the worst thing you’ve ever done.

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Although my actions are at times inexcusable, the worst of me lives in my intentions.

It was late.  I had to move quickly.  I spotted a group of juniper shrubs on the side yard.  From there I would have a clean shot of the front door and I could not be flanked unexpectedly.  Satisfied, I took up the position.  Lying on my belly, the ground was cold and moist beneath me.  I rested my face gently on the dirt and waited.  I quietly shivered and occasionally laughed.  My short black dress and strappy heels were not made for this mission.

My ex-boyfriend would soon be alone in the house.  He had ended our relationship the year prior and easily moved on to a new one; I however was still playing the game.  From beneath the juniper I held no cards but soon I knew that would change.  I had a few chips and I wanted to be dealt back in.  In this three-person game of poker I wanted the power to play the best hand at any moment and take all the winnings.  I wanted to bring down the house.

The front door opened and the last visitor, Josh, said his good-byes and left.  If he spotted me the game was over.  I would lose.  As he came down the driveway I made an absurd attempt to disappear.  I closed my eyes pretending that if I did not see him he could not see me.  It worked.  He passed, climbed into his truck and drove down the street, around the corner and into the night.

A devious smile spread across my face.  Like a hunter stalking her prey I moved in.  I climbed the steps to the front door and knocked softly.  I heard footsteps.  My heart pounded.  The door crept open.  As he came into view I could already see that his devious smile was wider than mine.  He gently shook his head from left to right and then motioned for me to join him inside.  Game-on.  I had anted up and he dealt me back in.  Soon I would hold all the cards.

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