Forty-Seven Uses for a Paperclip (Completed)

Chapter Ten: Peanut Butter and Tables

Chapter Ten

Peanut Butter and Tables

“Now,” Danielle says in a business-like voice. “This game is a complex and multifarious network of rules and negotiations.”

“Danny,” Colton interrupts. “Where did you learn the word multifarious?”

“My word-a-day calendar,” She says proudly. “Now shut up or I’ll do it for you.” She menacingly brandishes a plastic revolver no bigger than the tip of my pinky finger.

“As I was saying,” She takes a deep breath and resumes her professional tone. “The underlying point is simple: get to the end before anyone else.”

“Danielle,” Colton interrupts again, earning him a glare from his sister. “I think we all know how to play the game.”

“I’m just making sure for OML’s sake-”

“It’s Candy Land!” Colton practically shouts.

“Fine.” Danielle pouts, sticking her bottom lip out and widening her glassy green eyes.

“But why is there money?” I ask, looking down at the paper slips that proudly boast they’re from Monopoly. “And these hotel things?” I hold up one of the little buildings that you use in Monopoly.

“Because,” Danielle says patiently, “when you land on one of the special places, like Queen Frostine’s castle, you own it. And then when others land on that space, they owe you money.”

“This is the most complicated game ever.”

We’re sitting at the Pearce’s kitchen table, the game board before us. It looks like a hybrid of board games: Monopoly pieces, Candy Land cards, and even a few Clue parts (thus the revolver).

Colton and I are sitting across from Danielle, who is explaining the way the Pearce’s play the game Candy Land (apparently it isn’t just for 5-7 year-olds as it says on the box).

“Don’t worry.” Colton says to me. His arm is on the back of my chair and we’re both peering down at the table. “It’s not as hard as it sounds. Danielle is just the worst. Explainer. Ever.” He shoots a pointed look at Danielle; she ignores him.

I sigh and swing my leg. My bare toes brush someone else’s foot. They move their foot so it bumps into mine. I freeze and then tentatively bump my foot against their’s.

Danielle is still explaining the game but I find it hard to concentrate when I keep bumping into Colton’s foot. I finally get brave enough to run my foot up the length of his leg (it’s surprisingly un-hairy). That’s when Danielle breaks off mid-sentence and looks at me.

“Will you stop playing footsie with me, OML? It’s hard to explain the game when you’re doing that.”

I sink down in my chair, utterly embarrassed. Colton stares at me before bursting out laughing. Danielle grins and giggles. I have no choice but to join in. It is sort of funny.