The unwanted sister

U N O R I G I N A L

Uno: a game where all relationships are put to the test. Some die. Some thrive. And some barely survive. Who will win? Who will loose? Who will betray? And who will stay loyal? People cheat. People get caught. People form alliances. But what people don't do; stay calm.

~~~

"Eleanor!" Alessio calls out from downstairs.

I go downstairs only to find everyone sitting on the floor or couch, a box of Uno on the table as Marco and Luca shuffle the cards.

Popcorn gets passed around in between the ladies as they watch with amusement shining in their eyes.

"Uno?" I ask as I join the circle around the coffee table, weirdly only made of my brothers.

"Yes. Except it's more of a competition." Matteo says.

"For what?" I ask.

"For who the best De Costa is. Plus the fact that winner gets to choose what we watch for movie night tomorrow." Dante explains.

"And how periodically is this competition held?" I ask as Antonio and Alessio start passing out the cards.

"Once a month. Mandatory attendance." Antonio answers once all the cards are given.

I make sure no one's behind me before memorizing my seven cards.

Uno I can play.

***

"THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Dante shouts as he started a train of plus 2s and ended on the receiving end.

"Should've thought about that before you started it big boy." Alessio taunts.

Dante grumbles and curses as he picks up all twelve cards. "Stupid idiots."

"I know you can't be talking with half the deck in your hands." Matteo says earning a scowl from Dante.

I put down a green 3, noting that all the wild cards Marco has played, he's never said green.

He looks at the green card then at his one card in his hand, sighing in exasperation as he takes from the stack.

"Uno." I quietly whisper, loud enough for both Dante and Marco to hear if anyone accuses me of not saying it, but not loud enough for the rest.

Marco's eyes catch mine as they look at me with hatred and disgust.

"Suck it up buttercup." I tell him as he takes his eighth card. Stopping at a green reverse card.

The green number 1 in my hand soon gets put down on the stack. I stand up and show my empty hands as I stretch from being in the same position for, I'm not even joking, at least an hour.

"That's not fair?! You didn't say Uno!" Matteo exclaims infuriated.

Dante and Marco look depressed as they reluctantly defend me. "She did, we heard her."

"Wait... no. No no no no no fuck no." Matteo whines as he puts his head in his hands.

"Holy shit. Matteo finally lost a game! I think we need to celebrate." Luca says while laughing at Matteo who looks like he's about to cry.

"Okay so you win. Who's second?" Matteo asks, not ready to loose completely.

Dante plays a blue one while I take a seat on the couch next to Anika, Matteo's girlfriend. My personal favorite of the five (not counting Maria).