What It's Like Loving an Idiot

Twenty Three || You Really Suck

Let me tell you one thing: I am the best board game player you will ever meet. I am not exaggerating either, it's completely true. Since a young age, I have not once lost a game. I have no idea if you would call this a gift or a talent, but it sure brings out the same outcome every time. When I was younger, there were several occasions where I felt like I should have let my brothers win, but I didn't. So what if it hurts their ego, they were getting thicker skin. Although, through all that, while they were learning to lose, I was very used to winning. I don't mean to sound cocky, but this is true and I'm sure James is coming to realize that by now.

So far, we have played, Monopoly, Life and Sorry and I've won every one. I think these people are starting to get fed up with me. In most cases, after someone plays a board game with me, they will never again.

After we got home from the movies, James's mother proposed that we play a board game. I didn't reject the idea, mostly because they have no idea of this little talent I have.

James leans over to my ear, "Are you cheating?" he asks with no hesitation.

I shake my head, "No, I'm just good."

He raises an eyebrow at me, "Are you sure about that?"

I nod, "Yeah, you just really suck."

He looks mildly offended at my statement. I just laugh.

"So, Vena, when did you become so good at board games? Because this is getting to point where it's getting impressive." James's father asks me.

"Honestly, I'm not really sure. I've just always been pretty good at board games."

"What about card games?" he asks.

I shake my head, "Not the same sort of luck as board games, but I still seem to win more often than not."

James's mother smiles at me, "Well, considering we already know the outcome of this game, why don't we just put this one away and go to the living room?"

I nod, "That's fine with me, James?" I ask, looking at him.

"Yeah, I need some time to figure out how I am going to beat you and I very much doubt that I am going to be able to figure it while we're playing."

James's parents begin to clean up the game. I start to help them, but James's mother interrupts me before I have the chance to pick anything up. "Why don't you two go into the kitchen and get some cheese and crackers and set them out of a platter for the coffee table?" She asks, as she gathers up the cards.

I nod, "Alright, come on, James." I say as I walk into the kitchen.

I hear his crutches against the floor as he follows me. "I just don't understand it."

I open the fridge and get out the cheese that she wanted me to put out. "What is that exactly?"

He sighs and sits down at the table. "You and your little talent as you'd put it."

I grab the cheese, a cutting board and a knife and set it down on the table for James. "What about it?"

"That's just it, I don't understand it. I don't understand how you are able to do that without cheating and if you say you're not cheating then you must not be. It's just very confusing. What could I call it? Luck? Technique? There is no definite way of explaining this."

I laugh at him, as I search through the cupboards for crackers. "Is this really bothering you as much as you seem to be making it out to be?" I ask him, glancing back.

He nods, "Yes, of course. It's complete madness. Y'know, my father used to be the one who won the games we play, but now you're here and I just don't know why he isn't questioning this as much as I am."