ATOMIC, benny watts

introduction

Growing up, Vivienne agreed on nothing with her family, from clothing to music, to well, anything. Except for when she was about seven.

It had been late at night, her father having a guest over for drinks still, now in their parlor, the lights dimmed and mainly relying on the fireplace and its roaring flames for light.

Occasionally, from her hiding place behind one of the big armchairs she could hear the clinking of glasses and light conversation about whatever it was they were doing.

It wasn't work.

It was a game.

She could tell even from there, even as they were faced away from her. The little table revealed it to her, and so for what felt like hours she sat there and watched, patiently trying to pick up the game and understand what the two men were doing.

Until a maid found her.

And pulled her out of her hiding spot, causing for an interruption in what her father had been doing.

The game without a name that had managed to captivate her attention for so long.

"She's been hiding behind the chair, again!" the maid said exasperatedly, leading her over in front of the two seated men.

"For how long?" Her father asked "She's been unusually quiet." He notes, looking towards his friend, who chuckles.

"Why, I'd say a few hours. No one knew where she was!" The maid exclaims.

"Hours?" He looks down at Vivienne curiously, a grin sliding onto his face before looking at the chess board. "Did you find the game interesting dear?"

She nodded her head before asking "What is it called?"

The two men exchange a laugh before he answers her. "It's called chess. Have you figured any of it out yet?"

She shrugs unsurely, and the maid seems to be getting irritated. "We can continue this tomorrow. She needs her rest Sir."

"Nonsense. Let her stay and learn. Surely it couldn't hurt." He then motioned for her to pull up a chair.

And so, she did.

Chess, as it turned out, made the gears in her head click. Chess, didn't drive her crazy like any of the activities her mother tried to make her do.

It came quickly and easy, especially as the two men explained it to her, as well as what the best moved to be made were. Soon enough, she was playing and beating both of them.

It took a few hours, but she had got the hang of it and couldn't understand why they looked so bewildered. It was a game, as simple as checkers or bridge even. Just a game.

But it was late, the time on the clock read nearly 3 when the latest game had finished.

"My god. Look at the time. You should run along to bed now." Her father says lightly, beginning to pack the pieces away.

"Will we play again?" She asks hopefully

"Absolutely."

Satisfied with the answer, she trots down the hall and out of the room before scurrying off to the stairwell, tired, but more or less just ready for the next day.

Leaving the two men to their conversation once again, this time, actually alone.

"She's a clever one. Could go far with that." The friend says, motioning down to the chess board.