Connie gathers Whit, Wooton, Penny, Eugene, Jason and Jillian for a night of fun at her house, but she has very specific rules that could spoil the entire occasion. Still, by the end of the night, all are reminded to be grateful for friends who can simply laugh together when it’s most needed.
“What?!” Jillian and Jason were trying not to outright glare at Connie, upon hearing how she’d teamed them up together. Connie crossed her arms, and raised a brow. “That kinda sounds like grumbling, to me.” She hummed. The two were quick to correct their attitudes. “Oh, no, no!”
“No, not at all,” Jason and Jillian exchanged looks, laughing nervously. “Sounds like it’ll be a great party, Connie!” Jason then commented, in an obvious attempt to placate their host. Connie shook her head a little. “Heh… Eh, where’re the pretzels?” Connie pointed over her shoulder. “Kitchen.” Jason nodded. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” He stated, before simply leaving the living room.
Noticing something outside, Connie glanced out the window behind her couch. “Oh, Wooton and Eugene are arriving!” Looking at her friend, she then said, “Time for flighty Jillian!” Jillian smirked. “Flighty Jillian mode engaged!” She answered, promptly getting herself more ‘in character’.
Outside, Wooton walked up to the front walkway of Connie’s house—just as Eugene was pocketing his car keys, and closing his driver’s side door. “Hey, Eugene!” Eugene turned around, seeing Wooton arriving. He smiled. “Greetings, Wooton.” It was then he noticed how Wooton had walked over on his own. “Er, where is Penny?”
“Back at the house,” Wooton answered. “We’ve got an ant problem, and she’s waiting for the exterminator.” Eugene hummed. “Ah, that’s unfortunate.” He sympathized. “Yeah, well, not much we could do.” Wooton said with a sigh. “No, I suppose not.”
Glancing back at the house, Eugene then said, “Shall we?” Wooton nodded. “Right behind you!” Both made their way up the front path. And just as they made it to the porch steps, Wooton asked a question of his own. “Hey, where’s Katrina? Don’t tell me you guys have an ant infestation, too!” Eugene chuckled. “No, thankfully we don’t. Katrina was simply feeling somewhat ‘under the weather’ this evening, so to say. She remained home to rest.”
“Ah, too bad.” Wooton said to him. Eugene merely gave a small shake of his head.
Now both standing at the front door, Eugene went ahead to knock. The door opened before he even touched it. “Hey, guys!” Connie greeted, holding the door open for them. “Hey, Connie! Hi Jillian!”
“Greetings and salutations to you both!” Came both Wooton and Eugene’s greetings in reply. “Ooh, Eugene! I just absolutely adore your vest!” Jillian commented, her tone carrying its usual peppiness and enthusiasm. “O-Oh, thank you.” Eugene answered with a bit of a chuckle. “It’s super fun, and colourful! Like, the pattern literally just pops!” Jillian continued. Eugene blinked, registering the second half of her comment. “Yes, well… I don’t think you mean ‘literally’, as that would imply that-”
“Which designer is it? Go on, you gotta tell me!”
“Pardon?” Jillian vaguely gestured towards him. “I couldn’t even guess which it’d be!” Wooton was holding back a chuckle upon seeing the confusion on Eugene’s face, and decided to help him out a little, by saying, “It just looks like a vest, to me.” Jillian shrugged. “Hm, oh well then!”
Changing the topic before Eugene got too confused by Jillian’s comments, Connie turned her attention to Wooton. “Where’s Penny?” She asked him. “Oh, she had to stay home.” He told her. “Oh no, why?” Wooton continued. “Well, it was the only time the exterminator could come. We have an ant problem at our house. So, Penny and I did a best-of-thirteen round of rock paper scissors to see who would get to come, and I won 7 to.” Came his explanation. “Rock paper scissors is the one game where it helps not to overthink so I’m real good at it!”
“Oh! Is she upset she couldn’t come?” Jillian wondered. “She seemed okay when I left, but she did want me to call her every hour and put her on speaker phone so she could feel like she’s kinda sorta still here.” Connie hummed. “Oh, that’s nice. And, Eugene, what about Katrina?”
“Ah, well she was feeling unwell for the latter part of today, unfortunately.” Eugene replied with a small sigh. “I suggested she remain home to rest, and unlike Mrs. Bassett, I will not be calling her every hour—so as to assure she rests well, and undisturbed.” He explained. “Aw, well I guess she wouldn’t really enjoy a game night if she’s feeling miserable.”
“Undoubtedly.”
“Alright, that’s all fine then,” Connie said. “Just so long as you don’t talk about your ant problem over the phone, inside the house.” She reminded Wooton, then addressing Eugene to add, “And well, you get a pass with Katrina, since she’s already resting up.” Eugene gave a small shrug. “Why thank you, Miss Kendall.” He said with a smile. “Oh, yeah, right! We can’t talk about problems tonight.” Wooton remembered. Connie nodded. “Right. Three strikes, and you have to sit in the corner.” Sporting a puzzled look, Eugene wanted to ask about this strange consequence, but Jillian was quick to fill them in. “It’s Jason’s fault.”
“Are you okay with all the rules, you two?” Wooton gave Connie a thumbs up, while Eugene nodded only with partial hesitance. “Seeing as we are here for a pleasant time in one another’s company, engaged in a selection of games you’ve prepared, I suppose your rules aren’t unreasonable.” Eugene replied. Connie smirked.
“Yeah. Y’know what, they actually kinda remind me of when I was a kid,” Wooton added, next. “My dad would charge me a quarter every time I got stains on my clothes. I burned through my college fund after they added ‘sloppy joes’ to the school lunch menu.” He retold, chuckling at the end.
Connie made a gesture towards the living room, away from the foyer where everyone was still standing. “Come in, then,” She said to them. Eugene and Wooton did so, with Wooton quickly giving a small “woo-hoo!” in excitement. Jillian returned his cheer of enthusiasm, the two of them laughing together. “Jason’s in the kitchen,” Connie added.
The sound of another car outside caught her’s and Eugene’s attention. “Oh, Whit’s here!” From the still-open-front door, Connie called out to him. “Hi, Whit!” Whit waved back at her, as he went up to the porch steps. “Greetings, Mr. Whittaker!”
“Hello, Eugene!” Stepping inside, Whit gave Connie a brief hug ‘hello’. “Ah, Connie, thanks for inviting me.” Connie smiled. “I can’t remember the last time I went to a game night.” He said. “Well, I thought some time away from the ‘daily grind’ would be nice!” Whit nodded. “Amen to that!”
“Come on in!” Connie said, ushering Whit inside while also closing the door behind him. “Er, Mr. Whittaker…?” Eugene began. He had a bit of a concerned look about him. “What happened to your face?” Connie also noticed. “Oh, yeah, you’ve got a huge bruise!”
“Well, I eh, don’t think I can really talk about it, right now,” Whit told them. “Considering rule number 2.” Eugene hummed. “Ah, the one stating that we mustn’t discuss our problems.” He noted. “You read the invitation.” Connie guessed, giving a nod of approval. “No mentioning problems, or you have to sit in the corner.” Whit laughed, but Eugene assured Connie’s seriousness, saying, “You may thank Jason for the idea.”
“My lips are sealed, then.” Whit promised. “Putting those things aside for a night of simple fun is a great idea!” He complimented. “I’m glad you feel that way, Whit, because you’re on my team!” Connie told him. Whit smiled. “Sounds good.”
Then, Connie turned to address Eugene. “And, since Katrina couldn’t make it, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to team you up with Wooton and Penny.” Eugene clasped his hands in front of himself, looking happy with this idea. “A rather suitable solution, Miss Kendall.”
“Thanks! Let’s go grab some snacks from the kitchen, and we can get started!” The four all went off to find both their teammates, and the promised snacks in the kitchen, just as Whit declared, “Perfect. Let the games begin!”
─── ✗ ───
“Okay, so,” Connie took the pitcher of lemonade back from Wooton as she spoke. “Just to keep things simple, yes, Eugene you’ll be sharing points with Penny and Wooton. On account of being part of their team.” Wooton gave Connie an enthusiastic thumbs up. “That’s a-okay with me! And I’m sure Penny’ll be cool with that, too.”
“I agree,” Eugene said. “Though, you’re certain the balance of competition will still be equal with this arrangement? Seeing as it will be our team of three against teams of two.” Connie shrugged, topping up her glass with lemonade. “Oh, don’t worry. It’ll still be perfectly fair.” She told him—putting the pitcher on the table. “Well,” Jillian added. “Then this’ll be a fun challenge, going up against the team who has Eugene on their side!”
“Oh?” Connie looked over to Jillian curiously. Then came a subtle chuckle from Eugene, though he tried to pass it off as merely clearing his throat. To that, Connie gave him a suspicious look. “Heh… er, yes?” He asked her. Connie began to point a finger at him, about to make a comment of what Jilian had just said, but Eugene simply held up a hand to stop her. “Now, now, Miss Kendall, I assure you that comment was solely Miss Marshall’s own opinion.”
“I know, but you-”
“And, uh, Connie?” She looked over to Wooton. “You can’t forget about rule number three.” He reminded her, then taking a drink of his lemonade. Eugene nodded. “Yes, the rule which mentions-” Connie cut him off. “I know what rule three is,” She adjusted her tone of voice, to sound more calm and collected. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to be the one to break my own rules—especially not that one.” Eugene hummed, though shook his head a little. “If you say so, Miss Kendall.”
Jillian leaned in a bit closer towards Wooton, quietly saying, “This’ll be fun to watch.” He chuckled. Setting his glass down, he said in return, “You’re tellin’ me…!” The next thing they knew, lemonade was being spilt onto the floor, splashing on their feet. “Oops-!” Jillian stepped back before much could get on her. “Ah, I’m sorry! I didn’t see where I was putting my glass…!”
“No, it’s okay!” Jillian assured him. Connie and Eugene looked over in time to see Jilian making her way to the kitchen. “I’ll grab some paper towels, it’s fine!” Wooton smiled apologetically, as he picked up his glass from the floor. “The cup didn’t break, did it?” Connie asked him. “Nope, it’s fine.” Wooton replied. He put the glass down on the table, this time making sure not to place it near the edge. “That’s good.”
Taking a brief glance around, Wooton asked, “Is there a box of tissues I could use to kinda soak that up?” Connie hummed, thinking. Eugene, however, answered in the positive. “I believe I saw a box upon our arrival, just this way.” Wooton nodded in thanks, following Eugene over to the coffee table in the living room.
Having retrieved the tissue box, Wooton went back to start wiping up the small puddle of lemonade while waiting for Jilian to return with some paper towels. She finally returned just as he soaked most of it up. “Oh here, let me wipe up the rest.”
“You sure?”
“Sure I’m sure,” Jillian said, waving Wooton off. “Didn’t you say you were going to be calling Penny during the games?” She reminded him. “Yeah, I’d better call her now.” Wooton stood up, and took out his cellphone. “Excuse me, a second.” He said, dialing up Penny’s number on his way into the other room.
─── ✗ ───
Most of the group had all gathered together in Connie’s living room, now waiting on their host while she prepared their first game. From his own curiosity, Eugene couldn’t help occasionally glancing towards the dining table where Connie was putting out spoons. “I’m already intrigued as to what this first game will be.”
“That certainly makes two of us.” Whit agreed. He, too, watched with Eugene—as he took a drink of his water. “It looks like she’s setting up a round of ‘Spoon Wars’.” Eugene blinked.
Turning to Whit with a puzzled expression, he asked him, “Pardon, did you say ‘Spoon Wars’?” The man nodded. “I confess I’m not familiar with the game.” Eugene said. The name of the game alone was making him slightly concerned. Whit chuckled. “Oh, don’t get too worried. The game’s pretty simple, see you take some spoons, and…” Whit’s explanation trailed off, his brow furrowing. “You know, I don’t think that’s the game.”
“You don’t?”
“No, I think Connie’s just laying out some spoons.” Whit then deduced. He shrugged. “I guess we’ll see when we play.” Eugene hummed. “That we shall.”
Connie stepped back from the table, turning her attention towards her guests. “Alright! Is everyone ready for our first game?” The group all voiced their readiness to play, as they returned to the table. “Penny says ‘yes’, too. I’m puttin’ her on speaker.” Wooton announced, while the three teams took their seats. “Hi everybody!” Penny greeted from Wooton’s phone.
“Hey, Penny!”
“Oh hi, Penny!”
“Salutations!”
“Hi there!”
Ready to begin explaining the rules, Connie continued. “Alrighty, then-” She was abruptly interrupted by Wooton. “Hey, Connie, can I make a suggestion for a game? It should only take a couple of minutes.” Looking unsure, Connie told him, “Maybe.” Wooton nodded. “Okay. Let’s play ‘What Happened to Whit’s Face’?”
Almost everyone sounded on board with the proposed game—except for Connie and Whit’s unheard wishes to not play the game. “I’ll go first,” Wooton promptly offered. Looking at Whit, he asked, “Did it involve some kind of argument with someone who was putting together a wooden puzzle of the United States?”
“Ah! Meaning, that bruise is oddly reminiscent to the shape of Idaho?” Eugene easily guessed. In response, Wooton laughed. “Wait, does that mean Eugene won the first game?” Jillian wondered. “I was told not to talk about any of this!” Whit reminded them all. Connie nodded, as she added, “Exactly, can we move on please?”
“Oh, oh!” Penny chimed in next. “I’ve got a question about potatoes!” She declared. “Penny, we are not playing that game!” Connie quickly told her. “I’ve got a better one,” She instead told everyone. “It’s trivia time!” Wooton’s guessing game was quickly forgotten, as everyone was now excited to see who among them would be able to get Connie’s trivia questions correct.
─── ✗ ───
The first game was finished, with some trying their best not to gripe too much about not winning. Especially the team who came in last, who were also the first ones to retreat back to the kitchen—likely to strategize in secret. Eugene hardly took note of Jason and Jillian leaving the room, as Connie was tallying up everyone’s points thus far. Her brow was pinched, and she was tapping the eraser end of the pencil on the notepad a couple times in thought.
“Okay. Well, sorry Wooton and Penny,” She began. “Eugene’s off your team.” Rightfully confused, Eugene looked at Connie as she explained her decision to his now-ex-teammates. “Eugene was the one getting the majority of the points for your team, which was how you guys won last game.” Wooton couldn’t help but nod in agreement. “Yeah, guess you’re right.”
“She is?” Connie gave Eugene a nod. As she drew up a fourth column for tallying points, she explained, “I’m just trying to make sure things stay fairly equal.” Eugene looked at her, his eyes narrowed slightly. “While that is reasonable, one could argue it to be less reasonable to have a team of one play against multiple teams of two, Miss Kendall.”
Connie’s scribbles of point tallying paused. She looked up at Eugene, giving him a very pointed look. “So, that’s your argument, then?” She asked him. Wooton couldn’t help chuckling, and neither could Whit. “Yes, as I’ve just said.” Eugene reiterated. There was now a subtle smirk added to Connie’s expression. “And, am I to believe you’re, shall we say, arguing with me, Eugene?”
“Yes. N-No!” Standing from his seat, Whit gave Eugene a pat on the shoulder in sympathy. “I’m surprised at how easily you walked into that one.” Eugene shrunk a little in his seat, crossing his arms in defeat. “That makes two of us… it would seem.” Whit continued chuckling in amusement on his way to the kitchen, in search of Jason and Jillian.
Connie promptly jotted down an ‘X’ at the top of Eugene’s points, sighing in faux sympathy. “That’s strike one.” She simply told him, before then going on to finish tallying everyone’s points again. “So far, Wooton and Penny are in the lead,” Wooton cheered upon hearing that. “Whit and I came in close second, so I’ll put Eugene in third. And then Jason and Jillian are in last.”
“If you’ll allow me to say, Miss Kendall,” Eugene began again. “I honestly did not mean my previous statement as a proper argument, more just to explain-” He was instantly silenced by Connie pointing her pencil at him. “I’m not allowing you, and you still have one strike.” Connie reiterated.
Putting down her pencil, Connie continued. “Anyways, making you a team of one seems only fair because you easily make up for Katrina’s absence.” She said to him. Eugene tried his best not to deadpan in response to that, opting to not dig his grave any deeper. Connie hummed, shrugged, then got up from her chair. “And, y’know, since you said it’s so reasonable to keep things fair and all.”
Eugene shook his head a little, and Connie left for the kitchen. “Man, she’s showing no mercy tonight!” Wooton commented on what was already quite obvious. Eugene adjusted his glasses, and he sat up straighter again. “Clearly… Not that her competition will sway me.”
“Ooh!” Wooton then saw the determined look on Eugene’s face, which only made him more excited to see how the night’s games would play out. “A true “Challenge Accepted” moment!” He then lowered his voice a little. “Just don’t let Connie hear that.” Eugene nodded. “Obviously.”
─── ✗ ───
Connie had given everyone some time to simply chat amongst themselves for the following few minutes, as she went about prepping the next game. Jason had decided to see if he could help her in any way, though Eugene couldn’t help but wonder if he had offered as a way to stay on Connie’s good side. Since, as of a moment ago, Jason now also had one strike.
Wooton had promptly excused himself to call Penny back—who had hung up at the end of their first game. Though Eugene was about to go join in the conversation Whit was having with Jillian, he’d noticed Wooton in the hallway. And the concerned expression on his face, while holding his cellphone to his ear.
Out of curiosity, Eugene went into the hallway just in time to hear Wooton say, “Penny-?!” A tone sounded from Wooton’s phone, indicating the call had ended. “Penny!” Eugene went over to him. “Is everything alright?”
“Huh-?” Wooton gulped, reluctantly putting his phone back in his pocket. “Oh, uh, Penny may or may not have been taken over by a mob of angry ants, but I-I’m sure she’s fine…!” That answer did give Eugene pause, though he was unsure how concerned he should really be by said response.
Nothing more on Wooton’s call with Penny could be said, as Jillian and Whit also came over to the hallway. “Come on, Whit. I’m sure there’s something in the bathroom we can put on it.” Jillian said, but Whit was waving her off. “No, no, I don’t need anything. I put ice on it earlier.”
“What about aspirin? Did you take any?” The two looked over at Eugene and Wooton, almost immediately noticing how Wooton seemed to be breathing a bit shallowly. “Wooton? Is everything okay?” Wooton offered them a half convincing smile. “Oh, yeah!”
“What are you both doing back here?” Jillian wondered. “Just, uh- I had a phone call I needed to make, and uh…” His voice was a bit shaky as he tried to explain. “Presumably something which would’ve sent you to the corner?” Eugene finally deduced, keeping his tone low to make sure Connie wouldn’t hear the conversation. “Definitely.”
“Problems at home?” Jillian guessed. Wooton hummed.
“Hey, what’s going on back here?” Jason asked, joining the growing huddle the others seemed to have created in the hallway. “I believe Jillian was retrieving some aspirin for your dad.” Eugene told him, Jillian nodding to confirm. “I don’t need any aspirin,” Whit told them again. “Oh, for your face.” Jason assumed. “What happened anyway?”
“It can wait,” Whit tried saying again. “I kinda wanna know, too.” Wooton said, “Did you go to the doctor?” Jillian wondered. “No,” Whit answered. “A bruise of that nature could indicate a mild concussion, Mr. Whittaker.” Eugene noted. Whit shook his head in disagreement. “I don’t think so? It just jarred me for a moment.”
“Oh! Is that a clue?” Wooton quietly gasped. “You got hit by a jar!” Jillian offered another guess. “Did you fall down?” Wooton added her guess to his own. “You fell down on top of a jar!” Jason’s brow furrowed. “It wasn’t a car accident, was it?”
“Or a jar accident!” Jillian couldn’t hold back the pun. “May I ask what constitutes a ‘jar accident’?” Eugene asked her, looking puzzled by her play-on-words. “No, it wasn’t that.” Whit answered Jason, who then asked, “You didn’t have a fainting spell, did you? And hit your head?”
“It was a silly accident!” Whit snapped, trying to get them to stop bombarding him with questions. “A few kids were at Inventor’s Corner today creating a ‘delivery system’ with pulleys and ropes, and got into an argument, and accidentally let go of a metal weight, and it swung down and hit me in the face,” The four were all visibly cringing upon hearing this. “That’s it!”
“Okay…!” Jason hummed. “There was no concussion, no tears, and certainly no jar.” Whit told them, point blank, before then quietly chuckling. “I don’t know why you’re so worried! It obviously hasn’t affected my gameplay! Connie and I will be winning-!”
Whit’s rambling was promptly interrupted by the sound of a certain someone clearing her throat, from just behind him. Only then did he notice Eugene’s nervous expression—indicating he’d seen Connie coming, but he’d be unable to warn Whit in time. Everyone turned to look at her. “So, you don’t need any aspirin?” She questioned. “No. It’s just a mild headache.”
“Mhm.” Connie hummed. “Uh… we didn’t see ya, Connie.” Wooton confessed. “How long have you been there…?” Just before Connie could answer, Eugene said, “She’s heard this entire exchange.” Connie nodded. “Yep. The whole story.” She confirmed.
“Wow,” Wooton then looked to Whit. “That was a trifecta, Whit.” He noted. “Indeed… You’ve mentioned work, you spoke about your problems, and one might argue that you exhibited an air of competitiveness by the end of your explanation.” Eugene explained, laying out the ways Whit had broken all three rules so quickly. “So, that’s strike one, two and three.” Wooton concluded.
Connie shook her head and sighed. “Don’t worry about it, Whit. They were badgering you.” Whit chuckled. “No, no. The rules are the rules,” He said to her. “I’ll go sit in the corner in the family room.” Whit promptly walked himself over to one of the corners in the other room. “You really don’t have to, Whit.”
“Of course I do,” Whit said again. “I’ll skip the next game, and perhaps join in for the one following it.” Jason smirked. “Aw, it’s almost as if God didn’t want you to play the next game…” Jillian quietly reacted with “oh-!”, while Connie immediately turned to look at him. “And that would be taunting. Strike two, Jason.”
“What?” Eugene held back a chuckle. “Yeah, two!” Connie told him, before then going on about how competitive he was still being—while the others left the hallway, to go play the next game. “Wow.” Wooton began. He gave Eugene a nudge to the arm, getting his attention. “Whit was the first one to go down!”
“I’d have never imagined it!” Wooton’s eyes narrowed. “I guess no one is safe…!”
─── ✗ ───
“This was once discovered in a camp cabin’s ventilation system.”
“Limburger cheese!” Eugene changed cards. “Correct! Aves most commonly associated with the beachside.” Connie sputtered in confusion, but still managed to quickly answer her first guess. “Uh- Seagulls-?” The next card. “Yes! The clouds on a dreary, overcast day are-?”
“Gray!”
“Correct, again!” Eugene continued with the next card. “Where one finds a, quote, library of food, unquote.” Connie blinked. Then she snapped her fingers in realization. “Aha! The mall!” Eugene nodded, changing cards. “Nemesis of The Avenger.” Connie laughed. “Goggles!” Eugene also laughed, going on to the next card. “This-”
The game buzzer rang out, promptly ending the round. “That’s time,” Connie grabbed the buzzer to silence it. “Nice one, you two!” Whit called out from the living room, giving a small round of applause. “Thanks, Whit!” Connie called back. She picked up her pen to write the number of correct answers down. “We got seven!”
“Very impressive playing, there.” Jason complimented with a nod. “It really isn’t all too challenging, as you’ll see on your turn.” Eugene easily explained. Jason hummed. Getting up from his chair, he nodded for Jillian to follow. Looking curious, she got up and followed him out of the room.
“Okay, I’ll just give us both 7 points, since-” Connie was interrupted by Wooton. “Hey, Connie?” She looked up from her points sheet. “I’m not sure one of Eugene’s questions technically counted.” Eugene gave him a suspect look, as Connie raised a brow. “Which one?”
“This might be knit-picky, but is saying “birds” in the question when the answer was “seagull” allowed?” Connie blinked. “No… But, Eugene didn’t say birds.” Wooton shrugged. “Well…” Then came the realization. Turning her attention to Eugene, Connie asked him, “What exactly does “aves” mean, Eugene?”
“I, er…” He nervously chuckled. “Well, it’s eh… the scientific name for “birds”.” He reluctantly replied, giving the explanation a bit quickly and “conveniently” coughing right at the end of his sentence. Connie’s eyes narrowed. “Well, then, that’s seven points for me and Whit.” She said, writing as much down in the corresponding column. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’ll give you, let’s say, five points.” Wooton hummed. “Five? And why so?” Eugene asked her. “I’m docking a point for one, wording the question too obviously, and two, thinking you’re being clever by using a scientific name nobody knew the meaning of.”
“Almost nobody.” Wooton noted. “I made no obvious mention to the answer by simply saying it’s scientific term, Miss Kendall. Is that not the point of the game?” Connie shrugged, trying to keep composed. “That isn’t exactly true, Eugene. And let me remind you, the point of the game is to give a hint that doesn’t directly relate to the answer!”
“Miss Kendall,” Eugene went on. “That seems highly unreasonable, seeing as I’d worded my hint while being under the impression that you wouldn’t instantly recall—or even know—what I meant by ’aves’, therefore qualifying it.” He then gestured to Wooton. “I wasn’t aware that Wooton happened to know the meaning of the word.”
Connie shook her head. “Five points. It’s non negotiable.” She reiterated. “Be grateful I’m not making it four, after that comment about you assuming my knowledge of bird terminology.” From the living room, Whit could be heard quietly laughing to himself. As, had it been any other normal day, he would likely be breaking the two up of what would end up as another, typical argument.
“And, a second strike for arguing.” Connie continued. She jotted down a second X above his points. Eugene shook his head in defeat. “… Very well, Miss Kendall.” Wooton gave him a curious look. “Hey, uh, Eugene?”
“Yes?”
“Your face’s kinda doing that thing, uh, like,” Wooton shrugged, and Eugene raised a brow. “Kinda like… a pout?” Connie near snorted, holding back a laugh. Without even looking at Eugene, she assumed, “That “I’m too intelligent to pout” look…!” Eugene made no comment to Connie’s observation. He simply crossed his arms and sighed to himself, figuring that doing so was much safer in not getting a third strike.
Jason and Jillian returned, sitting back down at the table. “Is it our turn, now?” Connie nodded. “Yep. Grab a stack of cards, and I’ll start the timer.” Jason picked up one of the two remaining stacks of pre-shuffled trivia cards, as Connie wound the timer back up again. “Ready? And, go.” The timer began ticking.
“This is the, uh, eighth president of the United States.” With some confidence, Jillian answered, “Paul Revere?” Eugene’s brow furrowed. “No…” Jason thought again. “Um, this is a, uh, designer brand of shoes! I think.”
“Oh! Van Buren!” Jason nodded, hastily going to the next card. “Okay, this is a US state that, eh, that has them- um- the biggest mall!” Jillian smiled. “Minnesota!” The next card. “Right! Uh? Ok, ok, this is the, um, the study of the best music station.” Jason said. “Radiology!”
“What?” Eugene was quiet, though his puzzled expression in reaction to their questions and answers spoke volumes at that moment. Wooton laughed at the sight. “This is when a piece of clothing looks really smooth, and not wrinkly at all. It’s…?” Jillian pointed at him knowingly. “Irony!
“Exactly! Our country was named after this guy!”
“Captain America!” Jason nodded. “Yes! And eh, this is Spanish for “disc”!” He prompted. “Disco.” The card was changed again. “Oh! Oh! This is the eighth president of the United States!” Jason told her, now looking very confident. “Ooh! Paul Revere!”
“Five seconds!” Connie warned. “Oh, okay! Finish this sentence: Leaning tower of-?” Jason was gesturing for her to follow his meaning. “Ifel!” Jillian exclaimed. The buzzer sounded off. “Time!” Connie called. Jason turned to Wooton. “How many was that?”
“That was eight!” Wooton answered. Jason and Jillian both cheered their victory. “We did it!” Jason exclaimed, the two of them high fiving each other. “We won!” Connie spoke up. “Actually, I’m sorry. I can’t allow Disco,” She said. “Because your clue was too close to the actual word.”
“Oh no! Really?” Connie shrugged, shaking her head. “Sorry.” She apologized. “Oh, come on. That’s not fair!” Jason gripped. “We tried so hard!” Jillian added, defeatedly. “Sorry, the rules are clear!” Connie told them, though under his breath Eugene said, “… As ‘crystal’.”
“Well, the rules are wrong.” Jillian argued. “Yeah. I’m filing a protest!” Jason declared. Connie crossed her arms. “A ‘protest’? Really?” They nodded. “Well, sounds like the two of you were grumbling!” Connie observed. “Well, uh-”
“Um, no?” Connie pointed over in Whit’s direction. “Okay, to the corner you go! Both of you!” Jillian gasped. “Oh, come on, really?” Connie nodded. “Yup.” She assured him. “This is only my second strike, though!” Jillian reminded her, but Jason was already getting up from his chair. “Well, if I go to the corner, you’re going with me!” Jillian simply stood up. “Got it.”
The two made their way into the other room, joining Whit in their consequence as they found a corner to sit in. There was no further complaints, likely for fear of Connie doubling the fifteen minutes.
Watching them leave, Eugene shook his head a little—a form of pity. “Perhaps a greater caution for the rules will be your proverbial ‘olive branch’ in the future.” Jason shot him a look from over his shoulder, and Wooton immediately saw Connie’s expression shift as she looked at Eugene again. Eugene, however, noticed her expression a second too late. “O-Oh. Er… Let me assure you that I meant that purely as friendly advice.”
“Noted.” Connie hummed. She then nodded for him to get up. “And let me assure you that this is your third strike.” Eugene promptly pushed his chair back, and stood up from the table. “I will be in a corner should anyone need me.” And with that, he, too, left the room.
Speaking into his phone, Wooton reported back to Penny. “Penny, it looks like it’s just us left!” He told her. “Wooton,”
“What is it?” He asked. “The exterminator just found the source of our problem.” Penny said, though there was something underlying in her tone of voice. Wooton was quick to try and subvert the conversation. “Oh! Penny, Penny, don’t say ‘problem’, Connie’s-”
“It was you!” Wooton paused. “What?” Penny went on. “An entire box of popsicles was left out and melted underneath the bookcase!!” She explained, obviously not sounding at all pleased. “Uh-oh…” Penny also added, “It’s the lime-orange-strawberry kind, your favorite!” Wooton tried shushing Penny, to try and keep Connie from hearing any about the issue. He lowered his voice. “Okay, you definitely have a point, Penny, but maybe we should-”
“How many times have I told you ‘not to leave your popsicles out’?!” Penny reminded him. “A-A lot, but I guess I just forgo-” Wooton was interrupted again. “It was your fault! I should’ve been the one to go to the party!” Penny complained. “I know! You’re right! But-!”
“Maybe you should be the one in the corner, right now!” Wooton sighed, posture slouching. “I agree,” He said. “I’m going now.” Connie watched him stand from his seat, off to find an unoccupied corner.
“Well,” She began, speaking to herself. “This turned out to be a fun party.”
─── ✗ ───
There was a bit of an awkward silence that had settled in the family room. Nobody had much to say, as they simply waited out their fifteen minutes in the corners. The silence would occasionally be broken by the odd sigh, or cough, or someone tapping their foot mindlessly. Everyone could even hear the crickets outside, as inside, it had gotten quiet enough.
Wooton finally spoke up first. “How much longer?” Connie checked her phone’s timer to see, but Eugene supplied the answer first. “Approximately three minutes, thirty-four seconds and counting.” Wooton hummed. “Are you counting?” There was a brief pause. “… Yes.”
Connie next said, “After we’ll start picture charades.” There came a quietly said “okay” as Wooton’s reply, and he went back to waiting the last three minutes out patiently. “Penny,” Connie called out so Penny could hear her from Wooton’s phone. “Are you still in a corner at your house?”
“Yes. I’ve picked a corner that’s furthest away from the ants!” Penny called back. Connie nodded. “That’s fine.” She told her.
Whit held his hand up a little to catch Connie’s attention. “Can I come out now?” He wondered. “Since I was here before everyone else.” He noted. “Just one minute, Whit.” Connie told him. “I have something I need to say.” She took a quick sigh, before continuing.
“Was it really so hard? To go just one night without bringing up issues?” Connie asked them. “Just put them aside, and have fun. Hm? Sometimes we need time when we can just enjoy each other. You know?” She gestured to the games on the table, which had yet to be played. “Play games, and laugh!” A few looks were exchanged. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I need that.” She said, “It was the whole purpose of this night!”
Another sigh. “Alright, everybody. Come back to the center of the room.” She said, getting up to bring the coloring pad and marker to the family room. The others did as she requested. Connie gave the marker to Jason. “Jason, you draw the first picture.” Then, she handed him a card. “Here’s your word. Jillian,” Connie turned to her. “You’re guessing.”
“Um… Sure.” Jason answered slowly. Whit gave Connie a small look of concern. “Uh, Connie? Are you alright?” He asked her, even adding. “Has something happened that you’re not telling us?” Connie looked away. “I told you, I didn’t want to talk about problems.” She reminded him. “So… there’s a problem?”
“Whit,” He gave her a pointed, yet sympathetic look. “I had a really hard week, okay?” Connie admitted, at last. “My car needed repairs that cost over a thousand dollars, Jules is having a hard time in algebra, my bathroom sink is clogged, and,” Connie was trying not to break down. “And ‘Dreams by Constance’ just got a really bad review because I put the wrong address on the invitations, and half of the wedding guests ended up at the pet store!” Whit hummed.
Taking a breath, Connie explained further. “I put together this party because I wanted to forget about all of that stress. For just one night! I didn’t want to be a guardian, or a wedding planner, or a plumber tonight!” She said, “I just wanted to be a friend! And be with my friends!” With a good response ready, Whit told her, “Well, one of the jobs of a friend is to bear each other’s burdens.”
“I just… I don’t want that now, Whit.” Connie said, “Okay? Maybe at some point, sure.” Whit nodded. “Oh, alright. But, we’re here.” He reminded her. “I know you are.”
She then nodded to Jason. “But right now, all I want is for Jason to draw a picture of a bumblebee. Can you do that, Jason?” Jason blinked. “… You’ve just revealed the solution, Connie.” Eugene said, stating the obvious. Connie brushed him off, and went to give Jason another card. “I know. We have to start over.”
“Um, I don’t mean to nitpick again, Connie,” Wooton began. “But you just broke your own rules several times in the last thirty seconds.” He told. Connie laughed a little. “Okay, yeah, I guess I did.” She threw her hands up in defeat. “Alright, my turn to sit in the corner.”
Everyone watched as she walked over to one of the corners, still laughing a bit. Connie pulled up the chair, as Wooton said, “Oh yeah, that’s a good choice. You’ll love that corner. It’s spacious, got a rustic feel,” He described, trying to lighten the mood as best he could. Connie hummed. “Tell me when fifteen minutes are over, okay?”
“Will do, Miss Kendall.” Eugene replied, giving her a thumbs up just as he checked the current time on his watch to track the fifteen minutes.
Another awkward silence settled again. Jason seemed a bit unsure if he should start the game, and was instead quietly reading and rereading the word on his new card. The silence was broken by a slowly growing laughter. From Connie. Jillian looked at her. “… Connie?” Her friend only continued to laugh. “What’s she laughing at, Wooton?”
“I’m not sure, Penny.” Wooton replied. “She’s not in the funny corner.” Connie’s laughter kept growing, as she wrapped her arms around herself. Whit, sporting an amused look, asked her, “Are you laughing at us? Yourself?” Connie half shook her head ‘no’. “I- A-Are you guys really going to wait fifteen minutes while I sit in the corner?” Having asked that, Wooton and Jason chuckled at the absurdity of it. “I mean, do you have any idea how ridiculous this is?”
Everyone else began to laugh along with her. “We are adults, right?” Jason shrugged. “Yeah, it is pretty absurd.” From Wooton’s phone, Penny asked, “Wooton, describe what’s going on, please!”She requested. “Okay, uh, Connie looks kinda like I do when I watch that cartoon with the wise-cracker toaster.”
“She’s falling out of her chair??” Penny guessed, her eyes widening—though Wooton couldn’t see. “Exactly! And Jillian’s doing that thing I do when you call to say you made mac and cheese with hotdogs for dinner!” Wooton described next. “Hyperventilating!” Penny answered. Wooton laughed. “Ha! We really are good at this game!” He said happily.
Seeing how everyone agreed that the idea was plain silly, Connie simply got up from her spot in the corner to rejoin the group. She caught her breath from all the laughing, and was now just smiling. “This is what I wanted,” She began. “Just to laugh with my friends.” Connie wiped a tear or two from her eyes, courtesy of her laughing fit. The others all gave assurances that they were here, even to laugh, when she needed it.
Wooton then shook his head and jokingly rolled his eyes, as he said to Connie, “Why didn’t you say you wanted to laugh? I would’ve brought balloon animals!” Connie shrugged, herself and others laughing again at his comment. “I can make one that looks like Idaho!” The returning laughter grew, lifting not just Connie’s spirits, but everyone’s who needed a good laugh—making for a very enjoyable ambiance to last the rest of the game night.
~end~
also posted on AO3, here
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