John peered into the chess board, wrinkles showed on his forehead and the look of concentration on his face could not be missed. It was as though he was seeing beyond what others could see, as if he could see through the board.
This was his 3rd game with his younger brother, Frank. He had lost the first two and could not afford to loose another.
"Why not leave that boring game let's party" Lucy said, turning up the volume of the hip hop music which has been playing in the background.
Lucy was a party goddess and never missed a chance to have wild fun.
She just returned from school and was willing to show her brothers more dance steps that she acquired.
"Not now Lucy, can't you see that we are busy" John said without lifting his head from the board.
"You have been ok this game for over an hour now, why not admit that Frank is better at it, it doesn't matter" Lucy replied, hoping to get them to end the game. "Also I have some friends coming over, including your crush, Sandra. You don't want her to see you looking like that"
Sandra was not just his crush, they were in a relationship that didn't really work out but he still liked her.
"Why did you invite her without informing me" John asked, looking up from the board for the first time.
"She is my friend, what do you mean? I don't need your permission to invite her"
"That's enough, I am done" John said, standing up. You win Frank, let's go out and have some drinks, let Lucy enjoy the house with her friends.
Frank did not like to get in-between arguments, he preferred to keep mute so in such instances, he would just agree and stick with his brother.
"Alright bro, let me get dressed"
About ten minutes later, they were heading out of the house when they bumped into two lively ladies who seemed to be in a hurry to enter the house.
"Hi Jay Jay, Lucy didn't tell you I was coming over?" Sandra asked in a friendly manner.
"No she didn't", John lied. He didn't want to seem to be avoiding her even though that was the truth.
"I'm pretty sure I did" it was Lucy interrupting from inside, it was not surprising, she was fond of doing that.
"Shut up Lucy" John ordered. "How are you doing Sandra, longest time"
"You don't ask of me again" Sandra said feigning anger.
"Let's go inside" John said, giving up on his escape.
He signalled to Frank to abort the outing. Frank didn't mind, he was comfortable either way.
Inside, Lucy had transformed the living room to a mini dance floor, her efficiency was only superceded by her speed. She had also arranged some drinks to get everyone in the mood.
It all seemed too natural for her.
Sandra's sister was trying to engage Frank in a discussion when a guy walked in, Lucy introduced him as a classmate and a friend.
He quickly headed over to the music box and took charge of the sound.
He knew his way with music and in no distant time, everyone including John was in the party mood.
Lucy always had a way of getting her wishes and she just did it again.
John didn't mind, he was having fun with Sandra and that was better than loosing multiple games to Frank who was also having a good time with Sandra's sister.
After a few hours of dancing they decided to play games.
John moderated the games, they played truth or dare as well as spinning the bottle. By the time they were done, it was already past midnight and they were all exhausted.
Sandra suggested going back but John insisted that she slept over with her sister since it was already late. He offered to drop them off in the morning and they agreed.
"You have not said thank you" Lucy whispered to him.
"Thank you for what " John asked, surprised.
"For bringing Sandra to you, you didn't want the party initially but you are the happiest one among us all" Lucy said grinning.
"Oh! That? Thanks then, I just wasn't sure I was ready to see her yet"
"What are you two whispering, hope it's not about me?" Sandra interrupted.
"Of course, it's about you" John teased her, giving her a side hug and leading her out of the sitting room.
"Goodnight"
"Goodnight"