Game on Bitch!

Panicked, I viewed the open spots. What should I do? Where do I go? Nowhere to hide! So much depends on this! Cred with my peers. Bragging rights as a guy. If I lose this my reputation will be trashed!

Nervously I chewed on my weapon. Small splinters broke off in my mouth. One stuck in my gums causing a small spot of blood to run over my bottom lip. In the blazing afternoon sun, sweat poured from my forehead leaving muddy dirt runneled tracks.

Three open spots in which I could make my mark. Win, lose, or draw. Please God let me at least, if not win, tie this stupid thing. Finally, I go for it. Top left. That’s the shit! X marks the spot. Grinning at my innate male superiority I sat up and looked at my opponent.

Glancing at the paper momentarily, she met my eyes. I saw resignation in their depths. I knew I had won. My man card was safe. I smiled gleefully. Then she bent down, slowly moving her pencil over the final two spots. Eenie meany, miney… Looking once more at me I saw her grin wickedly. She made her mark. Center right.

Behind me the row of boys laughed. The girls clapped in triumph. I looked down. What? How could this be? How could I have missed that? Crap!! I just lost a game of recess tic tac toe to a girl! I’ll never live this down! Ever! The rest of my first grade journey will be a living hell.

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