Queen of the Deck

The Tournament

It had been three days since the new neighbors had arrived. Lyvia had observed through her window each morning as the girl with glistening black hair got into her polished black car and sped off down the street. Lyvia had turned down all gambling challenges that week and spent all of her time watching the new girl. Amy told her numerous times it was kind of creepy, plus her parents were getting weirded out. But for some reason, Lyvia was captivated by this girl. And she just had to know her name. Lyvia decided then: she was going to introduce herself.

The following day Lyvia marched across the street proudly in her nicest jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers. She went straight up to the doorstep and rang the doorbell. She took a deep breath as the door creaked open. "Hi!" she exclaimed. Before Lyvia stood the new girl, with her shiny black hair and gorgeous olive skin. Lyvia noticed how perfect her body was and how enchanting her deep brown eyes were now that she saw her up close. The girl stared at her, "Uhm, hi?" Lyvia stood straighter. "I'm Lyvia Simon, your next-door-neighbor. I live over there," Lyvia aimed across the street at her house, "Nice to meet you." The girl squinted. "Oh, okay. I suppose I should tell you who I am then?" she asked. Lyvia gaped blankly at her. "Well, I'm Sydni Vincent. Not like it's any of your business," Sydni yanked out her phone and began touch-typing, "You resemble a horse with your round chin and white hair, by the way." Lyvia felt the color lifting to her face, "Anyways, Sydni, where are you from?" Sydni proceeded to type on her phone. "Well, I've lived here my whole life. I go to the high school not far from here," Lyvia said desperately, "And I'm also quite well known for my gambling skills around here." Sydni looked up from her phone. "Oh? Is that so?" Sydni looked her up and down. "Who did you say you were again?" she asked. "Lyvia," Lyvia said. "Well then, Lyvia, how about you come inside?"

Lyvia felt it was awkward to be inside Sydni's house. The interior looked so expensive; even the wallpaper was fancy. Sydni came back from the kitchen with two mugs and sat beside Lyvia on the couch. "So, Lyvia, you say you lived in New Orleans your whole life?" she asked as she set down the mugs on the coffee table. "Yes," Lyvia responded. She felt uneasy by all the staring Sydni was doing. "And you say you are the best gambler around here?" Sydni asked. Lyvia blushed, "Well, I suppose-," Sydni cut her off, "I challenge you to a gambling tournament." Lyvia sat in shock. "Well, what's your answer?"