Dirty Work: Part 2

Their pieces were rounded up again, and a new game started. She went first again. A small group gathered around to watch and learn the game from the two best.

The Kid had tunnel vision and moved his pieces on the board like he was a machine. His technique was uncanny. Early on, he did a castling move with his king. It threw Jackie off guard somewhat, but she found her footing and attacked. Piece after piece was moved on the board and some taken by the other side. The pieces on the board started to dwindle. Jackie became a predator with her queen and bishop, but The Kid was fierce with his rooks and his knight.

Unfortunately, in the end, their game concluded in a draw agai

n. They both were left scratching their heads.

“Again?” he asked.

“Maybe next time,” she said, getting up from the chair.

He didn’t want to let her go so easily. He followed behind her outside.

“Hey, can we at least talk?” he said.

“About what?”

“What do you like to do at least?”

“Play chess,” she replied.

“You know, you are one hard nut to crack.”

“Who said I wanted to be cracked open, so you can look inside?”

“Why do you play so hard to get? Is it because I’m in a wheelchair? Look, I really like you. I know I didn’t win, and you didn’t win either, but I’d love to take you out on a date. Just give a handicapped nigga a chance.”

She stopped and turned to face him. “You’re relentless aren’t you?”

“Being in this chair, I have to be.”

She finally smiled. “My parents are strict, so I can’t be seen with you.”

“I’ll become the invisible man,” he joked.

“I’ll take your information and maybe I’ll contact you, maybe I won’t.”

“You don’t have a cell phone number?”

“My folks are poor,” she admitted.

“A’ight, we can work it out. I might be leaving town soon,” he said.

“Really? Why?”

“Just for personal reasons.”

“If you’re leaving town, why try and get with me?”

“If I do, I’ll come back for you and we can make something happen. I promise,” he said with conviction in his tone. “I really want to see you. I think you’re special even though this is just my second time meeting you.”

Jackie started to look skeptical, but she still took down his information.

“Where you going?” she asked him.

“I don’t know. Maybe I might stay and hang out with you.”

“You need to make up your mind soon. I don’t like to play games.”