Las Vegas, Nevada, the biggest gambling city of the world. I was walking down the streets on my way to my favorite casino. You couldn't tell that it was night because of all the lights lining the streets. The streets were crowded. Every time you bumped into someone, you would get a dirty glare and maybe a "Hey! Watch it!" but I didn't care. It's where I belonged. Then the bell rang for third period. Somehow, my day dreaming always makes me late. However, I'd rather be roaming the streets in Vegas than the "hellways" at school.
I walked in to class to see who playing cards? Steven. Probably the only person I'd ever have to watch out for if I went into a casino. No one has ever beaten him at poker, ever. I just kept on walking past him. Then THUD! I was lying face down on the floor. I must have tripped over something. I looked up. Rather, I tripped over someone. Laughter.
"Would you look at that! ‘Sup future casino dweller. What do you say to a little poker?" smirked Steven while shuffling his cards. I stopped dead in my tracks. What to do?
"Sure why not?" I said nonchalantly, hiding my fear. The cards were delt. The money was on the table. My heart was beating in my throat. On the table was a Jack of clubs, ten of spades, and an ace of diamonds. I had a five and eight of hearts. I was done. Caput. Game over. Steven was so confident, and I was a wreck.
Why was I so nervous? This is my game; I should be doing better than this. I need to put Steven in his place, but how can I do that if I feel like I don’t even belong here. That’s when I went back to Vegas. The red carpets, the sound of clanging chips, the beeps and blings of the slot machines, the smell of cigar smoke; I was home. The game was all coming back to me. I was slapping cards on the table, picking some up. As the pile of cards diminished, so did the smile on Stevens face. The beads of sweat on his forehead looked as if they were saying something, "how is he doing this?"
Honestly, I don’t even know how I was doing it. I was just, in my element. I put my last card down. That was it. Had I won? Was it over? I had won, but it was not over.
Steven threw his remaining cards on the table in a fit of rage. The way they flew through the air looked almost like confetti, congratulating the victor, me. He threw the chair across the room, awaking the sleeping teacher who was now dizzy and confused. The way Steven glared at me brought me back to reality and out of my vision. I was back to being fearful, not feared. I’m always scared. Well enough is enough! I slowly stood up and pressed my hands against the table, and leaned over slowly, for dramatic effect. "I'll be collecting my winnings now," I stated quietly, yet forcefully. The playful jeers showed me that everyone was listening. Steven was shocked at my new found confidence, so shocked in fact, he backed off. He slid the money and watch my way and he just walked away. Too simple, I thought, but that was it. The bell rang again and I walked back down the hallway, but this time I didn’t see the brightly lit Vegas streets. I didn't see the bright red, wine stained carpets. I didn’t smell the smoke, no longer needing my Vegas alter ego. I was confident. I walked away, leaving behind the silver lined streets of Vegas.
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