Rising Shards

My mind flashed back to moments in my acting career where I had unfortunately come into contact with Valda Ingram, a cocky old witch whose ego was only matched by how bad she was at directing plays. She’d give no direction other than describing us as various body movements in grosser and grosser detail. The sole play she managed to direct at my theater, The Magician’s Magnificent Ocean of Worlds, only made it through about two shows before it completely fell apart due to most of the cast quitting, not wanting to spend another second under Valda’s leadership.

She wasn’t awful in the way my parents were, but she was the kind that inspired immediate rage in me. She was judgmental and rude constantly, but also assumed everyone loved her.

I couldn’t let Valda ruin our night out. And I also refused to leave as that would be granting her a win.

Evy was game to take her on, and Zeta was happy it was a deal with like a bunch of other teams playing trivia with Valda far away from us.

“I was genuinely worried we’d run into Razmus Marne at this, I wasn’t prepared for you to be the one to have your rival show up.” Evy said.

“She’s not my rival.” I said.

“I guess Marne isn’t really my rival, more a persistent thorn in my side.” Evy said.

“That’s what Valda is to me. But less persistent and more like a tummy ache that comes at the worst possible times.” I said. “Sorry, I’m being so bitchy right now, I’ll try to hone it in and channel it directly at her.”

Evy laughed. “You’re fine.”

“Would prefer if you didn’t swear, though.” Zeta said.

“A few may slip out, sorry,” I said. I took a quick glance at the laminated drink menu in the center of our table. “And I may need a few Tropical Sunburst Surprises.”

“I can drive us back,” Evy offered. “Unless you don’t want me driving your car.”

“You’re a better driver than me, I’m absolutely fine with you driving,” I said. “Zeta, this is an example of having a designated driver.”  I hoped I could at least impart some kind of lesson to Zeta if I was going to drink in front of her.

“I watched those safety videos in class, I know the deal,” Zeta said.

I cooled off a bit after having a fruity drink. I knew I was probably hurting my chances at winning if I was buzzed, but I still had Evy and Zeta to fall back on. The host stood near a projector that broadcasted the questions, the screen had the same image as the tablet at each table, on which we’d submit our answers.

“Welcome, welcome, to another wonderful and rousing night of trivia!” the host said. “I’m Chet, and when we do trivia night, it’s just Chet. No last names or anything. Got it?”

I wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be funny, and nobody else seemed to either, so Chet started the festivities.

The first section was sports, and we were all pretty much useless, with Evy and I only getting a few points from remembering the big big sporting events and stars of yesteryear. Valda’s team got a ton of points already, which infuriated me.

“I’m curious, how does she know Zeta?” Evy asked.

“I ran into her a few times backstage at Stella’s plays,” Zeta said. “And also one time she invited herself over to our place and it was really uncomfortable. I hid in my room!”

“Luckily Pippi was free, once she showed up Valda finally got the hint that she wasn’t welcome,” I said. “I’m glad Pippi didn’t make it, actually, she hates Valda too and so would throw hands.”

“The one we went to that speakeasy with?” Evy asked.

“Trust me, after a few drinks and an enemy in the room, Pippi can be ferocious.” I said. 

“How ferocious are you after a few drinks with an enemy in the room?” Evy asked.

I shrugged. “I can keep my cool.”

The second section was mainly focused on a documentary series about Cani, so Evy knew every answer. I was so proud of her that I scooted my chair to hold her arm. I also wanted Valda to see that I was doing way better than her in the love department.

“Are you trying to make her jealous?” Evy asked.

“Pfft,” I said. “I’m trying to show her what a happy relationship with an amazing partner looks like. Something I’m sure she has no idea about.”

“That’s sweet about me, but pretty ice cold about her,” Evy said.

“Stella snooped on her Friendliest page once and said it was all complaining about her husband,” Zeta said.

“I see.” Evy said.

 Valda looked to our table again and pointed to us, then to a breadstick. She broke in half and ate it. Her threat was a bit of a mess, but it infuriated me all, making my desire to show her up even stronger.

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