Second chance

The camera moved to center stage, where the host and the three competitors were waiting for the show to start rolling. The lights were positioned so it was only shining on the host, he being the only one the attention was supposed to on at the moment. The stage was brightly colored with the name of the show in big letters hanging up overhead. Over the years props from previous shows have been kept there as a way to look back on the past wins and loses. A guy off to the side started counting down so everyone knows the camera will start rolling.

”Three...two....One”

The show was to start how it usually did, the host introduced the three guests on the show, in the usual cheery tone that made anyone that heard it at ease and ready for that evening’s events. Though this show was known for being extremely difficult, only those able to adjust to anything were able to beat this show, so it was known to be almost impossible to beat.

“Welcome to Second chances everyone! The game where nothing is permanent and everything is changing. Today we have three new contestants . To start with, Marcel Reed! “

The attention turned to me almost immediately , I was no longer just a temporarily nameless contestant ,now everyone will be stacking me up to my fellow contestants. I waved nervously, just wanting the host to introduce someone else. Soon that time came and I sighed in relief, happy that momentary pressure was over.I didn’t pay attention as C1 and C2‘s names were announced they didn’t really matter all that mattered was wether they could beat me or not

The way the game worked was that the host of the show picks three people from the list that signed up and does research, from there they change the game up so every group that comes on receives a different experience and no one is ever prepared. But not me, I have studied this game from top to botttom and I’m pretty sure of the pattern.

“Now, you all understand the game? Let’s begin!”The host called. “The first game is: Ring toss.”

The first round was always the test round. It was the round so everyone could get a understanding of the game. But what could ring toss mean. I kept thinking as we started to play, the questions piling up as we each had our turns. We all did pretty average, but in the end it was C1 who won, it didn’t matter because there was still three other games I could win. Though there was times where they stopped at three games. But I was pretty sure that won’t happen.

“Our second game will be: Rock paper scissors.”

I was confused. The game made no sense, where was the intricate games where the viewers could see into the minds of the ones playing the games, the life lessons.Either way I was going to beat them, rock paper scissors was going to be my game.

I lost....C1 and C2 beat me by a landslide but how....This game is rigged it has to be. I did so much planning, so much preparation for this game how could it all go to waste.

“Our third game of tonight is: Table tennis! How fun!”

A table tennis board was rolled in, along with two rackets and a small bucket of balls. This was ridiculous, table tennis? I looked at C1 and C2 they were smiling. Did they pay the host off? Was I just destined to lose. No, I was going to pull ahead.

Me and C1 were the first ones to play. He seemed like the sporty type so I knew I would have some trouble beating him. Turns out I had A lot of trouble beating him because he won on a landslide and I was forced to watch him and C2 play.

I lost again...How could I? Am I just not good at physical games? Am I thinking too much? Or could my original assumptions be correct. But how could it be? This show was notorious for denying people who wished to get a easy win, why would it be different now? Not all game shows last long without being payed off huh?

”Are you guys having a good time? I know these guys are. Now for the last game: Ring toss” The host smiled and looked at the small audience in the back. “I know, I know we did this already. But I thought, why not give them a second chance to really have fun this time.”

It then hit me, the pattern I was so desperately looking for was always there.

we walked to the small ring toss game they had taken out for the first game. We each got five rings to throw, just like last time. But this time was going to be different. Me and Lina stood off to the side as Aspen threw his rings. He got four out five in, smiling seeming content with himself as he walked off to the side. It was then my turn, my rings were red while Aspen‘s were blue and then Lina’s were green. I had supposed the first time that it was to make knowing who got them on easier.

I threw my ring, taking a deep breath as I did so. I got it on, I then went to throw the rest of my rings. Once I was done I had gotten all five on. Last time I had only gotten two. I went to stand next to Aspen as Lina played, she got four out of five on.

It was a close one but I beat Aspen and Lina. I smiled, it being a very satisfying win.

“The winner of tonight’s show is.....Aspen Moi! Good job”

Aspen smiled, accepting the check that was handed to him for winning the game. Though I lost...It was quite enjoyable in the end.