The Dangers of Monopoly

It was the summer of 2006. I couldn't recall it being one of the most memorable years, apart from the awful fashion trends (RIP Von Dutch clothing) and the blossoming of Nelly Furtado's greatest hits. I, however, wasn't a fan of low-cut jeans or bedazzled dresses covered in sequins.

But when it did come to the summer time, I can admit, I did not shy away from sun dresses. Tonight was the perfect time for the occasion, for there I was, sitting by the poolside at the Matterson's home for a fun game of Monopoly meets Truth or Dare; just three girls and three brothers. I guess as 16-17 year olds, we were pretty desperate to try to make out with each other without being blatantly obvious.

Sophie, Amanda and I had made a pact that we would finally let our hair down after an agonising week working at our summer camp. I for one did not enjoy having to manage a group of beastly 10-year old boys with selective hearing. While the girls didn't care which brother they were going to "get with" that evening, they knew they just had a thing for the three charmers.

The truth is, I had my eyes set on the oldest brother, Danny; which was bizarre, as Zachary was his twin. Somehow I could tell the difference quite easily. For starters, he was the more poised one; slightly preppy and had an irritatingly desirable charisma that won him almost every girl in our school. Even girls with boyfriends. Let's just say, he wasn't the most popular among the other dudes... but hey, he was still my best friend and I for one totally understood what the girls saw in him.

As his best friend however, I always made sure to play it cool and hope to God he had 0 clue I had been head over heels for him this entire time.

He was always so insistent on being the gentleman, by looking out for me... especially after being supportive after my most recent breakup. I always wondered if maybe there would have been one day he'd see me in a different light. Maybe tonight would have finally been the night, I hoped.

"Alright," his brother Ryan declared, "if you lose this round Danny, I dare you to finally kiss Abby and BREAK whatever the hell tension you two have been having since we were toddlers."

"EW what!" I shrieked. I could feel my face go red, avoiding eye contact with Danny.

"Sure," he said casually.

Giggles took place around us, as I finally found the courage to see the expression on his face. He was absolutely calm, like someone had just asked him if he wanted another slice of pizza.

"Come on Abby, it won't be that bad..." teased Amanda. I rolled my eyes at her, "We're like brother and sister, that would be so weird."

"On the contrary, we're his actual siblings and you're his best friend," Zachary chimed in.

"Whatever, Danny never loses Monopoly," I insisted. I had no idea why I kept acting as if this would have been the worst thing in the world.

Danny focused on the board slowly unravelling our fate, only to demonstrate that the goddess Venus had her say in this. He had lost.

Oh how the crowd went wild. His brothers even patted him on the back.

"Let's go inside," he said as he reached out for my hand.

"Aw no, you have to do it here!" teased Sophia.

I took his hand without a word, and walked into his house.

"We don't have to actually do this right?" I said nervously.

"No, we don't. We can just say we did and hang out in my living room for like 10 minutes so they think we had sex or something," he joked.

So there we were, sat on his couch in silence. Why was I feeling so nervous? It's not like this would have been my first kiss, why was I acting like that?

Screw it, I thought.

"Danny?" I said softly.

"Yeah?"

"We can try it. Only if you want to. Just a stupid kiss or whatever."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

Despite the notorious reputation Danny had for being a total heartthrob, I always knew deep down inside he was a big softy.

"I just didn't think you ever saw me that way."

"What way?"

I shrugged, "Like not the hot girl type... or whatever it is you like."

Danny laughed at this, "Abby, what the hell are you talking about? You're beautiful. I've always thought that. I mean my freaking parents bug me about it all the time!"

"They do?" I could really feel like my heart was about to jump out of my chest at this point. "I mean you do?"

"Yes, you're Abby. You're beautiful, unique Abby."

Beautiful, unique Abby. I let the words sink in.

Within an instant our eyes locked. We finally saw each other for the first time again.

He placed his hand gently on my cheek to lean in, but I found myself physically jump on top of him.

So much for being subtle.

"This never happened," I repeated in between kisses.

"Stop overthinking."

"Are we making a mistake?" I said as I pushed myself off of him for a moment.

But then he smirked and shook his head.

"Abby, we can stop if you want to."

"No! No I want to keep going. I want your body - I mean I want this."

"What? Abigail Maria Alonso, I am more than just a body I will have you know..." there he went again with that endless charm. He kissed me on the forehead and continued with the words, "We're exactly in the moment we should be in."

Now let's flash forward a little.

It's almost been 15 years to the day, and I see him standing at the end of the aisle with the same stupid look on his face after we had finally kissed. His brothers patted him once again on the back, only this time, by his side as his groomsmen.

Who knew that a game of Monopoly meets Truth or Dare could lead to this moment?