Mating Game ------------------- Pearl Chan

She came every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM, chess clock tucked under her arm. Marcus would watch her from behind his flower stand, sighing into his carnations and chrysanthemums as she selected her opponent for the day. She would fold her legs beneath her as she sat down at one of the tables on the plaza. Then she would begin to play. Her fiery ponytail would bob up and down as she contemplated the board, moves punctuated by confident slaps on the clock. Move, hit, move, hit, move, hit. Marcus longed to approach her, to give her the redder firmest roses from his cart, but he knew that flowers would not charm her. Her flashing eyes seemed only to see her chess pieces. But he could not hope to win her favor by playing against her. He only had a basic grasp of the game, and he had never seen her lose. She would descend on him with her army, defeating him in a few swift attacks. Then she would toss her ponytail in scorn and summon a worthier opponent. His longing for her was wearing away at him. Not even his flowers could cheer him up anymore. He had to do something. He would buy her a present. It probably would not work, but he had few options. He would buy her-what else?-a chess set. So on Tuesday morning he went to the smoke shop to look at their'fancy chessboards. A brass bell tinkled when he pushed open the door. A heavy, fragrant cloud hung over the shelves of cigars and imported cigarettes, the jars of tobacco, the stands of pipes. Marcus crept uncertainly towards the back. He knew they sold chessboards; he had seem them propped up in the front windows between "authentic Soviet army flasks" and "100-year-old Scotch." But it was so hard to see in here. The store seemed infinitely deep. But now he thought he could see the glint of chrome and glass, the gleam of polished stone and varnished wood. He bent down and pressed his palms against the display case. They were all so beautiful. How to choose? "Housewarming? Birthday present?" Marcus stood up. In the corner an enormous man sat puffing on a water pipe. Marcus started backing away. "You look like you're in search of something extra-special," the man said. "I have just what you want." He took a long draw on the pipe, hoisted himself up, and lumbered through the beaded curtaininto a room in the back. Marcus looked around nervously. The store was empty. Would it be rude to leave? The man rattled back through the cutrain. "Here," he said, handing over a shining metallic board, the white squares a rainbow of silver in the dimlight and the black squares perfect mirrors for Marcus' awed gaze. "You'll enjoy playing with this." Marcus ran to the plaza with his find cradled in his arms. Even if he could not win her, he knew that she would love this gift. That would be enough. He would be happy with that. She was already there, warming her hands on a cup of coffee, tapping her chess clock, looking at nothing in particular. It was a chilly and gray day. She was the only one hardy enough to venture out to play today. She stood up from the curb when she saw Marcus approach, and before he could offer her his gift, she said, "Great, let's play." He hesitated. He couldn't play against her. But she was already walking towards a table. Too late to protest, too late to explain. He sat down opposite her and opened up the board. Inside, on a bed of purple velvet, were nestled 32 perfectly formed and balanced pieces, radiant despite the lack of sun. They set them up and began their game. Marcus' fear dissolved as his pawns advanced. He had never played so well. He matched her, move for move. Their captured warriors accumulated at their elbows. Pawn, pawn, knight, bishop, pawn, pawn. He took her queen. She gasped, but he knew that she couldn't be as surprised as he was. Her ponytail dipped. Pawn, bishop, rook, pawn. She moved her bishop, sat back and let out a sigh. "Checkmate," she said softly, looking up and seeing him for the first time. Marcus picked up his king and placed it in her palm, warm. He held onto her hand, smiling at her smile. "It's so nice to meet you," he said.

Pearl Chan