Mega Millions

"Dear Jesus, Please let me win!"

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Last night I stopped by a little mini-mart near where my friend Wayne lives. He had invited me over for dinner and I could not pass up free food. As a rule I stop by the mini to get 2 Mega Million lottery tickets worth $5.00 a piece. But only when the Jackpot is over $50 million. I don't know why I chose $50 million as my buy mark. One ticket is for me and the other one is for Wayne and me to share. We agreed the ticket we share is chosen by the ticket that has the highest Mega Ball closest to his age. He's a wee bit older than I am.

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You might be wondering why I would do that. Almost 6 years ago, I was struggling. Wayne took me in to help me get back on my feet. For 15 months my bed was his den floor. It took a bit of time to find a job because Richmond can be 'difficult.' That's the nicest way I can put this city when it comes to hunting for a job, career, or whatever you want to call the ritual that pays the bills. Just about every paycheck went to him to repay all he had done for me, plus utilities and food. I never really cared to define one person as a "best" friend. But Wayne is just that, and no one will ever be able to fill those shoes. I love him, but I'm not in-love with him and we both agree that it will never be like that. But because of his unselfish kindness, I am willing to share 1/2 a Mega Million Jackpot with him. I'm not stupid I want some for myself! Well I sidetracked from my original intent of this post.

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Fast-forward to the mini-mart. I'm waiting in line, a rather long line, but I had gotten to about 4th from the person at the counter. Thank goodness they have a different line for non-lottery purchasers. The woman at the counter, pulled out a envelope stuffed with lottery tickets. Everyone in line shifted position in disbelief and collectively *sighed.* As the cashier rang each ticket, she said a little chant. Not quite audible at first, mostly because I wasn't paying attention. But when I did listen, I realized she was saying, "Dear Jesus, please let me win!" A man several positions behind me said, "Jesus Christ lady, he's not going to help you win the lottery!" plus a few more colorful words. I thought to myself, Self "He stole my line!"

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When she had finished all her "Dear Jesus'" and paid her tab, her bill came to $300 even. The same man that had yelled to her, let out a 'holy fuck.' And the line shifted position again and let out another collective *sigh.* And I couldn't help but think THAT jerk stole my lines TWICE.

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The Mega Millions jackpot is now $105 million. By the time you read this post, if you haven't done so already, you will not be able to get a ticket. I thought of that too!