Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BRAG (04/20/17)
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TITLE: Sabrina and the Support Group | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leola Ogle
04/27/17 -
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Who knew having a baby could be stressful in ways she hadn’t prepared for? Her weekly meeting of Mommies was a huge bragging session. Whose kids/babies were the smartest, cutest, earliest achievers – you name it, someone bragged about it.
Tyler just turned one and Sabrina was a failure as a parent. He wasn’t walking yet. He only said mama and dada. He only had six teeth. And the ultimate humiliation; she had set him on the potty six times and he didn’t “go.”
So, she made up stories about Tyler’s accomplishments. Lies. Should she join a liar support group or a bragging support group? She decided she was driven to lie by her need to brag, and that settled it.
The Boast Overcomers website said they guaranteed braggarts would become victorious. It gave a high percentage of people afflicted with addiction to bragging. She wasn’t alone.
When Sabrina walked into the group, she was dismayed to only see five people. Five? What about the large percentage struggling with this addiction? Nervous, she took a seat. The facilitator, Mark, asked her to share, “As our newest member.”
Sabrina inhaled. “I’m Sabrina. My boast-of-choice is my baby, Tyler. I can’t stop bragging about him even if it’s a lie.” Everyone nodded knowingly. “And, I thought there’d be lots of people here,” Sabrina blurted.
Mark smiled. “We have twenty groups meeting every week. We keep the groups small for sharing. Barry, why don’t you start us off this evening?”
Four-hundred-pound Barry grinned. “I can eat a dozen donuts in ten minutes.”
I bet you can. Sabrina’s eyes widened. Was Barry bragging? It sounded like bragging. Imagine her surprise when everyone clapped.
Cynthia, model perfect and movie star beautiful, went next. “It takes two hours to get this gorgeous. I’ve won many beauty contests.”
And so humble about it. Sabrina shot Mark a glance, expecting him to chastise everyone. He locked eyes with Sabrina and winked. Winked!
Derek, debonair and wearing an expensive suit, ran a hand over his perfect hair. “I was always top of my class at Harvard. I made partnership in my law firm faster than anyone in their history.”
Well, la-di-da. This time Sabrina raised her eyebrows at Mark who ignored her.
Pauline, in workout apparel, flashed a brilliant smile at everyone. “I run five miles every morning, and spend an hour in the gym at night. Look.” She stood and ran hands along her firm and shapely body.
Wait until you have a baby. This time Sabrina didn’t bother looking at Mark. She obviously had the wrong support group. She bit her lower lip to keep from blurting out some outrageous boast about Tyler. It’s a good thing the last person, Steve, spoke up.
“I’m the best NBA player ever. I can score, block, pass, and assist better than anyone. I am king.”
NBA? Is that football? Baseball? Not everyone’s a sports nerd, Steve.
“It’s your turn, Sabrina.” Mark said to her.
“My turn?” She sputtered. “I..I…”
“Maybe next round.” Mark smiled at Sabrina, then nodded at Barry.
“I stay at all-you-can-eat buffets until they throw me out.” Barry chuckled.
“I am the prettiest one in my family. And I always was at school, too.” Cynthia smiled, then touched up her lipstick.
“I can win any case in any court. I’m that good.” Derek ran hands over his hair again.
Pauline stood and slowly turned. “My measurements are perfect.”
“I won MVP three years. And made the All-Stars every year.” Steve did a fist pump in the air.
Sabrina shook her head when Mark looked at her, so the group spouted off again. Three more times each.
Sabrina could stand it no longer. She jumped to her feet. “Tyler is a year old and says mama and dada. He has six teeth. He’s the cutest baby in the whole world and he’s so smart.” Out of breath, she dropped back onto her chair.
“Very good, Sabrina.” Mark beamed like a proud father.
“I’m confused. Nobody here seems to be an overcomer of boasting.”
“Our success is based on all bragging being done in group. Get it out of your system here. How many have made progress?” Mark asked. Every hand went up.
Sabrina relaxed. What fun. She could brag without being in competition.
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Blessings~
The truth is many mothers, fathers, and grandparents could join the group. I enjoy the stories.
This was such a fun read.
Apart from that - well done.