"black women were created of

brown sugar and warm honey.

the sweetest thing to bless the earth.

be wary of anyone who tells you otherwise." — Alexandra Elle

I peeled off my grey wrap before placing it behind the chair. Taking a seat, my body moved to the soul, jazzy music that was playing throughout the place. The girl on stage was reciting a beautiful poem of hers. Danielle and I were here to support Kaleigh. She'd signed up for a talent show here at The Jazz. It's a teen club where the most eccentric souls come to perform. I knew she'd win because she was just that good.

"Where's Leigh?" Danielle asked as she scanned the room.

I shrugged. "She must be in the back getting ready."

She nodded as she moved her body to the music as well. "This is a really nice place. I think we should come here more often."

"Agreed."

I was a lover of poetry, but I didn't perform them. They were for my eyes and my eyes only. No one knew anything about it because I feel that it is certain things you should keep sacred. I wholeheartedly believed in privacy. My poems are what I wanted to keep private. The audience clapped as the girl's performance came to an end. She gave an appreciative smile and a small bow before exiting the stage.

I used this time to glance around to see if I saw any familiar faces. I didn't see anyone except the guy who Khari and I had, had a heated discussion with in Psychology. I lifted my brow in surprise and the most shocking thing is that he courted a beautiful, black young lady on his arm.

I shook my head at the sight. If only my sista knew that she was not valued in his eyes. One of the waitresses came to the table to take our drink orders.

"What kind of drink can I get you beauties?" She grinned, showing her perfect teeth.

"I'll take a sweet tea with lemon." Danielle said.

The woman looked at me anticipating my answer. "Water with a lemon on the side, please."

She nodded her head as she took the order. Before she could take off, Danielle stopped her.

"We're expecting three more people so if you can come back, that'll be lovely."

The waitress announced that she would be back before going to get our orders. Danielle turned back around and I stared at her intently. I knew Elgin and Randy would be here. Who was the other person?

"What?" She asked, flipping her hair.

"Nothing, just confused on the third person."

A wicked grin formed on her lips. "Oh, just wait. You'll see."

Huffing, I turned my attention back to the stage. Another girl had graced the stage with her performance of India Arie's The Truth. I snapped my fingers, singing along with her. My mind drifted to Duane for some reason. I used to think that we would make it through high school and college then marry as high school sweethearts. Now, I didn't see a future with him. He was just an X, not an ex.

By this time Elgin and Randy had made it. However, the surprise guest wasn't with them. I pouted at Danielle so she could tell me, but she wasn't falling for it. Instead, she linked her arms with Randy's and sipped on her lemon tea.

"Wassup Lia?" Elgin greeted, sitting beside me. A little too close if you asked me. So I politely moved my chair a little.

"Good, you?"

He shrugged. "I'm aight. No complaints."

I observed his nose and I could tell why Khari's hand was swollen. He messed Elgin's nose up. I took little sips of my water, nodding my head.

"Good, as it should always be."

He smiled, clearly appreciating my answer. If I'm not mistaken, I noticed a salacious look that appeared in his eyes. I shook it off, however. Maybe I was wrong.

"I'm sorry I'm late." A very familiar and welcomed voice said.

I looked up to meet the piercing gaze of Khari. In his hazel eyes was that desired look he'd given me yesterday before I opened my big mouth. For a minute, we just stared at one another oblivious to the three other people at the table. All of a sudden, it got hot again.

"Yes, we should definitely come to this place more often." Danielle smirked.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Elgin gritted through his teeth.

Khari's eyes reluctantly tore away from mine before landing them on Elgin. He took his seat beside Danielle, and formed a sly smirk on his face.

"I invited him because he is my best friend. Thank you." Danielle retorted, before rolling her eyes.

Elgin shook his head. "Watch out Randy. We all know about them best friends."

Danielle flipped him off, clearly holding her tongue. I was working with Danielle on her choice of words. She could really get mean. So, this was progress.

Look at God.

I silently thanked him before taking another sip of my water.

"How ya nose?" Khari asked sarcastically. I choked a little on my water at his question. He was petty, I see. Elgin mugged him, but before he could say anything, Kaleigh took the stage.

She let out a nervous chuckle. "Hi everyone. My name is Kaleigh Mohammad and I am a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. I hope you enjoy my piece."

She received a few snaps before taking her place at her on the seat. She adjusted everything accordingly before she started her performance.

After her performance, we all went to a burger joint to celebrate. She came in first place for obvious reasons. She killed her performance. It would've been a great night of Elgin could only act like he was a supportive boyfriend. Her song was about him, but he didn't even pay attention. I felt that Kaleigh was deeply in love with him, but I didn't know if those feelings were reciprocated.

"So, babe did you like the song?" Kaleigh asked with a big smile on her face.

Again, he was on his phone texting away.

"Huh? Yeah baby. It was cool." He said, clearly not paying attention.

She'd tried to hide the disappointing look on her face, but I caught it. I placed my hands on hers, squeezing it tightly.

"It was a beautiful song, Leigh." I gave her a reassuring smile.

She returned the gesture, but it was clear that she needed it validated from Elgin.

"Yea, that song was lit. You gotta teach me how to write cuz I suck." Randy said, popping a fry into his mouth.

"You can sing, Randy?" Kaleigh asked.

He shook his head. "Hell no. I just wanna be able to write my girl poetry and all of that corny shit."

Danielle glared him causing all of us to chuckle. That couple right there were goals.

"I like your work Kaleigh. It's inspiring and although it was someone in the crowd who didn't appreciate it, just know I did." Khari explained.

Khari's statement made her smile, genuinely. He took a shot at Elgin who didn't even notice. He never ceases to amaze ya girl.

"Thanks Khari. That means so much, honestly." She said.

He waved her off. "No need to thank me. I should be thanking you. Really opened my eyes."

I caught Danielle's glance at him as if she'd made a discovery. What did she make him realize?

"That's my purpose. Mission accomplished."

"Damn baby.. What's ya name?" A guy interrupted, looking at me.

He was a funny looking guy. He was clearly not my type. Yet, he was really bold approaching me in front of everyone. I narrowed my eyes at him. "First of all, don't call me 'baby' because you don't have that privilege."

He shrugged as he eyed me up and down. "I'm just saying. You fine as hell."

"Aye.. Ima need you to go back where the fuck you came from." Khari said, abruptly standing up. My eyes widened in fear of what he'd do to the poor guy. I quickly grabbed his arm attempting to hold him back. He snatched away, inching closer to the guy. "You death or some?"

"Shut ya ass up b! Go home to ya bitch ass moms!" The guy yelled as he backed away.

It all happened so quickly. Khari slipped past me and got a hold of him. The first punch was brutal, just like it was to Elgin. I heard the crack of the nose as soon as Khari's fist landed. The guy fell and Khari got on top of him, landing blow after blow. Randy jumped up to get him off the guy.

"Khari stop man! You gon kill em!" Randy shouted. After a few minutes, Randy finally got him and pushed him towards the door.

"I'm going to instruct you all to leave before I call the cops." The manager announced.

Danielle jumped up, grabbing her purse and running out the door with Kaleigh right on her heels. The guy on the floor was groaning loudly with a bloody face. Randy pushed Khari out of the burger joint and I followed suit. Elgin soon walked out and we all walked towards the school.

It was a quiet walk with Khari distancing himself. I wrapped myself in my wrap and walked with my head down. I didn't want to be bothered. The only thing you could hear were our heels clicking on the sidewalk. Khari turned off from the group.

"Bro.." Randy called.

"Go on with Danielle. I got him." I said as I followed Khari. He nodded his head, took Danielle's hand into his and continued to walking.

"Call me if you're not coming back." Kaleigh called.

I looked back and nodded my head before catching up with Khari. He was still quiet during the walk. I'd allowed him to have his solitary. I didn't want to make him even angrier. A few minutes later we were approaching his apartment. He took his keys out swiftly and opened the door. He walked in with me behind him. I closed the door quietly and watched as he plopped right onto the couch.

I took a look around this apartment. He didn't have much in here, but he had enough to survive. He did good for a nineteen year old boy who's on his own, seemingly. I looked at him and followed his eyes to a picture in front of his bed. It was a picture of a beautiful lady who shared the same features as Khari. I also noticed a Bible that looked like it hasn't been touched in a minute.

"Who is that?" I asked quietly.

He stayed silent for a long time, not taking his eyes off the picture. Then, he cleared his throat before answering. "My mother."

That's when I came to a realization. His mother was no longer here which explains why he'd snapped on the guy at the burger joint. The guy was playing with a ticking time bomb and he chose the wrong words.

"I'm sorry. I didn't kn—"

Nah, it's cool. I know you didn't." He interrupted. "Nobody do. Not even Randy or Danielle."

I shook my head. "Khari, you don't have to deal with this alone. I know that's what you've been doing. I'm not sure how long she's been... deceased, but you're not healing properly. The hate in your heart is not healthy." I held my hand up before he could downplay his anger. "Don't say it's not anger because you displayed anger tonight."

"How about we start over?" I added, trying to shift the mood. I figured that he'd tell me what happened to his mother whenever he is ready to tell me. I went over taking a seat beside him. I lifted his chin so his eyes could meet mine.

"I'm Malia King." I gave him a warm smile.

"Khari Valentine." He said simply.

I placed my hand under my chin, staring at him intently. I shivered a little as he instinctively licked his lips. It was like a habit for him. I noticed that he did it very often. Our eyes never looked away from one another as fell into a comfortable silence. It seemed as we were playing the staring game with neither one of us wanting to lose.

I couldn't take it, so I looked away.

"So, why is a guy from New Orleans here in DC?" I asked as I looked down, playing with my ring on my hand.

"I've lived in New Orleans until my mom passed. After she passed, I moved in with my father for six years. When I graduated high school, I convinced Georgetown to allow me to sit out a year so I could build my funds up. I explained my situation and they understood. I came to here to get away from my father. Basketball was my ticket out of that hell hole."

"Oh.. It was that bad?"

Clearing his throat, he started to play with his own hand. "Let's just say, I made it out."

Sympathy rushed through me and I don't know why, but my hand rested on his cheek. He allowed me to rub them, console him for a spare minute. Then, he came back to Earth. He pulled away like he'd made a mistake.

"We can talk about something else if you want.." I offered.

He looked at me with curiosity on his face. "Why are you here?"

I furrowed my eyebrows together. "Why wouldn't I be? You obviously don't need to be alone because you've spent enough time being alone..dealing with things. You need someone you can console to. I didn't even force you. It's just something you needed."

"You don't know me so don't try to act like you do."

I sighed, touching the bridge of my nose briefly. "I know I don't know you. I'm trying to get to know you. That's what people do, Khari. You meet people and you talk to them to get to know them. So you know the trigger warnings, what to say and what not to say.."

He didn't reply so I didn't say anything. I glanced at his hand, which was getting more swollen by the minute. I got up, heading to the kitchen. I looked in the freezer seeing an ice pack already in there so I grabbed it and headed to tend to his aid.

"Give me your hand." I said.

Nonchalantly, he placed his hand in my lap and placed the ice pack on his hand. He grimaced a little before it set in. "Things like this can really hurt your draft stock and image." I said. "But, I'm sure you know that already."

Again, all I received was silence so I didn't press the issue. His phone vibrated in his pocket causing him to reach in and grab it. Once he had it, he answered. While he was on the phone, I went over to my bag and grabbed my phone. I shot a quick text to Randy to see if he would pick me up. He said that he would. So, I sent a text to Kaleigh to tell her that I was coming back to the dorm.

Once I turned around, I caught Khari staring. He didn't look away, though. "Yes?"

"I just wanna say thanks for making sure I was good. You ain't have to do this but you did. I don't want you thinking that I'm some ungrateful asshole as well."

I chuckled a little at the latter part of his statement. "I'm sure you're not an ungrateful asshole. Still an asshole, though."

"Ouch." He said as he dramatically touched his chest.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Randy is picking me up by the way. Did you need anything?"

He shook his head no. "Nah, I'm good baby." He uttered in that Nawlins' accent.

I cleared my throat a couple of times. All of a sudden I was thirsty. "Need some water?" He asked.

"Please."

He walked over to the fridge, taking out a bottled water. I quickly opened it and downed it. "Whew."

I heard a horn outside which meant that Randy was downstairs. I went over to grab my bag and looked over my shoulder. "Have a goodnight, Khari Valentine."

"You too, Malia King." He replied as I walked out of the apartment and down to Randy's car.

——————————