#i saw someone say once “Imagine if Stanley was left alone in the games ending

[stelar-time]

Stanley maladaptive day dreamer is true and I know it because I’m literally stanley

[csykora]

The most Holts quotes, annotated

I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan with 900 cows, so I’m not exactly a video game connoisseur or anything. But in my humble opinion

this will not be the last time the cows come up

I have never owned a video game system in my life, so I barely knew what they were talking about. But 

Braden Holtby is the platonic ideal of an OkCupid date

Honestly, to this day I’ve never been in any kind of fight, not even like a verbal fight.

I can’t imagine who could possibly argue with that.

Part of that was because I grew up in the middle of nowhere.

My dad ran the family farm. Before that, it had been my grandpa’s farm. And before that, it was my great-grandpa’s farm. Anyone within 10 miles was considered our “neighbor.”

Cattle and grain.

About 900 cattle, and a whole lot of grain. Infinite grain.

It’s so flat there. You can’t imagine how flat, unless you’re from there. Where we are, there aren’t even really trees.

This summer I saw a lot of people who maybe have not heard Holts talk about the cows much before saying how sweet it was that Holts went home to them.

he used to make the cattle prods by cutting off the end of old hockey sticks, so that was like the perfect baseball bat for me.

I was going to comment on how none of the Holtby men seem to know what’s for what, but I remembered I still use a hockey stick for my laundry

My dad didn’t even want me to play in net.

Greg Holtby holds he just wanted his son to learn skating fundamentals first. They have been arguing about this across sports media for years. It would be super awkward for Braden if he had admitted that it made him a better goalie, in, say, In Goal magazine immediately after winning.

I was awkward back then. Still am, a little bit.

Braden Holtby once answered the question, ‘What’s your weakness?’ with, “Can I say all of them? Um, my social skills.”

I didn’t know anybody, and when I showed up to the first day of school, it was a disaster.

I had no idea who to talk to. I was so nervous. At lunch, I went to the cafeteria and everybody knew each other. Everybody was already sitting together, and I just kind of freaked out. I ended up spending the entire lunch hour sitting in a stall in the bathroom, just praying for it to be over.

In my head this is filmed like the Twilight movie

… it’s going to seem like such a cliché. It seemed like such a cliché to me at the time. But the more life I’ve experienced, the more that it seems really profound.

I have been on this date

That’s why I try to never even show any emotion on my face, good or bad.

It hits the knob of my stick. Deflects wide. If that shot is an inch to the left or right, we’re done.

If it was 3 inches to either side, maybe, because if you’ve never noticed, Holtby has a massive knob. 

There’s a video somewhere of players being asked to identify sticks and every single one of em knows Holts’. None of them know why he does it.

I’ll never forget the feeling I had skating down the ice to get to Kuzy

“get”? Not like congratulate him, or celebrate with him, like, “sorry, my weird bird escaped again”

it was such an incredible feeling was because of how much we respected them. I really mean that.

I have been on this date

You grow up thinking that NHL players aren’t even human, but then you become one, and you’re like, Do I belong? Am I good enough? Do my teammates like me? Am I doing too much? Am I not doing enough?

This was agonizing and, like, he worked in a theme through the narrative, all literary, but I think we can say one thing for sure. You’re not not doing too much, hon

When you’re playing against someone like that, it’s not a hatred that fuels you. When they make an incredible save, in your mind, you’re like, “O.K., my turn. Let’s put on a show.”

Oh, he wants to respect the heck out Marc-André

Because when you’re all alone in the basement in Saskatchewan, one-handing balls off the wall, that’s the moment you’re dreaming about right?

No comment on what you dream about while handling balls

And so dreams … well, what can I say? Dreams really can come true.

Michal has been rubbing off on him, huh

And so we took turns holding his hand

A Capitals Story

For me, it was taking the Stanley Cup into the big open field on our family’s farm. Same field where I used to stand on one side, while my dad stood wayyyyy over on the other side, and I was supposed to be patrolling the cows with the cut-off hockey stick as my cattle prod.

The Stanley Cup was sitting there, in our field, way up in the middle of nowhere.

Just sitting there on the Holtby’s farm in Marshall, Saskatchewan.

The Stanley Cup, for real.

Suck it, cows

[locshar]

The White Princess Diaries - Ep 1 Part 2 - no - its still not him...

Ep 1 Part 2

 So – Westminster then – and King Dr Who keeps pulling down all the lovely white rose banners and beautiful murrey and blue boar banners saying “Burn them!” (hmnnn –don’t I remember that line from Ep 2 series 1 about a portrait of Not Margaret of Banjo?)   Now he’s on about burning snow – doesn’t that just make a lot of hot air?  But he is a very lucky king because it is August in England and there is a lot of snow around.  Ask poor old nude Aneur-not who apparently is still laying on Bosworth Field four days later.  

 It is moving in day and Dr Who takes the bouncy kings bed – forgetting the springs will have gone because it once belonged to Ever Ready Eddy and Caitlyn Stark – sorry – Mad Mags - gives herself an upgrade and nicks the penthouse suite….which is apparently ‘just through this passage…”  Exit stage left…

 Meanwhile….Parkin is still hiding in a loft in Yorkshire…..he’s a right pudding – obviously. And still blond.  What I don’t understand is why he couldn’t have gone to court with his mother with a towel round his head.  It worked last time and if anyone asked him he could say he is waiting for his new hair colour to take hold.

 But hey - Lizzie-Mini-ish and Ex-Queen Sisterbeth now arrive in London and have a pool party – at least they all gather around the Pools and it is still snowing believe it or not.   No wonder Parkin is going to Turney – for the weather if nothing else.

 So lets all go see the king – Who?  Oh yes…him. You will recognise him – he wears a crown ALL the time.  Makes him feel important.  And king. Just in case anyone thinks he shouldn’t be there. Or be king.

 Pleasingly, we now have diddly diddly cloisters instead of diddly corridors…and “The Yorks” - as Sisterbeth is now calling herself - all get shown to a Travelodge as Mad Caitlyn has nicked all the best hotel rooms in London so she can invite all her saints to enjoy the coronation.  

 All the family fit into a single room with one bed.   Princess Cecily immediately has a cob on and is walking round with a face like a slapped-arse.  Who knows why? No please – if who knows please tell me!  They are given some women who never speak as ladies-in-waiting who remind me of the ladies who never spoke who were Duchess Isabels ladies-in-waiting.  Remember them? Or even her?  

 Rumours in the city are once again rife -and it would appear that Dr Who may be considering marrying his mother because she’s in the queen’s bedroom and he doesn’t want to marry a horse.  What? Oh a whore!  (sorry the medieval juke box in this tavern is doing my head in and I can’t hear what gossip this bloke in disguise is telling me – I have no idea who he is.  He just said to call him Frank)  Note – this bit may have only happened in my head.

 Dr Who is now flexing his political savvy by revoking all English trade with Burgundy. Er - because the Duchess of York (remember the fleeting shot of her leaving England some episodes ago) was always trying to catch him and execute him.   Which was some mean feat seeing as he was in Brittany and then in France and never went out.

 We then hear a well known saying that I last heard murmured in Dothraki.  The princes are dead.  King Aneurard killed them.

 “It is known!” (wink wink nudge nudge) someone murmurs quietly - hoping they don’t get done by GRR Martin for plagurism.

 The stupendously loyal Earl of Lincoln is presented to Dr Who.  He used to be Richard’s heir – and not his hair obviously, and the good Doctor threatens to take everything he has and says he is hair to nothing – or hair to eternity or something (well not if he shaves that beard off!)  Not to be fooled by such a ploy – King Aneurard’s loyal nephew immediately pledges his allegiance to become Dr Who’s new companion which makes Duchess Dyson suck in deeply!   She is disgusted and reminds all the Puddles that their sister in Burgundy would never stoop so low – but she was quite short when we last saw her so what that means is anyone’s guess.  But Dr Who sneers that who cares because he has revoked all her trading privileges so nah nan a nah nah! This is a man so powerful he can enact laws without parliament.  Yes Henry – you know – Parliament  - it’s a big building on the River Thames!  I keep forgetting you are not from around here.

 Then Grasper Fatboy grabs the old lady and she is hauled off to hoover the tower apartments.  Then up steps Teddy who wants his uncle back – don’t we all I hear you say.   All of this is done underneath a bloody big boar banner – and Dr Who gets a bit uncomfortable when Teddy helpfully points out that one day he will be king instead. Brave boy if not very clever.   As everyone mutters in shock and awe some set dresser rushes on unseen and changes the banner because next thing it is green and Teddy is so confused he is fooled into saying “God save the king.”

 Teddy then loses his lands which he never had because he was under attainder anyway and they are given to the Stanleys for being traitorous bastards at Bosworth.

 Now in private, Dr Who is calling Mini-Lizzie-ish a horse and saying he won’t marry her. Nay Nay I hear you say.    Well – I think this is what he said as the fire in their chamber was crackling very loudly at the time. Either that or the preview audience were all tucking into Werthers Originals – which are much more original than whatever this is we are watching.

 Back at the Travelodge on the A1, Young Cecily is bouncing on the bed as her mother writes a letter.  Oh God not in blood this time please….and if Cecily bounces on that bed much more I am going to christen her Cobby the Castle Elf.

 Relief!  Queen Sisterwitch is only writing a letter to Turney to see if her son got there all on his own at around 10 years old and still in his nightie….she is worried he might not have made it (really? Whatever gives her that idea?)

 Now the diddly diddly cloisters are all wet from the rain so it must be water music.   Oh, I do miss Anne Neville at these moments…I can still hear her clling “Izzy, Izzy –lets get busy” as the music played.)

 Whats this? Queen Woodville is meeting some young stud in the stables – and now sending him to Turney.   She gives him a ring….because he is mobile – God! Could this be Son of Blackenberry?  He has things to communicate!  

His name is Ned – or Nokia Ned to you!  Beware my son – skulking around that woman with that name you are in mortal danger of being bonked to death and not making episode 2.  Unless they bring you back as Cardinal Morton as I haven’t seen him yet.

 On the way back she bumps into Mad Lady Stark and I am really not too sure what she has done to her skirts since she became My Lady the Dr Who’s Mother.  I think she has them stuck in her knickers to expose her saints knees as they are all tucked up at the front!

 As they glare at each other in the musical cloister, they have a Game of Thrones Off – “My sons throne is bigger than your Lizzie-Mini’s throne” Hang on – script written by who?

 Item: The music is very annoying as it is the original soundtrack and I keep looking up in heated anticipation but no – no fetching blue doublets or dancing eyebrows here…shame! I could cry!  The music, the memories, the script….

 Dr Who is now visiting Lizzie-Mini-ish and says she has to dress him – I think. Well he does appear to have put on a Ralph Lauren polo shirt under this doublet and Cecily certainly has her eyes on his Henry Tudors…

 The Werthers are back and above the crackling Dr When wants them to dance for him.  Well I have seen some dancing in my time but this takes the Captain Biscuit.   And now that bloody banjo is back and Lizzie-Mini-ish and Cecily the House Elf they are sort of dancing like Ed Balls and Russell Grant being regaled by buskers on the Pan Pipes.  All together now - Step left, step right, step forward step back, step left step right, step forwards step back…. Shake it all about. You get it…

 Oh that Dr Who King bloke is a smug bastard-  I want to smack him in the Tardis! He gives Lizzie-Mini a motto as he wasn’t there for Christmas and she’s a bit of a cracker.   Humble pie and pestilence…sorry the insane fire crackling may have made me hear that wrong.  

 Dr Who gets angry because he still doesn’t want to marry Lizzie-Mini…yawn – yeah right. Then a man turns up in a rugby hat but I don’t know who he is or where he is from and as he doesn’t introduce himself I take it that he is actually Olympic de la pool….(A friend and I have seen that hat before and on a man eith beard and in a pool!) It’s a sign! Of what I am not quite sure!

 As I said earlier, Dr Who goes EVERYWHERE in his crown and now he is folding his arms and sulking in a corner until his Mad Caitlyn Mother nags – sorry – tells him that he has more divinity than anyone she had ever met.  Divinity?  Div more like and take off that bloody crown for five minutes please  - we get it!  We do! You cheated and you are king! King Dr Who! Or someone…

Ooh we are now in the YewMe garden – where there is a new maze that you can use for jolly japes to lose the silent ladies-in-waiting who follow you around with knowing looks which tell you they are really spies for the Dr.   The maze is not so amazing as in true form they have all had the same clothes on for days – but it is also musical.  Its made out of box hedge – so it is in fact a music box.

 Now the man with bad hair who no one has introduced us to tells Lizzie-Mini she has to meet Dr Who in his bedroom alone – which pleases Cecily no end you can imagine! (Well we know what she is imagining but then she has already proved she is a bit dumb – some character development needed)  Oh – I have just remembered – what has happened to Tom Dorset?  You know – the Queens brother who kept his eyes and ears to the ground before he buggered off and joined Chewdor?  Never mind – am sure he will crop up somewhere – or as some one…

[mutualdarknessff-blog]

C2 - Uncomfortable Vibes of Attraction

Song by: Kehlani - Crzy

Navaya

Maybe I was imagining it after a crazy forty two hours, right? My life has never stopped being a roller coaster ride since going to live with my uncle, my mind was in a whirlwind. Yeah, I was losing it and hallucinating, not to mention being on my anxiety meds to keep my calm. Nothing was in that damn hallway with me last night, I was tripping hard and needed to cool it. I couldn’t just rely on the new living establishments to reassure myself that I was alright, mentally training myself that I was going to be fine is what I needed. Looking over myself in the bathroom mirror, it was going on almost seven of dawn as I wrapped my thick black towel around my body. The shower woke me but not of my anxiety in registering and starting attendance at the academy art school, close by Lincoln Park. Not to mention my uncle could pop up at any moment, find my ass and drag me back to hell. It would be good to have Mali and Trent at school, but I knew in the end wouldn’t be enough. Exiting out the steamy bathroom I walked back to my room for now, closing the door behind me. On the bed was a basket of toiletries for everything a woman could need. Already being blessed with a hearty and bigger basket of goodies to my surprise when I exited out the room this morning, I could only sigh at how sneaky Jason’s help in the house were. Walking up to the bed I grabbed the extra basket placing it in the empty walk in closet to the floor. Grabbing my suitcase next to the basket I rolled it slowly out the closet, picking it up I placed it on the bed looking out the window. The sun began to fully rise bringing in sunlight making the bedroom look gloomy. Closing my eyes I thought about my big sister, how she loved mornings. Loved them so much it was basically her favorite time of the day, because it was always the start of maybe a new beginning for something great. That’s how she saw it, me being the pessimist only seeing it being the start of something going wrong. Trouble lurked around every corner of the world and that’s how I always had seen it. Especially the day my mother left my father over the tragedy of my big sister Nina.

~Two Years Ago~

Standing at the end of the kitchen table, I watched as my father looked to his hands. Never making contact with me as he sat on the opposite end of our dining room, elbows laid out as he played with his wedding ring. I looked back to the mysterious man who resembled an older version of my father, with a lot more hatred in his eyes at the moment. Placing my soccer bag down to the floor I stared back at the man with darkness in his eyes, watching over me.

“Your mother left me Navaya,” He spoke making me look back at him, “Because I couldn’t keep Nina alive and made the choice to put you through school. But you know what, I’m done with this and have things to think over. Until then you’re staying with your uncle. Understand?” He spoke with a little attitude in his tone. Standing frozen where I stood it took a while for me to process. Cancer is what made my sister sick, it’s what made my mom leave my father. It’s what has made my life come to this and I couldn’t do anything about it? Maybe not right now, but one day.

Present

My phone vibrated on the dresser as I put the last notebook I needed in my all burgundy JanSport bookbag. Picking up my phone I saw Mali’s number making me answer the call.

“Good morning beautiful, I’m about thirty minutes out so eat something and be ready for me.” She commanded sweetly making me do a small grin at her usual demanding self. Picking up my book bag I slung a strap over my shoulder.

“Good morning Mali.” I replied knowing there wouldn’t be anything else for me to say before she hung up. Exiting out the room I made my way downstairs trying to remember where the kitchen was.

“We’ll talk in the car love ya.” She muttered quickly with a dial tone to come next. Placing my phone in my back pocket I let my nose guide me. Entering the grand kitchen again it was empty but a massive spread of every type of breakfast food there could be.

“You hungry?” His deep voice asked coming from another side room of the kitchen seeing me. Jason strolled in the kitchen making me realize how much being a boss had its perks. To be honest I was in awe just because I never been in the presence of someone with so much attention grabbing persona. I swear that my eyes were looking upon the freshest African American man in Chicago right now.

“I um, will just take a yogurt. Your cooks always make this much food every morning?” I asked placing my book bag down by the island in the middle of the kitchen. My eyes scanned over sausage patties and links, pancakes, waffles stacked. Home fries, scrambled and fried eggs. French toast and some shit I didn’t even know could be prepared as breakfast next to parfait’s of every flavor in cups.

“They aren’t used to me having guests, it was a welcome breakfast.” He explained with a grin pouring himself some coffee in a silver to go canister. Grabbing a parfait and plastic spoon from the table I bent down picking up my book bag.

“It’s a nice gesture but you can tell them that this is too much, and I find it hard to believe you never have guests here.” I eyed him while placing some apples and oranges in my bag. Raising his Rolex looking watch up to his face to read the time he nodded, gliding his eyes to me.

“Believe it, I’m usually too busy for visits from anyone other than Trent. Hosting parties is usually what I even use the house for.” He took a sip of his coffee with his brown eyes still on me. He called this place a house, this wasn’t a house it was a freaking mansion.

“You seriously need some friends Jason.” I shook my head at him, biting into a juicy red apple. The taste made my taste bud jump in delight at how sweet it was. Of course even something as simple as an apple would taste heavenly in this place.

“Being the man I am with my position, it’s not easy knowing who your real friends are, I’m used to it.” He licked his bottom lip walking up to the table holding the breakfast feast. Picking up a sausage link he bit it chewing slowly.

“Believe it or not Jason, kind of the same for people on the bottom too.” I shrugged chewing another bite of my apple. Turning his head slightly to the side as he chewed, he picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and hand of grease.

“I believe you,” He responded turning his mouth a little in a knowingly manner, “Is your friend still on their way to get you?”

“Yeah, just talked to her Mali.” I nodded slipping my book bag on my back. With a deep nod and smile he grabbed a briefcase close by the entrance door to the den.

“Well I want to be the first to say good luck at school, and I will see you later on today.” He departed with a wave.

“Thanks, oh and Jason,” I spoke stopping him in his tracks he turned back, “Thank you again for everything I am completely in your debt.”

“You’re welcome Navaya, and there’s no debt just make sure you show those snooty kids at the art academy what you’re about.” He spoke with words of encouragement and was off to the garage. With a nod I stood in the kitchen alone and tried to keep Jason’s words with me for the rest of the day.

~

The sun shined brightly outside once I nodded farewell to Jason’s butler named Stanley, he was a tall man who resembled the man on the Monopoly game. Walking up to Mali’s Audi that she got for her high school graduation present and acceptance into the art academy, I slid in the passenger to her warm heated cab. With my book bag in my lap, Mali instantly drove off from the estate, exiting smoothly out the exclusive community. I started on my yogurt mixing my parfait slowly.

“How was the first night?” She broke the silence lowering her stereo that had Drakes recent album drop playing. Mali was always updated with new music, I swear my music taste was birthed from her. I eyed her big curl locks hugging her head reminding me of a lioness.

“It was weird, never slept in a mansion before.” I shrugged it off as we made it to the freeway towards the school. So weird I imagined ghosts were standing in hallways with me right?

“Well I want to know about your millionaire, what’s he like?” Mali asked making me shake my head with a smile. She did not say, my millionaire, Jason wasn’t mine I wouldn’t even know what to do with him if he was. He was nothing like me, having all the confidence in the world with what he’s done with only his twenty one years of life. I didn’t even know if I would make it through my first day of classes.

“Can we talk about what I’m supposed to be doing once I began registering for school?” I asked more focused on the important things for today. I scooped the last of my yogurt before placing the garbage in my book bag, deciding to just throw it away when I get to the academy. Mali looked over at me with a mischievous grin, slowly sliding her eyes back to the road.

“What was that look for?” I turned my body a little towards her scrunching my eyebrows at her. I knew that look, that look meant she was up to something and it better had not been involving whether I get in the academy or not.

“Vay, chill,” She chuckled with a deep breath, “I took care of your registration already on friday, your schedule is already set babe.”

“Really, Mali thank you.” I gratefully smiled at her turning back straight in my seat. These are the moments where I wouldn’t know what I would do without her or Trent. Leaning over towards me with a big sly grin on her face she waited for a kiss on the cheek. Rolling my eyes I leaned in to her pecking her right cheek quickly.

“Your welcome babe, you have enough shit to get used to already, I’m just glad I got it done before that stupid amber alert shit.” She nodded turning on the exit we came to a main road making a right at the end of it. The academy was very huge my eyes almost popped out my sockets. The school that parents had to spend a big grip to put their kids in, I along with Mali and Trent got in by scholarship, would never be able to enter without. Pulling into a parking space there were students throughout the parking lot. Glad I brought extra fuel in my book bag, my pills were on deck knowing with me starting school in the middle of the semester would automatically make me an outsider. Taking a deep breath I looked down at my backpack knowing this day was going to be annoying.

“Alight this is your schedule and,” Stopping her words as she looked at me, I returned her gaze, “Hey everything is going to be fine Vay, no one knows you here.”

“Right, not yet.” I muttered taking my schedule she held out for me to grab.

“Hey don’t start, Trent and I have your back.” She spoke of assurance making me do a quick smile as I grabbed the door handle to step out into the crisp air. A loud bang and unknown person banged against outside my door as I was getting out the car scaring the shit out of me.

“Shit!” I yelled opening my eyes to see Trent’s bright smile looking at me through the window.

“Good morning.” He smiled down at me backing out the way of the door so I could step out the car. Breathing deeply to calm my heart, I squinted at my best friend who was pushing his luck with me this morning.

“Dang, if looks could kill Vay.” Trent laughed loudly, perspiration from his mouth was seen in the cold dry air of the morning. I was close to a breakdown with being at a new school and all he did was stand with that toothy grin at me. I wanted to punch him in his gut for not realizing how paranoid things were for my mind right now.

“Trent you ass, really it’s too early for that shit.” Mali yelled from across the car, walking over to our side she had a bright pink coffee canister in her hand and a black binder in the other. With her forest green book bag on her back she gave Trent the same look I had.

“I can’t be excited that Vay is starting classes today in my own way?” He sucked his teeth, “Geez, just trying to lighten her up a bit.”

“Like Mali said, too early for that shit Tre.” I patted his back rather hard walking behind Mali as she led the way through the parking lot. Doing a low sound of disapproval he followed behind me as we crossed the road making it to the grand steps towards the entrance of the large building. Random people stood outside talking, I slipped my phone out my pocket to check the time that said eight thirty-five, quickly putting it back up. Mali told me classes began at nine and lunch was around eleven to twelve thirty. Once inside the warm building there was even more people in a scurry all over the place. I tried my best to keep up with Mali, not daring to turn around to see if Trent was still behind me. Afraid I might lose her in the flood of bodies and cause a panic attack scene in front of everyone. I was doing fine for right now, keeping the blackness at bay and I didn’t want to ruin it, putting pressure from peers on Mali and Trent. Knowing they would defend me I didn’t need them to be known as friends to the new panic girl at school. Going through more double doors I’m assuming we had exited the lobby and now was in the main hall. Mali turned to face me as she slowed her pace of walking.

“This is the grand hall to the right, where you will find the administrative hall, and of course the dean. To the left is where classrooms, cafeteria and the performing arts center theater is held.” She had turned to face the hallways filled with many people. The almost cherry red polished floorboards were trampled continuously by so many people. Trent came into view with a nod at me.

“Not so bad huh? Just a bunch of people with the same passion as all of us.” He shrugged at me.

“I don’t know yet,” I smiled putting on the best front I could when on the inside I felt a rush of everything, “Looks promising though.”

“It will, I promise.” He winked beginning to walk away towards the administration hall.

“Where ya headed Trent!” Mali yelled as we watched him walk away.

“Gotta talk to my career advisor before classes start, I’ll see y'all at lunch!” He yelled chucking up his deuces. His body becoming hidden amongst the crowd, he was gone out of sight.

“Well, lets continue on to show you where your class is.” Mali spoke knocking me back towards her and the opposite end hall. There were stairs once you exited the lobby and came to the two halls Mali explained to me on different directions but we went left, straight down making it to a door that had the name Lewis on it.

“Ms. Lewis, I have never had her so I do not know what she’s like, but on the bright side never heard anything bad about her.”

Placing my eyes from her back to the door where students were entering, I nodded holding tightly on to my backpack straps. Giving my lips a quick slide of my tongue to the left e I knew this is where Mali and I would separate, giving me a chill up my spine.

“My class is right up these stairs, the first door on the left. If you need anything, excuse yourself from this class and call me. Okay?” She stepped closer with a look of seriousness.

“I know.” I nodded hearing a bell ding, obviously must have been the warning that class was about to start.

“I love you and will see you at lunch, just follow the rest of the crowd to the cafeteria I’ll meet you there and we can have lunch with Trent.” She spoke quickly giving me a kiss on the cheek before walking away towards the stairs, “Goodluck.”

Watching her go upstairs as people flurried around me to get to their classes, I still stared at the stairs even once Mali was gone.

“Excuse me, are you apart of this class young lady?” A tall, skinny frail looking woman asked in a white creme colored dress stood over me. Black red bottom pumps graced her feet as she stood with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Y-yes, ma'am.” I stuttered a bit nodding my head up and down. She smiled with an appreciative look as another bell rang.

“Well I suggest you get inside my class dear, it’s time.” She ushered me inside closing the door behind her once she was inside too. Every chair was full around round tables in the class except one. Quickly walking to it I sat avoiding eye contact with anyone around me, as Ms. Lewis started her class.

~

Laughing along with the rest of the class I found that Ms. Lewis was actually pretty cool woman. She already let me know that once she was right where everyone else in the room were at one point. Not only was she down to earth but didn’t embarrass me, in knowing I was a new student of hers. She had took roll calling on me like I had been here in the first day school started, and I couldn’t have been more appreciative of her for that. Her lesson was of different color mixtures for paints, which we read along in the books she had inside the desks. Finishing up the reading until lunch, I had took the time to write some notes down until it was time to leave. Ms. Lewis let us use the rest of the following minutes to just talk amongst ourselves till the lunch bell rang. I sat at a table with three other people and for the longest didn’t speak to them much let alone make eye contact. Taking my phone out my pocket I saw a text from Trent and Mali both asking how class was going. Smiling I replied letting them know I was fine.

“Well, finally she shows some type of emotion.” Someone at the table muttered making my eyes stay piercing my phone, not looking up at the person who commented on my face. Probably watching my every move since I came in this room obviously. Something in me knew eventually the bullshit would start and it had to be as soon as I told my friends that I was alright, not anymore. Placing my phone slowly back in my pocket I kept my head down not wanting to look at anyone, knowing if I did it would start more convo that I didn’t want to be apart of let alone the topic. Mentally I prayed with every inch of my soul that the damn bell would ring already. Making a mistake from glancing out my lap I looked towards the right of far wall in the room to look out the window. Less than half of a second my eyes made contact to the guy I’m assuming made the comment. He was black with a chocolate brown tone of his skin and with how he dressed looked nothing like an artist that I would assumed painted for that matter. A all black suit is what he wore like he belonged in a office of corporate America. There was no strict wardrobe policy of the academy which I was glad for. Every artist got the opportunity to express themselves including with their appearance here.

“What, you scared or sum?” The random guy asked as I looked away.

“Ant, leave the girl alone, always fuckin’ with people.” Another guy muttered from the left of me at the table. Surprisingly the guy sucked his teeth muttering something under his breath. Turning my head I looked over at the guy who was defending me. With a light skinned tone he sized me with a not scary glare but one of welcoming. I looked away taking a deep breath hearing the commenting guy ask my defender something but I blocked it out. Biting my bottom lip I became breathless hearing the lunch bell. Immediately without looking at anyone I grabbed my book bag and made my way to the door gathering in the other crowd of students. I didn’t know who the guy was that helped with my commentator but I hoped I would eventually be able to thank him if I got up the nerve. Walking behind students that I assumed were heading to the cafeteria I came across the bathroom and decided it was the perfect place to take my meds. There was a water fountain as girls came in and out of the room. Going in my book bag I walked up to the fountain waiting my turn in line. Getting two pills out of the front pocket of my bag, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket already knowing it had to be Mali calling me. Slipping my bag back on my back I took my phone out answering it.

“Yeah?” I answered seeing that my turn was next to the fountain.

“Where are you?” She asked as I bent down popping the pills in my mouth, I took three gulps of water, “Navaya?”

“In the bathroom I’ll meet you outside the door.” I stood back up taking a breath after swallowing down another gulp of water. Turning around I was met with like six set of eyes on me, suddenly uncomfortable I walked past them. Glad I had just taken my meds, I wondered if they had been watching me. Exiting out the bathroom I saw Mali just as she saw me with a smile on her face. Taking my hand she guided me through the less people in the hall than before I went in the bathroom. Walking into a huge double doors, there was an uproar if people talking as we came to the entrance of the cafeteria. A line started on both ends of the walls as soon as you walked in, tables graced the center of the huge room. I looked up to see the glass ceiling of the open space giving off light for the whole room. Mali let go of my hand as we stood in line.

“How was class?” She asked knocking me out of taking in the beautifully decorated cafe.

“It was alright.” I nodded, “Ms. Lewis is nice.” I commented as we moved forward with the line.

“That’s great.” She smiled as we finally made it up to get our food. Choices were chef salad, cheese burgers with fries or pizza.

“You started on a good day, we only have this once a week, usually it’s fucking crap.” Mali muttered next to me. Deciding on a slice of pizza and juice, I followed Mali after she got silverware for her salad. We went back to the table area spotting Trent but he was sitting with a whole bunch of guys about eight of nine of them. I gave Mali a look telling her I was not in the mood to be around so much testosterone she nodded with a smile. Trent waved as we made our way to a table that wasn’t too far from him and his friends. Once seated we said our grace and began to dig in. Taking a small bite of my pizza, Mali began cutting up her salad.

“So have you looked at what your second class is today?” She asked spreading ranch across her lunch.

“Nah, I’ll look after eating, you will be able to show me where it is before lunch ends right?” I asked getting worried all of a sudden as I chewed my food.

“Of course, it will give me something to do other than staying in here longer than we have to.” She rolled her eyes with a head shake.

“Oh why not? Too loud in here?” I asked making her look up from her salad.

“Nah, just too crowded.” She replied with a shrug. I nodded taking another bite of my pizza.

“Usually I go to the library with Tonya but she’s transferring and that’s why I’m so happy you’re here Vay.” She sighed with a pout making me confused she just now telling me about a Tonya girl. Trent came up behind Mali poking her in the side. Making her jump she turned and hit him on the arm.

“Trent chill the hell out dammit.” She huffed looking up at him.

“Aw, hush. Vay how was class?” He asked in a sing songy voice putting his attentions on me with a smile.

“Not bad, although I think I might have an admirer.” I confessed instantly making Mali stop eating and Trent sit down.

“Who?” They both asked at the same time.

“Some guy in the class who commented mostly on my movements, I don’t know his name is Ant or something.” I shrugged as Mali and Trent looked confused at me.

“Just ignore them that what I do, these artistry guys think they can impress any female within a mile.” Mali smirked taking a sip from her Dasani water bottle. Trent chuckled at her looking back over his shoulder.

“Your just annoyed at any guy that tries to flirt with you Mali, I’m surprised you’re even eating in here, it’s been weeks.” Trent muttered confusing me. Why hadn’t Mali eaten in here in so long.

“Imma go back over with the guys y'all enjoy the rest of your meal.” He nodded standing back up and walking away. With only about four bites left of my pizza, I took heed to what Mali said and was actually ready to exit the cafeteria and see where my next class was. With her only had eaten half of her salad so far I wondered if she was going to eat the rest.

“They make these salads bigger and bigger I swear.” Mali commented making me raise my eyebrows at her, “So the guy who you say admires you, do you see him anywhere in here?”

“Mali I’m not about to look around here for the guy, then he’s going to know I was talking about him and think he has a chance to keep talking about me.” I sighed making Mali laugh with a big smile.

“Well, well well…look who decided to finally eat in the cafeteria again.” A loud and strong voice yelled from behind Mali to the right I turned to see a tall light skinned guy with broad shoulders staring down at Mali as he walked over. Staring at him he had freckles splattered across his face of high cheek bones and his black hair was only shaved on the sides of his head and back. But the top had little plaited braids grown in, the look in his eyes was dark and disturbing yet he was completely handsome and somewhat beautiful. Tattoos graced his neck and made me wonder if he had more on his body. Dark spots laid under his eyes that looked like he needed years of sleep I couldn’t get over how beautifully he still looked kept. A diamond ring with so many clusters it was thick with gold gracing his pinky finger. A skull tattoo on his right hand looked just as demonic as his presence. What the hell was this guy and why have I never seen anything like him? The crazy part is he never once looked in my direction even though I was staring at him.

“Angel, fuck off!” Mali yelled never once looking in his direction. Surprising me that she yelled at the guy like that, I felt like I was watching a movie. Mali never yelled like that, not even at Trent and he was annoying as hell since we known him for the past five years. The guy did a bitter dark chuckle sitting down next to Mali, with his body turned towards her he kept a leg on each side of the bench so he was directly sitting in her direction. Leaning closer he had a dark smirk on his lips turning his head to look in her face.

“Didn’t I tell you to call me Dev, for like the past oh I don’t know, since school started.” He lowly spoke with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Mali’s face slowly started to turn a low shade of red, I could tell she was uncomfortable. The Angel guy got closer whispering something in her ear making her bite her lip with anger, I couldn’t take the scene anymore. I was meek but when it came to my friends I would not let someone hurt them verbally or physically even if I struggled dealing with it.

“Hey, she said leave her the fuck alone.” I growled across the table making the guy sit up and lean away from Mali to look at me finally. His dark stare made me swallow once as he lifted an eyebrow. The thick and dark eyelashes over his eyes blinked a few times taking in my face. He may have been handsome but he had a nasty attitude and I automatically didn’t like him.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend Malikai?” Angel asked turning his eyes back to her, the rest of his head following suit. Shaking her head Mali did a low huff placing the clear top on her salad bowl.

“No I will not, because we aren’t friends,” She spat in his face looking over at him, he smiled wide showing pretty white teeth, “Don’t start with me Angel, where’s your girlfriend?”

“You’re lucky we’re in public.” He muttered darkly ignoring her question as Mali began to gather her garbage as I did the same knowing it was time to go. I stood as Mali did while Angel still sat and grabbed the sleeve of her shirt letting it slide through his fingers, making her try to snatch away. As we began to walk away I looked to see Trent saw us leaving putting up his hands, the Angel guy walked over to him dapping him up while we exited the cafeteria after throwing away our trash. Once out in the hall I followed Mali as she took a deep breath shaking her head.

“Mali who the hell is he and why don’t you tell someone, Trent that seems to be buddy buddy with him?” I asked not believing what I just witnessed.

“I tried to tell Trent, he won’t listen to me. Thinks it’s all just a little crush that Angel has on me, but he’s manipulating and Trent doesn’t see that.” She breathed with a huff through her nose.

“Shit, I’ll make him listen and you say he has a girlfriend? I’m sure she will listen too. How old is that guy anyways he doesn’t even look like a student.” I accused shaking my head.

“He’s one of the transfer students here, he’s like twenty-one I think.” She sighed, “He can have any girl he wants and continuously just won’t give up knowing I don’t want him.”

“He’s an asshole.” I mumbled taking my schedule out knowing we didn’t have long before lunch would be over. Mali slowly took the paper out my hands reading it for me. Smiling once she began walking as I followed behind her.

“His girlfriend is clueless that he’s always flirting with me, and when someone tries to tell her she’s clueless she just keeps being with him,” She spoke darkly, “I don’t get it.”

“That’s crazy, but I couldn’t tell if he is into you or wants to kill you.” I sighed making Mali laugh at me.

“Fuck him, lets get you to your second class huh?” She smiled keeping the same personality she always had that kept me in high spirits, its like I fed off of it. It made me wonder if it was the reason that Angel guy was so attracted to her.

~

My second teacher Mr. Glover acted like an actual college professor, but his mass knowledge on artistry was amazing. Some of the most known painters of the world knew who he was. It inspired me to pay full attention in his class even though he talked in monologue mostly. It was going on almost three thirty when the last bell of class rung, letting me know it was time to finally leave. A lot of my classmates just stared as we all began to leave. It left me on edge and all the more ready to get the hell out of here. I had to excuse myself just to take more pills before I had a breakdown and I hated it. Going over my limit this school only added on to my anxiety and that wasn’t good at all. I would have to have sit down with Trent and Mali later on to talk about it. For now I pulled out my phone to call Mali and find out if she wanted me to meet her at her car. Deciding to get the hell out of the school I just went ahead and walked to her car deciding to wait for her. Walking up to her car I saw Mali standing on the drivers side with someone pushed up against her. It was the Angel guy from earlier today at lunch, and Mali’s face was cherry red staring up at him. His hands were on either side of her pressed on the top of the car, his lips moving as she continued to look up at him.

“Hey!” I yelled making Angel slowly turn his head in my direction looking at me with a squint of his eyes. Body still pressed up against Mali he stood back letting his arms drop down by his sides. Turning his head back down towards Mali he smiled and then started to walk away. Mali shook her head looking up at me with an embarrassed look.

“Come on Vay lets go.” She sighed starting to get in her car. Walking quickly I put my backpack on the floor of the car by my feet.

“What the fuck was that, Mali how can you tell me I shouldn’t be taking shit from my uncle but you take shit from this guy.” I asked in a high pitched voice that was unusual for me, but I was concerned about her.

“He was just being an asshole again, don’t worry about it Vay.” She responded lowly confusing me.

“What?” I responded in shock, “Don’t worry about it?!”

“Yes! I can handle him okay?” She sighed.

“By avoiding him in the library, really? That guy is a bully and you should tell someone at the school or something.” I expressed making her shake her head. We were back on the freeway.

“So what, I tell the dean and he expels me by making shit up about one of top transfers at the school? Angel isn’t just any student he’s gifted in the arts. That’s why he gets to walk around doing what ever the hell he wants, think of him as part of the football team of arts and he gets off easily with shit. It’s a reason why you didn’t know anything about him until today.” Mali explained making me silent.

“That changes things.” I breathed making Mali chuckle surprisingly.

“It’s alright, I’m not scared of him and he won’t be in my life forever, just a few more months.” She moved her right hand over to pat my left knee, “It’s why you didn’t even know about him until now.”

“For four months now you have been hiding this and I’ve been so wrapped up in my own shit not to even notice.” I muttered looking towards the road feeling like a terrible person.

“Hey, don’t do that alright.” She spoke in a warning tone turning off the freeway back towards the estate, “You have enough shit to worry about and for the last time I ain’t worried about him.”

“Mali have you tried talking to him and asking why he treats you this way?” I asked getting a shrug from her in response.

“Why bother, it’s not like he’s going to stop. It all started when he tried thinking I was interested and I turned him down.” She bit her bottom lip doing an eye roll. What an ass.

“I have a feeling he’s going to bother you until graduation.” I mumbled once we were in the sights of Jason’s mansion. Coming to the gates of the house I handed Mali the card similar to the one Trent had. I noticed this morning Jason had left me it probably forgetting this morning to tell me. Using it to open the gates we drove back to the garage area, Mali putting her car in park.

“I have other things to worry about than the most hated dude of mine at school, and that’s you. So just think about the fact that you have been a distraction for me.” She confessed leaning her head back on her headrest.

“You didn’t hide in the library for me, knowing what the consequences would be.” I reminded her and she shook her head.

“No more hiding from that nigga, he’s done having control over me.” She chuckled.

“Do you want to come inside for a while or you have to jet?” I asked looking over at her. Smiling she shook her head.

“I have to get home, my mom wants me to cook dinner tonight.” She told me with an eyebrow raise, “But I’ll be here tomorrow same time in the morning alright?”

“Okay, well just call me when you get in Mali.” I commanded getting a swift head nod from her.

“You know it, see ya.” She smiled as I grabbed my book bag opening my car door. Before stepping out the car I gave her hug and prayed that somehow I could think of a way for that guy to leave her alone. Watching Mali drive off I turned on my heels into the house. One spot was empty where Jason kept his car letting me know he wasn’t home yet. I walked through the den and made it to the kitchen, it was empty and no food to be found. Going in my book bag I realized that I had forgotten to dispose of my trash from this morning. I found an orange and apple letting it be my snack until dinner later. It was five as I walked through the part of the mansion I knew only. Making my way upstairs to my room I closed the door behind me, there was a bag on the bed. It wasn’t there this morning when I left making me skeptic. Walking up to the all black bag, I peeked inside to see black paper. Opening it there was a cloth of a sapphire color, putting my book bag to the floor and placing my half eaten apple on the bed I picked it up. It was a beautiful dress with a Prada tag on it, making my eyes bulge at the price.

“Holy-” I breathed looking in the bag seeing a note I read it.

I am hosting a party Friday night and would love for you to attend. It would be an honor to have you as a guest. -Jason

Placing the dress and note back in the bag I immediately grabbed my phone out my pocket and picked up my apple. Dialing Trent I waited as it rung, taking a bite of my apple.

“Hello?” Trent answered sounding like he was a party in the background, without there being any music.

“Trent, its Navaya, I need to talk to you about this party your cousin has invited me to, are you going?” I asked nervously not wanting to go to something so formal that he probably had.

“Yeah, Mali got a invitation too she probably just ain’t got home yet, we going together. You excited?” Trent asked making me feel relief that he already knew.

“He bought Mali a dress too, oh boy you should have warned him with buying her things.” I smirked knowing when Mali got home she was instantly going to be all about Jason in the morning.

“Yeah, I’m sure even if I had he will take his chances.” He chuckled making me smile, “Dev what the hell you doing my nigga?”

That name made my blood pressure rise in remembering that crazy dude, that was obsessed with Mali wanting her to call him that.

“Trent I need to talk to you about Mali and your friend he’s crazy and-”

“Oh no, not you too now Vay. Mali got you thinking Dev is a bad person too now? Y'all need to chill with that, it’s just flirting.” Trent tried defending him making me even more mad.

“But Trent you don’t understand I know what I saw just listen to me.” I begged into the phone taking another bite of my apple.

“Vay, I have to go alright I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” Trent replied sounding a little aggravated now.

“Yeah, fine Tre.” I sighed ending the call. That was unbelievable did that dude have Trent brainwashed too? No wonder Mali said what she had. The only way to show that dude Angel’s true colors was to get proof and I would somehow. Just needed to figure it out first, come up with a plan. There was a knock on the door making me focus out of my thoughts.

“Yes.” I called finishing up my apple. Cracking the door open I saw Jason with a smile as he stepped in my room.

“Hey Navaya, how was the first day?” He asked crossing his arms over his chest, I smiled with a nod of approval.

“It was really good my teachers are pretty decent especially Mr. Glover.” I told him, he looked shocked at first.

“What, I remember Glover at an art showing in town, really stand up guy. He knows his stuff thats great.” He smiled leaning up against the the door frame.

“Tell me about it, he’s amazing.” I chuckled.

“Well I’m glad your first day was good, dinner will be ready in an hour and hopefully we can talk more about it.” He raised an eyebrow that I nodded leaning forward on the bed.

“That would be great, thanks Jason.” I took a deep sigh giving him a small smile, “And thank you for the dress by the way.”

“Oh it’s no problem, tell me how it fits just in case we have to make some adjustments and I should have it tailored before friday.” He nodded.

“You got it. So what’s the occasion anyway?” I asked curiosity getting the best of me.

“It’s actually an art gala I'm hosting to be exact and I'll have some members from your school attending.” He explained making me nod.

“That should be interesting.” I replied excited that I would going to my first ever art gala as a guest.

“I’ll tell you more about it at dinner.” He spoke with a final nod stepping out the room closing the door behind him. Smiling at how good things were going my phone buzzed in my lap. I looked down to see heart emojis from Mali, I did a chuckle knowing she had found her dress from Jason.

Mali😘: omg i’m feeling some type of way now 😍😍😍. (Mon, 5:22PM)

I chuckled and began to rewrite back to her making something click. Jason said there would be members from the school attending the gala. Did that mean it could be a probability of that Angel dude being there? Not thinking about it, I just realized a dilemma that could be and how it could be used a an advantage. Did I just find a solution to a problem. We gonna see.