#its late and im listening to whitney y'all

[simone-garnett]

word count: 2.2k pairing: josiepea

It is when she is surrounded by people that Josie feels most alone.

She didn’t think it would be like this, she had gone to this pool party with the intention of leaving the morose feelings behind. It had been the perfect plan, surrounding herself with all her friends, hoping that one of them would notice her more subdued attitude and ask if anything is wrong, that one of them would notice her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, that her words are more sharp, that they have a bite they had previously lacked.

Josie had hoped that the people - her friends - would notice. They don’t. Cheryl is wrapped around Toni, the girl flouncing off after Josie had brushed away her concern with a fake smile and a wave of her hand. There are others around, but Reggie wasn’t the type of person she would bare her soul to - he hadn’t been when they were dating and he certainly wasn’t after they’d broken up. Just another incident to make her feel more alone.

Josie stops at the end of the pool, scanning the crowd. But it was a sea of unfamiliar faces, people she spoke to, but no one she knew. And then there was Kevin. But she didn’t feel like unloading all her conflicting feelings to him, not when they surrounded his father and her mother and the mess that had arisen, a family formed with the broken shards of two marriages, with sharp edges and cutting corners. 

There is a sharp pang inside her, a longing for Valerie and Melody. The longing had never disappeared, not fully, but the intensity is normally manageable, normally drowned out with persistence - but now it had returned with a vengeance, clawing at her heart, the monster sinking its talons into her and her heart bore the painful consequences. They had all known each other for so long, the pair would immediately the effect the cheating would have on her, know just how messed up the relationship that emerged from the ashes of the McCoy marriage would leave her. And just how she knew they would know how it would all leave her, she knew they would know how to help her feel less isolated in the world, they would know what to say and sing and to hug her and never let go.

But there was no Josie and the Pussycats, just Josie. 

There was no close-knit friendship, just dreams and feelings of betrayal.

She had wanted her independence musically - she had never thought the price of it would mean her independence in life too.

Josie contemplates leaving, unsure the atmosphere would help lift her spirits, so certain her presence wouldn’t be missed. But then Kevin looks up from his book and meets her gaze, the boy smiling brightly at the sight of her. It has her heart lifting, but he looks away and that rising heart loses its momentum. Half an hour, she decides. Half an hour and she’ll claim that she has a headache. And she’ll be able to leave.

After some deliberation she settles at the edge of the pool, distracted by the ripples formed when she kicks her legs back and forth, the sight soothing her. 

But she may be just a little too distracted, because she doesn’t notice the other person until he is right beside her, far too close. She swings her head in his direction, ready to talk to Kevin or Reggie or whoever had decided to join her.

But it is neither of those guys.

It’s Sweet Pea.

It’s a Serpent.

It’s... it’s intriguing. Her interactions with them were limited, Toni and occasionally Jughead the extent of her communications with them. But here was one, approaching her, sitting beside her, grinning down at her while he slipped his feet into the water as well.

“What do you want?” She doesn’t mean for it to come out as suspicious as it does, but they had never shared a conversation, a word, the same space. And so she felt justified.

“Thought you might want company.” He says it nonchalantly, as though it were a commonplace thing for him to do. He tilts his head, a scrutinising expression on his face before it is replaced with a smile and a wink. “Someone to turn that frown upside down.” It’s such a stupid thing to say she finds it working. 

“And you decided you were best equip for that?” There is still the scepticism in her voice, but she can’t deny there is amusement laced in her words. “You?” And she finds herself having to fight a grin.

He shrugs his shoulders at her, smiling all the while. “Admit it Josie, you can’t think of anyone better.”

She rolls her eyes at him. “Please, I think I have better taste than that.” But she’s already stopped fighting her smile, her lips curling upward.

He scoffs at her words. “That’s rich coming from you. You dated that Bulldog, or did you already forget?” He nods, almost solemnly if not for the twinkle in his eyes. “I don’t blame you. Must’ve been horrible.”

She huffs out a breath sharply, unsure whether she should feel offended on Reggie’s behalf or whether she should laugh. Because, oh how she wanted to. And the smile on Sweet Pea’s face looks like one of victory, the chuckle that leaves him a declaration of it. So Josie tries to bite back her own smile, failing miserably. “He wasn’t that bad.”

“Yeah,” he scoffs, leaning back. “I’m sure he wasn’t.” And she is hyper aware of his movements, of just how close his hand was to her ass, of how nice his arms looked in the sleeveless flannel, of how carefree he looks tilting his face to the sun and smiling as he rested his weight back on his arms.

Josie mimics him, her arms spread across less of a distance than his, and she feels her arm brush against his. She doesn’t care. It’s nice and, for the first time this afternoon, she finds herself enjoying the pool party, enjoying the scorching heat. Enjoying the company. Her eyelids flutter closed and she breathes deeply, steadily. She isn’t sure how long passes, seconds or minutes or hours, Josie more relaxed now than before.

She turns her head in his direction and cracks her eyes open, only mildly surprised to find Sweet Pea’s attention on her, a lazy grin on his lips as he watches her. “What?” It isn’t quite so antagonistic as before, it feels very much like the opposite.

He leans in to her, the small distance between them shortening as she refuses to back away.

And it surprises her.

It excites her.

She feels alive.

She feels free, from her thoughts, from her family, from the mess that was waiting for her at home.

But more importantly, in that moment, she didn’t feel so alone.

She wants more.

He leans in closer, voice a whisper. “I may have had other motives to joining you.”

“Oh.” It has her heart picking up speed. “Did you really?” There is a seductive tint colouring her words, her gaze languidly flicking down and up his torso, a satisfied look in her eye as she meets his gaze. There is a look there that wasn’t before. She likes it. She wants it.

“Yep.” His voice is pitched low, and he shuffles closer. Josie can feel the warmth radiating from him, can feel the brush of his flannel against her bare arm. It excites her. “It involved us being a lot closer than this.” A lock of hair falls forward and she finds herself mesmerised momentarily by the movement. A sly grin crosses her lips and she leans in his direction.

“Well,” she teases. “What are you planning to do about it?” It is only when his gaze drops to her lips that she realises just how close their faces are, just how easily he could cross those scant few centimetres and kiss her. The thoughts leave her mouth dry in response, and she licks her lips subconsciously. She catches how his jaw tenses, just fractionally, catches how his adam’s apple bobs before a relaxed smile spreads across his lips.

“It isn’t wise to tease a Serpent.” His voice is gravelly, much more rough than it was before. It sends a thrill down her spine.

“Oh. And why is that?” There is a smile in her voice, on her lips, in her eyes. She’s radiant and he isn’t sure if she’s aware of it or not. It had drawn him in before and now, too close and too brave, he was now in no position to escape.

“You don’t want to know.”

It’s a challenge. “I think I do, tough guy.” She punctuates each word with dazzling smile on her lips and a poke of his chest, Sweet Pea catching her hand on the last one. It would just take a light tug to have her against him, her body, her mouth. 

She wishes he would do it.

“Don’t.” Nothing in his voice indicates he wants her to stop, especially the way his grip on her hand slips to her wrist, Sweet Pea brushing circles on the inside of her palm, calloused digits sending sparks through her.

And she’s feeling wild and reckless, she must be, because she leans closer, centimetres becoming millimetres. Their noses brush against each other. “Why? Scared of an audience? Because I’m n-” She doesn’t finish the rest of her sentence, she can’t. Her lips are otherwise occupied. It isn’t the smoothest kiss, the positioning of their bodies awkward, and she kinda hated that she had to lean on one hand to maintain her balance, not when she wanted to feel more of him, to be closer. But there were sparks, the kiss sending electricity thrumming through her veins, heat pulsing through her. Especially when Sweet Pea deepened the kiss, his hand letting go of her own to cup the side of her face, holding her close as he licked the seam of her lips, seeking more. She gave it to him willingly. He tries to brush her curls back  behind her ear but they slip out. He tangles his fingers between them instead, tilting her head higher as he angled his head, separating only briefly for a breath before kissing her again.

She hadn’t felt so alive in a long time.

When they finally separate Josie finds her eyelids heavy and heart pounding. Sweet Pea is breathing heavy, eyes dark. And he is watching her intently. She thinks he is going to say something.

She finds herself waiting in breathless anticipation.

The moment is broken with a splash of water landing on them. The culprit was a shirtless Fangs grinning wildly at them as he splashed them again. “Fangs,” Sweet Pea hissed. “Blood oath or not - I will kill you.”

The man in question doesn’t look in fear of his life, his head on the side as he continues to grin idiotically at them. “Means you’d have to catch me first.” He raises his eyebrows, a challenge clearly set before Sweet Pea.

“Oh that’s it.” It is muttered softly under his breath, Sweet Pea already stripping his shirt off. Josie had no objections whatsoever. He slips easily into the water, Fangs unable to stop laughing, even as he tries to swim away from retaliation.

And Sweet Pea manages to take one step forward, aggressive in his movement, before stopping and turning to Josie. “Hey.” She looks down at him, Sweet Pea moving between her legs and pulling her face down. She goes along with it easily, kissing him back. The angle is much better, she thinks, Josie now able to hold him, to run her fingers through his hair. He tastes of chlorine and warmth and she finds herself lost in him, her legs wrapping around his waist. She feels as though she is floating in the water and not sitting on the solid concrete beneath her. It makes her feel light and carefree and wonderful and she finds herself craving more of it. It is Josie who deepens the kiss this time, mouth open as she tilts his head, the heels of her feet nudging him closer. There is a rumble in his chest at her actions and she loves it, wants to hear it, wants to feel it.

And then they are splashed. Again.

By Fangs.

Again.

They break apart, but they don’t pull away, not yet, Josie trying to catch her breath, her hands cupping his face, holding him to her as she tried to steady her heart. He steals a quick peck on the lips, the lightest of touches. It has her reaching to kiss him again.

The next splash draws out a growl from Sweet Pea, the boy abandoning her to swim after Fangs, the pair racing around the pool. She follows the fight, Sweet Pea with his long arms and strong legs catching up to Fangs eventually, dunking him under the water and holding him down. There is a wild flurry of activity, Fangs splashing everyone in his attempts to get away, Sweet Pea laughing as his friend pleaded for mercy under the water.

Josie lifts a finger to her lips, lightly touching the still burning skin.

Sweet Pea,

           Sweet Pea she’d enjoy learning more about.

[queenpoetry251]

“Down By The Bay” Part 2. (Fictional Love Series)

(It’s a cool Friday evening in March. I’m basking in the brisk breeze on this beautiful, spring day at the the park on Main St. Daphne.

The weather in Alabama can be hot enough to wear for flip flops and a few hours later it’s snow boot weather. Im captivated by my new read written by Infinite Waters.

Listening to the laughter from a little girl’s birthday party held under the pavilion. Balloons popping and the tune from the happy birthday song being played on a violin. She managed to get cake icing all over her monogrammed birthday dress.

It bring back childhood memories for me. Watching children play always put me in a happy place, especially when I’m having a stressful day.

Coming to this park helps to relax my mind before a big show.

I guess I better head home to get dressed so I won’t be late.

I’m looking at the caller ID as the my cell phone ring.)

“Well hello Hyrim. Are you excited about performing your new spoken word piece tonight? ”

Hyrim answered, “Yes. I’m headed there now.”

“I’m on my way to, I’m packing up my new shipment of dashiki dresses and African art. I think it’s going to sell good at the show tonight.”

“I’m going to do a new poem tonight as well. It was inspired by a old friend I ran into a few weeks ago.”

“Ok then Queen sounds like love is in the air.” Hyrim said with laughter in his tone.“

(I just arrived at the Poetry Den in Fairhope. India Arie song “Brown Skin” is setting the tone. The lights are deemed with candle lights setting the vibe just right.)

“Thank you Shanarian for setting up everything for my art display.”

“You’re welcome welcome sis!”

“I have to hurry and arrange the open mic list because it’s almost time to start the show.”

(I’m looking through my emails and making notes in my composition book.)

(My heart is racing fast.)

“Shanarian, after all this time doing poetry I still get nervous before performing a new piece.”

“Queen you are my sister but I don’t understand why you be so nervous, you’re amazing.”

“Thank you for the encouragement Shanarian. I love you sis. I appreciate your support.

"By the way your new blush pink lipstick is banging! You’re always on point with the lipsticks. Shanarian smiles and replies back with a thank you, and yes I know I look cute tonight. Wow sis (I say with a giggle in my voice)

I see you’re feeling yourself tonight. It’s good to have a high view of yourself.

(We both laugh as I began to walk to the stage.)

(Music is turned down low as I walk on the stage.)

"Good evening beautiful people. Welcome to Rhythm & Rhymes Open Mic Show.”

“We have a lot of awesome poets and great comedians on the list for tonight.”

“I’m going to open up with a poem that was inspired by my high school crush that I ran into a few weeks ago.”

(Crowd clapping. I’m taking a deep breath. Now its silent.)

“I titled this poem "I’m longing for what we never had.”

“I get lost in thought thinking of you and what we never had. Maybe our paths will cross again in perfect timing.”

“As for now, I’m missing the romantic getaways we use to talk about but never took, to Jamaica and Hawaii, where we hold hands on the beach walking through the sand.”

“Enjoying the way the water feels between our toes. As the wind blows, we're captivated in every second of our stroll.”

“I’m missing the spiritual adventure to Egypt and Israel we never took. Surrounded by all of that knowledge I’m sure our souls would’ve been shook.”

“I’m missing the late night talks we never had.”

“I’m imagining a spring Saturday with picnics in the park on the green grass, as I enthusiastically laugh at all of your jokes.”

“No matter how bad our day may go, when our souls meet we create a glow.”

“I miss the first argument we never had. I know that the make up session would’ve been a blast. With me role playing, as I sing Etta James "At Last.”

“This may sound like a silly, high school girl’s fancy dream, but I know that in reality our spirits are meant to be.”

“I guess one day we will just have to see if the universe connects our journey.”

“If not, Erykah Badu said it best in her song "I guess I’ll see you next lifetime.”

“Our connection is so strong. Maybe when we fall into a deep sleep our spirits have meet in another dimension.”

“When our energy collides, earth is not strong enough to contain the power that God brings between us.”

“As for now I have my thoughts that I will use for the positive. Imagining you holding me as I fall asleep with my ear pressed against your heartbeat is my favorite tune you see.”

“I miss the massages I never had a chance to give you. The candlelight meals, sitting by the fireplace I never cooked for you.”

“The passionate love we never had a chance to make. The future marriage that hasn’t took place yet would’ve been great. Maybe it’s not to late.”

“As for now, I’m thankful to God for my imagination.”

“I’m missing what we never had. Thinking to myself, maybe just maybe, we will be like Darius and Nina in the movie Love Jones connected at last.”

“Until then I’m longing for what we never had.”

“Thank you.”

(Crowd clapping and snapping fingers).

“Are y'all ready for our first open mic artist!”

(Crowd scream yes!)

“Put your hands together and give a clap to Hyrim Ether!”

(Crowd clapping as Hyrim walk to the stage. He grabs the mic.)

(I’m noticing the look in Hyrim’s eyes as if he knows he’s going to rip this show tonight.)

“Walking off the stage I noticed a pair of perfect, white teeth glistening at me. ”

“He has a smile that will make the angels sing.”

“The candle light is reflecting and enhancing his coffee-brown skin. It looks like it’s been kissed by the sun.”

“The blinking stage lights is blinding me. I’m straining to see. I blink my eyes harder to gather my sight all the way back. My vision slowly comes back to me.”

“Oh my God!”

(I just noticed that it’s Darren.)

“My heart rate is elevating! My palms are sweating!”

“Thoughts rambling through my mind. I know he just heard every word from my poem.”

“I bared my soul on that stage. I wonder what he’s thinking? I hurry and gain my composure as he walks closer to me.”

“I’m trying not to blush hard. It’s not working. My smile is too powerful to submerge.”

“Hey Queen Ashley.” Darren speaks with his proper, educated tone. I loved that poem, he added as we embraced. “

"I wish I was that special guy you spoke of. I wonder who he can be? He inquired in a joking manner.”

(I’m laughing)

“Darren thank you. It’s good to see that you are still in town. How long will you be staying? Darren replied "I’m staying for good.”

“Wow are you sure you want to come back to this small town?” (He stands close as our bodies can be.)

(Looking deep into my eyes)

“He states that "New York was cool, but it was missing something. Hopefully I can get it back now that I’m here.”

“I’m working on a new development in downtown Mobile now. Maybe once you finish hosting we can grab a bite to eat at our old hangout spot, the Daphne Waffle House.”

“Sure, sounds like fun D I answered as I’m walking off, rushing back to the stage trying not to fall in my new heels.”

(Crowd clapping loud for Hyrim as he walks off the stage. The tenth open mic poet has performed. The crowd is eagerly waiting for me to introduce the featured poet.

“It’s a big crowd tonight because Steelwaters a local poet from Fairhope is in the building. He is the featured poet tonight. He started poetry here in Fairhope over ten years ago and the poetry movement has expanded.”

“Put your hands together for the one and only Steelwaters the poet! ”

(He’s taking his time walking to the stage confidently, with his head held high. Long dreads, skin the color of burnt brass, and looking like black Jesus in the flesh.

The crowd is screaming out the titles of their favorite poems by him and clapping as he take the mic. Thirty minutes has passed.

Steelwaters just finished performing. The crowd is standing and clapping.)

“I’m so glad the show is finally over. Darren I have to do a wardrobe change before I leave. I will hurry. I exclaimed as I ran to the dressing room. ”

“Darren answers saying "Ok I will be waiting outside.”

(He’s admiring the African art paintings as he make his way out the door. The walls are cover with culture and history about our African ancestors.

I finally make my way to the car, can’t seem to pack my African art in the car fast enough.

Darren chatting with his old high school classmates in the parking lot. He notice me struggling and comes and help me pack it all in.)

“New Edition old jam "candy girl” is playing on 93 blx radio station. I’m thinking about all the fun times we use to have as I follow him to the Waffle House.“)

(Sitting and eating at Waffle House. The waitress finally bring our food out. I don’t think I will ever get use to the sound of plates breaking in the cooking area. People are starting to flood in now after hanging out. It’s getting noisy.

Madonna "Like A Virgin” is playing on the jukebox. I’m digging for coins in my purse. I want to hear Whitney Houston “I believe the children are our future”, when this song goes off.

They still have the same songs they had when we use to hang out here after the high school games.

I might want to play Cyndi Lauper “Girl Just Want To Have Fun” and Janet Jackson “Rhythm Nation”.

I’ll have my own blast from the past music concert up in here tonight. I’m leaving from the jukebox. I’m headed back to the table with Darren.)

(Darren notice me walking back to the table and puts his cell back in his pocket.

He’s starring at me with his dreamy eyes as I make my way back to the table.)

“Darren begins to say, "Ashley I have really enjoyed catching up with you, but you owe me a date at the Mayday pier, since you stood me up in 1996.”

“Darren you are a mess. I don’t remember standing you up. I don’t think I would’ve did that.”

“The only way you can make it up to me is by letting me take you now.”

“Darren are you serious? It’s 2am!”

“Darren nodded his head up and down saying "Yes I’m serious.”

“Ok D for you the Mayday beach it is. I will leave my car here and ride with you.”

(He pays for food at the register. Then he head back to our table to leave a tip.

We exchanged have a goodnight with the Waffle House staff as we make our way out the door.)

To Be Continued!

Written by Ashley Waller/QueenBlack the Poetess ‪© 2017 ‬