#working for a chicken shop in alabama

[librarycard]

Sooooo devastating listening to this podcast and realizing a quarter of a way through a story that i recognize it from some other time gus or geoff told it 5 or 6 years ago. this has happened twice in one episode

[weirdducky17]

‧₊˚┊ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕨𝕟┊‧₊˚

[ᴘᴀʀᴛ 2] [ᴘᴀʀᴛ 3]

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

"ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ɪꜱ ᴡᴇɪʀᴅ"

The chattering and laughter from the nearby kindergartners playing at the playground still continued as normal, something about pirates and sea bandits, as they run around the snow covered grounds. The swings' chains creaked unpleasantly under their weight, the metal links seemingly not having been oiled for a good few years. And yet they were unbothered, like the usual. It was nice and boring.

With a swift kickoff to the concrete below them, they swung back and jumped off the swing and landed safely in their two feet, arms out for balance due to the small sheet of ice over the concrete. A glance to the side was made after hearing soft clapping, a small kid with black tufts of hair atop their head. Wearing a simple green shirt, brown shorts and neatly laced up sneakers. The boy looked sweet, adorable even, when he smiled up at them.

"10 points!!" He chimed out in his innocent amusement, earning a grin from the individual. They wave towards the sweet looking kindergartener, biding them a farewell for now as they head towards the neighborhood blocks where majority of residents lived. Ignoring the familiar sensation of eyes staring at the back of their head, they made their brisk exit and never met the green eyes that peered at them curiously.

Their dark hair bounced at every step, a subtle shiver running up their spine as a cold breeze came to pass. She still needed to get used to South Park's chilly weather, their side of Alabama rarely got any snow when they lived there. Wearing a skirt was probably the dumbest thing to do when venturing out on the icy town's streets but it was too late to complain about it now, not when she was already headed back home. After delivering a lunch box to her Aunt Laura, she took a short break to take in the scenery at the playground.

Stomping down the sidewalk, she briskly trecked her way back to her humble, but temporary, abode as a bunch of kids around her age ran down the road screaming their heads off. A red shopping cart was being pushed down the tarmac containing a chubby guy dressed in a red jacket, two other boys were pushing the cart in a steadfast pace dresses in brown and blue jackets respectively. Another boy seemed to be in the shopping cart but was squished down by the weight of the red jacketed boy, a shade of orange could be made out.

Blue-green eyes watched them sprint past them in a blur, a mob of angry looking employees holding wooden bows and firing arrow after arrow at the kids speeding down the road whilst dressed in red shirts... Are those Target employees??

"Huh.." A small huff of disbelief left their lips as their screams and angry mob noises grew distant they turned a corner heading to the direction of the town's center. With a shrug, they promptly headed back home. Yeah no, they're not getting involved with that.

As soon as a dull brown house came into their view, their pace grew faster as they veered towards the green, front door. They twisted the door handle as the door creaked open, entering the cozy house. A familiar man was sat upon his "work" desk, dressed in his bright blue sweater, his balding, orange curls sat messily atop his head. He was back at it again with assembling that miniature ship inside a bottle, using thin and long tweezers to attach the mast of the small vessel encapsuled in its glass case.

"Uncle Thomas, I gave Auntie her lunch at the bank. She told me to tell you to to defrost the chicken to start on dinner."

"Mhm.. yeah.." His disinterested reply rang out as he stuck his tongue out in concentration, his niece staring him down from behind him.

.

.

.

"Cal can you defrost the chicken for me?" Thomas asked of her which earned an eyeroll from the kid, heading their way towards the kitchen after dropping their yellow scarf on the nearest chair as they walk by.

Rolling up the wooly sleeves of the sweater, they deadpan as they realize they're too short to reach the handle of the freezer, much less grab the chicken out of it. A sliver of frustration burying themselves inside of the young kid as they sigh out in exasperation, tilting her head up to glare at the ceiling.

"Craaaaiiiiigggggg?" They hollered out into the house, a small thump could be heard upstairs but there was no response in return.

"Craaaiiig? Can you help me get the chicken? I'm too short to reach the handle!"

"Just climb on the counter to get it, I'm not going down there to get it for you." A familiar nasally voice rang out from one of the bedrooms upstairs "Dude just get down here and help me! Your mom's gonna yell at you cause you didn't!" An annoyed groan could be heard, the sound of footprints begrudgingly making their way towards the staircase of the house.

Like a shotgun cocked back with ammo in its chamber, it wasn't a surprise when a dark haired boy had flipped her the finger readily pulled up on his hand as he trudged down the wooden steps. An amused glint in their blue-green eyes as she watched her older cousin (by a few months mind you) make his slow descent towards the kitchen.

"Gremlin ass."

"Says the one with a big ass chin."

With a roll of his yellow-blue eyes, Craig walked over to the tall fridge and stared up at the handle as he raised his hand up and unhinged the door of the freezer. With a small tug, he managed to unlatch the frozen, whole chicken from one of its shelves and almost tossed the freezer burnt poultry to the floor if it weren't for her fast reflexes.

A disgusted grunt left her body as she held the chicken in their hands, the scent of frozen meat wafting through the air as they tossed the package into the sink to submerge it in hot water to defrost quickly.

"I'm excited to go to school tomorrow, how weird are your classmates?" They peered up at their older cousin curiously who was busy rummaging through the fridge, pulling out some apple juice hidden behind some jugs of milk.

"Calista.. a word of advice, don't fucking talk to Team Stan." Craig's tone sounded annoyed, well more annoyed than it usually was at least. 'Team Stan'? What is this? The Heathers? Did this school seriously have cliques? They're 4th graders for god's sake, they better not be singing angsty songs about wanting to commit a genocide at school.

She couldn't help the amused snort leaving her, "Team Stan? Seriously? Besides the weird groupings you guys got, why should I not talk to them? Are they gonna start fucking snapping at me like Jets and the Sharks?" Their shoulders bounced as she chuckled to herself.

However, Craig didn't share her amusement one bit. His eye twitched, something that made it obvious he was, in fact, annoyed just mentioning them. Calista quirked an eyebrow at him as she washed her hands clean from the smell of chicken in the sink.

"Craig 'I don't give a fuck' Tucker? Annoyed? What did they do to you to get under your skin that badly? This isn't my cousin." Calista crossed her arms after drying her hands off on her sweater, rather curious on what the deal was with these 'Team Stan' guys.

A scoff leaves his lips. "Probably one of the most fucked group here in South Park, I can't even count how much shit they get into on a daily basis. Don't stick around them, knowing how you are, you'd get in trouble like I do." He poked the straw into his apple juice, a stoic look settling over his face as he took a sip and seemingly swirled the contents of the juice box as if it were fine wine.

"Oookay then?" Despite her confusion, she was inclined to believe him, after all, Craig rarely ever lost his cool. He liked things "nice and boring" as he says, one would assume that they were the exact opposites of it.

"If I listen to you, can I sneak Stripe into school?—"

"No."

"Please?—"

"No."

"Why noooootttt?"

"Stop acting like a kid, we're not bringing stripe to school. It's not even 'bring your pet to school day'."

"I'm 9! And you're literally the same age as me!!"

"I'm still older.. and smarter than you."

"At least I don't have to go to the dentist to fix my teeth." Calista huffed out as Craig sent a nasty glare at her words.

"But we can make Stripe to bite people in class! It'll be fun!"

.

.

.

"... Tempting."

"See! Pleaseeeee??" Calista insisted with great passion, pouting her lower lip in an attempt at convincing him. But he was Craig Tucker, he was never one to budge over simple tactics of manipulation.

"No. Fuck you." He pressed the back of his hand onto her forehead, his middle finger raised high and proud as Calista returned his glare.

"Then I'm gonna talk with Team Stan!"

"That's your funeral then, I'll have those words carved into your gravestone."

"Uncle Thomaaasss! Craig's being a dickkk!!"

"Am not!"

"Yeah.. mhmmm.." Was the only response they got, much to their own disappointment. Out of spite, Calista dipped her hand into the sink and touched the cold, yet frozen skin of the chicken that was defrosting. Then she promptly wiped it off onto Craig's NASA printed t-shirt, her middle finger raised up to rub salt into the wound.

"Oh you motherfucker——"

⊹ ‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶꒦꒷︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

It was a rather relaxing, sunday afternoon  at Tolkien's house, 'Team Craig' being holed up in their friend's room. Clyde groans out in frustration and resisted the urge to throw the controller clasped in his hands, cowering away from Tolkien's searing gaze, seemingly all knowing to what thoughts went through the brunette's head.

"Don't even think about it Clyde." Tolkien sneered at him as he paused the game of smash they were playing on his playstation.

"I have no idea what you're talking about.." He huffed out and turned his head away, in an attempt to avoid Tolkien's look.

"Uh huh.." The boy was clearly unconvinced of this act "If even the smallest of cracks appear on that controller, you're paying for the entire thing."

"What?! That's unfair it'll cost me a lot of my dad's savings!!" Clyde's nasally voice rang out as Jimmy couldn't help but chuckle while he lowered his own controller.

"He m-m-migh-might get i-in trouble again f-for f-f—forking up more cash money t-than he usually does." He stuttered out in his usual jovial tone as he peered at his friends.

"Let's just play the stupid game, jeez." Craig cuts into the conversation, his neutral expression twisted into a more annoyed one. "And Clyde, don't break Tolkien's controller cause you're a sore fucking loser."

"What the— I'm not!!" Tolkien rolls his eyes at his complaint and eventually unpaused the game for Craig's sake, making sure to target Clyde's character (who just happened to be Kirby) with his own. Ignoring the loud protests of brunette as Jimmy cracked jokes at his own expense, getting bullied off the platforms at Hyrule Castle with Jimmy's Pacman taunting at the upper most floating platform.

"H-Hey Craig?" Jimmy pipes up all of a sudden as Craig was immersed in tormenting Clyde's existence in smash, camping the ledge and punching the Kirby fighting for his life as rounded, pink character tried their best to jump back up onto the platform with Captain Falcon looming over them.

"What?" Was his simple response, cut off by Clyde's cry of anguish as his Kirby fell into the void, losing his last life as he fell onto his back and rubbed his face in frustration. "H-How come you haven't b-b-be—been letting us over at your house l-lately?" The yellow sweatered boy questioned as Craig spared him a glance.

"Actually yeah, Jimmy brings up a good point. You even pushed for our math project to be completed here at my house." Tolkien joined into the conversation as he maneuvered his Pikachu to also taunt along with the pacman. Sending a questioning gaze as the boy he deemed his best friend.

"It's nothing, someone's been working at the house this week." Craig thought up a quick excuse but Jimmy and Tolkien were not convinced in rhe slightest. Even Clyde lifted his hands away from his watery eyes to peer at the chullo hat wearing boy in confusion.

"And we're not allowed to visit cause of that?" Sniffles out a tearful Clyde, pushing himself off the rugged floor to peer up at their deadpanned  friend.

"Yep." The three glanced amongst themselves, yeah Craig was hiding something. Big enough that he didn't want them finding out, what was in Craig's house?

Should they be worried? I mean, this is Craig Tucker they're friends with after all...

Maybe they should be, Craig is a wild card so they have no idea what the boy hides in his closet— or house in this case.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

017 of 2023

Do you have a funny last name? Does anyone make fun of it?

Nah, I just have a pretty generic Dutch last name. I live in a Dutch-speaking area, so no one finds it weird.

What did you eat for dinner last night, if anything? Was it good or bad?

Some chicken wings, they can never go wrong.

Have you ever told someone, besides family, that you love them and meant it?

Wait, doesn’t my husband count as a family? I’m disappointed now.

Has anyone ever called your personality dull? Do you agree with them?

Nope, people say I’m complicated.

Are the blankets that are on your bed now made by someone you know in life?

Like, produced by someone I know? No, I bought mine at Bonprix, and my husband bought his in Action, if I’m not wrong.

Would you ever have a child just to get someone to fall in love with you?

Like... what?

Who was the last person to call you? How long did you two talk?

My husband, to ask why I’ve passed him. I was on a walk and he passed by with our car.

Can you tell when people are lying or telling the truth?

I take everything with a grain of salt anyway.

Ever have a drug overdose? What did you OD on exactly?

No and I don’t intend to.

Do you treat others as you’d like to be treated? Have you always?

Yeah, I do. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but most of the time I try to be fair and I even succeed. I had to grow up to this.

Do you ever look in the mirror and name all of your flaws for no reason?

No, but it doesn’t mean I’m flawless. No one ever is.

The most painful medical procedure you’ve ever had?

Removing stitches from my head. I would say surgery, but I was unconscious and I don’t even remember it.

Have you ever personally witnessed a drug deal before?

Not really, but I remember one of the kids in my primary school tried to sell weed, nobody knows where he had it from. And I know some of my friends smoke weed, but I don’t know where they have it from either, but the less I know, the better I sleep.

Have you ever been pulled over by the cops for speeding?

I don’t drive by myself.

Do you know how wide your hips are in exact inches, or not?

We use metric units here.

Have you ever met someone in person that you met online?

No, and I’d be cautious about it.

Do you get sick of people who call themselves bipolar all the time?

I’ve never heard anyone call themselves bipolar in person.

Ever have an ultra-sound performed on you? What was it for?

Yeah, for my kidneys as I used to have a problem with them when I was a baby.

Where is somewhere you’re excited to go in the next few days?

I’m thinking Mechelen at Monday, but we’ll see. Today I went to Antwerp.

What color is your digital camera, if you have one?

It’s silver, but quite worn out since it’s almost 10 years old.

What time is it where you are currently?

21:29.

Have you got any half or step siblings?

Not that I know of.

When was the last time you had wet hair?

Today, it was raining when I came back home.

Do you like kids’ movies?

I don’t like any movies.

When was the last time you were sick and what illness did you have?

Two weeks ago I had a cold that my husband brought from somewhere. First him, then me, but he was doing worse.

When did you last wash your hair?

Two days ago, the next time is tomorrow.

Have you ever been kicked out of somewhere?

No, I don’t think so.

Who did you last speak aloud to and what did you say?

To my husband, I asked him if he’s doing alright.

Do you have any homework to do?

No, my uni is on hiatus now.

Have you ever been to Manhattan?

Never been to the US, but I know a shopping centre named Manhattan, it’s in Poland.

Did you get swine flu?

Never had any flu at all.

Do you know anyone from Alabama?

I don’t think so.

How bright is it in the room you’re in?

Just the floor lamp.

What can you smell right now?

My tattoo cream. I got a new tattoo two days ago and it’s from the aftercare.

Are there any teachers that simply hate you?

Not anymore :P

Have you ever bought a game from a site like Big Fish Games or Shockwave?

I’ve never heard these names in my life.

What were you last at the doctor for?

My latest appointment was with the psychiatrist, she said my anxiety disorder is back.

Have you seen all the Lord of the Rings movies?

No, and I’m not interested.

What is the strangest food combination that you enjoyed as a young child?

I can’t think of anything, everything seemed pretty normal then.

How often do you change your underwear?

Lol doesn’t everyone do it every day? Otherwise it’s disgusting.

Have you ever had to call the cops on someone else before?

Yeah, on my first ex and on our stupid neighbour.

What kind of phone do you have?

Samsung Galaxy A53.

How’s the weather?

Rainy and windy.

[travelingtheusa]

ALABAMA

2024 June 14 (Fri) – Noah graduated from Space Camp today.  We went to the operations center at 8 AM.  Travis drove in from South Carolina and met us there.  We walked in, checked in, and went into the auditorium.  We were an hour ahead of graduation time.  At 9 AM, they started the ceremony.  There were over 600 students graduating today.  They had us clap for each team, then clap only once for each graduate.  That sure speeded things up!  Noah did not see us sitting right up in front.  Dr. Jan Davis, a former astronaut, was there and greeted each student as they came up and got their certificate.  After the ceremony, I collected Noah.  We walked out to meet Paul and Travis.  Noah didn’t know his dad was there.  When he saw him, he flew into his arms and started to cry.  It was very emotional for him.

      After collecting and putting away all of Noah’s luggage and things, we all walked over to the museum for free admission.  There was lunch at the cafeteria (typical cafeteria fare), and the every present gift shop to get souvenirs.

       We all returned to the camper then went out to the City Café Diner for dinner.  Travis spent the night with us as it was a six hour drive.  He left home at 2 AM this morning.  It would not be safe for him to try to drive back tonight.  At any rate, I think Noah enjoyed the time with Travis.

2024 June 13 (Thu) – We spent the day still trying to lock in campgrounds.  No one wants to commit before the end of the season.  That is too late for us.  We have to advertise this caravan soon and need a price to put out there.

      At 5 PM, we went to the US Space & Rocket Center for the Rocket to the Tropics.  It was a tropical themed food and music event in the Saturn V Rocket Building.  What a hoot!  Sitting under a giant rocket, eating jerk chicken and empanadas and listening to a 7-piece band play Jimmy Buffet songs.

      Noah gave us a quick call at 8:45 PM.  He had just been stung by a wasp on his neck and was not happy.  Sorry that his last day at Space Camp is marred by such an awful event. 

2024 June 12 (Wed) – In between emails and phone calls, we went to the Hound & Harvest for lunch.  It was a very eclectic menu.  I had a meringue with whipped topping.  It was weird.  It was a hardened egg white with some whip cream on the side.  No call from Noah yesterday or today.  Guess they keep him really busy and whatever time he gets to make phone calls, he uses to call his Mom and Dad.  Thanks OK.

2024 June 11 (Tue) – We didn’t go anywhere today.  Worked hard on the caravan.  Paul has been working on developing a logo for our Louisiana caravan with Johnny & Linda. 

2024 June 10 (Mon) – Work began in earnest on our caravan.  I made a number of phone calls to campgrounds and venues to lock in our itinerary.  I sent out a bunch of emails.  It is hard to find campgrounds in Michigan in the summer.

      We went out to lunch to Rosie’s Cantina.  It was a Mexican restaurant.  Very well decorated.  Food was excellent.  Afterward, we stopped at the Vitamin Shoppe so I could refill my supply.  Then back to the campground.  Noah called for a quick minute before lights out.  He has been appointed the flight commander/engineer.  He seems to be having a ball.  He is certainly in his milieu.

2024 June 9 (Sun) – Today is the day!  Noah went to Space Camp today.  We brought him to the Space Operations Center for check in at 2:30 p.m.  What a line!  We waited over half an hour to get into the place to the check in desk.  They gave Noah a wrist band and directed him to 5 other stations.  We checked in, then took Noah to his dormitory where he picked out his bunk and proceeded to make friends with other kids.  There’s no worry about him getting along with everyone.  He is very extroverted.  His parents say he will be the mayor of the dorm within a day.  Lol.

      After finding his bunk, we got a sticker giving us free access to the museum until orientation time.  We walked around one part.  It was filled with all the new stuff going on in the space industry today.  It was exciting to read.  We were puzzled as to where all the historical stuff was, then found a map and realized we were in a very small part of the entire museum.  We will come back after Noah graduates.

      Once we dropped him off, we drove to City Café Diner and had dinner.  Then we returned to the campground and breathed a sigh of release.  Kids are a lot of work!

2024 June 8 (Sat) – We packed up and left Acworth, GA, at 9:30 a.m.  Had to stop at the very inconvenient dump station to empty the tanks then hit the road for a 3-1/2 hour drive to Huntsville where we will be dropping Noah off at Space Camp tomorrow.  He is so excited.  I think we all are.  He will have such a great adventure.  He’s been looking forward to this for 2 years.  Hope it won’t turn out to be anticlimactic for him.  Sometimes you build things up in your mind so much that when it finally happens, it is less than what you expected.

      We are camped at Redstone Arsenal MWR RV Park.  There are rows of campers with a gravel roadway between each row.  The laundry is nice but there is no table to fold clothes.  Eight washers and eight dryers were in the laundry room.   We did the laundry so Noah could start off with clean clothes.

      When we set up, the surge protector kept giving us an error message.  We took the surge protector off and the electric stanchion still buzzed.  I called the camp host and he came over with 2 other guys and tightened up the connections.  But the surge protector still gave an error message of inadequate power.  We just left the protector off and everything seemed fine.  We will have to contact the surge protector manufacturer for a replacement.  It has a full year warranty and we just got it at the RV show in Tampa. 

      Once done with the laundry, we drove to the Commissary to get Pepto Bismal for Noah, then stopped by the Xpress to pick up libations.  Then we drove over to the Space Center to get Noah a hat.  He picked out one that says Space Camp.  Supposedly, they will give him 2 shirts for camp.   

      Noah had diarrhea and vomited today.  The second time, he didn’t make it to the toilet and I had to clean the walls, the shower stall, the toilet bowl, the floor and the hanging towels.  I nearly got sick myself.  Ugh.  He’s been sneezing every since we picked him up.  Since there have been no further symptoms and no fever, we assumed it is an allergy.  Today proved to be something else.  Hope he doesn't get turned away at the door.

[weaselle]

cooking for people who have no idea what they are doing (or are just, like, real depressed)

Okay, I’m a professional cook, but also, I get depressed. This is the cooking I do when I’m depressed, because I need the simplest path to a whole meal.

This is not for vegetarians, because, while I wholeheartedly support people choosing vegetarianism, and also enjoy cooking for vegetarians, for me, the simplest path to a meal includes meat. Perhaps when I am less depressed I will work on options.

A lot of recipes focus on achieving food that is in some way special, using special techniques, or using a precise list of carefully measured high-end ingredients... and that’s not this, this is all the parts of cooking that are not those things.

First, shopping

Meats Starches Veggies Sauces Breakfast/Snack

For a whole week you’re going to want

3 kinds of meat, with five portions each. So, for example, five chicken breasts, 10 sausage links, and 2-3 pounds of ground beef. Other possibilities include pork chops, salmon, some kind of steak, whatever. 

You’re going to want up to 3 starches. Honestly I usually stick to just rice, but you can go with rice, potatoes, and pasta. If you want to use quinoa or polenta or something, thats on you.

And, you’re going to want about 3 types of vegetables, again, about 5 portions each -- and try to stay green. So personally, I usually get 5 medium zucchini, 2 medium heads of broccoli, and then either yellow squash or mushrooms. A bag of salad greens is also a good option, and I have an easy way to make a good salad, which I will do as a separate post.

Next pick something easy that works as either breakfast or a snack. For me this is a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, and a bunch of bananas. Sometimes it’s nice to have an additional option here, like cereal or yogurt. 

Last, you’ll want 2-5 sauces in bottles. I would definitely recommend a low sodium soy sauce be one of them, and maybe a BBQ sauce for the other. I usually also include worcestershire and sriracha but go with whatever you want, teriyaki sauce, A1, whatever you know you’ll eat. Hell, you can use Italian style salad dressing as a cookable sauce if you really want.

Oh, and If you don’t already have some at the house, you’ll need pan lube: butter and/or some kind of cooking oil. 

Okay! we’re done shopping! Affordability isn’t the main focus here, but is undeniably important -- I live in a very expensive area, this shopping trip is going to feed me well for a week and costs me about $100 bucks. When I was living in Alabama, it probably would have cost me more like $70. You won’t need to get stuff like the sauce and rice and peanut butter every week, so you’re definitely looking at a monthly grocery bill of something like $300 depending on where you live, and that’s not too bad. 

Prep

hell no, I’m depressed, the only prep I’m doing is putting two packages of meat in the freezer and the rest of this stuff in the fridge. You CAN box or bag each portion of meat separately so you can really alternate what you eat -- me, I’m gonna eat chicken for two or three days, then beef for two or three days, etc.

and listen, don’t fuck around with microwave settings or running water on things to defrost them. If you package the meat all up separately, just move a portion from the freezer to the fridge each time you cook dinner. Or, if you do like me, move the whole package when you go to cook your last portion of the previous stuff, and just deal with the fact that it will probably still be a tiny bit frozen when you go to cook next.

Tip: When you cook dinner, you’re going to make enough for lunch. That just leaves you one small meal - I often smear peanut butter on a peice of bread and wrap it around a banana like a taco - fast, easy, practically no dishes, relatively healthy

____________________________________________________________

Cooking (this is going to take about 25 minutes)

You’re going to need

ONE frying pan, medium size w/ lid ONE boil pot, medium size w/ lid knife, a spatula and a cutting board.

If you want to be fancy, you can include a big spoon. Looks like this

No matter what the specific ingredients you’ve chosen, the basic format is going to be:

Start your starch heat pan, put meat in the pan flip meat and add veggies, cover with lid remove meat and add sauce finish starch put everything on a plate while it is still too hot to eat and you are standing in the kitchen anyway, wash the like, 4 dishes you’ve gotten dirty. eat.

Okay, before you even get everything else out, start your starch. For rice this means rinse the rice and put it in the cold water and set it on high heat, for pasta this means put your salted water on the stove on high heat. For potatoes, you can use my perfect mashed potatoes recipe (I’ll do that as a separate post) or, honestly, you can wait until you’re halfway done with the rest of everything and microwave the sucker for like 8 minutes. I would never do that in a restaurant, but trying to feed my lethargic depressed ass? Absolutely.

easy rice: Fill your smallest coffee cup with rice, put it in the pot. Rinse. Fill the same cup twice with water, add to rice. Bring to a boil, give a good stir, turn heat all the way down, put a lid on it for something like 15 more minutes.

Okay, now lube your pan. Butter, olive oil, whatever. You’re probably looking at an amount more than a teaspoon and less than a table spoon of whichever you use. Personally I try to use as little olive oil as possible, so I pour a large coin sized amount (a quarter in the U.S.) into the pan, ear off a piece of the paper towel I’m going to use as my napkin for the evening, fold it up tight, and sort of paint the oil around so a little goes a longer way.

Pan lubed? Great, turn your burner on. highest heat will work but is not ideal, medium heat will work better but is still not ideal. Halfway between the two is perfect for chicken, a little hotter for beef, a little lower for fish.

Now remove two portions of your chosen protein (that way you’ll have tomorrow’s lunch too). By the time you get the packaging open and stuff, your pan is probably hot. If it’s not, let it get hot. You don’t want the oil to start smoking (warning, butter will burn faster than oil) but if you shake a single drop of water off your finger into the pan, you want it to sizzle.

If your pan is hot, put your meat in. The more you do this, the more you’ll perfect the timing, but you’re going to cook it for ~about~ 7 minutes before you flip it, maybe a couple minutes longer if it’s chicken or pork, maybe a couple minutes less if it’s beef.

Now that your meat is in, prepare your veggie. Rinse it off, cut off any part of it you don’t want to eat, and then cut what’s left into pieces the size of a large bite. Don’t worry, it’s going to get a little smaller when you cook it. Take your time, you’ll probably finish in less time than the meat needs.

Time to flip your meat? Great. Do that, and then dump your chopped up veggie in the pan. It does not matter at all if the pieces are not touching the bottom of the pan -probably most of them will not be, a bunch will be on top of the meat, that’s fine.

Put a lid on it. Now add your pasta to the water, or put your potato in the microwave, or check your rice. If following my perfect mashed potato recipe, mash now.

Rice tip, checking: eat a grain, you want zero crunch. If it’s not done and there’s no liquid, add a splash of water and stir. It it’s done or close to done, but it is still very wet, give it a big stir and leave on the stove with the lid off for a couple minutes.

Your meat still has like, at least 4 minutes, so rinse off your cutting board and chef knife, get out a plate, table knife and fork.

 Meat done? Great. Take the meat out of the pan, leaving the veggies in. Add sauce to the pan. I like to also use a little wine, because it’s usually already in the house, if you have some and want to, pour a large swallow of wine in the pan with the sauce. I’ll often mix a couple sauces, like worcestershire and soy (makes something similar to teriyaki) or hot sauce and BBQ

Stir the sauce around with the veggies. This, called deglazing, is an important step for two reasons, 1: it will get up a lot of the flavorful stuff that has stuck to the pan and make your sauce better, and 2: it will make washing the pan much easier. Okay, put the lid back on for one to two minutes, maybe stir a couple times. Basically you want the sauce to stain the veggies.

Your starch should be done, turn off the burner, put a portion on your plate, and stick the rest in a ziplock or tupperware or something. Go ahead and throw the second portion of meat right in there with it. 

Turn off the stove and scoop the veggies onto the plate, and pour the sauce from the pan over everything.

Now, while it’s too hot to eat, and you’re standing in the kitchen anyway, wash the pot, pan, and spatula. It should be very easy because of the way you used the sauce and because nothing has had a chance to harden. This usually takes me about 2 full minutes.

__________________________________________________________

OKAY! it’s been 20-25 minutes, you’ve got dinner and tomorrow’s lunch (just add another cut up veggie, pour a different sauce on, and put it in the microwave for two or three minutes) AND there’s no danger of dishes piling up on you :) You can even add “washing last night’s plate and fork for use tonight” to where you rinse the cutting board to really keep it full circle.

It’s not gormet. It IS accessibly healthy, affordable, and easy.

If you are extra depressed, forget the starch and use more veggies; this cuts what little work there is by up to half

Using this format, you can have three good meals per day and only spend 30 total minutes a day in the kitchen — including clean up! (dishes piling up tends to exacerbate my depression and makes cooking your next meal harder)

And it’s easy to give yourself a wide variety, from soy glazed chicken, zucchini and rice one night; to steak, mushrooms and pasta the next; followed by BBQ pork chops, brocoli and potatoes... I suck at math but there’s probably a hundred options

Just to recap, because I know I was very detailed and this might seem overwhelming, once you read through the above to answer any questions you might have, simply

-Start your starch -lube & heat pan, put meat in the pan, about 7 minutes -flip meat, add veggies, lid, about 7 minutes -wash knife and cutting board -remove meat and add sauce to veggies, re-lid, 1-2 minutes -finish starch, refrigerate extra meat and starch  -put everything left on a plate -wash pot and pan -eat.

[96thdayofrage]

Talley and her fiancé, Gregory Allen, had stopped by the store Saturday afternoon for a few groceries, ingredients for their weekly waterfront picnic, family told People. Once inside, the pair split up to collect the items on their list. Talley went to get some lunchmeat and sent Allen to retrieve iced tea, said her niece Tamika Harper of Buffalo.

Moments later, an 18-year-old man entered the store and started shooting. He was dodging bullets and calling her name, Harper said. The Buffalo News that he jumped into a cooler and "the guy just went past me by like an inch. He would have shot me. I was lucky he didn't shoot me."

Talley, the second youngest of nine siblings, was born in Alabama, but spent most of her life in Buffalo, Harper said. The family moved to western New York when she was 10 arriving in Buffalo for a vacation and opting not to leave. Talley, who is known as Geri to her friends and family, is survived by four siblings, including Harper's mother, and her two adult children, Genicia Smith and Mark Talley Jr.

Family and friends remember her as an excellent cook and baker, whose specialties included cheesecake and carrot cake. She previously worked as an executive assistant but was on a leave at the time she was killed due to a back injury, Harper said.

"Geraldine Talley was a beautiful soul," former coworker Joshua Kellick told the News. "She loved her family and those that weren't family, she treated us like one of her own. Her loss is one that will be felt in the community."

"To know Aunt Geri was to love her," Harper said. "She was more than my aunt, but was a second mom. She would give a stranger in need the shirt off her back."

Harper was on her way to the Tops store to buy chicken for dinner on Saturday when — after a brief detour to pick up her son — she arrived near the store to find emergency vehicles and first responders rushing to the market.

Her mother called to tell her that Talley was inside when the shooting rampage took place. She said she called Talley's phone repeatedly and prayed.

"I prayed so, so hard that day for her to come out of that store," Harper said.

Her niece Lakesha Chapman told CNN that Talley was "a sweet, sweet" woman, a devoted mother with a gentle demeanor.

Talley "loved everybody. She was always smiling. She didn't like confrontation. She wanted everything to be easy and full of love," Chapman told People. 

"She was just a lover," she said. "That's why this hurts so much."

The family, Chapman said, is outraged by the racially-motivated attack.

"She was shopping and this man comes out of his neighborhood to attack because of her skin color, because of her ZIP code, you know, because it was predominantly Black," Chapman told CNN. "She was innocent. And it's — there's no words to describe it."

Harper said she is struggling to wrap her head around how someone could direct such hate and violence toward people he never met. She called him a "monster" who has destroyed so many lives.

"She did not deserve this," Harper said. "I feel like this is a nightmare. I'm still waiting to wake up."

[mirkwoodshewolf]

My sweet buttercup; Eugene Sledge x reader

*Author’s note*

Hey guys well this only took me a couple days to write this little genius but now I’ve got it done and ready for you all to enjoy. Now I really wanted to try something different with this Eugene fic, I really wanted to DIVE right and get to the heart and root of the blossoming relationship b/t Eugene and the reader in this fic. So more n the lines of what they were like as kids together, early teen years, basically a Pre-WW2 fic mostly before the ending.

Warnings: Fluff, bit of angst, family disownment, mentions of PTSD, forbidden love.

But I hope you all enjoy this fic so much and until next time ;)

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@ixchel-9275​

@simonedk​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@dancingcoolcat​

@queensdivas​

@geek-and-proud​

@queendeakyy​

@kairosfreddie​

___________________________________________________________

*June 14th, 1928*

It was a warm summer day in Mobile, Alabama. In the center of town stood a farmer’s market shop run by Sheldon (L/n).  Sheldon (L/n) was once part of the 1st Marine division back during the Great War.  After the war he settled back home in Mobile to run himself a farm where he was known for growing the brightest, freshest, most delectable apples in the whole state of Alabama.

Why if you asked people where the stores got their apples from, nine times out of ten they would tell you they came from (L/n) farm.  Sheldon while having his shell shock moments from the war, still managed to have the American dream.

He married his high school sweetheart Marianne Lewis and they lived a good life together and had a beautiful baby girl they named (y/n) (l/n).  

Sadly though, when little (y/n) was just a year old, her mom died of breast cancer.  Sheldon was devastated but he tried to keep trudging on by being both hard working man, and loving father to his little girl.

Walking through the town was Dr. Edward Sledge, his wife Mary Frank and their two sons, Edward Jr. Sledge and Eugene Sledge.  Eugene was five years old, going on six come the fall.

His bright auburn hair bounced off the summer sun and as they came right towards Sheldon’s shop, Edward stopped his family in their tracks.

“Maybe we best find another way around.” Suggested Edward warily.

“Edward, it was five years ago, can’t you learn to let it go?” Mary Frank told her husband.

“I have, but Sheldon on the other hand…..that man’s as stubborn as an ox.” It was then Sheldon came out with some crates of food ready to be shipped off to the stores.

As soon as he saw Dr. Sledge, a gruesome scowl came across the farmer’s face.

“Just what do you think you are doing here Sledge?!”

“Now Sheldon calm down, we were only passing by.”

“If you think I’m gonna do any type of business with you, think again! After what you had done…..”

“Sheldon there was nothing my husband could do to help Marianne.”

“Mary Frank you keep out of this.” Her husband warned her cautiously.

“You best listen to him Mary Anne. This is no concern of yours. Now get yourselves as well as those little monsters of yours away from my shop!” he spat down at the ground in disgust before slamming the door of his shop closed.

“Why does Mr. (L/n) hate us so badly mama?” asked Edward Jr.

“Oh never you mind that Edward. It’s just grown up business.” Mary Frank assured her eldest son.

“Come along boys, we’re gonna head back towards the barbershop and go through the back alley there to get to the fair.” The two boys groaned.

“But that’ll take longer!” whined Edward Jr.

“Why do we have to go back!?” groaned Eugene.

“Now boys don’t argue with your father. Now come along, or else we can just head right back home and forget about the fair till next year.” Their mother scolded them.  That immediately got them to stop whining and soon they turned back around and went the long way to the fair.

They barely got a block away from Sheldon’s market shop when Eugene heard someone calling out to them.  It was a faint psst sound so he stopped right by a flower cart and soon peaking out from it was a young girl around his age.

She had curly (h/c) hair and bright (e/c) eyes that sparkled like the stars at night.  Eugene knew this girl very well, it was his best friend (well secret best friend) (Y/n) (l/n).

Yep.  Even though Sheldon has repeatedly drilled into his daughter’s mind to never, ever, ever under any circumstances go anywhere near the Sledge family.  But due to the fact that the two kids were in the same class as one another, they just—clicked immediately.

Her, Eugene, and Sydney Phillips were like the three Musketeers.  But Eugene and (y/n) well—they had a special bond with each other.  They were just like peas and carrots.  Different in every way but somehow they managed to click with each other.

“Eugene, over here!” he smiled before turning to see his parents and older brother who hadn’t noticed he wasn’t with them anymore. He smiled and ran up to (y/n) who had a basket filled with wildflowers in them.

“Hey (y/n). Mrs. Mulley said you were sick last week and that’s why you weren’t at Sunday school, what did you have?”

“Just a bad tummy ache. But I’m all better and I’ll be back in Sunday school tomorrow.”

“That’s good. What did you find?” he said gesturing to her basket.  Sometimes, if they could manage it, Eugene and (y/n) could be seen going out to the fields picking wild flowers together.  They would even have contests to see who could pick the most flowers in a certain amount of time.

“Mostly pink and blue flowers. But check this out,” she then held up a yellow buttercup flower.

“That’s a buttercup flower. My mama sometimes grows those in our garden.” Eugene said.

“Buttercup huh? I like it, it suits it.”

“You know my mama says that if you hold a buttercup under your chin, it’ll make it glow. I tried it once but it didn’t work.” (y/n) looked at it with curiosity before putting it under her chin.

“Does it work for me?” and well and behold, her chin was glowing right over the buttercup flower.

Even at the tender age of five, Eugen B. Sledge always knew he held more than a friendship feeling for (Y/n).  Whenever she’d laugh, his heart would beat faster and it felt like he was being tickled by a billion butterflies in his tummy.

His face would go red every time they would pick wild flowers together, and his heart ached every time she had to mention that her daddy didn’t want her talking to him.

“It sure does buttercup.” He said softly.

“Did you just call me a—”

“(Y/N)! Oh now where is that girl at? (Y/n)!” her father’s voice soon called out from the market.  He whistled for her like she were a dog and that’s when she turned to Eugene and whispered.

“I gotta go, see you at church Eugene, bye!” she quickly ran off with her flower basket towards her daddy.  As Eugene watched her father kneel down in front of her giving her a soft but firm lecture about running off, Eugene couldn’t help but feel those butterflies again.

“Eugene! Eugene!?” at the sound of his brother’s voice, he snapped out of his daze and quickly ran off before Mr. (L/n) could take notice of a Sledge boy staring at the two of them.

*September 17th, 1938*

It was a hard time in America.  For five years now, the whole country was under a Great Depression.  Every American was affected and of course that didn’t exclude the Sledge’s or the (L/n)’s.  Without enough payment for the extra help, it was all up to Sheldon and (Y/n) to work the farm.

And in order to help bring extra money and food on the table, the Sledge siblings both got jobs helping their dad out with his physician at home job.

Right now Sydney and Eugene were walking along the outskirts of Mobile.  Along for the ride was Eugene’s new little pup, Deacon.  He had gotten Deacon as a ‘job well done’ gift from his dad.  A client of his had a dog that recently had a litter of pups but times were tough and if they didn’t get the pups adopted soon they’d be taken to the shelter.

So Edward being the kind hearted gentleman that he was known for, got the dog and decided the pup would be a good gift for his son Eugene, as a token for being such a big help through these uncertain times.

As the two boys walked over the tall hill, they soon came upon the (L/n) farm.  Sydney and Eugene were both shocked to see just how much the Depression had affected the farm.

The soil that they remember being a rich stretch of fresh soil was now dried up and cracking.  Weeds were growing up in almost every spot imaginable.  Without the extra help, it was almost impossible to keep the weeds in check.

And of course there was hardly anymore livestock anymore.  Save for the horse, 2 cows, and the chickens.  All the other animals the (L/n)’s once had, had to be sold off in order to get the money they needed to survive.

“Man, I heard (y/n) was struggling but—never did I think it was this badly.” Sydney said with a solemn shake of his head.

“No wonder why she said she had to quit school and be with her dad.”

“Are you sure it ain’t for another reason why you miss her?” teased Sydney.  At that moment (y/n) had came out of the chicken coop with a bunch of eggs in a crate and the two of them watched her enter back into her family home.

“You wish you were right Sid.”

“Oh I know I’m right. I’m always right when it comes to you two. Don’t think I didn’t know about the time in 3rd grade when you offered to do her side of the book report when she broke her leg and had to stay at the hospital.”

“I was being polite and didn’t want her getting held back.” As the two of them bickered back and forth, the 10 month old pup had raced down the hill catching scent of the chickens and crept towards the chicken coop.

Deacon slowly stalked towards the door before entering inside of it.  The young pup stared at the chickens before one of them caught sight of the unfamiliar creature that stood in their coop.

The pup then let out a series of barks which sent the chickens running mad with fear.  From up on the hill, Eugene looked down to see Deacon was gone and from the barks that came down below, he immediately put two and two together.

“DEACON NO STOP!”

“Eugene wait you can’t go down there!” Sydney raced after him.

At that moment, Deacon came out of the coop chasing after the flock of chickens who were racing around frantically trying to escape this wolf-like creature.

(Y/n) immediately peeked out from her bedroom window and was shocked to see what was going on.  The chickens being chased by the dog, the dog being chased by Eugene, and Gene being chased by Sid.

“Oh hey (y/n).” Sid stopped by her bedroom window.

“Sid what in the samhell is going on out here!?”

“Funny you should ask, but uhh—mind helping us out?” she quickly got on her shoes and crawled out of her window before running beside Sydney to try and round up the chickens.

Running around like—well chickens with no heads, Eugene, (Y/n) and Sydney all tried to calm the situation down before he father would return home.

“WHAT’S GOING ON OUT THERE!?!?” at hearing that thunderous voice.  (Y/n) stopped running as she held a chicken in her arms and froze in fear.

“You guys need to get out of here, now!” she urged Eugene and Sydney on.  Eugene who had finally gotten hold of Deacon turned towards (Y/n) but before he could say a word, a gunshot was heard and the shot landed just a few inches away from his foot.

“C’mon Eugene lets go!” Sydney pleaded and soon the two men took off running for the hills.  The backdoor slammed open and there stood Sheldon with his shotgun in hand and his jaw dropped at the sight before him.

All the chickens out of their coop, now finally calm, the chicken coop now lay there in rubble (when (y/n) and Gene tried to wrangle Deacon and a few chickens that had gotten back into the coop, the sudden jostling and heavy weight of both humans trying to calm the situation down, forced the coop to collapse under their weight).

“What-gup—what happened here!? (Y/n) (m/n) (l/n). You were supposed to be gathering the chicken eggs!!”

“I know daddy.”

“Then why the hell are they out and about!? How did the coop get destroyed!? JUST WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU DOING GIRL!?!?”

From up on the hill, Eugene’s heart broke at hearing (y/n) getting yelled at by her own father.  She had nothing to do with this.  So getting the courage, he held Deacon once more and walked down the hill back towards the farm.

“Eugene, Gene don’t you dare! He’ll kill you if you go over there. Eugene!” Sydney hissed out quietly but Gene refused to listen to his best friend.

“I—” (Y/n) began to respond till Eugene’s voice called out.

“She didn’t do it sir.” The two of them turned around.  Gripping his gun tighter, Sheldon stood in front of his daughter and said lowly.

“What was that boy?”

“The chicken coop. And the reason why the chickens got out. It was my fault. (Y/n) had nothing to do with it. You see my dog—”

“Great, the Sledge’s have a dog. One more thing to worry about.” Sheldon muttered angrily to himself.

“Please Mr. (L/n), don’t blame (y/n) for this. She was doing her job just like you told her to do. If anyone’s the blame, it’s me. And I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” Hearing Eugene confess, it made (y/n)’s heart flutter and place her hand over her heart.

“Oh you can be damned well sure you will boy. As much as I hate to say this. You’ll be helping me out for the rest of the Harvest season, as well as repairing the chicken coop! And you young lady, come with me.”

He dragged his daughter back to the house as he whispered harshly to her.

“Throughout the time he’s here repairing and helping out, I don’t want you anywhere near him. No daughter of mine is gonna be seen with a Sledge.” As her father continue to rant out his hatred towards the Sledges, (Y/n) turned back towards Eugene and softly smiled at him and mouthed out a thank you.

Eugene smiled softly and seeing her smile it was like cupid’s arrow had struck him as he made goo-goo eyes at her.  Even as Sydney snapped his fingers in Gene’s face to get him to snap out of it, Gene was stuck under the love spell he was on.

As agreed; Eugene worked with his father helping him run the at home physician and on his breaks, he’d ride his bike over to (Y/n)’s place to repair the chicken coop, as well as pull out the weeds.

Of course that didn’t stop Eugene and (Y/n) from sneaking puppy love eyes at each other as the two teens were put to work. Throughout the harvest season, it only allowed Eugene and (Y/n) to grow closer than they ever were before.

*June 14th, 1941*

Eugene and (Y/n).  Never has there been a couple more meant for each other.  Sid always referred to them as childhood sweethearts, and now for these past several years, they’ve really seemed to just hit it off.  And with him being the only real person who knew of their ‘more than friendship’ relationship, he kept that to himself.

Of course Eugene’s parents never turned (y/n) away.  From the early days when they were kids, they welcomed her with open arms.  What they didn’t know was their blossoming relationship. Neither of their parents knew of their courting with each other, and they wanted to keep it that way for just a little while longer.

The two of them were at their favorite hillside where they once picked wildflowers when they were kids.  Splayed out along a blanket cuddled close together watching the summer sunset.  Eugene lying on his back with (y/n) lying her head against his chest, their hands intertwined with each other’s and their thumbs stroking the back of each other’s hands.

“Happy Anniversary my love.”

“What do you mean Gene?” she looked up at him.

“You heard me, happy 131, 456 hour anniversary.” Eugene said with a small grin as he picked up a buttercup flower and tucked it behind her ear.

“What? That’s way longer than when we first met.”

“I know. But it’s the anniversary of the day I first called you my buttercup.” He said as he cupped her face.  Inside (y/n) felt warm and fuzzy remembering that day by the flower cart when Eugene had called her buttercup after finding out one glow underneath her chin. “But it’s fine if you forgot and didn’t get me anything.” Teased Eugene as he sat up trying to hide a grin.  She rolled her eyes at Eugene’s teasing.

“Actually I did.” She crawled towards a log and pulled out a guitar case.  Eugene’s eyes widened and as she opened the case up he said.

“Oh darlin you shouldn’t have but uhh—I don’t really know how to play.”

“Quiet you.” she teased back as she took the guitar (which was actually hers) and she began playing a soft tune.  After letting the soft tune play for a bit she opened her mouth and began to sing.

As she sang; she began to remember all the times she and Eugene had together.  From sharing secret letters/drawings with each other (with Deacon being the messenger dog), nature walks together, or secretly waving at each other from her father’s shop.

Their times doing out to the soda shops every Saturday night to go dancing.  Always dancing together

We're far apart in every way

But you're the best part of my day

And sure as I breathe the air

I know we are the perfect pair

On a prickly path that goes on for miles

But it's worth it just to see you smile

And I cannot be pulled apart

From the hold you have on my heart

And even if the world tells us it's wrong

You're in my head like a catchy song

“I’ve always loved hearing you sing.” Sighed Eugene lovingly.

“The song’s not too gushy is it? Be honest now.”

“It’s everything but gushy, please sing more for me.” He said as he laid his head close to her thigh. (Y/n) continued to sing while Eugene just stared at her with loving eyes.

More memories came to both of them from their nature walks through any type of weather whenever they had free time.  The stargazing’s they’ve done, and even one time when (Y/n) was struggling with the farm one spring that she ended up working till nightfall.

When morning came that morning, she found herself being covered with Eugene’s jacket and just a couple feet away from her, laid an exhausted Gene.  He had actually came by and done the rest of the work for her so that she could get some sleep.  As he slept, she had sat down beside Eugene and stroked through his auburn hair.

The seasons change and leaves may fall

But I'll be with you through them all

And rain or shine, you'll always be mine

On a prickly path that goes on for miles

You're the only one who makes it all worthwhile

And you should not blame me, too

If I can't help fallin' in love with you...

At the last verse, the two of them went red. While they have called each other their love or life, and while they were technically courting, neither of them has actually those three binding words.  (Y/n) covered her mouth with her hand and looked down shyly as her face went red.

“Well that’s unfair. I was gonna tell you that first.”

“Yeah right.”

“I’m serious, I was gonna pull you up,” he stood up and helped her stand up. “Cover your eyes,” he covered her eyes. “Lead you over here.” He then guided her as he kept his hands over her eyes towards the wooded area of the fields. “And say surprise!” he uncovered her eyes and (Y/n) saw the sweetest thing she would ever see.

There along the willow tree they used to climb when they were kids, was a heart engraved at the center of the trunk and written in that heart were their initials. E.B.S + (F/I). (M/I). (L/I). She walked up towards their willow tree and placed her hand over the engravement.

“And then you’d say ‘Oh Genie. It’s—it’s so beautiful. I love it’.” He said imitating her Southern bell voice. “And then I’d say, ‘well, not as much as I love you’.”

“Guess I’m glad I beat you to it then.” She teased as she playfully bumped into him.

“I can accept that.” He said with a proud grin as he wrapped his arms around her waist while she wrapped her around his neck before the two of them finally kissed each other.

It was the kind of kiss that wasn’t deeply passionate that you couldn’t breathe.  It was the kind of kiss that just felt like you found your missing half. Gene and (Y/n) were meant to be together and right as they kissed, it felt like it was right.

They were right for each other.  And they began to dream of their bright future together. But of course no happiness lasts forever.

After returning from the fields later that evening, she came home to see her home filled to the rim with boxes.  She asked her father what was going on and that’s when her father told her the grim truth.

They were moving to North Dakota.

Her father explained to her that the property here was just too dry to farm at anymore.  Ever since the Depression decade the land hasn’t been the same.  So he hired a contractor to tear the family home and the farm down, he had sold off the rest of the animals, and in two days they were gonna get a fresh start in a new land, with new people, and most important for him it would get them away from the Sledges.

(Y/n) was devastated.  Two days and she’d never get to see Sydney Phillips, or Eugene ever again.

When she broke the news to Eugene the next day at the Willow tree, Eugene couldn’t believe what he was hearing.  He held onto his weeping girl waiting for her to calm down before he finally spoke to her.

“But you’re practically an adult now (y/n). He can’t control you anymore.”

“What do you want me to say Eugene? I love you, I really do but—he’s the only family I got. And I—I have to stay with my family. I’m sorry!” with that she took off crying, heartbroken and alone.

Eugene looked towards the carving that he had done with his father’s old doctoring knife he used in the Great war.  He placed his finger’s over (y/n)’s initials and knew what he had to do, but he knew he didn’t have much time so immediately he got on his bike and pedaled off as fast as he could into town.

By nightfall as (y/n) was solemnly packing up her stuff, Eugene came knocking at her window and he told her to come with him. He made up a story that Deacon wasn’t feeling to good and he needed his ‘mama’.  Knowing how much she loved that dog, Eugene and her rode off on his bike.

They soon arrived at the church garden, which was an odd place that Eugene would bring Deacon at, but when she saw the candles all lit up and a beautiful flower archway standing near the back entrance of the church.  

Wide eyed in awe, (Y/n) couldn’t believe what she was seeing.  When she felt Eugene take her hand he got down on one knee and said to her.

“I don’t ever want to be apart from you. I don’t know what’ll happen in the future but—all I know is now. And I know that I love you so much that I’d marry you today. If you’ll have me that is?” tears of happiness filled her eyes as she said to Eugene.

“I’d like that too.” Eugene smiled and stood up as he embraced his fiancée and spun her around, the two of them cheering and laughing with glee.

After settling down, the two of them walked arm-in-arm with each other towards the pastor (who was actually their own Sunday school teacher who had since went up the ranks and was now one of the head pastor of their church).  With Sydney Phillips as their witness and Eugene’s best man, the ceremony began.

The two young teens shared their vows together before the house of God and proclaimed their loyalty and love to each other.

“Then by the name of our Holy Father and in the eyes of the law; I now pronounce you—”

“Pastor Jacob! Pastor Jacob! Please can you help us our son is—Eugene? (Y/n)?” coming behind Sydney were Eugene’s parents.

“What is going on here?” asked Eugene’s father.

“(Y/n)!? Where are you girl you’re supposed to be packing!” soon coming up behind (y/n) from the bushes was her father.  As soon as he saw his daughter with the Sledge’s he sneered out, “What are you two doing?” As both families came closer to see just what was going on, that’s when Eugene spoke up as he wrapped his arm around his future wife.

“Mother, father, Mr. (L/n). (Y/n) and I are getting married.”

“What!?” all three parents shouted in shock.

“That’s right. And we’ll officially be married as soon as Pastor Jacob says…..” (y/n) said firmly as she looked back at the pastor.

“Oh right, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” He stepped aside as he closed his Bible.

“Mrs. (Y/n) Sledge, has a nice ring to it don’t you think?” Eugene said as he cupped his wife’s face.

“Indeed.” The two of them kissed each other finally sealing the deal.

“What are you talking about married!? You both are too young to be married!” Mary Frank scolded as she came between them and pushed Eugene aside.

“Finally something we can agree on.” Sheldon spoke as he now stood beside his daughter. “(Y/n) (m/n) (l/n) you listen to me and you listen good, girl. We’re moving and that’s final. And you have got to stick with your family! So enough of this foolish teenage fantasy and come home!” he grabbed her wrist and began to drag her away.

Finally having enough of her father’s grudge against the Sledges, she broke free of his grip and proclaimed.

“No daddy!”

“No?” her father asked as if he had been punched in the face.

“The Sledges are my family now too. In the eyes of God and the law as Pastor Jacob has said.” Eugene brushed past his mother and stood beside his wife to give her backup.

“You can’t be serious. Are you really choosing to be family with the ones responsible for your mother’s death over your own flesh and blood?!”

“Are you making me choose?” she spoke with a trembled lip as tears filled her eyes.

Her father stood there in shock and everyone around them grew tense.  Could a father really force his daughter to choose who she sides with?

“Yes. I am.” Her father demanded.  Finally hearing that answer broke (y/n)’s heart but she stood her ground as she spoke in a broken voice.

“Then yeah. I guess I am.” Her father’s face showed absolutely betrayal before his eyes grew red and he snapped at her.

“Then I guess I have no daughter anymore.” Without another word he stormed away from the church.

Heartbroken by her father’s words, (y/n) wept out a river of tears.  Eugene held his new wife close to him trying to comfort her, meanwhile Dr. Sledge walked up to the young newlyweds and placed a comforting hand to his new daughter in law’s shoulder.  She looked up at the old physician and he told her.

“You’ve always been like family to us (Y/n). You’ve always had love here with us. Right Mary Frank?” after witnessing what she had seen, she couldn’t deny the fact that ever since they were kids, her son and this young girl were just destined to be together.

“Even though I don’t condone you both being married so young while you’re still in school Eugene, there’s—I cannot stop the bond that it is you both share with each other.” Hearing those words coming from her new mother and father, it repaired some of the damage that (y/n)’s heart had taken.

“Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Sledge.” She thanked them.

“Oh sweet pea, call me mama.” Mary Frank said as she came up and cupped (y/n)’s face.

“And whenever you feel like it, you can call me dad.” Dr. Sledge said with a warm smile.  (Y/n) never felt so grateful to the Sledges, she continued to weep as she now hugged her new parents and they warmly embraced her back.  Welcoming her to the family officially.

*August 29th, 1945 1st Person POV*

I lot has happened in the past few years. Six months after Eugene and I got married, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and America was officially in the war with the Axis Powers.

Eugene wanted to enlist so badly but dad said that his heart murmur prevented him from enlisting, they knew with that he would never get it.  So he always begged his father for frequent checkups every day until one day it was gone. That was the day my life changed forever.

I begged and pleaded with Genie to not go but he kept saying he had to do this.  He’d feel like a failure if he were stuck doing bond trades or collecting scrap metal, while so many men including our dear friend Sid are fighting out in the front lines.

At that point I knew I couldn’t argue with him anymore and so he enlisted.  Of course the night before he left, we made sure to make that night extra special because we both didn’t know if this would be the last time we’d see each other.  We memorized each other’s kiss, scent, and touch (and I knew Eugene was trying much harder than I was since I knew he’d suffer the worse).

I went back to school, got my high school diploma and I’m currently now working as a teacher’s work assistant as well as a part-time librarian at the local library.  I had remained with mom and dad taking care of house as well as Deacon (God rest his little soul) just trying to distract myself from missing Eugene.

It was (for once this past few weeks) a cool Summer’s day.  I was tending to the garden outside planting a few roses, daffodils and of course buttercup flowers but I didn’t expect to suddenly get jumped by two little body masses.

Soon enough I was in the dirt and two 3 year old kids were piled on top of me.  One was a little boy who looked so much like his daddy when I first met him, except he had my hair and eye color, and the other was a girl with the same curly hair I once had as a kid and her daddy’s auburn hair and brown eyes but the rest were my looks.

“We gotcha mommy now say you surrender!” my son proclaimed as he held up his toy gun at me, while my daughter had a couple of sticks, pretending they were a bow and arrow.

“I surrender, you both got me.” I held my arms up in surrender.  They cheered as they got off of me but that’s when I tackled them both to the ground and began tickling them both.

The two of them laughed as they tried to escape my clutches but soon our moment was interrupted by one of the servants, Octavia.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Sledge?” I stopped playing with the kids and the look on her face was—unreadable.

“What is it Octavia?”

“Just come inside (y/n) dear, there’s—someone who you need to see.” Oh god please don’t tell me. Not when the war was finally over do I get the news.

“Mommy, what is it?” asked my son.

“Gene, you and your sister stay with Octavia okay?” I told him as I stood up and brushed the dirt off my dress as best as I could.  

Slowly I walked through the back entrance towards the dining room where I knew mom was at stacking the dishes.  I almost didn’t even want to turn the corner to see an officer in uniform telling us now that Eugene was dead.  Finally I worked up the courage to turn the corner and there my heart stopped.

Standing right there by his mother and father in full Marine uniform, was my Genie.

He slowly walked towards me and I him until we finally met in the middle.  For years I’ve dreamed of this day to come that—now it feels like it is a dream.  He raised his hand to my face and the moment I felt his touch, I knew this couldn’t be a dream.

“You—you’re as beautiful as the day I left buttercup.” At that moment, the tears poured down my face as I felt myself collapsing against him.  Eugene kept me steady as his head rested against mine and he rocked me back and forth.

“You’re back! You came back…..” I wept into his uniform.

“I told you I would.” He whispered to me.

“Mama?” Eugene and I separated from each other to see Octavia bringing in the kids. “Why are you crying?” asked my baby girl. When I looked up at Eugene, his eyes were wide and his body fell tense.

“Genie, I—I didn’t want to share this with you through letter. But—I’d like you to meet two very special people of mine. Kids come here.” Shyly they walked from Octavia up to me and Eugene as we now knelt down to their height.

Our kids soon came up and our daughter hid behind my back while our son fiddled with the ends of my dress as he curled himself around my arm.

“Eugene, these are our kids. The oldest of the twins is our son, Eugene B. Sledge Jr. and our baby girl, Daphne Eliza Sledge. Kids—this……is your daddy. He’s come home to us.” My son looked up at me hesitantly and I nodded to him telling him it was okay to go see him.

Little Gene walked up to his daddy and just stared up at him in both awe but a hint of fear.

“Little Gene, suits him. Guess you managed to convince Sid to not let us name our first boy after him.” Eugene teased at me as he gently ruffled his son’s hair.  Knowing that this strange man in uniform wasn’t going to hurt him, little Gene smiled and immediately embraced his daddy.

Eugene embraced his son and kissed the top of his head and it just made my heart soar at seeing both my boys finally meeting each other and already loving each other.  After giving his son some of his love, he looked behind me to our baby girl who was still shyly trying to hide from him.

“It’s okay sweetie bell. He won’t hurt you.” I assured her.  Slowly but surely, she came out till she stood by my arm and clung onto it just like her brother.

“My, my, my. You—you look exactly like your mother when I first met her. Guess now I’ve got two buttercups.”

“How did you know my name?” Eugene looked at me confused so I explained to him.

“She likes to be called buttercup. Says it sounds more prettier than her real name.”

“Well whatever name you prefer darling, it sounds beautiful. Just like your mother, and just like you.” he gently booped his daughter’s button nose which made her giggle and finally loosen up around her daddy. Before long she too cuddled into her daddy’s chest and he gave her the same love and affection he gave his son.

Seeing him hold our two kids just—finally felt right. I always knew Gene would be a natural dad, and even now after being through such hell for the past 3 years, he can finally have some peace knowing his family has now grown.

The rest of the day it was just the four of us bonding and getting to know each other.

Of course I knew life wouldn’t be the same as it was before.  For example the nightmares.  Every night Eugene would suffer terrible and horrifying nightmares.  Some nights I ended up staying awake all night just to make sure he didn’t suffer alone.

There wasn’t much I could do except to just assure him that he wasn’t there anymore and that he was home.  Sometimes the kids would ask him why they would hear their daddy scream and cry but I told them to not ask him such questions yet.

After Eugene had returned with his dad from the dove hunting, I could see from the tearstains on his face and the slight red in his eyes that it didn’t go so well and that he had suffered flashbacks (I still remember when—well my old father still suffered from them night after night).

So Eugene and I, along with the kids decided to head out to Genie and is old favorite spot out in the fields.  He and I were lying on our backs cuddled close to each other while the kids went off to pick wildflowers.

“How long till you found out about them?” he asked me.  I looked up at him before turning towards our kids.

“A couple weeks after you left for bootcamp. I just felt so sick till dad checked me out and that’s when it was confirmed that I was pregnant. I would’ve mentioned it but—something like that can’t be said through letters.”

“They’re beautiful though. Just like you.” he said as I felt his nose bury itself into my neck.

“And you.”

“Mama! Daddy!” soon our kids came running up to us and Buttercup held up a buttercup flower. “Look what I found!”

“Yes sweetheart, you found the flower you’re named after. Did you know of a legend that goes with this flower?” she shook her head no.  I took hold of the buttercup and told her, “If you hold a buttercup under your chin, it’ll make it glow. See how it works on me?” both my children looked at me in pure awe.

“Let me try! Let me try!” Little Gene called out as he reached out to take the flower.  He took it and held it under his chin asking repeatedly if it was working. When Buttercup shook her head, Little Gene pouted, god he really was just like his daddy.

“No worries little Gene. It never worked on me either when I was your age, see?” his daddy said as he held the flower under his chin.

“Can I try it next daddy?” asked Buttercup. Gene nodded and held the flower under his daughter’s chin and low and behold, it worked on her.  He smiled as he shook his head softly scoffing.

“Does it work?” she asked him.

“It sure does Buttercup. Apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, huh (n/n)?” I smiled as he picked up his daughter and began kissing her all over her cheek making her giggle.

“Mommy can you sing for us?” asked little Gene as he crawled his way into my lap.

“What would you like me to sing?”

“The catchy song!” The kids both proclaimed. I smiled and said.

“Okay. But you both know I don’t have the guitar with me to play it.”

“Please mommy!” they both gave me the puppy dog eyes they inherited from their father.

“I swear Eugene this trick came from you.”

“Uhh excuse me? You’ve done the puppy dog eye trick on me way longer than I have. Don’t you put this on just me.” Eugene said trying to point the blame on me.  I scoffed that’s when Little Gene said.

“Mommy sing for us now!”

“Now, now Little Gene, that’s not the way to get something from your mother or from anyone. If you want something you ask politely.” Eugene gently scolded his son.  Little Gene nodded and apologized to me.  I told him it was fine and that’s when I began singing the song that I had made for Eugene what felt like an eternity ago, which now became the kids’ favorite song.

Eugene set our baby girl down and laid his head across my lap while I stroked through his auburn hair as well as down his face. And every time my fingers came close to his lips, he would pucker them out and give each of my fingers or the back of my hand a kiss.  The kids all lay down close to us with my boy laying his head near my knee while our baby girl cuddled herself tight against her daddy’s side, like a little kitten.

After I finished the song, Eugene and I thought it best to head back home and put these kids down for their nap.  I grabbed our son while Eugene held our baby girl, both our kids clung onto us once they knew we had hold of them.  Eugene and I looked at each other before leaning in and giving each other a soft kiss before heading back to the house.

[cicici03]

When Two Worlds Collide- Chapter 1

Hey Y’all!

This is my new series and I hope you guys truly like it. I wanyed this out earlier but your girl had some bad writer’s block!!

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"Now Ms. Linda, I payed for this month rent. Then you wanted to tell me that my building have termites!" Nia shouted at her landlord over the phone.

"Nia, you know that I wouldn't take your rent if I knew there was a problem. However, I just found out today. You might have to move in with Trevante." Ms. Linda whispered out the last part.

Nia shooked her head even harder. Nia walked downstairs to the kitchen to make her something to eat before she needed to leave.

"Ms. Linda that is a definite no and you know that!" Nia said with much anger while finishing up her food before heading to the shop.

"Baby, the whole damn neighboorhood knows that! I know he have hurted you, but baby if you don't want a termite infested salon. I'm going to needed you to leave by Monday!" Ms. Linda shouted back at Nia.

Nia shook her head once again, still listening to Ms. Linda trying to give her other options to go.

"Ms. Linda, you can ask him because I am not." Nia quietly said to Ms. Linda. Nia got to the refrigerator and saw that last night dinner, rice and chicken, was in the back.

As Nia reach to grab the leftovers, Ms. Linda caught her attention.

"Baby, I will ask Trevante for you. However, honey you need to get over that heart break! I know Trevante was your first love, but baby if you want to live life, you need to move on !" Ms. Linda said in a motherly tone with Nia.

Nia froze as she was place the rice and chicken in her bowl. Cierra knew Ms. Linda was right, but she just couldn't. As she was about to reply, she heard Cause I Love You by Lenny Williams.

Nia smiles to herself, as she finish packing up her lunch.

"Ms. Linda, I will talk to you later and please don't make it sound that I need desperate help to Tre!" Cierra said with emphasis on the last part of her statement to Ms. Linda.

Ms. Linda laughed at the comment.

"Baby, you are in desperate help!" Ms. Linda continue laughing as she ended the call.

Nia walked into the dining room, hearing Lenny Williams song even louder. She saw her Gigi over there moving to the song.

Nia drop her lunch on the table to get her attention. As it drop on the table, Nia's Gigi turn around quickly.

"Little girl, you better not scare me like that. If y'all wasn't here, I would be naked!" Gigi Ruth exclaimed while turning down the music.

Nia laughed at her Gigi Ruth.

Gigi Ruth was the matriarch of the family. She wasn't originally from Chicago, but moved here when she turn 18 to get away from the Jim Crow South. Even though she still experience racism, she felt a little more comfortable than living in Alabama.

She didn't take shit from nobody, and she was going to act like how she felt: young.

"Well Gigi, I heard you and your little friend last night. Whom, was in the same bed my papa had his last breath!" Nia exclaimed while bringing out breakfast for the table.

"Nia, get out my business little girl. The last thing I remeber your old, ugly papa was six feet under!" Gigi Ruth starting grabbing some of the sausage off the plate. 

As Nia saw the sausage in Gigi's hand. She snatch out of her hand.

"Now little girl, you might be my blood! However, don't snatch my damn food out my hand!" Gigi Ruth said while giving Nia the death scare.

"Gigi, you know that you can't have this! You need to lower down on the greasy food!" Nia shouted back as she went into the kithen to get her Gigi's food.

"Well damn Nia what I suppose to eat! I should called the damn AARP on your ass!" Gigi Ruth said as she put her hands up to her chest. As Nia was walking out the kitchen with Gigi's food, her mother came downstairs. 

As Nia place the food, Gigi Ruth saw the contents of it.

Plain oatmeal.

"Cassandra, get your daughter before I kill her! There is no butter, milk, sugar! It is white people oatmeal because no black person a would ever touch this shit!" Gigi Ruth shouted even louder, while shaking her head looking at the oatmeal.

"Momma, please I have a headache right now." Cassandra calmly sat down on the plastic dining seat. As Nia heard that, she rush over to her mother with her medicine.

"Momma well take this one first. Then take the other ones!" Nia stuttered out, while rushing to get all the pills out of the bottle. Cassandra grab her daughter's hand and held it. Nia looked at her mother with tears in her eyes.

"Baby, it just a headache. I am fine." Cassandra reassured by grabbed the medicine and taking it. Nia went back into the kitchen to recollected herself. As she did that, Gigi Ruth looked at her daughter.

She wasn't getting any better.

Even though Cassandra tried to hide it, she couldn't hide it from her momma. 

Back in the kitchen, Nia looked at the time, seeing it was almost time for her to leave. She knew her younger brother, Nate, wasn't up at 7:30 on a Saturday.

Nia walked out the kitchen to her brother's room. As she got to the door, she didn't even knocked.

As she walked in, she saw not one body but two.

"I know your dumbass don't have a girl in the bed!" Nia snapped by pull the cover off the bed. As the cover came off, she saw her brother and some girl from his high school.

When the covers got snatch off, Nate realized that his ass is in for it. Nate look at the foot of his bed, and saw his sister. He looked at her face, and it was giving attitude.

"Wake her up." Nia gritted out with her hand folded across her chest. Nate looked at the girl and he was scared. As Nia saw her brother being scare, she took matters in her own hands.

Nia grabbed the girl's foot, and get start dragging. As the girl started to feel herself being pull, she woke up immediately. Just as she recognized was happening, she hit the floor.

"Now little girl, you need to find your clothes and get out of this house! With that, I know you sneaked in through the window, however you are walk out of the house through the front door!" Nia hissed out to the girl , who started to cry, as she realized that Nia was pulling her out the bed and she got caught.

As the girl starting getting her stuff, Nia turned to her brother.

"For you, you are going to get dress and be working like a dog at the shop today! You have five minutes to be down here!" Nia shouted at her brother.

As the girl had her clothes on, Nia pointed for her to walk first. As Nia and the girl got to the dining room, Gigi Ruth spit out her oatmeal.

"Now I know this ain't Nikki's little girl up in here!" Gigi Ruth chuckled out while shaking her head. Cassandra looked behind her and was shocked by the girl walking out the house.

"Baby, don't be like your grandma and momma: a hoe!" Gigi Ruth shouted at her the girl as she got to the front door.

"Momma!" Cassandra sighed while shaking her head at her momma. Gigi Ruth just went back eating her food. Nia shut the door and went back into the dining room.

"I can't believe him! He knows better than that!" Nia shouted out while sitting down waiting on Nate. 

"Baby, it is okay. He is just a teenager!" Cassandra calmly said to her daughter.

"Momma, I just don't undestand! He needs dad! I just don't understand, why dad would just leave like that!" Nia barked out.

As Nia said something about her father, Cassandra stomach drops like it always does. Even though, Cassandra did tell the truth about their father, she didn't tell them all the truth.

As Cassandra was about to say something, Nate came into the dining room.

"Now Nate, I am going to tell you, you don't need to mess with them Jackson women because all I know that they give people the itch." Gigi Ruth teased her grandson, as she head to the door to get into the car.

Nia and Cassandra laughed as they head outside to the car too. Nate on the other hand, was scared. Nate ran outside and closed the door.

"Gigi, I am itching a little bit!" Nate uttered out as he got into the car.

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12:00 pm

The shop was busy due to it being a Saturday. With the salon, Nia sat at the very end on the left of the row. 

With everybody chatting and people jumping in, Nia went to the front were Nate was at.

When she finally got up there, she saw him talking to a girl. Nia looked and just saw all her breast hanging over the desk. Nia went behind the desk, which catch the attention of both of them.

"Ummm, Nia, don't you see I'm busy." Nate said in a hushed tone trying to push his sister away. 

Nia looked up from the computer to her brother and the girl. The girl seem like a smart girl, with her dark melanin popping and her braces shining in her mouth.

"Honeybun," Nia spoke holding the girl hand, "My brother is a broke man! You don't want a broke man, so I suggest you go back sitting over there. Cause I bet he said that you the most beautiful girl he ever met. With that, he suggest y'all go to the park and kick it. Then he going ask you do you want to go to the movies which he going ask me for money. " Nia said to the girl whom didn't look happy.

As Nia finally saw who her next cilent was, she walk in the back. As for her brother, who was trying to recover from his sister outburst, the girl slap him and walked back to her seat.

Nate followed Nia back to her station.

"Why would you do that Nia! I already have to be at this dumb salon helping clean! I can't even get my haircut at Tre's place because you so mad at him for cheating on you! Let me have my damn life! " Nate hollered out in front of the whole salon. Everybody stop their conversation and looked at the siblings. With that, Gigi Ruth walked over there to straighten them out.

"Now y'all stop acting a damn fool! Nate go over to the barbershop and get your head cut. " Gigi Ruth boldly stated to the siblings while handing money to Nate. As Nate left, Gigi Ruth looked back at Nia and her face showed how she felt.

"I want you to say something. I dare you. Your brother need somebody that want mess up his hair. Justin. " Gigi Ruth joked while looking at Justin when walking back to her station. Everybody started to laughed at her.

"Well I do know how to cut Ms. Bump the Ends!" Justin snapped back with his marcel curler in his hand.

"Baby, ask your grandaddy about bumping the ends because he was bumping my ends all last night!" Gigi Ruth scream while taking the rollers out of her head. With that, everybody was dying with laughter.

Nia just shooked her head while grinning to herself while sitting in her chair. She looked around seeing that her client wasn't here yet. She went and got her phone from the back to see if she was still coming. 

While back there, one of the many people waiting in the shop shouted out.

"Oh God, everybody Tre is coming over here!" the lady shouted so the whole shop could hear. All the ladies and Justin was straighten themselves out. 

Tre was like the Denzel on the Westside. His always straight white teeth, with his low fade haircut, and that clean beard just make every women a little moist.

Also, Justin.

As the door open, all the ladies and Justin looked at him.

"Hey ladies." Tre smirked at the ladies and Justin looking at him like a pack of meat. 

"Hey Tre!" All the women shouted back while looking at Tre and the sweatpants he was wearing.

"Y'all are some hoes! Trevante don't want y'all ass! Some of y'all needed to be worrying about y'all baby daddies and if they giving you some child support! " Gigi Ruth shouted at all the women in the shop. 

All of them sighed and turn back to what they were doing.

Tre laughed and looked at Gigi Ruth and gave her a hug. With that, the person behind him held on to his leg a little harder.

"Well I kinda needed some help. My babygirl hair needs to be braid! I know y'all busy but I really need your help. " Three calmly stated while bringing the little girl from behind him.

Gigi Ruth looked at the little girl, along with everybody else. The girl, Brelynn, felt all the eyes at her.

"Daddy why are all these people looking at me!" Brelynn quietly stated on the verge of tears. Brelynn was a really shy little girl and daddies girl due to her mother dying during childbirth.

"Lets go in the back!" Gigi Ruth stated while walking in front of them. As they was walking behind Gigi, people started to notice the little girl. They were talking alot.

“ Oh God, that the child!”

“ Were is Nia?”

“ Ah damn, keep me under the dryer a little while longer so I can what is going to happen.”

Tre heard the comments and shooked his head. As they finally got to the back, he saw her.

The person he still loves.

As Nia was getting off the phone with her client, whom was not able to make her appointment, she put the phone back in her locker after it. As she turns around she see her Gigi, Tre, and Brelynn.

Nia was just left in shocked, while looking at the little girl. The same little girl, whose mother that Tre slept with during their relationship.

The same little girl, Nia wish was hers because she wanted to have all of Tre’s kid.

“ I did not know you was back here!” Gigi muttered while looking at her grandaughter. Gigi Ruth can see the hurt on her granddaughter face when she Brelynn and Tre. Nia shooked her head and walk pass them. However, Tre grabbed her arm. As Nia realize that, she started to looked at him like he was crazy.

“ I really need somebody to do her hair Nia. I don’t trust nobody but you to do it!  I was really hoping you didn’t have anyone.” Tre begged to Nia. Nia looked at Tre and saw the man that she still in love with after ten years.

Nia looked back at the the little girl, whom was looking at Nia. Nia walked over to her and smiled.

“ What’s your name?” Nia asked while smiling at her. Brelynn went further behind her daddy. 

“ It’s okay. My name is Nia. I see that you like to read books!” Nia smiled at the book in her hand.

“ My favorite book series is Harry Potter too.  Your daddy use to take me to get the books all the time in the city.” Nia giggled while remembering when Tre and her went to the city to stand in line for the new Harry Potter book. Brelynn smiled at Nia, whom wasn’t like the other women her dad brought around.

“ My name is Brelynn.” Brelynn answered while smiling at Nia. As Tre was looking at the interaction, his love for Nia expanded even more.

“ Babygirl, can Nia do your hair?” Tre asked as she saw that Brelynn wasn’t behind him anymore, but was standing in front of Nia smiling and talking.

“ Yes daddy, I want her too!” Brelynn answered excitedly while going back to talking to Nia. As Gigi Ruth realize that her client was still under the dryer she went to go back to check on her.

As she was beginning to open the door, she heard whispering. So Gigi Ruth do what she does best.

“ I know y’all nosey, black asses are not at this door!Y’all need to get some business before you try to see what others are doing! That is why most of y’all asses don’t have no man!” Gigi Ruth screech as she open the door seeing clients and hairstylists trying to listen.

“ Now Hattie, I know you done had a hip replacement. You say you can’t go to church, but you can come to a door to listen to somebodies business!” Gigi Ruth scream while shaking her head as she closed the door.

Tre shook her head and laughed at the crazy, old woman.

“Okay sweetie, my chair is right on the left at the end!” Nia said to Brelynn as she skip out the door to Nia’s chair. Nia realize that it was only her and Tre in the backroom.

She finally looked at him in the eye, those chocolate brown orbs, and looked at him for the first time in a long time. 

“ Well how much is it going to be?” Tre quietly mumbled out to ease the tension in the air. Nia just looked at him and shooked her head.

With that, she left and started on Brelynn’s hair.

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2:00 p.m.

“ Hey everybody, I got hotdogs, pasta salad, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and some baked chicken plates! I also got all the Madea movies on DVD.” Ms.Linda shouted out as she came in with her a mobile food stand. 

Ms. Linda did everything from being the landlord, selling the food, to the bootleg DVDS.

Nia looked up as she finish parting the last section of hair on Brelynn. Brelynn was preoccupied with her book. Ms. Linda recongized the Brelynn in her seat.

Ms.Linda walked over to Nia’s station to have a little chat with her.

“ Hey Ms.Linda!” Brelynn said while smiling.

“ Hi baby, Nia doing a good job on your hair!” Ms. Linda said while giving a hug to Nia.

“ Have you talk to the person you needed to talk to Ms.Nia?” Ms.Linda questioned while looking at the mirror to check out her makeup.

“ No. We only talk about hair Ms.Linda.” Nia answered backed as she was starting to braid the last braid. Before Ms. Linda could answer, somebody start talking about how men ain’t shit.

This was a very hot topic in the shop for all the women, plus Justin.

“ Now that nigga, Jacquees, at the barbershop is not shit at all! He told me that I needed to leave like I was some hoe.” one of the hair clients in Dajai chair said disgustedly.

“ Well honey you are hoe!” Gigi Ruth laughed while sitting her chair. Everybody else start laughing with her.

With that, Brelynn laughed at herself. Nia notice, but she thought it was something in the book that was funny.

“ Well, Mr. All Goody Two Shoes, Allen, he is a hoe too!” Emily, one of the hairstylist, said while pressing out the girl hair.

“ Nerdy Allen?” Nia question remembering Allen in high school. Emily look towards her and gave her look that said she was right.

With that, Brelynn laughed even harder, and caught the attention of everybody.

“ This remind of the barbershop! They talk about y’all too!” Brelynn laughed even harder. Everybody in the shop looked at Brelynn.

“ Well for you,” Brelynn pointed to the girl in Dajai’s chair, “ They call you duck lips becuase you tried to swallowed Jaccquees lips when kissing him!” Brelynn stated while still laughing.

“ Also you,” Brelynn pointed to Emily, “ Allen thinks you a nice girl and he really likes you! However, he just stand the smell of your. I don’t remember what it is call, but I know it started with a v.” Brelynn finished laughing up. Everybody else was left in shock and gasp.

“ Oh hell no, they talking about like us like that! Lets go over there now with the little girl!” Dajai’s client shout while getting up and standing in the middle of the salon.

“ Wait hold up now,” Gigi Ruth went to the little girl, “ What they say about me ?” Gigi Ruth said in a cocky tone.

Brelynn laughed even harder while looking at Gigi Ruth.

“ Well they call you a old hag!” Brelynn finish laughing. Nia shooked her head thinking, WW3 is about to happen on the Westside streets.

“Oh hell naw, they going need Black Jesus because I am about to pistol whip all of them bastards!” Gigi Ruth shouted while walking out the door, with mostly everybody following behind her.

Brelynn looked at Nia, whom shooked her head. 

“ Did I do something wrong Nia?” Brelynn question with much concern.

“ Oh baby, it is okay, but WW3 is about to happen!” Nia help Brelynn out the chair to see what is about to go down.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well.........

Me waiting for the next chapter to see how this shit about to pop off!!

Once again I hope you truly like it!!!

Please comment, reblog, and like!!!

Plus if you want to join the taglist comment too!!!

Taglist: @soufcakmistress​ @lovesunnyandmary​

@19jammmy @twistedcharismaaa @munteanhore @ljstraightnochaser @l-auteuse

[basiccortez]

I absolutely loved reading your writing and if you’re interested I would love #3 on the #5 prompt list for chibs 💕💕💕

prompt: ‘You’re not hurting me, you’re not heavy. I’ve got you, love’ 

You stood in front of the mirror, tears once again in your eyes. You spent many days standing in your sports bra and shorts, after working out hard, but not seeing any change. 

You had always been a bit bigger than the rest of your classmates in school. Your mother always said it was baby fat that was yet to shed off. But after you went through the typical female adulting changes, the curves on your body became more defined, as your friends didn’t. 

At first, you had hated it. You hated the comments you would get, both positive and negative. You hated shopping with your friends, watching them go into different stores. You had always liked to stay at one store, because you knew your size, you didn’t have to keep trying on the same skirt until you found your size. 

But, you had grown to love it, especially when you went to college. You had danced majorette for years, and that had helped you get a full ride scholarship to Alabama A and M. You danced all 4 years in college, and eventually graduated with a degree in biology. Landing you out in California for medical school. 

Living in california, and being surrounded by instagram models, and whatnot, those self conscious vibes came back to you. You had started to travel down a dark path, until a certain knight and shinning motorcycle swept you off your feet. 

But the thoughts didn’t stop there. Chibs worked around a bunch of porn models, who were beautiful, tall, and skinny. You had tried hard to not let being around them bother you, but you weren’t built like the girls who had hung around the clubhouse. So you had decided to start working for a better body. 

After months of dieting, and working out daily, you were yet to see results. Lyla, your workout and motivation, had told you to just keep working, it would take time. But you were tired of having aching muscles, and eating chicken and bland rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You felt like you were out of options, so you found something you think would work. 

For the past couple weeks, you had been slowly eating less and less. One meal a day, usually lunch, and plenty of water. You had started working out two times a day, a hard workout in the morning, and a lighter one in the afternoon. You had started to see some results, but not enough, you needed more. You wanted more. 

“Love?” Chibs asked, as he walked down the hall of the small house they shared together. 

You quickly pulled your shirt down. As the door to the bedroom door opened, and your scotishman, stood tall in the doorway, his body clad in black jeans and his black leather kutte. 

“What are ya doing, Y/N?” Chibs asked, looking at his girlfriend who’s cheeks were bright red, and her shirt wet with sweat, “You working out again? I thought you did that this morning?” 

“I do it twice a day, Filip.” You said, pushing past your boyfriend. Chibs was taken back by the attitude that came out of your mouth. He followed you to the living room as you filled up your waterbottle, for the 4th time today. 

“You hungry? I thought we could order from that pizza place you like.” Chibs asked. 

“Already ate today.” 

“When? Cause you look half dead,” 

“This morning.” 

“That’s it? It’s almost 9 o’clock, Y/N.” 

“I’m just not hungry.” You shrugged and looked up at your boyfriend. He really studied your frame. Your eyes had bags under them, and your cheeks looked sunken in, and overall you just looked tired. Not the usual Y/N that Chibs had come to know and love. 

“What is really going on? You never turn down a good cheese pizza.” Chibs said, grabbing the waterbottle from your hands. You looked at him, and shook your head. 

“I’m trying to lose some weight, and it’s harder than I thought, so I’m working out more and eating less. I want to be pretty, feel pretty. I want to look like Lyla, and Ima, and all those other girls who prance around the clubhouse with this huge amount of confidence, that I want them to just throw at me like a fucking baseball.” You said honestly. Chibs sighed and looked at you. 

“Y/N, if I wanted a twig, I would go pull one off the tree. You are beautiful, you are perfect. I want you, for who you are. You don’t need to be a size 2, for me to want to get down on one knee and marry you.” 

Before you could say anything, Chibs swept you up in his arms, and carried you bridal style to the bedroom. 

“Filip put me down! I’m going to break your arms! I’m too heavy for this.” You protested. 

“You’re not hurting me, you’re not heavy. I’ve got you, love” Chibs said, as he laid you gently on the bed. 

“What are you doing?” You said, looking at the biker who looked at you with such love and adoration in his eyes. 

“I am going to show you how perfect you are, even if it takes me the rest of my life to prove it.” 

[tabloidtoc]

Star, March 8

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: George Clooney vs. Brad Pitt -- the fight that ended their friendship

Page 1: Scott Disick's mid-life makeover -- some guys buy a convertible but Scott already has a garage full of fancy rides, so what else to do when you're edging close to 40, split from the mom of your three kids and are already dating a 19-year-old model? Well, bleach your hair platinum, of course!

Page 2: Contents, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary with a couple's surf session

Page 3: Star Shots -- John Legend wore an eye-catching sweater to a photoshoot in West Hollywood, Anya Taylor-Joy stunned in a crimson gown on the set of an untitled David O. Russell-directed period film, Jason Sudeikis grabbed a bite during a break from filming Ted Lasso's second season in London

Page 4: After hosting countless rose ceremonies over nearly two decades of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Chris Harrison is now in the hot seat himself and facing backlash for defending current Bachelor frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell who's been accused of racist behavior -- the next day, Chris apologized and said he was stepping aside as host of the dating reality series but the damage was done as Rachel Lindsay who is the first Black lead in the franchise's history revealed she won't renew her Bachelor contract and current Bachelor Matt James supported her -- as for Chris, the fallout continues as Crest are considering pulling down ads featuring him but with critics calling for his ouster Chris wants his job back and no one at ABC wants to see him replaced but those conversations are happening

Page 5: Miley Cyrus has an idea how to help Britney Spears in her legal battle to replace dad Jamie Spears as her conservator -- Miley is hoping she and Britney can record a classic song together like an anthem like Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves or Enough Is Enough and she's hoping to get Britney on board but that may be a challenge with the legal restrictions in place

* Mom-of-eight Kate Gosselin didn't get what she was asking for on her house in Pennsylvania -- it's upsetting that she got less than she paid for it but her hand was forced; it costs a lot to keep up a house like that on 20-plus acres and with years of roughhousing, it needs a lot of work -- with twins Mady and Cara already in college and the sextuplets growing up, Kate hopes to jump-start her career and she's dying to leave Pennsylvania and head to Hollywood

* Paris Hilton's boyfriend of just over a year Carter Reum dropped to one knee on a gorgeous private beach and offered Paris his heart and a sparkler from Cartier and she said yes -- close family was on hand to celebrate the couple who have been friends for 15 years and the party went on well into the evening -- now Paris is already making wedding plans for something simple and elegant with a gorgeous dinner and the couple is ready to start a family sooner rather than later and she's hinted she's already started IVF and if she gets pregnant they'll just push up the wedding

Page 6: Ryan Gosling needed some time off after 2018's moon-landing biopic First Man because he really became Neil Armstrong during the six months of shooting and he was absolutely drained after finishing it and he spent the next two years with wife Eva Mendes being a full-time dad to their two young kids -- now he's back and with three movies lined up, he's looking at a $75 million paycheck this year -- in addition to The Gray Man, he's gearing up for a Wolfman update and another space adventure called Project Hail Mary -- he wants to be a popcorn-movie star and he's going full-blown buff-and-shirtless action hero

* Allen v. Farrow is a new investigation into 1992 allegations about Woody Allen by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow and her mother Mia Farrow that digs up damning new evidence against the director -- one harrowing home video shows the then-7-year-old Dylan saying her dad touched her privates and later a doorman and a building manager and a maid at Allen's NYC residence raise questions about when Woody began his shocking relationship with Mia's teen daughter Soon-Yi -- Mia also expresses fear in the doc, saying she worries that when the documentary comes out he'll be on the attack again and he'll do whatever he has to do to save himself

* Star Spots the Stars -- Julia Roberts, Joe Jonas, Luann de Lesseps, Christina Aguilera, Kaia Gerber, Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young

Page 8: Star Shots -- With balloons and a box of chocolate in hand lifestyle expert Gretta Monahan arrived at The View, Melissa Gorga snacked on a huge box of sweets between Zoom interviews to promote the 11 season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Vanessa Lachey prepared to host a Galentine's Day celebration with macarons and wine

Page 10: Jenna Dewan making a plant-based meal, Selling Sunset's Christine Quinn and her husband Christian Richard sipped juice bar drinks while running errands in Beverly Hills, Hugh Grant stopped to tend to his laces while out for a walk in Chelsea in West London, Carrie Underwood prepped for her daily workout session in pieces from her Calia fitness apparel line

Page 12: After a stop at the Kidding Around children's store Bradley Cooper had his hands full walking with his daughter Lea in NYC, Sofia Vergara chic in a blowout and patterned top in Beverly Hills, Justin Bieber looked comfy in a message tee and pajama bottoms in L.A.

Page 13: Thandie Newton looked tense while Chris Pine hit the ground running as the two filmed the spy thriller All the Old Knives in London, Jon Bernthal braved the frigid water while Gretchen Mol bundled up on the set of American Gigolo in L.A.

Page 14: Think Pink -- Jennifer Lopez hoisted an oversized customized bubble-gum hued Coach satchel in a promo shot in NYC, Cardi B slipped on neon sneakers from her Reebok collaboration to shop on Rodeo Drive in L.A., Hilary Duff showing off a peek of her growing baby bump on the set of Younger in NYC

Page 16: In town to film The Hills: New Beginnings with their castmates Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag played in the snow with their son Gunner in Lake Tahoe

Page 17: Mandy Moore and husband Taylor Goldsmith celebrated their last Valentine's Day before parenthood with a romantic stroll in Pasadena, Michelle Obama on her new children's show Waffles + Mochi

Page 18: Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay in NYC, hiding her locks in a cute newsboy cap Brooke Burke grabbed dinner at Nobu in Malibu, Krysten Ritter brought her son Bruce to meet some farm animals at the Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita

Page 20: Normal or Not? Farrah Abraham suffered a serious wardrobe malfunction while hitting the sand in Malibu -- not normal, Nikki Reed gushing over her therapy chicken -- normal, Property Brothers' Drew Scott booty bumpin' with wife Linda Phan -- not normal, Lucy Hale lovingly held onto her new dog Ethel while fueling up her ride in L.A. -- normal

Page 22: Fashion -- stars in pastel frocks -- Heidi Klum, Sophia Bush, Chrissy Teigen

Page 23: Rihanna, Kirsten Dunst

Page 26: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are having sexy slumber parties at Kourtney's $8.5 million Calabasas pad and they are spending so much time together and she loves having him sleep over and he'll stay the whole weekend -- Travis who has lived nearby in the gated community for years is already making himself at home and not only has he moved a bunch of stuff into Kourtney's property but she leaves him to chill out and enjoy his space if she has to run errands -- even if it seems the couple is moving and moving in fast, their respective broods are on board with the new arrangement and Kourtney's kids Mason, Penelope and Reign love having Travis around and meanwhile the door is always open for Travis' kids Alabama and Landon, and Travis and Kourtney do a lot of fun stuff with their kids together -- there's already speculation that the move-in will be permanent because Kourtney knows a good thing when she sees it and Travis checks all the boxes

Page 27: Meeting the in-laws might be a little complicated for newly engaged Shailene Woodley and Aaron Rodgers because the Green Bay Packers QB is famously estranged from his Chico, California-based family -- in 2016 Aaron's younger brother Jordan Rodgers exposed the rift while competing on The Bachelorette and at the time, fans blamed Aaron's then-girlfriend Olivia Munn for turning him Hollywood but the trouble continued after their 2017 split -- now that he's with Shailene, Aaron doesn't want to bring her into that toxic atmosphere but Shailene who once called her own folks super f**ked up is not deterred and she is encouraging Aaron to let bygones be bygones but he's not ready

* Melissa and Joe Gorga's marriage troubles will play out on the new season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey but their issues are even worse behind the scenes and they've been butting heads as Melissa's career continues to skyrocket so she's distracted with work and doesn't have time for Joe and he feels neglected and he isn't one to hold back -- it doesn't help that the Envy boutique owner was rumored to be getting close to another man -- the couple is trying to work out their issues for the sake of their three kids but Melissa may be done

Page 28: Cover Story -- George Clooney and Brad Pitt: The Breaking Point -- fights, jealousy and other women -- the former besties had a major falling out and now mutual friend Sandra Bullock is desperate to reunite them -- George and Brad have barely spoken in eight years and they've definitely gone their separate ways and Brad's ex-wife Angelina Jolie played a big part in the demise of their friendship because Angie felt George took Brad away from her and their kids -- Amal Clooney found Angie unbearable and that was kind of the point of no return for Brad and George -- George is struggling to regain his luster as a director while Brad is out there winning Oscars

Page 32: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Interview Shockers -- as they prep for baby number two, Harry and Meghan announce a no-holds-barred interview, leaving the palace on edge

Page 34: Celebs in Wheel Trouble -- don't drink (or drug) and drive; these stars got caught making some very bad decisions -- Bruce Springsteen, mug shots of Justin Bieber

Page 35: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Lindsay Lohan, Michael Phelps, Khloe Kardashian, Henry Thomas, Heather Locklear, Jesse Luken, Mel Gibson

Page 36: Beauty -- curl care -- strengthen every type of wave and coil with cool new miracle workers

Page 48: Parting Shot -- Bill Murray teamed up with NFL player Larry Fitzgerald for the AT&T Every Shot Counts Charity Challenge in Pebble Beach -- despite landing in third place, Bill and Larry made a great pair, earning an impressive $209,000 for local charities

[hamonsurveysoverdrive]

Imagery

1. Are you ready for 100 questions? Not if they're all gonna be this stupid. 2. Do you watch college football? No. 3. Who will fill this survey out after you? Idfk. 4. Who was the last person to send you a text message? Krystle. 5. Last time you went swimming in a pool? September 6. Are you happy? Meh 7. Where was the last place you went shopping? Ulta 8. What does your hair look like right now? Messy 9. Where do you live? Texas 10. Last thing you ate/drank? Trail mix and water. 11. Do you wish you were someplace else right now? Nah. 12. Last time you smoked a cigarette? Like, 30 mins ago. 13. Do you have any expensive jewelry? Yes. 14. AIM or Yahoo? lol 15. What classes are you taking right now? Sociology, US History, Composition I. 16. How many hours on average do you work a week? 0. 17. Do you like your job? N/a 18. Favorite NFL team? New York Giants 19. Do you watch the Olympics? Some of the events 20. Last restaurant you went to? Piranha Ramen 21. Who was the last person to call you? Kelsi 22. What is your sign? Scorpio 23. Do you have a favorite number? Yes 24. Last time you did volunteer work or made any donations? The other day 25. What do you spend the majority of your money on? Cigarettes and gas 26. Where does your family live? Mostly Texas, except for my sister and her family, who live in Alabama 27. Are you an only child or do you have siblings? I have an older sister. 29. Ever been called a bitch? I'm a female, of course I have. 31. Do you drink beer? Not anymore. 32. Have you ever experienced true love? Yes. 33. Did you ever collect Beanie Babies? I had like three 34. Ever bought anything online? Sure 35. Myspace or Facebook? lol Facebook 36. Do you have T-Mobile? No 37. What was your favorite subject? Anything to do with writing or literature 38. Do you sometimes wish you were someone else? Sure 39. Do you usually fall for the "man whores" or the "sluts"? Yes lol 40. Were you an outcast in high school? In some ways 41. Last time you saw your parents? I saw my dad last night, my mom yesterday morning 42. Do you have any talents? Sure 43. Ever been in a wedding? Yepp 44. Do you have any children? Two boys 45. Last movie you watched? Uhhhhhhhhhh I don't remember 46. Are you missing anyone at the moment? Yes 47. Did you take a nap today? No 48. What /Who was your HS Mascot? Warriors. Super racist. 49. Ever been on a cruise? Yepp 50. Favorite vacation spot? Big cities 51. Last time you were mad? Yesterday probably 52. Favorite TV Show? Friends, Frasier 53. Ever met anyone famous before? Yes 54. Favorite actor? Jack Nicholson, John Malkovich, Daniel Day Lewis 55. Favorite actress? Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett 56. Are you multi-tasking right now? Yes 57. Could you handle being in the military? No 58. Are you hungry or thirsty? Hungry, but lazy 59. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chicken Express 61. What is your average cell phone bill? 62. 62. Do you own a camera phone? lol Yes 63. Ever had to take a sobriety test? Yes, at my highschool prom lol 64. Do you believe in Karma? No 65. Can you speak any other languages? Not fluently 66. Last time you went to the gym or worked out? lol 67. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Enough 68. Do you have a photo hosting site that you use? No 69. Last place you were? I was at Justin's house last night, if we're not counting my own home 70. What is your college mascot? A bull 71. Ever been to Las Vegas? Nope. 75. What do you think is your best feature? My lips 76. Have you ever been gambling? Yes 77. How old are your parents? 50 and 54 78. When is the last time you updated your blog? ...Now 79. Do you have your wisdom teeth? Yes 80. Favorite place to be? Big cities, movie theaters 81. Have you been to New York City? Yepp 82. Favorite sit down restaurant? The Porch, India Star, Blue 83. Ever been to Disney Land? No, but I've been to Disney World twice. 84. Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Spinelli 85. Last thing you cooked? Jalapeno poppers 86. How is the weather today? Nice 87. Do you email? When I need to 88. Last letter/piece of mail you received besides junk or a bill? My new glasses 89. Favorite store? Target 91. Last voicemail you received? No idea 92. Do you drunk dial/text? I don't drink 93. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? Dropped it in a toilet. On accident, of course. 94. What is the best city in the state that you have lived in? I have only lived in Dallas and Arlington, so I guess Arlington. 95. Favorite band/artist? Jimi Hendrix 96. Last time you were sick? Last year 97. Are you bored right now? Not really, just procrastinating the things I actually need to do. 98. Last concert you went to? Ugh, Pentatonix. It sucked and now it's going to be for forever before I can change it, because America doesn't know how to shut down for a pandemic. 99. What do you think about before you go to bed? Whatever. 100. What are your plans for tomorrow? Finishing studying.

[travelingtheusa]

ALABAMA

2024 May 7 (Tue) – We spent the day hanging around the campground, working on various projects.  At 4 p.m. we enjoyed drinks with Joe & Diane and at 6 p.m., we had burgers and chips for dinner.

2024 May 6 (Mon) – Joe, Paul and I went on a tour of the Rickwood Caverns this morning.  Diane is claustrophobic and did not go.  The cave is brown and pretty dead.  There was one part that had lots of moisture but the entire cavern was colorless.  The tour was a one-mile walk and had a staircase of 110 steps all together at the end.  A family of parents with 3 kids aged -1, 2, and 3 were also on the tour.  The little ones fussed and mussed.  I offered them snacks from Joe’s pack and that helped a little. The mother had an 8-month old in a papoose and couldn’t do much to help the father.  His 2 little ones both wanted to be carried.  Doing that up and down the steps we had to take throughout the cavern was certainly a feat of strength.  We don’t know how he was able to do it.

      After lunch, we went into town to do some shopping.  There was a fuel stop, a liquor store, the bank, the post office, the grocery store and a stop at ACE Hardware.  I cooked shredded chicken in salsa verde for dinner and we all had tortillas for dinner.  Afterward, I had Paul pull out the Mancala game.  It is still a confusing and frustrating game.

2024 May 5 (Sun) – We left Meridian, MS at 10:00 a.m. and headed out with Joe & Diane in tow.  Since check-in time at Rickwood Caverns State Park Campground isn’t until 4 p.m., we left later than usual.  We arrived in Warrior at 2:30 p.m.   Previous emails had instructed us to park and setup in an assigned campsite.  We did that.  Next to us is a woman who appears to be living in her car.  She has stuff all over the place but no tent or RV.  Across from her is a guy in a van.  He also appears to be living in his vehicle.  I guess these are homeless folks.

      After setup, Paul and Joe went to the office to get credit for the military discount. 

[lakecountylibrary]

13 Light Reads to Give Your Brain a Break

Reader’s advisor Susan C recommends some light reading to lighten your mood!

[ID: Several book covers as listed below on a light background with some confetti. Text reads Don’t Worry Be Happy! Light reading recommendations /ID]

Aunt Erma's Cope Book: How to Get from Monday to Friday in 12 Days by Erma Bombeck

Erma Bombeck's hilarious guide to using self help books to prosper or, more likely, to perish.

Furiously Happy: a Funny Book about Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

The author explores her lifelong battle with mental illness with humor and honesty finding joy in fantastic and outrageous ways.

Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Timeless stories about everyday miracles that illuminate the best of the human spirit.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

Back in the United States from England, Bryson decides to walk the trail reveling in the beauty of nature and witnessing the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

The author, an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor writes about his move to Paris and his experiences living there.

The All-Girl Filling Station 's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

A comic mystery novel. Newly empty nester Mrs. Rookie Poole of Point Clear, Alabama sets off to find the truth about a secret about her mother:a past that takes her around the country and back to the 1940's.

Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons by Lorna Landvik

Laughter is the glue that holds together the AHEB book club. The women of Freesia Court support each other through life's ups and downs through the decades.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

It looks like Becky Bloomwood has everything: a trendy flat, glamorous friends, and the latest fashions. The problem is she can't afford it, and the bank has come calling. How does she cope? Shopping! Then she writes a front page article that changes her life...

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Beckman

In this feel-good story, a grumpy older man's life is changes when a chatty family moved in next door.

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich

Introducing Stephanie Plum, a New Jersey bounty hunter with an attitude. Out of work, her adventures begin when she blackmails her bail bondsman cousin into giving her a try as an apprehension agent.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsiom

Genetics professor Don Tillman sets out on a quest to find the perfect wife. Then he meets Rosie who does not meet any of his criteria, but who changes his life in ways he doesn't expect.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

In the summer of 1950, young Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison is mystified by a series of events at the once grand mansion of Buckshaw. When she sees a man die in the cucumber patch she is determined to find out what happened.

Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton

Mattie Rigsbee age 78 is strong minded and independent. What will happen when young delinquent Wesley Benfield comes into her life?

See more of Susan’s recs

[trashinaglass-archive]

This is a rant about a toxic family member of mine. 

Just wanted to get it out. If you don’t care, don’t blame you, have a nice day. If you do, YOU’RE AN ANGEL

Blurbs to come soon to cheer me up:)))))

Ok so setting up the scene, I am not a skinny girl (never really have been bc of meds I was put on as a child). I got hella everything; boobs, stomach, thighs, you name it. I could lose some weight, and I do plan to, but I always hoped to be accepted by family. They would see me as their family and not just my weight. Right?

Not so much.

I was *lucky* enough to grow up with a grandmother that carried such high standards for herself bc she needs to seem perfect to men, so she’s the literal epitome of vanity, and she pushes that shit onto me. I have to be pretty, I have to be thin, all that bullshit. But I’m not. Consequently, I grew up with this lady constantly breathing down my back about my weight and shit.

We went out to eat- being a kid, I ordered chicken tenders and fries; “you ought to get baked chicken and vegetables. that’s why you’re overweight.” (I don’t eat chicken tenders much now and this is probably why)

We went shopping- found a dress I adored and felt really pretty in, turn around to ask if I can get it; (making a repulsed face) “I am not buying that, your arms are too fat to wear that. you need to dress for your weight.”

One of my best friends got me a Mountain Dew for my 13th birthday bc I loved them but never drank them bc granny was beginning to scar me; “why are you drinking that? that is so bad for you.” On my birthday!!

I saw on my moms phone, she sent a text to granny saying ‘look at this memory, how cute’. Her literal response: “yeah but it shows how much weight she’s put on, she really needs to stop eating so much” or mom sending her pictures from a trip we’re on and granny replying with “Kate ruins the picture with how she’s standing, shows how fat she is. Don’t post it.”

Literally, I have a million stories like this. Comments on my weight as if it’s her business. But that’s not where it ends:) Her blatant favoritism is also out of hand.

The kids in our family consists of three boys and two girls. The three boys are golden jewels held on the highest of pedestals. My younger sister gets second favorite bc she’s thin as a stick. I’m fucking lower than roaches bc ya girl be thicker than a snicker. So she hosts Christmas this year and sits at the table with us five grandchildren, boys on one side of the table while girls are on the other (that’s just how it happened, sounds weird typing it out) and I get to watch as granny sits at the head of the table and positions her body to face the golden boys and talks to them, never looking or speaking to the girls. She also got me two Christmas presents, a gift card and mace. Both of which she told me she was getting me beforehand. She also didn’t say shit to me about the gift I got her out of the goodness of my heart that I thought she’d enjoy but that’s whatever.

During thanksgiving, we took a trip to gatlinburg, tennessee. If you live in the south, you know college football is a huge deal. I am an Alabama fan while she is an auburn fan, rival teams that played each other this night. After the game, all I wanted to do was finish my homework, but she has to come to me to gloat about her team winning, saying “aw you lost, are you gonna make it through the night haha!” BITCH I WILL-

I just grew up with literal, straight abuse I feel like that’s a strong word, sorry if it offends you for using it wrong, but it’s the best word I could think of in my situation from her. But she’s so caught up in her vanity that she can’t tell that she’s an awful person. She cries to my mom about how I don’t like her and it hurts her feelings and boohoo, but never tries to come to me and say anything. 

The effect it had on me? I live in body negativity. My self image is down the drain. I can’t look in the mirror without seeing every single flaw. I hate how I look in every aspect of the word. I can’t eat without thinking of the impact that food is having on my body. I constantly think about what others think about me, knowing it’s “obviously” about me being fat. I hate going to my sorority events bc I don’t want my sisters to judge me and be like “look at that fat bitch”. I constantly, even when around family, wonder if they think I look stupid fat in my outfit. I have anxiety when it comes to outfits, as stupid as it sounds. I constantly dress nicer than I probably need to bc my mind thinks that if people see fashion and cute, they won’t notice the fat and ugly.

I shouldn’t have to feel like that. I shouldn’t have to feel like this bc someone that should care about me sees me as my weight and some fucking tool at her disposal. I do plan on starting a fitness journey in the new year, for myself, to hopefully gain the confidence that was stolen from me. And when I do look like I want to and feel happy and self-love, I don’t plan on seeing granny. Unless I’m made to by my mom, I’m out of the picture. I don’t want the “oh you look so much better. Look how much weight you lost.” None of it. Bye boomer.

It’s also pretty funny bc my mom always told her to be nice to ME bc I will be the person that takes care of her when she’s old old bc I’m the most compassionate of everyone. What a mess she’s made of (for?) herself. I’ll put her in a nursing home real quick, shoot.

Honorable mentions bc I could go on for days about things this lady has done/said to me:

She’s retired with stacks on deck and travels at least one or twice a month, but when study abroad trips come up as a topic for me, she jumps in saying “I’ll pay for it, but only if I can go”. Yay for holding me back on my own personal experiences.

She’s reversed her car into my truck two times. She didn’t give a shit about it the first time, not telling my parents about it or offering to get it fixed (she destroyed the trailer hitch and the bumper so I can’t put my tailgate down, love that) and the second time, she was only remorseful bc I actually acted out against her. I didn’t talk to her, I gave her every dirty look I could. I was fed up. And then she thinks she has the right to bully me about my car being old and needing work.

She text me one day asking what I wanted for my birthday. I told her I wanted to get my hair done. She told me to get a job. Ok boomer.

[lady-olive-oil]

Chapter 3

|| Characters || Intro || Ch 1 || Ch 2 || Ch 3

A/N: Hey everybody!! So here’s the next installment of Brown Sugah Baby. The events in this story are complete imagination, and I don’t own the characters of BP. Nor do I own the Divine Nine; Southern University or the Fabulous Dancing Dolls, I only own the OCs. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more!

Word Count: 2,506 [had to get in the details hunny]

Warnings: nothing really besides harsh banter.

Tag Squad: @maddiestundentwritergaines || @destinio1 (I need extra help so gotta tag my girls) @designerwriterchic @terrablaze514

[let me know if you’s like to be apart of the tag squad]

It was another scorching humid day at Southern University, and everyone had their hands full. Tailgating, getting the team ready for the game, the band tuning their instruments for the halftime show, the majorette team stretching and making sure the speakers were loud enough. The whole campus was on fire about the homecoming game against Alabama. One thing's for sure though, M’Baku could not focus for the life of him.

“Dude. You playin or not?” Erik nudged his teammate to get him out of the trance he was in.

“Huh? Uh y-yeah. Sorry man, I was just distracted. Let’s play.” Getting refocused on the plays for the game, he glance back at her occasionally.

What caught his eye you may ask? His best friend in her dark blue leggings and an SU tank top, practicing with the majorette team. The SU Fabulous Dancing Dolls, were one of the best in the land; and everyone knew it.

Once Nefe became captain, she made them even better. She lead the team to nationals her first year. It was like the music was in her blood, and she could throw out a stand like nobody’s business.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were checking out your so called best friend. Who I might add, was -“

“Sean, think about what your gonna say. Choose wisely before I send you to Jesus early.” M’Baku stopped him before he could even finish. These two were like bulls in a China shop.

They were constantly butting heads over Nefe and it didn’t make sense. One was only with her for the sex but she didn’t see it like that; the other was  her best friend and would do anything to protect her. Which mad shin want to go the extra mile to make sure she was safe at all costs. Yet it made Sean want to work harder to keep her.

“Or what? You gonna stomp me into the ground like a elephant?” The joking tone was paired with a sickening smirk. Sean wouldn’t let up with the Africa jokes and it made the situation worse.

“At it again with the African jokes I see.” The disapproving chuckle that left M’Baku’s lips, was a rare one because Erik was eating this up with a shit eating grin.

“What are you gonna do about then, huh? As far as I’m concerned you don’t have feelings for her, or do you? Cause either way, I’m gonna be the one she wakes up to every night till senior year.”

Now he was just taunting him. The low growl that erupted from his chest was loud enough for both men to hear.

“Man you straight up buggin. Even I know that ain’t right, and I was just like you.” Both of them looked towards where to voice came from. Erik of all people got over his old ways once he met Nakia. She put him in his place and he never left since.

“Your only chance of getting laid again, Sean, is crawling up a chickens ass and waiting.” M’Baku eyed him up and down and smirked a bit at his own roast, upon hearing the football team egging him on.

“Whatever man.” With that Sean just backed off, going back to stretching.

“Never in my years of living, would I be around to see you stand up for me. Of all people really.”

“Man, you’ve been there for my shit. I gotta be there for you. We boys, we gotta stick together.”

Erik was right. In this world all they had was each other, and for him to stand up for M’Baku like that was eye opening.

“I wonder what that was all about.” Nefe being an on looker to what just happened, taking a break from practice and all. Nattie knew exactly what it was about and Nakia pointed it out first.

“The boys were arguing over you. I’m so close to beating the hell out of Sean.”

Nefe sighed at what her friend was saying and didn’t even wanna ask as to why. She was tired of the boys fighting, yet was ecstatic for Erik breaking it up.

“Ya boy stopped em too. I don’t know how you got him to draw back is gangsta ways, but I gotta hand it to ya Kia.”

“He’s still like that, just a bit toned down. I love me some Erik though.” Nakia was smitten over Erik just the same. Them two, along with T’Challa and Nattie, were what Nefe wanted in a real relationship.

What she had with Sean, was just for fun. Did she tell Sean that? Nope. She couldn’t because she was afraid he’d hurt her again, and by hurt her that meant grabbing her. She only told Nattie and the girls, mortified about how M’Baku would feel. He’s very protective over her, along with her brothers too.

“Oh please. That fine ass man with locs can have any woman he wants. Even me, I have the body; mind and skills to prove it. I’m surprised he’s even dating you. You have less hair than he does.”

Nakia nearly lunge for her, but Okoye grabbed her before she could claw her face.

Melanie couldn’t stand anyone else’s happiness but her own. Tearing others down was her thing, and she never got tired of it.

“Listen here med school,” Nefe got tired of her whack behind and was about to give her a piece of her mind.

“Save it. If only you were on the cheer team. Because as captain I wish I could kick your as off the squad.” She got in Nefe’s face, at a comfortable distance.

“As a 2nd degree black belt, I can just kick your ass.” Nefe sucks her teeth and looked her up and down.

“I’d like to see you try-” Melanie was off till the coach called her back, and she gave them a sinister look before sassaying away.

“Count ya blessing bruja! You better be lucky she’s holding me back!” Nakia growled in rage and Melanie smirked before going back with the cheer team.

Ain’t no way in hell, was Nefertiti about to have her on the majorette team and not think about choking her.

“Alright y’all. Save the fight for the parties tomorrow. We have a game to practice for. Nakia, good job on your Spanish.” Nefe winked at her friend, who then gave her a hug.

“Nefe’s right. Come on.” Nattie rallied them all together, with the rest of the team, and got into formation.

“We doing Formation or Dose?” Nattie asked before pressing play on the laptop, that was plugged in near the stands.

The smirk laced that Nefe’s face, was a triumphant one.

“Let’s switch it up. We’re doing Dose.”

~The Game: Southern University vs Alabama A&M~

The game was close. It was 77 to 76 with SU in the lead so far. M’Baku has scored the touchdown and the field goal kick. Only 2 more quarters left to go and the crowd was hyped, with a sea of sky blue, yellow and white. Nefe gathered up the girls in a huddle one last time for a prayer. A Southern University tradition.

“Alright girls, one shoe in.” All the girls places their right foot in the circle and Nefe led the prayer. They all held each other’s waists and bowed their heads.

“Father god, I ask that you cover and protect us as you always do going into these life changing moments. We ask that you guide our senior girls to victory and cover them with your hedge of protection, dear lord. Marchbus into victory, in your name we pray..”

“Amen.”

Sending off with a proper SU chant, getting into position and putting on smiles was what the girls were used to. Down south with an HBCU halftime was a goldmine. It was like watching the history of black rhythm come alive.

“Nattie. There go ya boy.” Nefe nugged her best friend nodding in the direction of T’Challa, dressed in his drum major outfit, practicing.

Anyone who knows Nattie and T’Challa is that, she’s the dancer one of the two. Even though he tries his best, he knows he’s enjoying himself. Who else would be best as drum major?

“This fool here knows how to make people laugh. He loves what he does and that all I can hope for.”

Nefe could see the love in her best friends eyes, as she gazed at the goofy man with the feather hat. That’s what she truly wanted and needed in life; an honest and loving relationship. She kept battling with her herself on it and couldn’t decide when it was time to be upfront with Sean about it.

“I see you love. Good luck out there like always.” He cape over to give her a hug, the girls and the band all made noise with the sign of affection between the two.

“You two are cute. Ok Drumline, we gotta go. Lead us on Udaku.” Nefe smirked and gave him a fist bump, sharing a quick laugh, before watching him leave to start the whistle to let the girls go.

Their outfits were jumpsuits with sheer tights, that were a lustrous jet black; with cut out parts. The ensemble hugged every curt and left little to no imagination, as the girls sashayed from the outside of the field to the field. Hearing the crowd cheering them on as they lead the band in all their glory.

They all had their hair down and pressed out, in order off them to whip them back and forth. Except for Nefe because she refused to take her braids out, since she just got them done.

M’Baku knew where to look, as he glance at the field watching his best friend move with grace and elegance, to the music of the band. That was until his coach told him to come back and was embarrassed, causing Erik to laugh a bit.

T’Challa was doing his thing as any great drum major would, and gave the crowd a show. Any HBCU had a great leader, and Southern University had one of the best. Whomever was next in line, had to live up to his expectations.

The music changed quick as Nefe threw out the first stand, everyone in the stands was into the groove with the music as well. Everyone knew the Dolls would be immaculate as whatever song they danced to and didn’t expect less from the team.

The girls followed Nefe’s every move with a smooth nature. Throwing out high kicks; backflips, a few twerking moments and few gyrating movements. The girls felt right at home. Plus adding little bit of Latin flare of course.

Getting the crowd hype was what the Fabulous Dancing Dolls were known for. All the right counts; the formations and the stands were on point. All the way down to the strut back to the stands.

[Watch this to get a visual!!]

As the game went on, the hype never died down. The girls were allowed to stand on the sidelines with the cheerleaders, during the last 5 minutes of the game.

“The suspense is killing me man. Alabama State A&M is gonna probably kick our ass.”

“Come on Nefe. Have a little faith in our boys. They’ve never disappointed us and won’t now.”

Nattie tried her best to calm her friend down as they watched the game. This M’Baku’s first game as a running back and it was only his junior year. He had strived to be quarterback by time senior year came, and would never back down from striving to get there.

“I just hope he doesn’t miss this. This could be his big break for the head spot next year.” Nefe couldn’t hold in her excitement as much as she’d like to, and Melanie scoffed at her in annoyance.

“Oh please. Why are you so worried about M’Baku’s chances of being quarterback for? He’s got me as his good luck charm to worry for him.”

“Listen here Med School, I had a enough of your shit for one lifetime let alone in practice. I’m his best friend and I have a right to worry.” With as much fire to throw back at her, Nefe snarled and gave a once over.

“Why do you care? It’s not like-”

“Shut the hell up before I herky you in the throat.”

Nefe cut her off before she could ever start, and paid attention to the game. Getting antsy with anticipation.

“M’Baku, this is all you my dude. Score it for us, better you than Sean.” Erik encourages him as he glances his way, receiving a head nod and a smile.

“I got you.” With a gentle smirk towards him, and a wave to the Nefe but Melanie took it as one to her. He shook his head in defeat and got back in the game. As the call was heard he caught the ball from David, and ran for the end zone from the 40 yard line.

“Go M’Baku!” Nefe and her girls cheered him on along with the crowd.

Melanie had had enough and decided to speak up.

“Why are you so into his future, not like he likes you or whatever.”

“I’m into his future as much as he is into mine. That’s what friends do. Scouts are out here tonight, like they are at every game so they look out for him. I’m his friend and he is mine. Whomever he dates has to deal with it.”

Nefe didn’t even have to look at her to explain her reasoning. Hell, she didn’t need to and yet still did. Receiving a high five from Nattie, she got back into the game and was on the screaming happily when M’Baku scored the winning touchdown. Making the score 98 to 83.

The crowd's reaction was just like hers, as both majorette and cheer teams ran onto the field with the superfans. Nefe knew who’d she wanted to hug but was stopped by Sean and hugged him anyway.

“Did you see me babe? How’d I do?” He was too prideful in himself to congratulate the rest of his team.

“Uh yeah. You did great. I’ll catch you later ok? I gotta get the girls ready to uh march out.” Placing a kiss on his cheek, earning her a smile before he headed out to talk to his boys. She made a beeline for M’Baku, once they saw each other. He picked her up, spinning her around in glee.

“We did it! That was amazing.” M’Baku smiled as he held her as close as possible.

“I’m so freakin proud of you! You did so well!” Squealing in happiness, holding on tight to him as he spun her. Next thing she knew, she kissed him. It was as if time stood still, and nothing else mattered to either of them. Except for a noise from Sean and Melanie. Once they broke apart, he set her down and a sense of awkwardness filled the air.

“Oh shit..”

[yaachtynoboat711]

Fonder Ch. 3

A/N: Hopefully, this isn’t as angsty as the previous chapters have been. I have become a monster 😭😭😭. Anyways, I hope y’all enjoy. Enjoy the houseclaim link too.

Word Count: 1966

Warning(s): Angst, slow burn

Friday, September 12, 2014, Los Angeles, California, 9:35 a.m., Winston’s Apartment

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

“Fuck. Already?”, Winston muttered to himself as he slowly twisted his body to shut the alarm off. Nearly three months after his breakup with Yaa and he still wasn’t used to not being greeted with a funny text of some sorts from her. No funny voicemail or meme to start the day off with. Fuck, I miss her.

His phone buzzed; it was from Michelle, his new girlfriend of almost a month and a half. She was sweet and caring, but not Yaa by a long shot. They kinda just met—no bells and whistles. They met at a coffee shop when he was filming for Person of Interest. She was coming to town for a few weeks for an assignment. As a freelance journalist, she didn’t have a choice to pick or choose what assignment to take.

“Hey, you.”, Winston answered.

“How are you, honey?”, she replied.

“Just waking up. Have you boarded yet?”

“They’re about to close the door. Calling you to remind you that my flight gets here at 2:35 and—“

“—and you want me to pick you up? I was actually thinking about letting you hang out at the airport for a few while I got dinner ready.”, he suggested nonchalantly.

“What? Winston,no! Why would you do that? You don’t want me there or something?”, she squeaked.

“Geez, Michelle, r e l a x. I was kidding! Can’t take a joke?”, he answered defensively. Michelle definitely wasn’t Yaa. By now, Yaa would’ve cussed him completely out before adding, “That’s why I’ll get some old dick or my side nigga to come get me, since you playin’ so goddamn muhfuckin’ much.” Yup, Khalida was a Carolina reaper and Michelle was a bell.

“Ok. I’ll call you when I land. Talk you then!” The phone clicked.

“Damn,bye.”, he said as he locked his phone.

After he showered, he walked into kitchen to hear Power 106 playing “Tuesday”. His song at the moment. Bop and bop, he danced without a care in the world. He’d had a productive week after all: he’d just returned from New York for more work, met his audition quote for the month, and folded his clothes the moment they came out of the dryer. He was long overdue for a haircut, but hey, he wasn’t trying to impress anyone.

Since it was Friday, he had laxed schedule: gym, pick Michelle up, date at the house, take her to her hotel, and possibly watch some TV or Netflix.

But, since he had time before going to the gym, he was going out for a run.

4:27 p.m., Vons

Going to the gym before running bus errands was probably the dumbest decision he’d made in a minute. His thighs were still on fire and so were his arms. Dumbass. He sat in Vons’ parking lot for a breather and to Google what wine goes with lemon chicken piccata. Yaa had taught him the basics of wine pairing, but advanced pairings weren’t quite his forte. Sauvignon blanc. Bet.

Winston confidently walked into Vons ready to conquer the wine and spirits aisle. He got a little too overzealous; he went to the wrong aisle. When he finally made it to the right one, he just about had a heart attack. Is that—nah. She wouldn’t be out here. Lemme go over one more aisle and come through the other way to get a better look. He tussled with the idea that she would be in California, but then again, what other copper loc’d, Alabama crimson and houndstooth wearing, thick Black woman would be in Malibu? It is Khalida.

He conjured up the perfect plan: she was glued to her phone (when wasn’t she?), so he would intentionally bump into her cart so she could look up. Here goes nothing.

He got closer to the middle of the aisle, taking his box of cereal out of his hand basket. He bumped into her, causing his cereal to fall from his grip and her her phone.

“Goodness, I am so so sorry. I need to stop driving distrac—”, she finally looked up and her eyes immediately bugged out, dropping the box of cereal. “Winston?! Wh-wh...What are you do-doing out in Malibu?”, she tried searching for words. Winston chuckled deeply.

“It’s nice to see you, too, K.D.”, he said unenthusiastically. “The question is: what are you doing in California?”

The two hugged deeply. Three months apart and the spark was still there. They both took in each other’s scents and finally separated.

One thing he definitely noticed about her was that she was taking of her self. Fresh re-twist and color? Check. Skin cleared up? Most def. Been to the gym? Had she?! She was thicker, yet toned. Her ex-boyfriend had to be responsible. My God from Zion, she still looks like an image of beauty.

“Well, not even a week after we broke up, Kimya and I get a call saying we’d been invited to work out here in L.A. on this secret project. It’s due October 20th and we’re leaving November 1st. How’s LA been treating you?”

“I’ve been back in New York actually filming Person of Interest. I think I recalled you watching it at some point.” Why couldn’t I have just waited?!

“Word? I stopped watching after the first season if we’re keeping it a hunnit. How big of a role are we talking?”, she crossed her arms in anticipation of his answer.

He was ready to brag now. “I can’t say much, but it’s a pivotal role in the season’s progression. I’m playing someone totally opposite of myself.” He was feeling himself; he sported a full grin. “You look good. Working out?” Yes, God, she is. Blessed be.

She noticed him staring at her slightly toned but oh so edible thighs. Her calves were more defined. Thanks to dancing and working out with Matt, she was physically in the best shape of her life.

“I have, actually. Thanks for noticing.” She jokingly struck a pose. “ANYWAYS, I gotta go because I got oxtails braising on the stove and that’s the only thing that should be braising when I get back.” Oxtail?!?! Surely, that’s not just for her. Has to be Matt. Lucky bastard. She picked up the wine she came in for.

“That’s what I came for, too. I have a uh...date tonight and I just googled what to get in the parking lot.” They laughed.

Even though she laughed, he could sense her energy shift.

“A date?! Who’s the lucky winner?”, she asked.

“Her name is Michelle. She’s a freelance writer. You seeing anybody?” He asked with bated breath.

Khalida nodded and covered her mouth as she processed the new information. “A freelance writer? Nice.” Her energy reverted. “And to answer your question, nope. This project gotcha girl swamped. I don’t have time to entertain a relationship.”, she was partially lied. I'm surprised she didn’t pull anyone the week after our relationship. I’m amazed Matt hasn’t scooped her up.

Winston looked down at his watch. “Shit! I gotta go start dinner. Before I go, here’s my new number. It was nice seeing you.” He gave her his new number and they exchanged addresses before they hugged one last time and traveled their separate ways.

Deep down, he wanted to just scoop her up and drown her in kisses, but he still had to go home to Michelle.

“Hey, Wins.”, she called out, walking back towards the end of the aisle. He quickly snapped his head around.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t be a stranger.”

He lowered his head and laughed. “I won’t. I promise.”

8:36 p.m., Winston’s apartment

He replayed that in his head over and over again. Why did I just let her go like that? For some reason, he decided to play an Apple Music break-up playlist . Of all the songs that aided him with the agonizing break-up, only one spoke to him: She’s Out of My Life by Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was Khalida’s all-time favorite artist (second was Beyoncé), so the pain stung a tad more. She kinda hated that song because she wanted to know, in her exact words,“who the fuck would hurt my good dawg Mike the way they did. Punk ass bitch. ” The thought of Khalida cursive a hypothetical person out 35 years after the fact always made him cackle. Even though the song came out in 1979, Michael was speaking to Winston’s exact to situation.

It’s out of my hands

It’s out of my hands

To think for [seven months] she was here

And I took her for granted, I was so cavalier

Now the way that it stands, she’s out of my hands.

So I learned that love's not possession

And I learned that love won’t wait

Now I’ve learned that love needs expression

But I learned too late

Winston stared off into the abyss, deep within his thoughts, and tears staining his face as the song looped for what seemed like an eternity. It was true: he sorta realized that he was being possessive about their love and that love wouldn’t wait. Damn Khalida for being right the whole time. Damn Carrie for throwing that stupid prophecy over their heads and ultimately being right. Damn Michael Jackson for making this song especially for him. But mostly, damn himself for allowing himself for pursuing a woman out of his league like Yaa. She was walking Black Girl Magic and he didn’t deserve to be in the same room as her, yet alone call himself her boyfriend.

He could hear his phone ringing in the other room. He let it ring and it rang once more before he got up to answer it.

He took the phone off the charger and saw 2 missed calls from his mom. Shit,shit shit. He tapped on the notification with the quickness; she quickly answered.

“Winston, my son, I called you twice. I began to worry.”, his mom opened.

“I know, I’m sorry,mum. I was in another room. Everything ok?”, he answered.

“I should be asking you the same question. I’ve been worried about you lately.” She could sense something was wrong with her youngest born. “I called because I’m worried about you.”

He sat up. “Wh-what? Why?”

“I sense an emptiness in your voice and in your spirit, Winston.”

“An emptiness?”

“Yes, my child, an emptiness. Like someone stripped away something precious.”

“I...I couldn’t honestly tell you. I may just be homesick and missing you.”

He wasn’t totally wrong, but neither was he telling the whole truth. While he was adjusting to the rapid LA pace and lifestyle as the “new normal”, part of that new normal was adjusting to his life without Khalida. It was rough, but he was managing.

“Well, just know that I’m praying for you. I don’t know what it is that void, but whatever it may be, don’t allow to rob you of the joy God has blessed you with, eh? It is my prayer that you find peace and comfort. I want you to have a full and complete life, ok? I love you.”, she said.

He flicked away the tear that fell. “I love you,too.”

Leave it to his mother to say what needed to be said without actually knowing what was actually going on. He sat at the edge of the bed, thinking about how much growth and maturity that needed to take place in his life. Khalida mentioned it before their break-up and she was right. Both of them needed to grow before they could be together again. The repairs on the plane were in its beginning stages.

Tag List, You’re Doing Amazing ,Sweetie.

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