I ain't even gonna lie...I am so tired I straight up just spell/grammar checked this jank and called it a day. Lol. That is a horrible thing to do, I probably have stupid mistakes, but if you catch them...well, I did warn you. Feel free to point them out/tell me how much I suck. It won't hurt my feelings any.

I had fun writing this one, but this is most certainly a filler chapter if nothing else is. haha. The story just might end sooner than I thought...but there's still at least five chapters, so whatever. Then again, I've always been a liar with these types of things, so... :P

Thank you to Leka10, MizzC, and insert psuedonym for the reviews! I can agree, the age difference between Matthew and Anya is BIG. It is horrifying. It is, also, something that wasn't so uncommon for their time frame. Nowadays I wish some 40 year old would try to holla at me. I'd kick him so hard his grandma would see stars. Well, there was this one time a year ago when I was 18 talking to a 30 year old...but that's a long story in itself. And I'll give you a hint to the ending of it: I got some sense. Those relationships CAN work for some, but it's not for me. My boyfriend is almost 21. I will be 20 later this year. That's good enough for me. lol.

I know, I know, no one cares...FINE. I'LL STOP TALKING. :P Enjoy your filler, suckers!
(I honestly don't know how I went on that tangent, though. Like, forreal)

Disclaimer: The Boondocks is STILL not mine.

Warning: Possible OOCness on a mulatto and an uh-oh oreo's part? I can't tell. I'm going to bed. Whatever.

Backbone 101

She was walking to class when the next thing she knew she was flying against a locker.

No joke. One moment, Jazmine was turning the corner…and the next she felt someone grab her arm, swinging her into the row of lockers on the wall. She dropped her books and grabbed her arm, glaring up at Maya, whose arms were over her chest.

"Ouch!" She bent down, scooping up her books. "What the hell was that for?!"

"You know what it was for!" Maya shouted. The hallways were empty being that second period had just started, so her voice bounced loudly off the walls. She thrust a finger in Jazmine's chest. "I tell you to set up Huey and I and you start dating him?"

"What?" Jazmine's jaw dropped. Maya shook her head, her fists clenched.

"You played the wrong bitch, DuBois." She shook her head. "You know I'm about to tear that ass up, right?"

"Whoa!" Jazmine quickly leaned out the way as Maya's fist went flying out. The angry girl's clenched fist slammed into the lockers and she groaned, whipping her hand back and massaging her knuckles. She whirled around to face Jazmine, who was on the floor.

"Wait!" Jazmine held up her hands, waving them frantically as Maya advanced on her. "I'm not dating Huey! I don't know what you're talking about!"

Maya stopped, giving her a look. Her eyes narrowed warily.

"Really." She sounded doubtful. Jazmine nodded.

"Seriously." She took a deep breath. She was not trying to get her face pounded in, especially not on a Monday. Jesus. "We're friends. I told you that."

"Oh." Maya flipped her hair behind her. "Because, well, you two have been hanging out a lot lately. And Caesar said he saw you both in Baltimore Saturday. And-"

"We used to be friends before, you know." Jazmine's eyes narrowed. "We just happen to be getting used to be friends again. There's no need to break my arm and dent my face, okay?"

Maya's cheeks colored and she bit her lip. "Oh." She rubbed her arm. "Sorry." She glanced around before letting out a low whistle. "This…is kind of awkward."

Jazmine rose to her feet, frowning. Maya looked at her.

"I really am sorry." To her credit she did look sincere. "I have anger issues, okay?"

"Obviously."

She rolled her eyes. "My probation officer used to tell me that-"

"You had a probation officer?!" Jazmine's jaw dropped. Maya waved her hand.

"It's nothing-"

"What the heck did you do?"

Maya paused before glancing around. "I vandalized a lot of things. Arson. Fighting. Okay? Geez." Her tone was defensive. Jazmine's eyebrows lifted.

"May I ask why?"

"Unless you're my therapist, who I haven't seen in over a year, then no." She put a hand on her hip. "I had a rough childhood, alright?"

Jazmine nodded, holding up her palms. "I didn't say anything. Relax."

Maya nodded, frowning prettily.

"I mean, I know I have anger issues," She said, rolling her eyes. "I'm not a violent person-"

"Ha. Oh, sorry." Jazmine winced. "You were serious?"

Maya snorted. "As I was saying, I'm not a violent person unless provoked. I mean, I can be mean, but who the hell isn't sometimes? That doesn't mean people have to take it so seriously." She shrugged. "But when I'm around Huey, I don't want to be mean anymore. At least, not to him. I don't know, he kind of helps me stay out of trouble…well, except for that one time I fought that cop-"

Jazmine blinked.

"On top of that, I have to think about my sister. She looks up to me. And my mom, she kind of depends on me. My dad, he's been gone. So I'm trying to not be so…" She waved her hand. "Whatever the hell I am."

"Angry? Aggressive? Vicious?"

"Okay, did I ask for your input?"

Jazmine gulped. "No."

Maya gestured to her. "I mean, take you, for example. You're all soft and gullible and weak."

"Hey!"

"Well, you are! Damn!" Maya threw up her hands. "You need some backbone. Because I heard about you and Cindy's argument and no offense, I would have caved that bitch's face in for what she said."

"Well." Jazmine lifted her chin. "I don't think physical violence is the solution to every problem."

"That can be true." Maya shrugged. "It doesn't mean you have to take so much crap from people. You gotta show yourself some pride, girl! Toughen up. You've got a bit of an attitude. I can tell. Especially at the beginning of the year when you didn't talk too much to anyone."

Jazmine shrugged.

"Not to mention, fighting those girls…it wasn't much of a fight and you got your ass kicked, but it was pretty boss." Maya gave her a look. "You've got the attitude. You just need to back it up sometimes. Be assertive. For example." She grabbed Jazmine's arm again. "When I did that the first time, you should have swung first and asked later."

"Why would I do that?" Jazmine blinked at her. "You could have had something urgent to tell me and needed my attention."

"Oh, my…" Maya closed her eyes, exhaling through her nose. "Whatever. " She released her again, bending down to pick up her books and handed them to the slightly stunned girl. "Anyways, I'm sorry. Maybe I should ask first and hit later."

"Maybe you should."

Maya stuck out her tongue. "You should sit with us at lunch today."

"What? Oh, no." Jazmine shook her head. "I mean, Cindy's there and-"

"Bitch, so?" Maya tossed her hair. "Jazmine, who cares? She's mad at you. Okay, and? What does that have to do with you sitting with your friends?"

Jazmine's eyes widened. "You consider me your friend?"

Maya eyed her. "Yeah, I did…until you got all Care Bear sappy on me and shit. Calm down." She smacked her lips. Jazmine's smile faded. "It's a free country. You can sit wherever the hell your little heart pleases. If she's got a problem with it, tell her where she can go shove that problem."

Jazmine shuffled. "I don't know…"

"You're going to sit with us today." Maya raised her chin, giving her a look as if she were daring her to challenge her words. "If she's got so much shit to say, let her say it. You don't have to be scared of saying how you feel." She tapped her forehead. "Self empowerment. Use it."

She nodded slowly. Maya readjusted her purse, nodding.

"Good." She pat Jazmine's shoulder. "Nice chat." And with that she spun on her heel, walking down the hallway and disappearing around the corner. Jazmine's eyebrow lifted.

She'd gone from getting beat up…to getting advice…to making a friend. She shook her head, continuing to class.

This week was already weird.

---

December 14, 2020

"I thought I would find you here."

Those were the words Matthew said to me as I lay on the grass in the center of the meadow, staring up into the bright blue sky. I had given him a look as he looked down at me, his eyebrow raised.

"You are interfering with my sunlight."

He had chuckled, crouching down and sitting on the dry grass beside me. "Something serious must be plaguing your mind."

I shook my head. He stared at me, and then shook his head.

"You, Anya, are the worst liar I have ever met."

I turned my head to look at him, blinking.

"I cannot help but notice," He went on, staring up into the sky as well. "That you have been even more distant than usual since Halloween. Is there any reason why?"

I had shrugged, staring up at the sky. "I have not much to say."

He examined me, his eyes narrowing. Finally, he sighed.

"What did Anthony say?"

He did not even ask me. He told me, as if he knew that was the problem. I sat up in surprise, my hat falling off my head and landing in the grass beside me. My loose ponytail scratched at my neck and frustrated I pulled out the ribbon, shaking the curls out.

"I have not the faintest idea of what you are saying."

He sucked his teeth. "A very bad liar, indeed."

"Why must I be lying?"

"Because." He regarded me with a look. "Whenever you are uneasy or you are telling a tale, the left corner of your mouth does this slight twitch." I glanced at him. "It is hardly noticeable, but it is there nonetheless."

"And the prize for the most creepy predator goes to…"

"Not funny, Anya." He gave me a look, almost as if he were truly concerned. "Now. What did he say?"

I shrugged. "It was much of nothing, really."

"It must have been something." He gestured to me. "Otherwise, you would not be so off."

I had sighed, lying back down and staring up into the clouds. "He told me that I am nothing but trouble and that I am no good for you." I felt like a baby admitting this. "It was stupid."

"Not to you."

"Especially to me."

"Then why did it bother you?"

"Because it just did, alright?" I had snapped defensively, closing my eyes. "I guess I am not used to being so disliked by someone."

I heard him chuckle. "You are funny."

I peeked at him. "What do you mean?"

"Your futile attempt to hide your feelings." He waved a hand. "It is cute."

"It is not cute and I do not do that!" I had told him, shooting him a dirty look. "Goodness, Matthew." I had sighed, shaking my head. He shook his head as well.

"Anthony does not hate you." He sat up straighter. "As a matter of fact, I am willing to say he feels the exact opposite."

I sat up again, my eyes wide. I must have made a horrible face since he burst out laughing upon seeing my expression.

"Please. Do not get too excited."

I had shaken my head. "That is ridiculous."

"It is not." He had nodded towards me. "You are very close in age. You are mature. You are smart, and you are pretty. It is obvious that he feels an attraction towards you."

I could not help but shudder. He gave me a mock glare.

"Are you insinuating that my son is not good enough to meet your standards?"

"I am not implying anything." I held up my chin. "He might be right for someone else. But not me."

He looked amused. "And how can you be so sure?"

I had shaken my head. "I know who I need and I know who I do not need, Matthew. I do not need him. I do not need any man."

"You are beginning to sound like one of those feminists."

I had smirked. "I cannot help it that they are wise women. You do not insult me by comparing me to them as you would most women."

"I see." He leaned back, resting his palms on the soil. "However, Anya, I believe you have it wrong."

I wrapped my hands around my knees, looking at him. "Really."

He nodded.

"Then, please. By all means, Mr. Freeman. Enlighten me."

He had shrugged, looking down at me.

"One does not find a companion because they necessarily need one." He paused. "Companions are not there to be needed. They are there because they are wanted."

I had raised my eyebrows at his words. "Are you saying this from experience?"

"Of course. Everything is from experience." He had sighed, giving me a look. "You may not believe you need anyone. I, on the other hand, happen to know that you need a great deal more than you think."

I had given him a suspicious look. "And how do you know that?"

"I have my ways." He stood up, brushing himself off and peering down at me through narrowed, critical eyes.

"It is but a suggestion, but you should consider wearing your hair down more often." He had tucked his hands into his pockets, smirking at my confused expression. "It does suit you."

I did not say anything. He glanced down at the headstone I was beside, looking up towards the sun.

"It is nearly two into the afternoon." He held out a hand. "I do believe your mother has seen you for long enough." I must have looked annoyed since he went on. "Just because she I dead does not mean you should not live."

I had felt my face soften. Wordlessly I had taken his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. As we walked towards the city again, we had gotten halfway there before I realized I was still holding his hand. Even now as I write by candlelight my hand feels different. It is as if it is lighter, or sacred.

As childish as this might seem…I do believe I will never wash this hand again.

---

Huey felt…strange.

He couldn't describe it. He wanted to say it was because he was still recovering from the odd sickness he'd had the night before, but he felt as if it could be something more. Then again, he could just be paranoid.

It was just odd…there were parts of the night before that he just couldn't remember; no matter how hard he tried. Or he'd get a moment of dizziness. He felt tired and weak. Maybe he should have stayed home.

Then again he'd had a physics test and there was a stats test later that day, and he couldn't afford to miss them.

"Hey." He looked up to see Jazmine sliding her tray beside his, sitting down and giving him a concerned look. "Are you feeling better?"

He felt his expression soften. It was hard not to. She was staring at him with those big, green eyes, her face visibly worried. Not only had she done his statistics homework for him (against his wishes, of course) but she'd also proceeded to make him some kind of vegetable soup since all they had was chicken noodle and he refused to pick the chicken bits out. She'd made him tea. She'd managed not to look too disgusted whenever he had to throw up. She'd been the only one who hadn't minded watching out for him.

He wasn't really used to that.

"Better," He grunted. She smiled, turning towards her tuna sandwich. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"Jazmine!" Maya plopped down on his other side, Hiro setting his tray on her opposite side. She grinned. "What a pleasure it is to have you sitting with us on this fine Monday."

Huey's eyebrow rose. Hiro shook his head, breaking out the drumsticks.

"Don't-" Maya snapped, pointing at him. "-even think about it."

He gulped, quickly putting them aside. Huey sighed, closing his eyes and resting his chin in his palm.

"You should think about eating something," He heard Jazmine say softly. "You know. Build up your strength and all that."

He cut his eyes towards her without even thinking about it. "Thanks, mom. You're the best."

She looked put out. "I was just trying to help."

He closed his eyes again, snorting. Maya glanced over.

"Build your strength from what?" She asked curiously. Huey groaned.

"Nothing-"

"He was sick yesterday," Jazmine explained lightly, taking a bite of her sandwich. Maya's eyes widened and she made a face.

"Gross." She slid away from him, her nose wrinkling. "Keep your germs to yourself, Freeman."

"Nigga, scoot ova!" Riley suddenly yelled, starting to sit between him and Jazmine before giving him a disgusted look and back away. "Ewwww." He plopped down on Hiro's other side as well. "Nigga, you sick."

He rolled his eyes. Jazmine took a sip of her juice, her own eyes widening as she looked ahead. He couldn't help but look for whatever she was staring at. He followed her gaze.

Oh.

Caesar and Cindy were walking towards the table, lunch trays in their hands and both of them laughing over something. When they reached the table, Cindy noticed Jazmine. Her smile slipped right off her face.

"Oh." She sat down, Caesar sitting down beside her as well, although much slower. He was obviously looking for some kind of event to unfold. "Hey."

Jazmine nodded towards her, taking another bite of her sandwich. "Hey." She chewed some, then swallowed. The table fell into a tense silence. Huey rested his head in his arms. Great. All he needed right now was for Jazmine's passive-aggressiveness and Cindy's…well, aggressive-aggressiveness to annoy him more. Jazmine glanced at him, taking a sip of her juice.

"Did you sleep well last night?" She asked. He cracked an eye open, glancing at her and shaking his head.

"Not really."

"Shit, me neither." Caesar snorted. "Someone kept me up on the phone all night."

"Boy, boo." Cindy, who still looked slightly irritated, flipped her hair and smirked at him. "You were the one who acted like you didn't know what an 'end' button is."

"Lies."

"Ah!" Maya snapped her fingers, turning towards her best friend. "Amazing set Friday, my Hiro. You did lovely. I didn't get a chance to tell you over the weekend. In fact-" She pointed at him. "Where the hell were you Saturday? I definitely wanted to watch that CSI: Miami marathon with sex ass Adam Rodriguez with you."

"Man." Hiro rolled his eyes. "My mom went crazy. She had me searching the entire neighborhood for her cat, Richie? I hate that thing. He peed on my vinyls one day when I was at school."

"Ew!"

"Exactly." He sighed. "Turns out, hours later, we find him under my mom's bed. And then she screamed at me for not checking there. I was like "Mom! It was your room!" and she got mad." He took a sip of his juice. Riley snorted.

"Damn, nigga." He cackled. "Yo momma mo crooked than a do-it-yoself haircut."

"Shut up!" Hiro shoved him. Maya rolled her eyes.

"Anyways, Hiro," She said, patting his shoulder. "You did good, son."

"You did," Jazmine agreed, chewing. Maya, as well as Hiro and Caesar, stared at her.

"You were at Columbia Friday night?" Hiro asked, sounding surprised. Jazmine nodded.

"Yeah. Darius took me." She smiled. "You're good. I mean, I knew you were good, but I didn't know you were…" She shrugged. "Good good."

Hiro laughed, giving her a mock bow. "Why, thank you, my lady."

Maya grinned, glancing towards Jazmine. "Jazmine. Slum Village or A Tribe Called Quest?"

Jazmine made a face. Huey rolled his eyes.

"Maya, come on-"

"Neither."

Both of them looked towards the poofy haired mulatto, their jaws slack. "What?"

"Neither." She shrugged. "I don't know. They're good, but not my favorite."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Maya threw up her hands. "And who could be better than either one of them?"

Jazmine shifted, swallowing as if she were afraid of giving the wrong answer. "Well," She said slowly. "I remember I used to listen to Huey's CDs since my parents didn't let me get Hip Hop CDs until I was around fourteen. I liked that one Public Enemy one…and Wu Tang Clan?"

Huey and Maya exchanged surprised glances, both of them finally shrugging.

"Wu Tang Clan's good."

"I guess that makes sense…"

Satisfied, Jazmine went back to her sandwich. Cindy snorted. Of course, that got everyone's attention, except for Jazmine, who was purposely keeping her eyes on the table in front of her. Huey shook his head.

Passive.

"And what might that noise be for, ice queen?" Maya taunted, rolling her eyes and sounding as if she could care less. Cindy shrugged, her eyes pointedly on Jazmine's bowed head.

"Nothing." She smacked her teeth, shook her head. "Nothing at all."

"Good, then." Maya smirked. "You should learn to control those noises. They aren't very attractive."

"Oh, aren't you funny."

"Pretty much."

"So, Jazmine." Cindy glanced towards her "ex" best friend, her eyebrows lifting. "Speaking of Darius…how did your little date go?"

It seemed like it took forever for Jazmine to lift her head.

"It went fine," She replied quietly. Cindy let out a tiny laugh, even though Jazmine hadn't said anything funny.

"You know," She said, tipping her head to the side and examining her. Everyone else looked on. "It's funny how you wanted to worry about me dating someone too quick, but you can just go and see whoever you please."

Jazmine's face colored. "It's not like that," She said softly. Huey noticed Maya shoot Jazmine a dirty look in the corner of his eyes. "I wasn't trying to be mean. I'm sorry."

Ah. The apology. Huey shook his head, closing his eyes again. She was always the first one to crack in a confrontation. Always. She was like the Ol' Faithful of arguments. Cindy snorted again.

"You're sorry." She drew out the word, making a face. "Of course you are."

"Cindy-" Jazmine started, but Cindy cut her off.

"You said some crappy things to me," She snapped, folding her arms over her chest. Caesar was grimacing beside her. Hiro looked confused. Maya shook her head. "I mean, they kind of hurt. And you're just going to say sorry like it's going to make everything okay?"

"But-"

"You're always sorry."

"Cin-"

"Just because you got mad because what I was saying was the truth," Cindy went on, not noticing the way Jazmine's eyes narrowed. "Didn't mean you had turn into such a bitch-"

"Cindy, shut up."

Huey's eyes flew open. Caesar's jaw dropped. Hiro's eyes widened and Maya smiled, nodding. Cindy's own eyes narrowed dangerously. Riley held a fist over his mouth.

"Yee, son!"

"What…did you say-"

"You heard me." Jazmine's voice, although quiet, was in no way shaky. "You're sitting there whining over something I said, talking about how you were saying the truth? Please. Spare me."

Cindy's eyes widened.

"I have not, was not, and never will be jealous of you." Jazmine shook her head. "I have better things to do. And if you don't know me well enough to know that then maybe we weren't as good as friends as I liked to believe." She took a deep breath, shaking her head. "I apologized, and I mean it. I'm sorry if you're letting your pride get in the way of forgiving me. I'm not the only one who hurt someone's feelings."

"Oh, don't give me that!" Cindy snapped, causing half the courtyard's heads to whip towards them. She stood up, pointing. "You always have to try and look like the victim! All you ever do is whine about getting your feelings hurt! It's not anyone's fault that you're so damn mopey-"

"And that's my problem to worry about, not your's!" Jazmine shot back, rising to her feet as well, her fists clenching. Huey stared up at her. Whoa. "What does that have to do with the fact that you're being so much of a baby that you can't even accept my apology?"

"Because!" Cindy threw up her hands. "What good is it? Maybe I don't want to go back to being friends with a sensitive, depressing, anti-social jerk like you!"

The entire courtyard was quiet now. Jazmine's lower lip trembled. Huey thought she was going to cry. And then, she spoke.

"I don't need your damn friendship if you're going to be like that." She snorted, giving Cindy a glance over. "And if I'm that much of a burden to you, then don't forgive me. Get a new best friend. Get fifty goddamn best friends for all I care. I happen to like who I am." She held up her chin. "Yeah, I don't like partying every weekend and I don't have many friends. I don't wear heels and a bunch of makeup, and I'd much rather read a book or hang out and do what I want to do than go on a date. But you know what?" She leaned forward. "I just don't give a fuck."

A few people gasped, followed by a little bit of laughter. Beside him, Huey saw Maya practically laughing. Riley was probably laughing the loudest, by far. Cindy blinked, surprised. Then, her eyes narrowed even more.

"Fine." She shook her head. "Whatever, Jazmine. You stand up there with your cute words and your little scowl, but you ain't gon do shit."

Jazmine put a hand on her hip. "Excuse me?"

Cindy leaned forward as well, her nose inches from Jazmine's. "I said," She said in a low, dangerous voice. "You ain't. Gonna. Do. Shit. You know why?" She shrugged. "Because you're a doormat. Because you let people walk all over you. I never took you for granted and you just shit all over our friendship. You're whiny and wimpy and you ain't got nothing except for a bunch of words you probably rehearsed in an attempt to look tough." She smirked at Jazmine's expression. "Whatchu gon do? I hurt your feelings? You gon cry about it?"

Huey watched Jazmine blink. He knew for a fact that Cindy was merely running off at the mouth, that when she got angry she said things just to hurt people as a defense mechanism. He could read that, easy. She just happened to have unleashed her wrath on probably the most sensitive person in Maryland, which was kind of foul.

Jazmine leaned back slightly as if she'd been slapped. She looked at her best friend with a sad expression, shaking her head. And then, her eyes hardened.

Before anyone could react, she grabbed Maya's soda and reached forward. And Huey, along with the rest of the perplexed courtyard, got to witness as Jazmine tugged the collar to Cindy's shirt open, dumped the contents down her shirt, and slammed the can down to the table, her eyes cold. Jazmine, the sweet, innocent girl, gave Cindy, the aggressive, challenging alpha female of Ed Wuncler Senior High, a cold look. She released Cindy's collar, then shrugged.

She shrugged.

"Whoops." She didn't sound too sorry. She glanced at Cindy's face. "You can take your narcissist, heel wearing, shit talking self somewhere, and shove that friendship up your ass." Jazmine scowled, grabbing her purse. "I don't need you putting me down. I don't need you. I'm done." She pushed her palms off the table, storming towards the double doors that led back into the cafeteria. Cindy stood there motionless, staring down at her shirt. She was in shellshock. Maya clapped her hands, laughing.

"Alright, Jazmine." Maya shrugged, glancing at Cindy with mock sympathy. "So, you mad. What?" She leaned forward, imitating Cindy's previous words perfectly. "You gon go cry about it?"

Cindy slowly sat back down, dabbing her shirt with a napkin. She swallowed, her eyes surprisingly filling with tears. Beside her, Caesar looked torn between wanting to help her and wanting to laugh. Huey sat back, shaking his head. He felt…

Well…impressed.

Passive Jazmine had obviously left the building.

---

January 1, 1921

Tonight was the first New Years I did not spend by myself or with my mother.

It was very unnerving. Of course, the entire city of New Orleans seemed to be out celebrating it. There was live music and dancing everywhere, with bright lights strung up through the streets. I did not see what the big deal was but it must have just been me. Despite the prohibition on alcohol it was almost all I saw the entire evening, other than people dancing and running through the streets. I watched the scene from inside my apartment, the window open so that the sounds of the live jazz music, my favorite, floated through my dimly lit room.

I have never been much of a people person, and I had no intentions to go out and celebrate the arrival of a new year. Of course, my plans were completely altered.

I was standing at the window, staring down into the crowd and enjoying witnessing it with the benefits of not having to be out in it when I heard a knock on my door. So, imagine my surprise when I opened it to see Matthew standing there, his coat slung over his shoulder and his expression filled with that look he got when he had a trick up his sleeve. He glanced past me, his nose wrinkling.

"Why the hell is it so dark in here?"

I had shaken my head, my hands on the door. "I prefer a quiet celebration to bring in the New Year, thank you very much." I gave him a look. "And watch your language."

He let out a low whistle, shaking his head and ignoring me. "Seems a bit dull to me."

I had given him a look. "Do you not have friends who you can go spend your leisure time with?"

"On the contraire I do, Ms. James." He smirked as I scowled. "As a matter of fact, I am in need of your services."

My eyebrow rose up. "You need me to sew something at this hour?"

"No." He adjusted his hat. "I need someone to accompany me out tonight. Otherwise, I lose twenty dollars." He shook his head. "I do not know why I continue to bet. I never win."

"You need my…services." My face must have been strange because he gave me a look, his own face coloring.

"Not like that." He shook his head. "For god sake's, Anya. You have a horrible mind sometimes."

"I did not say anything!"

"You did not have to." He rolled his eyes. "Like I was saying, I am supposed to be meeting a few of my friends by the boathouse shortly, and because of my lack of friends that happen to be women, I appear to be dateless."

My eyebrow really lifted at that one. "You want me…to be your date."

"In a completely platonic sense," He added quickly. "It is more of an if-I-do-not-show-up-with-a-woman-in-tow-I-will-lose-the-bet situation. On top of that, I do not want to be the only one who is by himself."

"Ah." I had nodded. "Well, when you put it that way…"

I slammed the door in his face. After a few seconds of what I presumed to be a shocked silence, he knocked.

"Anya! Come on!"

"You come on!" I yelled. "What, I am some last resort?"

"No!" He yelled back, groaning. "You are the only one I considered. If I were to take anyone I would be bored stiff. Not to mention," He added. "I do not know another woman as nearly as smart as you. I would have to dumb myself down for the rest of the evening, and to be frank I just do not have the patience for ignorance."

"What will your friends say about your female companion being a passé blanc?" I argued, crossing my arms over my chest. I heard him sigh loudly.

"Who cares what they say?"

I thought about it, glancing around my cozy apartment. Was it really too much to ask to be able to stay and watch the beautiful view?

"Anya!" I had heard him yell again.

Apparently, it was. I had finally sighed, opening the door again and rolling my own eyes.

"Fine." I tossed my hair back, giving him a severe look. "However, there are conditions."

He nodded. "Perfectly understandable."

I nodded as well, putting my hand on my hip. "For one, you are not actually courting me."

"Of course not." He had waved his hand. "Carry on."

I ticked off the next condition on my finger. "Two, I do not want any part in alcohol. I do not drink. It makes the smartest of men complete fools. I will not have any."

"I would not dream of it."

I gave him a look. "Are you taking me seriously?"

He nodded.

"Good. Three." I dropped my hands. "I do not dance."

He looked mildly disappointed at that. "Really?"

"Really." I shook my head. "I will not look like a fool in the midst of strangers. I will not look like a fool even in front of people I know. Me dancing would be ghastly."

"Have you tried?" He suddenly asked, making me pause. My mouth hung open before I remembered how unladylike it was, and then I closed it."

"Well…I have not." I had faltered. "But-"

"Then you must try."

"Matthew, no."

"Yes."

"No."

"Just try?"

"I will not."

"I will pay you."

"I cannot be bought by your money."

"Of course you cannot." He had rolled his eyes. "Fine, Anya. I will accept that, only because I am sure you will change your mind."

I had lifted my chin. "I hardly doubt that."

Of course, I turned out to be wrong. When I finally (albeit reluctantly) got changed and managed to look decent and we made it to the boathouse, I could see that there were a lot more people, all of them colored. Not only that, but the music was much better, the dancing was much more prominent, and everyone was a lot more friendly. I had to admit, it was a bit exciting.

I even met some of Matthew's friends (a bit of a relief; all the time he was spending with me I was beginning to fear him to be some sort of social outcast who had nothing better to do than prey on younger women) who were all funny, sophisticated, charming, and nice. Then again he was friends with them, so I do not know why I had expected any differently. While everyone danced, I ended up sitting with the wife of one of his friends, a pretty woman with short hair named Odette. When she asked me why I was not dancing I told her I did not, and to my relief she did not have anything negative to say.

"My husband is not the best dancer, either," She had said, winking at me. "Sometimes he tries and I do nothing but laugh. He tries to impress me but we're from completely different eras, so I just tell him to let it go-"

"Excuse me," I interrupted politely. "If you do not mind me asking…how old is he?"

"Oh!" Odette waved her hand. "It is of no importance. He is forty six."

"Oh." I did not say anything else. She leaned forward, taking my hand and giving me a knowing look.

"I am but twenty seven."

I felt my eyes widened. She laughed, shaking her head.

"Always the same reaction." She swept her hand around her, holding a bottle of alcohol and grinning. "People see it as a gap, but it does not matter to us. We have been together since I was twenty." She shrugged. "I do not care what these people think. They do not know me. They do not know our hearts. We only have one life to live. I will not let a silly factor such as age hinder me."

My eyes happened to flicker towards Matthew, who was talking to a few other men, laughing at something. "I do not know if I can see eye to eye with you."

"Of course you can." She gestured to me. "You are with Matthew, and you are certainly not above twenty two."

"I am eighteen."

"Eighteen." She nodded, stroking her chin. "You are a mature eighteen. You speak like you have been of this earth for over a century."

I had laughed at that. Her brows had slightly lifted.

"I do believe," She said with a smirk, her brown eyes lit. "That I have not seen him as happy as he is tonight."

I had snorted. "It must be the alcohol."

She had laughed, resting her hand on my knee. "It is certainly not the alcohol, my dear," She said softly. The music changed and I looked up just as he glanced towards us, and our eyes connected.

And then, my heart, it did the oddest thing. It stopped. For a moment I thought I was having a stroke. Then, I slowly turned towards Odette, who was giving me a knowing look.

"That," I breathed. "Would be impossible."

She shook her head. "With love, nothing is impossible." No sooner after the words left her mouth Matthew himself was coming up, extending his hand."

"I understand that you were adamant about your third condition," He said, his eyes light. "But you must dance with me. For this song."

"But-" I had started, only to stop when he gave me a look.

"One song." He had glanced to Odette. "Help me here, Odie."

She had thrown up her hands, grinning towards me. "Please, do. So he can stop whining about it." He shot her a dirty look.

I had frowned before sighing, taking his hand. "Fine. I suppose."

When we had walked near the center of the other dancing pairs he took one of my hands in his own, placing his other hand on my waist. "I will lead," He declared. I had rolled my eyes.

"I do not even know what that means." He had only laughed when I said that, which for some odd reason made me laugh as well. Then, we were dancing.

Or, at least I had tried. I must have tread his foot a good half a dozen times before I got the hang of it, and I was finally able to keep up, feeling a lot less stupid.

"Are you glad you came?" He asked, twirling me around once and making me laugh. "Or do you wish I had left you in that dark apartment of yours?"

"I suppose I made the right decision!" I yelled sarcastically over the music and the other voices. He shook his head, smirking.

"You are impossible."

I had shrugged. Of course, by the time I got used to dancing, it had been over. I sat back down on the crate in front of Odette, who clapped softly. I gave her a mock bow.

"That was not awful at all." She had taken two shot glasses filled with a ginger colored liquid from a passerby and held one out towards me. "Here."

"Oh, no." I shook my head. "I am fine. Really."

"Ah!" Two of Matthew's friends, a couple of his apprentices, sat down beside each of us, holding bottles and glasses of their own. "We have found us two beautiful drinking partners!"

"Oh, god no," I said, resting a hand on my chest. "I could not possibly-"

"We will take you on." Odette grinned, handing me a shot as the men cheered, pouring themselves glasses. "To the New Year!"

To the New Year!" They all choruses, clinking glasses. I managed to catch on and clink mine against theirs as well, watching them all down their shots in one swallow and slam them down on a crate, laughing. They all glanced to me. I hesitantly lifted the glass to my lips, tilting my head back and downing it in a few swallows. I set mine down, coughing.

"Holy-" I had to catch myself. They all laughed. I felt my face color, especially when they began to pour more. "What is this?"

"The best Whiskey Louisiana has to offer!" One of the apprentices shouted, pouring me another shot. "There is no way in hell we are going to let this go to waste, not when so many people cannot get to it-"

"Jacob! Language!" Odette scolded. "Do not forget, there are women in your presence."

"Of course." He nodded. "My apologies." He raised his glass. "To…apologies!"

"Apologies!" They all shouted.

"Apologies!" I shouted late, causing them to laugh. I downed the drink, noticing how it went down a lot easier and how…well…floaty I was beginning to feel. "Wow. This is great!"

Odette laughed, accepting another shot. "Just make sure you leave with who you came with, honey."

"Oh, we will look out for her," Jacob had reassured us. "To…looking out for one another!"

"Um..what he said!" The other apprentice shouted. We all laughed, drinking again.

A good twenty minutes later I could not even remember how many we had drank. All I knew was that everything was all colorful, not to mention spinny. And everything Odette and the other two were saying was so damn funny. We were all laughing at each other for laughing for no reason when Matthew came again, his eyebrow raised. He spotted the empty bottles and sighed, shaking his head.

"Someone is breaking all of their own rules tonight."

"You…did not tell me…how amazing alcohol is," I scolded, pointing at him. "I cannot believe you."

"Anya." He suddenly moved my hand. "I am not over there. I am right here."

The others laughed, practically falling off of their crates. He shook his head, amused. I pouted.

"Well…wait." I was completely confused. "What happened?"

"I do not know!" Odette laughed. Jason pointed towards Matthew.

"Boss!" He yelled, grinning. "Your date is, I believe, the most beautiful woman in New Orleans. Maybe in all of Louisiana." He swayed. "I do believe if you do not marry her soon, I will beat you to it."

My face grew hot. Matthew shook his head.

"I doubt you would be able to ask her hand if you are so intoxicated you do not remember her tomorrow."

"HA!" The other apprentice cackled. Odette laughed as well.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked. I stood up, rocking forward and catching onto his arm to keep my balance. On my feet, I felt a bit more aware.

"Well." I shook my hair out of my face. "This is a bit embarrassing."

"Do not worry." He waved a farewell to the others, letting me use his arm for support as we started for my home. "The others are all so drunk they will be doing worse than stumbling tonight."

I laughed. "You did not drink?"

He snorted. "I do not drink when I am with someone. Otherwise, both of us would be done for."

"You drink when you go somewhere alone?" I asked, staring up at him. He nodded. My jaw dropped.

"That is so sweet!" I hugged his arm, closing my eyes. "How considerate."

"It is not considerate." He had shaken his head. "It is the right thing to do."

"It," I replied. "Is sweet. I do not care what you say. Although, I do wish my head were not so clouded."

"I will hate to see how you feel in the morning."

I had frowned. "Why do you say that?"

He had shaken his head. "You will see."

I had shrugged, resting my head on his forearm as we continued to walk. When we were near my house, I suddenly looked up.

"Look!"

It was fireworks. I had seen them before, but never had I been so close. And never had they been so beautiful. He nodded, stopping so that we could both stare up at them.

"It is officially the new year." He looked down at me. "How do you feel?"

I beamed up at him. "I feel so happy I could die," I breathed, staring away to look back up at the lights. He nodded, his arm wrapping around my shoulders.

"I am glad."

I rested my hand on his, staring up at him. For a moment we just looked at each other. Then, in unison, we each took a step away from each other. At least, he did. I more like stumbled, then fell to the ground. He crouched down beside me, his eyes filled with concern, but I was laughing. He rolled his eyes.

"Graceful."

"Hush." I waved my hand at him, taking in the way that the fireworks lit up his face. "You know," I suddenly said. "You are very beautiful."

He shook his head. "And you are very drunk."

"Even when I'm not intoxicated," I replied, resting my palms on the ground beside me. "I think of how handsome you are. I dream of you. I have to stop myself from slipping up and admitting how glad I am that you are around." I giggled, clapping my hands over my mouth. "Whoops!"

He gave me a wary look. "You do not realize what you are saying."

"Noooo." I nodded earnestly, laughing at how the words felt, finally leaving my mouth. "I do! I tried not to feel anything for so long, but then I was talking to Odette-"

"Goodness. That is never a good thing."

"-and her husband is nineteen years to her senior!" I let out. "And it does not matter, really."

"Anya-"

"It does not matter to me."

"You are too young."

"I am mature for my age!"

"Until someone gives you a bottle."

I glared at him. He blinked back, his face calm.

"I am quite confident you will not even remember this conversation come tomorrow," He had said, shaking his head. "Even if you do, you will realize how irrational you are sounding." I frowned.

"You said," I had said, lifting my chin and trying to clear my groggy mind. "That I need a great deal more than I think. And I said that I did not need a man. I do not need you." My eyes narrowed. "But I do want you."

His eyes widened. I drew in a large breath.

"Because, you see, Matthew, I lo-"

"And that's enough of that." He covered my mouth with his hand, shaking his head. "Honestly, Anya. No wonder you do not drink. Your mouth is like a constantly running fountain."

"But-" I managed, my voice muffled. He lifted his hand and helped me to my feet, giving me a look.

"No more."

"But-"

"No. More." He rolled his eyes. "There is no need to carry on about things you do not understand."

"Hey!" We had somehow started walking again and I could now see my apartment. "You do not know what I understand! You do not know how I feel!"

"You do not even know how you feel," He said back, his hands on my shoulders as he steered me towards the door. "I am noticing that emotions are not your strong suit."

I felt my face crumple. "You do not care for me."

He sighed. "Perhaps if you were older. Maybe if I were younger." He guided me up the stairs to my second floor apartment. "There are plenty of respectable men in New Orleans, Anya. They will be happy to have you."

I frowned as we reached my front door and he unlocked it, handing me my key and giving me a gentle push inside. "I do thank you for your company," He said, nodding and giving a slight bow. I nodded, feeling my eyes welling up. His own eyes widened.

"Are you…are you crying?"

"No." I closed my eyes, my tone haughty. "Well, yes. I am crying from joy. Because I am so happy that it is a New Year and I am overjoyed to be alive."

He had looked doubtful but nodded regardless, turning on his heel. "I will check on you tomorrow and see just how overjoyed you are to be alive then."

I wiped the corner of my eye, nodding and turning away, my hand on the door. Just as I went to close it, he stuck his foot in the way. I gave him a look.

"May I ask what you are doing?"

He rolled his eyes, leaning forward and kissing my cheek. He back away, turning around again and tipping off his hat.

"Happy New Year, Anya."

I watched him go down the stairs, my eyes wide. I let my hand find my cheek, my face red.

"Happy New Year, Matthew," I had whispered, closing the door. As soon as I did I ran to write all this down before I forgot it. I have finally finished, and can now rest. Thank goodness. My head is starting to hurt. Not to mention, my stomach is a bit uneasy…

Great.

---

Thanks to Jazmine discovering a copy of the Freeman family tree in her attic (he had no idea how it had gotten there, but whatever), his genealogy report was basically finished.

He yawned, stretching and glancing at the clock. 11:23 pm. While that was nowhere close to being late for most people, he was usually in the bed sometime between ten thirty and eleven. He woke up early! What the hell was he going to stay up for?

He glanced over the tree, which went all the way to his great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather. Wow. The last member who was on it was Anthony David Freeman, the son of Matthew Russell Freeman and Ayana Rochelle Thompson. He started to put it down, only he happened to notice small scrawl on the bottom corner, a writing that was mostly faded, yet somewhat legible. He turned the page over, holding it up so that the light could illuminate it.

It looked as if it were written in old French, Cajun to be exact. He rolled his eyes, opening his laptop and using the search engine to find a translator. When he did, he typed the words in, pressing enter and blinking as the screen refreshed, the words translating into perfect English.

'In another life.'

His eyes narrowed. What the hell did that mean? He shrugged, folding it up and setting it aside, closing his laptop and putting it on his dresser. As he passed the window he happened to see Jazmine sitting at hers, looking out. They noticed each other at the same time. He felt his face grow warm.

He hadn't had a chance to talk to her about what had happened at lunch earlier that day. He had to finish a test after school and she had caught a ride home with Caesar and Maya. While he didn't think dumping a soda on someone was the best way to get a point across, he couldn't help but be impressed that she actually had a backbone. He blinked at her, then nodded. She gave him a small wave before moving away from the window. Her light cut off. He closed his blinds, flopping on the bed and doing the same with his own light. He rolled on his back.

The last time he'd seen her at her window he hadn't thought twice about it. Now he could barely think of anything else. He stared at the ceiling, his hands behind his head. He let his eyes drift shut.

He couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking about him as well.

Denial for the win. Thanks for reading! Hopefully this will at least tie you over for what comes next...dun dun dun. :P

-Kelsey