Tale 3
A Goddess' Valentine's
((Disclaimer: Cloud 9 owns the tribe, and I own de penguins))
There was just one morning out the year that made Ebony smile- Valentine's day. It was her day. A day where she got everything she wanted, and more. A day that made her sisters jealous and bitter. A day that she had the world's men at beck and call. Yes, Valentine's day was her day.
As she got dressed putting on a very small red tight top with leather pants to match, she came walking down the stairs expecting flowers and candy to be waiting for her like every year from her men. That's her MEN.
First, there was Bray- he was her boyfriend- the love of her life. Or so she liked to say he was… of course, counting the fact that she also slept around with other men may suggest he wasn't as high on the food chain as she pretended he was. He was her sweet man- choosing to do things like see movies and pay for her- opening her door. Never wanting sex till marriage.
Next, there was Slade- Slade was just a lot fun. He was older than her by a few years. He was just looking for someone to knock down his door so to speak- and Ebony was happy to apply. Last year, he had fed her chocolate while they enjoyed the night in bed after her date with Bray. He was all about late night affairs. They met through his brother who was a year above her- and king of geeks. Ebony wouldn't have been caught dead with him except for her she needed help in a course to keep her parents off her back- and her brother just happened to be hanging around during one tutoring session.
The other was Zoot, Bray's own brother. He was dating Trudy but when Trudy wasn't doing what he wanted he needed someone to take out his frustrations. Ebony was more than willing to lend herself as long as she got payment in kind for his abuse. Which tended to be a lot- free homework assignments, money, and sweets. She normally got a good deal out of him.
Lastly, Jay- Jay was just a pawn in her hat. He was some boy she played girlfriend with at the beach house her parents owned in Auckland. He was from the other side of the country, and it was important he stayed that way. He was Bray's clone in every sense of the word- he was Ebony's other sweet lapper.
Well almost lastly, Ebony was of course sleeping with Java's boyfriend Ram just to prove herself superior to Java. No other reason than that. She loved being able to get sister back- it was such a good feeling.
She finally reached down the stairs expecting all kinds of lavish gifts like they had around the year before but once she got the kitchen standing there were her two sisters. Siva was chewing on a strawberry as she read a card. Meanwhile, Java was playing with a flower and admiring something.
"Look what the cat dragged in," Java hissed looking over her sister- causing Siva to look up and flash a smile.
"Oh Ebony- look what Lex gave me," she declared walking over showing her the flower, card- that was written by the flower guy clearly, and sweets he had left her.
"Oh wow Siva- that's great- but where is my stuff?" Ebony asked.
"There wasn't any when I got up," Siva said looking at her seriously.
Ebony stopped and looked at her- she had to be joking- Siva was just kidding right? Her not get anything! That had to be wrong. Someone had to pulling her chain. Ebony turned around looking over the entire kitchen in a round about way. Maybe she was right… this room looked awfully barren but no, it couldn't… they wouldn't do that to her.
Ebony then finally towards Java who had a sneer written on her face, "Something the matter?"
Ebony's mouth curled in anger and her eyes narrowed, "You! You hide my Valentine's day gifts. Just because you're jealous. Don't deny it Java," she accused walking over towards her.
Java snorted, "Please, why would I? I'm not jealous of anything Ebony- especially not you. I got everything I ever wanted this morning… this came from Ram," she said with ego flashing it front of Ebony's face.
Ebony then snatched it from her head and began to skim over… was this… oh god it was… Ram had asked Java to marry him- Ebony then sent her gaze over to sister's finger to see the ring- a very nice expensive gold ring that she was still admiring.
"Told ya," Java declared starting to head for the stairs, "Oh and by the way- Ram's off limits for now on. You guys may have had your fun but it's over now. He's mine and solely mine".
Ebony looked at her darkly- ignoring Siva's empathy look as she grabbed her purse and a book to pretend like she planned on learning something- then took the car keys and stormed off. Bray was in for it when she got to school.
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(School)
And there he was- sitting by the fountain with a drink in his hand- with some calm cool collective look on his face. He was sitting there drinking a latte but not for long- Ebony was gonna destroy him.
Storming towards him loudly as possibly- causing other students to walk in the other direction- Bray turned his gaze over to her.
"Hey Ebony," he replied.
"Hey Ebony? Hey Ebony? That's what you have to say for yourself? Oh hi Ebony how are you? It's only been three months since I've seen you- and Valentine's is today but oh that must just slipped my mind," she snapped darkly.
Bray looked at her and blinked for a second- had she not got his email?
"You didn't get my email over the summer did you?" he inquired finally.
"What email?" she demanded her expression turning into dark wonderment now.
"I- uh sent you an email saying that we were over two weeks after you left for Auckland… I wanted to tell you in person of course but my parents couldn't send me to Auckland- money issues right now, you know?" Bray said after a second.
Ebony paled- so he broke up with her over the summer… and didn't tell her? She was boyfriendless- this entire summer she had spent with Jay and she never knew it? Well at least she was no longer a cheater but god- if she had known… she would have accepted Jay's jacket.
"Oh. Was it something I did?" she asked finally.
Worrying that somehow he knew about Slade or even Jay… not sure how Jay but then again, it wasn't impossible.
"Uh you… no… more like me," he whispered as suddenly Ebony saw a woman approaching them out of the corner of her eye carrying a teddy bear with a smile on her face.
"Oh Bray this was so cute," she proclaimed joining them, she then turned over towards Ebony with a smile, "Oh hi- I'm Salene- you are?"
Ebony stopped and looked over her feeling her blood boil some- Bray left her for some ugly red head? Was this real! What the hell?
"Very confused- excuse me," she said walking off as Bray watched her go until the other girl started to question him about her.
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So that left him off the hook, but that still didn't excuse Ram, Jay, Slade, or Zoot- she wanted to know what gave. As she stormed into the school, she bypassed Zoot intentionally when she saw him with Trudy and their daughter. She'd lecture him later instead heading towards the computer lap where she knew Ram would be.
Brother in law or not- this didn't excuse him. He was hers too. She finally hit the computer lap storming inside as Ram's eyes switched over to her. He then turned to the other geeks.
"Guys give us minute and shut the door will you," he said seriously.
All of them looked at each other briefly then him and then walked off as they shut the door- Ram then locked it as Ebony stood there folding her arms.
"Look- we had some fun… for the time. I just wanted to make Java jealous enough to fall for me- and you wanted her jealous for own sick reasons. Well it worked- on both ends. She told me she loved me over the summer- and then she told me she knew about you and I. I promised her it was over- and I meant it. I'm going to keep my word. I have for the last three months anyway. Besides Ebony- you got plenty of men in your bed and tons that give you whatever you want. You don't need me or Bray," he replied folding his arms looking at her.
"You know about Bray?"
"Who doesn't, it's been all over the place since you left at the end of last year. Rumour has it he and that Salene girl were caught kissing in the science lap," he reported.
Ebony rolled her eyes, "Fine- we're done then I guess it was fun- but Ram you're still a egotistical smart alec ass wipe," she reported darkly moving to open the door.
"Yea, and you're still a bitch so we're both even"
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(After classes)
Ebony finally saw Zoot free- and he was coming towards her with a cold walk- as he reached her- he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards a closet slamming them both in it as he flicked the lights and locked it.
"What gives?" she demanded darkly.
"What gives? What gives? Funny you should ask that Ebony. So when were going to tell me that you were my brother's mysterious whore? Huh? You think I wasn't going to find out about that? Funny, I find out the day he plans to break up with you. He mentioned he was done with his girl for a new one- and brings you up. Is that why, is that why you were hanging out with me? To get closer to my brother?" he demanded slamming her against the wall.
Causing Ebony to make a slight moaning noise as she felt the pressure from behind, "No," she said lying.
Zoot's nostril's then flared as he then slipped a hand around her neck and started to chock her causing her to gasp for air, "Wanna try that again"
"Okay- okay- FINE. I WAS USING YOU," she gaped out as he finally dropped his grip on her and gave her a hard look.
"Well not anymore. I've wised up. To you- and Trudy. I'm done with both of you. I have someone else that now- and she likes me for me. She isn't trying to me into Bray like Trudy is, or use me for sex and to look better in front of my brother like you are. She's gonna be my queen now- you're reign is over Ebony," he replied unlocking the door and stepping out.
Ebony then looked at him harshly as she held onto her neck, "She got a name?" she called.
Zoot nodded as he walked over to an Asian girl standing there with a smile on her face, "You done now babe?" she inquired.
"Of course Tai-san, now where were we?" he inquired taking her by the hand and leading her off.
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(At home)
So far, her day sucked- some much for chocolate, roses, and worship. This was supposed to be her holiday. And right, it was nothing. Nothing at all. Disappointed she headed into the house- stopping in the kitchen for some food when she noticed an unopen letter on the counter. She smirked when she saw it was from Jay.
She then grabbed it and ran upstairs eagerly- this was probably filled with a love letter and there had be to roses on the way too. As she reached her room, she shut the door, locked it, and jumped onto the bed. Tearing it open she started to skim through.
Ebony,
This summer was great. I miss you already and it's only been a week. But see the thing is Ebony. We're not going steady, you and I. You know? I offered and you just avoided me. I understand why though- I do. It's location right? You and I being so far away? So I've decided that maybe I need to go out and explore the sea some- here. So that I can find a girlfriend in my area that can commit to me. I'm sorry we didn't work out- you were a lot a fun- different from the normal girls I've dated. You made me forget about Amber, and I thank you for that. But the thing is- it's just not our time… maybe someday in the future but until one of us can move or handle a long distance relationship I think it's time to throw in the towel. I'll talk to you soon… promise. We'll be good friends hopefully- and maybe even hang out next year.
Till then,
Jay
With that she angrily tore up the letter with angry tears escaping her face. How dare he! How dare he just dump her like that when they weren't even a real couple! She had given him the time of day that most men wouldn't get. She let him buy her dinner, take her out- hell been seen with her in general. A lower class guy like him. And he does this!
But not just him, Bray, Zoot, and Ram too. What the hell was the matter here? What was next- Slade! Oh god- that would actually make sense too. They had no reason to be together. Slade was some 30 year old guy- like he needed to be dating a 21 year old. She knew it, she was about to dumped again. Or worse. Hurt… part of her actually liked Slade.
Zoot and Ram she was just using. Jay had been fun. Bray was- something- she wasn't sure what that was but he was something to her… but now she was starting to wonder. For someone that had broken her heart mere hours ago- she seemed so uncaring about it. But Slade- he was fun, exciting, he didn't want a housewife, an attachment piece, and he was okay with rough hard sex. He was easy and wasn't demanding. There was just so appealing about that to her. She didn't want to lose it.
The thought of losing that depressed her, enough that she needed to cry and sleep. Yes, cry as she fell asleep during the day on Valentine's day and waste it all away. Normally, she would never even consider it but for the first time- she was going to do just that.
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(Hours later)
Ebony was finally awoke at the sound of the doorbell as it startled her awake. As forced herself up- he kept being rung- again and again. Where was everyone? Why wouldn't they get it. Then, she realised the house lights were off?
Where were her sisters, and parents? Well Java did live on campus and so did Siva- so maybe they went back there. Or out with their boyfriends. The ones that actually gave a damn about them. They were lucky- even Java. For no one gave a damn about her. And that hurt- a lot.
Her parents- knowing them were probably out doing different things. Her mother was probably sleeping with the garden keeper, and her father was probably out claiming to work while doing his assistant. Rolling her eyes, she made her way downstairs opening the door.
Standing there against the door frame leaning to the side with helmet in hand was Slade.
"Hey," he replied.
Ebony sighed as she looked at him, trying to hold back a sob. Here it came. Now this was the part where she was gonna get left. Taking a deep breath she let him in as he walked towards the kitchen with her as she shut the door.
As he moved towards her- with his attention solely on her after he put his helmet on the table he started to speak but then she cut him off.
"Look can you just save me the speech- say it's over and leave already?" she demanded not willing to be hurt.
Slade looked at her, "What do you mean? Ebony why would I leave you? Were not even dating," he replied.
"I know were not dating but… wait, you mean- you didn't come here to say you met someone whose a real woman and wants you- and you want her?" she said surprised.
"Uh if that's the case then I'm really behind on something or- I'd love to know who the woman is that I should be drooling considering I can't think of any that top you," Slade said seriously as he put a hand on her shoulder.
Ebony looked over him shocked still, "Really?"
"Really… did something happen that made you think this? Did you see Ruby trying to ask me out again earlier? I wasn't aware you even knew where I worked," he said honestly.
"Ruby? And no, I don't know where you work or anything about you for that matter. Just that your geekboy's brother," she said honestly.
Slade shrugged, "Well then we should change that- shouldn't we? You know we should really start to get to know each other better…" he said.
"You want to get to know me better? Now? After two years… why?" she inquired.
"I need a reason?"
"It's you Slade," she replied deadpan.
"That's a good point. Well… you see recently- while you were gone over the summer, I was thinking long and hard. I could have easily cheated on you- you know- well I guess it wouldn't be cheating we're not a couple. But for some reason- I didn't find a reason to. I got plenty of offers but each appealed less- and I found myself missing you. I couldn't even really fathom why really- we're not anything important to each other but then I realised- I honestly feel something for you. Okay, it's not some love affair- this isn't some declaration of my undying love or anything but I realised. I honestly like you Ebony Rafael," he reported with a deep breath as he got just a bit closer, "And I decided I want to get to know you- so that we can start an actual relationship that is- if you're interested…"
Ebony at first just stood there, first she thought she was getting dumped but now… now he was saying he wanted to be with her? Like for real? Ebony suddenly felt like she was on cloud nine- as if secretly this was what she wanted- who she wanted all along. Forget Bray and the others- he was interested in her for her and didn't care about what kind of person she was…
And for some odd reason- she felt like he needed to know the truth, and the whole truth.
"Slade, I'd love to… but Slade there's a few things you need to know first," she began slowly.
Slade looked at her oddly for a minute, "Like what?"
"Like you see- I had a boyfriend the entire time we were messing around… and I was in a way kind of cheating on you- I mean not really but you know… but the thing is- we're not together anymore. And even if we were- I'd leave for you in a second. I thought you'd leave me like he did. I thought maybe you were done with me too- which put me in such a bad mood all day. I even went as far as to cry at the idea- I couldn't understand why. We weren't anything like you said- but for some reason I want us to be something Slade," she said with a deep breath putting herself out there.
She hoped this wouldn't bite her back. The one time she had in the past it had bitten her. She didn't want this to bite her now. She didn't care about not getting a gift anymore- all she cared about now was not having her heart stepped on.
"I know," he replied with a shrug.
"What?"
"I know- Josh does go to school with you- ya know? He told me all about this Bray guy. I've known that since we've met. I never asked or told you about it because I also didn't think it mattered. I was never jealous either because I knew I was sleeping around as well… and because I knew in the end I was better for you than him. I just knew it," he reported as he leaned in closer, "I'm your type- unlike him" he said with a smirk before leaning down and kissing her.
As the two met and their kiss deepening to tongue- Ebony couldn't help but smile on the inside. Okay, so she got no chocolate or flowers. No admires from afar but this year she got something far better Valentine's- she got love. And that was all that mattered.
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The end.
