I watched as the beautiful girl in front of me moved her body to the rhythms and the beats of the music. I smiled as I watched as her hair whipped into her face as she moved her hips.
"Go Sami! Go Sami!" I cheered her on as I myself rocked along to the song playing. I waved and popped a little as she danced around me. It's amazing how people think that people who dance can't dance together.
Sami laughed, "People are staring at us"
I looked around, and most eyes were on us. What? They never see two people who could move, dance together?
I did a quick little turn, and landed into some foot work. Sami shook her head laughing as I put my hands on my knees and started to booty pop to the beat. If people wanted to stare, why not give them a show.
"Whoo!" Sami cheered laughing, "Shake it Moose!"
I started to do the v walk and moved side to side while doing the robot. Sami laughed as I made funny faces and crossed my eyes while doing so. I then, abruptly, broke out into the running man.
"Oh!!!" Sami cheered, laughing, "Oh! We're kick'n it old school!"
"Kid'n play!" I yelled.
We began to walk back a couple of steps away from each other, and then walk back, linking our ankles and turning in a circle. We laughed as we both lost our balance and knocked into each other. It seemed as though our watchers got a kick out of it too.
They applauded and laughed along with us. I held Sami in my arms and we waved at our small audience.
"Thank you, thank you!" I smiled at all of the sweaty, amused faces around us.
"Dance off!" Some yelled in the abundance of people, "battle it out!"
"Battle! Battle!" The rest of them agreed.
I rolled my eyes and looked down at Sami who still occupied the space in my arms. She shook her head and mouthed 'no' I pleaded with my eyes, it was always fun battling with Sami, and she could actually beat me now. 'Please' I mouthed, 'come on'
Sami rolled her eyes, "Fine" She agreed, and I smiled. "But…I get to win this time"
I frowned in fake protest, "Oh come on…that's not fair…you won last time…" I pouted.
Sami laughed, "Yeah well…it's not my fault you move like a fish out of water…and…P.s. Stop stealing moves from Ian Eastwood" She smirked as she took a couple of steps back from me. The audience around us 'ooh'd.
"There's no way in heck that I move like Ian Eastwood!" I protested. She always knew how to get to me. Everyone began to back away to create a bigger and even more distinct circle around us.
"You're right…because his moves are better" Sami replied. I couldn't help but laugh at that one. She was quick. Our personal audience seemed to enjoy her too, but then again, who could resist her witty charm.
"Yo! What you gonna do Moose?" Some random kid yelled from the crowd. I laughed and shook my head. Hey, shall I say, let's get it on?
"Yo, DJ! SPIN THAT SPIT!" I yelled over the music. Our audience cheered.
I looked at the girl who I still couldn't believe I called, girlfriend, and smiled. She still had that pleasant smirk on her lips and I could tell by the dancing specks in her eyes that this was going to be a good battle.
With a huge grin on my face, and with the new track the DJ was spinning, I raised my hand and beckoned her to come with my finger. Let the battle begin.
--
Promiscuous girl! Wherever you are!
I'm alone, and it's you that I want!
Monster sat at the bar, at the Dragon, chatting it up with Meezy. He played with the ice in his coke, watching as it twirled and twirled around. He watched as the bubbles rose to the surface and popped in a never ending cycle.
"Hey, Monster!"
He rolled his eyes before he brought his carbonated beverage to his lips. He made some sort of sound of acknowledgement as he sipped on his drink. He looked at Meezy who had an amused smirk on his face as he served another club goer their drink.
"We were just about to hit the dance floor…you want to join us?" Missy asked. She had Cable standing behind her, and he eyed his friend curiously. They waited for him to answer, to look at them at least.
Monster slowly turned his head toward his friends and looked at them with lazy, uncaring eyes. He tapped his finger against the side of his glass twice and answered, "Nah, I'm cool…" He finally answered. He watched as the emotion in his friends' eyes turned into worry.
"Are you okay, man?" Cable asked with full concern in his voice. He looked at his friend expectantly.
"Yeah, yeah…" Monster answered. He sat up straighter on the bar stool he currently occupied and shrugged his shoulders, "I'm cool…but uh…" Monster sniffled and shifted his eyes towards the dance floor, "Where is everyone?"
Missy's eyes darted towards the dance floor, her eyes narrowing as she scanned for the familiar faces of her crew mates.
"Uh…" Missy bit her bottom lip as tried to remember her friend's whereabouts, "Chase and Andie are entertaining a small crowd over in the corner…Hair, Smiles, Kido, and Fly are just…talking…on the other side of the club in the V.I.P. section..."
It was all very interesting, but she hadn't named the two people he was most concerned about.
"…and Moose and Sami are…well, they're out there somewhere getting their boogie on…" Missy and Cable laughed together as they began to bounce their shoulders to the beat of 'Promiscuous Girl' by Nelly Fertado and Timbaland. "Let's go Cable!"
They laughed as they danced their way into the crowd of sweaty, dancing bodies. Monster rolled his eyes and took a sip of his drink. A white towel whipped into his line of vision.
Meezy wiped down the counter top in front of Monster in quick, circular movements before he threw it back over his shoulder. Monster looked up at Meezy who was now filling up a glass with some unknown beverage. He glanced over at Monster and smirked, he handed a guy the drink before turning his attention to Monster.
He grabbed a glass and began to clean it with another cloth, "Not dance'n tonight?"
Monster shook his head and sighed.
Meezy put the glass away and grabbed another one, "What's your deal man? Seems like you've got your swagger all out of whack"
Monster sighed, "Yeah, well…you'd be the same way if you felt like the girl of your dreams was in the arms of the wrong guy…"
"Whoa" Meezy commented. He put the glass away like he had with the first one. He grabbed an empty glass from the other side of the bar and went over to the sink to wash it out, "That's some real messed up shit your deal'n with, dude…"
Monster laughed without humor as he downed the last of his drink. By the time he sat it back down on the counter, Meezy had placed a fresh coke right in front of him.
"Wow, that was fast" Monster noted as he took the fresh beverage into his hand.
Meezy laughed, "Hey, that's what she said"
They laughed together, and Monster smiled for the first time all night. He brought the glass to his lips and sipped on it. He shook his head, "Dude, you don't even know man…"
Meezy laughed, "Why don't you tell me, dude?"
"Ugh!" Monster droned, "How do I even begin?"
"She's that bad, huh?" Meezy chuckled, "I met a girl like that once…"
"Really?" Monster asked intrigued. He leaned forward as he waited for Meezy to go on.
"Yeah, took her out to dinner…we went dancing…" Meezy smiled at the memory, "Then I took her back to my place…"
Monster raised his eyebrows, "Word?"
Meezy nodded, grabbed the towel from his shoulder, and began to wipe down another part of the counter.
"Yep, we fooled around…and…next thing you know…I wake up the next morning to her in one of my button ups…picking up all of her stuff…" Meezy continued, "She looked at me and said…that'll be $255"
Monster's eyes bugged out and he almost choked on his drink, "Nuh uh"
"'Ay yo, true story…crazy ending…I'll tell you more about it when I know you better…" Meezy laughed and threw the towel back over his shoulder.
Monster nodded, chuckling as he took another swig of his drink. He almost choked again when all too familiar voice sounded from behind him.
"Hey Meezy!" Sami smiled.
"Hey! Tiny! What's good Sami Smallz!" Meezy greeted her brightly.
Monster sighed as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His eyes looked her over carefully as she leaned over the bar, with a bright smile on her face. She was wearing a black tank top that exposed her flat, toned stomach.
Monster bit his lip as his eyes rested on the sparkling jewel on her naval. He couldn't help being a bit of a pervert when she dressed like that.
Sami stretched her body a bit, her abs flexed a little and Monster had to shake his head. Why was she doing this to him? He didn't like feeling like a dirty bastard.
She wore dark green cargo pants, black dance sneakers, dark green bandana tied around the top of her head, and black cap over it that was slightly tilted to the side, her chalky brown hair- pin straight down to her elbows. She looked like a mini Andie.
"Ah, it's all good Meez" Sami laughed.
"You and Moose tear'n it up out there?" Meezy grinned.
Sami chuckled, "You know it…speaking of which… I just kicked his ass in a battle…"
Meezy laughed and Sami joined him. Monster smiled, something about her laugh just made him happy.
"Can I get two bottles of water por favor? One for now…one for later…I think I might…literally pass out from dehydration…"
Meezy laughed, "I got you Ma…come'n right up"
Sami turned around and leaned her back against the counter as she waited. She looked over to her left and smiled once she saw Monster, "Hey Monster"
Monster's eyes brightened, he smiled, "Uh…hey, Sami"
"Why aren't you dancing?" Sami asked with concern in her voice. She cocked her head to the side curiously.
"Oh, uhm…well…" Monster replied quickly. His mind searching for a response, "I uhm, I don't…don't know…I guess….just… no one to dance with…"
"Here ya go" Meezy said as he set a bottle of water on the counter top, "One for now…" Meezy continued and held up another bottle which he then put under the counter, "One for later…."
"Thanks Meez" Sami smiled as she unscrewed the top on the bottle and took a long swig. She sighed, satisfied, and Meezy laughed.
Sami laughed, but then turned to Monster.
"No one to dance with?" Sami asked, "Well, there are a lot of beautiful girls here…who…would love to dance with a catch like you…" Sami reassured him.
Monster drew in a deep breath and coughed loudly into his fist. He swiveled in his chair and shifted his eyes aimlessly around the club before he looked at Sami again, "I uh…w-would you…like to uhm, dance with me?"
Meezy's eyebrows rose and he pretend to clean out an empty glass like he wasn't listening.
Sami's eyes widened in shock for a second before she quickly regained her composure. She ran a hand through her long hair awkwardly before she answered, "Uhm, well….I uhm…sorry…I've got to…get back to…Moose…"
"Yeah" Monster choked out. He took a deep breath, "Right…yeah, uh…you should go…do that…"
Sami nodded quickly and awkwardly before she walked away. She glanced back at Monster once, her eyes curious, before she disappeared into the large crowd. Monster bit his lip as he watched her walk away from him.
He swiveled back around in his chair and took another swig of his drink. He ran a hand through his mullet and sighed in frustration.
Meezy looked at him and shook his head, "Nah dude….no…"
"What?" Monster groaned as he buried his face into his crossed arms on top of the counter.
"You are not feel'n Shorty" Meezy said, mostly to himself, "I can't believe you're sweat'n Smallz"
Monster lifted his head up, "Yeah, well, she's perfectly happy with her douche of a boyfriend so…" Monster took another swig of his coke, "I'm going to need something a lot stronger than this…"
"You got ID?" Meezy smirked.
Monster laughed, "Yeah…."
Meezy laughed and shook his head, "This is like that whacked out shit that celebrities be gett'n themselves into, man…"
"Yeah, well…good thing we're not celebs…I don't think I need my issues displayed for the whole world to see… on top of being miserably single…" Monster mused.
Meezy looked around as if to make sure no one else was listening and he leaned across the bar and stared Monster in the eye, "Look…Moose…see…that's my boy right there…that's my homie…but if you're really digg'n Tiny…like you say you're digg'n her…my advice to you is…go for it, man…"
"Go for it?" Monster asked again.
Meezy nodded as I he leaned away. He took Monster's mostly empty glass and put it in the sink to wash it.
Monster sat there and let Meezy's advice sink in. Go for it.
()()()()
"Thanks for helping me with my Winter Showcase piece, Sam" I breathed as I did six quick pirouettes and landed neatly. Yes, I knew ballet. It was a required class for all MSA dance majors.
"It really isn't a problem…." Sami reassured me. She was typing something on her lap top.
I watched as her eyes showed a clear reflection of what was on the screen. She wore a black sports bra, which showed off her perfectly toned stomach. It was amazing how comfortable she was now with herself. It's just funny how that a few weeks before, she was using my button up for coverage.
Her long, chalky brown hair was pulled up in a messy bun and away from her face, which is exactly the way I like it. Its nice being able to see her face without her hair acting as curtain.
Her black sweats were rolled up to her knees…which was expected because she never wore them any other way. Her shoes were black, flexible, and easy to move in I guessed. To sum things up, she was stunning just like any other day, and it never seized to amaze me that this was the girl I had the privilege of calling, girlfriend.
"What do you plan on doing?" Sami asked absentmindedly as her fingers continued to tap, tap-tap away on her laptop.
I watched her for a moment longer as her eyes narrowed at the screen for a brief second before they regained focus. Whatever it was she was doing, she was concentrating really hard, because I could see her brow beginning to pull together and her eyes were still slightly narrowed.
"I was thinking about doing a hip hop contemporary piece to Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson" I answered. The piece was soft and warm. It had a pleasant, exotic beat, and a nice overall feel. It was perfect for showcase.
Sami closed her laptop and began to walk over to where I stood. She was shaking her attractive head as she approached me, and a smile was on her pretty face.
"You obsessed MJ fans…amuse me" Sami teased once she reached me. A mock of shock and hurt took over my features. Truth be told, I was a bit insulted.
"You non-MJ fans…confuse me…were you like…not born with musical common sense? The man is a legend…he's an absolute genius!" I explained, "The man created art and so many masterpieces!"
Sami rolled her eyes, "Moose…I'm a Michael Jackson fan…in fact…I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan…who do you think I learned the anti-gravity move from? I'm saying that I'm not obsessed like you"
"Pshhhh" I scoffed, she was obviously not a true MJ fan. "I am not obsessed"
"You have a poster of him hanging above your bed…does it comfort you to stare up at those warm chocolate eyes before you go to sleep…because I'm going to tell you now…Michael Jackson is a finnee man…but…him staring at me all night…that's just creepy…" Sami retorted.
"Just because you know nothing about the King of Pop… don't go around insulting the man Sami" I told her. She looked at me with an insulted look on her face.
"Don't know anything about the King of Pop? Are you crazy? Delusional….are you on crack?" Sami asked, "Moose, I know everything there is about MJ…probably more than you…I'm just not obsessed…scratch that…I am an obsessed MJ fan…I'm just not psycho obsessed"
"Uh…" I started. I stared at her with a know-it-all expression before I continued, "A. No, I am not on any illegal substance, 2. I'm sure you don't know more than me, Tre. I am not psycho obsessed…" I explained, "Oh…and…just in case your non-Italian speaking mind did not comprehend this…tre means three…"
Sam laughed sarcastically at my last statement before continuing, "Okay…so we agree to crazy, delusional, and yes Moose…I know more about Michael Jackson than you do…"
"Ha, no…you really don't know more about Michael Jackson than I do…" I assured her.
Was she insane? There was no way she knew more about the King of Pop than I, Moose, possibly the biggest MJ fan known to man. Just the shear thought of anyone knowing more, and then having the balls to actually insult my intelligence was just astonishing. She's lucky she's cute…oh, and my girlfriend.
When I looked back at Sami she had an insulted expression across her features. Her arms were crossed in front of her chest and something about the glare she was giving me was sort of giving me the creeps.
"Fine" She said, suddenly all of the hatred was washed from her features and she looked completely serene. "Quiz me…"
I laughed, fully amused by the suggestion. I probed my mind to think of a legitimate question. A grin spread across my face as I thought.
She watched me carefully.
I looked at her, finally resting on a decent question, "Birthday?"
"August 29, 1958" She answered immediately. She smirked and her overall posture just screamed, confident. She really felt she knew her stuff. Fine, if she wanted to play, we could play.
"Bille Jean was inspired by who?" I asked expectantly. My eyes narrowed, scanning for any signs of worry. Any signs of doubt.
"Psycho fan who claimed that he was the father of one of her twins" She answered as nonchalant as possible. She sighed. What? Was this boring to her? Were the questions too easy for her complex mind?
"Awards?" I probed.
"He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, he's been in the Guinness World Records for 'the Most Successful Entertainter of all Time'…he's won 13 Grammy Awards, 17 number one singles…4 of which are from when he was a member of Jackson Five…he's a notable philanthropist and humanitarian…he's raised money for more than 39 charities through the support of his very own Heal the World Foundation…" Sami answered.
My jaw dropped slightly, but I quickly regain my composure when I saw that smirk of hers'. I couldn't help it. What'd she do? Read wikipedia.
"Okay…when did the single 'Bad' hit number one on the charts?" I asked quickly. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and a smirk held my expression together as I waited for her flake.
Sami rolled her eyes and answered flawlessly, "1987…it was the second of five Billboard Hot 100 number one hit singles from his album, Bad…it was the first time a recording artist every achieved that…and it was his seventh number one hit…"
"Okay, well…"
"It was actually supposed to be a duet with Prince…but Prince declined because he said….quote, "it would be a hit without him"" Sami cut me off, "Come on Moose…give me a challenge…"
"Uh-"
"Wesley Snipes"
She wanted a challenge, but the girl wouldn't let me talk.
"You know…it's said that Snipes wouldn't even have had a career without Michael…but…you know that media hype…" Sami droned, "All garbage…"
I stood there with a glare plain as day on my face. Though, I was upset that she was turning what was supposed to be something fun for me…into something that's making me look like an idiot…I have to admit, that this was sort of a…turn on.
"Anything else?" Sami asked cockily. She raised her eyebrows and the smirk on her lips refused to disappear. I felt my pride over take me.
"Okay…so…I bet you don't know the extended version!" I retorted, and like an idiot. I began to sing, "You're tell'n me…you're do'n wrong…they'll lock you up….before too long…you're do'n wrong…you're do'n wrong…you're do'n wrong, boy…you're do'n wrong…"
Could someone please explain to me why I was singing right now? I mean, it wasn't like I was really singing; I was just…well, I didn't know what I was doing. I was trying to prove a point, but by the look on Sami's face I wasn't doing a very good job at it.
"You better watch your mouth girl!" I changed the lyrics, and I got a slight smile from her. She couldn't deny that, that was funny, "Just watch your mouth!"
Why couldn't I stop? I knew that I wasn't making any sort of point, but I guess again, it was fun. Sami shifted her eyes, but only for a brief second. Her expression seemed bored now, but I wasn't going to stop. I already got this far.
"Ask your mother! Ask your sister! Ask me!" I recited perfectly. Man, I have watched this video way too many times, "You're do'n wrong! You're do'n wrong! You're do'n me wrong…you're do'n wrong!"
I quickly spun and landed quickly, "Shhhhhhhhhhhhh…." I finished as I lifted my hand slowly, and snapped it quickly so that I was pointing at her. I watched her intently, waiting for a reaction. I had just acted like a fool, and I knew it.
The next thing I knew and it happened so fast, "OWWW!!!!" I yelped. She had grabbed my arm and locked it in a position of great pain!!!
"…and you thought I didn't know the extended version…" Sami laughed as she kept my arm securely locked in her embrace.
"I don't recall Wesley Snipes trying to BREAK MICHAELS ARM OFF!" I yelled there was a sharp pain shooting up and down my arm. She could let go now!
"Same difference" Sami shrugged.
"Uggghhhh" I groaned in pain, "Sam, let go of my ARM!"
Sami smirked, this was NOT good…
"Who knows more about Michael Jackson?" She asked innocently.
I groaned, "Sam…"
"Who?" She asked again, as if she didn't hear me.
I sighed, "Can't we just call it even…?"
She thought about it for a second before answering, "Fine…"
"Thank you…" I sighed, "…now…can I please have my arm back?"
"No"
"Sam!" I groaned again. I wonder if she's ever had her arm feel like it was about to be disconnected from her body. It was NOT a good feeling.
"Who's bad?" She asked.
I rolled my eyes, and sighed, "You are…" I muttered.
She grinned, and happily released my aching arm.
"You're mean…" I pouted.
Sami laughed, "Well, what do you expect when someone says you don't know anything about your idol…I mean…let's be realistic…if I said you weren't a real MJ fan…what would you do?"
"Point taken" I laughed and pulled her into a hug. I felt her head lay on my chest and I rested my head on top of it, "I'm sorry that…I said that you weren't…."
"Don't worry about it…" Sami laughed, "…and Liberian Girl…love it…"
"Really?" I asked in a surprised tone.
"Yeah" Sami laughed, "it's on my meditation playlist"
"Of course you have a meditation playlist" I joked. She poked me in the stomach.
"You know what I really love?" Sami asked, and by the change of tone in her voice it had nothing to do with what we were talking about now.
"What?" I asked curiously. I pulled away to look at her and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Your voice" Sami answered, "I didn't know you could sing"
I rolled my eyes, "Girl please…you be tripp'n" I replied in a 'what you talk'n 'bout Willis?' tone.
Sami groaned, "Aww…Moose…why don't you sing for me?"
"Because…" I started, "I can't sing"
Sami sighed, "Fine…we just got over one disagreement…let's not start another…"
"Couldn't agree more…shall we begin?" I asked, grateful for the subject change.
Sami chuckled, shaking her, head as she made her way back over to her lap top. She started to click around, her thinking face in its rightful place, before she looked back at me. "Freestyle?"
"For surely" I grinned. She smiled back.
"Ideas, before I click 'play'?" She asked.
"Uhm…" I thought quickly, "Uhm…I'm just going to frame you…I guess…just…be the Liberian Girl…"
Sami shook her head laughing, "Right…well, uhm…okay…"
She clicked 'play' and ran over to my side. As the exotic music began we both felt the pulses and beats within the music.
Naku
Penda Piya-Naku Taka
Piya-Mpenziwe
As soon as the words whispered through the speakers Sami completely took on the role. She moved her arms and body to the rhythm as she looked at me. I couldn't help, but smile, because the look she was giving me was familiar. Amazing how I missed the meaning of it before.
Liberian Girl . . .
I turned
toward her and began my pursuit.
You
Came And You Changed
My World
A Love So Brand New
Liberian
Girl . . .
We
continued to move to the flowing, exotic beat. I absolutely loved
this song, it was so different. What Michael was thinking when he
wrote this was beyond me, but it was pure genius.
You
Came And You Changed
Me Girl
A Feeling So True
I grabbed her hand and twirled her gently into me. I gently stroked her cheek and looked into her eyes, and I could swear she was smirking. She was blushing, but there was no denying that smirk.
Liberian
Girl
The chorus began, and she pushed me away and started to do multiple turns away from me. I grinned and eagerly pursued her again. I didn't know why, but chasing Sami was one of the most fun things I could think of.
"I want to do a lift at the end of the chorus" I told her as we continued to dance. She looked at me like I was insane.
"Uh…don't think so…I don't feel like risking my life today…" Sami replied as she did a quick pirouette.
You
Know That You Came
"Come on…trust me…and do it quickly…the end is nearing…" I beckoned. I saw her roll her eyes, but I knew that was in agreement.
And
You Changed My World,
Just Like In The Movies,
With Two Lovers
In A Scene
I watched as she danced to herself on the other end of the studio. She looked at me, and I knew it was time.
And
She Says . . .
"Do You Love Me"
She did quick turns that were leading her towards me. I prepped myself as she spun towards me. Half way, she broke out into a sprint. I could see in her eyes that she trusted me.
And
He Says So Endlessly . . .
My hands found her waist and used all of my strength to raise her little body into the air. It all happened so fast that I could hardly catch my breath. I just lifted her!
"I
Love You, Liberian Girl"
Of course, something always goes wrong when I'm involved. Was there a reason why my gym bag just so happened to be three feet behind me? I mean, seriously? Were these things planned? There is no way that ANYONE is so unfortunate.
I tripped backwards and Sami went flying on top of me. My back hit the dance studio floor, my gym bag under my legs, Sami on top of me, and I couldn't even hear the music anymore.
Why was everything dark? Holy crap! Please tell me that I am NOT dead!
"Wow, that could've gone…better…" I heard Sami mutter. Oh, it was just her hair. It must've fallen out of its loose bun. Well, whatever the reason…it was not shielding my eyes from the world.
"It could've…." I agreed, "But…that would me that something is wrong with us if it actually went smoothly…"
We laughed together.
"Yeah…" She added, "I guess this is expected from the Clumsy Duo"
"Nothing less…nothing more…" I agreed, "Sam…I hope you know that I am completely blind right now…"
Sami laughed, I could tell she knew what I was talking about, but of course she had to joke, "By what? My beauty?"
"That too…but, not that I don't think your hair gorgeous, it really doesn't taste that good…so…it would be amazing…if you could remove it from my mouth…" I laughed.
Sami lifted her head and tossed her long, thick hair over her left shoulder. She grinned at me, her amazing eyes sparkling.
"My bad Shawtyyyy" Sami drawled. I laughed.
"Shawty?" I echoed, "Well, isn't that backwards"
Sami laughed, and slapped my chest teasingly. She seemed to hit me a lot when we were joking…weird.
I stared at Sami. She was still lying on top of me, and the joking air was still there, but something was different. Her expression softened, it was now more innocent and she was now looking right in my eyes. She folded her arms on my chest and rested her chin on top of it and just stared back at me. There was a hint of a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth, but it was coy.
It was hard to not notice how gorgeous Sami was. She had perfect clear skin. Perfect smile, amazing eyes, gorgeous hair…and of course an amazing personality.
I felt my self tuck her hair behind her ear. I strained my neck to sit up a bit, and she obliged by sitting up a little more to give me more room. I leaned in slowly and never let my eyes disconnect from hers. She watched me expectantly, waiting, and eventually both of our eyelids began to lower as our noses brushed against each other. My lips were about a centimeter from hers when-
"Why on earth are you two on the floor?"
Our heads snapped towards the familiar voice of Monster's. He, and the rest of the crew, was standing in the door way watching us with curious expressions on their faces. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as I gently pushed Sami off of me and scurried to my feet. I helped Sami up and looked back at our friends, embarrassed… like I wanted an audience when my girlfriend and I were about to kiss.
"Uhm, well…" Sami stuttered. I looked at her. Her skin was flushed, like mine, but I noticed something. Her eyes, they were different. The specks were still there, but…they weren't dancing…they weren't even bright…they were sort of dull. I didn't know why this bothered me, but it did. Something wasn't right and I could feel it.
"We were working on the Winter Showcase…and…we were…working on a lift…" I explained, "needless to say…." I trailed off chuckling.
"Couldn't handle Sami?" Monster asked.
My eyes cut towards him. That sort of took me off guard, and though it seemed innocent enough, it sort of struck me the wrong way.
"What?" I asked.
"I'm just saying…Sami's not exactly…the biggest thing in the world…she's like what? 90 pounds?" Monster asked, "Should've been an easy lift"
I watched in disbelief as he made his way over to Sami and swooped her off her feet easily. Her eyes widened, and she blushed. She looked at me with confused eyes, and I looked at Monster with disbelieving ones. Not in disbelief that he could lift her, but in disbelief that he demonstrated.
He just stood there with Sami in his arms. I didn't feel comfortable. Something seemed different. Monster hadn't said anything offense, well, not extremely offensive, but something wasn't sitting right with me. My eyes narrowed, not in a glare, but it wasn't exactly out of joy.
Sami shifted uncomfortably in his arms. She looked at me again, this time she seemed to be pleading with her eyes.
I coughed loudly as if to clear the awkward tension. Was there a reason to all of this? I walked towards Monster.
"I can lift her, thank you very much, now if you could ever so kindly give me my girlfriend" I asked.
Something flashed in Monster's eyes it was quick, but it was evident. Was he going through something at home? I noticed he has been acting distant lately.
He placed Sami gently into my arms and she really didn't weigh that much. Well, at least I didn't have to look weak in front of everyone. My eye twitched, I really wanted to glare at Monster right now, but I didn't know why. It wasn't like he did something wrong.
Our heads turned to the sound of someone clearing their throat. It was Cable. The rest of the crew was watching us with confused, awkward expressions on their faces. .
"So uhm," Chase started, "Are we like…going to start rehearsals…or are we just going to play hot potato with Sami?"
"Right…" I chuckled; I sat Sami back down on her feet. She looked at Monster quickly, but then glanced back at me. She looked confused, but wasn't that the emotion of the day anyway.
()()()()
"Where are your tights?" Sami asked me as she approached where I sat under the tree in the courtyard. I just grinned.
"Forgot 'em?" I offered innocently. She laughed and sat next to me.
Suddenly everything seemed brighter. It was a fairly nice day out, it was still chilly, but manageable. The sun was out, partly cloudy, and everything was colored with the colors of autumn. It was gorgeous.
I looked down next to me. The girl next to me- her hair acted a curtain as she looked down at the script that was currently occupying the space on her lap. I grinned as I pulled the curtain back behind her ear. She looked up and smiled at the sudden gesture and I couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. Seriously, how could I have missed that before?
I looked at her bare arms and frowned. I shrugged out of my jacket and immediately wrapped it around her shoulders. She scoffed and rolled her eyes, but I ignored it.
"So, what's this?" I asked curiously peering over her shoulder.
"Script…I just want to run some lines…Shakespearian language can get pretty perplex…" Sami stated. She threw here pin straight hair over her shoulder and looked at me. She held out a second copy that was under the first and I read the first line where she highlighted the name of the character I was reading. I was some guy named Lysander.
"Fair love, you faint with wandering in the wood; And to speak troth, I have forgot our way: We'll rest us, Hermia, if you think it good, and tarry for the comfort of the day." I recited.
Be it so, Lysander: find you out a bed;" Sami recited. She sounded slightly exhausted, "For I upon this bank will rest my head."
I wrinkled my nose and quoted, "One turf shall serve as pillow for us both; One heart, one bed, two bosoms and one troth."
Sami began to open her mouth, but I cut her off. This wasn't making any sense.
"Sam, what the heck did we just say?" I asked. I narrowed my eyes at the script as I re-read the lines we had just said.
Sami laughed, "You know…maybe if you had the tights…this would be easier for you…"
"Well, I guess this is a lesson learned" I sighed as I redirected my eyes back to the script. I read it a third time.
"Well, we…meaning Hermia and Lysander…have run away so we can marry…we have ventured off into the woods…I suppose you notice that I look tired…and suggest that we should rest a bit…" Sami explained. Well, that explains why she sounded exhausted. "And…you just suggested finding a place the sleep where we can sleep together…"
"One heart, one bed, two bosoms and one troth…" I read out loud, "Sounds perverted to me"
Sami rolled her eyes but laughed, "Yeah…well, we should probably read on…and…you'll get it…"
I nodded, and she continued.
"Nay, good Lysander; for my sake, my dear, Lie further off yet, do not lie so near." Sami quoted. This one seemed pretty clear.
"See, even Hermes-"
"Hermia" Sami corrected grinning. I smiled back before continuing.
"See, even Hermia…thinks it's perverted" I reasoned. Sami shook her head, but the grin remained on her face.
"We have to keep reading…" Sami insisted.
I smiled at how cute she was being, and continued, "O, take the sense, sweet, of my innocence! Love takes the meaning in love's conference. I mean, that my heart unto yours is knit, So that but one heart we can make of it; Two bosoms interchained with an oath; So then two bosoms and a single troth. Then by your side no bed-room me deny; For lying so, Hermia, I do not lie." My nose wrinkled, and my eyes narrowed as I finished. What the heck did I just say?
Sami took note of my expression and obvious confusion and sighed. It wasn't annoyed, it actually seemed like a cross between amused and…passion.
"Shakespeare is amazing…." Sami sighed. She looked up at the colored leaves above our heads and smiled. I stared at her with a confused look on my face. What was so great about Shakespeare?
"I don't want to like…diss your boy or anything, but…." I started. Sami turned to look at me. "What's so great about Shakespeare? I mean…you can't even understand half of the things he's saying…I mean…it have meant for romance…but…if neither of you know what the heck is being said…how can you have a real romantic moment?" I asked.
Sami pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes before answering, "Well, I guess it coincides with…it doesn't matter what you say…but…how you say it…" Sami explained, "the words are beautiful…don't get me wrong…but it's the passion put behind it that really makes a person want to swoon. Now Lysander…" Sami took the script and re-read the line to herself before she answered out loud, "…he's…contradicting…I guess you could say…uhm, he's basically contradicting everything that comes out of a regular male's mouth. When he says…two bossoms as one…in a sacred bond…the heart…intertwined….it wasn't meant to be perverted…but another way to express the love they share…"
I thought it over, and then re-read the line again in my head. Suddenly, it was like it was plain as day …in present day English. I understood completely what was being said.
"I think…Shakespeare….is basically…the MJ of play writing and romance…he…gives something for actors to work with…to express true passion…in a way that others may not understand….but it is extremely beautiful…." Sami gushed. She exhaled quietly as she looked back up at the trees.
I just stared at her. What else was there to do? She basically shut me up.
"So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee." Sami breathed to her self. Her eyes were closed. Her body completely relaxed. She was the picture of serene.
My eyes traced the outline of her face, her body, my jacket…her hair. The wind blew slightly and her hair stirred a bit, but she didn't move. The silence that filled the air was…peaceful? I didn't know what it was, but it was definitely something.
"Wow" I breathed.
"Yeah, Shakespeare is powerful" Sami grinned.
"No, how you can remember things like that…wow" I replied.
Sami's eyes popped open she hit me, smiling.
"Ow" I complained, "If I'm going to be hanging out with you…I'm going to need to carry around some painkillers for my sore arm"
Sami laughed, "Yeah…whatever"
"Whatever" I mocked smiling.
()()()()
"Moose, ew…please don't eat-ah!" Sami shrieked as I took a bite out of my tofu turkey sandwich.
"What?" I asked with a mouthful of tofu turkey.
"Gag" Sami choked, the rest of the crew echoing her action.
It was a sandwich! What was the big deal? It tasted good to me, and it was healthier. I have nothing against meat, but when one's presented with the opportunity to get the nutritional goodness of a turkey sandwich…why pass up the offer?
"Grow up" I rolled my eyes, "It's just a sandwich"
Sami looked at me with disapproval. Her facial expression just read 'disgust' and I had no idea why, but it was amusing to watch.
"Do I disgust you, Sami?" I asked amusedly.
"Yes" She replied simply, "Very much so"
"Ah!" My hand flew my to my chest, "I am both offended, and hurt"
Sami wrinkled her nose still looking at my sandwich. She pushed my tray away holding her nose, "You'll get over it"
"AHHH!"
We all turned our heads to look up at a very excited Andie. She had jumped out of her seat and was staring down at her phone with very excited eyes.
"Uhm, Andie…" Fly started.
We all looked down to see Fly's vitamin water completed knocked down and it had spilled all over half of the table. We all jumped up and Andie looked at Fly with an apologetic expression.
"Well, at least I know I'm not the only one who knocks over Fly's beverages" Sami commented. Everyone laughed as she grabbed a handful of napkins off of her practically empty tray and began to dab at the mess.
"Sorry, Fly" Andie apologized as she helped Sami and Fly clean up the spilled mess.
"It's cool…now what are you so excited about?" Fly asked.
Andie's eyes exploded with pure joy and excitement, "My little sister is coming down from New York!"
"Little sister?" We all echoed in unison.
Andie nodded her head excitedly, "Well, not my little sister…but she may as well be…Camille…Tyler Gage's foster sister…she's coming down to visit!"
"Awww…how cute…." Sami grinned, "That should be fun…how old is she?"
"She's almost 17" Andie replied.
"Oh" Sami replied, "Not so cute…"
Everyone laughed. Gosh, it's wonderful having a girlfriend who is gorgeous, smart, and funny.
"…but still is fun" Sami continued, "what's she like?"
"Well, she's very outgoing, fun, smart…and she can dance her butt off like no one else I've ever seen" Andie gushed. She quickly texted a reply, and then slipped her phone into her back pocket.
"Sounds like a party" Chase commented, "When's she coming?"
"She's already here" Andie replied grinning, "Her whack ass wanted to surprise me…but she's coming with me to school tomorrow…she'll be here for a few weeks…and since she is...an MSA legend's relative…Blake wanted to make sure that she was treated with the upmost respect and that everyone was very welcoming"
"….how come he didn't tell me about this?" Chase asked.
Andie shrugged, dumping wet napkins in a nearby trash can, and then sat down.
"I don't know…your brother…" Andie replied.
"Speaking of my brother…" Chase started, "He just got a letter from the dean at NYU"
"Oh my God, what does it say?" Andie asked.
We all were quiet as we waited for Chase to dish about his news. He looked at all of us before finally letting his eyes rest on Andie. He smiled.
"Well, to sum it all up…I'm basically a shoo'n for NYU…" Chase grinned.
Andie grinned widely and wrapped her arms around Chase's neck. We all clapped and 'whoop'd for Chase. For most of us it was our dream to one day go to NYU. We all had one foot in the door just because we go to MSA, but Chase had an even bigger advantage.
"Nice job, bro" Smiles smiled, "Hopefully we'll all be up there with you come next fall"
"Aside from Moose and Sami" Hair commented.
I rolled my eyes, "Okay, okay let's leave the youngsters out of it, old timers…"
"Yeah, but even after Sami graduates…we'll all be up there together…the fam" Cable interjected, "It's been planned that way"
"Planned?" Monster asked.
"Yeah, we have actually discussed it outloud, but…we all know that New York is the next stop on the MSA Crew's hit list…once Moose and Sami join us…we're gonna tear it up!" Cable cheered.
We all laughed. I looked around the table to see everyone smiling except one person. I frowned.
Andie bit her bottom lip, "Making plans like that isn't exactly the smartest thing, Cable"
Everyone turned their attetion towards Andie. What was she talking about? Boston, and then onward to NYC…duh.
"What are you talking about?" Chase asked. He kept his arm around Andie's shoulers and leaned in a bit.
Andie toyed with her phone, avoiding eye contact with the rest of us. She slid it open, and then closed it. Slid it opend, and then closed it.
"I'm just saying…not everyone can make it into NYU…some of us need to…be a bit more…realistic…and practical…" Andie replied. She kept her eyes down, and her voice low.
Chase narrowed his eyes, and bit his bottom lip. Aside from looking confused, he look really shot. All of a sudden everything was quiet, and then silence that filled the air was extremely…awkard. We all fidgeted and moved uncomfortably. This did not seem to be like a public discussion.
Chase's voice very low, and we all could see that it was a private conversation. We started talking again, but there wasn't a doubt in my mind that everyone was listening, because that was what I was doing.
"I thought we agreed that…after we graduate…we were going up to New York together…NYU…that was the plan…" Chase said in a very strained yet calm voice.
"I know…" Andie whispered, "But…look…I don't want to talk about it, okay?"
"Time's running out to talk about it, Andie" Chase replied.
Andie cut her eyes up at him. She uncomfortable, but mostly upset, "Not now, okay?"
Chase's eyes were narrowed, and focused. It didn't seem like he wanted to end the discussion, but considering the circumstances he agreed. Nodding he turned his attention back to the rest of the table. He kept his arm draped across Andie's shoulders, but the tension was blatant.
Sami looked up at me, and she looked sort of worried. I just wrapped my arm more securely around her and pulled her closer. College just seemed to another one of things that pulled even the strongest of relationship, apart. It just makes you wonder…if it happens to them…well, I don't even want to finish that thought.