I cannot apologize enough for the unnecessarily long delay in updating! Truth is, I had a writer's block for the longest, so I had to toughen up and literally type out every single idea until I felt like it fit the story. I appreciate my readers and followers for being so patient. 2020 has been a shit storm so far hasn't it?! And my delay still doesn't make any sense because my job is forcing us to quarantine, so I basically have all the time in the world to write! But I'm gonna try and do better! I promise!
This chapter has a pretty lengthy flashback about Trisha and Jazmine and how they met. I hope the punctuation and italicized and bold formats aren't too confusing! Plus, I added another one of our beloved/not so beloved Boondocks characters to my story and I think you will find it absolutely hilarious!
*I DO NOT OWN BOONDOCKS, NOR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS. *I DO NOT OWN ANY MEDIA OR SONGS MENTIONED IN THIS STORY
NOW, without further ado!
Enjoy!
Jazmine placed the last item of food in the circular wooden tray and did a once over it, making sure everything was aligned perfectly. She had been to the international grocery store that morning, sparing no expense for the apology gift she prepared for her best friend and interpreter.
If it was one thing she learned about Trisha's culture, was that it didn't matter how big or small the reason for a visit was, it was ALWAYS a sign of good faith to bring food, wine, or even better, both!
Yesterday was all a big, confusing mess, but Trisha kept a cool head and was the voice of reason. Even with the trumped-up evidence Huey's ex tried framing him with, she was level-headed enough to know that it was all fake. Hell, she didn't even know Huey that well like Jazmine did, but she somehow knew he wasn't that type of guy, which made Jazmine's situation all the more shameful. They have had plenty of arguments in the past, but none as lethal as yesterday's, which was why she had to go all out for an apology.
As Jazmine walked outside with her items, she looked across the street at the Freeman residence and noticed that the family vehicle wasn't in the driveway. Someone must have taken her to get her tire fixed after Riley mishandled her yesterday. Oh, Jazmine knew Huey probably threw a fit!...or a fist to be more specific. One thing she knew about those two brothers: they would throw down anywhere, anytime! Riley simply had a problem with authority, and Huey was the authority.
So, Jazmine hopped in her car, carefully placing her apology gifts in the passenger seat and started on her way to Trisha's house. On the way over, Jazmine's mind was battling for its own attention. She tried thinking about work, how her mother must be doing, about possibly getting a goldfish! Anything, to divert her imagination from the obvious.
When she approached a stoplight, she quickly pulled out her phone, which was already hooked up to the car's Bluetooth, and went to her playlist, hitting shuffle. Kehlani's "Feels" played through the speakers and Jazmine rolled her eyes as she threw her head back against the headrest.
I ask myself, "Is this shit real?"
I contemplate 'bout how I feel
But you make it way too hard to think
That this could be what true love is
She couldn't face it. No matter how much she tried not thinking about it, the MORE she thought about it! That damn kiss! A shiver coursed through Jazmine's body, her whole body. God, she didn't think she was ever going to feel like this again! The way Huey looked at her, the sincerity in his words when he spoke to her, the way he touched her! So confident, strong, and firm. Jazmine subconsciously began to bite her lower lip.
I don't want wait another minute for ya
Oh, you got me falling from the ceiling for ya
Knew right from the start there was no limit to ya
And now I'm catching feelings, baby
She didn't know why she allowed herself to feel like this about him. Even when they were kids, she always felt so small next to him. But all the same, when she was with him, the noise from the outside world was silenced. She felt happy, safe and warm with him, the same way she felt when he made that exception for her during 'The Fried Chicken Flu.' After all these years, he still held that special place for her.
You give me feels and I
Know that it, know that it, know that it's real
You give me, you give me feels
You give me feels and I
Know that it, know that it, know that it's real
You give me, you give me feels
She sighed as she continued driving and thinking. Part of her wanted her to give herself to Huey without hesitation, start a brand new life with him, let him show her the happiness and love she so desperately craved. But, the other part of her still wanted her to cling onto the painful past that haunted her. The love for her fiancée still lingered and she felt guilty for not feeling guilty about betraying that love.
It took a lot of hard shit just to learn
How not to break down and stop, baby
No matter what I seen in the past
I won't let it impact how we grow now, baby
I can't let it slip away or drift away
Can't go to waste, go to waste, uh
I say it straight, straight to your face
Won't contemplate, yeah, contemplate that, baby
She felt ridiculous. Huey was a good man, an excellent man! He said that he would wait for her, but she didn't want to lead him on if she knew she wasn't ready either. Like last night, she was stuck between Huey and a hard place. *wink wink*
"This why the white man never shoulda done unshackled you big-lipped, jungle coons," Uncle Ruckus (no relation) berated out loud as he tightened the bolts of the repaired tire on Freeman vehicle, Dorothy. "Give ya'll forty acres and a mule and you ghetto hooligans don't know how to act, with ya'll hydraulic cars and fake ass gold chains and jungle rap music...they shoulda never gave you niggas MONEY!"
Huey just sat right outside the slide-down doors to the car shop Ruckus worked at in a fold-out chair, reading a newspaper and smoking a Jazz Black & Mild. His bruised, right eye twitched with every prejudiced word that he spoke. Honestly, he didn't acknowledge Ruckus' prejudiced outbursts anymore. Nobody did, really. Only now, Huey had more pressing matters on his mind, and it was hard to concentrate with racial slurs being spat in his ear.
"Ruckus, the "40 acres and a Mule" order was thought up by black leaders and the land they promised to past slaves ended up being given back to the owners that previously owned them anyway," Huey muttered.
"And with GOOD REASON!" Ruckus shouted pointing his tools at Huey. "Woulda' just turned the land into a bunch of whorehouses, juke joints and fried fish pubs. If the white man wanted to waste a good patch of land on a negro, he coulda' built a damn monkey zoo instead." Huey's grip tightened around the paper.
"Ruckus I could care less about your anti-Semitic remarks. The only reason I haven't broke my foot up your ass is because I need my tire fixed, so unless you don't want to end up shitting J's for a week, I suggest you shut up and get back to work." Huey growled before straightening his paper and continuing to read, taking another puff of his cigar.
"All that J's are good for anyway," Ruckus mumbled to himself. Huey rolled his eyes.
Thankfully, he didn't have classes to teach today, so he got to enjoy a three-day weekend. Of course, he couldn't enjoy it knowing everything was in disarray. As soon as he was done here, he was going back home to get Riley, who was locked in his room, not by choice, and studying for a more than befitting apology to Jazmine for the unpleasantries he somewhat caused yesterday. He swore if he didn't already kick the dog shit out of his brother last night, he would have gladly done it again this morning.
Then, in the middle of reading, his thoughts started to drift to the apple of his eye, the reason his whole life has been thrown through a loop the past couple of weeks: Jazmine. He swore he's never felt this way about anybody before. He thought he had the smallest crush on her while they were kids, even while he thought she was the most annoying specimen on the planet. Now, over ten years later, seeing how transformed she was, for the better and the worst, he realized that his… feelings… remained same, as much as he tried to hide them.
He unashamedly admitted to himself that he did, in fact, miss her over the years. After she left, there was no one to listen to his endless rants about racial injustice, his plans and schemes, no distracting background noise while he tried to peacefully read his books, no ridiculously happy and giggly presence to level out his grim and sulky mood. She was the positive to his negative. When she went away, his inner balance left with her.
And now that she was back, it seemed like his feelings returned triple-fold. He didn't want to rush her, or seem as if he was coming on too strong. Damn, did he want her, but he respected her even more. If last night showed him anything, it was that she wanted him too, but he had to let her find her peace first. And when that day comes, who knew what fervor would spew between them. If it's as mind-blowing as that kiss was, he was more than happy to wait and see.
"There, ya damn porch monkey," Ruckus finished lowering the car jack and placed his tools back in his toolbox. Huey snapped out of his thoughts and stood up from his chair, flicking his cigar and putting the paper down on the chair. He examined the tire before handing Ruckus a wad of cash in exchange for his keys.
"Here, you Uncle Tom," Huey mumbled, opening the driver's door.
"Whatever, nigga." Ruckus mumbled back. "Oh and uhh, speaking of Toms, I hear his high-yella abomination has moved back across the street from ya'll heathens." Huey slammed the car door shut, then gripped the steering wheel so hard, his knuckles went white. Too bad his window was still lowered a little. "Just what this community needs, more jiggaboos moving in and stealing our white man's streets. Then again, lil mulatto gal ain't asked to be born into a blasphemous union. As triflin' as a nigga layin' down with a white woman is, an outcome like Jazmine Dubois could even make President Ronald Grump have to readjust."
At this point, Huey was snarling. How the hell did Ruckus even know Jazmine was back? Oh yeah…Granddad. He shook his head as he started the car, while Ruckus made his way to the front of it, still talking mess.
"I guess that light skin and green eyes of hers were the only good things to come from her sweet, vanilla-pasted Mama but ohhhh that spade blood in her veins is just 'bout as toxic as a monkey's heat during mating season." As Ruckus bent down to pick up his toolbox, Huey quickly put the car in drive and tapped the accelerator, rearing Ruckus, sending him flying headfirst into the metal shelves which caved and collapsed on him.
"AAAAAAGGGHHHH! YOU SPEAR-CHUCKIN', BANANA-PEELIN', BRANCH-SWINGIN'…" Ruckus roared, but Huey had already put the car in reverse, backed out of the shop and sped out of the parking lot. He wasn't going to hear the end of this from Granddad, but he didn't give a fuck. Huey could care less about what came out of some ignorant nigga's mouth, let alone a racist one. But talk about his family, or Jazmine, Huey could show them what a 'nigga' really is.
She may have just moved back in the neighborhood, but the connection they shared before she left restored enormously. She wasn't just a friend of the family. She practically was family. He didn't particularlylike referring to her as a sister because obviously his…feelings… ran deeper than that. Huey stubbornly grunted to himself as he continued to race home.
He pulled into his family's driveway and got out, making his way into the house. Granddad was in the living room, watching TV in his recliner. He didn't even take two steps before…
"BOOOYYYYY! What in the HELL has gotten into you?!" Robert yelled. Huey sighed irritably as he rolled his eyes. Ruckus must have already called and tattle-taled on him.
"Granddad, he was asking for it." Huey said in a nonchalant tone. "He was talking shit about us and Jazmine. Why would you go and tell him that she's back?"
"Don't you get smart with me, boy!" Robert pointed his finger at him. "It ain't yo business what I discuss and who with! Jazmine is a grown woman, she can defend herself!" Huey held on to that only for a second. "Ruckus may be a bigot and all, but that don't mean you get to go all 'Catcher Freeman' on his ass! You're lucky he owed me this favor or you would be sitting in a jail cell right now."
"Maybe. If I did half of what Catcher Freeman would've done, Ruckus wouldn't even have the fingers to dial you with," Huey said back, making a stubborn face. Robert did a once over his son and shook his head as he turned back to the TV. Huey caught his glance and stared at the side of his face. "…What?" Huey muttered annoyed.
"…you really care for her don't you?" Robert knowingly asked. Huey shifted his weight to his other foot as he casted his gaze to the TV as well.
"Yeah, I do… always have," Huey admitted as he made his way over to the couch and sat. He may be dense with everyone else, but Granddad could always see right through him. He was his grandson after all.
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to notice, boy. I don't have to tell you the integrity that comes with our family name back home."
"No, Granddad, you only told me over a million times," Huey rolled his eyes.
"Nigga hush! The more you hear it, the more you learn! Now shut up and learn something," Robert retorted. Huey slouched into the couch but listened nonetheless.
"Now, the Freeman men have always been known for standing by family values. When a Freeman man finds his match in the perfect woman, he'll love her, defend her, and protect her until his dying breath. He finds one, and his eyes are shut to the rest. It went the same for my grandfather, my father, me and even your father." Huey rested his elbows on his knees at the mention of his parent.
"I see the way you look at her boy. Your father looked the exact same way when he met your mother. I know you don't like talking about them, but their love for each other and for you and your brother was real. I want that for you two too. Who knows? I might live long enough to be a great-grandfather," Robert chuckled. Huey gave him an unsure look.
"Slow down, Granddad," Huey shook his head. "I do care about Jazmine. I…like her a lot. But we're taking things slow. She's great in every way, but you know there's…" Huey hesitated.
"Does it have to do with her not talking?" Robert asked, adjusting his eyeglasses on his nose.
"Yeah…more or less. It's very personal to her. I'm just focused on being there for her." Huey said.
"I guess that's all one can do. I ain't trying to hound on you, boy, I'm just telling you what I see, and what I know. You got it good with lil' cutie-pie." Robert nodded towards him.
"I appreciate it, Granddad, for real. But I gotta get Riley over there, before I don't have anything with her at all. Is he still up there?" Huey asked standing up from the couch.
"Yeah, he up there. Hasn't come out since you left," Robert said gesturing his hand up the stairs. Huey nodded as he headed upstairs towards Riley's room. He took out his keys and unlocked all five locks on Riley's door, opening it, where he found Riley, still sitting at his computer, going over signing motions with his hands.
Huey had let Riley use his sign-language app. Unbeknownst to Huey, before he even locked Riley in his room, Riley was up all night studying for his apology to Jazmine. Before Huey even left for the car shop, Riley had his apology set in stone. He had actually spent the rest of his grounded time just learning other things.
At first, Riley thought it was all a bunch of dribble. But the more he learned, the more fascinated he became! He was surprised to see how incredibly easy it was! No wonder Trisha encouraged him to do this! Riley was so engulfed with his studying, he didn't even hear Huey walking in.
"You ready?" Huey rhetorically asked.
"Nigga I've been ready since you left. I've been waiting on yo' ass," Riley answered turning back to the computer. "I don't see how the fuck ya'll think this as punishment. Shit's easy as fuck! A baby could learn this!"
"Exactly…point proven," Huey muttered. Riley flipped him the bird before turning off the desktop. "Just hurry up and get dressed."
Riley sucked his teeth and got up from the computer chair. He threw on a black shirt with Aaliyah's face in grey and white on the front over his beater, which went perfectly with his dark jeans that had a little gray hue, and he put on his white air forces. To shield his frizzy hair and rugged hairline, he threw on a black and silver Chicago Bulls snapback.
"Do you need to do your make up as well?!" Huey said irritably.
"Nigga will you shut the fuck UP!?" Riley shouted back. "It's bad enough I'm going there against my will, can't a nigga look decent?! What?...You afraid when Mariah sees how well these hands move, she gon' be all up on a nigga? " Riley popped his collar. "I mean shittt, I'm already a smooth talker and all, but watch how smooth these hands make ya girl go limp."
Honestly, why did everyone bring up Jazmine when they tried to piss Huey off? Oh yeah…because it was the quickest way to do so. As tired as he was of hearing it, he would never get tired of kicking their ass for it.
Before Riley could say anything else, Huey already had him by the back of throat, dragging him out of the room.
Jazmine finally pulled into Trisha's complex, much to her appreciation, because her thoughts during the drive were making her way too nervous. She walked inside Trisha's building and appeared on her doorstep, where she could hear music playing loudly from the other side of the door. Jazmine knew this tune like the back of her hand: Con Te Partiro by Andrea Bocelli, only one of Trisha's most favorite operatic selections and she played it nearly a dozen times since she's known her.
Jazmine took a deep breath, carefully balanced the tray on one hand and the wine bottle, which was in a brown paper bag, in the crease of her elbow and confidently knocked on her door. She heard slight commotion on the other side, followed by what sounded like Trisha exclaiming something in Italian. 'Great,' Jazmine thought. She still didn't seem to be in the best mood, but Jazmine stayed sure of herself nonetheless.
As the song was nearing its end, and Bocelli released his final note, Trisha's door flew open, releasing the loud sound waves of the powerful tenor singer's voice into the hallway, nearly startling Jazmine to her core. Jazmine was about to sign something, but his voice kept going, delaying her! So she awkwardly had to wait until the song finished before she could properly communicate, while Trisha just kept her mean mug on her.
Five whole seconds went by and Bocelli was STILL holding that note! Jazmine stared up at the ceiling in annoyance, until FINALLY the song ended with a last note strum, in which Jazmine sighed exaggeratively and showed Trisha the wooden tray.
'I come in peace,' Jazmine signed with a meek grin. Trisha kept her glare on her as she placed her other hand on the doorframe, signifying that she wasn't going to let her enter that easily. Jazmine sighed again. 'Trisha, I'm sorry,' Jazmine enthusiastically drew a circle in the middle of her chest. 'What I said was messed up in SO many ways. I should not have taken my insecurities out on you. You were right, and I was wrong. I'm very VERY sorry!'
Trisha watched her a few more seconds before her face softened, just slightly. Geez, was she taking facial expressions classes from Huey or something? Sometimes she made Huey's scowl look like a joy!
'What made you realize that?' Trisha signed before crossing her arms, still set on not letting her in yet.
'I confronted Huey, and he confirmed that it was all a lie. His ex planned all of it and she made it seem very convincing. But he swore to me that he was telling the truth, and that the pictures were false.' Jazmine signed with a sad look. Trisha rolled her eyes and threw her hand up, slapping it back down on her thigh as if to say, 'Well duhhhhh!'
"Well I tried saying the same thing, but because I'm supposedly so hellbent on just being close to his brother, I'm no "real friend."" Trisha air quoted. "I guess, since I don't have a big ass Afro, flashy muscles, and a dick, my word don't mean nothing, right?!…" Trisha spat out, making Jazmine wince noticeably and slightly step backwards. "Yeah..see what I did there? That's exactly how you made me feel yesterday! Like my better judgement can't be accepted because my motives about who I'm FUCKING is brought to question! That shit was a real low blow, Jazmine!" Trisha exclaimed.
'I know, Trish….I know." Jazmine just looked at the ground, swaying awkwardly from side to side, still holding onto the tray and wine. 'You are my best friend…and an even better interpreter for it. And I understand if you don't want to work with me anymore, but I don't want to lose our friendsh…
"Girl, PLEASE!" Trisha interrupted, waving her hand off at her. "Nobody's thinking of ending any friendship! ESPECIALLY not over no guy!" Trisha lifted the metal lid off the wooden tray and her eyes doubled in size.
Jazmine had prepared a complete and neatly organized Antipasto dish. Even though it's traditionally meant to be served as an appetizer platter, this whole tray could feed an army! There were bocconcini balls combined with fresh parsley and crushed red peppers, cherry tomatoes roasted in garlic and olive oil, peppadew peppers, thinly sliced Asiago and provolone cheeses, cubed Parmesan cheese, sliced prosciutto, thinly sliced salami and pepperoni, marinated artichoke hearts, mixed olives drenched in vinegar, marcona almonds, and a full loaf of focaccia bread that was toasted and sliced.
"Porca troia! (Holy shit!)" Trisha exclaimed. Jazmine inwardly smirked to herself. So far so good. "J, this…this looks just like.." Trisha started, but she snapped back to her mad façade when she saw Jazmine's face. She simply placed the metal lid back, took the tray from her grip and nodded her head back, as in gesturing for her to come in. Jazmine did a celebratory dance in her her head as she stepped through the threshold.
Trisha placed the dish on the living room table before going back to the kitchen, where she filled up a small watering can. Jazmine sat on her gray velvet couch, placing the wine bottle on the table as well. She took a look around at all the beautiful and ORIGINAL portraits hung up from wall to wall. As another Neapolitan ballad came on through the speakers, Trisha came out the kitchen and began watering her herbal plants, purposefully avoiding eye contact with Jazmine.
Jazmine waved her hand at her to get her attention, but Trisha pretended not to notice. She sat down the watering can and picked up the individual ceramic seasoning containers. She collected the herbs ready to be plucked, and placed them in their respectable cylinders. Jazmine stomped her foot twice and still Trisha purposefully ignored her.
Really? Jazmine thought. She knew Trisha was stubborn, but what the hell?! Why invite her in the house if she still wanted to play mad at her? And what happened next pissed Jazmine off even more.
She even turned around, lifted the lid of the Antipasto, ate a few olives and cheeses, and even began humming along with the song playing as she made her way back to the kitchen.
Jazmine had enough of this. She picked up a thick slice of the focaccia bread, stood up and launched it straight to the back of Trisha's head. Trisha stopped in her tracks and sighed angrily through her nose.
'Nooo…this heifer…DIDN'T!' She thought. She slowly turned around with a ferocious glare, only to be met with Jazmine giving the same look.
'Do I have your attention now?' Jazmine placed her hands at the side of her head and motioned them forward. Trisha tightened her lips as her nostrils flared.
"You're about to have these HANDS, puttana!" Trisha growled.
'Oh, BITE ME!' Jazmine scoffed. 'You and I BOTH know I would have you on the floor in a millisecond. So can we please just stop this?!' Jazmine signed walking towards her. Trisha crossed her arms in a pout-like manner, her façade visually fading. Not that Jazmine was lying. Although Trisha could definitely brawl, Jazmine had hands as quick and strong as Tyson, much thanks to lessons from Matthew! She may have been vocally crippled, but she could and would let her HANDS easily do the talking if it came down to it, and not by signing either. Even though they knew they would never actually fight one another, they both knew who the better fighter was. 'I came here to ask for your forgiveness, but what I won't do is be disrespected for it!'
'Oh, much like you disrespected ME?! Shit's not so sweet is it?' Trisha retorted. Jazmine scoffed at her reply in disbelief.
'Jesus Christ, Trish! Is that what we're doing now? An eye for an eye? Tick for tack? How old are we?! I already told you I was sorry! I thought we could be grown adults and talk about this, but I can see you just want to be an insolent little CHILD!'
"Who are you calling a child?!" Trisha shouted, her accent fully peaking through. "I don't think you fully understand the impact your words had on me Jazmine! Not only were they hurtful, but they were callous! Only a CHILD would say such nasty things without thinking!"
'Again!' Jazmine signed before throwing her hands in the air. 'I…am…SORRY!' She drastically drew more circles in her chest before slapping her hand on her side stubbornly. 'How many times must I say it?! What do you want me to do?! Get on my knees and grovel?!' Trisha simply shrugged.
"You suggested it, not me…but I guess that would help." Trisha gave a sarcastic smirk.
'Bitch, you got me fucked up,' Jazmine held up a 'B' sign to her chin with a quickness as she rolled her neck. 'You really expect me to beg for it?' She asked in utter disbelief.
"Ewwww! Pause, bitch!" Trisha scrunched up her nose as she waved her hand frantically at her. Realizing how her last statement must have resonated, Jazmine chuckled as she rolled her eyes.
Trisha was already picking up Riley's slang. Perfect. She was outspoken enough as it was.
'My bad,' Jazmine shook her head. 'Not like that.' Both women ended up giggling at each other, which immediately lightened the mood, thankfully. 'But I'm not going to beg for your forgiveness, Trisha. We're too grown for that.'
"Look, J," Trisha spoke. "I forgive you, okay? You don't have to beg for anything. We've gone through too much to let some petty drama get between us."
'You're right.' Jazmine pointed both her index fingers and brought her dominant hand down onto her left hand. 'That won't ever happen. You're my girl for life, Trish.'
"You know it, hon'. No matter what, I'll always have your back," Trisha said genuinely. "Even though you can really be a naïve, paranoid, brat sometimes." Jazmine gave a playful hurt look as her mouth gaped open.
'And you can be a stubborn, hard-headed, know-it-all sometimes!" Jazmine threw right back at her with a sarcastic, innocent smile, making Trisha imitate Jazmine's previous reaction. 'But you are my best friend and a PHENOMENAL interpreter! I don't know where I would be without you.'
And Jazmine meant that! Trisha had came through above and beyond for her! The woman had not one, but TWO degrees in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies! Sign wasn't just something she learned from the books. She's been signing since she was a child! It has been a part of her her whole life as a means to communicate. Although, when she started working with Jazmine, it ran deeper than that.
'J, you already know I see you as my sister. Not just because we fight and bicker like sisters, but we've grown so close over the years. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.' Trisha signed reaching out for her hand. Jazmine took it with a welcoming grin. "I made you a promise when we first met, you remember?"
'How can I not?' Jazmine replied. 'I must have been so inconsolable back then. I don't know how you put up with me.' Jazmine shook her head.
"Girl, you're still inconsolable!" Trisha joked. "But you're a far cry from where you used to be. And I'm very proud of the progress you've made."
And when Trisha said progress, she meant progress. She remembered those first few crucial months with Jazmine like it was yesterday.
Flashback:
Trisha sat at a 4-chair table in a secluded study room in the New York City's ASL Agency for the Deaf & Mute. Having just graduated with her Bachelor's and still pursuing her Master's, and being the top of her class in her major and the most experienced, she didn't have to wait long before she was hired to work for New York's most prestigious sign language agency. She was notified by her boss that she would soon have to tutor and interpret for a new client. When she first heard the name of her first client, her heart stopped.
At the sound of "Jazmine Dubois", Trisha was a nervous wreck. She had interpreted for people before, but only as a favor for certain instances or events, and not as an actual licensed employee. On top of that, those people had been either deaf or mute for the majority of their lives and were already taught sign language. But for this specific client, she actually knew of her, more or less, and the trauma that she had faced, which made her ask all the more…Why would she need an interpreter?
Even though they ran in different circles, Trisha attended NYU the same year as Jazmine. She even remembered hearing Jazmine's voice the loudest at their home football games and laughing hysterically at how involved she was in the bleachers. Especially when it came to her MAN!
She wasn't over the top with it, but she knew well enough about football to speak some facts!
Like high school, everybody in the university, including Trisha, knew about the couple. The handsome, mocha-skinned, brown-eyed, starting wide-receiver, and then official Lambda Phi member, and his gorgeous, fashionable, bi-racial, green-eyed girlfriend were a hard pair to miss. Every day they were seen together, they were smiling, flirting, and just head over heels in love with each other. And the news of their engagement as well as their expectancy spread like wildfire throughout campus! Everyone congratulated the couple and was so excited for them!
However, no one could have predicted the disastrous and heartbreaking tragedy of what was yet to come for the once perfect and joyous soon-to-be family. The beloved football star's disappearance was a blow to the whole campus. Even though he transferred to West Virginia, NYU was still just as worried. Half of the student body refused to believe he was actually dead, due to the fact that there was no body found. There were murals and vigils posted everywhere on campus, and it seemed like the whole community just stopped, hoping and praying that he would make it home.
Trisha remembered watching the news when he was officially proclaimed dead. They finally released the story of two wrecked cars at Matthew and Jazmine's apartment complex, untraceable bullet shells left around the scene, and the sign of struggle all throughout their home, such as broken down doors, blood-splattered on the walls, and busted windows. Trisha felt sick to her stomach. Her immediate thoughts went to Jazmine Dubois and what she must have been going through during all of this.
How did she ever make it out? How is she coping with this? Who could they have gotten mixed up with to have to endure such an awful and gruesome crime? They didn't even seem like those type of people! Jazmine always seemed like such a nice and cheerful person, at least that's what she remembered, until she finally walked in the study room.
Trisha snapped out of her thoughts and sprung to her feet as the door opened and in walked the grim young woman, along with an older, brown-skinned, man in a blue suit and red tie. Trisha's eyes widened in shock, as she didn't recognize Jazmine at all. The bright, colorful and lively woman she once remembered, trudged along carrying a dark, sorrowful rain cloud above her head. She was dressed in all black, hoodie pulled up, sweatpants worn loose around her hips, dark sunglasses covering her obvious frown, and hands buried in the front pocket of her hoodie.
"Hello! So sorry we're late!" Tom walked up with his signature smile and shook Trisha's hand urgently. "We couldn't find the right study room! This place is huge!"
"Not an issue at all Mr..?" Trisha answered shaking his hand back.
"Oh! My apologies! Dubois, Thomas Dubois! I'm Jazmine's father." Tom introduced, followed by the sound of Jazmine noisily pulling out a wooden chair and plopping down on it. "And…this is… my daughter, Jazmine Dubois." Tom gestured towards her, who wasn't paying them any mind as she stared blankly out the window. "Ahem!..Jazmine!" Tom tried getting her attention. Jazmine just turned her head, glared up at the two behind her sunglasses and slowly turned her head back towards the window. "I'm sorry, ma'am. It hasn't been easy for her. We're trying to seek all the help we can."
"No, please. It's perfectly fine! My name is Trisha Romano. I understand your search for a vigorous and committed agency. I strongly believe this institution will be a great fit for your daughter. I just started working here, but I have been an expert in sign language and communication skills all my life. I have no doubt that I can give your daughter the excellent service she requires in no time." Trisha spoke assuredly. Jazmine's head slightly turned from the window as she peeked through the corner of her eye.
'She seems rather confident,' Jazmine thought.
"Well, that is just excellent to hear! You hear that sweetie? We may have found you a voice now huh?" Tom said to Jazmine. She huffed through her nose as she rolled her eyes and stared back out the window, resting her elbow on the table and her head in her hand. Tom just chuckled awkwardly as he looked back at Trisha.
Trisha tightened her lips nervously. Wow, Jazmine was still really tore up. Over a year later, and she could see how far she has fallen. It must have been so hard for her. From how she looked right now, Trisha could tell she had her work cut out for her.
"Please, have a seat, Mr. Dubois," Trisha gestured towards the table.
"Thank you," Tom obliged as he sat across the table from Jazmine. Trisha followed and sat next to her.
"Well, to start off, I'll give you both the run down of how we usually do things. Seeing as your muteness is a physiological disability and you were a speaker and hearer beforehand, Jazmine, your ability to learn and maintain sign language communication won't be the problem." Trisha spoke directly to her, even though she knew she probably wasn't paying her any mind. As Trisha went on about her plans, Jazmine was in her own head, lost to the world, drowning in her silent misery.
'Why the fuck am I here? Why can't everyone just leave me the fuck alone? I don't want to talk! I don't have anything to fucking say! I don't care if I never speak again for the rest of my life! People keep talking to me like they forgot I'm a voiceless wreck! With their empty condolences and endless babble, they can keep that bullshit. I don't care for it! It's not going to bring them back. What do they care? They have their lives, they have their families, they have THEIR fucking voices. What about me? What am I left with other than everyone's fucking useless ass sympathy? God! Why didn't I just die with them? My Matthew. My beloved Frances. I should be buried right along with them. Why couldn't he just tell me? Why did he have to go away and get mixed up with those gangsters? What did he not have that he had to throw away his life so recklessly for?! I fucking hate my life without him! Why didn't that motherfucker just finish the job?!'
These questions were all that went through Jazmine's head, constantly. She didn't even recognize the voice in her own head. She was still so frightened from that night, she didn't remember the sound of her own voice or the dreams she used to have. That Jazmine was long gone. And she didn't care to miss her.
'I just want to disappear into a silent, forsaken nothingness. Why is Dad so goddamn hopeful about getting me help? He's so damn annoying! With his stupid smile and overly corny optimism. What was the point? Why couldn't he just get a clue? Who the fuck is this broad anyway?!'
"Well that's good! Because we plan on having her back in school by this coming Spring!" Tom announced. Trisha's eyes widened in surprise. Spring?! That was four months away! "Will that be a problem?" Tom asked, seeing her reaction.
"No! Not a problem at all, Mr. Dubois. It's just that that's pretty soon, regarding how much I will have to teach her before then. But every client makes his or her own progress. If you're as dedicated as I am, you will be signing in no time, eh Jazmine?" Trisha spoke to Jazmine again. Jazmine only shifted in her seat and sat back against the back of it, slouching down a bit.
'Who the fuck said I even want to do this shit?' Jazmine thought.
"Oh no doubt," Tom spoke up for her a little too desperately. "You see, after she…" Tom paused. "…lost her voice, she was forced to withdrawal from school. Then before you know it, a year later and her communication barrier has become a further hindrance. Her physician informed her mother and I that it would be in Jazmine's best interest to file for disability. Given that, she would need to start learning sign language if she were to continue school, let alone enter a workplace." Jazmine gave another snort, sneering at her father.
'Again, who the fuck said I wanted to?' Jazmine thought.
"You got something you want to say young lady?" Tom scolded at his daughter, breaking his usual cheery demeanor. Jazmine's fists tightened as her tongue poked through her cheek. Oh, if she could say something, it would be something that probably would have gotten her disowned.
"C-…Ca-..can't," Jazmine stubbornly retorted back, shooting daggers at him through her sunglasses. Both Tom and Trisha's heads snapped towards her. "…so fuckin stupid," Jazmine barely mouthed below a whisper as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Young lady, you watch your stinkin' mouth! You know what? That attitude is getting you nowhere do you understand that? Your mother and I have spent countless months seeking help for you and all you do is spit down on us. This anger you're projecting out towards the world is…"
"Umm, if I may, Mr. Dubois, may I please speak to Jazmine alone? Maybe it would be best if we got better acquainted just the two of us, interpreter and client," Trisha interjected. She saw him debating within himself as his gazed switched between her and Jazmine. "I insist…" Trisha added sincerely. Tom gave a hard sigh through his nose and nodded as he stood up.
"Alright, I'll be outside," Tom mumbled before giving a final hard look at Jazmine and heading to the door.
When the door finally closed behind him, and it was left with just the two of them, a stale and slightly uncomfortable silence fell over the room. Jazmine kept her arms crossed as she mugged Trisha up and down. Trisha's stomach tightened as she stared back at her, but she didn't let it dishearten her. She was going to have to dig down deep if she was going to get to this woman.
"So… Jazmine. You may not remember me, but I attended NYU too. We were in the same graduating class before…" Trisha stopped. 'FANCULO! Trish shut the fuck up! What are you doing?!' Trisha inwardly kicked herself for almost bringing that up. Jazmine's lips trembled before she stood up abruptly, making the chair screech across the tile floor, and headed for the door.
"No, wait! Please wait, Jazmine! Don't go! I'm sorry!" Trisha stood up as well, calling after her. "I'm so sorry, Jazmine! That completely slipped! I wasn't thinking!" Jazmine stopped as she grabbed the doorknob. She didn't know why. She was against coming to this place, but now that she was here, something changed in that little moment. She slowly released the doorknob and turned back around. She removed her sunglasses and met Trisha's eyes for the first time.
Trisha noticed the redness in her waterlines and the bags forming under her eyes. Geez, she must not have slept a wink, let alone stopped crying. Her heart actually started to break for her.
"Listen…I can't begin to imagine what you must be going through, and it's not my place to try." Trisha said stepping towards her. "But I will promise you this, that I will ALWAYS keep your best interest at heart. And as your interpreter, I will always make sure your voice is heard and respected. I know we're just meeting, but you can be free to be open and vulnerable with me without judgement." Trisha spoke genuinely. She even hesitated to say this next part, but it had to be said if she wanted Jazmine to feel secure about any and everything. "And with that being said, because of confidentiality purposes, I have legal obligation to uphold complete discretion. Any and all discussions we have, or that I interpret for you remains completely between you and I… You know why I say this." Trisha stated.
Jazmine's eyes softened. She reluctantly nodded before she started to feel tears starting to well up in her eyes. Trisha saw this and quickly grabbed the box of tissues from the table. Jazmine took a couple from the box and dabbed her eyes before blowing her nose.
"Hey, it's okay if you don't trust me right off the bat. I have no control over that. I would very much like to be your friend first before anything. It will make my job a lot easier, and I'm sure it would make you feel more comfortable?" Jazmine blinked away a couple more tears before sniffling and nodding slowly again.
"Great!" Trisha smiled brightly. She put down the box of tissues and motioned for Jazmine to join her at the table again. Jazmine walked over and sat back down, more gentle this time. "They just installed new projectors in each study room. It's so much more convenient. For our hearing mute patients, this gives them access to be able to type out what they want to say, much more quick than writing. Only thing is we don't want our clients being too dependent on it, seeing as we want you to only use it when you don't know the sign for something. But since it's your first day and we're just getting acquainted, you should use it accordingly. " Trisha pulled out a shelf from under the table and got out a remote, turning on the projector hanging from the ceiling, then clicking a button that lowered the projector screen, where the smart-screen app immediately popped up. Then she got out a keyboard and set it in front of Jazmine. "Do you have any questions for me?"
Another silence fell over them. Jazmine hasn't held a viable conversation with anyone since she got home from the hospital over a year ago. Not with her parents, her old friends, nobody. Now, here she was in front of a complete stranger – from her perspective at least – trying to piece her life back together. She hesitantly reached for the keyboard and faced it towards her. Trisha slightly sat up straighter in her seat as her eyes lit up, relieved that Jazmine was actually engaging.
Jazmine rested her fingers over the keys. She looked at Trisha again before looking back down at the keyboard and began to type. Trisha grinned back and looked towards the screen.
'How come I've never seen you around campus before?'
"Oh, well um.. our departments were on opposite sides of campus so I can understand if you don't recollect seeing me. I do remember seeing you around campus though." It actually didn't surprise Trisha that Jazmine didn't remember her. From what she could tell then, Jazmine was on cloud nine and headed for a very bright future. An engagement and a baby on the way, she knew Jazmine was NOT paying attention to any particular girls she strolled past on campus.
'How do u know what department I was in?' .
"Well I remember noting how stylish you were. Let me tell you girl, you sure can dress!" Trisha complimented. "So I could only guess you were in the fashion department." The corner of Jazmine mouth curled only a little bit, and it lifted the mood in the room heavily.
'Hmm, maybe she isn't so bad.' Jazmine thought humbly to herself.
'Pretty impressive.' Trisha grinned even brighter. 'Actually, I do think I remember seeing u in the school café. U were signing with some of ur friends. U had blonde hair then.' Trisha gave a hearty chuckle.
"Yeah, I'm actually a natural brunette. But I can't seem to give up the blonde. I think I like the trouble it brings." Trisha winked signaling her blonde highlights. Jazmine's mouth curled even further into a firm smirk. Trisha was celebrating inside that she was slowly bringing her out of her shell. Even the faintest smirk felt like light years of progress from when she first walked in the room.
They spent the rest of the hour getting better acquainted, much to Trisha's surprise. They discussed their families, where they were from, their hobbies, the plans Trisha had for Jazmine, and how she looked forward to working with her. Jazmine even got more relaxed and removed her hood, which unleashed her ginormous Afro contained behind a simple scarf tied around the crown of her head.
"Oh wow, Jazmine! I don't think I've ever seen your hair in this texture before!" Trisha's jaw fell loose. Her hair was always in shiny, moisturized, wavy ringlets or braided or twisted up in some style. Now, it was completely poofed out, like a lion's mane in its natural African-descended kinks. Jazmine twirled a couple strands awkwardly before patting them back into the fro.
"I never really wore it like this since I was little. I was always kind of embarrassed of it." Jazmine typed truthfully. Before moving from Woodcrest, she hated the way her hair looked. She remembered her mother, bless her heart, getting so frustrated with trying to style it. It wasn't her fault though. She didn't exactly know how to care for a mixed child's hair, but she did the best she could.
Unlike Jazmine nowadays, she had gotten lazy in keeping her appearance. She settled for sweats or jeans and a t-shirt most days and either had her air out like she had it today, or pulled back in a bun. She looked exactly how she felt and she didn't care. She didn't want to look good for anyone else. The only eyes she wanted to appease were now closed forever.
"Embarrassed?! Jazmine your hair makes you who you are! Big, bold, strong, natural and powerful! I think your hair is beautiful girl!" And with that, Jazmine showed the slightest bit of teeth in a timid smile.
"Thank you so much Trisha. That means a lot...how do you say that?"
"What? Thank you?" Jazmine nodded. Trisha put her fingertips to her lips and gestured them forward in front of her. Jazmine repeated the gesture and Trisha made a 'W' sign, circling it at her chest. "That means 'You're welcome.'" Jazmine nodded back. Trisha looked up at the clock and saw that they were almost out of time.
"Well it looks like our hour is almost up. I'm glad we got the chance to talk…well…mostly," Trisha joked. Jazmine peeped another small smile before typing.
"I am too. I'm not gonna lie, I didn't want to come here today. I misjudged you. I didn't think I wanted to learn another communication skill. But speaking with you today has made me feel a lot better about all of this." Trisha felt like doing backflips. This was exactly what she wanted to hear. "I'd very much like to be your friend. And have you as my interpreter." Scratch that…THAT was exactly what Trisha wanted to hear.
"And I, you, Jazmine. I'm very pleased to hear you say that. So can I expect you back here, same time, tomorrow morning?" Jazmine nodded. "Okay, great!" And with that, they both stood up and Trisha stuck out her hand. Jazmine gave her a soft look as she took her hand and shook it slowly.
"Take care, okay?" Trisha said. Jazmine pointed at her and held up a 'two' sign. Trisha chuckled at her attempt but said thanks all the same. Jazmine slipped her hood back over her afro and her sunglasses back on her nose and they both walked out of the room.
"I trust all went well?" Tom stood up out of his chair in the waiting room.
"Very much so, Mr. Dubois. I think Jazmine will get along rather just fine here." Trisha winked at Jazmine, who still wore that faint smirk on her mouth. Tom was surprised to see his daughter with even a small remnant of a smile on her face.
"Looks like it," Tom agreed. "I can't thank you enough for doing this Ms. Romano."
"No need. It's a pleasure," Trisha spoke truthfully. "Now, for you, Mr. Dubois I will suggest this family app that I suggested to your daughter as well." Trisha pulled out her phone and showed him the premium ASL app. "One account can be logged into from up to four different devices so that everyone in the immediate family can study sign language alongside Jazmine, very cheap, only 12.99 a month. This I STRONGLY suggest because it could speed up Jazmine's progress drastically if she starts practicing within the home, with close ones, and not just here at the agency." Trisha spoke sternly.
"I understand completely. We will get right on it!" Tom said in his corny tone. Jazmine rolled her eyes again, her smirk falling. "Well, we better be on our way. Let's go, Jazmine."
Trisha gave Jazmine a subtle nod before Jazmine went with her father out of the building.
Two weeks went by and all seemed to be going along well. Trisha didn't waste any time nailing down the fundamentals, starting with the alphabet, numbers, proper greetings, pronouns, and simple phrases. And to add a little challenge, any time Jazmine had to type, she would quiz her on the words she did know in sign.
Another two weeks went by and Tom had finally stopped accompanying Jazmine to the agency. He wanted to make sure that Jazmine was actually going to her appointments. When he saw how involved she was and the fact she was participating, he laid off.
Into the second month, Jazmine was already making excellent progress. She only needed the keyboard a few times, and Trisha kept challenging her to avoid using it, much to her benefit. They also were becoming very close. Jazmine was smiling, she started making attempts to look more decent, and she wasn't thinking so negatively all the time. She looked forward to her appointments with Trisha and learning new signs.
Except, one day within the third month, Jazmine looked to be having a bad day. She was twenty minutes late, she reeked of cigarettes, her eyes were puffy and she was heavily distracted. Trisha was in the middle of teaching her some phrases before she stopped and saw Jazmine staring out the window like when she first came here.
"Jazmine?" Trisha called to her, but she wasn't acknowledged. "Jazmine!" she tried again, making Jazmine jump in surprise. "Hon' what's wrong? It seems you've been a little…preoccupied with something lately?"
'I'm sorry.' Jazmine signed as she sniffled. 'Have a lot on my mind.' Jazmine rubbed her forehead. Trisha gave her a solemn look. She had no doubt of what was weighing so heavily on her.
"We only have ten minutes left. If you want, we can just call it a day. Why don't you go on home and get some rest, hon'." Trisha offered, but Jazmine shook her head no.
'Rest,' Jazmine scoffed. 'What's that?' She pulled out a pack of Marlboro's and popped one in her mouth.
"Uh-uh," Trisha reached across the table and snatched the square from her mouth. Jazmine looked at her like a dog does when someone tries to steal its bone. Trisha pointed to the 'No Smoking' sign by the door. "I know you say it helps your throat and I'm no doctor, but I know that smoke and a laryngeal constrict do not mix well."
'You're right,' Jazmine signed, snatching back her cigarette. 'You're no doctor.' Jazmine signed blatantly before reaching into her pocket and pulling out her silver zippo lighter, defiantly lighting the cig.
'Oh hell no,' Trisha thought. She stood up out of her chair, snatched the lit cigarette for a second time and threw it on the tile floor, squishing it with her heel. Jazmine stood up too, looking like she was about to fight as her lips trembled, straining to form the words she desperately wanted to speak.
"Listen here, I have been lenient with you and I've tried my best to keep it professional, but this is where I draw the line!" Trisha stated sternly. "If you don't want to be here, then just say that. But, what I won't allow is for you to take advantage of me and disrespect me and my workplace."
'What do you care?' Jazmine looked her up and down. 'As long as… Dad is… paying, you're happy right?' Jazmine kept pausing as she struggled to remember the correct signs.
"Is that what you think, Jazmine?" Trisha retorted. "That I'm just doing this for the money? After all the time we've spent together so far, you honestly think I'm in it for the pay? Geez, you must really not know me at all."
'I know what you think I don't know!' Jazmine signed with a quickness. Trisha slightly stood back. 'You think I don't know…what you and…those…other people at school are saying about me?!'
"What on earth are you talking about?! Saying what about you?!" Trisha asked obliviously. Jazmine's eyes filled with tears as she threw her hands in the air and plopped back down on the seat, burying her face in her hands as she released a thunderstorm of sobs. Trisha sighed empathetically and sat back down, pulling her chair closer to her. "Jazmine…" Trisha reached for her hand but Jazmine recoiled violently.
"DON'T!" Jazmine let out in a low growl, before massaging her throat in slight discomfort. Trisha pulled away cautiously, watching Jazmine attempt to calm herself.
"Jazmine please…don't work yourself up. I promise, I haven't said a word about you. I don't even know what you're talking about!"
'You know…damn well…what I'm talking about,' Jazmine stared down at the floor, her tears slowly trickling down her cheeks. She reached for the smart-screen keyboard, her fingers trembling over the keys.
'How I "set my fiancée up to get killed", I'm only "faking being mute to escape incarceration", or my favorite, "The baby wasn't really his, so I had its REAL father take him out.' Jazmine's fingers fell from the keys before she cried further into her arms.
"Dio mio," Trisha gasped. "You cannot be serious! Who in the world would say such disgusting things?!" Trisha felt completely repulsed. The nerve of some people, to make revolting assumptions about such a catastrophic event that they had no idea of what happened.
'Oh, like you don't know!' Jazmine signed as she raised her head. 'You and those Y-A-N-K-E-E-S…' Jazmine spelled, unsure of what the sign was. "…in that school, always craving…gossip. Must be true..right?'
"Wrong! I swear to you, I have never heard such atrocious rumors in my life! Jazmine….honey," Trisha whispered moving a couple stray hairs from Jazmine's face and cupped her cheek. Jazmine was visibly shaking now. "I don't intend to pry. I never said anything because I figured you would bring it up in due time when you were ready. And I know you must be tired of people and their condolences. Lord knows I would."
'You're damn skippy,' Jazmine thought.
"So I won't bore you with my sympathy. But Jazmine, I will say that I think you are an exceptionally strong woman. I know it must be so difficult, but I'm here for you. I am your friend and I would never hold your past against you. I really do want you to trust me," Trisha moved her hand from Jazmine's cheek and placed it over her hand, squeezing it snugly. Jazmine looked at Trisha and saw the candor in her eyes.
"I…I.." Jazmine tried to say before more sobs clogged her throat.
"Don't hon'," Trisha stopped her before reaching for her and holding her in a smothering hug. Jazmine buried her face into Trisha's shoulder, letting everything come undone. "I got you sweetie. It's okay. Let it all out," Trisha whispered as she rubbed Jazmine's back.
Usually, Jazmine wouldn't let anyone, not even her own family, come within a mile of hugging her. Why she let Trisha? She didn't know. But as Trisha held her then, she took every ounce of warmth and affection she could get.
"I..m-miss him..so much," Jazmine's muffled whispers fell into Trisha's, now-ruined, blouse.
"I know you do hon'," Trisha said softly into her hair, squeezing her a little more. "You loved him dearly. Anyone can see that. Don't let those gossipers get to you. You have your life, Jazmine. That IS worth more than you realize. Don't throw it away in grief." Jazmine sniffled again before separating from her. Trisha gave her a couple tissues, and Jazmine blew her nose. "Jazmine, you were given a second lease on life. You have to ask yourself what it is you want to do with it. Granted, you will go through it in reticence, but maybe that doesn't have to be such a bad thing."
'What do you…mean?' Jazmine wiped away her last tear. 'I can't talk, Trisha. How is…that not…a bad thing!?'
"Well, from what I know, when one goes silent, one obtains better harmony in the spirit, mind and body. It brings balance. And though you may not engage in the current conversation vocally, it gives you a chance to live in the moment, sort of like a mindfulness. You realize that you are not your thoughts, you become the observer of your thoughts from moment to moment. And this I highly know to be true, is that silence can boost higher levels of emotional stability. People are less likely to get angry easily. In other words, silence restores your mental resources and makes you more stable. At a time like this, I don't doubt that that is what you need right now, to be honest."
Jazmine held onto her words. For once, someone was giving her surreal advice because they actually cared about her and not talking out of their ass. She sounded like she really knew what she was talking about. And she was right. Silence promotes calmness, and calmness promotes inner-peace, which is what she should be focused on.
'Are you sure you are not…a…" Jazmine couldn't think of the word so she spelled it out. "T-H-E-R-A-P-I-S-T?' Trisha gave a hearty chuckle.
"Not by a long shot," Trisha laughed. "God knows I have problems of my own that I need help with, but this is my area of expertise. I understand the frustration, the trauma and struggle of losing a sense and having to compensate for it. Which is why I want you to have faith in me if I am to be your voice for however long you will have me. I would never betray your trust. I promise."
Jazmine dapped away a final tear before a faint smile slowly crept onto her lips. Trisha smiled back at her and they engaged in another hug. Jazmine was desperate for some security, assuredness, and trustworthiness at this time and she was 100% sure that she had found it in Trisha.
Safe to say, Trisha was the only person Jazmine trusted at that fateful time. It took a while for Jazmine to actually come out and tell Trisha everything, but when she did, it made her feel all the more empathetic to her knew friend and she felt duty-bound to help her as much as she could.
Pretty soon, Jazmine was ready to go back to school, with Trisha by her side. She finished getting her degree and Trisha finished getting her second, and next thing you know, they were two best friends with their careers at their fingertips. They have been inseparable ever since…..well….almost inseparable.
'I couldn't have done it without you. You've taught me so much and so well. I thought I was going to be a silent loss for the rest of my life. But you got me through it!' Jazmine signed as they sat on Trisha's balcony.
'Yeah, but it wasn't no walk in the park,' Trisha sipped the wine Jazmine brought from a wineglass before setting it down on the metal table between them. "You are just as insufferable now as you were back then."
'Whatever,' Jazmine rolled her eyes. 'You love me, admit it!'
"I tolerate you…" Trisha muttered with a stale face, but then they both ended up laughing, until Trisha turned serious again "..but don't EVER take your frustrations out on me like that again! I may be your interpreter, but listen… Save that shit for Huey McHater's gay ass!" Jazmine looked at her friend rather amused.
'I see Riley has definitely worn off on you already,' Jazmine flared her fingers outward.
'It's hard to ignore,' Trisha smirked. 'He literally thinks everything under the sun is gay.'
'Yup! That's Riley for you,' Jazmine shrugged.
'Yeah well… He claims that his brother is more colorful than a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.' Trisha chuckled. Jazmine rolled her eyes as she grabbed her glass and took a little sip.
'He definitely wasn't so fruity last night,' Jazmine signed subtly, leaning back into the porch chair cushions.
"Excuse me? WHAT?!" Trisha exclaimed. But before Jazmine could elaborate, her phone started to ring. SAVED BY THE BELL! Jazmine reached into her pocket and pulled it out, reading the caller I.D.: Huey. Jazmine smirked up at Trisha, who simply pursed her lips and shook her head at her friend. "Mm-mm-mmmm."
Jazmine giggled before putting her glass back down and answering the FaceTime call, holding her phone out in front her.
'Hi, Huey,' Jazmine waved at the screen, smiling brightly at him.
" 'Hiiii Hueeyyyy, naaa naaaa blleeeehh,' " Trisha mimicked in a cootie-tone while motioning her hands in a girly manner. Jazmine made a 'cut-it' motion at her throat at her. Trisha stuck her tongue out at her before getting up and going back inside, much to Jazmine's relief. She still didn't fully know about their reconciliation the previous night. Huey just lifted his brow at her.
"Hey, Jazmine. You doing alright?" Huey asked.
'Yeah, I'm doing well. You?' Jazmine signed with one hand as she smirked at him.
"Mmph," Huey shrugged. Jazmine just rolled her eyes and was about to say something else but she noticed the bruise on his right eye, going from his temple to his cheek.
'Huey Freeman, what happened to your eye?!' Jazmine looked even deeper into the phone. As prominent as the bruise was, she couldn't help but notice how damned handsome he looked, even through a screen. His strong jaw, his neatly trimmed facial hair, his piercing wine-colored eyes, and his lips! Sweet Mother in Heaven, those lips. Damn! Focus, Jazmine!
"Got into a fight with Riley over the lies he told you and Trisha about me. Don't worry, you should be more worried about what Riley looks like," Huey said.
'Oh God! Huey you didn't need to fight your brother over this!'
"Yes…I did." Huey growled. "Two things I hate: People who lie to me, and people who lie about me. Both things will get your ass whooped."
'Duly noted,' Jazmine stiffly signed.
"I actually called you to see if you were busy. Riley has something he'd like to say to you…or… sign to you rather," Huey reiterated.
'Really?' Jazmine's eyebrows rose. Riley had something to sign to her about? That sentence didn't even sound correct. 'Well, I'd love to see what he has to say, but I'm actually at Trisha's right now…damage control.'
"And how's that going?"
'She made me work for it, but we're back on good terms again for the hundredth time.' Jazmine chuckled. Huey nodded in acknowledgement. Then, completely out of nowhere, Jazmine found herself signing before she could even cease herself. 'It's not like we could just… kiss and make up you know?...'
Huey looked like he wanted to jump through the screen. Jazmine just sat there blushing, bewildered by her own bluntness. Huey simply chuckled through his nose as he looked away from the screen smirking before looking back at her, biting his lip in that tantalizing way that made a heat arise in the pit of her belly. Jazmine had to subtly cross her ankles.
"That's a resolution only reserved for me I hope," Huey said in that baritone voice. Jazmine's lips tightened in a cute way.
'Piss me off again and we'll see,' Jazmine signed with a sensuous look in her eye. Huey actually had to fight tooth and nail to keep from blushing. She saw his nose twitch before he had to look away from the screen again to compose himself.
Damn, now she understood how Huey felt making her nervous. She didn't realize the power she had. It was definitely a turn on.
"ARE WE GOING OVER THERE OR NOT NIGGA?!" Jazmine heard Riley's voice shout in the background.
"Riley, I swear to God, I'm going to make myself an only child!" Huey shouted back.
"DO ME THE FUCKING FAVOR BITCH!" Then Huey's camera went into a swirl, where Jazmine heard various grunts, punches and objects being thrown, followed by a painful cry from Riley.
"NOW SHUT THE FUCK UP AND GET YO ASS IN THE CAR!" Huey finally settled the camera back on him, his clothes disheveled and hair stretched out.
'Huey, what the hell is going on?' Jazmine laughed.
"Look, Riley is very insistent on doing this now. Is it cool if we pull up?"
'Oh, he is?' Jazmine gave him an all-too-knowing look. 'I don't see why not. I'll tell Trisha.'
"Alright, we'll see you soon."
'Okay, bye Huey,' Jazmine winked.
'Bye Jazmine,' Huey signed unenthusiastically, but she could see the intent in his face. And they both hung up. Jazmine finished the rest of her glass of wine and stood up from the chair, taking it back inside, where Trisha was snacking away from the Antipasto dish. Jazmine tried slinking by her into the kitchen.
"Nuh-uh, get your ass over here," Trisha shouted over her shoulder. "What was that you were saying?" Jazmine stopped with the most guilty look on her face. She smirked as she inched over to the couch and sat next to her, pouring another decent amount into her glass and taking a small sip.
'Huey and I made out last night, and by the way, him and Riley are on their way here now,' she unceremoniously announced before taking some bread and cheese from the dish. Trisha acted like she didn't hear her clearly, leaving her with a blank stare.
"I feel like I should be freaking out about this, but from how calm you are, it must not have even been that good. Go figure, cause you never would've guessed from how good his brother's mouth can…"
'TRISH!' Jazmine interrupted slapping her arm. 'First of all, I didn't need to know that! Second, it WAS good!...Fucking GREAT! Probably the best kiss I ever…' Jazmine immediately stopped and put her hands down and grabbed her wine glass. Trisha's mouth hung open.
"Damn, J," Trisha chuckled as she shook her head. "That good, huh?"
'Amazing,' Jazmine waved her palm back and forth in front of her face. 'Trish, I honestly don't know how much longer I can do this. I know I need more time, but I'm so attracted to him! And I don't want him to get impatient with me! What do I do?' Trisha just chuckled at her hopeless friend.
'Jaz, that man's radar is locked and keyed on you. Trust me, he's not going anywhere unless you're coming with him. So don't trip. And only you can decide when the time is right hon'. I'm sorry, but I can't help you there. You gotta make that choice on your own,' Trisha signed. 'Just make sure you make the right decision for YOU, and not under the influence of anyone else, if you get what I'm saying.' Jazmine nodded affirmatively.
'Yeah, well try making an uninfluenced choice with ole-boy's tongue down your throat!' Jazmine's eyes rolled back reminiscently as she leaned back into the couch. 'God, was this how you felt with Riley?'
"Girl I got the full Freeman package! And you're that weak over a kiss? Oh, you poor, clueless, little soul, you," Trisha empathetically patted Jazmine's shoulder.
'Clueless enough to give you tips,' Jazmine crossed her arms. 'I'm sure Riley doesn't know where you learned those neat little tongue tricks from.' Trisha's face flushed pink. 'Yeah, that's what I thought.'
"Shut up!" Trisha complained. Jazmine smirked and poked her tongue through her cheek cockily. "You know what, you got these people fooled! 'Sweet, lil ole innocent Jazmine.' UGHH PLEASE! You're a whole freak!"
'What Huey doesn't know won't hurt him,' Jazmine signed as she smirked and sipped from her glass.
"Oh, you're terrible," Trisha gave her a devilish look. Jazmine just shrugged at her. "Jazmine, in all honesty, I think you're more ready than you think. I've never seen you act this way."
'I know. It's been a while since I've felt like this' Jazmine began twirling her curls in her fingers. 'It feels really good.'
'I can tell. It's a special thing to have a someone who cares about you the way he does.' Trisha signed. 'Who knows? Maybe one day, you probably won't even need me anymore.' Jazmine was about to take another sip from her wine, but she stopped in her tracks.
'Whoa, hold on! 'Not need you anymore'? Trisha what makes you say that?! Of course I need you!'
"With a man like Huey by your side, and who can sign as efficiently as me? I doubt it…" Trisha then made a sad face. Jazmine's face changed as she came to realize what Trisha meant.
'Oh..so now I see what's going on here. You're not so much upset about me believing Huey before you last night. You're afraid that Huey might come and steal your best friend away.' Jazmine gave her a heartfelt look.
"No!.." Trisha defended before making a guilty, puppy dog face. "Okay…maybe a little bit."
'Trisha, why the hell would you even think that? Just because Huey and I are getting close doesn't mean you're getting closed out! Huey could never replace you, girl. We just iterated that remember?'
"Yeah. I only mean that you have come up so much, and I guess I've just gotten so used to being your go-to gal. Now…I don't know…, it's just that everybody plays a part you know? Maybe I've done mine. Maybe it's Huey's turn to take care of you." Trisha placed her hand on Jazmine's knee.
'What am I, a hospice patient? Jesus, I don't need 24 hr surveillance,' Jazmine laughed. 'But, as capable as Huey is, you've helped and supported me far more than I expected. No matter whoever else enters my life, you have had the most positive impact on me, period.'
"Aww, J" Trisha cooed as she pulled her friend in for a hug.
A knock came at the door and they automatically knew who it was. They shared a knowing look before pulling out of the hug and immediately began adjusting their clothes and fluffing their hair. Trisha got up and answered the door. There, stood Huey and Riley side by side with the same identical scowl plastered on their faces. Geez, Trisha didn't know whether to be intimidated or turned on. But then she saw bruises on their faces, well mostly Riley's face, she definitely felt the first. He had a bruise on his chin, his left cheek, his right temple and a busted lip.
"Oh my God! Are you guys okay?! Riley what happened to your face?!" Trisha exclaimed into the hallway as she grasped his chin.
"Agh! Damn, woman, chill! I'm good!" Riley winced pulling his head back. Trisha eyed Huey knowingly who held his scowl nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets.
"Come on in," Trisha shook her head as she opened the door further to let them pass. "Can I get you two anything?" Trisha asked leading them to the living room, where Jazmine stood up, fluffing her hair a final time.
"Nah, thanks though," Huey answered before his eyes fell on Jazmine, who shot him the most beautiful smile, he almost lost his train of thought. "Hey Jazmine," he greeted in an unsubtle tone. Thankfully no one noticed.
'Hi Huey,' Jazmine greeted back, blinking slowly at him. 'A-N-T-I-P-A-S-T-O?' Jazmine spelled out, gesturing to the dish on the table. Huey was too busy eyeing her up and down that he didn't even realize what she was spelling.
"My bad…uhh..I didn't catch that," Huey snapped out of it.
"She wants to know if you want some Antipasto nigga," Riley interjected, walking past him. "Which I actually would love some," he bent down and picked up some meats and cheeses and bread, stuffing them in his mouth. Everyone, including Trisha, stopped and stared at him. Did he really just interpret her signs? FOR HUEY at that?! Everyone was shook.
"The fuck ya'll lookin' at?!" Riley gave a confused look with his cheeks full of food, realizing all eyes were on him.
"Well, I sure am impressed," Trisha smirked crossing her arms. And here she was thinking he had no interest in learning. Although, by the way his face looked, something told her it wasn't by choice. No matter. He was making an effort and a damned good one at that.
"Just doing like you told me shawty," Riley matched her look with his own. As much as he knew Jazmine would appreciate it, he was really focused on pleasing Trisha of course. He understood how close the two were, and he didn't want to feel incapable of keeping up in conversation. Obviously that's what Trisha was for, but he figured it would be helpful of him if she wouldn't have to "work" per say all the time.
"Right, because this was all your idea," Huey sarcastically said, low-key salty that his little brother just upstaged him.
"Uh-oh, here come McHater hatin' again," Riley taunted as he dusted his hands off. "Told you I was smooth wit' it. You ain't wanna believe me."
"And I believe there is something you would like to say to Jazmine?" Huey nearly growled, struggling to remain civilized.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Yo' Jaz, mind if I holla' at you real quick?" Riley nodded his head towards her.
" 'Yeah…sure, we can step outside if you want,' " Jazmine signed as Trisha interpreted.
"Cool," Riley let her walk in front of him and lead them towards the balcony, but stopped Trisha by the waist. "You wait here, gorgeous. I got this," he whispered.
"Riley, are you sure?" Trisha giggled, but with a serious look on her face.
"Positive," Riley returned her gaze again. "Trust me, Trisha." He said in an all-too sincere tone, Trisha had no other option but to adhere to his initiative.
"Okay, better not make me regret it," she warned.
"I feel a potential threat on the other end of that statement," he slightly tightened his arm around her.
"It's a promise," Trisha retorted, before shoving him back.
"I'mma hold you to it," Riley held his smirk until he stepped outside with Jazmine who was looking just as shocked as Trisha was that he was out here alone.
Trisha then turned to Huey, who was the only other person indoors with her. He was standing, looking at one of the paintings on the wall before he turned and looked back at her.
"Gin & Rummy?" Trisha offered picking up a deck of customized Roman-designed cards on one of the end tables. Huey raised his eyebrow challengingly.
When Riley closed the back door and turned his attention to Jazmine, it was the most awkward silence ever. She stood in that same meek and timid manner she always did when they were little, leaning on one leg with the other one bent slightly, her shoulders slightly raised nervously, and twiddling her fingers. But she still looked so different. He dared to say, she was in fact very beautiful!But only as a compliment though. He wasn't blind, but he wasn't trying to have Huey whoop his ass blind either.
"Why don't you uh…have a seat," Riley gestured towards the chair closest to her. Jazmine nodded and sat down, with him following. Jazmine opened her golden locket and wrote a quick note, handing it to him.
'What did u wanna tlk abt?' Riley kind of froze up, just by reading the note in his head. From sitting in his room, repetitively going over motions with his hands, to actually having to perform them, slightly rattled his confidence a bit. But he shook it off and got it together. Jazmine watched him as he tried positioning his hands in the way he remembered.
'I wanted to personally apologize… for… causing so much…trouble yesterday.' Riley signed slowly, making a 'Y' hand shape and moving it from below his mouth to his cheek. Jazmine's eyebrows rose attentively. 'I lied about…Huey and Rasheeda together last weekend. That was none of my business and…I misread the signs. I planted that lie..in Trisha's head..and caused further…drama between you two. I understand you and Trisha have a close…friendship and partnership and I'm sorry for…sabotaging..that as well. I have been..disrespectful and…childish. I learned some sign, as a.. means to… prove to you that… I am still..your friend. I was…insensitive..about your…situation…and I promise..never to… take advantage…of your voice…being…gone.'
And for some reason, Riley had stopped as he stared seriously at her. He's studied these words over a thousand times, but not with emotion. Now, as the signs resonated, he realized his words felt heavier with meaning. Her cheerful, high-pitched, celestial, somewhat annoying, voice was really gone. And based on her reaction, he could tell it weighed heavy on her too. He had unknowingly made the same promise his brother did, which, to her, signified that they shared the same integrity, being brothers and all.
'Wow, Riley,' Jazmine flared her fingers towards her. She made sure to really mouth her words slowly, just in case he couldn't catch on. 'The fact you took the time out to learn and apologize to me in Sign, speaks volumes! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it…and I'm sure Trisha does too.' She winked.
'I'm…sure…she does,' Riley replied with a smirk. Jazmine giggled and shook her head. "But, for now, your acknowledgement is the validation I need so Huey won't kill me. So… am I forgiven?"
'Yes, Riley, I forgive you,' Jazmine brushed her fingertips along her palm like someone shuffling out money. 'And thank you.'
'You're welcome.' Riley signed back. He sat up straighter in the seat, before resting his elbows on his knees. "Now, I've been meaning to ask you this, but I ain't know when the best time would be. Seeing as we're alone now, I thought I'd bring it up."
'Yes?' Jazmine invited.
'How did you lose your voice?' Riley signed with ease. He's been wanting to know for the longest so you knew he had that question down pat. What he didn't know was that it was highly sensitive. He came to realize that when he saw Jazmine's face go white and her lips start to quiver. But then she swallowed hard, and reached for her locket. If she was going to move on, she would have to start answering that crucial question without crying or getting upset, no matter who asked it. She had to own her past, no matter how ugly or uncomfortable it was. She could tell Huey, she could tell anyone.
She tore off a note from her locket and handed it to him.
'I didn't lose it…it was taken from me
Along with my fiancée…& unborn daughter,'
Riley's face dropped. Fiancée? Unborn daughter? All taken from her?! Riley had known the streets all too well to know what she meant, and his heart felt heavy, almost nauseous, at the thought that someone like Jazmine could endure something like that.
"You was gon' get married?" Riley asked shocked. "You…was gon'…have a baby?" Riley's voice slightly croaked. Jazmine tucked in her bottom lip and sighed slowly before nodding. Based on his facial expressions, she could tell what he wanted to ask next, but he never would. So, she brought her hand to her throat, squeezing the sides before tapping on the front a couple times. Riley understood immediately, and he felt his blood go cold.
"Oh shit…Jazmine, I…I don't," Riley stammered in disbelief, running his hand down his cheeks. "Damn, I'm s-so sorry, Jazmine. I can't believe…God damn it." Riley shook his head, placing it in his hand as his foot tapped impulsively. Jazmine got up from her chair and went over to him, bending down and lifting his chin.
'God didn't do this Riley,' Jazmine was sure to sign very slowly as she tried enunciating as she mouthed.. Riley focused extra hard as she moved her hands. 'What he did do, was spare me, and bless me with a second chance at life. He brought me back home, where I have always felt the safest, and back to my family, who are just as insufferable and outrageous as I remember.' Jazmine gave him a hearty grin. Riley wiped his nose before nodding.
"Come on, we ain't that bad now," Riley defended. Jazmine stared at him blankly. "Okay, maybe we are, but that just mean we know how to handle our own. And Jaz, real talk, we always seen you as part of the family ya dig? Shit was wild after ya'll left. Even McHater ass was all depressed and shit…at least more depressed than he usually is." Jazmine tried hiding a chuckle, but nodded at him. She didn't know about depressed but Huey certainly wasn't Mr. Optimistic either. "But now, having you back has really brought that old feeling back you know?" Oh did she know, Jazmine hid her smirk. "And you brought a FINE ass friend?! Like bruh, I shouldn't say thank you, but THANK YOU!" Riley signed 'thank you' enthusiastically five times towards her.
'Riley..' Jazmine glared at him.
"Aite, aite, my bad. But I'm glad that you home safe. As much as shit's changed, we all glad that you here." Riley hinted. Jazmine looked at the ground as she innocently placed a strand of hair behind her ear. Innocent? Yeah right. "You ain't never gotta worry 'bout nobody hurtin' you eva again, Jaz. Dat's my word."
It's crazy how Riley and Huey share the same rectitude towards her. Just like old times. Jazmine gave him a bright smile and enveloped Riley in a smothering hug around the neck. Riley jumped back like the girl was crazy, keeping his hands up to the side of him. But then, a sentimental feeling came over him, sort of reminiscent if you will. He slowly wrapped his arms around her and hugged her just a snug around the waist.
'"Mannn, aite,, enough of this gay shit, I apologized, can we go back in now?" Riley pulled out of the hug and straighted his cap. Jazmine rolled her eyes and nodded. But then she caught a good glimpse at the ends of his long, frizzy braids. Huey… Jazmine thought.
She wrote on the back of one of her old notes and handed it to him.
I can redo ur braids if u want? If ur not doing anything
Design it like old times?
Riley's eyes widened as the biggest grin came over his face. "Awh HELL YEAH! You know you a real one fo 'dat Jaz! A nigga hella been needing a touch up!" Jazmine nodded affirmatively and they made their way inside, where they saw Trisha and Huey sitting at her coffee table playing cards.
Trisha had a troubled look on her face, while Huey just sat across from her with a confident poker face. She laid a 3 of Clubs down from her hand on the table and picked up a different card from the face-down pile. Huey scoffed triumphantly as he picked up the card she put down and placed his last 'deadwood' card on the face up pile. Then he slapped all 10 of his cards down on the table.
"Gin," Huey simply said. Trisha's mouth fell agape followed by a series of outbursts in Italian as she threw her hand of cards down defeated. "I do believe that's 225 to 10…Game." Huey finished tallying the score and sat back in his chair.
"What the fuck!?" Trisha exclaimed flashing her hands out. "NO way in hell! You cheated!"
"Nah, I'm just better than you." Huey collected the cards and shuffled them back into a stack. "I picked up on your game. It's so obvious what you're holding and what you're waiting for."
"And you are obviously a blowhard," Trisha rolled her eyes.
'Wow, Trisha. I guess you've finally met your match,' Jazmine signed sitting next to her. Trisha simply flipped her off. 'I never ONCE was able to beat her at this game!' she signed to Huey.
"Well, for future reference, she likes face cards and black card runs," Huey informed.
"I can vouch for that," Riley smirked sitting in the chair opposite of his brother. "Cuz once you go black…well…you know." He clicked his tongue.
"No, I don't. Why don't you enlighten me?" Trisha shot him a glance. Huey and Jazmine screwed up their faces at them. These two wouldn't care if the Pope was sitting in front of them.
'ANYWAY!...' Jazmine signed largely. 'Trisha I need to borrow some combs. I'm doing Riley's braids.'
"You are?" Trisha looked surprised.
"You are?" Huey looked threatening.
'Yes..?' Jazmine signed between both of them. 'Since his apology was genuine and his signing was efficient, I thought I'd show my gratitude.' Jazmine signed as she stood back up and grabbed her coat and made her way to the door. Trisha looked at Riley who simply smiled and waved a gang sign. Meanwhile, Huey looked like he wanted to flip the chair he was in. 'I think I have some hair stuff in my car, I'll be right back.' Jazmine quickly turned around and signed. At that, Huey got up and followed her.
"Look!...There he goes," Riley whispered to Trisha, his pointed finger following his brother striding across the living room.
"Like honey to a bee," Trisha smirked, taking a few olives and peppers from the dish on the table.
"If the nectar is sweet, Freeman gon' eat," Riley bit his bottom lip. Trisha's lips parted seductively as they heard the door close.
"Jaz, wait up!" Huey shouted running down the stairs after her. Jazmine looked up to see his afro making its way down the flight of stairs until he came to her level.
'Something wrong, Huey?' Jazmine signed.
"Nah. Just didn't want you walking outside by yourself," Huey half-lied.
'I'm just going to my car, Huey. What could possibly happen?'
"Yesterday wasn't evident enough for you?" Huey aggravatingly muttered. Jazmine's face fell into a glare. She pulled his move and stayed silent, keeping her glare as she turned and continued down the stairs. Huey inwardly smirked at her. He could get used to seeing her moving like him. Before she opened the door to outside, she stopped and held a finger up as she turned around with a smug grin on her face.
'If I learned anything from yesterday, it's that ole girl is BASIC as hell!' She faced both palms to the floor while circling one hand below the other. Huey stopped on the last step and eyed her curiously. 'She limits herself to just the parking garage? A real and bold enough woman would present herself on your office desk!'
Now earlier, Huey was separated by a phone screen, preventing him from physically reacting to the seductive things she spoke. But now, as she stood before him with that nonchalant, but flirtatious smirk on her face, he started having déjà vu images of her sandwiched between him and the door behind her.
"And are you a real woman?" Huey murmured as he came down the last step and stepped towards her. Jazmine shrugged and poked her lips out smugly.
'Are you asking if I would casually break into your office, sit on your desk in my incognito outfit, wrinkling up your precious students' essays and reports, and wait for you to walk in and unwrap me like a Christmas present?' Jazmine signed leaning back against the door.
Holy shit!... Huey thought. Was this seriously even the same Jazmine he grew up with?! Couldn't be.
'You ain't seen real, yet, Huey Freeman.' And she unceremoniously opened the door and stepped outside, leaving a dumbfounded Huey stuck in his spot. Yeah…definitely NOT the same Jazmine.
"You know you are really making it difficult for me to be on my best behavior," Huey said catching up and walking beside her.
'Maybe you shouldn't try so hard,' Jazmine signed as they approached her car.
"You're seriously going to suggest that to me?" Huey looked at her sternly. Jazmine hid her chuckle.
'You're right. Bad idea.' Jazmine opened up her trunk and did some rummaging until she pulled out a brown paper bag, which contained some miscellaneous hair supplies she had procrastinated unpacking since she moved in, like hair grease, extra-hold gel, and scalp therapy oil. Ironically, the same products she always had to-go when Riley needed his hair done. 'I shouldn't tease anyway. I know you hate it when people tease at you.'
"Jazmine, that type of teasing and the teasing you're doing are two completely different things," Huey said taking the bag out of her hands. "But the end result is all the same."
'Which is?' Jazmine took the bait as she closed her trunk.
"That whoever teases me is likely to get dealt with," Huey said in that same nonchalant tone she used with him. Jazmine blushed hard as hell even in the late afternoon chill! Huey noticed and a small smirk formed on the corner of his mouth as he stepped a little closer to her. "So be sure to keep that same energy when the time comes." Jazmine's lips tightened as she nervously leaned back into her car. Huey gave a light sinister chuckle as if saying, 'Yeah, that's what I thought,' and led her by the hand back into the apartment.
Jazmine couldn't fathom how intense things have gotten between them in such a short span of time. It was inevitable. They wanted the hell out of each other. She never thought she would feel this way about someone ever again. She surprised her own self at how freely she expressed herself around him and how bold she was acting. Was she really ready? Could she finally allow herself to love and be loved by another? With a man like Huey Freeman, she knew she would be happy. But she had to find inner happiness in order for that to happen. Soon, Jazmine….soon, she thought.
They walked upstairs and back into Trisha's apartment, where they were met with the sight of Trisha on top of Riley on her couch in a heavy make-out session. They didn't even notice the door opening and closing, or Huey and Jazmine's footsteps, or Huey's grunt of disgust, or Jazmine's fit of giggles. These two were seriously incredible.
"YO!" Huey shouted. The two pulled away with a final pop of their lips and they finally looked up. Trisha hopped off of Riley and dusted herself off, and Riley simply smirked and wiped his bottom lip. "You two need to carry your own mattress everywhere you go, damn." Huey shook his head as he handed Jazmine her bag.
"Well, seeing as it is MY HOUSE, it's only a few feet away," Trisha retorted, winking at Riley before disappearing into the kitchen. "Ya'll hungry? I was going to fix up something."
"There's a whole dish of food out HERE! And you gon' cook some more?" Riley asked.
"You must've forgotten where I come from, Papi," Trisha called out through the bar window into the living room, getting all her supplies ready. "You're hungry even if you're not hungry." Riley made a questioning look, but shook his head nonetheless.
'Which is usually what she says before…' Jazmine signed.
"We don't start a conversation with the typical 'How are you?' Or 'How was your day?' No…first we ask if you want something to eat…before asking if you're even hungry." Trisha lectured as she washed her hands. Jazmine mouthed her words and mimicked her motions enthusiastically as she has heard her say this over a million times. "Food to us means more than supplying the body. It's our pride, the stronghold of our history, the foundation for our families! Dio mi ascolti parlare! WE TAUGHT THE WORLD HOW TO EAT!" Huey chuckled through his nose as Jazmine screwed her face and raised her fist in a power-speaking manner.
"Damn, shawty, we hear you! You do yo thing!" Riley laughed.
Jazmine went over by the window, asking where Trisha kept her combs and she went to her bathroom to bring them out, after first washing them. When she came out, Riley had switched over to the armchair and had already began taking out his braids. She set her supplies on the coffee table, taking everything out and then started helping him unbraid.
Huey had actually picked out one of Trisha's several books from her bookshelf: Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires. Huey's eyebrow lifted as he glanced at the cover, then over in the kitchen at Trisha, who was chopping away at some vegetables, then back at the book. He had a sliver of a thought, but pushed it to the back of his head. He reluctantly sat on the couch across from Jazmine and Riley and began to read, trying extra hard to focus on the book and not the fact that Jazmine's fingers were in his brother's scalp.
Even when they were kids, he loathed watching Jazmine braid his hair. He silently wished that it was his head Jazmine was running her fingers through. Whether Riley was sitting on the floor between Jazmine's thighs as she sat behind him on the couch, or he was in a chair and she stood at the perfect angle to where her upper assets wafted in his face, he was envious of the close proximity his brother was to her.
When Riley's braids were all taken out, Trisha looked up and did a double take. She thought Jazmine was braiding Huey's hair for a second. But it was Riley! He looked EXACTLY like Huey! And not just in a resemblance-like manner. They may have a two-year age difference, but they were TWINS when their hair was out! The only difference was their eye color. It was almost scary. Huey was a handsome man, but she didn't exactly want to think of him when she looked at Riley. Their different hairstyles definitely played their part.
An hour and a half later, Trisha's apartment smelled like an Italian restaurant with the various aromas rummaging through the air. Huey was well into the book, and Riley's hair was almost finished. Jazmine actually had an edge razor blade in her purse, for obvious reasons, that she sanitized and used to tidy up his hairline. When she finally finished, she applied a drop more of scalp-therapy oil between his braids and tapped his shoulder, letting him know she was done. Riley stood up and went to a small mirror on the wall.
"Yooooo! Jaz, you did dat shit sis!" Riley exclaimed turning his head side to side. Jazmine meekly smiled at the ground at the sound of him calling her 'sis'.
He had four major braids going in a pear shape to the back of his head, with smaller braids between them, intersecting in a figure-8 pattern all tied into a knot in the back of his head. Then he had four braids around the crown of his head that fell freely down his face. "Damn, girl, you still ain't lost it!" And he meant that! He's been tired of rocking the same basic cornrows like he was an ex-felon. Jazmine had skills. He was happy to have his hairstylist back…Wow that sounded gay.
"Bon Appetit' everyone!" Trisha came out and clapped her hands.
"Awh HELL yeah! Just in time!" Riley rubbed his hands together and made his way to the kitchen, followed by everyone else. They all washed their hands while Trisha finished setting the table.
"So I have made mi Nona's famous Potato Gnocchi with roasted pork and mushroom-infused gravy (tomato sauce), my stuffed lamb breast with lemon, Ricotta, and oregano," Trisha set the glass serving dishes down on her dinner table. Jazmine and Riley sat down with their mouths watering at the sight of the bountiful food in front of them. Meanwhile Huey kept his stale grimace. "…and I even prepared a low-sodium, vegetarian plate for our herbivorous friend here. Pasta Primavera, all the veggies in the world, roasted and garlic'd, thrown on a bed of mermaid hair. Mmmwah Pasta fatta per gli dei (Pasta made for the Gods)" she kissed her fingertips and flashed them outwards. She placed the colorful plate of pasta in front of him, and his stomach growled.
"Yeah, YEEEAHH!" Riley hooted as he reached for the serving spoon.
"AHT!" Trisha slapped his hand away. "What are we? Cats in an alley?!" Trisha's accent poked through. She signed the cross before folding her hands on the table and bowing her head. Jazmine laughed and followed her lead, Riley doing the same. Huey just sighed and lowered his head. He wasn't one for praying, but he respected it all the same, much thanks to Jazmine. "Benedici, Signore, noi e questi tuoi doni, che stiamo per ricevere dalla tua generosità. Per Cristo nostro Signore. Amen," Trisha blessed the food and signed the cross again before kissing her fingers and gesturing towards the ceiling. Everyone said amen as well and they began to eat.
After they were finished, Riley let out a satisfied sigh as he unbuckled his belt. Jazmine sat back in her chair, chewing her last bite slowly as she patted her tummy happily. Huey placed his fork on his empty plate, making it clatter as he release a subtle burp, then patted his chest. Trisha simply smiled triumphantly.
"Woman…I'm finna gain a hundred pounds fuckin' wit you," Riley wheezed. "Gah damn, I can't even breathe!"
"I've done my job then," Trisha shrugged picking up their plates.
'VERY good, Trisha. Like always!' Jazmine gave her a thumbs up.
"9.8/10" Huey rated.
"And the 0.2?" Trisha asked threateningly.
"Just a pinch less salt for next time," Huey critiqued.
"Mr. Bland over here," Trisha scoffed and placed their dishes in the sink. "You could get clipped talkin' like that about a woman's food around where I'm from."
"Clipped, huh?" Huey muttered. "The terminology on you. By the way, uh, you mind if I cop that book?"
"Which one?" Trisha asked.
"The Five Families"
"Oh! Yeah, go ahead! I've read it like a hundred times. Reminds me of… well… you go ahead and take it though!" Trisha waved her hand off. Huey caught onto her hesitation, but nodded nonetheless.
"Thanks. I hate to eat and dash, but we best be getting home," Huey said standing up.
'Yeah, me too, girl. That Itis is kicking in.' Jazmine signed standing up.
"Mmmhmm, suuuure it is," Trisha mumbled. Jazmine rolled her eyes and went to grab her coat and bags.
"Uhh, Huey ya'll go ahead. I'll uhh, catch up with you later," Riley whispered, nodding his head towards Trisha who was getting to work on the dishes. Huey gave him a blank stare before shaking his head and grabbing his coat too.
'Bye Trish. Thanks for dinner.' Jazmine came back in the kitchen and hugged her friend around the waist.
"Anytime hon'," Trisha pressed her cheek to Jazmine's and made a smooch sound near her ear. "Thanks for coming by. I really appreciate it. You get home safe."
Jazmine nodded and left the kitchen. Huey took one of her bags before escorting her out of the door. Trisha went back to straightening up the kitchen and cleaning the dishes, before she felt two hands sneak around her waist. She subtly looked over her shoulder and relaxed into him as he pulled her back.
"You're gonna have to wait for that," Trisha said softly before continuing to clean. But Riley didn't feel like listening. He ran his hands up her sides, around her shoulders and down her arms all while brushing his lips up her neck and to her ear.
"You can't always be in control, Mami," Riley whispered in her ear before kissing behind it, causing Trisha to loosen her grip on the dishes. He continued his taunting kisses as he brought his hands back up her arms and to her chest, where he gave her bosom a tender squeeze, hugging her against him. Trisha released a breathy moan as she rested her head back against his shoulder.
"Riley," Trisha sighed. He could tell she was battling within herself to keep her composure, a trait in her he wanted to demolish. "Let m-me finish..w-with, mmmMMM!" She lost her track of thought when Riley slipped one hand down her stomach and into her leggings, massaging her mound. She turned her head to protest, but all she was met with was Riley's lips, encasing her own in a stifling kiss. He kept up with his assaults, grinding into her from behind.
"I'm tryna finish you girl," Riley groaned rubbing her bundle of nerves slowly but tenderly.
"Oouuu, Rileyyy," Trisha shivered in his arms as she grabbed his wrist in her pants.
"Come here," he spun her around and lifted her onto the counter, earning a surprised gasp from her lips and stepped between her open thighs.
Trisha completely gave in as she cupped his face and brought his lips to hers, sucking and licking on them earnestly. Riley groaned into the kiss as he pulled her closer to the edge of the counter by her ass, kneading her cheeks hard as he brought her center down to his aroused length. She gasped into the kiss, making Riley slowly pull away, staring hungrily at her as he bit his bottom lip. Trisha gazed lustfully back at him with her hooded brown eyes.
His new hairstyle heightened his jawline and the few braids that hung over his face added a devilish shadow over his eyes. His bruised face made him look all the more dangerous it made her center trickle into her panties.
"You know you really surprised me today, Riley. I can't tell you how much this means to Jazmine…how much it means to me," Trisha rested her arms around his shoulders.
"All the reason I did it, bae," Riley reached behind her and released the clasp in her hair, letting her brown and golden tresses drape down her shoulders and around her face. She flipped her hair back, behind her shoulders, before making sultry eye contact with him again, hypnotizing him to no end. "I told you you can trust me, Trish." He gave her a slower and more passionate kiss.
"That's a heavy word you're throwing around, Esco," Trisha eyed him as she ran her hands up inside his shirt, massaging his rock-hard abs and slowly working them to his hips, grazing her nails along his iliac crest. She immediately felt him tense up as his grip on her rear tightened. "Because if I trust you," she kissed him. "You better be worthy of it," she bit down on his bottom lip, sucking it before engaging in another tongue-battling kiss. Riley closed any space between them and held her snug against him. When they broke away for air, he gave her a serious look.
"I got you, shawty," Riley whispered before lifting her again from the counter, making Trisha lock her legs around his waist, and taking her to her bedroom.
Huey drove down Timid Deer Lane with Jazmine driving not far behind him and they parked in their respective driveways. They both got out at the same time and looked over across the street at each other. Jazmine smiled and tilted her head back, signaling for him to come over. Huey was already in motion as he crossed the street.
When he approached her, she smiled and took his hand, leading him up to her porch. She unlocked her door and they both stepped in, sighing in relief at the comforting heat she had blasting before she left. She removed her coat and took his as she hung them up. They went to her living room and sat on the couch in silence for a minute.
'You want to…watch a movie?...listen to music or..something?' Jazmine signed. For some reason she was nervous and she didn't know why. It might have been from the way Huey's agonizingly determined eyes were continuously scoping her. She shifted in her seat as she blushed at the ground.
"Music actually sounds nice right now," Huey answered. Jazmine grinned and pulled out her phone, turning on the Bluetooth. She had little BOZE speakers hung up in the corners of the ceiling of her living room, the main foyer, the dining room and the kitchen. The whole house was filled with the music of The Weeknd's Call Out My Name.
We found each other
I helped you out of a broken place
You gave me comfort
But falling for you was my mistake
Jazmine laid back into the couch cushions and closed her eyes, relaxing to the tantalizing melodies of this god-forsaking song that just had to set the mood. It seemed like her playlist wanted her to say fuck it and throw her heart at Huey like a pitcher at a baseball game.
Iput you on top, I put you on top
I claimed you so proud and openly
And when times were rough, when times were rough
I made sure I held you close to me
Huey closed his eyes as well, but he still saw her. He envisioned her constantly, ever since she came back. He couldn't shake it. This woman had a grip on him that not even the strongest force on earth could liberate him from. He was for real tripping.
So call out my name (call out my name)
Call out my name when I kiss you so gently
I want you to stay (want you to stay)
I want you to stay, even though you don't want me
Girl, why can't you wait? (Why can't you wait, baby?)
Girl, why can't you wait 'til I fall out of love?
Won't you call out my name? (Call out my name)
Girl, call out my name, and I'll be on my way and
I'll be on my...
They both opened their eyes and turned their heads toward each other. He looked at her, she looked at him. Everything was communicated through their eyes. Huey slid his hand across the cushion between them and entangled his fingers in hers. Jazmine looked down at their hands and back up at him. He began pulling her and Jazmine followed until their lips met in the empty space between them. Huey quickly closed it, and placed his hand on her jaw as he took command over the lip-lock embrace. Jazmine sighed and let her tongue slip into his mouth, teasing him with every lick and suck.
I said I didn't feel nothing, baby but I lied
I almost cut a piece of myself for your life
Guess I was just another pit stop
'Til you made up your mind
You just wasted my time
Their kisses got beyond heated. Huey pulled her waist to where she was laying flat on her back, with her head resting on the armrest. He straddled her with one knee between her thighs as he attacked her neck with fervent kisses. She dipped her head back, giving him more of her flesh as she pulled him closer by the shoulders.
You're on top, I put you on top
I claimed you so proud and openly, babe
And when times were rough, when times were rough
I made sure I held you close to me!
Jazmine was at a loss for words. She couldn't possibly pull away. His presence, his scent, his taste, his demeanor, his authority, all swarmed her with nothing but lust. She couldn't shake it. She didn't just want him, she needed him. Fuck, she needed him.
So call out my name (call out my name, baby)
So call out my name when I kiss you
So gently, I want you to stay (I want you to stay)
I want you to stay even though you don't want me
Girl, why can't you wait? (Girl, why can't you wait 'til I?)
Girl, why can't you wait 'til I fall out of loving?
Babe, call out my name (say call out my name, baby)
Just call out my name, and I'll be on my way
Girl, I'll be on my...
"H-h-Huey," she moaned his name in a whisper. Huey groaned back in reply. She ran her hands down his chest and over his hard stomach, letting her hands slightly slip under his T-shirt, massaging and scratching at his back and working her way around to his abs. They both moaned into the kiss, her with how hard, but smooth his skin was, him with how warm and soft her hands were. He occupied his mouth on her collarbone while slowly moving his hands down her body and pulling her hips to meet his as he ground into her. She sighed his name immediately after, making him even more flustered. He entangled his fingers in her hair as he brought her lips to his in another hot kiss as he continued to slow grind into her deeply. "Sssss.. f-ffuuckk.. Ohhh, Huey!," Jazmine whimpered on his lips. She brought her knees up higher and the new angle nearly made them both lose it.
"Damn, Jaz," Huey groaned into her neck. "You don't know how bad I wanna take you right here…right now." He pressed his full weight onto her a final time. Her lips parted in a gasp, followed by her biting her bottom lip seductively at him. "But I can't…." he reluctantly released her waist and lifted himself off of her.
"Huey…p-please d-don't….please," she begged, lifting her waist towards him. But he placed her back down. Jazmine sat up on her elbows, looking at him questioningly.
On my way, all the way
On my way, all the way, ooh
On my way, on my way, on my way
On my way, on my way, on my way
(On my)
"Jazmine…" Huey breathed on her lips. "This isn't getting any easier. Trust me…I want to," Huey signaled his almost hard-on. "But you're not ready." Jazmine felt like slapping him, but he was right. Despite the physical needs she was feeling now, after the deed was done, she would still be just as emotionally and mentally frustrated beforehand.
Honestly, she didn't know how much longer she could take this initiate/abort mission routine they got themselves involved in. It's like one second they were wound up in themselves and each other, and the next they quickly snapped back into reality. It was nauseating. Christ, why couldn't she just go along with her urges just this ONCE?!
"I want your mind, body and soul focused solely on me. I want you free, pure, and certain. I want you to know that you are mine, before I make you mine." Huey whispered on her lips. Jazmine whimpered as she tried kissing him again, which he gladly allowed. He let his lips linger on hers for a few seconds before he reluctantly pulled away and pressed her back against the couch cushions. "I'm not going to influence you into making a decision that only you can make. I lo…. I care about you too much for that." Huey nearly caught himself. Jazmine sat up on her elbows again as she realized what he almost said, but decided to disregard it.
'You care about my decisions enough to where I shouldn't sleep with you? That's a new one,' Jazmine smirked.
"Don't make me change my mind," Huey turned serious, only long enough to return her smirk with his own. They shared another long, steamy kiss before they separated and returned to their opposite ends on the couch. "I should go. Granddad shouldn't be left alone this long anyway," Huey said as he stood up, patting himself down. Jazmine nodded and stood up too.
'Right…Bongo Night was enough precaution,' Jazmine shuddered at the flashback of Robert Freeman's ding-a-ling swinging around as he mercilessly beat down on two bongos, with a Bob Marley sized joint in his mouth.
"Correct!" Huey confirmed. "I hope he didn't traumatize you so much that night."
'Oh, that image will be stuck in my head forever.' Jazmine reaffirmed. 'Nothing that some princess cartoons couldn't handle. Took me several hours, but I came around.' Jazmine laughed. Huey shook his head as he chuckled. 'Just like I'll come around to you… eventually.' Jazmine slowly backed him into one of her chairs before he fell into it. 'And when that day comes…' she straddled him with one foot still planted into the ground. She used it as leverage to grind into him. Huey gave her a daring glare, which encouraged her all the further. 'You might be traumatized too, Fro boy,' Jazmine whispered in his ear.
Huey had to literally bite back his arousal as he squeezed his eyes shut. He lifted her, earning a surprised gasp from her, and switched their positions around to where she plopped down on her chair.
"I'll take that bet," Huey groaned, leaning on the two armrests. "Now, I'm going to take my leave, before we both do something we'll regret."
'I don't know about regret,' Jazmine signed as she shifted in her seat. 'But okay.' And without hesitation, he lifted from the chair and made his way to the door. Jazmine warily got up and followed him. As she watched him throw on his coat, she couldn't help but feel a sadness come over her.
Surprisingly, it wasn't about Matthew. This long-lost friend of hers had transformed into the perfect ideal specimen of a man that she would love nothing more than to offer herself to. But, it pained her that she couldn't. It hurt her seeing him walk away for the second night in a row, because of her damn mournfulness. Even if she tried to fake it, he would still know the truth. That's how insightful he was. And she had to be thankful for that.
He was about to grab her doorknob, but she grasped his other hand. He turned and looked at her questioningly.
'I…care… about you too, Huey. A lot more than you know.' Jazmine signed timidly, hoping he wouldn't catch on to her hesitation as she did his.
'I seem to know a lot,' Huey signed back that same reply he used before. Jazmine released a breath. He stepped closer and lifted her chin. "And I know how bad you want to fight your feelings, but you have to trust your mind first…no matter how much I'm on it."
'Cocky much?' Jazmine signed.
"You have no idea," Huey smirked. Jazmine tightened her lips again before rolling her eyes. Oh, she had an idea all right!
'Bye, Freeman,' and she shoved him towards the door.
"Goodnight, Dubois," Huey answered back, holding that same smirk as he opened the door. She sweetly kissed him on the cheek and then he closed the door behind him, disappearing off her porch.
Jazmine was about to head up to her room, but she decided to sit a little while longer downstairs. She found her pack of Marlboro's and her lighter and sat back down on the couch as more 'in your feels' songs continued to play throughout her house. Again, she scolded herself for smoking in her old childhood home, but it was cold as hell outside and she didn't have time for that.
She ended up smoking like four cigarettes until she felt so tired that she almost dozed off there on the couch. She was going to light another one until she got stuck looking at the open flame ignited from her lighter. She closed her zippo lighter that her fiancée customized for her, then opened it and lit it again. She repeated the motion ten times until she finally quit.
That's it…she thought. This whole time she was searching for a sign to let her know when the right time would be to move on. And she thought she just might have found it. This lighter, this flame, represented the fire of love still burning in her heart for her Matthew. One day the fuel would have to run out…and when it did…well...
Kind of a filler-y chapter I know, but I wanted to really illustrate the "damage-control" between everybody and instill some stability among my primary characters. I haven't forgotten about Blake or Rasheeda. The crew isn't all in the clear from them just yet. But trust me, they will get theirs! Stay tuned my loves! Won't be too long!
PLEASE REVIEW! More reviews, quicker updates! I would really like to read all of your opinions and feedbacks! It influences me greatly.
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