All That and a Bag of Chips

by Darrien Lee

  Have I made a mistake? But how in the hell could I make a long distance relationship work? But, I love the hell out of this man and what about Craig?”

  These thoughts fought in her mind for hours and after her mind was totally exhausted, she fell asleep.

  The night was short. Jarvis woke Venice up so they could attend the parade. After they arrived on campus, he found some of his teammates and introduced Venice. They attended just about every activity taking place. Venice bought a lot of souvenirs to take back to her friends. They spent the entire day enjoying each other’s company. The game was going to start in a few hours and Venice and Jarvis felt like they should head back to the hotel for a nap. They’d sampled a lot of food and were both stuffed.

  Jarvis’ parents were also in town and Venice was going to be riding to the game with them. They’d be going out afterwards and Jarvis wanted Venice to meet him in the tunnel of the stadium after the game.

  Venice sat with Jarvis’ parents to help cheer him on. Portia, his sister, didn’t get to come, but Jarvis promised her that she’d get to come next year. Jarvis’ dad was also a former college running back and he constantly gave Jarvis advice on his game. His parents were excited to see Venice there to support their son. They knew in their hearts that Venice and Jarvis couldn’t stand to be apart from each other. They loved Venice like their own daughter. They knew she was good for him and the decision to have them divorce was hard on everyone, but necessary.

  As expected, it was going to be a victory party. Jarvis had an exceptionally good game. He rushed for over a hundred yards and Venice could tell the fans of the college had welcomed him with open arms. They were chanting his name and Venice could hear women sitting around her discussing how they wanted to hook up with him. Venice had no idea it was like that. She felt a little jealous and threatened.

  After the horn sounded the end of the game and the players congratulated each other on the field, Venice made her way down to the fence surrounding the field. She waited to see if Jarvis still wanted her to meet him in the tunnel. There were a large number of other women hanging around. Venice hoped they were waiting for their significant others and not Jarvis. As the players ran toward the tunnel, Venice searched for Jarvis in the crowd. She finally saw him over on the sideline talking to reporters. He spotted her and waved his helmet up in the air. Once he’d completed his interview, he walked over and some of the women started calling his name trying to get him to talk to them. Jarvis paused for a moment to thank them for congratulating him, but didn’t stop to talk to them. He continued toward Venice and his parents. When he got to Venice, he climbed up on the bench and kissed her. “Well, how did I do?”

  “You were great!”

  Mr. Anderson said, “Son, you did it! You see what I told you worked.”

  “Yes, sir. Thanks, Pops.”

  Mrs. Anderson said, “Baby, we’re going back to the hotel for a while. We’ll see you shortly. Venice, are you riding back with us?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  As they started to walk away, Venice asked Jarvis if he wanted her to wait for him.

  “No, go ahead. It’s going to be a while before I get through in the locker room.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you, baby.”

  “Hey! Give me some more of those luscious lips before you leave.”

  Venice smiled, leaned down, and gave him a lingering kiss. The crowd of women stared and one of them said, “Who the hell is she?”

  Mr. Anderson heard the remark as he walked passed them and replied, “She’s just my son’s wife.”

  All of the women looked stunned and their mouths fell open in shock. Jarvis and Venice never knew that conversation took place. His parents were very protective of their relationship. They knew there would be gold-digging women after their son and wanted to make sure he didn’t stray. After loving on Jarvis, Venice ran to catch up with the Andersons and head to the hotel.

  Back at the hotel, Venice couldn’t decide which outfit to wear to the party. She finally decided on a black catsuit. The outfit showed every curve she possessed and she knew it. Jarvis had dropped his clothes off at the hotel earlier and was going to be wearing black jeans, an off-white pullover shirt, and a leather jacket.

  Venice was stepping out of the shower when he entered the room, singing. He grabbed her, threw her on the bed, and started kissing and tickling her.

  Venice squirmed with laughter. “Stop, Jarvis!”

  He started trying to pull off her towel. “Uh-uh. What do you have under this towel, girl? Let me see.”

  Venice playfully tried to keep the towel on. “Stop Jarvis! I’m sore!”

  He kept tickling her until he’d finally won and threw the towel across the room. He quickly tossed his clothes on the floor and started kissing up and down her wet body.

  Dizzy and breathless, Venice said, “We’re going to be late.”

  “I don’t care.”

  Taking deep breaths, Venice closed her eyes and grabbed Jarvis’ head as she enjoyed the warmth of his lips sliding down her body. He stopped just above her sweetness and planted small sensual kisses on her hot skin. She missed the old feeling and moaned to his touch.

  She felt his hot breath on her neck as he whispered to her, “Niecy…Baby…I….”

  She pulled him to her, looked him in the eyes, and said, “I know, baby. I love you, too.”

  She held on to him tightly as he loved her like he’d never loved her before. This went on until neither of them could take any more.

  Venice finally hollered out, “Oh Jarvis! Baby! Oh my God!”

  Jarvis pounded his fist on the pillows a couple of times as he exploded inside her body and groaned, “Damn!”

  He kissed her softly on the cheek and laid down next to her, breathless. She ran her fingers through the silky hair covering his chest and said, “I hate you, Jarvis Tyler Anderson! I’m so-o-o sore.”

  “Come here so I can kiss it and make it better.”

  They both laughed and Venice said, “Seriously, baby. No matter how we end up, I want you to know that I’ll always love you.”

  Jarvis smiled and pulled her up on his chest. She couldn’t help but reminisce about how he’d just served her up with his good loving. He’d worked Venice’s body over until she was delirious and weak.

  “Venice, this feels too damn good. I don’t know if I’m going to let you back on that plane tomorrow.” She smiled and kissed him on the chest and lips. He seductively ran his hands down to the arch in her back. “Do you still want to go out? We don’t have to, if you don’t want to. We could stay here and do this the rest of the night.”

  “No way! I need to get out of here. You’re trying to kill me. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to walk after what you just did to me. I need some Epsom salt.”

  “I wasn’t by myself, girl! You almost made me pull a muscle.”

  They laughed together as Venice got up and headed for a soothing bath. He joined her and they talked and lathered each other’s bodies. He held onto her tightly and then splashed water playfully. Finally, they got dressed and headed out to the party.

  The party was wonderful and Venice was having the time of her life. She danced with Jarvis and some of his friends. She held onto Jarvis and didn’t want to let him go. He felt the same way. Some of the women Jarvis had dated stared enviously. His mind and eyes were obviously only for Venice.

  Once the party ended, they drove back to the hotel. They both knew it would probably be the last time they’d be together for a while. It all depended on how things worked out for them at school. It was a happy and sad occasion. Needless to say, this night would probably be the most intense of all.

  Jarvis started touching and kissing on Venice before she could open the hotel door. They’d stopped and picked up some snacks and drinks to nibble on. Venice giggled as he playfully chased her around the room. They ended up on the bed, out of breath, and decided to eat their food.

  Jarvis turned on the radio. “Venice,
this weekend has been the bomb. I think I’m going to hold you hostage.”

  “I wish I could stay, too, baby. I’ve really enjoyed being with you this weekend. It feels like old times.”

  They both looked at each other in silence for a moment.

  Venice said, “I’m going to hit the showers. I’ll be back in a few.”

  Jarvis blocked her path, bringing his lips within inches of hers and embracing her. “I want you back, Niecy.”

  “You haven’t lost me, baby.”

  She leaned into him and ran her tongue across his lips, then gave him a slow, erotic kiss. Heat immediately consumed both of their bodies. Venice could see that he was clearly aroused. He sensed the desire in her also. She finally pulled away and said, “Hold that thought, baby. I’ll be right out.”

  Venice entered the bathroom for her shower.

  There was a knock at the door and when Jarvis answered it, his dad asked if he could come in. Jarvis invited him in and went to tell Venice so she wouldn’t come out undressed.

  “Son, I apologize for barging in, but I want to let you know that I’m proud of you. You’re doing wonderful here and I believe the only thing missing in your life is that young lady in there.”

  Jarvis sat in the chair next to his dad and said, “Thanks, Pops.”

  Jarvis had confided in his father, who knew the entire story surrounding Craig.

  “So what are you going to do about her?”

  “I don’t know, Pops. I’m working on it. There’s only so much I can do since we’re so far apart.

  “Is she serious about the guy?”

  “I don’t know. I hope not. I don’t want to lose her.”

  “Well, she’s a good girl and I don’t want to see you lose her either. You two were made for each other. Have faith and everything will work out. Fight for her, but don’t push her. I think what your mom and her mom did hurt the situation. Distance is only a number and if you two love each other like I know you do, nothing or nobody can come between you.”

  “That’s past tense now, Pops.”

  “It’ll work out, Son.”

  Venice returned to the room wearing a gorgeous royal blue nightgown ensemble.

  Mr. Anderson stood up, gave her a hug and kiss, and said, “Hey, sweetie, it’s so good to see you. Now, let me get out of your way.”

  Venice said, “Don’t run off, Pops. Stay a while.”

  He laughed. “I don’t think so. I’m going to see if the missus wants to go downstairs to the lounge.”

  Jarvis took a sip of his soda and said, “All right, Pops. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  By the time Jarvis closed the door behind his father and turned around, Venice had taken off her robe to reveal the lacy little piece of material underneath. She turned around to reveal the thong back. Venice hadn’t surprised him with a sexy nightgown in a long time and Jarvis was caught completely off guard. When he saw her, he spit his drink across the room.

  As he coughed to catch his breath, Venice walked over to pat him on the back. “Are you okay?”

  Jarvis sat down in the chair, still coughing, and nodded that he was. When he was finally able to catch his breath, he admired her lingerie and put his arm around her. “What are you trying to do to me? You’re going to make me hurt myself in here tonight.”

  Venice massaged his neck and whispered in his ear, “I’m majoring in Sports Medicine, remember? You’re in good hands.”

  She straddled his lap and as he pulled her closer, Venice felt him come to life. He continued to admire her athletic, feminine features.

  She placed her arms around his neck. “Jarvis, I don’t want this to end.”

  He ran his hands up her thigh. “It doesn’t have to, baby. I’m waiting on you.”

  She smiled and kissed him. “Let’s talk about it later. Okay?”

  He agreed and got up to put the food away. After he finished his shower, he came to her with an urgency. She took a deep breath and moaned as he gently entered her mind, body, and soul.

  “I love you so much.”

  “I-I love you, too, baby.”

  Venice was at his mercy as he loved her as hard as he could. She clenched her teeth in ecstasy as Jarvis plunged deeply into her body.

  “Venice, you belong to me and don’t you ever forget it!”

  With passion on her face and in her voice, she whispered, “Always, baby. Always.”

  An hour or so later, they finally settled into the bed. The scent of their lovemaking covered their bodies as they held each other the rest of the night. Neither of them actually went to sleep. They just laid there, in thought, regretting her departure the next day and neither was looking forward to it.

  Seventeen

  The morning came around quickly and, after breakfast, Venice was on her way back to the airport. Venice knew it was going to be a sad goodbye as they sat in the terminal waiting for her flight to board. She laid her head on his shoulder and held his hand as they waited. His parents were nearby having a cup of coffee, also waiting for the flight. Jarvis told her that he wanted her to come back in two weeks. Venice looked into his sad eyes and told him that she would try, but she couldn’t promise him anything.

  It wasn’t long before the stewardess called for boarding. Jarvis’ mom and dad came over and hugged them goodbye. They told Jarvis to stay in the books and he told them he would call them later. They went ahead and boarded their plane, telling Venice they hoped to see her soon. She agreed and told them to have a safe flight.

  After their plane taxied the runway, Jarvis grabbed Venice’s hand and walked her over to her gate. He said, “Venice, this weekend was one of the best times I’ve ever had. I’m going to miss you, girl. I don’t want to put any pressure on you because I know you’re going back to Dawson to spill your guts to dude. I just want you to know that I’m here for you. Okay?”

  Venice had tears running down her face as she laid against his heaving chest. Jarvis wiped away her tears and cupped her face and kissed her gently on the lips. Venice hugged him tightly as she kissed him back, not wanting to let him go.

  She finally said, “I’d better go.”

  “Are you going to be all right?”

  “I have to, Baby. Take care of yourself.”

  He smiled, hugged her again, and gave her one last passionate kiss. He said, “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”

  “Okay.”

  Jarvis watched as Niecy walked down the long hallway to the plane.

  No man ever could ever take your place, Jarvis.

  He stayed until her plane took off and disappeared into the clouds. He then turned and walked away.

  No woman could ever take your place, Niecy.

  Back at Dawson, Venice decided that she didn’t want to lie to Craig anymore as she made her way back to campus in her car.

  When she entered the room, Monique could see that Venice was preoccupied. “I can tell by the hickey on your neck that you had a good time.”

  “Huh? Oh, yeah, it was nice.”

  Monique sensed Venice wasn’t in a talking mood so she left her alone. Venice called Galen to let him know that she was back. From there, she immediately called Craig and told him that she needed to talk to him right away. She needed to get everything off her chest immediately.

  Venice felt a calm come over her as she drove to Craig’s house. When she pulled into his driveway, he was waiting for her on the porch.

  When she approached him on the steps, he smiled and gave her a hug. “Did you have a good trip?”

  “Craig, I need to talk to you.”

  He looked at her seriously. “Okay. Let’s go inside.”

  He followed her into the den and they sat down in silence for a moment. Finally, Venice said, “Look, Craig. This is hard for me, but I feel like I need to tell you something about me.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes…but…Craig, I’ve been struggling with some emotions these past few weeks. I’ve mentioned the person in my past to you be
fore and I remember telling you that I’d always love him. Well, I feel like I owe you an explanation. When we were together our junior year, I got pregnant. Our parents didn’t want us bringing an illegitimate child into the world, so they approved for us to get married.”

  Craig was shocked. Married!

  She went on to say, “It wasn’t a big deal for us because we were in love and had been together for a couple of years. Anyway, we got married and when I was about four months pregnant, I lost my baby. It almost killed me and Jarvis took it really hard. Well, we stayed married, even though we lost our baby. But, it wasn’t until this past spring that it was decided by our parents to go ahead and get a divorce. We were leaving for college and our parents thought it would be for the best. Jarvis received some scholarships up north. I had a scholarship there also, but the university messed up my paperwork so I ended up here at Dawson. So you see, before I was eighteen, I was a wife and almost a mother. That’s why I told you I’d always love him, no matter what.”

  Feeling a little relieved, Craig reached over to wipe away her tears.

  Venice continued, “Before I came to Dawson, I promised him that I’d visit him during his homecoming. That’s where I was this weekend.”

  “Venice, why didn’t you tell me this before you left?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t want you to be upset with me.”

  “Do you think telling me now makes it better?”

  “I don’t know what to think, Craig. You have every right to be upset and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth sooner.”

  “Venice, did you sleep with him?”

  Venice looked into his saddened brown eyes. “I’m so sorry, Craig. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “So, I guess that’s where the mark on your neck came from?”

  “I found myself falling in love with you and I didn’t know how to handle it. I haven’t loved anyone outside of Jarvis before. This is new territory for me. Jarvis said I should tell you the truth about us. I just hope that you can forgive me.”