"I know Pumpkin!" I yell back. "I’m coming!" I hear him skip his way out of my room again. I open the door and began putting on the attire I had just picked out. After putting on my socks and boots, I slid on my leather jacket and went to the mirror to check myself out. You clean up nice, Sage. You clean up nice! Looking down at the counter full of perfume and thought, “I want to be sweet today,” I pick up the sweetest smelling fragrance there and began to spray. Walking out the bathroom I grab my purse, my phone and head towards the door. Thias sees me coming down the hallway and he begins to smile.
"Mama you look so beautiful. I like when you look like that."
"Is that right? You gonna give ya mama a big head boy!" We both began to laugh.
I grabbed the keys off the counter and both our umbrellas from the vase at the door. They say it's supposed to rain today. I don't particularly like standing at the bus stop on rainy days, but luckily for us it hasn't started yet. I looked down at Thias putting his book bag on. He grabs my hand as we began to walk down the stairs and to the bus stop. We literally made perfect timing. The bus pulled up as soon as we got there. As we step on the bus, I began to get butterflies in my stomach. I know I'm completely over thinking it, I overthink everything. We sat down as the bus heads to the next stop. This is going to be the longest 15 minute ride in my life.
"Mama, I spy something brown." Thias began wanting to play the I Spy game. “My jacket?" I replied.
"Why do you always guess right on the first try? It's your turn."
"It’s called Women's Intuition."
"Woman what?" he asked.
"It's what us Mama’s have. It’s nature baby. Ok so my go?"
"Yep!" "I spy something blue. I'll give you a hint, it's inside the bus."
"Mama!!!" he whined. "Everything on the bus is blue, that's not fair!"
"Well just start naming stuff Thias. You're sure to get it right sooner or later."
"But not on the first try like you!" He complained.
"Ok, Ok....I'll do something else. I spy something........green."
He places his index finger on his chin and began to look around as if that would help him think a little harder. "Oh! I know, I know!!!" he shouted.
"What is it?"
"That lady's purse!" he exclaimed, pointing at the older lady's purse sitting in the middle of the aisle.
"That’s right! You got it on the first try! See, I knew you could do it."
The bus began to slow down as we approached the stop in front of Thias’s school. "Ok my turn! Last one!" he shouted.
"Ok well let's do this one off the bus; we’re at your school." We head towards the exit and down the steps. "I spy something red, a lot red!" he said.
"Hmmmm, is it the fire hydrant?"
"Oh wow mommy! This is the first time you never got it on the first try!"
"Really?" I asked. I was kinda of disappointed in myself, this never happened when we play this game. "Well what is it then?"
"That!!!" Thias raised his arm point at the red car with the same color red rims. My heart dropped.
"It’s him." I said aloud, only meaning to keep it as an inner thought.
"That's who Mama?" As we were walking toward the parking lot, the driver door opened and Arsen stood up. "Hey!!!!" Thias began waving at Arsen. He smiled and waved back. We stopped at the car.
"Good morning Thias!” “Good morning beautiful!" Arsen acknowledged us.
"Good morning" I replied. "I'm going to take him in the school. I'll be out in a minute, ok?"
"Ok. I'll be right here." he said smiling.
We started walking toward the school as Thias turned and waved saying "Bye King!" Arsen waved back. I looked down at Thias, "Baby, his name is Arsen."
"I know Mama, but it means Strong King." I smiled and shook my head, ringing the bell to be buzzed in the front door. My stomach began to knot up again. I don't know why this man makes me so nervous. "Mama, I can walk the rest of the way." Thias assures me as we walk pass the front desk.
"You sure you don't want me to walk you to class?" I asked.
"Hey Thias!!!!" I could see a pretty girl with two puff ball ponytails running towards him. "Yeah Mama, I'm sure." he said very quickly. The little girl grabs his hand and they begin to walk down the hallway. He turns back to look at me and waved. I waved back. “Ummmm hmmm. We are going to have to talk about her when he gets home.”
As I was turning to walk back out the front door, I could feel the butterflies getting stronger. “I'm too old for this.” I thought to myself. I really need to "man up," or in my case "woman up." Coming through the glass double doors, I could see Arsen standing at the passenger side door. He already had it opened, waiting for me with one hand behind his back. The closer I get to the car; I'm feeling a little more at ease.
"You ready?" he asked, pulling a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.
"Oh wow! These are beautiful! Thank you!"
I said with excitement. I can't remember the last time I got flowers. Hell to be honest, I don't even know what type of flowers they are. They weren't roses. It didn't matter because they truly were beautiful and a very thoughtful gesture. Before I had known it, I wrapped my arms around his neck to give him a hug. He paused before embracing me. His arms....it was something familiar about his warm embrace. He gently grabbed my arms, pushing me softly back to look me in my eyes. He felt it too. He leans over kissing me gently on my forehead. Surprisingly, I accepted. “I don't even know him.” I thought. I don't know what this that I feel, but we've been here before….him and I. Snapping out of what seems to be a trance; I turn to get in the car as he gently closes the door behind me. I lean over to open his door. I hadn't realized I did, it was like an automatic reflex or something. He gets in and looks at me before starting the car.
"What?" I ask, turning up my nose.
He smiled and softly replied, "Nothing."
As we began to leave the parking lot I ask, "So where are we going?"
"You'll see."
I was ok with that response. I didn't mind not knowing. Sometimes the best moments in life are surprises. I began staring out the window, as I sometimes do while I'm on the bus; getting lost in my thoughts. We turn down the ramp to enter the interstate. Traffic was extremely backed up. Looking over at the clock, I said, "It’s about that time."
He laughed aloud replying, "Yes, the traffic is the only thing I can't stand about this city." "You mean other than the fact that it is becoming increasingly overpopulated. The ultimate moving destination for anyone looking to forget their past." I said sarcastically. Then in a quiet and sincere voice, “Reminiscing on my past.” I said. "That’s why I moved here anyway."
I could see him staring at me out the corner of my eye; he then says "You don't have to run anymore." Somehow I felt the sincerity in his voice, but I couldn’t help but push that feeling to the side with thoughts of how many times I’ve heard some of things he was saying. I just didn’t get why I felt the need to trust him, to believe his every word; I did. Maybe I was being way too vulnerable, but I didn’t want to fight it. I wanted to give in. Pushing our way through traffic, we continued with small talk of our favorite foods, colors, and vacations we would like to take. His smile...it was so adorable. Sometimes I caught myself laughing only to stop and stare at his profile as he was driving. God, it was something about him. Something in those hazel eyes drew me in closer and closer. He began to exit the highway. I wasn’t sure where we were at and still had no clue as to where we would end up.
"I hope the sun stays out for at least the next couple of hours." he said.
"Yeah, it is kind of nice out. They did say it was going to rain......", pausing to absorb my thoughts as I just realized what he said. "Wait a minute, are we going to be outside?" "Yes, you don’t like being outside or something?" he said jokingly.
"Well I guess it depends on what we are going to be doing."
"Oh relax, you’re going to love this." he replied as we were pulling into Piedmo
nt Park. “So we got a little park action.” I thought to myself. That’s cute, kind of typical for the first date; but cute nonetheless. We find parking; he grabs a handful of nickels and dimes from the center console, and gets out to feed the meter. He comes to my side to open the door, holding out his hand. This time I accept. We began walking down the sidewalk towards the grass area of the park, when his phone began to ring. He puts the earpiece from his headset in his ear, "We are on the way down now.", and then quickly ended the call. I stop in my tracks, confused. "So are we having a double date or something? Who are we meeting? What are we doing?" I began asking questions one after another, not giving him any real opportunity to answer. He turns to me and began laughing at my spoiled like behavior.
"This isn’t a date Sage, remember. I just want to show you something." Still a bit skeptical, I cross my arms and continue to stand still. He takes a couple steps back, gently unfolding my arms and holding one of my hands in the middle of both of his. Looking me directly in my eyes as if he were putting me under his spell he said, "Sage? Trust me." Again, in that moment I felt weak, and without my conscious permission my legs began to move. We continue walking onto the grass as we came to the top of a slight hill.
There was a plaid blanket laid out perfectly, with a basket and rose petals. Directly behind the blanket were two easels with blank canvases and stools. There stood a little Asian lady with a white painter’s jacket and hat to match holding two pallet cheese trays in both hands, grinning from ear to ear. In shock, I dropped my purse and ran to canvases; running my fingers down, feeling the material.
"Textured canvas, these have to be like 48...."
"48 inch by 38inch." Arsen replied finishing my thoughts.
I look over at him with his arms crossed, as if he were admiring my happiness. "This is amazing Arsen! Can I paint on this?” asking permission as if I was a school aged girl in art class.
"Of course you can! This is all for you!"
I look over at the Asian lady who was still standing there smiling. Reaching out, she handed me one of the cheese trays. Arsen walked over to sit at the other easel.
"I have to be honest," he said "I’m no artist." I smiled looking down at the colors that were already on the color tray. "It’s ok, it will still be beautiful."
Looking around, I admired how beautiful and peaceful this all was. The air was a bit cool and the sun was still peeking out through the clouds. Typical Georgia weather. This has to be the sweetest, most romantic setting I’ve ever been in. Arsen began to chuckle.
"These colors are so.....so normal." he said looking down at the artist trays.
"That’s because you have to mix the colors to make other colors." I explained. "You know like how it was in art class at school?" I stood up and placed my color tray on the stool, to demonstrate. "Look, yellow and red makes orange." I said, guiding his hand with the brush, mixing the colors on the tray.
"Do I have to get another brush for each color?" he asked.
"No, no no." I covered my mouth as I giggled. "Usually I don't mix the color until I'm ready for it. And when I’m done I just dip the brush and mix another color if I need to." I explained. "Here, I’ll show you on my painting."
I sat back down, pulling off my jacket and laid on the ground behind me. Taking in a deep breath as to absorb the positive energy around me, I looked at the space in between the two easels. There was a perfect view of the sun and the skyline of the trees. I began to paint, humming in between each stroke of my brush. The brush just danced across the canvas. I had no control, just freedom. I could feel Arsen watching me, which gave me even more confidence. The peace that I get from creating is so indescribable. I can feel the energy flowing through my body onto the canvas with every lift of my hand. Arsen stood up walking over to the picnic blanket to converse with the Asian lady. After speaking briefly, she began to walk away, but not before sending me a wave with the smile she kept the entire time we had been there. I gave her a nod and politely waved back with the paint brush. Arsen walks over to me. "Would you like to take a break? I got us some breakfast."
"Yeah sure, I’ll be over there in a second." He turned around heading back towards the blanket as I stood up, placing the paint tray and brush down on the seat of the stool. I began to brush my hands together while walking toward Arsen. “Have a seat," he said with his hand stretched towards the blanket. I sat down, he followed. Opening the basket he began to take out a fruit salad, yogurt, bagels and cream cheese. Oddly enough, I’m thinking there would be fish, grits and cheese eggs in the basket. Although, I couldn't imagine it being in the basket that long and being warm. I like bagels. He had my favorite kind, cinnamon and raisins.
"This is nice. I never imagined having a morning like this." I said with a smile.
He began spreading the cream cheese on a bagel. "You deserve many mornings like this, and so much more. I'm surprised no one has ever done anything like this for you?"
"No. The men I've picked haven't exactly been the romantic or thoughtful type." I replied. "Well, I’m glad you didn't pick me, I picked you." I began to smile, this time without covering my mouth. "Sage?" he says handing me the bagel he just prepared.
"I want to see that smile every day for the rest of my life."
I looked at him, I believed him. For the first time in my life I didn't question someone's intentions for me. I felt a chill run through every fiber of my being; staring at him in those sad hazel eyes. I believed him. Just then, a few rain drops began to fall. As moments passed the rain drops got heavier. I began to scream.
"Oh my goodness! Everything's getting wet!!!" As I was panicking, Arsen stood up grabbing my hand and pulling me out into the open grass.
"It's okay! Sage!"
The rain began pouring harder as we stood there. It was warm, as the drops hit my face with a slight breeze of the wind. I could see people running around us trying to find shelter. We just stood there, with his arms holding onto my waist, staring at each other. "It’s okay! Sometimes in life you just have to dance in the rain." he said. "It’s okay."
I was speechless. Everything about this moment was from a fairy tale; from the way that he held me, to the perfect sound of the rain falling. I could feel his lips getting closer to mine. I began to close my eyes and allowed our lips to meet. Everything in that moment was perfect, even in the rain.
Chapter 5: Step-Daddy
"Hey girl! Tanya shouts from the hallway, trying to over talk the vacuum. "So, how was ya date with ya little friend?" she asked, in a nosey yet envious type of way. "Oh girl it was good. It was really good." I replied, trying to down play how I really felt. I really wanted to say it was the most amazing romantic thing I’ve ever experienced in my whole adult life; but I and Tanya are not friends or even associates. Hell, the only reason why she knew about it is because her nosey ass was ear hustling when I and Shelly were talking about it. What even makes her think she could ask me about it? I don't know. I couldn't help but look at her quick weave that had hella glue and tracks showing. "Girl, that's it? He ain’t spend no bread or throw you a couple hunnit?" she inquired further. No Bonquiqui, he did not throw me a couple hundreds and it was not that kind of date. I know she is used to her dates ending with a hundred on the dresser.
"Tanya, I had a good time. Thanks for asking." I politely responded, as I put my headphones back in and turned on the vacuum cleaner. Maybe she will get the hint, I giggled to myself. Nosey people. Pandora was making a sista feel real good tonight. Playing all the right songs that reminded me in some way of how Arsen makes me feel.
I vibe my way through cleaning one office, gather my cleaning supplies to go to the next. I couldn't stop thinking about that date and Arsen’s soft lips. I would love to feel his lips all ov....My phone began to vibrate interrupting my song and my thoughts. Shelly walks in the office.
"Ohhhh, who is that calling with a SILK ringtone?" she laughed. I smiled and held up one finger as I answered the phone.
"Hey Ace! Why are you still
up?" I asked, not that I cared. I'm glad he chose to call me at two in the morning.
"I was thinking about you. I hate that you have to work night shifts like this. You should be home." he said, almost as if he had been thinking about this all night. He sounded real worried.
"Awww, Arsen you sound like you care!" I said jokingly.
"I do care love. I do."
"I'm a big girl. Besides sometimes you have to sacrifice until you get to where you need to be, right?"
"No, you shouldn't be sacrificing anything." he said quietly. "Listen, I know you're working so I don't want to keep you too long. You know Valentine's Day is this Friday and I wanted to make sure you didn't have any plans."
"Well I don't have any plans, but wait a minute, are you asking me to be your Valentine's Mr. Robinson?" He started laughing. "No, I'm asking you to be mine?" There was a brief pause. I didn't know how to take that. Like, was he serious? No, of course not. He couldn't be, right? "Yes Sage." he said, interrupting my thoughts again as if he knew that I was overthinking that statement. "Yes, would you be my Valentine?"
"Yes!!!!!" I shouted as if he just asked me to marry him. "Yes, Yes, Yes!!!"He began laughing again.
"Ok then, I'll start planning. Goodnight love"
"Goodnight, King." I could tell he was smiling. I was too.
"Girl, y’all sound like y’all a couple!" Shelly exclaimed. I almost forgot that she was standing there.
"Oh, no! He's just really sweet and thoughtful, you know?"
"Ummmm hmmm, yeah I know! I'm happy for you though Sage. You can't be afraid to -love someone again because of what you been through."
"Crazy! Who said anything about love?" I replied sarcastically. She looks me up and down with a side smirk on her face, turns to walk out the door and says,
"Your face. It's written all over your face child!"
THE LYIN’ KING Page 4