As we line up on the field. The former Ms. Jackson-Miles walked up with the crown on her head. Wow, it’s all so beautiful!
My heart is beating a million miles per hour. The crowd is going wild as the announcer steps up with the mic and says, “And the runner up is—Autumn.”
The crowd is going crazy as everyone says at the same time, “Bree is queen! Bree is queen! Bree is queen! Bree is queen!” I was so emotional I started to cry because it felt so amazing to see so many people have so much love for me.
The announcer said, “Please everyone, quiet down.” The stands were slightly calmer. Someone in the stands yelled, “Come on, man! Hurry up! Damn.”
The announcer said, “The Queen of Ms. Jackson-Miles is---Breana Anderson!”
The crowd yelled my name. “Bree! Breana! Bree! Queen of Jackson-Miles! Bree!
I had been freezing my tail off, but now the blood rushing through my body with excitement as Ms. Former Jackson-Miles crowned me queen. I slightly bent down as she put on the yellow sash that read, Queen of Jackson-Miles High 2019!
I waved, and as I waved, I turned around and blew kisses at everyone. I put my hand on my heart as I said thank you to everyone.
Dr. Chapman, my principal, walked up to give me a dozen red roses.
I said, “Thank you!”
He replied, “Breana, you deserve it.”
***
Jackson-Miles High won our homecoming game. After the game one of the players on the basketball team threw a party. I wasn’t going to go, but I decided to go. I went home to change and asked my brother if he could be my date to the party.
Chloe met me at my house as she got out of her car, she said, “Hey, Queen!”
I laughed and said, “Hey, Queen!”
Chloe laughed, “Girl, you know word’s going around that you got eighty-five percent of the votes; Autumn got fourteen percent and Angel got one percent of the votes.”
I laughed!
Chloe held on to my arm as we walked to Luke’s car. We laughed so hard and said, “I guess Brian was the only one who voted for her!”
We both had a good laugh!
***
When we pulled up at the party there were so many people there.
Chloe said, “Damn!”
Luke said, “He invited all the schools in the county.”
I walked up to the door. Word travels fast because Brian walked up and said, “I heard you just pulled up.”
I looked at him. “Well, you heard right.”
Brian looked at me and touched my hand. I pulled back and said, “Brian, excuse me.”
Brian looked me up and down and asked, “What?” with an ugly-ass expression on his face.
“I said, excuse me. As matter of fact, excuse you,” I said as I tried to walk away.
Brian blocked me in. “So you’re too good to talk to me.”
I turned around and walked the other way.
Brian ran in front of me and said, “Bree. I apologize. Let’s talk.”
“I’m good Brian,” I told him as I looked past him and made eye contact with Chloe.
“I’ll hit you up later,” he said as he licked his lips.
Angel came out of nowhere and asked, “Who are you going to hit up later?”
Brian said, “Angel, chill out.”
Angel replied, “Don’t tell me what the fuck to do.”
She looked at me as she said to Brian, “Baby, come dance with me.”
Chloe and I laughed as we walked in the house and started to dance with each other.
We weren’t in the house for long before we heard someone scream and the crowd ran to the commotion.
“Leave me alone!” someone yelled loudly.
Halfway across the room, I saw it was Faith, screaming and crying.
I kept my eyes on her as I fought through the crowd. Out of nowhere people started to throw rotten eggs at her. The smell was horrible.
A girl came out of the blue and ripped the side of Faith’s shirt.
I pushed the girl and said, “Get the fuck off her!”
I reached for Faith. “Come on, Faith. I got you.”
Faith’s shirt was ripped apart to the point her bra was showing. Some dummy yelled, “Faith showed a tit!”
I yelled, “Shut up, asshole!”
As I helped Faith get through the crowd, I covered her up with my jacket.
Luke yelled, “Bree, I am over here! Are you okay?”
“I am fine, “I told him as I held Faith in my arms as we continued to walk.
“Where is Chloe?” I asked Luke.
Luke looked up and said, “I don’t know.”
He yelled Chloe’s name.
Chloe was yelling my name and Luke said, “Chloe, we’re over here!” as he waved her down.
We got in the car, locked the doors and tried cleaning Faith off.
In a hurry, and cleaning her off as best I could, I asked her, “Faith, did you see who did this to you?”
“I don’t know,” she said as she cried.
Chloe took off her sweater, gave it to Faith. “Let’s try to warm you up.”
Faith was shivering as she said, “Chloe, you don’t have to do that. You’re going to be cold.”
As Chloe tried to warm Faith up she told her, “Don’t worry about me. I have on a t-shirt.”
“Where do you live?” Luke asked Faith.
We drove Faith home.
Chloe and I stayed with Faith for a while to keep her company. We didn’t say much as we held each other and listened to music.
***
After I prepared for the next day and for bed. I walked past my mother’s office with my chamomile, lemon and honey tea in my hand. She was working on an assignment, humming, she had a white and pink candle lit and the aromatherapy diffuser on as it smelled like lavender oil, and she was listening to The Holiday soundtrack.
I didn’t disturb her because she was focused. I mentality blew her a kiss and said I love you, Mommy!
I smiled as I walked up the stairs. I opened Summer’s door. It was dark in her room, but the aromatherapy was on, changing colors, and Summer was knocked out asleep.
After I finished drinking my tea. I said to myself, this is so far the best day of my life! I turned my light off and went to sleep.
12
Chapter twelve
I ran down the stairs to make some pink rose tea.
I love the aroma as I put half a teaspoon of honey in my cup. I held the warm mug in my hand as I closed my eyes to smell the sweet fragrance. I walked outside and sat in the swing on the porch. The weather is cooling off, but it still doesn’t feel like fall.
As the swing moves back and forth, I begin to think about how precious life is. Lately, I’ve been happy. My life has been so peaceful. Although I’ve been busy working, preparing for my exams—life has been so good to me. I’ve been doing everything I wanted and needed to do. I did not feel rushed and I had time to spare.
Life is good, weeks ago, there was no way I would be sitting here on my porch enjoying the fresh air. I am loving it! Today, I have a day off of work. I am all caught up on everything that I had on my agenda.
Eli and I have been talking and texting more than often lately, but not too much—he understood I had to go on a phone fast so I could prepare for my mid-terms. Which I passed! I might call him today to see what he’s up to.
My phone vibrates. I didn’t know I put my phone in my housecoat. I looked at it and saw it was Brian. I remembered I forgot to block him since I got a new phone.
Saturday, 10:02 a.m.
“Bree. Can you talk? Please?”
“Breana, I miss you.”
“Please talk to me. Please.”
Maybe I should text him back. I miss him too, but I do not miss the drama. I am in doubt. If I respond I am more than sure he is going to interrupt my peace.
I thought about it for a couple of minutes. I guess I can hear him out. I hope I do not regret it.
Saturd
ay, 10:13 a.m.
“Hi, Brian.”
Saturday, 10:13 a.m.
“Bree!”
“Hey!”
“How are you doing?”
Saturday, 10:15 a.m.
“I am fine. Thanks for asking.”
Saturday, 10:15 a.m.
“I miss you, Bree”
“Can I come by and see you?”
I do not know if I want him to come by. I don’t want to meet him anywhere either.
Saturday, 10:17 a.m.
“Brian, we can text or talk on the phone.”
Saturday, 10:17 a.m.
“Bree, may I come see you, please. I need to talk to you. Please.”
I am not ready to see him.
Saturday, 10:18 a.m.
“Brian, maybe another day. Today is not a good day.”
Saturday, 10:18 a.m.
“Why”
“What are you doing today?”
Saturday, 10:19 a.m.
“Brian, I am not ready to see you.”
Saturday, 10:20 a.m.
“Bree, give me a chance to apologize face-to-face.”
Saturday, 10:21 a.m.
“That’s the problem, Brian, I’ve given you too many chances.”
Saturday, 10:21 a.m.
“Bree, please give me one last chance. I just want to see you.”
“I just want to talk, Bree.”
“I want to make it right.”
Saturday, 10:23 a.m.
I thought about it—or maybe I didn’t.
“Brian, be here no later than 11:30 a.m.”
Saturday, 10:23 a.m.
“Really?”
“I am on my way now!”
Saturday, 10:25 a.m.
“Okay.”
I walked into the kitchen and I noticed the garaged door open. I peeked my head in the doorway, and said, “Good morning, Daddy!”
“How is my baby girl this morning?” he asked.
“I am fine, thank you. I was enjoying my tea and Brian is on his way over,” I said.
“I saw you on the porch. You looked like you were in deep thought. Are you sure you are okay?” he asked.
“I am fine, Daddy.” I said as I ran upstairs to get ready.
Summer met me halfway as she ran downstairs with her luggage. I stopped as I turned around and asked her, “Love Bug, where are you going in a hurry?”
“My soccer game was canceled. I am going to spend the night over Robin’s house,” Summer said as she jumped off the last two steps.
Summer had on some skinny blue jeans with a cute designer pink shirt, with her pink and white Converse, pink watch, and her hair was in two pom-poms with pink ribbons.
“Well, you look cute this morning,” I said.
Thank you. You know when I go out, I have to look my best. The first impression is always the best!” she replied.
As I walked into my room, Daddy said, “Knock. Knock.” I sat on my bed and said, “Hey, Daddy, what’s going on? My daddy asked, “Did I hear you right just a few minutes ago? That boy Brian is coming over here?” I put my tea down and told him, “Yes, Daddy, is that okay?” Daddy looked at me for a minute. “Breana, no, it is not okay. Why is he coming over here?” I didn’t know what to say. My daddy yelled my mother’s name, “Vanessa!” She walked up the stairs and said, “Good God, with all that yelling, you are going to wake up Jesus!” My daddy ignored my mother’s remark, saying, “You know Bree just said that boy Brian is coming over here.” My mother put her hand on her chest and said, “What! Why? I thought we got rid…” Daddy cut her off. “No, Vanessa. Most definitely not the right time.” I knew why my daddy said it’s not the right time because my mother was going to say, I thought we got rid of him, and my daddy doesn’t want words like that to make me fall for Brian again. I looked at both of my parents and told them, “He wants to apologize in person. I am not going to get back with him.” My daddy snorted, “Ha! Yeah, that’s how they try to reel you in.” My mother said, “Sweetheart, this is your life. We can only show you and tell you what is best for you. You are older now, so you make the decisions for your own life. Pick them wisely.”
I opened my closet and pulled out a long orange sundress. I moisturized my hair and shook it out so it would have volume. I head the doorbell ring. I grabbed my blue jean jacket out of my closet, put on my flip-flops and walked downstairs.
I heard Brian and my daddy talking. I sat on the steps for a little while as I tried to listen to the conversation.
Daddy’s voice is deep. I heard him say, “Brian, how are you treating my baby girl?”
I heard Brian say, “As well as I can.”
“I heard something different. You better not put your hands on her or disrespect her if you know what’s good for you,” my daddy said.
My momma scared me when she whispered, “What are you doing? “
I jumped, put my hand on my chest and cried out, “Momma, you can’t be creeping up on people like that.”
Momma had a good laugh and said, “Well, you shouldn’t be eavesdropping on your father’s conversation. That boy Brian must be here?”
“Yes,” I replied.
We both walked down the stairs.
Brian said, “Hello, Mrs. Anderson.”
My mother said, “Hello Brian.”
Daddy said, “Well, baby girl, I will leave you and Brian be. I am about to head out and cut the lawn.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
Brian and I walked outside and sat on the porch.
“Bree, you look nice. Like always,” Brian said as he stared at me.
“Thank you. You do too,” I replied.
Brian started to talk but I didn’t hear a word he said. I had butterflies in my stomach. He is so handsome. He had on some dark-rinse pants, with a black, gold and white Nike shirt that read, Just Do It, and to top it off he was wearing black and gold Jordan’s.
He put his hands in his pockets. His arms were muscular and toned. He had a fresh hair cut like always. I feel like I am falling in love all over again.
I sat on the swing.
“So, I can’t get a hug,” Brian said as he had his arms wide open.
I wanted to fall into his arms, lay my head on his chest and hear his heartbeat.
“I’m good,” I said as I looked at the chimes hanging on the porch.
“Ha!” Brian laughed.
He looked at me and asked, “It’s like that now? You going to leave me standing here with my arms wide open, waiting for you to give me a welcome and a friendly hug.”
I sat there and watched him standing there. I placed my hand on my chin and arched my eyebrows saying to myself, he doesn’t deserve a hug.
I looked at him and said, “Feel free to sit down when you feel like it.”
“Damn, Bree. You are cold,” he complained as he sat beside me on the swing.
He sat there for a minute and said, “I want to apologize for yelling at you a couple of months ago. My bad for breaking up with you again too. I was emotional and very frustrated because you always bring it out of me. I don’t ask for much. I need and want you to be here for me when I need you. I miss you around. I miss talking to you, and Bree, I miss you in my life. I know I apologize all the time and my apologies are getting old. For what it’s worth, I mean all of it this time. I won’t ever yell at you again.”
I didn’t say anything. My facial expression spoke louder than any words that could have come out of my mouth. I sat there, not believing a word he said.
“Bree. I know you do not believe me. The only thing I can do is show you,” he said, trying to sound sincere. He looked at me as he put his hands on my legs, “You looked so beautiful at Homecoming.” “Thank you,” I replied. He said as he rubbed my leg, “I never got a chance to say congratulations.”
I looked at him and said, “Brian, it’s been three weeks and counting. You had plenty of chances to say congratulations—you just choose not to.” He slightly laughed, “Maybe I didn’t feel like saying
congratulations at the time.”
I didn’t say anything.
He looked at me, popped his knuckles and said, “Bree, today is a special day. Or did you forget?” I took a sip of my tea and told him, “Brian, I know what day it is.” I took another sip and said, “That’s why you should be with your girl and not me.” He put one of his hands in his back pockets and said, “We are doing something later.”
I smiled. “That’s cool.”
“Well, aren’t you going to at least say Happy Birthday,” he asked. He was getting frustrated.
“Happy Birthday, Brian. May God bless you with many more,” I said, then took another sip of my tea.
I received a text message from Eli:
Saturday, 12:13 p.m.
“Breana, what do you have going on today? Do you want to catch a movie?”
Saturday, 12:14 p.m.
“Catch a movie??? Who’s going to throw it to us? LOL!”
Saturday, 12:14 p.m.
“Ha! Ha! Ha! You are too funny? Do you want to see a movie?”
Saturday, 12:15 p.m.
“I would love it, but my ex is over here at the moment.”
Saturday, 12:16 p.m.
“Bree, do not sell yourself short. Why are you talking to that loser? You know you deserve better than him. Right?”
I had talked to Eli about what happened with me and Brian. I told him about how he always broke up with me and my dumb ass always took him back. Eli was shocked. He told me I do not seem like the type of girl to let a dude disrespect her in that manner. Honestly, I’m not that girl, but when it came to Brian, I had a weak spot for him.
Saturday, 12:16 p.m.
“I know.”
Brian started to grind his teeth together as he said, “I came over here to apologize and your ass is on the phone, not giving a shit. See what I mean? You’re always making me look like a damn fool.”
I wanted to say, Brian, you don’t need any help in that department.
I started to shake my head and remarked, “Brian you didn’t mean a word you said, because your temper proves it all.”
Unapologetic for My Flaws and All Page 14