I Fell In Love with a Minority!

Sunsets and Sunrises

The chorus of the legendary, revered Three Six Mafia's "Sippin' on Some Syrup" wakes me up out of my deep sleep. Must be my alarm! Time to start my day.

My name is Yericela. I'm a 20 year old baddie just trying to make it through this world. I like a lot of things, but it's three things that really makes me happy: sunrises, sunsets, and Michael Bakari Jordan. Don't ask, I'm just a quirky girl.

My brown orbs scan the room for some workout gear to throw on to meet catch the sunrise on my morning run. I throw on a hoodie, some leggings, and a pair of Vans to wear. I put my hair in bun and glance at the picture hanging on the wall of my little cousin. Wow, they grow up so fast— I should really call her!

About an hour later, I come back from my run and ready to start my day. Kolémon, one of my roommate's boyfriend, is making pancakes and offers me some. Looks like I'm off to a great day!

Once I get settled from my run, I scoop Ceelen and Cashley for our daily Dunkin' drive, and we get our usual. No day is complete without Dunkin'! We make it back just in time for my 11am class, and as soon as I stroll in, this dude I never met yells "ayeee, Yericela!" From across the room.

What in the world is his name? Len? Ben? Ten! Tenny Braverso!

"Whats good, Ten!" We talk like know each other and class starts. Ten is such a silly dude.

After class, I make my way to the Zoo to get some homework done. Just as i get settled into the LXU office, start my smooth jazz playlist, and open my book, my stomach growls.

"Well, you can't do anything on an empty stomach!" I say, getting up from the desk. I open the door in search of a generous first-year. Just like clockwork, my girl Lassmine walks in with her grapes and ramen noodles.

"Lassmine! Just the girl I wanted to see!"

She smiles, rolls her eyes, and hands me her ID card. And just as she does that, our friend Bustin appears out of nowhere with a face of hunger. Lassmine tells him that he can get a swipe too, and we skip to Bone Apple Teeth. It's Chicken Tendy Tuesday!

We come back to the Zoo to enjoy our lunch. Around this time, a bit more of our friends are here too. I really hope I can get some work done. Narcos sits at the desk, typing vigorously.

"Hey Narcos" Bustin and I say in unison.

"Wowwwww, no invite?" Narcos sighs and pouts.

None of us had the energy to explain how he wasn't here before we left, so we just gave him a soft smile.

"Aw, my bad," I try to reconcile.

"I hope you have the day you deserve," he gives us a curt smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

We begin eating our tendies and later start our homework. Just as I get in the groove, my son Mack texts me a video of him making three-pointers and asks if I'm down for Sunday hoops. Who can miss Sunday hoops?!

I quickly agree and get back to work.

Well, would you look at the time! Nature is calling, and I must answer. That's right! It's 3:07, exactly two hours before the sunset for today. If I want to catch a good spot, I gotta leave now!

In the midst of the madness, I sneak out of the Zoo and head toward my car.

"Hey, Yericela! Where you go—?" I hear Narcos yell, but I just keep walking.

After driving South for nearly two hours, I find the perfect spot in Brown County state park. It's secluded from the other quirky girls trying to catch the sunset too. It's kinda a higher-up hill hidden behind trees— the sun will look beautiful in between the branches!

I stare into the dying sunlight, reflecting on life and what it has to offer. Brown county is truly a beautiful place. Life is a beautiful thing. Nature welcomes me, and we are one. Coincidentally, "Paradise City" begins blasting through Gordon's speakers, and i turn it up, thinking that this is paradise.

Or so I thought.

***

The sun has officially set and I suppose it's time to head back to Butler. Before then, I take a good glimpse at the clouds, branches, and trees in the blue light hour. Everyone else is pretty much gone now, but the sky is too pretty to miss! In my side mirror, I see a slow-moving, dark figure approach the car. Must be the park ranger to tell me they're closed.