Thunder and Lightning

Chapter 19: Sparkle

The room was beautifully decorated in celebration of Thanksgiving. The lights were dimmed in the warehouse and was lit with mismatched cream  bespelled candles that stood atop books and the lit fireplace making the room inviting. Netted fairy lights canopied from the ceiling twinkling as stars. The table was covered with a cream tablecloth that perfectly extended to the ends. In the center was a large cornucopia that spilled out cream and orange mini pumpkins, yellow and green winter squash, sunflowers, pears, grapes and artisanal cheeses. The turkey and ham laid on copper servings dishes, one on each side of the cornucopia.  Small serving dishes were filled with collard greens, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing and macaroni and cheese. Large carafes of either water or red wine sangria lined the open spots in the center of the table each filled with slices of apples, oranges and floating berries. Behind the table was a small table that held sweet potato pie, red velvet cake and apple streusel.The table was set with heavy copper flatware, large goblets, and cream  colored glass plates that were lined with copper swirls.  At each end of the table sat two chairs, then 2 on either side.  At one head of the table was a beautiful replica of the large Thanksgiving table setting that had enough seating for all of the pixies.

Dru was devastating. Over the month he allowed his beard to grow in, and now it was trimmed and neatly lined  matching his fresh haircut. He wore fitted jeans with low leather cognac boots. His sweater was oatmeal colored with dark tan elbow patches. The jovial spicy scent had returned that matched his bright smile. In the company of his family, friends and love his power was at its peak, but it coated the room like a warm blanket.

Everyone was dressed in an unplanned warm and neutral color pallet. Out of the corner of Nzinga's eye she caught a sparkle that made her pause in amazement and full laughter. "Calida, you look great! I'm just not sure that this occasion calls for a gold sequined ball gown!" The gown fit her like a glove and was more rose gold than metallic.

"Never been to a Thanksgiving dinner, so of course this first time required special attire" she shot back with a proud wide grin. Everyone chuckled in agreement,except for a new young warrior who only blinked before quickly flying to stand next to Calida atop the table. Kitt walked to the sound system and selected the Robert Glasper playlist before taking a seat.

The night was magical. Everyone smiled and laughed and forgot about the unknown for just this little while. And when the meal ended, they gathered around the fire in a familiar routine and two stepped to Biggie Smalls and Erykah Badu while others were telling crude stories over wine. Nzinga took a dance with Kitt when their favorite song, "Just Friends"came on by Musiq Soulchild. They giggled remembering childhood loves when Dru came up behind Nzinga and nipped at her ear. His large arms wrapped around her playfully picking her up. She only pretended to resist. He spinned her around in his arms and she caught his eyes. His eyes had a slightly feral undertone that only her connection to him hinted at. "It's just a song" her voice soothed his well hidden emotion. His face buried into her neck, "I know, I came over here to remind you of that" letting out a laughing growl that surely meant trouble when they got back to their room.

Her body tensed at his voice before looking back down and nipping back at his neck. "Don't growl on me, unless you want my own beast roar." The sangria was getting to her and she wanted to return the favor.

"Careful now, you don't have teeth to backup that kinda shit talking" Dru mischievously responded. She didn't and wasn't sure why that came out of her. But whatever it was, she knew he liked it.

"I don't have teeth, but I do have a tongue" and with that his eyes became pure instinct and the playful lift become a fervent one. They left before saying goodbye to anyone and only made it just beyond the apartment door.

Sangria for Lovers