Painful Sequence.

Painful Sequence: The story of Athena and Kc.

          Blinding, colorful, festive lights emitting from the six feet giant stood solid, in the corner of the well-lit room. The smell of comfort flowed gracefully throughout the highly decorated space, like the tranquil aura of a Sunday morning. Photographs of lost ancestors and household accessories hung parallel. Colors of rosy red, pearl white and shiny gold reflexed on the bright, white painted walls of the room. Floors throughout were spot less. Skylight windows wiped to perfection. Grey velvet curtains and ocean blue carpets were sorted, placed and fresh out the package. The coral white cathedral ceilings and modern day crystal chandelier glistered spotlessly in the direct natural light beeps, of the Houston day sunrise. Harsh constant drumming echoed from a hidden device.

Eyes that were once shut, awakened. Friction burn from the carpet bellow slowly crept into action, like a foray, the stings and neat patterning were revealed onto the arms and legs of twenty-one year old, Athena. Due to over excitement, Athena slept only three hours that night. Exhausted, in preparation for the holidays. Soon she was preoccupied with the kitchen activities of Christmas, while singing joyfully along to the sweet melodies of The Jackson Five "Santa Claus is coming to town..."

Breakfast for the entire household was quickly checked off of her to-do list. Two plates of chocolate chip waffles topped with whipped cream, laid amongst fruit cups and glasses of orange juice. Athena anxiously awaited the presence of her family, like excited children on Christmas morning. She continued to occupy herself with her annual baking of strawberry vanilla iced cakes, gingerbread cookies and a fancy lunch preparation. The sound of heels loudly and fiercely clicking the marble floor, disturbed the caroling of young Athena, who quickly took notice to Ms. Le, her mother, dressed in full work attire.

"Athena honey, my flight leaves soon, got to go." said Ms. Le, as she wheeled her suitcase behind her. 

Before those words could begin to register in Athena's mind the heavy, wooden front door was shut. The massive house felt silent, empty even, almost like the last and every other Christmas before.

All previous, family related plans were disappointedly cancelled. Athena sluggishly made her way upstairs, to her master bedroom, where she prepared a bath. After which, she combed and neatened her long, auburn curly hair. She stared at her deep blue flowing dress, which was well fitted to her slim body. Her bright honey brown eyes, prominent nose and fair skin stood out well with it. Her full dark lips were painted in scarlet lipstick and her makeup sat lightly and perfectly on her pretty face. 

Before long, she had turned to social media and the contact of a close friend, to vent her current frustrations. A post, followed by a message or two, floated the web. Pings were immediately flooded to Athena's mobile, however only one stood out, Kc Blue.

Kc Blue was a young, well accomplished doctor and part time professor, ambitious and a very handsome African man. He was recently single, fit and well sculpted, with shoulder length afro hair, similar nose structure, facial hair and other attractive male physical features. He came from a huge, goal driven family inclusive of three sisters, both parents and other close extended relatives. He had been in pursuit of Athena for months, ever since he learnt of her existence from his close friend. Athena constantly turned him down, whenever he proceeded to invite her out. Many could testify, Athena had no interest in a relationship or anything of its sort. She focused all her days, time and energy into graduating, from the Houston University of Law and Criminology.

These messages from Kc, were nothing new or sort of surprising. They both knew what her infrequent responsive would be.

Clicking and tapping on the glass surface of her device, "Not interested!"

Suddenly, Athena's friend Hector, appeared in her mind. His blunt advice about her pushing people away and the subsequence of which, roamed freely in Athena's mind like a disco track. Athena found herself quickly deleting her seldom response, in replacement for "Hi Kc, a date sounds fun. I'd love to."