Kindred Spirits

black-tie affair [part one]

seventeen | Tremaine |After Jabri and Onyx became further acquainted, he stamped his approval on her. That made me feel good, knowing that both of my boys were accepting of Onyx. Honestly, it wouldn't have affected our relationship if they weren't receptive of Onyx 'cause that's my woman, regardless of how anyone feels. Still, it was relieving to have two out of four people on board with our relationship, the others being Forrest and my mumma. I can't see them not liking her either so, everything was smooth-sailing from here on out.While we drove to the gym, I watched Onyx's eyes light up at her surroundings. Sometimes it amazed me how she had never been out to the States, only visiting once. Things were so different, ranging from the currency, to the sports, and even how the people behaved. At the end of the day, both places were amazing but, it was evident that Onyx yearned for new experiences and a new scenery. Considering everything that transpired back at home with her family, she wanted change and being out here, introduced her to that."This is so beautiful." she murmured, rubbing her thumb against the back of my hand."Yea, I love it out here." I sighed, gripping the wheel. She nodded, appearing as though she wanted to say something else. When she saw me staring at her, she figured she'd speak up."Who's Nicki to you?"Sighing, I scratched the nape of my neck. Her bringing Onika up actually reminded me that I needed to tell her about that whole dilemma."She's Naomi's sister." I grumbled, turning on the left blinker. Onyx nodded, tapping her red nails against the middle console."Why do you hate her so much?""It's not that I hate her... I just really don't like her. At all," I paused, "see, when Naomi and I were dating, Nicki was always interfering with our relationship. Naomi and I would get into it and she would run to her sister every time. Of course, I expected her to confide in someone when things got rough; we all do. But, Nick is not the person for that shit.""Ah, I see. Has she always been dating Jabri? He was speaking as if it just happened.""It did," I mumbled, "I'on know why but, Nicki all of a sudden call herself likin' Jabri. I ain't in the mood for the games. Shit ain't stackin' up right but, I won't say nothin' 'till provoked."Jabri ain't never show interest in Nicki before, and vice versa. Now, they tryin'a date? Onika ain't slick and that's all I'ma say about that.Onika |"I don't know an Onyx..." Naomi mumbled as she brought her eyebrows together. Using the side of my fork, I cut into my slice of cake. We were at our aunt's bakery, passing time before she had to head back to work."Jabri didn't tell me much about her, only that she was from Toronto. Every time I'd question him more, he'd change the subject. I can't get anything outta him 'cause I think he might just pick up on my motives. Why else would I fuck with him now, when Trey's dating? He ain't as stupid as we thought so, I won't treat him like he is." I muttered, crossing my legs."Did you try talking to her?""While Trey's around? No. But," I sang, "there is this get-together tonight that J's hosting so, I'll see her there.""How do you know she will be there?" Naomi asked, shaking her head. Sucking my teeth at her, I widened my eyes slightly."If Trey's there, she's there. What is the point? What are you gaining from this?" I catechized, realizing how futile this was. I mean, it was no sweat off my back; being wined and dined by Jabri was great while I played as her personal informant. But, why was I doing it?"I'm just curious. Like, this random girl comes along and steals him that quick? And, no one, not a soul, knows her? Aren't you curious?""No, that ain't my man and neither is he yours so, get a grip." I retorted, rolling my eyes hard at her desperateness. I loved my sister but, at times, she aggravated my soul. I knew that he was appealing; even I was attracted to Trey. It was hard to deny but, that didn't mean that in any way, I would lose my mind over him. That was just downright ridiculous. No man should ever be worth all of that."Nicki, don't do this. You don't know how this affects me, no matter how much I tell you. We were in love and in a snap of a finger, he went ahead and found someone else. That shit irks me and I don't know why. I'on wanna interfere or sabotage their relationship. All I want is the details about this Onyx. See if she adds up. It could be another nutcase, just like Bambi. He hasn't had the best judgement after me and I need to see if I'm right."To spare Naomi's hopes of this woman being another Bambi, I pursed my lips shut. I could tell that she was different; she wasn't a quick replacement. And, if I could see that just by a glance, I highly doubt she's going anywhere.But, I won't rain on Naomi's in denial parade."You might be another Bambi but, that's none of my business." I smirked, watching her suck her teeth."Hell no. Just curious."Onyx |"Okay, no more." I panted, pushing his heavy body to the left of me. After Tremaine showed me the gym studio, we headed home and... it led to us making up for lost time, as he would say."Always callin' time-out." he chortled, making me laugh lightly, too. Turning onto my chest, I brought my elbows up as support. Tremaine's muscular chest heaved steadily as he snaked his tongue across his lips."When is Jabri's event?""At eight-thirty. We got..." he grunted, leaning over to grab his Blackberry, "four hours."Huffing, I laid my head down against the silky, black pillow-case. There wasn't much to do; I didn't want to do anything, due to Tremaine."Can we take a nap, babe?" I murmured with my eyes already clasped shut. I opened them to see his eyelids more than halfway shut. No words were spoken as he opened his arms to invite me to sleep on his chest. Taking him up on his silent offer, I laid my head against him.— -"Please stop crying, ma." I sighed, tossing my black pumps to the side. After we showered, I decided to check on my mother. As expected, her emotions got the best of her. All because I said that I wanted to move to the States."I'm sorry, Odyssey. It's just hard to know that you and Laith are leaving. You're growing up.""I'm twenty-six years old; I've been grown for quite awhile now," I chuckled, "I won't say all of this is set in stone, I just love it out here.""As much as I love Tremaine for you, I do not want you sacrificing everything for this man."Peering up, I noticed that Tremaine was inside the bathroom still. I didn't want him to hear us discussing him."I wouldn't move here for him, ma. I mean, he isn't the reason why I love the States. But, we aren't even that deep to be talking about that. Don't worry.""Okay, I just don't want you making any hasty decisions like I did." she murmured, making a tired sigh escape my lips."You tire me out, mom." I admitted. Trying my hardest not to get upset with her was difficult. I knew this was a sensitive transition period in her life but, I felt as if she wasn't trying. It was exhausting, if I had to be honest."I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she mumbled, "I just do not like change, you know? I'm consistent so, this is hard for me. Divorcing and watching as my kids move on to serious relationships, and kids? Not to mention, actually leaving? Yea, it isn't an easy pill to swallow, honey."Tremaine walked inside of the closet, sending a warm smile my way. I returned it, giving my attention back to my mother."When you word it that way, it actually seems much more difficult. Still, I want you to try. Be social, find some hobbies. You lost yourself in that marriage. Like, who is Darlene Hakeem?" I tried, marveling at my dress for the night. As soon as I saw it at Loso's, I knew I wanted it."Wow, that was good, honey," she laughed as she thought over my question, "I'll have to dig deep for that. I haven't worked a job in years, barely left the house. I turned into a Stepford wife and completely disregarded my dreams. I don't know who she is anymore.""Well, that's your goal for the week. Find what it is that you like, mommy. I just wanna see an actual smile on your face, a genuine one.""Thanks, Onyx. You cheer me up and I hope I haven't interrupted anything. I don't want this ruining your time there." she apologized."It's fine. I'm one-call away.""Okay, I'll let you go. I love you, honey.""I love you, too, ma. And, Tremaine says bye." I chuckled, watching him smile."Tell him I said bye, too. And, no babies yet. It already baffles me that I'm about to be someone's grandmother.""No babies, I know," I snickered, "I'll be sure I call you tomorrow."Once she okayed me, we hung up. I placed a hand on my hip, staring at my dress that he'd hung up on a hanger for me."Should we start getting ready?" I inquired, a rather excited smile gracing my face."You and this damn dress," he muttered, "Go 'head, Nix. You finna' get niggas killed 'cause of this dress.""It's not even showing that much skin!" I said through laughter. He tried to hide his silly grin and keep up this overprotective act of his."It's showin' enough skin." he said, taking the walk into his bedroom area."Oh, shut up." I giggled, grabbing the cocktail dress from its' hanger.— -Twirling a bit in the full-length mirror, I grinned at my appearance. To accommodate the new , I straightened my hair until it was bone straight, and styled it into a braided-bun that rested against the nape of my neck. A couple of strands fell loose; I relied on a YouTube tutorial and just couldn't perfect it like the girl in the video. However, I loved my look and no one could tell me that I didn't look good."Ready?" Tremaine asked, stepping into the bedroom where I stood. Donned in a black button-up, black pants, and shoes to match, he topped the sophisticated outfit off with his black pinstriped jacket."Yes." I murmured, grabbing the silver clutch that I would be using for the night. Just so that he and I could coordinate entirely, I made sure that our accessories matched. He wore a silver watch, matching with my bracelet and clutch. We were actually pretty cute."Can I wear the top-hat?" he smirked, eliciting a laugh from me. He swore up and down that he was wearing this ridiculous top-hat that nobody told him to purchase. To spare him being the laughingstock, I told him no but, he's too goofy for his own good."No, you cannot. Now, c'mon." I chuckled, grabbing my lengthy, black wool coat. With his assistance, I draped the coat over my shoulders and at that, we left his bedroom. I couldn't wait to see what Miami had in store for us tonight.