An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 2 - Show Yourself

Jade's smile had not faltered once that morning. She was headed to the airport to pick up Jenna and she could hardly wait to see the fiery redhead. As Jade pulled into arrivals at Hobby airport, she saw her best friend with her bright yellow suitcases and honked happily.

Jenna screamed loudly earning looks, but she could care less. She was being reunited with her best friend and the world needed to celebrate along with her. "BEST FRIEND!!!!!" Jenna squealed before she heard the bass drop.

Jade blasted Saweetie and Doja Cat's anthem as she ran out of the parked car. Jenna couldn't help but drop her bags right then and there as the two began to twerk. Jade knew they were getting stares, but she was used to it after 13 years. Wherever Jenna Melnik was wild and chaotic fun ensued.

That was the effect Jenna Melnik had on everyone. She lived everyday like it was her last and it rubbed off on people. You just wanted to be wild and carefree with her. Her energetic aura called out to those in close contact and forced a pleasant experience. Jade laughed happily as she finally pulled Jenna into a deep embrace.

"Come on, let's go!" Jade said carrying one of her heavy suitcases to the trunk of her SUV. "What did you pack in this? Damn!" Jenna waved her off as she hauled the other suitcase in the trunk as well. "A Melnik never goes anywhere unprepared. I needed looks for every occasion just in case." Jade rolled her eyes as they made their way to their seats.

"God, it feels good to be back. The humidity. The smells. The traffic. Good ole Houston." Jade laughed at her as they got on the highway. "I missed you, best friend." Jade smiled. "I missed you too, but I'm back and we have plans. We're going out tonight." Jade pouted instinctively earning a look from Jenna.

"It's fine. I'm fine. It's just...you just got here. I figured we'd have some wine and just catch up and watch some shows and movies. You still haven't seen the latest Spider-Man. It's amazing by the way." Jenna rolled her eyes. "Child, that movie will be right the fuck where it's at when we get back. We're going to an Astros game courtesy of Rachel Brewton."

Jade looked at her best friend curiously. "How did you manage to get Astros tickets from the scheduling advisor that's sleeping with your archnemesis?" Jenna shrugged coyly. "I may or may not have let it slip that I was onto her and that yeti looking bitch's affair."

Jade shook her head. "I told her I not only wanted the best assignments moving forward, but I wanted seats to Astros games since her husband is the physical therapist for the team." Jenna smirked happily.

Jade gasped at her. "You're blackmailing her, Jenna!" Jenna shrugged her shoulders without a single fuck to give. "I find that term offensive. Why does the word black have to be in blackmail? The term blackmail already carries negative connotation. You need to be mindful of your words, Jade Amaka McCoy. You're out here using these colonizer terms."

Jade rolled her eyes at her best friend. Jenna minored in African-American studies and has been a damn fool ever since. "We're going to the game, so no talk back. Now take me to our apartment so I can snuggle with Havok before getting outfits ready." Jade groaned but relented.

"How's my baby angel Quinn doing?" Jade smiled thinking on her younger sister. "I don't know. I hope she's great and she's found a beau to woo her. I'm actually going to the island to visit her next month." Jade smiled and Jenna could see how excited she was to see her sister.

"Apparently, the proctor does this thing called Slice of Life and introduces one element of real life one at a time per month. This month is for exes and I pray whatever ex my sister's man has is on their best behavior. You know Quinn can get crazy if provoked."

Jenna laughed at that. "She sure the fuck can. My little ratchet in training." Jade shook her head as she pulled into the parking garage. "Remember when she helped me beat out the windows of my ex's truck?" Jade nodded as she parked the car. "And then you idiots realized it was the wrong car. You both were so lucky there were no witnesses or cameras."