Echoes from the Past || Harlow

Funny Seeing You Here

The stage was bathed in a kaleidoscope of lights, casting vibrant hues across the sea of faces that stretched out before her. Samaya Tinsley stood at the center, her voice a beautiful melody that filled the theater with raw emotion.

As she moved to the rhythm of the music, Samaya's gaze swept over backstage, her eyes searching for a familiar face amidst the throng of strangers. And then, in the dimly lit shadows backstage, she saw him, his silhouette a ghost from her past.

She felt a surge of emotion as their gazes locked, the memories flooding back with a force that threatened to overwhelm her. But Samaya was a professional, and she refused to let him see the effect he still had on her. Instead, she channeled her emotions into her performance, each word a silent declaration of her strength and resilience.

As the final chords echoed through the auditorium, Samaya made her exit, the cheers of the crowd fading into the background as she slipped away into the night. Outside, the cool breeze offered a welcome reprieve from the intensity of the stage, but even in the solitude of the street, Samaya couldn't shake the feeling of his presence lingering like a shadow over her.

---

The wrap party was in full swing when Samaya arrived. Celebrities mingled with fans, their laughter mingling with the rhythm of the music. Samaya's boyfriend, Ar'mon Warren, greeted her with a kiss and a smile, his warmth a comforting presence amidst the chaos.

"Hey baby, you did great"

She giggles, "thank you babe"

But even as she danced with Ar'mon, Samaya couldn't shake the memory of the silhouette's gaze burning into her from across the room. It was like he was everywhere she turned, a constant reminder of the past she had tried so hard to forget.

"So when you heading out?"

"Me and Trey are gonna go right now actually" He kisses her forehead.

"Yes sirrr..be safe I'll see you Tuesday"

But just when Ar'mon walks away, Jack approaches Samaya, his expression tentative as he begged for a moment of her time.

"Hey, Samaya," Jack said, his voice soft against the thumping bass. "Can we talk for a minute?"

Samaya's heart clenched at the sound of his voice, memories flooding back like a tidal wave.

How could I speak to him after everything he did to me.. and what could this nigga have to say to me after all these years

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever Jack had to say. "Sure, Jack. Let's talk."

---

The walk to the studio was tense, each step echoing with the weight of their shared history. Jack's words hung in the air, a silent plea for forgiveness and understanding.

As they strolled through the bustling mansion towards the home studio, Jack attempted to break the tension with casual conversation.

"So, how've you been, Samaya?" Jack asked, his voice trying to sound light-hearted.

"Fine", Samaya replied curtly, her tone giving away little.

Jack persisted, undeterred. "So...I listened to your albums.."

"Cool", Samaya replied, her responses short and direct.

They entered the studio, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the party outside. Jack nodded towards the console, indicating the beat he had prepared.

"Turn it on," he instructed.

Samaya shot him a sidelong glance, a hint of snark in her voice. "You got a name for this beat, or are we just freestyling to 'Untitled #5 again?"