Black Celebrity One-Shots (2000s)

Together Again (pt. 1)

Character POV: Toni Braxton

"Why we ain't find no parking yet?"

I glanced over at Kenny as he sped through the parking lot, searching for an open space.

"Tamar, you've got some nerve to be rushing me. I don't know if you can tell, but the lot looks full," Kenny sneered.

We had been driving around for what felt like hours and we were extremely late - thanks to Tamar, who insisted on buying a new outfit last minute for tonight's concert. The show was due to start any minute, and if we didn't find a spot soon, we were going to miss the opening act. He turned another corner around the lot and there it was – a free spot right near the top of the lot. Kenny yanked the wheel to slide into it as another car was approaching.

As we stepped out, I couldn't help but take a moment to absorb the energy around us. The air was electric with excitement, and the buzz of anticipation was palpable. All around us, we could see concertgoers adorned in their fan T-shirts, showing off their best outfits and accessories. Some of them were even carrying handmade signs or wearing creative costumes that paid homage to her.  A lot of them were walking or jogging, some in groups, some alone. Most of them were young—college students, probably. But then I noticed a few older people and children here and there, who were just as enthusiastic.

"Man," I said to Kenny, my excitement growing. "This is going to be so much fun."

Tamar and I practically ran towards the entrance, eager to make it inside the arena and catch every second of the rest of 112's opening set. Once we made it through the gates, we were met with a security checkpoint that delayed us briefly, but it was worth it for the spectacle that lay ahead.

As we stepped into Philips Arena itself, I was struck by the sheer size of the place. It was massive, with three levels packed full of people from all walks of life. The energy was on another level, and I could feel my heart racing with anticipation once we sat in our floor seats near the front. And there, in the center of it all, was the stage where she would soon make her appearance.

I looked over at Tamar, and I could see the excitement written all over her face. For years, I had promised to take her to see Janet in concert, and now that we were finally here, I knew that it was going to be a night to remember for her.

"Thank goodness I got these seats," Kenny said as he leaned back and stretched his legs out. "I thought you and Janet were cool enough for us to get comp tickets though."

"Oh, yeah," I said, smiling. "We are, at least...I think we are."

Janet and I hadn't spoken in almost six years, but I still felt an incredible connection to her. We had been through so much together, and even though our lives had taken us in different directions, I knew that I still cared for her deeply. I thought about how it would feel to be in the same room as her again, to hear her sing those songs that had been so important to both of us. Sometimes I wondered if our friendship might be able to be rebuilt, or if too much time has passed.

112 finished their performance, and the audience let out a collective cheer.

"They've got talent," Kenny replied. "Great stage presence too." His words trailed off as he noticed my glum expression. "You look like you're having fun."

I smiled, not wanting to ruin the mood. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I said, shaking my head. "Just thinking about her. I'll admit, it's been years since we'd seen each other. So much has changed, but being here again brings back a lot of memories."