TIANNA

ch4.

I woke up to five missed calls from Trez.

"Shit!" I had overslept and was late to getting to his house.
I hurried to call him while I rushed to get dressed.
"Hello?" He answered the phone. "Trez I'm so sorry. I had a long night." I apologized.
"Nah your good. We just can't leave together now. Meet me at the museum by 12, ok?"
"Yeah, sorry again."

I hung up and finished getting ready. I wasn't late for the museum, we just planned to leave together and get breakfast. Now I have to meet him at the museum, which is fine.

I checked on mama as she was still asleep in her room after grabbing my Polaroid and my purse before leaving. I glanced at the CD player that sat on my dresser and the stack of CD's beside it. I wanted to just be cool with not just Mya, but Sam too. She was always so hostile towards me. I feel like Steph's death gave her a reason to push me even more. But, I don't like that. They're truly my friends and I would have been through so much shit without them. She still disrespected my brother though. And until she apologizes, we won't be speaking. She probably some where taping up those bruises I put on her face.

No regrets.

__

I drove Steph's car to the museum. Trez didn't have a car and would often walk everywhere. But, this time he got an Uber and decided we would drive around in Steph's car for the rest of the day.

I wore an African print summer dress with my hair in a low puff. I also had on some sandals with my purse and my Polaroid attached to my shoulder. I felt comfortable. I never felt pressured to be super sexy around Trez. Even when we first met. I was annoyed by him, but, I didn't feel like a walking porno to him. I remember he told me that my naturalness and individuality is what pulled him to me. He knew I didn't like him, he could tell. But, he said he wasn't giving up until I went on at least one date with him. I had been saying no all week and actually wanted to entertain his offer. So here we are, at an Art museum. What nigga you know invited girls to an Art museum? None! I felt special and appreciated. He coulda said Strip club or a random House party but, he didn't.

I pulled up to the museum and saw him waiting for me outside immediately. He waved and straightened his suit. It was all black with those shiny dress shoes.
"Damn, I should've dressed more formal." I said to myself before getting out of the car.
"You look beautiful." He said to me as I walked up to the building. "You look better. Your giving me Met Gala and I'm giving you, Summer Camp Counselor." He laughed.
"Nah, you look good. You ain't wear those Timbs and that's enough for me." He smiled.
He grabbed my hand as we walked into the museum.

They had a lot of local artists work in there. Some old pieces, but mostly newer art.
Beyond the pictures, the vibe in there was great. It was very modern and chill.

"Ouu, they got finger food." I squealed, reaching for the mini cheese and cracker samples.
"I'm so glad you agreed to come with me." He smiled as we walked through the museum.

"I actually needed this. I've been feeling locked up in my greif, tryna come through for Steph." I confessed.
"And you doing good. Stop worrying about being perfect and just let everything play out the way it's supposed to, ok?" I nodded and stuffed the cracker in my mouth.

We continued through the museum before leaving to go eat. We decided on this restaurant called, La'Cray. French cuisine I guess. It was fancy and required reservations. I refused at first until Trez offered to pay. The restaurant sat in the northern part of downtown and was surrounded by condos and penthouses.

"This is actually insane. Can I go home and change? I look like I just came from the park. Everybody is dressed so fancy, even you." I said as I looked up at the restaurant in awe.