Shades of Sepia

XXIII

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles
February 15th
Houston, Texas

Smitten. That was the only word I could ever use when the question of Onika arose. I was captivated by her, enthralled, and completely in love. I didn't like to say 'love at first sight'. I didn't believe in it.

Then there was Onika, and those were the only words that made sense. She thought that I only liked what I saw, that attraction was only met through the eyes, and I thought that too. Until I laid my eyes on her.

She lit me on fire, made these flames burn bright. I was putty around her, weak and feeble in all the ways that other women found attractive. But I was strong in all the ways that she was attracted to. I couldn't stop myself from spewing compliments her way and doing everything in my power to woo her. She was deserving.

I thought the chase was what I loved. I thought that after I acquired her the tension would wither, but the love I had for this woman only grew. She was perfect to me, her flaws only aiding in making her more lovely to me.

I eyed her from the second floor, winking every time she took a sly look at me. She was happy to be able to wander and I was satisfied with letting her. But I couldn't tear my eyes from her, no matter how far she roamed.

She was more different than anyone I had ever entertained or encountered. I had a lot more patience for her.

"You must really like her," Tatum walked alongside me, following my eyes. I couldn't blame him for picking up on romance. None of my professional peers had ever seen me this way.

"Love is the word. I'm in love with her."

She was such a stunner, a natural adapter in a space that she was not familiar with. She could converse with anyone here, and she would come out on top. A pretty woman with that much power was dangerous.

I adored her. I wanted to give her all of the power in the world. I wanted to give her everything.

"You're telling me this is the first and the last woman you ever bring to a fundraiser?"

He followed beside me as I made my way down the spiral staircase. I nodded my head, my eyes watching Onika like a hawk.

In a sea full of professional faces, she was all that I could see.

"I thought we would get to see a little more bachelor from you."

"That's not me anymore."

"Oh yeah? Because of her?"

"Because of her."

Unintentionally, I left Tatum where he stood, my footsteps becoming faster. She was moving too fast, purposely, just to test me the way she had been doing since I met her. She was defiant in every way, obedient when I needed her to be, and I loved her that way.

I shook hands and exchanged formal niceties. I kissed cheeks and spoke briefly about topics that would likely be on my desk to handle in the days moving forward. Still, my mind was watching for Onika, wherever she was. I'd lost her.

I passed by everyone and tried my best to make my rounds in the shortest way possible. I was watching faces and my pushes were beginning to get real rude until finally, I saw Onika's long, flailed, emerald colored dress. She looked stunning, her dress contrasting beautifully against Jenny's sheer black.

They were standing together, smiling and laughing until they saw me. My heartbeat sped some, but I kept my cool, walking over completely. I held Onika by her waist with one hand and leaned in to kiss her lips, feeling her hand on my elbow.