SUMMER AGAIN

𝚃𝚆𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚈 𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴

     It didn't take long for people to settle into the party. After the candles were blown out, the guests dispersed throughout the house, enjoying the hot summer afternoon vibes. Uncle Aubrey took onto the aux, playing a mix of old school and Latin as he finished the last of the food on the grill. Everybody was enjoying themselves; eating, laughing, dancing, and reminiscing with one another.

     You took place in the living room with Nelly and the others as you waited for the rest of the food. There, the people created a dancefloor with the large speakers that sang Romeo Santos out of it. On the side, a table of dominos was set up, money flying as bets were made on the game.

    Ms. Carmen took on the responsibility of teaching Trell the bachata. With a glass of wine in one hand, her hips swayed side to side to the beat. "After how many years of coming over here and you're still this stiff?" She complained over the loud music.

     Trell's eyes remained focused on his uncoordinated feet as he attempted to keep up with her steps, "I think you added something new. I swear it wasn't this fast last time."

     "It's cause you gotta match the beat," Chance directed, laughing at his friend's attempt at dancing. In his lap, he held a baby girl. Her brunette curls complimented her round face as her fingers messily caressed the features of his face. "See, like this," He said, bouncing the small girl to the beat of the music.

     "Whose baby is that?" Day asked, pinching her chubby cheek.

     "Ion kno, I found her sleeping in my room when I got here," He shrugged, "I think imma name her... Chance Junior."

      "That poor baby," Daysha sighed, "Please don't let this nigga have any kids. They gon hate they life."

     "While you playing, I think she likes me," Chance said, lifting the baby in the air. Her tiny legs kicked as she let out a gummy giggle. "Ain't that right, CJ?"

     "You not supposed to wake the baby up from her nap," You lectured, shaking your head at the two, "She gon be fussy now. Where her mama at?"

     You scanned the room in search of someone who matched the baby's features. The house was crowded with people. Guest filled up the living room and backyard as they celebrated the twins. Kids running in and out, the aunties pouring drinks, a game of 2k loud on the TV. You tried to search through the crowd, the constant motion making it hard for you to focus.

     Eventually, your eyes latched onto the still figure that leaned quietly against the wall. With a green fitted on their head, their arms crossed their chest as they rocked slightly to the music.

     You squinted further to get a clearer view of the figure. There revealed Tana, his familiar face peeking through the crowd. He continued to stand awkwardly, eyeing the crowd himself. His twist poked out from his cap, still fresh from the other day. His outfit was simple today, a white tee that complimented the jean shorts he wore. He still looked as handsome as ever, the clean look bringing out his features.

     You watched as his head rolled past you before doing a double take back. His eyes squint, head tilted as he focused in on you. You tilt your head back, mimicking him with a smile. He laughs before taking a step off the wall.

     Trell's 'ow' breaks you out of your trance, turning your attention back to the dancefloor. "C'mon míjo, left foot," Ms. Carmen instructed, smacking his leg again, "How you supposed to dance at you and Nelly's wedding, huh?"

     Giggles went across the group as Chanelle hid her red face from embarrassment. "Mamaaaa," She whined.

     "What? I'm just tryna prepare him. You know how your tías get," She grins back.

     Nelly rolled her eyes before getting up from the couch, "Even so, you going too fast for him mama. Move." Nelly shooed Ms. Carmen to the side before taking over her spot with Trell. She took ahold of his hand, exchanging a sweet smile with him, "Just follow me, ok?"

     Trell's eyes focused on Nelly as she initiated the dance. Her smooth voice called out instructions as she carefully guided him with her. The two were soon in sync, earning the attention and praise of others on the floor.

     "I was getting tired anyways," Ms. Carmen winks, pulling out her phone to snap a picture of the two. "Rea," She called out, "If you don't mind, can you get me a water. I think there should be some left in the fridge."

     "Yea, of course," You smiled, "Be right back."

     You left your spot on the couch to head towards the kitchen. The sound of music dimmed as the smell of seasoning grew stronger in the air. The kitchen was empty, containers and dishes cluttering the counters. You went to the fridge, opening it for a spare bottle. Unlike the kitchen itself, the fridge was filled with various foods and drinks.

     Where the fuck the water at? You searched deeper, sticking your head into the cold box.

     "Reagan?" A voice called from outside. You quickly pop up your head at the sound of your name, not realizing how deep you were into the fridge. A loud bang escapes the metal as your head hits against it. You shoot your head down, grabbing it in pain as you let out an 'ow'.

     "You ok," The voice said in between his laughs. You nodded your head slowly, still dizzy from the collision. "I knew you were gonna be shocked to see me, but I didn't know you were gonna be this shocked."

     "Huh?" You lifted your head, finally gaining some of your awareness back, "Khalon?"

     "That's my name." There stood tall in front of you was Khalon. His locs were in his usual ponytail, revealing that same smile you had seen so many times before on the phone. His attire was all black, an essentials tee with black jeans to match.

     "What are you doing here?" You spurted out, "I mean, what are you doing here so early? I thought you get off at 5?"

     "Yeah I did, but today was a slow day so I asked if I could leave early," He said, smiling brightly again, "Why, you not excited to see me?"

     "No, no I was just... not expecting you to get here so soon," You said, returning an awkward smile. It's been a few days since you and Khalon started talking and even though your conversations on the phone were great, now that he was here in front of you, you couldn't help but feel awkward. It was like all those promises made over the phone were suddenly made real. And now you don't know if you could keep your end.

     "Well, I didn't mean to interrupt yo lil fridge hunt," He laughed, taking a step closer, "I was tryna find the birthday duo, but I guess I'm lucky to find you, huh?"

     "Yea... I guess so," You replied back shyly.

     "So what you've been doing all day? Lemme guess, exploring the freezer?"

     "Well... um actually," You let out another awkward laugh, "Wait, you said you didn't get to see Chance yet, right? I think he's in the back now if you wanna go tal-"

     "Reagan," He interrupts, taking ahold of your arm, "I really just wanna talk to you right now. Is that cool?"

     "Yeah, that's cool... It's just that..." You scanned the room looking for some type of escape. Everybody was celebrating in the other rooms, leaving only you two alone. And you left your phone by Day so you couldn't even text for help.

     "It's just that..." You soon started to accept your fate, giving in to his request. Just then, a flash of green enters the door.

🌙: Thank you for reading💕💕