Consequences

12

"Mahogany, what are you trying to do to me? I am supposed to be in training,"
Taraji said as she devoured another piece of Mahogany's fried chicken. Mckenna looked at Taraji and smiled.
"Bruh, can't she cook her ass off?"
Mckenna said as she took a gulp of the red Kool-Aid.
"Bae, this is amazing."
Mahogany smiled.
"Anything for my papi."
Mahogany continued to fry chicken.
"Coach is going to bench my fat ass if I keep on doing this."
Taraji got up from the table and hugged Mahogany.
"Thanks again, boo."
Mahogany turned and looked at Mckenna, who was only paying attention to her plate. She sat down at the table and watched Mckenna eat. Mckenna looked up when she felt Mahogany's eyes on her.
"What? I got something in my teeth?"
Mahogany smiled with a dreamy-eyed look.
"No, I just was thinking of how great this semester has been going. Don't you think so?"
"Yeah, it's cool."
"We have been having a real good time, right?" Mahogany asked Mckenna. Mckenna nodded her head.
"Fa sho, you know how to treat a nigga right."
Makenna took a bite of her mashed potatoes.
"Mckenna, I was wondering if you wanted to come home with me for Christmas?"
Mahogany asked, still looking at Mckenna with her dreamy eyes. Mckenna almost choked on her Kool-Aid,
"Um, I hate to say no 'cause I'm sure ya mama taught you how to cook like this. But I will be in Atlanta during break."
Mckenna looked at Mahogany,
"Plus, you don't take niggas like me home. You take your girlfriend home"
Mahogany's face dropped.
"Well, I mean as much time and all that we spend together, I figured we were getting to that-"
Mckenna quickly cut her off.
"Shorty, I told you in the beginning that I am not looking for a relationship. It's not something that I am going to do."
Mahogany got up from the table.
"I know that's what you said, but it's like I'm over here like almost every day and all. We're practically in a relationship now."
"Well, do we need to stop kicking it so much? Because if you want time to see other people, I understand."
Mckenna got up from the table and put her dishes in the sink. She could see the hurt in Mahogany's face.
"No, everything is fine,"
Mahogany said, trying to hide her disappointment.
"But you're right, my girls have been complaining about me being with your ass all the time."
Mahogany smiled. Mckenna wasn't buying her excuse.
"If you say so, shorty. I like spending time with you, but you just caught me at the wrong point in my life. I swear last year I actually tried the relationship thing, but it's not what I want now."
Mckenna kissed Mahogany on her forehead and walked back into her room. Mahogany finished cleaning up the kitchen. She wasn't giving up that easily.

"Is coach trying to kill us?"
Sidra said.
"I don't know, but I know my body is killing me right now,"
Taraji said as they walked out of the dressing room.
"Hey, are you all right to make it back to your room this late?"
"Yeah, I am fine. Michelle is going to wait on me," Sidra replied.
"T, can I tell you something?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"I wasn't completely honest with why I dress more feminine now."
Sidra looked down at the ground as they walked.
"There was more."
"Spit it out then,"
Taraji said, noticing how nervous Sidra looked.
"Well, to be honest, I have always been a tomboy, but not a stud."
"What do you mean? You always date femmes."
"That's because if I went up to a stud they would be ready to slap the shit out of me,"
Sidra said. Taraji knew she was right. Studs just didn't date other studs in Florida.
"When I was in Spain, I realized something was really missing. Then I realized I could never have it, dressing the way I dressed."
"So you are saying that you're crushing on someone?"
Taraji said as she tossed her bag in her car.
"Do I know the person?"
Sidra smiled.
"Oh yeah, you know them very well."
"Don't tell me it's Kenna."
They laughed.
"No, it's not Kenna."
"Well, who?"
Sidra looked into Taraji's eyes.
"I thought it should be obvious."
Sidra grabbed Taraji's hand. Taraji felt a warm sensation flow through her body.
"Sid-"
"TARAJI!"
Monica yelled, storming up toward them.
"What's up, Monica?"
Taraji said, slightly irritated that she interrupted her conversation.
"That's what I want to know,"
she retorted, looking Sidra up and down.
"Look, I'm 'bout to head out. I'll see you tomorrow at practice, T,"
Sidra said and walked off. Monica immediately started in on Taraji.
"What the fuck was that, T? Why was she holding your hand and shit?"
"Monica, you need to calm down."
Taraji sighed. She noticed a few people beginning to watch.
"No, I don't need to calm down! Stop telling me to calm down when you are doing shit like this! You need to tell me what the fuck is going on! So you fuckin' your teammates now?"
Taraji took a deep breath to try to keep her cool.
"Monica, this is not the time."
"Yes, the fuck, it is."
Monica pushed Taraji. Taraji grabbed her arms.
"You know what? Fuck this shit!"
Taraji let go of Monica.
"Number one, I don't have to explain shit to you. Two, you know I don't do this drama bullshit, so you need to calm the fuck down,"
Taraji said in a very stern voice. Monica could tell Taraji wasn't playing, but she continued to try her anyway.
"Fuck that, Taraji! You not finna play me for a fuckin' fool. I bet not catch you up on her again or it's both of yo' asses!"
Monica said as she rolled her neck and threw her hand around in Taraji's face.
"You know what, fuck this shit. You are fuckin' crazy!"
Monica's face turned quickly.
"What did you call me? Take it back. I'm not crazy. Take it back!"
"Whatever, Monica, I'm done. Do not call me anymore. Do not show up at my practice. Leave me the fuck alone!"
Taraji got into her car. Monica hit the window as Taraji drove off.
"It's not over 'til I say it's over!"