"Church girl, don't hurt nobody.."
Pastor's wife trapped in an arranged marriage with repressed feelings about her sexuality. She's always been able to keep a great poker face but what happens when she meets, Beyoncé..
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"Happy birthday to you..." I glanced around at my family and friends with a smile not having the heart to tell them someone was definitely off key.
As the song came to a close, I blew out my candles, and everyone cheered as I brought in not only new year but a new album.
I felt slightly old but also grateful to have succeeded as much as I have in my twenty-five years of life. It felt not only refreshing but rewarding.
I looked around the room at all of my friends and family smiling, laughing, and enjoying each song from my album that played. It all seemed perfect yet it lacked something.
I wouldn't even pretend to not know what that something was. It was more accurately someone. Michelle.
Our relationship has been a bit strange, for a lack of better terms, the last few weeks. She seemed detached from me for some reason. I knew I became engrossed in my music weeks before my release date but even with me being busy I always made time for her. She just didn't seem to want the time.
My eyes laid on her as I watched her interact with my sister. They seemed to be having a regular conversation and I found myself envious. The conversation was easy and flowed how ours use to.
Her smile beamed across her face, as she subtly started to laugh along with Solange. Her head fell forward, pushing her bang out of her face. She tucked the small layers behind her ear before looking up as our eyes connected.
I looked away immediately distracting myself with the piece of cake in front of me.
"Bey, what's wrong?" I heard Kelly's voice before I saw her and I just shrugged forcing a smile across my face.
"There's something wrong! I know you don't like being around people but this album is something that deserves at least at a smile.." She shoved my shoulder and I looked up at her, rolling my eyes still not fully allowing myself to enjoy the party.
I thought my album releasing would remove a huge weight off my shoulders but instead the weight felt even greater. With nothing to distract me it was clear that my relationship wasn't in the best place.
Was I going to tell Kelly that? No. It would only warrant unwanted and probably bad advice that I didn't need clouding my thoughts right now.
"Fine! Well I'm clearing the old folks out and then we can do some drinking games with just us girls.." Kelly began to walk away as I protested.
"But—" "—But nothing! It's your birthday!" She yelled, effectively cutting me off.
Before I knew it we were left in the empty party space with only a few of those who were close to me. We sat in a semi-circle, some of us on the couch and others in chairs or on the floor.
