"You too fine to be by yourself" Fantasia said smiling. Taraji was taken back by her friend's statement "I like it" she said. Fantasia felt otherwise "no you don't". Taraji sipped her champagne, choosing not to respond. She knew this was a battle she would lose, because Fantasia was right.
Taraji in fact did not like to be alone, but it was something she had to become accustomed to. It was better that way. Safer that way. She couldn't risk anyone finding out her deepest secrets, her most shameful desires, her dark side. Being alone helped her suppress certain truths and urges that she needed to stay buried within.
Fantasia felt like she knew what Taraji needed. Only because she practically fit into society's expectations. She has a man, a career, a testimony and faith. She acknowledged Taraji has all of those things except a man. She wanted her friend to have the type of happiness and love that she has at home... although sometimes she feels a void in her soul.
The two women sat across from each other in deep conversation about what they depict as a perfect life.
"What do you really want?" Fantasia asked as she took a sip of her champagne. "What do you mean?" Taraji responded. "You're beautiful, kind and the most graceful person I know but you're single... so it must be something you want or need that most people don't have. So what is it? What do you really want?" Fantasia was becoming to curious for her own good little did she know. "I want... I want someone like me" Taraji said "so I don't feel the need to hide" she continued. Fantasia didn't like the answer she was given, but she took it. The way Taraji spoke was as if she knew something Fantasia didn't. It was only odd because they shared everything together.
Fantasia's phone began to ring, it was her Fiancée. She excused herself from the table and took her call near the entrance towards the restaurant ladies room, where Taraji was still in her sight. She leaned against the wall, talking to her future husband, he wanted to know when she'd be home. She responded to him that it would be later in the day as she wanted to spend more time with her lonely friend that he had yet had a chance to meet. As she continued her conversation, she noticed Taraji staring down at her phone with a wide smile. She didn't want to jump to conclusions but the idea of double dates came into mind, she thought of if her friend had her own beau, they'd spend more time together and she wouldn't have to split the time between Taraji and her Fiancé. Although their friendship is short lived, she adored Taraji and loved her company... she felt the need to be near her often.
Shortly after Fantasia's brief conversation, she returned to the table. Taraji put her phone into her purse not seeming to lose her grin. "What got you smiling like a chester cat? Or may I ask who? Because it sure ain't me" Fantasia teased. The flirting game between these two women had been constant since the beginning of their friendship, it was another love language they shared beside physical affection but Taraji was somewhat dialing it back. As much as she loved the innocent intimacy they shared, she didn't want to get too close. "Oh girl please, it's just work... speaking of work, I have to go. Money calls" Taraji replies. She called over a waiter and had the bill put on her tab, completely disregarding Fantasia's flirtatious statement. "Well I guess I'll go find me someone else to make my day" Fantasia playfully pouted. "Or you can go home to the someone who makes your day, everyday" Taraji chuckled. "You?" Fantasia asked. Taraji laughed and went to kiss Tasia on the cheek, but Tasia purposefully turned her head so she can kiss her lips, something they hadn't done in awhile. Taraji seemed to not pay the soft brief kiss any mind "Alright baby, Love you" she said as she went to leave. "Love you more mama, call me" Fantasia said. "I will" Taraji responded.
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A week went by. Taraji didn't call Fantasia. They went from talking everyday to this short break of silence. Something Fantasia wasn't used to. She felt like a feign without a plug. The distance between her and Taraji was driving her crazy. She thought back on their last conversation, sure she didn't say anything to upset her friend and cause this. Thinking of the kiss, she didn't think that was the issue, it was normal behavior for them. She paced back and forth until she realized, Taraji was already slowly distancing herself.
