Too Young: A ChriLiyah Story

Chapter 7

They arrived at Los Angeles Arts University around 7:17 PM. After parking the car, they walked towards the entrance. There was a line of people waiting to get in, so Chris and Aaliyah stood with them.

"I forgot how extravagant this school was with their events." Aaliyah said as she looked around.

"Huh?" Chris said, not paying attention. Aaliyah pointed at the backdrops that people were getting their pictures taken in front of. "You want to go over there?" Chris asked.

"Sure, hopefully the line will die down."

"Okay," Chris said and then tapped Aaliyah's waist. They walked forward in that direction.

"Look at the lovely couple, come on, don't be shy, get closer," said the photographer to them two. Chris and Aaliyah looked at each other. Aaliyah smiled at him and Chris blushed.

"Come on Chris, get closer," Aaliyah mimicked and smiled. She slipped her arm around Chris's waist and they posed for the photo, smiling. While they were posing, they heard a group of ratchets egging them on.

"Gerwl you betta werk dat dress!" shouted a ratchet.

Yasssssss gerwl!" co-signed her friend.

"Aye that nigga sexy as shyt though, if you don't take that home, I will! Okayyyyyy" said another ratchet as she popped her gum. She touched index fingers with her friend.

Aaliyah glanced back at those ratchets and then said, "Ooooh, looks like they really want you Chris."

"What?" Chris chuckled and scratched his head as he looked back at the girls. "Nah, I see what I want right here..." He looked at Aaliyah and smiled. They glanced back at the ratchets again and saw them popping their booty. "Oh my gosh..." Chris said as he laughed.

"Come on," Aaliyah chuckled and then grabbed Chris's wrist and pulled him inside.

When they headed inside the banquet room, they were greeted by All of The Lights, the song and the ones surrounding the room.

"Ooh look, games!" Aaliyah said as she pointed towards the row of carnival-esque games. They walked further into the room; Aaliyah glanced at the stuffed animals barricaded within the glass boxes of the claw machines. Chris watched as Aaliyah's face brightened. He grabbed her hand and walked over to the change machine and converted $10 worth of quarters.

"Want me to win you something?" Chris smiled at Aaliyah as he lead her back to the claw machine. He put two quarters in, and then maneuvered the joystick.

Three minutes and eight tries later, Chris was still without a win. "This is some bullshit," Chris shouted. He kicked the machine in frustration. "Stupid machine must be rigged." Aaliyah glanced at him and stifled a giggle. She moved him out the way and then grabbed two quarters and placed them in the machine.

"I won!" Aaliyah exclaimed as she redeemed her prize from the slot. "My first try too," she said as she smiled at her miniature stuffed dog. Chris glanced at the prize then quickly rolled his eyes.

"Psh, you got lucky," he said, jealous. Aaliyah looked up and faced him.

"Here," Aaliyah offered Chris the dog.

"Nah, I don't want it." Chris crossed his arms against his chest. "I'm the man, I should be winning you things." Aaliyah smiled.

"Come on, here, take it," Aaliyah offered again. Chris placed it on the glass. He shook his head no. "Aww come on," Aaliyah said as she picked it back up. "How can you deny this cute little doggy?" She kissed its head, leaving a lip print. Chris watched as she placed it back on the glass. He quickly snatched it up.