The Smell of Ozone

Chapter 8:

With my decision made, I continue working my job as the good old Astrodome as the Skybox Liquor Department Manager. I continue to dodge my boss's advances while turning a blind eye to her activities with the other Bruthas. Since she now knows that I'm dating a White girl, she believes I'll be more inclined to get with her. I don't know how to convince her otherwise. Still, she doesn't press me too hard.

I finally break down and follow the same tradition as past Liquor Department Managers. At the end of an event, I have to collect leftover bottles and cans from the one-nighters. I'm supposed to send them downstairs to be repurposed for the open bars. However, As I make my rounds, I stop by specific season Skybox holders. They receive their alcohol at a reduced rate, and I gain a few tax-free dollars. I justify this minuscule bit of larceny because it gives me the funds necessary to visit the love of my life.

What helps the most are Celeste's phone calls. I make sure she knows my work schedule so she calls me on the regular. I'm still at home, but now I have my own extension in my room. No more laying on the carpet, or having to give up the phone when my Mom's friends call. Better yet, we can be as intimate as we want to be. I am such a lucky guy. In da Hood, everyone would call her a 'Freak.' In this particular connotation, this is not a bad thing.

The Kundalini energy has settled in my Muladhara, or root chakra, and has begun to insert its influence. Though the snake has recoiled, it sends tendrils through my body, and will connect with the other six chakras one at a time. I resume my meditation regime to help ease my transition and learn more about this energy Celeste has gifted me.

Through further research in the library and with the help of a couple of professors knowledgeable about the more metaphysical aspects of yoga, I discovered that there are seven stages to the Kundalini Awakening that begin with Activation, where the serpent energy is acclimating to its new home at the base of my spine.

The final stage, where all seven chakras are connected, is called Union. I'm currently at stage 2, Rising Energy, and while I'm experiencing an increase in all of my senses, cognitive abilities, and physical strength, it's more than it should be. I have no clue what will happen when I reach the seventh level when everything is aligned.

However, one issue that's somewhat heartening is that the viper inside me has coiled up and drifted into sleep again. I assume that infusing a chakra is tiring business, and it must rest and recharge before acquiring another. This gives me hope that I'll have time to acclimate to my new reality each time my little snake buddy wakes up.

Nothing exciting happens until I head north for the Christmas holidays. My Nebraskan parents want me to get there before Celeste comes home so we can spend some quality time together. Actually, Dad just wants to banter with me over the differences between String Theory, Chaos Theory, and Quantum Mechanics. I'm more than happy to bond with him over that. Imagine my surprise when they hit me with a bombshell as soon as I breach the doorway.

Mom all but tackles me, sending my luggage flying in all directions. "Femi! Why didn't either you or Celeste tell us you're engaged? Where did you get those beautiful rings? Why wasn't there a stone on hers? When's the big day? Oh, we have so much to plan..."

I struggle to keep track of all the questions as they continue while she squeezes the breath out of me. I wonder if all the women in Mom's family are so blasted strong. At least I know where my fiancé gets it from.

Once she releases me, I take a deep breath, happy for the fresh air to ease my aching lungs. "Sorry, Mom. I figured you already knew since she asked me way back in church camp."

As Dad grins in the background after failing to hang on to a frown, she purses her lips. "You two were kids, then, so it doesn't count. With the new rings come new responsibilities."