Always and Forever

7 -New Sensations

Toni

Those lips... so soft, so sweet... so tantalizing...

That was all I could think about as I left Janet's house later that day. She was walking me out to my car as we talked about the rest of the project and what else needed to be done... My mother called for me to come back home so I had to run. And we had a whole week to do it so it wasn't really a rush. And the more time I got to spend with Jan, the better...

" Too bad you have to run home so soon Toni, the radio station I had playing has the best music on around this time." Jan chuckled as I got inside my car, I suck my teeth and pout as I secure my seatbelt. "Dang... parents have perfect timing, don't they? " I rolled my eyes with a chuckle as Jan nods in agreement. "Sure do, you drive safe and I'll see you at school tomorrow." She said smiling sweetly as she stared at me with those big beautiful brown eyes.

"I will, and you have a good night."  I wave as Jan was backing up from the car and I started to pull out from the driveway. I wave at her as I stop for a moment before officially pulling off then heading on home.  The entire time I drove home, the kiss burned into my mind. I had butterflies in my stomach and nothing could possibly ruin my mood.  Or so I thought...

Once I got home, I immediately head inside.  The house was quiet and still, I assumed my sisters were still napping from the long trip we had this morning.

"Is that you Toni?" Mommy called out from the top of the stairs. "Yes ma'am, I'm here. I'm sitting on the couch. " I said as I plop on the couch and cross my legs. My heart was racing and pounding in my chest as I heard mommy coming down the stairs. I hoped she wouldn't pay much attention to my attire but my mother wasn't the type to overlook anythinnnng. I anxiously rub my hand down my thigh as she came into the living room and approached the couch. Mommy gave a weird expression but sighed.

"Well, there's been a change in plans... I know you honestly wanted to with your grandmother while we're gone but... I don't all of you missing so many days of school. So, I'm putting you in charge for the next few days. This means you'll have to do the grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and so forth... I've already talked to your sisters and your brother so they know what's going on. Can you handle that?"  I nod immediately as a big smile appeared on my face. " Yes! I can most definitely, mommy you can trust me. " I said as I sit up and mommy goes into her purse. She took a piece of folded paper and handed it to me. "Here's all the numbers you can reach us at, and you have any trouble, you know your grandmother is right there... Don't let the others run you wild now Toni. Ma-

" Evelyn, Evelyn, I'm pretty sure Toni knows how to run this place while we're gone. She's a smart girl.  Come... you know how much you hate the long lines at the airport." My father said as he sat their bags down on the floor and chuckle. My father was strict but a little more laid back than mommy.  My mother nods as she rubs her temple. "You're right, and I better make sure I didn't leave anything while you load up the bags..." Daddy and I both watched as mommy walked upstairs and out of sight.  Daddy reached into his pocket and came to me.

"I know being the oldest of all these siblings isn't that easy, so while we're gone. Go do something for yourself. Have fun or whatever it is you want. " He smiled as he slipped what felt like money in my hand and kissed my forehead. I opened to see a hundred dollars. I wanted to say something but daddy quickly shushed me and motioned me to place the money in my purse while he grabbed the bags to take to the car. Mommy was just coming down the stairs with her coat. She came and hugged me. "I'll call as soon as we land, you keep things tight now. See you soon." I nod as I walk mommy to the door and rub her shoulder. "See you guys soon and don't worry, everything will be fine here. Give the elders my love." I said as I stood at the door while mommy went to the car to join my dad. I wave at them as they pull off and waited until they were out of sight. I hurry back inside and immediately get dinner started. I decided to make smothered cube steak in mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and biscuits. And for dessert, peach cobbler.  In the midst of cooking, my siblings started to wake up and stir around. I was soon joined by Tamar, Towanda and Trina in the kitchen.