Like Nobody's Business

Smooth like Indiana Jones

Nayeli Binns

"Mommy I'm gonna get Storm I think she's about to argue with the ice cream man."

"Hurry up" Sonya laughed as I rushed over to calm Stormi before she got vulgar with the ice-cream man who is only trying to do his job.

It was a nice day and we decided to spend it in the park since there isn't much sunshine. They wanted ice-cream but Stormi was getting upset for I don't know what, kids that were waiting in line seemed to be terrified and all ran away.

"I just wanted different flavours?" Stormi shouted as dragged her to the bench we occupied.

"I swear sometimes you act as if you're mentally challenged." I half-joked.

"Shut up Nayeli." Stormi rolled her eyes catching me off guard.

"Woah there, what did I do to you?" I asked genuinely confused.

"Nothing just shut up." She said then turned away, I know a cry for help when I see one.

"Storm come on is something bothering you?"

"No, but someone is." She was referring to me.

"Tell me if you're okay or not we can talk about it." I tried reasoning with her.

"Well, I'm fine." It was then I realized she wasn't behaving like she usually would, her shoulders are slumped as she sat and her smile didn't reach her eyes. I can't believe I didn't see the signs as soon as we came.

"Stormi, what's wrong? Talk to mama." My mother chipped in.

"My parents visited my sister yesterday, we didn't know they were coming and of course when they saw me they tried to argue with me again to change."

"Don't let them get to you." I tried convincing her. It's sad that they don't give her their blessings but she can not let them rid her of her positivity.

"Yeah, they only carry negativity, block them out. You can do it without being disrespectful." My mother shared her two cents. "Remember do what makes you happy because that's what everyone's doing."

I wasn't even aware Stormi came out to my mother, my mother isn't as religious as most people but she definitely prays every day. She's also nonjudgmental.

"Child you are family." Sonya pulled us together for one big hug. "We are here for you."

"Can I join in?" A familiar voice said and we all looked up to see the famous Alexander. Also, there were five additional men dressed in suits surrounding us. The stood in a pattern forming a complete circle.

"What are you doing here?" I asked sounding as sweet as I can, seems like he shows up everywhere I'm at. Not saying I have a problem with it.

"Isn't it a public area?" He tugged on one of my curls to stretch it then watched it bounce back in place.

"I invited him," Sonya confesses.

"Why?" I questioned with a laugh.

"Because we are all going to plan a nice dinner for your birthday." She beamed at him.

"Just you and him." Storm jumped in.

"What? No, I'm staying home." I quickly turned to Alexander. "Not because I don't wanna go out with you but I just don't wanna make it a big deal and they know that."

"This time you're going on a date with me," he interjected catching me off guard. "Excuse me, ladies, I would like to borrow her for a few minutes."

"Where are you taking me?" I questioned.

"Just wanted to walk with you." He shrugged. "Do you want ice-cream?"

"No thank you," I glanced at the bodyguards trailing behind us.

"They're not gonna wait on you back there?"

"No, they go everywhere I go." His eyes wandered all over the park occasionally looking at me.

"And it doesn't bother you?"

"I've gotten used to it plus it's like they're aren't even there."

"What if you have to be somewhere without them?"

"That will never happen."

"Oh really?" I said with sarcasm.

"You heard me correctly." We shared a short laugh. "So are you gonna let me take you out?"

"Like a date?"

"Like anything you want it to be." He locked eyes with mine and for a second it felt like everything stopped until I could hear distant screaming coming from other children who were playing.

"I would love to."

"Say the first food that comes to your mind right now."

"Curry chicken." I blurted.

Instead of saying anything he fished his phone out of his pocket and began dialing some numbers. As he placed the phone up to his ears I glanced around me with a confused look waiting to see what will happen next.

"Hello," he paused "Yes Adivia, contact my pilot and let him know that we'll be flying to India this week."

--

"Mr.Nixon," I had to backtrack and correct myself. "Alexander . . . there is no way I am going to India with you." I chased him into his kitchen.

"Oh it's not for your birthday only, it's for the week also."

"That doesn't help. I don't wanna go to India." I argued even though deep down I would love to have the experience.

"Nayeli listen, I've never been there before and it will be a good way to spend your birthday. I will take care of everything concerning your mother and at work. Just stop worrying and come with me."

"I don't understand." I took a seat at the island.

"What?"

"Why are you so kind to me? Why?" I looked him in his eyes waiting for my answer.

"Because you're the first person I met in a long while who isn't after my money. You're a good friend to me even though its only been a short amount of time. I don't meet a lot of people like you every day." He took a seat next to me. "You are the closest thing I have to a friend, living a lifestyle like mine will make it hard to differentiate between real and fake. So let me treat you and stop complaining. You're owed this for all your hard work after all these years of caring for your mother."

"Well, I guess I should get to packing right?"

"Yeah, you should because we leave this Monday and we'll be back Saturday."

"Okay, six whole days with the famous Alexander Nixon." I smiled.

"Six days with whoever I am when I'm with you, that person.." He scoffed and I stared at him eager to hear what's coming next. "I like him, I like being that person."

I like him too.