Make You Feel

Chapter 11

Just as quickly as those words left his lips, Ahmir wished he could swallow them right back.

Nervously, Ahmir scratched the back of his head and replied, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have--" Malaysia cut him off with her hand.

"Don't be. It's just another story for another day. Maybe that'll keep you intrigued." Her smile calmed his nerves and he chuckled.

"Got a brother out here sweating," Ahmir wiped away the little perspiration that formed above his brows.

Ahmir half expected Malaysia to curse him out and leave him at the beach for trying to pry into her soul. Remembering what happened in the parking lot at Chili's, Ahmir knows that she is afraid of exposing her inner layers. He also knows that Malaysia is right and this will keep him longing to know more. If she didn't know how to do anything else, Malaysia knew how to keep Ahmir interested.

For the remainder of the night, they walked alongside the ocean reminiscent of the happier times of their childhood, deliberately skipping the dark times. That night Ahmir learned Malaysia used to jump fences and hang out with the boys.

Giving a hearty laugh, Ahmir questioned: "Now why do I find that hard to believe?"

"I got the scars to prove it, do you want to see?" Malaysia was in the process of lifting up her dress when Ahmir interrupted.

"You don't have to seduce me to make me believe you, it's cool." He flashed a boyish smile.

"Wow, do me a favor and get over yourself, thank you much." Malaysia rolled her eyes, faking annoyance.

Abruptly, Malaysia stopped walking.

"I'm going to find a ladies room, I'll be right back," Malaysia said as she hurried away. But she didn't have to pee. A break, that she considered much needed, had to be taken.

Malaysia felt it. A connection between the two of them. It drove her senseless. Insane.

Butterflies. They fluttered around joyously in her stomach as they talked and laughed.
Malaysia just wanted to take a step away from it all just for a second. Without knowing anything about him but his name, Malaysia felt a little betrayed by her heart for it began to harbor sweet sentiments for a stranger.

Fear, the next emotion up to take a swing at Malaysia. It just might knock her out of the park.
Men continuously let her down her entire life, how could this be any different?

Finding a restroom, Malaysia stood in the mirror and coached herself like Issa Rae does in Insecure.

"Laysia, get it together sis. You cannot let another nigga play you like you Madden or 2k. Protect your heart, you hear me?!" She pointed at her reflection.

"Fool me twice can't put the blame on you. And that's on J. Cole." Straightening her clothes, Malaysia continued, "Be strong and don't fall for this man. You can't take another heartbreak when you're not fully recovered from the last one."

Inhale. Exhale. Head nod.

Placing one foot in front of the other, Malaysia made her way back to Ahmir. Inching towards him, Malaysia's mind searched for plausible explanations as to why she had to end their date. How could a grown woman tell a man that sensations creep through her body whenever she is in his presence, hear his voice, or when she daydreams about being entangled in his embrace in various ways. How could Malaysia explain to a man she does not even know that he does things to her without even trying? Malaysia's mind was boggled. How is this her truth?

Hearing her soft footsteps in the sand, Ahmir glanced up and flashed Malaysia his pearly whites.

"I half thought you were going to make like Cinderella and leave a sandal," Ahmir joked. Malaysia gazed at the ground. Ahmir stood and used his index finger to look Malaysia in her eyes.

"Damn, you were thinking of an excuse to leave me. If you want to end the date that's all you had to say, Malaysia. I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to," Ahmir sighed heavily as he slipped his hands into his pockets, awaiting Malaysia's response. The reply Ahmir received was from the ocean's waves colliding against the shore.

Shaking his head Ahmir told Malaysia, "Hopefully sometime we can meet again. Goodnight, beautiful," Ahmir turned to leave. One thing Ahmir didn't play was games. A grown and established man, he knew exactly what he wanted. Ahmir desired a woman he could settle down with. Running the streets no longer excited him. He longed for stability. A family. A little voice in Ahmir's mind tells him that Malaysia is the one; yet, her actions contradict what his mind is telling him.

Ahmir prayed that Malaysia would see that he was not like the men she was used to dealing with.

But how long would he have to wait for her to see?

"Miss Gray, " Malaysia faintly heard her name being called but she was too distracted by her thoughts.

Like a schoolgirl experiencing what it is like to have a crush, is how Malaysia behaved around Ahmir. She did not know what to do, how to act, or what to say. Her mother would be so disappointed in her if she knew she was conducting herself this way. Knowing Momma Kim, she'd probably take Ahmir from Malaysia. The thought made Malaysia chuckle.

"Miss Gray, are you okay?" The hand of Malaysia's Forensic Psychology professor zapped her back to the present when it landed on her shoulder.

Damn, how long have I been out of it?

Straightening up while clearing her throat, Malaysia replied:" I am fine, Mr. Otto, thanks for asking."

"Well, I've dismissed class a few minutes ago; however, you seem to have been in another realm; clearly, oblivious to what was taking place." Thanks for pointing out what I already know, Captain Fuckin' Obvious.

"I apologize, Professor, it will not happen again, " gathering her things, Malaysia prepared to leave.

"You know, Miss Gray, the school does offer free counseling sessions to students if you need someone to talk to. Maybe you can use that to your advantage." Malaysia's head tilted to the side and her brows furrowed instantly. Okay, tell me how you really feel you toupé wearing, Bosley needing....

"I appreciate your concern, but I am fine." With that being said, Malaysia left before she cursed her teacher out. Homeboy was acting real different and he was .02 nanoseconds from getting his ass handed to him.

Or maybe deep down, Professor Otto got it right. Maybe Malaysia needed a shrink since she was acting crazy as hell.

It was just so hard for her to understand. Malaysia needed answers. Hell, she'd pay to attend a Steve Harvey Show filming just so she can tell him about her confusing situation. Uncle Steve always have answers. He'd probably ask if she'd been dropped on her head though. Malaysia can hear him now.

'You mean to tell me this man never made any sexual advances towards you, he's his own boss, sounds like he got all his teeth, treats you like a lady and you still don't know of he's a good man? If it walk like duck, quack like duck, it's a duck.'

But is this shit ever that simple?