Love Happens (Stopped)

Sixteen - Gambling Addictions

Jennifer:

Now I understood what Gus meant, Asha's house was gorgeous! I almost peed myself when I saw it. As we drove into the neighborhood there were lots of beautiful homes. But knowing that I was going to enter one was a bit overwhelming. 

My mom insisted on walking into the house with me because and quote 'how do I know I'm not leaving you with a bunch of serial killers?'. Needless to say my somewhat dark sense of humor was inherited from her. 

I eyed the beautifully carved stone walls as I stepped towards the front door. My mom rang the door bell which chimed beautifully. Everything about this place was beautiful. 

The oak door slowly cracked open. A tall woman with curly dark hair and cinnamon colored skin stood behind it with a big, welcoming smile on her face. She and mom shook hands. 

"Hi, I'm Mrs Johnson," she spoke.

"I'm Mrs Walsh, this is my daughter Jennifer," mom placed a hand on my shoulder.

"It's nice to finally meet you," she said giving me a hug. I was kinda taken aback.

What has she heard?

I took comfort in the assumption that she probably just said that to avoid this feeling awkward. Mrs Johnson let us into the house. The inside matched the outside. Correction. 

It was a thousand times more spectacular.

I took in all the marble, the chandeliers, the lush carpets, the floor-to-ceiling windows just as Asha walked towards us.

"Unless you want to catch bugs I suggest you shut your mouth," she said. I hadn't realized that my mouth was literally gaped open in astonishment. I laughed nervously. 

"Sorry it's just, you have a beautiful home Mrs Johnson,"

"Thank you," she smiled.

My mom handed me my overnight bag and hugged me good night. The hug lasted a lot longer than normal. I could understand. This was probably the first time I would be sleeping away from home without her or dad. 

Her baby girl was finally growing to have a life of her own. 

Asha led me upstairs to her bedroom where the rest of the gang sat in a circle on the fur carpet. Her room looked like it had eaten my room for breakfast. She placed my bag and sat on the floor. I joined them. 

"Sooo...What are we doing? Makeup? Nails? A movie? Hair?" I asked turning to Asha who shot me a look of disgust. 

"There's only two ways a black woman would ever let you touch her hair," she held out two fingers. "You have to be either a) a trained professional or b) be in the middle of some really kinky sex," she finished to which everyone burst out laughing.

"Also if you guys are about to start a beauty session then I'm out," said Gus.

So it was agreed that instead we play a game of basketball. I was curious as to how we would do that since it was already dark outside. I followed as we made our way to the backyard. I'm not much of a sports fan but one had to appreciate their floodlit basketball court in all it's beauty.

A set of steps led us down to the court where a tall figure stood bouncing a ball, casting a shadow on the concrete surface. I got a better look at him as we got closer. His skin was beautifully lit by the lights which also highlighted his muscular arms. I could also see a hint of abs through his sweaty t-shirt which stuck to him like glue.

I've never used the word beautiful so much in my life.

"Yo Trev, we're here to gatecrash," Asha's voice echoed through the night air.