bittersweet. [slash]

the beginning

july 4, 1972

The family and friends are gathered for the 4th of July. The Hudson's chose to throw a party for the first time ever, this was a shocker knowing how Anthony was around lots of people, but Ola insisted. She did a fine job considering it her first year.

There were glowing lanterns, loud fireworks lighting the night sky, amazing music, and food brought from many friends and family. From the looks of it you would most likely think it was a great party, but Ola is a perfectionist and believes it could always be better!

Ola invited her best friend of all time to join the party, Renee Whitlow. Knowing she had a 7 year old daughter, the same age as her son Saul.

Ola and Anthony believe it would be good for their son to get some more social interaction. He was a very quiet boy, and Ola thought maybe having another friend his age would be good for him.

As the Whitlows walk through the door Saul immediately notices the caramel skinned little girl. He thinks she is pretty but he would never let anyone know that. His father would always preach that boys don't play with girls, that will turn them into a "weakling."

Mrs. Whitlow spots Saul sitting in the corner and she sends Ciara to the other side of the room to say hello to him. Ciara slowly walks behind him, biting one of her fingernails nervously.

She taps his shoulder. Saul quickly turns around not saying a word, but looking her up and down.

"Hello, what's your name?" Ciara whispers with her head down.

"I'm Saul Hudson, why you like what you see?" He trues to hide his smile but he can't hold it back.

Ciara looked at him like he was crazy, "I sure don't, mama said don't ever talk to a boy that looks like garbage!"

"Girl, I definitely don't look look like garbage." Saul yells to Ciara trying to block out the loud music.

"Well if you like yourself so much why don't you just talk to yourself! You sure don't need me, you were doing fine by yourself!" Ciara yells.

"Yes! I was doing better when you weren't here, so leave!" Saul yells loudly.

"Fine!" Ciara sticks her tongue out at Saul and runs to the backyard.

~

And that is the beginning of a very unusual "friendship."