Silk & Sheri

Chapter 1

The 164 bus always takes nine thousands years to arrive on the weekends. However, I didn’t mind the delay today. My legs were trembling as I sat at the bus stop, glaring at my phone. Thankfully, there was only one person at the bus stop with me who witnessed my minor fit. I was rocking back and forth hoping to get a hold of a breeze or an answer. I was dreading to respond to her text message. I was on my way to meet up with my boyfriend in New York City. We were celebrating our one-year anniversary together a day late. The day of our anniversary, he came by my job wearing sweats and a frown. I gave him an anniversary card, a twenty-five dollar gift card, and a bear that symbolized our first date. He gave me a glittery bar of soap that he purchased from someone at his job.  We weren’t able to spend too much time together because he had to work on our anniversary day. Sitting at the bus stop now, I’ve realized how significant last night was. The evening Johnson and I reached a year together, he came face to face with the woman I knew would be love of my life. The realization showed its ugly head when I received a text from her at the bus stop:

So, I saw your ex yesterday at Charlie’s

I read her text four times in four different ways. I even read it aloud while the other person at the bus stop gawked at me. I had to update her that Johnson and I got back together. I don’t want to lose her. I’ve wanted her for a long time and Johnson is in the way.

I looked out into the street to see if a bus was coming. Not one in sight. I sent a video message to my three best friends about her texting me. Maggie called me immediately.

“Sheri, I’m trying to understand how in the world you don’t see the caution sign that’s blinking above your head.” Maggie’s voice boomed from my phone.

I returned to the bus bench and shot back,

“Well, Hello, Maggie. “

Just hearing her voice helped me to calm down. She’s the only friend I know who can remind me to actually reflect on a situation without being overbearing.

“Forget all that salutation and greetings, Sheri. The fact that you are so concerned about her feelings more than you are about your own damn boyfriend, is a problem.”

I had something slick to say, but I let it sit at the root of my mouth. She was right and I was in no position to be defensive about a truth as raw as what she just said.

“You right. I just- I don’t know what to do. I mean, I like her a lot and all, but I don’t know if she likes me. I just don’t want to hurt her-“

Maggie grunted and I knew she was rolling her eyes at me.

“Sheri, it don’t matter at this point, because you’re not with her. You’re with Johnson. I think you need to be honest with yourself and realize that you have a decision to make. Either you leave this girl alone and ya’ll stay acquaintances, so you can focus on your relationship with Johnson or you can drop that poisonous man and keep it pushing. Do something, girl. This is a problem that will only grow into a monster that will destroy all parties involved. Especially her.”

The bus pulled up and I walked up the bus steps slothfully. With each step, I felt lighter.

“I hear you, Maggie. I’ll address the situation. Thanks for being straight with me.”

I slammed my butt onto one of the cushioned seats and threw my duffel bag to the seat next to me.

Maggie sighed softly and said,

“I just want you to be happy, Sheri.”

I felt my chest settle and I was able to feel the rumbling of the bus beneath my thighs.

“Thanks, Maggie. I’ll update you later. Talk to you later, Boo.”

I hung up my phone and sat back. I thought about the idea of actually being with her. Her, as in, Silk. I’ve been feeling her since we spoke for the first time six months ago. I closed my eyes and surrendered to the possibility of being hers. The bus made a hard stop and my forehead mushed into the seat in front of me. Reality hit my thoughts just as fast. I texted:

Yea. We got back together a few days ago.

He recently got promoted as an Assistant Manager at Charlie’s

I read the text and stared at it for a while. I don’t want to lose her.  I hit send and dropped my phone onto my lap. I rested my head upon the window, watching the potpourri of run-down buildings and open fields. The ride from Connecticut to New York was pretty fast. However, today, the journey felt as long as a 1930’s country song. My phone jerked me out of my thoughts as it vibrated on my lap. Silk texted me back:

Oh. I didn’t know

My heart felt as though it fell into my stomach. I felt like she was disappointed when reading her text. Could she really be disappointed? That would mean she does have feelings for me. It’s just wishful thinking. Besides, I’ve heard her recite a poem about a woman she adored. I remember watching her outlining a women’s silhouette on stage while detailing her voluptuous body with her words. I’m as thin as a dollar store pencil. She ain’t looking for me. But, I can’t shake the feeling that maybe she’s hurt that I’m back with him. I shook my head and texted Johnson that I should arrive at the bus station in thirty minutes. I mentioned how I was excited to see and glad we made it to one year. He texted me back:

K.

He’s in the way, he has no boobs, he doesn’t appreciate me, he smells like salt and I have to get rid of him.