Communication| b.x.b. X/CB

Letter #2-Call #1

Happy Sunday🖤
-

January 28, 1968

"Cheer up, Jah. I'm sure Chris wouldn't want you snapping on people like this just because you can't see him. "My best friend, Jennifer, spoke softly. I roll my eyes and exhale roughly. I kick a rock lying on the side walk.

"I know you miss him, but he'll be here soon. Summer ain't that far away. He's writing to you and calling you. Means he's feeling the same way. "She said.

"You're right. It's just not the same, Jen. I want him to hold me , and kiss me, and-"

"You can't always get what you. Chris always told your needy ass that. "Jen laugher. I giggled and ran a hand over my short curly hair.

"He always did. Still doesn't mean I ever listened to him. I always get my way. " I smile. Jen lightly punches me in the shoulder and walks ahead.

As I said, Jen was my best friend. She was probably my only friend other than Christopher. Jen didn't mind that I was gay. She thinks that it makes me different and she likes that. However, the world thinks differently. Gay people aren't exactly liked during this time. People are killing and assaulting us because we are different. Maybe one day in the future we will all be accepted and protected.

I caught up with Jennifer as she walked into Jay's Corner Store. We went straight to the candy aisle and got candy bars. I picked up a Hundred Grand bar, Christopher's favorite. Jen quickly snatched it from my hands and replaced it with Twizzler's.

"You're thinking of Chris. Stop it, Jah. You need to cheer yourself up, okay?" She said sincerely. I nod. We make our way to the counter only to be disturbed by those stupid jocks.

"Well, look who it is. "Frank said his buddies Johnny and Sam. I let out a shaky breath as Jennifer moves closer to me. "It's that weird boy Chris hangs with. "

"You heard from Chris? Since y'all friends and all?" Sam asks me.

"Y-Yeah, about a couple—"

"It's not your business. If Chris wanted to talk to you he would call. "Jennifer butted in. She stared every single one of those big empty space holders directly in the eyes.

This is why I loved Jennifer. Jen ain't take no shit from nobody. She was everything I wanted to be. She was a smart, beautiful, strong, outspoken, and loving person. She takes care of herself and her siblings most of the time. Her Dad left years ago and her mother did heavy drugs. Jen was a true independent black woman.

"You sure gone stand up for this girl- I mean this boy right here, ain't you? I don't see how Chris hang with y'all weird asses. "Sam chuckles. Jen rolls her eyes and drags me to the counter so that we could pay for our things.

"Leave him alone, y'all. Just let them be. " I hear Johnny say from behind me. I feel relieved when they respond to him with "whatever".

Jen and I leave Jay's and make our way back home. Jen lives down the street from me so it worked out perfectly whenever we wanted to visit each other to gossip. Once we were on our street, we had exchanged goodbyes and went our separate ways. I checked the mailbox on my way inside and my day lit up. I had gotten a letter from Christopher. I quickly grabbed it and ran inside to my room. I plopped down on my bed and ripped it open.

Dear Jahseh,

I hate it here. I really want to get back to Florida so I can be with you. I'm starting to think that my family more likes the idea of New York rather than actually thinking about it. Frustration is staring to get the best of me too. But I gotta stay positive. We moved for a reason, and it's not all that bad. People like us are more accepted here. I'm starting to think that the South just all around sucks and because of racism. Up North it's better. Not much to talk about so..until next letter.

                                    Love, Christopher.

P.S. be expecting a call soon baby boy.

I blush and put the letter away in my lock box with all of our other memories. The box was filled with photos of us, his other letter, and ticket stubs from the movies and fair with other little things. I've always kept these things because they have value to me. Plus, they'll be cool to show our kids one day. The phone rang and I rushed into the kitchen to answer.

"Hello?" I speak into the phone. I soon hear my mans smooth, deep voice flow through.

"I didn't think you would answer." He chuckled, "I thought it would be your mom. That would've been horrible. "

"What are you talking about?" I giggle.

"She would've been wondering who the hell is her son talking to that's got his pants all tight and what not. More importantly, what the hell is he talking about?" We share a laugh as I blush ferociously and readjust my pants. He's already a starting to make me hot.

"You must be alone with the way you're talking right now, mister?" I question as I fiddle with my bottoms.

"Yep, and stop messing with your clothes. Unless you're gonna take them off. That'd be nice. "

"Oh my--stop! And how'd you know what I was doing?"

"Don't you think I understand what effect I have in you? You knowing that I exist gets you hot. Stop blushing too!" Christopher says. I smile and begin fiddling with the phone cord.

"Didn't I say stop messing with stuff? Why don't you wanna listen, sweetheart?"

"I'm not doing anything wrong! You know that neither one of us can sit still for long. "

"Whatever. What do you have on right now?" He asks sexily. I giggle and look down at my plain old attire.

"I'm not doing this with you!" I laugh.

"Why not? You're home alone, I'm home alone, and I'm stressed! Do you know how many traffic jams I've been caught in these past few days? And if one more person bumps me on the damn sidewalk and not be polite about it, I swear!" He rants on. I lightly chuckle and pull a chair from the table over to me to sit down.

"C'mon, baby I know you wanna do this too. Just tell me what you're wearing, and I hope you say nothing."

"No! Your hand is probably already down your pants anyway. "I say as I roll my eyes.

"You right about that. I found some Play Boy magazines in my brothers room a few days ago, and boy have I put them to use!"

"Eeeewwwwww. Stop telling me all your personal information. "

"You wanted to know. "He said. He's right. I did want to know, especially judging by the huge bulge in my jeans.

"I'll hang up on you. " I threatened.

"No you won't. I know you, Jahseh. Stop playing games before I make a trip to Florida because you've forgotten who Daddy is. "

"Don't. Last time you got hold of me I was limping around for almost a week. "

"I know, I know. I always forget to be gentle with you but baby you really make me go crazy. I just can't help myself. Now Imma ask you one more 'gin; what are you wearing?"

"I'm not doing this with you. I'm in the kitchen, Christopher. That's nasty. "

"So! It's probably dirty already anyway." I look over at the dishes in the sink and the crumbs on the counter.

"And if my memory serves me correctly, you didn't care about the kitchen last time I visited your house." Christopher says all smooth like.

"Bye lover boy!" I say into the phone. He chuckles.

"Bye baby boy. Imma write you again sometime soon, and I'll call when I can. I love you, alright?"

"Okay, and I love you too. "

"You better. Bye. "

-
🤸🏽‍♂️