TWENTY FOREPLAY • ||J.Jackson x T.Shakur

C H A P T E R E I G H T

" Don't let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy"

- Timber Hawkeye

"Oh so long for this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day
Where a ribbon's in the sky for our love"

There sat Ada on a Friday night, her body wrapped in her treasured silk pajamas. Wine glass sat next to her as she unraveled her tattered braids. Though it had been two months someone was weighing heavily on her mind. She haven't been able to ease him off her mind since their last session.

" I will, Ada thank you for everything", Amaru said but what he did next shocked Ada. He opened his arms, and walked towards her. Amaru embraced Ada, and she couldn't do anything but take in his sent. He smelled so good to her, it was intoxicating. His strong arms wrapped around her was enough to send her back into the state she was in this morning. The hug lasted for a moment, as Amaru pulled away.

Candles were lit all over her apartment as the soothing sounds of Stevie Wonder played in the background. She couldn't stop herself from having these flashbacks with Amaru. She knew that they would most likely never see him again, but she couldn't deny the feelings he gave her. From every glance, smirk, and flirty remark she was smitten.

Leaving his seat, Amaru walked towards Ada. Still struggling, Ada jumped once she realized that Amaru had was behind her grabbing the file. Ada's back was pressed against the cabinet as Amaru held the files in his hand.

She hasn't realized how close she was to him that day. What would've happened if he had just kissed her? Ada wouldn't even know the answer to that question if it was asked of her.

On her third wine glass, she was finally finished taking down her braids. She had come to realize how long it had been since she seen her natural hair. She didn't know how to feel at this given moment, as she stared into the mirror. She couldn't necessarily say she hated how she looked, she liked what she was seeing. Taking her braids down was the first step towards her change, and she was proud to say she had accomplished it. Glancing at the clock, she realized she had stayed awake way longer than she had expected. Blowing out the candles, she headed to bed.

Ada was awaken by the sunbeams shining on her face as they made their way into her room. She knew she had to get to Reina's salon within the hour for her scheduled appointment. She couldn't understand what she was feeling, she has had the same hairstyle for the past few years. She never would even imagine changing her what she had grown so accustomed to, but she felt it was necessary to embark on her journey to change.

She moved quickly around her apartment getting ready to leave. Leaving her apartment promptly, she walked along the sidewalk heading towards Reina's salon. It was such a beautiful day outside, the sun was shining but it wasn't too hot. Exactly how Ada loved the weather to be.

Ada arrived to Reina's salon within five minutes. She could hear the smooth sounds of R&B from outside of the building. Walking in she noticed the shop was empty, which was unheard especially on a Saturday at the salon.

"Reina, would you care to explain why the shop is so empty today", Ada asked as Reina turned to faces her with a smile on her face.

"Since your my best friend, I thought we deserved some privacy as we decide what we are going to do with your hair", She replied, which caused Ada to sigh rather loudly.