Soldier of Love

The Matrix

I look up from the TV and over to the clock. It read 7:15AM, meaning I had to get Nala and Jay up. Nala is coming to work with me. Meanwhile, Jay has to get ready for his nine to three Saturday dance class.

I usually don't work on Saturday's but today is a special day. I wouldn't even call this working if I wasn't going to the office. All I'm doing is shopping for an outfit and a few supplies and finalizing/decorating a for tonight's event.

I tightened my robe and turned off the TV. Shortly after, I walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs to Jay and I's room.

I was up earlier than I normally would be on a Saturday. I had to get Nala and me ready for our busy day. Besides that, I needed to get hold of the 7AM NYC traffic reports. With it being mid-December-and the streets filled with snow and ice-traffic would most definitely suck ass.

I was up at 6:30 and in forty-five minutes; I managed to make a breakfast consisting of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, and tea for my babies. Nala likes Vanilla Chai Tea; meanwhile her father is more interested in peppermint.

In case you all are wondering, Nala will be one next month. Time flies!

Tonight is the release party hosted by Essence by Vogue. We're releasing our annual Christmas Issue. Not only that, but today the company is celebrating fifteen years of production. None of this would have been possible without Ms. Debra Lee.

The magazine's theme this year corresponds to last year themes-all about music. It seems as if we have started a trend. The magazine sold so much last year that Ms. Lee is considering making every Christmas issue about music and we've gotta give credit to the themes. The only problem is that the idea gets old; but that's when the team comes in. We make sure all of the ideas are fresh and not repetitive. However, music related themes can still get old.

This year's specific theme revolves the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. We're taking it back and giving credit to those who paved the rap and hip hop music industry for artist who are here today. These musical icons include: Aaliyah, TLC, SWV, The Notorious BIG, Tupac, Easy E, Big Pun, Run DMC, MC Lyte, Queen Latifa, and more.

The magazine features a bunch of musical history and interviews done by the twins and Savannah. The designs were done by the design team of course, who coincidentally feature Clarissa Jackson-someone who tried to earn my jealousy in High School. Anywhore, so that the magazine doesn't feature just words (history & interviews) we've got plenty of pictures to draw in our readers.

The release party will offer a free magazine to the first 200 arrivals and a $10 fee to everyone who comes after. All monies will go towards charities around the world. The release party will then offer soul food and wine & champagne along with performances from Chilli, T Boz, MC Lyte, Queen Latifa, The Fugees, Chris Brown, Diggy and others. I'm not completely aware of the lineup.

The release party is going to unique. We've booked Highline Ballroom which is located 431 W 16th Street, New York, NY 10011.

Its venue is huge! It has a capacity of 700 people. In a way, it resembles Sin City Cabaret. The only difference are the colors and the absent of tables and chairs on the first floor. When you first enter, the dance floor is right in front of you. To your right is coat check and to your left is the bar. Past the dance floor is the stage. Upstairs are a few lounges and that's where you'll find all the tables and chairs.

I turned on the light and looked at Nala who was sprawled across Jacob's chest with a thumb in her mouth. Jacob held onto Nala and lay on the bed in a wild manner. The two were sound asleep, soft snores escaping their mouths.

I walked over to the bed and kissed Jacob on his forehead before grabbing Nala and holding her in my arms. Jacob's eyes fluttered open and he mumbled, "good morning," before rolling over on his side.