Experience Me

Chapter 17

The shower was quite relaxing. The steady flow of water and building steam combined to create a small version of tranquility. After dressing in nightwear and completing a bit of hygiene, I mentally prepare myself for the night ahead of me. Dragging my finger slowly along the duvet comforter, a bundle of nerves starts to form in my stomach.

Tonight I would be in this bed, sleeping with Silas. I wonder how it would feel. Encased in the warmth of his body all night. Excitement and nervousness. This is would be a next step; a big one. As I worked to calm my nerves, a pair of strong arms came around me from behind. The feeling of his breath on my neck essentially chased away all my worries.

"You don't have to sleep in here if it makes you uncomfortable, though I wouldn't mind if you did," he softly said in my ear.

"No, it's okay." Releasing me from his arms, he grabs my hand and guides me towards the kitchen. Motioning for me to sit, he fills two bowls with the soup. The delicious smell is promising. Silas hands me a spoon, which I graciously take. I watch him take a spoonful to his mouth before I do the same. Cautiously, I allow the liquid and vegetables to dance around on my taste buds. To my surprise, the soup was quite tasteful. As I went for another spoonful, Silas cleared his throat with expectation.

"If you're looking for a compliment, you will not be getting one." Laughter poured out of him and I marveled at the sight.

"And why is that?"

"Because I'm not about to stroke your ego even further." His mock hurt expression causes me to laugh.

We sat and ate for a short while, passing flirtatious eyes between each other. Silas' expression changed into one of seriousness. He looked as if he was working up the nerve to say something.

"Why are you so adverse to emotional attachments?" Well, that wasn't what I was expecting tonight's conversation topic to be. I wasn't sure if I was ready to share my past with him. As if sensing the worry, Silas grabs my hand and runs his thumbs across my knuckles. The comforting gesture helped; however, I was still rather unsure.

"You can't hold onto the past forever and I won't rush you, but I would like an answer when you're ready." His words reminded me so much of my mother; so wise.

And so I began.

"Babe, you're coming tonight right?"

I smile at Dreya's excitement. She got drafted for the WNBA and I couldn't be more proud.

"Of course I'm coming. Where else would I be?" She picks me up and swings me around before planting a kiss on my forehead.

"It's going to be so lit. I'll see you later, I have to go get everything set up."

I watch with loving eyes as my girlfriend for the entirety of my college career strides out the door. It was still early and I had a few hours before I needed to get ready for Dreya's celebration party, so I decided to do some homework. The humanitarian project was considered a rite of passage for all graduating seniors at the university and I absolutely loved my idea for a youth center. Imagining all the kids playing and having fun with each other brought me comfort. Knowing that it would be a safe space for them to receive counseling and get away from all the street violence made the difficult portions of the project easier.

It was nearing ten o' clock and I was already thirty minutes late for the party. The jewelry store was suppose to have my order ready, but instead I have to sit here and wait.

"Here you are ma'am. I apologize for the delay."

I smile politely and take the velvet box before rushing off. When I arrived, Dreya's house was already packed with people. Some I knew, most I didn't. Peeking inside the box, I smile at the golden necklace. The pendant had diamonds arranged in the shape of a basketball with golden lines. The goal that was attached mirrored that of the ball. On the back was engraved: