REAL LIFE

Written by Shelby Barnes

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1………………………………………… PG3.

CHAPTER 2………………………………………… PG52

CHAPTER 3………………………………………… PG62

CHAPTER 4………………………………………... PG70

CHAPTER 5………………………………………… PG82

CHAPTER 6………………………………………... PG122

CHAPTER 7…………………………………………. PG150

CHAPTER 8…………………………………………. PG190

CHAPTER 9………………………………………… PG238

CHAPTER 10……………………………………….. PG259

CHAPTER 11………………………………………… PG304

CHAPTER 12………………………………………… PG333

CHAPTER 13………………………………………… PG346

CHAPTER 14………………………………………… PG

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

(-Chapter 1- )

“Aye ciara, wait up girl!!” Shanna called as she struggled to balance her books in one hand and run.

“Well than hurry up cuz I aint got all day!” I said as I turned to look back as she dropped her stuff on the floor.

“Salena and the guys are already in the cars!” I said as I turned back around. When we got there Salena was on the hood of the car cussin someone out for whistling at her. When she gets angry she just snaps and goes off on you. One day that attitude is gonna get her into trouble.

“No you need to shut the hell up…Yea I said it! Now you and your trash posse just keep on steppin! Try and whistle at me, I think not!”

“Yuck it smells like teachers here” I said trying to catch Salena’s attention.

“Oh hey you guys; can you believe the nerve of those guys!” salena said as she looked their direction.

“What are you complaining about those guys were pretty cute! If Im lucky I’ll get a few compliments from the janitor or the crazy old man who thinks he’s 17 when he’s really 87. Gurl you are over reacting, I would be perfectly happy if I were you!”…

Oh I almost forgot to introduce myself! Sorry about that, sometimes I just get carried away with myself. Im Ciara and those other girls are Shanna and Salena. And the boys you’re about to meet are Davante’, that’s Salenas’ man, Jamar who is Shanna’s’ make believe man, and Marcellus (a.k.a. the finest dude in school! ANYWAYZ all six of us except Jamar have been best friends since we were in diapers. Some of us longer than others (Shanna). But around 2nd grade Jamar moved in to the house Miss Rottenmier used to live in. (Thank God) so ever since we’ve all practically lived in each others houses. We’re all 15 & 16, and we go to McKinley high school right outside Los Angeles. School is great cuz there are lots of people to make fun of. I mean really they always say there’s no such thing as stupid questions… here’s my version… there’s no such thing as stupid questions only stupid people. Me and salena are always getting on people. Some bitch was tryin to get at marcellus one day and I said ‘it’s sad that your mother dresses you that way’ the girl tried to fight me but as soon as she raised her hand salena went ‘SMACK’ and she was on the floor. Me and salena go so far back, she’s my play sister. Okay well lemme give you some physical descriptions.

I have light skin green eyes, thick dark brown curly hair, really thick, long, curled eyelashes. I wear a size seven in shoes, and im about 5 foot 6. Im Filipino, black, Mexican, and white. Now Marcellus is 6 foot 1 he has short curls, caramel colored skin, bluish green eyes, and he’s buff. Then salena has really light skin, dark brown eyes, and matching hair. Her hair is straight and at her waist and she’s 5 foot 7. Then Shanna has blue eyes, brown hair and light skin, she is 5 foot 4. Jamar is dark skin grayish eyes dimples and wasn’t very buff he is about 5 foot 10. Davante looks jus like bow wow he got the hair the eyes the skin color ad the height. Don’t be fooled now, my name may be ciara but everyone swears I look just like Alicia keys. They say I dance like ciara, sing like rihanna, and look like Alicia. So Now that I’ve given you some details and you know what’s happening we can get back to the story.

“Ay, you guys, lets go!” davante’ called as he looked out his window.

“ALRIGHT, WE’RE COMING” we all said at the same time! Shanna got into the back with Jamar, while Salena and Davante’ sat in the front. Then me and Marcellus got into his dad’s Lamborghini. And we drove to the mall. When we got there which didn’t take long, we parked and split up into gender groups.

“Ok we’ll all meet back at the see’s candy store around … 4:00 pm. That should give us about 4 hours to shop.”

“Okay”

“Aight” the guys said. Then we set off for the stores.

First we, and when I say we I mean us girls, went to Victoria’s secret to buy pajamas and lingerie. I got some cute red, pink, and white striped pajamas. They were some capris and a tank top. The tank top said gurlz don’t kiss and tell. And then by it, it had big juicy lips. Then on the pockets it back pocket of the capris it said juicy lips. I also bought a pair of pajamas that said “just because I flirt doesn’t mean im interested.” They were light purple, baby green, and baby blue. Then I got some pajamas that had a cute character devil in a diaper, cuz he was a baby, and it said irresistible in big fiery letters, it came with another pair that said red hot mama with the same picture.

Then I got some happy bunny pajamas that said ‘it’s all about me you should know that’. Then I got red and white ones that said ‘lips of an angel’ and had a big kiss mark. Then I got one that said kiss me. It was black with pink hearts around the gold lettering in front. And some that said ‘NAUGHTY AND NICE’ on the front in big black letters and on the N in naughty it had horns, and on the C in nice it had a halo. Salena and Shanna bought some cute bras and I think Salena bought herself a thong with her big pile of double D cupped bras. And Shanna with her a cups! I feel so bad for her she just started wearing a bra! All the guys called her washboard until this summer when Jamar knocked out their teeth.

Then after that store we went to against all odds. I bought a really cute red tube top and that had pink and white lettering on it. And some jeans with the same lettering on the left back pocket. When we were trying on stuff Salena was going crazy, because she couldn’t fit into some pants she wanted.

“What the hell is wrong? I know that I didn’t just go up one size in pants. The pants I was just wearing are a size 3!” then there was a big crash. And an angry Salena came out with only a cami and some booty shorts on.

She stormed up to the desk pushing people out of the way, and cleared off the whole counter. And started yellin. “Why don’t these pants fit me? Fix it!” then the lady at the counter was scared because you could here it in her voice when she asked

“Excuse me ma’am, but what’s your size?”

“I wear a size 3!” Salena snapped! Then in a very small mouse like voice the lady at the counter said

“Ma’am these pants are a size double zero.” Then Salena blushed and snatched the pants back to exchange them for the correct size. When she had gone in I quickly apologized to the lady at the counter.

When we were checking out Salena refused to go up to the lady so I had to take her money and ring up her clothes. When we finished we looked at our watches and it was 5 minutes to 4 we had to run down two flights of stairs with ten shopping bags each! I think Salena might have knocked over a few of the little kids when we jumped over the little kids play area. I looked back as some mothers covered their children’s ears and cursed at us. “Sorry” I yelled. When we reached the see’s candy counter we were out of breath and we were late. The guys who only had 2 bags each looked at us like we were crazy people.

“Shut up and lets go!” I said.

While we walked out of the store Salena went on about how the people at against all odds should be sued for all their money because they put a double zero pair of pants on a size three hanger. Of course all of us had enough money to do it but only salena would think of something so impractical. Anyway while Salena was making the poor mousy counter girl seem like she was a horrible witch, I whispered to the other two guys what had really happened.

When we got to the cars we put all our stuff into the trunk of Jamar’s car and we almost couldn’t close the trunk. But Salena who had had many shopping sprees experience with this kind of thing came over and did this crazy lookin jerk motion and the trunk closed with a scratchy sounding click. Then we went to our houses to drop off our stuff and have something to eat.

When we got to my house we all filed in like a herd of angry elephants. We said hi to my parents, ate, put stuff away and then we left. When we got to the movies we all got free tickets to “This Christmas” of course we already knew that Salena and Davante’ would be missing the whole movie. Because movies were not for watching to those two. At the movies they would make out the whole time! We walked up to the concession stand and got 2 big bags of popcorn, some skittles for Salena in case they decided to take a make out brake, and 2 big sodas with 4 straws.

When we got our food one of the guys who was whistling at Salena earlier on came in and just passed right by the lady without showing a ticket. So the lady was all “Excuse me do you have a ticket” then he stopped and said

“No I aint got no stupid ticket and I aint planning on getting one” then as he started walkin off the lady said

“Well than you can’t go in to the theatre.” But he just kept on walking. Then she asked if he was deaf and he said

“Hell na” and went inside. When he passed by us he smacked Salena’s ass. And ran in while Davante’ started to fume. Then we said hi to Frankie who always let us in for free. I walked in and kissed his cheek. He turned bright red as usual then I caught up with everyone else. He also threw really good parties but he hadn’t had one in forever.

We all sat in the very back of the theatre, while Shanna and Jamar acted like kids and threw popcorn at each other and at some of the people in the rows below us. Of course by the time previews were over Salena and Davante’ were on the floor and Shanna’s head was on Jamar’s shoulder. See Shanna can get any man she wants except for Jamar. To him their relationship is strictly on a friendly level. At least that’s what Shanna thinks. Lately me and Jamar have been talking he really likes her but he made me promise not to tell. And so did she!

So I just said that he should go for it. So when that hits it off she’ll be happy. But right now I can’t intervene without making somebody mad. So I’ll just wait and see if he takes my advice. Then I looked over at Shanna and she was asleep and I think she was drooling on Jamar’s new shirt cuz he was tryin to push her off of him. But every time he moved her she let out the ugliest snore ever and nestled her head deeper into his shoulder. Finally he just gave up on it and stuck a napkin under her head. Then Marcellus pushed up the cup holder and put his arm around me as he pulled me closer to him. . You know sometimes I think of him as my big brother, and then sometimes I think of him as my man. And when I think of him as my man it just ruins the whole concept of the relationship we have.

Anyway when the movie ended we all left while Davante’ and Salena struggled to zip up pants and put on belts… then we went home. When we got there Marcellus and I dropped in on some very angry parents. So when Marcellus saw the look on my mom and dad’s faces he said ‘bye’ and waited outside.

“Honey go out side and tell Marcellus good bye then come upstairs so that we can talk to you.” So I did as I was told. When I tried to open the door I hit something and I heard a crack and a yelp. I looked out and Marcellus must’ve been trying to listen as usual and when I opened the door I must’ve hit him!

“Im sowi” I said in a babyish voice. “Should I kiss it” I asked as I caressed his cheek.

“No!” he said as he backed off and nearly fell down the steps.

Then I said “Im bout to get beat or listen to the longest lecture from my father so bye” I leaned in to kiss him but I missed. I was so embarrassed I covered my mouth as I blushed.

“What was that supposed to be?” he asked as he looked at me kinda funny.

“Im sorry I was try…” then before I could finish he pulled my waist close till it touched his and started kissing me! Oh my gosh its happening. But do I want it?... Hell yea I do! Then as suddenly as it happened it was over. And I opened my eyes to the sound of a car driving off. I stared for what must have been 15 minutes. Time really must fly when you’re havin fun!

I ran up to my room and saw my angry parent! You see now it had reduced down to one parent instead of two! My mom had obviously been snooping and saw me because she smiled at me and winked the special mom wink. So I ran into the bathroom closed the door and locked it. I could hear my mom and dad arguing “you didn’t even punish her? She didn’t make curfew, she didn’t tell us what she was doing, and she was with a strange boy” “and what is up with that crazy wink, what does that mean” “how come you have this secret language that I don’t know?” my dad said as his voice started cracking a little.

“Honey we’ve known Marcellus since preschool!” “He’s the one who always eats his main meals at our house!”

“I know that it’s just I saw it on ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’”… I stripped and got into the warm water. As I soaped my self I thought about how stupid and childish Marcellus must think I am.

When I was into my new pajamas that just happened to say ‘gurlz don’t kiss and tell’ I heard a brrring on my phone. It was Marcellus. “R U Grnded?” he texted. “No my mama wuz coo!” I replied as I looked out my window. I saw Marcellus’ light was still on. “Oh” he replied. “Aight then im bout to come to your house around ten, then we can meet the others at the park around two.” He texted back. “Aight” I replied. “Aight” he said. “Well I’ll c u tomorrow!” he texted. “C U!” I said getting a little angry. “Luv ya wifey” he said. “Luv ya 2” I sent back as my eyes started getting heavy. “Nite, nite” he sent like five minutes later. “Shut up and go 2 sleep dumb ass!” I sent back. “O aight then” he said. “Bye, bye” I said. “ Aight I c how it iz gurl” he sent back. Marcellus is so stupid he must have been up all nite cuz all i could hear was my phone beeping and ringing and chiming and whateva other sounds a phone can make!

After a while I was forced to move into my living room, see cuz in my room there is a bedroom part a living room part a bathroom part a game room part and 2 walk in closets. In the living room I have a couch 2 arm chairs, a flat screen TV and a fire place. There is also a coffee table and some bean bag chairs that stay in my walkin closets. In the game room part there are video games, a pool table board games cards another TV and a refrigerator and a microwave, and a freezer. There’s a table some foldable chairs a couch and some more bean bag chairs. Then there is a normal table and normal chairs.

So I went into the living room and used the voice command control panel to open up the pull out couch, and to turn on the gas fire place, to dim the lights and to turn on the TV. Since I couldn’t fall asleep for a while I decided to watch my favorite show ‘one on one’. It was the episode where Arnez as usual was trying to get at Brianna although this time it worked. Then after it was over I thought for a little while and then it hit me.

Has Marcellus been tryin to get at me this whole time? I mean I know that he buys me stuff whenever I want, and he’ll do whatever I tell him, he takes all my classes, he practically lives in my house, and he’s always around me! And if indeed he is trying to get at me do I really want it… Hell yea I want it!

But what if he doesn’t want me but I ask him and then he embarrasses me by saying something like ‘no and what in this crazily absurd world gave you that Idea’ and then im standing there silently lookin dumfounded. But what If he is and then we break up and we end up like Arnez and Brianna in the new season where they aren’t together and they can’t keep a relationship because they keep calling their dates Brianna or Arnez. But what if he does like me but I never say anything and he ends up an old lonely man while I get married and have kids and then he commits suicide. Either way it seems like something bad will happen I might as well find out. It all depends on timing.

After this long and confusing thinking process I finally fell asleep. But unfortunately it was around 7 or 8 a.m. so I only had 2 or 3 hours to sleep. Then I found myself waking up to someone who was shaking me vigorously and calling my name. I opened my eyes to see who else but the one person who could keep me from sleeping Marcellus.

“What do you want” I said as I yawned and stretched.

“Oh I see how it is we make plans and then only a few hours later you forget them” he said as he stepped away from me.

“Just get out” I said attempting to throw a pillow at him, but I re thought it as I remembered my horrible aim.

“NO” he said in a little kid voice.

“Just go!!” I said as I put the pillow on my legs. “Make me” he said again. “Even better persuade me” he said rethinking his options

“Ok” I said, then I walked over looking as sexy as possible, I tossed my hair a few times then I leaned in to kiss him. As we were kissing I was slowly backing him up closer and closer to the door. Then right as I was close enough to the door I pulled away and ran through it. As I ran down the spiral stair case I heard Marcellus close behind me. Then when he reached the bottom stair he slipped and fell on our hard, cold marble floor.

As he fell I looked back laughed a little and then said “that’s why you don’t run in socks” I yelled back. Then he got up and pulled me backwards by my waist. He lifted me up and twirled me in the air. He’s always finding ways to show off his packs and his bulging biceps including other muscles.

“You are exactly what they call ‘all brawn and no brain’” I said as I flicked his nose.

“Oh I see” he said as he put me down he yanked me around and tried to pull me in for a kiss. But I pulled away because out of the corner of my eye I saw my mom peeking from behind the corner.

“Hi mom” I said in an exasperated voice.

“Oh hi honey” “how did you sleep” she asked as innocently as possible.

“Fine” I said as I turned to face her completely.

“Hello Mrs. Blakeley” Marcellus said as he backed away from me a little bit.

“Hello Marcellus” she said as she looked around me. “Nice to see you again Mr. Blakeley” Marcellus said as my dad walked out from the kitchen and through one of our two formal living rooms.

“I deeply regret to see you again young man” “and pull up your pants tuck in your shirt and take off that ridiculous hat” my dad said in a more husky voice then usual.

“Honey be nice.” My mom said as she touched his shoulder. “Would you like to join us for breakfast” my mom asked as she looked at my dad.

“No thank you I think I’ll just chill in Ciara’s room.” Marcellus said as he fearfully backed up towards the stairs and almost fell down.

“Okay then” my mom said. As I walked by him to get to the kitchen he hit my ass and told me to bring him some food.

“Fine” I said as I covered my butt with one hand.

After I was finished I sent up some food on the food lift/conveyer belt. And when I got upstairs Marcellus was already stuffing his face. Then when I came into the room he started choking.

I said “that’s why you chew your food before you swallow and you eat reasonably sized bites.” Then I laughed at him a little. You see my mom is a gourmet chef and is always catering major events. I’ve met tons of stars but not the more recent ones only because my mom doesn’t cater as much. He always comes over for some food that doesn’t come out of a box or out of a tin can.

Then I picked a pillow up while he was bending over to send the empty plate back down the food lift/conveyer belt, and threw it at his ass. I didn’t mean to hit his ass I was aiming for his head but as I have already pointed out I have horrible aim. Then he whipped around and tried to throw the pillow back at me but I was already in the bathroom. Then I realized that it was almost time to go so I stripped down to my underwear and started the shower. While I waited for the water to get hot I brushed my teeth and washed my face.

Then I got into the shower. As I soaped my self I thought a little bit about the ‘feelings’ I was having last nite. Man Marcellus has the tightest roundest most perfect ass I have ever seen! Man boy got cakes! Then I was done so I got out and got dressed, my hair was soaking wet and it wouldn’t dry for another hour or so maybe even longer. But when I got to the sink section of my bathroom everything was quiet. And usually you can hear everywhere because my rooms are all connected.

So I went out in search for Marcellus I went through the bathtub section, the sink section, and the toilet section but I couldn’t find him. So I went through all the rooms and then I heard something coming so I decided to go back to the bathroom. The sound kept getting louder and louder the closer I went to the bathroom almost like something or someone was following me. I wasn’t scared because my father made me take kick boxing when I was 5 so I was prepared. I got into the bathroom and went back to the shower section and when I got there I saw a figure come out of the shower.

It was Marcellus a naked Marcellus with only his towel and then he saw me, and when he looked at me he dropped his towel a little bit it was still around his waist though.

“What the hell, don’t you know how to knock?” he said as he tightened his towel around his waist.

“I mean I know im sexy but you gotta give a man his space.” He said as he closed the shower door.

“Get out” he said as he struggled to push me out and keep his towel up.

“Sorry” I said as I tried to explain I ran out of the bathroom.

Dam Marcellus is even sexier with out his clothes on!” When he came out he was fully dressed and he looked kind of embarrassed. “Well the guys just called they’re on their way to the park so we should probably go meet them there!” I said trying not to blush.

“Okay but you never finished persuading me” Marcellus said as he played with his shirt.

“Okay then” I said as I waked over to him and leaned in to kiss him and right before his perfect lips touched mine I turned my face and said “sheam!”

“Aye that wasn’t cool” he said as he threw another pillow at me and he chased me around the room.

While I was running I tripped on the leg of the coffee table and hurt my ankle. “Ouch” I half heartedly yelled.

“Oh are you okay Ciara?” he asked in a babyish voice. “You need a kiss?” then he picked me up and we started to make out. It felt kind of eerie kissing him. It was like when you’re really hot and then you drink a glass of really cold water and you can feel it running down through your body.

We were all over the place on the floor on the couch every where I think I got a rug burn. All I could feel was this stinging sensation. Was that a rug burn or was it the sensation of making out? Then all of a sudden we stopped. Someone was trying to open the door. We quickly zipped up pants and jackets and jumped on the couch. Then my mom walked in as I turned on the TV as casually as possible.

“Hi kids” “just checking to see how you were doing.” My mom said as she set down a laundry basket. “You know just to see if you were okay it sounded like you guys were running around.” she said as she picked out my laundry and put it in my clean clothes basket next to the door.

“Um mom obviously we are fine and we’re kinda busy so you can leave now.” I said trying to be respectful but I wasn’t very successful because my mom looked a little shocked or angry.

“Okay I know when I’m not welcome” “I’ll just leave you two to your business” my mom said as she picked up the laundry basket and left.

“Okay then bye” I said as she closed the door.

Then when my mom was walking out I realized how they had known something was happening they must have heard it from the food lift/conveyer belt. And I hadn’t locked the roaming communicator system. So when she left I locked the door, turned off the main communicator in my room which turned off all the other ones then I closed the door to the conveyer belt. “That’s how they’ve been hearing us.” I said as I looked back at Marcellus.

“Yea but you gotta admit it was kind of exciting” Marcellus said as he smiled his famous Chris brown smile.

“Yea you’re right.” I said as I looked back and couldn’t help but smile.

“You want some more?” Marcellus said as he stood up and walked towards me.

“Wait we gotta get outta here!” I said as I pushed his lips away from mine. I knew I wanted it but we had to leave.

“Damn its 1:45!” Marcellus said as he looked at the clock on the TV. “Let’s go!” I said as I pulled him out with me.

So we ran outta the house, I yelled “bye mom bye dad”

“Bye Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley!” Marcellus yelled as I pulled him out of the house trying to avoid any possible questioning. Then we got into Marcellus’ dad’s Lamborghini and sped down the street.

“Aye maybe we should stop at Jamba Juice so that we have an excuse for being late” Marcellus said as he started towards Jamba Juice.

“You know that was smart Marcellus maybe you aren’t all brawn and no brain” I said as I kissed his cheek.

“See I can think when I want to.” Marcellus said sounding stupid as ever.

When we got to the park with our drinks the others looked mad. Salena was the angriest! “So what took you guys so long” asked salena.

“We stopped to buy you Jamba Juice on the way and the line was going on and on forever.” Marcellus said as he held out the drinks.

“What time did you guys get there?” salena questioned in her usual way.

“Oh around 1:25.” I answered because Marcellus didn’t know what to say.

“Oh really” salena asked as she looked into my eyes. “Yea really” I said as I tried desperately to avoid her gaze. “What are you saying you don’t trust us?” I fired at her trying to let off some of the pressure.

“Well you certainly couldn’t have been at Jamba Juice at 1:25 because that’s when we were there, and the line was short. In fact there wasn’t a line at all.” Salena said as she paced around us. “And you know why there wasn’t a line because it wasn’t open until 1:45!” she said as she looked deep into Marcellus’ eyes trying to get him to break. I thought to myself hoping he would hear me don’t break, don’t break, don’t break!! “So how bout you tell me the truth.” Salena said as she walked back to her original standing position when we got there.

“Okay well we kinda lost track of time” I said trying to make it as simple as possible.

“Aight that’s all you had to say” salena said as she backed off.

“Man dude I know you’re straight so what is up with that shiny stuff all over your face.” Asked Jamar.

“Someone’s been getting their mac on!” said Davante’

“Oh no you two aren’t- man you didn’t even tell me, man dude.” Davante’ said.

“You and Ciara?” jamar said as he laughed like a maniac. “I gotta give you props I tried to get wit Ciara in preschool and she just threw her stupid cookie at me!” davante’ said as he punched Marcellus in the arm. “So how long have you two been together?” davante’ questioned more seriously now.

“What are you talking about we aren’t together if that’s what you think” Marcellus said back. “Oh dude you aint even gotta be her man to get some” jamar said as he punched Marcellus in the arm and stared longingly at me.

“Dam dude you is good” jamar said still not taking his eyes off of me.

“Na man it aint even like that” Marcellus said trying to cover for me but doing a horrible job.

Then the guys started throwing sand at each other, while me salena, and Shanna talked. “So what’s up with you and Marcellus?” salena asked as she pulled me over to a bench and sat me down forcefully.

“Looks like you guys have been havin some lip work outs!” Shanna said as she giggled.

“We were just messin around” I said trying to cover up what had really happened as casually as possible, trying to make it simple.

“Aye that’s never good to mess around” said Shanna.

“And how would you know?” I asked as I looked at Shanna.

“Well if you had been here on time instead of having a lip funfest with Marcellus you would have known that Jamar and Shanna just got together.” Salena said to cover for a hurt looking Shanna.

“No way” I said as I smiled at Shanna. “Yea we did” Shanna said as she blushed a little.

“Aye you guys we about to go spend a weekend at my dad’s beach house you guys wanna come?” davante’ asked as he walked over with the others.

“Yea let’s go” I said as I looked at Marcellus.

“Okay lets meet at the gates around 4 and try not to be late!” salena said as she stared at me and Marcellus.

“Okay sorry” I said as I walked over to Marcellus’ dad’s car. Marcellus had a Lamborghini too but he hardly drove his.

As we were driving off Marcellus was all “why didn’t you tell me I had your lipgloss all over my face?”

“Im sowi I didn’t see it?” I said as I looked at him with my lip poked out.

“Well anyway you gotta help me pack” Marcellus said as he drove up to my house. “So meet me at my house when you’re done.” Marcellus said as he stopped the car.

“Okay” I said, as I got out Marcellus rolled down his window and told me to come over. “What” I said as I bent over.

Then he whispered in my ear “I luv you wifey” and then I gave him a kiss, as drove over to his house.

“Mom me and the others are going to Davante’s beach house!” “For the weekend” I added in.

“Okay drive safe” my mom said as she finished doing what sounded like kneading bread.

“They will” I yelled and got my stuff. Then I walked over to Marcellus house which was right across the street and three houses to the left. I knocked on the door and Marcellus opened it and turned me right around.

“I thought you wanted me to help you pack” I said as I walked to the car still confused.

“Well I packed because you were taking too long.” Marcellus answered filling in the blanks.

“Well sorry.” I said as I realized what he was implying.

“Just get in the car so we won’t be late again!” Marcellus said as he opened my door for me.

“Okay let’s go” I said as I closed the door and waited for him to get in. when we got to the gates Robert the morning security guard for our complex waved and said the others were waiting on the other side. We drove through the gates and when we saw the others we started on our way to half moon beach.

When we got there it was around 6 at nite. I was so tired that I didn’t even stay up long enough to change into my pajamas. I just went to the room that was mine I put my stuff down set everything up brushed my teeth and went to sleep fully dressed. At nite I thought I heard someone else in the room. But I was too tired to look up and see who it was. Then when I woke up the next morning I was in my pajama shorts and the matching tank top. And when I looked at the other side of the bed Marcellus was there. I decided not to wake him up so I went to our bathroom and took a shower. After I had got in I heard the door open and Marcellus came in. “Hey wifey you’re up” Marcellus said.

“Yea and in the shower” I said looking at him through the curtains.

“I know I was just coming to go to the bathroom. Im not gonna look.” Marcellus said as he covered his face.

Of course I knew that he was gonna try to look. And sure enough I saw a hand banging against the shower curtains as he cast a shadow across the curtains. I smacked him. “Get out dumb ass” I said as I looked at him. Then when I was sure he was out I got out of the shower as quickly as possible got dressed and brushed my teeth and left the bathroom. Then right as I closed the door someone was pulling me around, I already knew it was Marcellus. He pulled me in for a kiss and right before he did I pulled away. “Not until you brush your teeth.” I said as I put my finger on his lips.

After he was clean and dressed we went down to breakfast. We had pancakes, bacon eggs and hash browns. Of course it was all made by me and salena who loved to cook. Well not really loved our parents kinda made us learn at a really early age. In fact it was my parents who made me learn and salena was always at our house because her parents are always out of town so she just learned as well.

“Aye you guys lets go jet skiing on the beach.” Davante’ said as he stuffed the last bite of pancakes in his syrup outlined mouth. “My dad has enough for us to ride in the shack” he continued as he finished swallowing.

“I can’t swim!” said Shanna.

“That’s okay I’ll stay back here with you” Jamar said as he wrapped his arm around Shanna’s waist. Shanna blushed as she stared into his eyes.

“You know what maybe we should just kick it over here before we go out and do something like that.” Salena said as she looked at davante’.

“Fine” “but if we aint gonna do the jet skis then tonite we are gonna play strip blackjack!” said davante’.

“Ugh you pervert!” Shanna said as she threw a pillow at him.

“Aye Ciara are you gonna play with us?” Marcellus asked as he tugged at my shirt.

“Hell no.” I said as I slapped his hand. After that me and the other gurlz all went to my room to talk.

“Ciara you aren’t actually thinking bout playin strip black jack with them are you?” Shanna said as she hugged a pillow tight against her 'A' cup chest.

“Not if you guys aren’t” I said thinking cautiously. “Besides its not like they can beat us in anything.” I said as I looked at salena.

“That’s true” salena said.

“But im still not doin it.” Shanna added in. As we walked out we heard the guys, who I already knew were listening to us, run down the stairs. But it didn’t matter its not like they weren’t gonna find out eventually.

“Let’s take a walk on the beach Marcellus.” I said as I grabbed onto his hand.

“Aight” he said as he shrugged and wrapped his arm around my waist.

Then the guys and girls all said “ooo” in unison. “We can go to that café over by the cliffs.” Marcellus said ignoring them.

“Okay let’s go.” I said as I looked at salena questioning my decision. She just waved me on.

“Bye you guys we’ll be back in an a few hours.” I said.

“Bye” they all said of course salena was loudest. When we got walking Marcellus was all on me. He had his arm around me and he was all tryin to kiss me I know that the beach is the perfect place to make out but not in broad day light.

“Aye Ciara, so I was thinking, you know if you wanted to, well if it made you’re more comfortable, well you know im really feelin you so I was wonderin if you were feelin me too.” He finally blurted out. “So are you?” he asked not even looking at me.

“Well yea Im feelin you or else I wouldn’t be with you rite now.” I said as I touched his face.

“So you wanna go out or something?” he asked in his childish voice.

“Are you asking me?” I said looking into his eyes.

“Yea” he said embarrassed.

“Then yea I would”. I said.

“Okay then” he said as he looked at me longingly. I turned to face him, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. While we were kissing this big wave splashed me and him. We were soaked. “Damn why did this have to happen now!” he said as he stomped his foot in the sand and got more sand and water all over himself.

“I know” I said as I laughed at his misfortune. “Well we might as well head back” I said as I pulled his arm.

“No it’s only been about an hour.” Marcellus complained.

“We have time let’s go to the shops.” He said. “Okay” I said as I looked at him. We went to this beach shop that sold jewelry and little trinkets. Marcellus told me to pick out whatever I wanted and he’d buy it for me. So while he went over to café I picked out some turquoise earrings and a matching necklace. And told the store manager to hold it for me. The guy was Jamaican so he had that accent when he said “okay ma’am”. I was trying not to smile as I walked out of the store.

When Marcellus came back he bought me my jewelry and some ice cream and we started heading back to the house. When we were almost there it was 3 so we decided to stop and pick up some lunch for everyone. Of course we didn’t carry the food we got one of those guys who carries it to your house for 5 dollars. When we got to the house no one said thank you they just took the food and started digging in.

Me and Marcellus went upstairs and watched some TV. Then about 45 minutes later someone knocked on the door. “Come in” I said as I looked at the door. Then the door burst open and everyone filed in. Marcellus was asleep on the couch.

“Aye so since we obviously aren’t gonna be playin strip black jack lets go down stairs and watch a movie.” Shanna said with her hands linked in Jamar’s.

“Okay” I said.

“Im all up for it” Shanna said.

“Me too” salena said. “As long as it isn’t a movie that’s all action and doesn’t make sense im in” I added.

“Okay then we’ll make sure Salena picks the movie” Shanna said.

When I finished talking Marcellus woke up. He came over to us to find out what was happening.

“Aye what’s goin on” “why are you guys all up in my crib” he said sleepily.

“Aye we were just discussing some information about the activities that will be goin on today at 7 after dinner.” Jamar replied trying to sound sophisticated.

“Hey Ciara” he said as he walked closer to me. He wasn’t even paying attention to jamar as he tried to explain why every one was in my room.

“Hey sleepy head” I said as I looked at him. Then he bent over the back of my chair and kissed me.

“Ooo” everyone said as they watched us.

“So what time is it now?” I asked as I wiped the lipgloss off of his lips with my thumb.

“It’s exactly 5:45.” Jamar said in his fake sophisticated voice.

“Well let’s eat.” Davante’ piped in.

When the guys left and it was only me salena and Shanna in the room they both jumped on the bed and demanded for details.

“Okay well while we were walking on the beach he just asked me if I was feelin him and if I wanted to go out with him. And as soon as we started kissin this big wave came and soaked us.” I said as I held up the wet clothes that we had taken off. “It almost knocked us over.” I added as I put Marcellus’ down because they were sandy. “And then we went to the shops and he bought me some stuff, and then we walked back to the house.” I said as I tossed them into the laundry basket for the maids that came during the day.

“Ooo my gurl is hookin up with her man.” Shanna said.

“Shut up.” Salena said as she threw a pillow at Shanna.

“Okay we should probably go down and eat.” I said trying to break them up.

“Okay let’s go.” Shanna who was always ready to eat, piped in. When we walked down stairs the kitchen was tow up.

“What the hell happened?” salena started yelling. “You mean to tell me that we leave you guys alone in the kitchen for 20 minutes and you guys turn it upside down!” salena was goin off!

“Aye Salena” “baby” “we’re sorry we’ll clean it up.” Davante’ said as he wrapped his arms around her trying to calm her down.

“You better” salena said a little calmer. “And get your hands off of me!” she said as she pushed him off of her. “Tonite you are sleepin on the floor, in the bathroom!” she said as she walked off.

“Man, Davante’ she told you!” jamar said trying to sound tough.

“You can’t say nothin either Jamar” “you are in this just as much as he is.” Shanna said trying to sound controlling. I wasn’t even trying to talk to Marcellus, I was not part of this and I had no intention of including myself in any of this.

When the guys finished cleaning up and we finished eating. We picked a movie. Well really salena picked it because she always needs to be in complete control of everything. So she picked the movie. It was some movie called ‘deck the halls’ it was funny. Then we watched this scary movie called hangman’s curse. Of course the guys picked that one. When I got to my room I got into bed and Marcellus came in.

“Aye wifey you was lookin hot tonite.” He said as he strolled in.

“You weren’t lookin so bad yourself” I said as I scooted farther under the covers. Then he dimmed the lights and locked the door. When my eyes adjusted to the darkness I saw Marcellus come in and lie down. He put his arm around me and we fell asleep together.

When I woke up the next morning I was in my pajamas that said juicy on the front. I looked around and saw Marcellus.

“So how was your sleep?” he said. “Did you dream about me” he asked as he dropped a magazine on the table.

“What if I did?” I said staring at him.

“Well if you did I hope they were good dreams!” he said looking at me.

“You are so obsessed with your self” I said to Marcellus as I put my arms around him and sat on his lap.

“No im just so sexy that I have to compliment myself.” he said as he showed off his muscles.

“Whatever!” I said as I pushed his biceps out of my face.

“Im feelin kinda dirty Ciara lets go take a shower” he said as he pulled off his shirt and tugged at mine.

“Whateva!” I said as I pulled mine back down. Well we did end up takin a shower but separate ones. He tried to come in but when he jumped in I pushed him over the edge of the tub. When we were dressed we stayed in the room for awhile and talked.

He really didn’t want to talk. But I made him listen. “We’ve gotta get something straight okay” I said as I pushed him away from me which must’ve been the tenth time in that five second period.

“What” he said backing off a little bit.

“We are not gonna be constantly makin out in public if that’s what you’re hoping for.” I said pushing him away again.

“Who said that?” he asked as he looked at me.

“No one” I answered.

“Then why did you say it?” he asked as he kissed my neck softly.

“Well you know you’re always on me and sometimes I need some space to breath” I said sounding nerdy as ever. “Im not sayin we can’t kiss and stuff but we gotta keep it reasonable” I said more seriously.

“Okay that’s cool with me” he said as he backed off and stood up.

“Are you sure you’re not mad?” I asked

“Yea im sure.” He said. “Luv ya wifey” he said trying to assure me he was sincere.

“Luv ya 2” I said as I looked at him. Then we kissed and went down stairs.

It was our turn to choose the activity of the day so we decided to go to this club that was supposed to be the hottest spot at the beach. Now salena and I can dance. Like we can really dance. I can’t say so much for Shanna but me and salena be the life of the party everywhere we go! When we got to the club we could here the music playing from hecka far away! When we got inside me and salena were into the crowd. Poor Shanna just sat down with Jamar. Shanna usually waited for the slow songs where you didn’t really have to know how to dance.

Me and Salena were both grindin on this one dude. But then Davante’ and Marcellus caught up to us and were all tryin to start something with this guy. I don’t know why they do this. They know that whenever there’s a party me and Salena don’t care who we’re dancing with we’re just tryin to have some fun. That’s what I lyk about salena. She don’t care what anyone else thinks about her as long as she’s havin fun she’s cool.

“Aye man what the hell you think you’re doin, these two girls right here are our women.” Davante’ said as he pushed the poor guy against the wall.

“So you need to step off.” Marcellus added in.

“Aye Marcellus I started dancing with him so you need to step off.” I said getting angry with both of them. “It’s a party ima dance with whoever I fuckin feel like dancing with.” “And if you want to dance with me then you come and dance with me, but don’t go telling people not to dance with me.” “I Luv you but I can take care of myself.” I said as I pushed him off of the guy.

“Well fine then if that’s how you want it then that’s how I’ll give it to you.” He said tryin to act tuff around me.

“Okay then” I said as I watched him. He went over to some girl and just started grindin on her. I don’t know what he was tryin to say and I don’t care cuz everyone knows I can grind harder and better than him so there’s really no competition. I was angry as hell when I saw him makin out with this girl.

She had a nice figure but she had the ugliest face so it didn’t really bother me. But something was telling me I should do something. So I walked over and started kissin this really fine dude. Then I smiled and looked at Marcellus but he wasn’t even paying attention cuz he was too busy putting his hands all down her back. I walked over there so quick, pulled that ho right off him and slapped him hard right across the face. Everyone stopped dancing as the slap echoed throughout the club.

“So this is how you treat your girlfriend when you’re mad that she’s dancing with another guy?” I said trying to stay calm.

“This is how I treat you?” he asked as he pointed at himself. “If we’re goin out don’t you think we should be dancing?” he asked as he backed up. “And you’re the one who slapped me and was grindin and makin out with guys you don’t even know” he said getting defensive.

“I can’t say any better of you?” I snapped back at him. “And you” I said as I turned on the ho he was dancin with. “This man is already takin so you can get your double 0, pancake ass, your fake double D cupped chest, and your ugly ass face off my man!” I yelled as I pushed her outta the way. She was some white chick so I knew she couldn’t fight and she wouldn’t try nothing either. “If this is how you’re gonna treat me then we’re over” I said turning back to Marcellus. “Tonite you are sleepin on the couch…Down stairs!” I said then I turned and walked away.

“Damn she told you!” jamar as usual said.

“Man shut up” davante’ said as he looked at jamar.

“Who’s gonna make me?” jamar said getting up in Davante’s face. Then davante’ punched jamar so fast that he hit the ground in mere seconds.

“That’s what I thought!” davante’ said as he looked at jamar. Shanna ran over to comfort him and then left when he wouldn’t get up. When the party was over me and Marcellus walked home in silence. When we got there we showered and changed. When me and salena was done changing I went to her room to talk to her.

“Did you notice how different Marcellus acted at this party?” I asked as I painted my toe nails.

“Well you gotta admit you are a really big flirt” salena said as she added the details. “And when it comes to men you gotta give them a sense of control with out really lettin them be the boss” she said as she wiped the extra polish off my cubicles. “You know what I mean?” she said as she admired her work.

“Yea I under feel you” I said as I put my toes on the base board of the bed.

“You were really grindin on that one dude” she said as she barely managed to keep herself from smiling.

“You was hot tonite” “I mean seriously I gotta give you your props” she said as she looked away. “But anyway Marcellus and you are just startin out you gotta let him be with you more and let him dance with you and let him feel like he’s in a serious relationship.” She said as she hugged me. “That’s all” she said as she pushed away.

“Thanks Salena” I said as I looked at her.

“No problem gurl” she said as she stood up. “Anytime” she said. Then I went over and sat on the bed.

“So what are we gonna watch?” I asked as I grabbed a pillow.

“Hold on we?” she said as she switched the TV off.

“Yea” I said as I looked at her.

“Um I luv ya gurl, and I know I said anytime but, right now me and my man gotta have some alone time.” She said as she smiled.

“Oh sorry” I said as I looked at the door.

“Maybe you should go try to work things out with your man!” She said as she saw me staring at the door.

“Yea I know.” I said as I stood up and put the pillow back on the chair.

When I walked over to our room and opened the door Marcellus was in the shower. “And stop shakin that booty so much its not cute!!” salena called as she pulled davante’ into the room and slammed the door. I knocked on the door and went in. he was still in the shower, so I sat down in the chair that had his stuff on it, inside the bathroom.

“Marcellus baby” I said trying to sound innocent. “What?” he said in an angry voice. “Im sorry bout tonite!” I said trying to keep clam.

“Me too” he said calming down as well.

“I kinda just over reacted a little bit I was just confused cuz I always think of you as my bro and now we go out and it seemed kinda awkward the way you were so protective of me. I mean you’re always protective of me but never in this kind of way. ” I said trying to make him understand. “Im sowi” I said.

“Aye nothin to be sowi about” he answered. “I luv you!” he said.

“Luv you too.” I replied. He got out of the shower while I was still in there, so I asked him if he wanted me to leave he was cool.

“Just don’t stare at me” he said as he wrapped himself in a towel.

“Ok” I said as I closed my eyes. Then he gave me a wet hug and a kiss to match it!

After he was done in the shower and was dressed we went to the ice cream shack next door and got two ice cream cones and two spoons. “Aye marcellus you gotta try this ice cream it’s so good!” I said as I licked my lips.

“Fine” he said as he looked at my ice cream. After I gave him a bite he had this big creamy ice cream mustache.

“You got a little bit of ice cream on your lips, let me help you get it off” I said as I leaned in to kiss him. We must have been kissing for at least 5 minutes then he pulled me closer and kissed me harder.

“Wait” “let’s go back its getting kinda late and the store manager is trying to close.” I said as I pushed away afraid of what might happen.

“How would you know?” Marcellus asked as he looked into my eyes questioningly.

“Maybe because he’s pointing to his watch, and he put up a sign that says ‘I need to close so you guys have gotta leave’.” I said as I pointed to the window. It was some Mexican holiday today so everyone was trying to close early.

“Oh, good point.” Marcellus said as he stood up.

“We need to get some sleep anyway cuz we gotta leave tomorrow!” I said but he wasn’t listening “marcellus stop we’ve gotta go” I said grabbing his attention.

“Okay, okay”. He said as he looked at me.

“Thank you” I said.

“Yea sure” he said as he grabbed hold of my hand then we walked home and went to say good nite to every one.

“I’ll see you in the room okay” Marcellus said as he looked at me. “Unless your gonna make me sleep on the couch” he added.

“Shut up” I said as I looked at him.

“No you shut up” he snapped. “I don’t know what I did, I don’t know what your problem is but whatever it is you can tell me.” “That’s what im here for!” he said more seriously.

“Please can we just go to sleep?” I said kinda confused about what just happened.

“You wanna sleep fine we’ll sleep but we’re gonna talk tomorrow!” he said getting angry.

“Whateva!” I said as I looked at him.

“Good nite!” he said angrily. “Nite” I said still confused about why he was so mad all of a sudden.

The next morning my bags were packed my clothes were out all I had to do was wake up! “Good morning babe!” I said trying to forget about last night.

“Good morning wifey!” he said obviously trying to forget as well. Then he kissed my forehead while I went to brush my teeth and take a shower. “Can I help you with anything?” he asked.

“No im good” I replied.

“Okay” he said.

“Don’t be tryin to act all nice like nothin happened!” i said as he turned away.

“What are you talkin bout” he said.

“Im still mad at you!” I said confused about who was supposed to be mad.

“Fine with me” he said.

“Oh really that’s fine with you?” I said.

“Yea” he answered.

“Well fine then” I replied. “Fine” he said.

Why is he acting all nice all of a sudden? What’s up? Well he did say that he was just gonna give me my space! I don’t know what was wrong with me last nite I just didn’t feel rite he’s probably mad and trying to hide it by being a little too nice! I hope he isn’t really mad at me. Because I don’t know how im gonna explain how I was feeling. I don’t want to risk our friendship over something stupid. And I don’t wan to damage the relationship either. So I think I’ll just act normal like nothing happened. But knowing Marcellus he likes to pry so he’ll most likely bring it back up again. So I might as well just try to explain it as best as possible. I luv him but sometimes I swear he just makes me wanna scream. He’s too perfect. Or am I just not perfect enough?

“Aye what’s all the screaming about” jamar asked.

“Nothin” I said as I buried my head deep into my pillow.

“Tell me” jamar said.

“Get out” I yelled.

“Fine then but you know you’re gonna want to tell me!”

“Shut up jamar!”

“Fine” he said as he walked out the door. We could still hear him complaining as he stomped down the stairs. “No one tells me nothin no more!” “I don’t know what I did” “I didn’t do nothin” “they need to take some anger management classes or something!” “It aint my fault they started makin out before they were together and now because they were makin out they are together” “they just confuse me anyway” “so why am I till talkin bout them” “make me so mad!” he said as he continued down the stairs. I giggled as he went on.

When he finally got down the stairs me and Marcellus both laughed at the same moment. Then I turned and at the same time we both said

“Im sorry” then we hugged and kissed. I think marcellus was kinda holdin back because I think he knows that he went a little bit too far last night and im gonna need time to think and recover from that! So when I tried to kiss him again to show him it was okay he turned his head so I got his cheek instead of his lips. I looked up at him and then i backed away and walked outta the door.

What’s wrong wit me? First I make him take it slower after last night and then im not takin it slow. I must’ve seemed so double standard and stupid. I really need some time to think.

On the drive home I fell asleep again, and again Marcellus carried me to my room changed my clothes and slept on the couch. I think he might have even unpacked my stuff for me! He’s so sweet. Im so imperfect why does he even lyk me do I deserve him? My mama says I should never question whether or not im good enough for a man or whether I deserve him. That he should be questioning whether or not he’s good enough for me and whether he deserves me. Because im a queen and I deserve the best!

But for some reason I don’t feel like a queen I feel like a selfish self-centered spoiled brat who needs to be punished! But I can think about it tomorrow when I wake up cuz rite now im really, really, really tired and im frustrated, confused and lost. I need someone to come and find me, to make me understand, to calm me down. Is Marcellus the one who’s supposed to calm me down and comfort me, teach me and come find me when im lost?

Sometimes I wonder if mothers are always right. Sometimes I just know that they are. But sometimes I feel that mothers just say stuff to comfort you or to make you strong. And if so then are all the things that your mothers tell you true? Well maybe they are and I just haven’t figured it out yet. Let’s wait and see.

Six months later…

Well me and marcellus are doin better since our little beach house struggles but I still haven’t figured out whether or not mothers are always right and what they tell you is always true.

“Aye Ciara” “lets go we’re gonna be late, the party starts at 10 and it’s already 9:30 we gotta drive all 20 minutes and find parking.” Marcellus yelled from downstairs.

“Im comin, Im comin!” I said as I ran down the spiral stair case and when I reached the marble floors I slipped but Marcellus caught me.

“I thought you said you didn’t run around in socks” he said as he lifted me back up to my feet.

“I never said that I said that you shouldn’t run around in socks.” I replied smartly.

“Well you implied that” he said trying to outsmart me.

“No I didn’t” I said running out of things to say.

Then he pulled me up and twirled me around and when he brought me back down he pulled me in for a kiss. Me and him make out a lot more and in public. But my family is still adjusting to it. Of course my dad isn’t even trying to get used to it. “Well, well, well.” “Look who’s here” “the boy who eats all his main meals at this house” “I thought I heard you guys say you were gonna be late” “well maybe if you would keep your nasty mouth away from my daughter you would be on time more often.” “You know I got video cameras all over the house.” “I know why you two are always late all the time” my dad said as he glared at Marcellus.

“Oh good evening Mr. Blakeley” “I didn’t see you standing there but you sure do look nice.” Marcellus said trying to bring him off the subject.

“Of course you didn’t see me standing there because you couldn’t have.” “You were too busy making out with my daughter” “so don’t try to impress me boy because I know what you’re up too.” “I’ve seen it happen to hundreds of dad’s on MTV they all think the boy is nice so they let the boy in and treat him like family.” “And then next thing you know I have a pregnant daughter.” “So as long as you date my daughter we will never be friends” my dad said as he continued to stare.

“Oh hi Marcellus” my mom said coming to the rescue.

“Hi Mrs. Blakeley” Marcellus said relieved.

“Has Mr. Blakeley been being nice?” she asked. “Of course he has” Marcellus said.

“He’s always nice” said Marcellus convincingly

“Boy I told you stop tryin to impress me it aint gonna happen” my dad said angrily.

“Be nice” my mom said as she looked at my dad. “You two have fun now” she said as she looked back at us.

“Thanks bye” I said. Then we ran out the door. When we got into the car I kissed him and he started the engine and sped down the street. When we got to the gates Robert waved and let us through as usual.

“Im sorry about my dad, you know he’s a little bit over protective.” “I mean ever since Jason and Jordan (my older, twin brothers) went off to war my dad has been a little iffy about letting me do stuff.” I said, even though Marcellus already knew the whole story. “When my mom said I could be a cheerleader my dad went and told the coach that my skirt was to be made below the knees.” “So I ended up being the only girl on the whole squad who couldn’t move and looked like I was wearing a dress.” I said as I laughed. “And on my first date my dad told me to go and look for the ice cream in the freezer and not to come back till I found it.” “Of course there was no ice cream” “so while I was gone my dad was interrogating the poor boy” “and when he asked where I was my dad told him that I had probably run off with one of my other 10 boyfriends”

“Then on my second date my dad followed us to the movies without us knowing and made us watch the wizard of oz.” “He was dressed as a seat in the movies and was watching us the whole time from two rows back.” “I found out because when he tried to kiss me my dad threw a soda at him so he had to go to the bathroom. And he never came back to the theatre.” “And when I got to school the next day he told everyone that my dad was a crazy.” “And that we ate dogs” “well of course you should know about the dogs’ part he told you too”

“Yea I remember that” Marcellus of course knew all the stories I just needed to have something to say.

“Aye what house did those directions say the party was at?” Marcellus asked.

“4033 Pleasants drive” I answered.

“Thanks wifey” he said

“Yea” I said.

“Watz wrong wit you?” he asked.

“Nothin” I answered.

“Than why you look so down” he asked.

“Im fine” I replied. Im not really but that’s so sweet how he noticed and acknowledged it! I love him. Wait I don’t love him I luv him! There’s a difference. Luv is when im just playin like its not on a serious level, but love is when I mean it like you wanna get married love. Its kinda like ‘like’ and ‘lyk’ like is the normal one where you like something, and ‘lyk’ is when you like someone. Anywayz back to my original subject!! But do I love him? Does he love me? I mean if he loves me than should I acknowledge it or should I let him be the man and do it himself? But what if he’s too scared? Anyway we’re at a party and im bout to have a good time.

“Aye are you comin?” he asked as he looked back in the car.

“Yea im comin” I said as I stepped back into reality.

“Well we’ve been here for like five minutes and you are still sittin in the car!” he said as he looked at me.

“Shut up I was thinking” I said as I stepped out of the car.

“Sure you were” he said as he rolled his eyes.

“Its not like you think at all” I snapped.

“Yes I do I think, about you twenty-four seven baby gurl” he said as he closed my door behind me.

“Awe” “that’s cute” I said sarcastically.

“Oh I see how it iz ima tell you what’s on my mind and them you gonna go and tell me off!” “Okay then” Marcellus said.

“No marcellus I was just playin” I said as I tried to kiss him.

“No I don’t want to talk to you” he said as he pushed me away.

“Just leave” he said in his acting voice

“Oh fine then I guess you won’t be getting that surprise I was gonna give you sometime at or after the party!” I said.

Then I started to walk inside

“Oh hold on baby what kinda present are we talkin bout here?” he asked all excited now.

“Well you’ll find out” I said.

“That aint even cool” he said as he tried to look at me. Then I turned around, pulled him down and kissed him. When I pulled away his eyes were still closed and he was waiting for more.

“Hello we gotta go inside the house its cold outside” I said as I shook him a little.

“Oh, oh im comin” he said as he opened his eyes. “Sorry I was just thinking a little bit back there” he said.

“Oh good job you actually used your brain today!” I said as I patted his head.

“You know what” he asked.

“What” I snapped.

“I really don’t know I was kinda hopin you did” he said.

“You’re so retarded” I replied.

“What’d you say?” he asked.

“Nothin, nothin” I said. Then in a softer tone I said “dumb ass”

“Oh uh huh I heard that one” he said then he grabbed me and started tickling me

“Stop we’re at a party” I said, and then I kicked him. But unfortunately I couldn’t see where I was kickin because he was behind me. When I turned around I heard him yelp. His face was bright red.

Then I looked down at my feet. I didn’t realize that I was wearin some pointy healed stiletto pumps. I had kicked him right in the spot!

“Damn girl that aint even cool, now I can’t have babies” he said as he sat down.

“Im so sorry” “I couldn’t see where I was kickin” I tried to explain.

“Just get me some ice or something” he said.

“You’re not gonna hold it there are you” I asked.

“I don’t know if I have to then yes I will” he snapped.

“Okay no need to snap” I said then I ran into the kitchen and got a bag of ice from the freezer. When I ran back he was lyin down on a couch in the corner. I ran over and handed him the ice.

Man look what I done did! He looks even finer when he’s in pain though! When he put the ice on it he cringed “damn this ice is cold” he said.

“Well if it wasn’t it wouldn’t be ice” I replied. Then he looked at me. “Well that’s a good thing it will help the swelling” I said trying to sound more sympathetic. “If my dad isn’t too mad at you maybe he’ll take a look at you, you know he’s a doctor.” I said as I looked at him.

“No I didn’t know that, I’ve only known you you’re whole life, and spent so much time in your house.” He said in a sarcastic voice.

“Shut up”

“Anywayz no way Im gettin no where near your dog eatin daddy!” he said as he laughed.

“Shut up” I said as I gave him a look.

“Na you know im just playin right?” he said as he smiled.

“Yea im not stupid” I said. “But you think you’ll still be able to dance” I asked longing to get on the dance floor.

“Do I look like I can dance right now?” he shot back at me.

“Sorry for askin!” I replied in a hurt tone.

Dam those stupid stiletto pumps there goes his present! Then i saw this super fine dude walk by when he passed he stopped and turned around and walked back. “Aye lil mama you wanna dance” he asked as he checked me out.

“Sure” I said.

“Aight then let’s go” he said. When we started dancin I soon realized that he was a really good dancer. But he was really nasty. He was all over my waist, and then at one point he started movin his hands around in places they shouldn’t have been you know what im sayin? As soon as he got too far I turned around and slapped him hard right across the face.

When my hand hit his face the party stopped. Even the DJ turned the music down.

“Aye lil mama” “what the hell was that” he asked as he limped backwards with his hand on his cheek.

“If I had known that you was a little freak I would never have agreed to dance with you.” I said.

“well if I had known that you didn’t’ like freaks than maybe I wouldn’t have asked you” he said. Then he moved in and tried to kiss me. I slapped him again and this time you could hear it echo! Then he raised his hand to me. I flinched and put my hands over my head. But before he could hit me Marcellus came over and knocked him out cold.

Then the dude who had invited us to the party came over to see what was happenin.

“Aye marcellus my man, you gotta go now.” He said.

“Aye we was just leavin anyway Frankie” Marcellus answered.

“Okay then ill talk to you later” he said.

“Whatever” he said as he grabbed my hand. Then we walked out the door. When we got into the car Marcellus flinched in pain.

“Are you okay babe?” I asked.

“Yea im good I was more worried bout you” he said.

“Well im fine” I said.

“Why was you dancing with that dude anyway?” he asked.

“I don’t now” I said innocently.

By the time Marcellus was done lecturing me we were already at my house. “Aye don’t forget to talk to my daddy about that problem!” I said.

“How you think im gonna forget bout something that’s hurtin me like this.” He said.

“Shut up” I snapped. When we got in the house I went upstairs while my dad talked to Marcellus. They must’ve been talkin for about an hour. But it felt like longer. Then I fell asleep on my arm chair in my mini living room. I woke up like thirty minutes later to the sound of my TV. Marcellus was watchin some stupid show. He hadn’t heard me wake up though, or maybe he did but just didn’t care cuz, his dick was stickin out his pants zipper.

“Uh oh getting a little freaky there aren’t we!” I said as I looked at him.

“Uh Ciara why you lookin?” he said as he stared at me questioningly.

“I wasn’t its just when I looked over there that was the first thing I saw!” I answered.

“See so you were lookin” he said.

“No I wasn’t” I said.

“I know you was I seen you lookin all the time!” he said.

“No I don’t” I said.

“I know you want some” he replied. “No I don’t” I said. Yes I do! Then he walked over to me and pulled me over to the couch with him.

“So what was that present you were gonna give me?” he asked.

“I can’t give it to you now!” I lied.

“Why not?” he asked.

“I just can’t” I answered.

“What are you afraid someone’s gonna find out?” he asked. Does he know? He can’t I mean Marcellus is smart but he aint that smart!

“No I aint afraid of nothin!” I snapped.

“Sure you’re not!” he said. “That’s why when that dude at the party was bout to beat the crap out of ya you flinched!” he said.

“Shut up you Beezy!” I said.

“I aint no beezy ima pimp” he replied.

“No you think you’re a pimp” “but aint no body else think you iz!” I said.

“You know what get off my couch” he said as he pushed me playfully.

“Your couch” I said as I pushed him back.

“Yea my couch” he said. Then he wrestled me to the ground! When we was wrestling he grabbed my chest I think it was on accident but it hurt like heck!

“Owe” I yelled as I covered my chest.

“Im sorry” he said.

“No you aint” I whispered.

“I know but that’s the polite thing to say” he said playfully.

“You know what” I said.

“What” he said in my ear.

“Fuck you!” I whispered back.

“What time?” he said.

“Tomorrow, your house 7:30! Be there!” I said.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then” he said.

“Shut up” I said.

“Get off me” I said as I pushed him off. Then he got up and pulled me up with him.

“Time for bed kids!” said my mom over the house communicator.

“What, since when have you told me when to go to bed?” I asked my mom.

“Since now!” she snapped.

“Marcellus you’re welcome to stay in the guest room or on the pullout couch in Ciara’s living room.” She said more politely.

“Thanks Mrs. Blakeley!” Marcellus said. Then in the back round I heard my dad say

“Are you crazy” “he can’t stay in her living room” “do you know how old they are?” “She’s old enough to get pregnant!” “He’s old enough to get horny!” he said in the corniest voice ever!

“Honey im sure they’re responsible enough to leave each other alone!” she said.

“That’s what they want you to think!” he answered.

“Mom dad you haven’t turned off your speakers!” I yelled not trying to hear anything else.

“Oh sorry” she said. Then we heard a click. I turned around to Marcellus and said “wow!” “Wasn’t that interesting?”

“I trust you not to try anything with me” he said imitating my mother.

“Good” then you won’t see it coming! Wait I probably shouldn’t try nothin. “You still have those pajamas in your closet in the bathroom. Im gonna go change okay” I said.

“Okay” he said. I changed into my pajama shorts, and tank top that said juicy across my chest and across my butt.

“You look nice” Marcellus said when I walked out the door.

“Thanks” I said.

“So what you wanna do” I asked him.

“Well if I told you what I wanted to do right now im very sure your parents wouldn’t agree to it!” he said as he grabbed my waist.

“Ugh you freak!” I said.

“You see what I mean” he answered.

“Let’s watch some TV okay?” I said.

“Fine what do you want to watch?” he asked.

“I don’t know” I said so I put on ‘one on one’ it was the episode where Arnez thinks that Brianna wants to have sex with him when all she wanted to do was watch a movie. So when she came over he went to his room took off all his clothes rubbed oil on his body and came out. But while he was gone some people came into his apartment, and then he ran out naked. Then the next episode is where Brianna really did want to have sex with him but when she was in the middle she found out that he had already had sex with someone else.

When it was over I changed the channel and guess what came on. ‘Sex in the city’.

“Aye have you noticed that all these shows have been related to sex?” Marcellus asked shyly.

“I know lets do something else!” I said. So we went to on demand and watched some music videos. But after a while I started to fall asleep. I slept through like 30 music videos then when I woke up Marcellus was lyin down on my legs.

When I moved he woke up.

“Aye sleepy head!” he said.

“What you talkin bout you was sleepin too!” I said. Then he sat up on the couch

“Yea I know.” He said. Then he touched my leg. I acknowledged it a little by moving his hand but when he put it back higher than before and started movin it up I slapped his hand.

“Ouch” he said.

“Yea well that’s what happens when you put your hands in places where they shouldn’t be.” I replied as I kissed his lips.

“Im tired lets go to bed.” I said as I got up.

“Okay” he said. Then he followed me into my room. I hopped into bed and he hopped in too!

“Get out dumb ass!” I said as I pushed him over a little.

“Persuade me!” he said. Then all of a sudden I heard the door open in my living room.

“Oh shit!” “Marcellus you gotta hide!” I said.

“Where?” he asked.

“Under the bed!” I said. Then right as he pulled the last of his body underneath the bed I clapped softly so the light would go off and acted like I was sleeping.

“Ciara darling” my mom called.

Then in a very sleepy sounding voice I said “what!”

“Honey I just came in to check on you and Marcellus!” she said. “Speaking of him where is he?” she asked.

“Oh he’s under the bed looking for my pencil!” I said.

“Why do you need a pencil?” she asked.

“I need one because I wanted to write in my diary!” I said.

“Oh honey you haven’t written in a diary since you were in the first grade!” she said. “Well ill leave you too it!” she said as she gave me a goofy mushy gushy smile and closed the door. “Why are the lights off?” she asked herself as she walked down the hall.

When she left I looked at Marcellus like ‘that was a close one!’ He gave me a look that said ‘I know!’ “I love you wifey!” Marcellus said in a more serious voice! He wasn’t talking in his normal play voice! What am I gonna say I never say I love you to my boyfriends! I can’t just leave him hanging like that; he might get the wrong assumption!

“I know you do!” I said plainly.

“So it’s like that is it!” he said.

“Yea it’s like that!” I answered.

“Aight then!” he said. Then he came over and we kissed. This time he kissed me longer and more passionately than usual. When I got tired of sitting there I tried to pull away but he pulled me in closer and held me tighter.

Then I felt his hand moving down my back. This time I pulled away and he let me go. “Aye sleep tight!” he said.

“I will” I said. “You sleep tight on the couch.” I said. “And don’t stay up all night with the TV on, we gotta go shopping tomorrow.” I said.

“For what?” he asked looking at me like I was crazy.

“I don’t know just stuff!” I said.

“What kinda stuff?” he asked.

“I don’t know!” I said.

“Well I gotta pick up some stuff too!” he said.

“What kinda stuff?” I asked imitating him.

“Personal stuff that’s what kinda stuff?” he answered.

“Ooo I wanna know!” I said. “Tell me please!!” I said again.

“Maybe later, if you’re good!” he said.

“What are you talkin bout im always good!” I said.

“Well I certainly hope not, cuz that would ruin any future plans of…” he paused.

“You freak” I said.

“Aye I aint ashamed.” He said.

“Well you should be!” I said.

“Why you don’t like freaky guys?” he asked.

“No I don’t like freaky guys!” I said.

“Well sorry I didn’t know that!” he said.

“Yea!” I said.

“Anyway remember 7:30 my house tomorrow!” he said.

“Get out you retard!” I said, then I threw a pillow at his head. Of course right when I turned out the lights I heard the TV come on! He must’ve left it on till 1 in morning, and then silence finally! But then I heard my door open, so I pretended that I was sleeping. Then the door closed and I heard someone moving towards the bed, so I hit the headboard of my bed and the lights flashed on. I pretended to wake up. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“Go back to sleep” he said. Then he clapped, and jumped into bed and put his big arms around me. He gave me a squeeze and kissed me on my forehead.

“Why aren’t you in your own bed?” I asked.

“It was dark out there!” he said in a childish voice.

“Just admit you missed me!” I said.

“I missed you!” he answered.

“See that’s all” I said.

“Now let’s get busy!” he said.

“What the hell” I said as I clapped and sat up.

“What’d you do that for you know I was just playin right?” he said all defensive.

“It sure didn’t sound like it!” I said.

“Shut up and go to sleep!” he said.

“Okay but don’t try nothin!” I said.

“That sounded so corny!” he said.

“Shut up” I said then we fell asleep.

When I woke up Marcellus was still sleepin, half way through the night he had removed his normal clothes, so he lay there in his boxers. I could see his shiny packs movin up and down as he took a breath he was so sexy! I leaned over the bed to give him a kiss before I took my shower, and right before my lips touched his I pulled me on top of him.

“You punk!” I said. “Im bout to take a shower, so yea, you can use the guest bathroom if you want to take a shower right now.” I said. Then I walked out and got into the shower. Then I heard something. Then all of a sudden he jumped into the shower with me!

“Get out” I said as I pushed him.

“Im feelin kinda dirty Ciara” he said as he wrapped his arms around me.

“Get out!” I said. “Don’t look at me!” I said.

“Why not we used to take a shower together when we were five!” he said.

“Well I’ll tell you something right now I aint five no more” I said. “I got stuff that I didn’t have when I was five!” I said.

“I can see that!” he said as he looked at me.

“Get out” I said and then I pushed him over the side!

Then I started washing my hair, and I squirted some conditioner into my eyes! “Ouch!” “Marcellus!” I yelled.

“What happened” he asked.

“I got some conditioner in my eye!” I said.

“Im comin im comin!” he said. Then I stepped out of the shower and put on my towel.

“Okay guide me to the sink!” I said.

“Okay” Marcellus said.

“Marcellus my towel is fallin!” I said. As I tried to grab it.

“Are you more worried about your towel fallin or your eye!” he said.

“My eye but still!” I said.

“Okay then let’s go!” he said. We walked over to the sink and he helped me rinse out my eye. Then he used my towel to wipe it out.

“Thank you” I said.

“You’re welcome sexy” he said. Then I leaned in to kiss him we must’ve been kissing for about 5 minutes, and then my mom of all the people in the world burst in through the door! It was not the best scene! Me naked and wet, and him fully dressed and soaking wet!

“I heard somebody scream is every one o…” then she looked up and saw us! I got behind Marcellus hoping my mother wouldn’t see me! But of course it was way too late for that! “Oh my god!” “Michael!” “You two get dressed dry off and meet me downstairs in 15 minutes!” she said.

“Oh shit!” Marcellus said.

“Im sorry” I said.

“Aye I’ll work it out!” he said as he looked at me.

“How?” I said.

“I’ll find a way!” he answered. Man look what he did! If he wasn’t so damn sexy then I wouldn’t be goin out with him right now! And if I hadn’t squirted conditioner in my eye we wouldn’t have been in that situation! Man and now my parents aren’t gonna leave us alone together anymore they won’t let us go out anymore!

When my mom left my living room I tried to walk out, but Marcellus turned me around and tried to kiss me. “Stop, first off let me get dressed first” “and besides this is what got us into trouble in the first place!” I said as I looked at him. “So why don’t you dry off while I try to convince my mom not to tell my dad!” I said as I put my hand on his chest. “Okay hurry up though!” Marcellus said as he grabbed a towel and started taking off his shorts.

I put on my bathrobe and ran upstairs just as my mom was about to open the door to her room! “Mom wait it was nothin” I said as I stood in front of her door. “Oh so I find my daughter naked and kissin some guy and you expect me to believe that’s nothin?” she said. “he just helped me get some conditioner out of my eye and my towel fell off when he was guiding me out of the shower, and we are goin out now so we’re gonna kiss!” I whined as I looked at her. She paused and started into my eyes. Good no one can say no to my eyes. “you know what im gonna give you two one more chance, this time I won’t tell your father but if anything else happens you two are over!” “Got it?” she asked “got it!” I replied. “Thanks mom” I said as I hugged her. “Ooo gurl your hair is so cold and wet!” she said as she pushed me off her. “Sorry!” “But at least it smells good!” I said. “Gurl you are crazy!” she said.

Then I ran down stairs to the 2nd floor, flung open the door and jumped into Marcellus’ arms, then I pushed him onto the couch and we started makin out. Then after a while I felt him untying my bathrobe and pulling it off. “stop because if my mom comes in and see’ us again she’s gonna be pissed!” I said as I retied it and sat up. “Fine” he said. “Don’t be disappointed!” I said as I looked at him. “Well im tryin to get busy with my gurl and here she is telling me to wait!” he said. “You know when a guy gets horny he can’t just turn all that off!” “He’s gotta find a way to get all that adrenaline that’s pumpin through his body out!” he said. “Shut up!” “You can wait!” I said.

“No I can’t!” he said. “Why not!” I asked not really paying much attention. “Because I love you!” I sat there in silence! “No you don’t you just think you do!” I said. As I folded some clothes. “No I know I do!” he said. “How!” I asked angrily. “Because whenever im not with you I feel sick!” “And then when I talk to you I feel like… I don’t even know how to explain it, that’s how good it is!” “And then when we kiss its like there’s no tomorrow!” “Sometimes I feel like I can’t eat unless your with me! I stay up late at night thinking about when ill get to see you next!”

“And if that’s not love than I don’t know what is!” he said. He sounded so corny but it was romantic. Then before I could tell him what I was feelin my mom called us down for breakfast. “Let’s go.” He said as he pulled me up and. Then we walked out with his arm around my waist. “I love you too” I whispered in his ear.

Pressure

(-Chapter 2- )

After breakfast we invited the guys over just to hang out! When they got to the house we all went into the game room on my deck. In the game room we have a pool table, a few game systems a Plasma TV a fridge and freezer. We have a bar some storage cabinets and a few couches. It’s like a little living room but it’s on a deck outside the house.

Salena, Davante’ and Marcellus were playin pool, while me and Shanna were just watchin the old season of ‘one on one’. It was the episode where Brianna is jealous cuz this new girl came and she found out that it was the girl that Arnez had slept with. Brianna cut her from the squad and then let her back on and showed moral maturity when she had some ones life in her hands.

After the episode it was around lunch time so everyone stayed for lunch. When we were finished everyone left and thanked my mom for her hospitality. Although when jamar tried to say ‘hospitality’ it came out more like ‘hospitly’ never the less my mom said your welcome and they left. Me and Marcellus went to Jamba Juice and got a strawberry surf rider. It had lemonade and strawberries. When they called us to the counter to get our drinks I told Marcellus I would get it. And right when I turned around some lady spilled her freezing cold drink all over my new blue dereon beater.

“Oh my goodness” the lady said in this fake high pitched British accent. “Im so sorry” she said. I was already annoyed with her stupid fake accent. “That’s okay.” I said half heartedly as I looked at my spoiled shirt. When the girl left Marcellus tried to trip her but he missed. Then he took off his jacket and gave it to me. “Here” “thanks” I said then I gave him a kiss on the cheek.

When I got into the bathroom I took off my ruined dereon shirt, which was now purple all over the front and put on Marcellus’ big jacket. When I slipped it over my head I could smell his cologne’ it smelled just like him. But unfortunately it looked like a dress on me. When I walked out of the bathroom I had to hold the strings that tightened the hood because if I let them go my chest would be exposed. “Why you holdin the strings?” Marcellus asked as he looked at me crazily. “I’ll tell you later” I whispered. “Why not now?” he asked pryingly. “Let’s go” I said, “okay you get in the car I’ll meet you there” he said as he nudged me towards the door. I was about to ask him why he wouldn’t just come with me but then I stopped I didn’t want to spend another minute in this place. Not looking like this. I mean its not that the jacket wasn’t sexi but it was meant for a guy and looked like a dress on me and I looked ridiculous holding the strings like that.

When Marcellus got to the car he was holdin another drink. “Why did you go and get another one?” I asked as I looked at it thirstily. “Cuz we came here to get a drink and so were gonna get one.” He said. “Okay let me get some” I said as I took it. “Here” he said. On the way back I must’ve drank like half the drink. When I handed it to him he looked at the drink then at me and shook his head. “Im bout to get you.” “Not if you can’t catch me first!” I said as I jumped outta the car and ran inside. “Oh ima catch you” he said as he turned off the car and started too unbuckle his seatbelt. But I was already in the house.

As I ran up the stairs I heard him come into the house. I didn’t look back I just kept running. He caught up to me in less than thirty seconds. When he caught me he, he pulled me backwards. Then all I heard was a big CRAACK! “Ouch” I yelped. “Im sorry” he said in a sweet little kid voice. I didn’t mean to hit him so hard but I was angry so I lifted my hand and smacked him hard right across the face. I hit him so hard that his face turned red. “Awe” I said as I caressed his cheek gently. “Damn that hurt hella bad!” he said. “Help me up!” I said. Then he picked me up and dropped me on my bed. “Why you gotta slap me?” “You know I didn’t mean to crack your back!” he complained as he rubbed his cheek. “I know” “and I didn’t mean to hit you that hard!” I replied. “Sure you didn’t” he said as he sat down. “Whatever!” I said annoyed now.

We didn’t talk for the rest of the afternoon. Finally when it was time for dinner my mom called us. We both looked at the door and then at each other. Then we jumped up and burst through the double doors. He got out first but I pulled his hood and got ahead then he pushed me down a little and jumped right over my head. Then I jumped on his back and he carried me down the rest of the way.

When we got to the bottom of the stair case my mom opened the doors so fast it wasn’t even funny. “Hello” “what’ve you two been up to?” she asked as she stared at us. “Nothin!” we said scared “Oh really?” she asked as she looked at my bare chest underneath the jacket. “What do you think we would be up to?” I asked quizzically. “Oh well let’s take recent events into consideration, shall we?” she said as she looked at me. “No please mom, we didn’t mean to!” I complained. “Uh huh” she said. “Can we just go and eat?” I asked as I heard Marcellus’ stomach growl. “Sure!” she said as she pushed the doors open a little just enough for us to pass.

“You know this is your last day right?” my mom said. “Mom you said he could stay for a week!” I complained. “Well considering recent events” she started to say. “Fine” I said and I stood up and stormed out of the dining room. A few minutes later I heard Marcellus behind me. He grabbed me by the waist and held me. “What’s wrong it don’t matter if I can only stay for tonite!” he said as he put his chin on my shoulder. “I know” “im just angry I shouldn’t have called you to help me.” I said as tears rolled down my face. “Then we wouldn’t be in this situation.” I added. “Yea but if we hadn’t we wouldn’t have, you know!” he said as he looked at me funny. “I know” then I reached up and gave him a kiss on his cheek. In turn he wiped my eyes with his sleeve.

It was about 8:30pm and me and Marcellus were just kickin it in my living room watchin TV. He insisted that we watch ‘the Cosby show’ or ‘Fresh Prince of Bellaire’. So we watched the episode of ‘fresh prince’ it was the one where Will tells Lisa that he loves her and asks her to marry him. She says no because she thinks that he is only sayin that because he just got shot. But then he tells her that even if he hadn’t got shot he still would’ve asked her because he loves her, and that was the first time he used the ‘L’ word. So then she says yes.

I started getting sleepy around 10pm or so. “Marcellus im tired” I whined. “So go to sleep” he said not even looking at me. “Carry me to my room!” I said as I touched his hands. “Woman please you can walk carry your own ass into your own damn bed!” he said as he looked at me. “Boy you better get your ass over here and put me in my bed fore I get over there and beat the shit outta you!” I said as I stared him down. Then he walked over and lifted me into my bed. “Good nite wifey!” he said as kissed my forehead. “Nite, nite!” I said as I kissed his cheek. Then he jumped on the couch and went to sleep.

The next morning when I woke up the guys were already over here. “Aye you guys whatcha doin over here?” I said as I stretched and hopped outta bed. “Aye we came over to talk to you what else.” Jamar and davante’ said. “Okay well talk.” I said as I looked at them. Marcellus was playin pool in the game room on my deck, with salena and Shanna. “So whatcha wanna talk about?” I asked as I sat back down. “We came to talk to you about Marcellus!” they said slowly. “Im waitin!” I said as I looked at them. “Well see” jamar started to say. “you know what why don’t you take it away Davante’, you have that feminine touch” jamar said as he punched davante’ in the arm. “oh thanks” davante’ said sarcastically. “Anytime dude!” jamar said as he laughed.

“Well see thing is” davante’ started. “You takin too long see Ciara Marcellus is getting horny for you, and we all know how to get rid of dat!” jamar jumped in. “No I don’t” I said. “You know” he said as he did some kinda crazy hand motion. I of course knew exactly what he was talking about but I wanted him to say it. “No I don’t know” I said as I looked at him. “Well you gotta sleep wit him” he finally blurted out. “Aye hold up now im not sleepin wit him!” I said. “And if he’s got a problem with that then he needs to come and talk to me about that!” I said angry now. “okay but don’t be surprised when he comes over here tryin to do something tonite!” davante’ said as he winked at me. “Oh we’ll see who’s tryin to do something with me tonite.” I said to myself.

The day went by really slow and I wasn’t as affectionate to Marcellus as I normally am. I was actually kinda afraid he might try something! I know he likes to play around so I really wouldn’t be surprised if he did! But im not tryin to have a baby at sixteen! So if that’s what he wants then we are over.

Finally it was time for lunch I was still in my pajamas cuz I was too lazy to take a shower in the morning so I didn’t get to wash my hair yet, which was why it was looking so dry! “Aye mama what’s for lunch today?” is said as I looked at her. “We’re havin some ribs, baked beans, biscuits, green beans, and corn on the cob for dinner, and for desert we’re havin some sweet potato pie with whipped cream on top.” She said as I licked my lips. “So we aren’t really havin lunch you guys can have a snack though if you want.” “There’s some spaghetti in the fridge.” She said as she pointed towards the fridge.

“Thanks mom” I said as I walked over. “No problem!” she said as she walked away. “Um Mrs. Blakeley my parents won’t be home until tomorrow, so they wanted to know if I could stay for one more night” Marcellus lied through his perfectly white teeth and my mom actually fell for it. “Oh sure honey!” my mom said as she smiled lightly. Was Marcellus lying so that he could stay one more night and maybe try something? He better not be cuz I really like him but not enough to sleep with him! “Aye you want some food Ciara?” Marcellus asked. “Yea just get me a small plate of spaghetti!” I told him not even looking at him. “Aight” he said as he scooped some food onto a plate and stuffed it into the microwave. After we ate we went outside in the backyard. “You wanna go swimming?” he asked as I looked into the water with my hands wrapped around my waist. “Yea why not?” I said as I looked up. So we both ran upstairs got our swim suits on and took some laps Marcellus was a great swimmer. He did twice as many laps as me in half the time and he wasn’t tired. I did 20 laps in 10 minutes and he did 40 in 5! That’s why over the summer he sometimes takes this lifeguard job over at the YMCA.

After that we went and played some basketball in our basketball court. The floor was really hot and I didn’t bring any shoes, but then I remembered that I had put some extra flip flops in the closet outside. After I put them on Marcellus killed me with 25 to 10. “Are you tired yet Ciara?” Marcellus said. I hesitated to say “yea” “let’s go hang out in the trampoline.” He said. Then I relaxed a little bit. “Okay.” I said slowly trying to see if he was getting to something. of course right when we got inside marcellus had to automatically show off that he could do more flips and cartwheels and stuff, than I could. I had been in gymnastics for about 3 years in elementary school. I started when I was 5 and I stopped when I was 8. I was really good. So I decided to do some flips and show him I could beat him in something. I did a double back flip and two aerials then I did a back flip off the trampoline.

Marcellus was about to attempt to do a front flip off the trampoline but he chickened out right when he got to the edge so when he was jumping off it looked more like he was falling forward. I laughed at him. “Oh so you think that’s funny just cuz you’re some kind of gymnast!” he said as he wiped the mud on the sidewalk. “No I think it’s funny that you almost fell on your face!” I said as I laughed some more. “Oh really well I’ll tell you something funny” he said, and then he started chasing me through the house. It was getting late now it was almost 7pm. I ran upstairs and locked the door to my actual bed room. “You know I stole one of the keys to your room when I was five and I hid it in the guest room!” he said as he messed with the lock. “You stalker!” I yelled from behind my bed. “Im not a stalker you’re just a punk!” “A punk who used to lock me out of her room when we would play tag in the dark!” he said as he managed to get the lock open.

Then I heard the door unlocking and he jumped over the bed and pushed me on the ground. “Get off me” I said as I pushed him. “Persuade me” he said. “You’re so stupid!” I said. Then we started makin out. We got up and he closed the door and turned off the lights. I had totally forgotten about what the guys had told me about earlier on! He pushed me onto the bed. And kissed me harder. Then after a while I felt him unbutton my shirt and he flung it on the floor. The he pulled off my pants, as I worked at his belt. Then he started unclipping my bra and when he reached for my underwear my senses came back to me. So I pushed him off of me. “Stop marcellus” I said as I pulled on my clothes. “Why I thought you liked that!” he said as he wiped his lips. “Im not ready for this” I said as he lunged at me and tried to kiss me. “Everyone else is doin it!” he said as I pushed him. “Oh so now im just another gurl and we have to be just like everybody else?” I asked getting annoyed.

“No but the guys are gonna think ima wimp!” he whined. “Oh I talked to the guys” “so you think that being like everybody else is more important than the bond we were building?” I said as I glared at him questioningly. “That’s not what im sayin” he said struggling for more to say. “Well you know what Marcellus I don’t know what changed about you but I know that I do not like what I see!” I said as I looked him up and down. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked a little louder. “Just give me some space!” I said as I looked away. “Oh so it’s like that” he said as his eyes got watery. I didn’t even answer him I just dressed and walked downstairs for dinner.

When we finished eating I went upstairs Marcellus followed close behind. When I walked into my room I turned and gave him a look that said ‘don’t you follow me into my room you can sleep in the guest room with your horny self!’ when he looked at me he put his hands up and said ‘good nite’.

When I finished my shower and brushed my teeth… I hopped straight into bed. I needed some time to think. Why would Marcellus even try that on me? I thought I knew him! He’s never tried anything on me or made me do anything I didn’t want to do! I need to tell him it’s over because if this is how its gonna be then I don’t want to be apart of it anyway. So this is it. I’ll tell him in the morning. And with that conflict solved I finally had some peace. Just enough for me to fall asleep. That night I had dreams of me and Marcellus we were constantly fightin over stupid stuff.

I think that it was a sign, that we needed to break up and that tomorrow morning when I broke up with him it would be the right thing to do. Im really gonna miss his soft kisses and his playfulness. The way he always did stuff for me. It was all gonna be over. I knew somethin like this was gonna happen. But I was too wrapped up in dating him that I guess I just let go of my common sense. And now im payin for my mistakes. And think when school starts I won’t have a date for homecoming!! That’s one friendship lost over somethin stupid.