Chapter 17

SONG: MIGUEL "ADORN"

EXCUSE ANY MISTAKES

THAT NIGHT (DATE)

SUMMER

"Bathe check, clothes laid out check, make up chosen check and flat iron on check"I spoke to myself as I pulled out my flat iron from the drawer while sitting in front the mirror. I glanced at the time on my phone "40 minutes left" I took a deep breath as I closed my eyes trying to calm myself. I just wanted this night to be great. This was my first date and I was really nervous. I have strong feelings for Rashad which made it hard for me to be around him and not have my heart skipping beats. I picked up the flat iron an passed in on a section I had already parted out.

What the fuck!

I passed the iron over again to see my curls were still visible. I touched my hair and see that it was cold and so was the iron.

Not Again!!

I let out a loud scream causing my aunt to fly into my room.

"What the hell you screamin for?" She asked out of breath

"My hair is ruined. My iron isn't workin!!"I panicked "How can I go on this date with Rashad and my natural hair is looking like this"

"What about your wigs?"

"I don't have time to cornrow my hair. Rashad will be here in 30 minutes"

She sighed "Well wear your natural hair as is.  You look beautiful with it Summ."

My mind started to drift to the time that I had went to school with my natural hair and the way everyone made me feel different, including my boyfriend Josh. My eyes began to sting as the worst memories began to cloud my mind.  I couldn't risk losing Rashad because my hair was in a bad condition. "Ill have to cancel" I sighed.

"What?! Summer are u crazy!?  You will hurt that boy more than ever if you do that." she scolded me  "Don't be like your mother and lose someone who means a lot to because you're afraid of being your true self" I looked at her in mirror as she came closer and began to style my hair for me. "Your dad was so in love with your mom, probably still is. But your mom was always being something she's not. She wanted to accepted by every other race than her own. She wanted to be accepted by people who was showing her fake love love than the ones who showed her genuine love. Your mom hated her natural hair just like you do. Your dad was real because he was from the hood. He grew up around black culture and he met your mother when he went to college. Your mom loved him but she wasn't used to the "low life"because she came from a wealthy family and your dad was just a "hoodlum"as her parents would refer to him. But your dad loved your mom so much he stuck it out with her and they later got married. Your dad was fresh out of college and he was looking for a job for his degree which had made things  lil tough for your mom and dad but he tried his best to hustle to provide for you guys and to always keep your mother happy "

I listened intently as she combed my hair "But no matter what your father did, he couldn't have satisfied your mother. Her parents had disliked him with a passion because he took there "well off" daughter and brought her to rags. Your mom loved him but her mindset wasn't strong enough to be with him. Your dad would see the way your mother would still long for the life she had before she met him, and he was hurt by that"  She passed some gel on my edges as she spoke "Your mom had soon left you and your dad because she couldn't have handle the life of a black person. She married some white guy and  as soon as she left your dad had finally gotten through with a company which required him working offshore on a consistent basis.Since the first day he left to go offshore I had vowed to take care of you and be the  mother figure you never had because I know that every girl needs that. And you see your dad occassionally whenever he comes on shore"

" Does she ever visit?"

My aunt shrugged "Once or twice" I sighed, I couldn't believe my mom was that shallow, how could she treat my dad like that and most important....

How could she abandon me?

However,I was grateful to at least have my aunt to take care of me because apparently both parents don't have time to be around.

"All done" she said and I began to examine  my hair. She combed my hair into a high puff with my edges, my curls were defined in my puff and even though it was sleek you can still see my waves and one or two strands poking out.

The Chronicles of  Natural Hair. No matter how sleek you style is, a few strands always get away

I covered my face "What if he doesn't like me after he sees my hair looking like this"

"Then he isn't the one" My Aunt simply said "A guy supposed to love your natural beauty more than what you can be in store. Beauty is just skin deep because it fades with time" she placed her hand on my chest where my heart beats "This is what counts"

There was  a knock on the door. "Oh my god that's him" I panicked as my breathing became uneven

"Girl relax and just get dressed I'll get the door" she said as she exited my room. I quickly got dressed and put on my make up. About 20 mins later i was making my way downstairs. I knew I was late. I heard chatters from the kitchen and I knew that  it was Rashad and my aunt. I chuckled to myself because she was really keeping him occupied.

"I'm ready" I said as I stood in the door way of the kitchen. Rashad spun around and his eyes widen as he looked at me. I felt myself  getting self conscious, so I began looking down to avoid his stare.

"I'll leave you guys to it, Rashad please take care of my niece. I know where yo black ass live" she warned  as she exited the kitchen.

"I'm sorry I'm late I-" I was cut off when his lips crashed onto mine, kissing me with so much passion. After a few seconds, He pulled away and his finger pulled on the curl that was on my side burns. "You look beautiful" he spoke softly. "Your hair looks amazing" In that moment I felt a feeling I never felt before, I felt a sense of belong, happiness and love. My eyes burn as I tried my best to keep back my tears that was threatening to fall. I had finally found someone that loved me naturally, that had accepted me for who I really am.

"Thank you" I responded. He spun around and went back to the kitchen island where he was sitting and came back with the bouquet of  daisy flowers.

My favorite

"This is for u" he gave them to me.

"Thank you"I smiled widely as I took them.

"'Ill take that" I looked behind me to see my Aunt taking the flowers from me "I'll put these in some water for you"

We laughed at her. "You ready?" He asked as he put out his hand and I took it.

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"You're not kidnapping me are you?" I asked  as I looked out the window at a really tall building in the city.

"You trust me don't you?" he asked looking at me. I nodded and he pulled out something from his pocket. "here put this over your eyes"

I scrunched up my face at him "Why?"

"Just put it on Mamas. Trust me on this "

I sighed as I turned my back to him for him to tie it around my eyes.

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"If you let me fall Rashad I'll beat yo ass" I threaten him as I carefully walked with him. I was still blindfolded and his arm was securely around my waist  guiding my foot steps.

He didn't  respond as we continued walking. We soon came to a halt and He removed the blindfold from my eyes

"Rashad I- I" I stammered as I tried to get the word out but all I felt was tears coming down my cheek.

Oh no Summer don't cry again

"Oh my god" I managed to say

"I know it ain't much but-" I cut him off by kissing his lips multiple times

We pulled away and he wiped away the tears with his thumb "I love you Summer"

"I love you too Rashad"I responded meaning every single word. I leaned in kissing his soft lips once again.

"Okay Okay break it up ya'll nasty asses" I heard a familiar voice say. I turned around to see Trey standing there in a tux looking like a waiter.

"Shut up, Yo ass just jealous cause Rashad more romantic than yo ass" Trina who stood next to him said.

I began laughing "Are you serious?"I looked at Rashad and he shrugged

"Hey they're the best in town, plus the girls were the ones who helped me put this all together"

"Where's Jhene?" I asked and on cue I heard a scream from inside the building.

"Trey I thought you killed this mother fucking lobster!!" Jhene shouted from inside

"Fuck I hate touching that shit" Trey muttered as he went inside as Trina rolled her eyes at him.

"Come on ya'll take a seat"Trina said gesturing to the table.

"Damn I know I shouldn't have taken their asses to help me out" Rashad said under his breath and I chuckled as I playfully hit his side

"I love your choice of staff baby, the best chosen"

He laughed as he took my hand leading me to the table

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"I didn't know you had it in you" I sated as I ate some of my ice cream which was dessert as I sat on his lap.

"Cause a nigga from the hood ain't mean he cant be romantic sweetheart" He responded looking at me intently "I got one more thing for you" he said clapping his hands and Jhene came out  walking toward us with a rectangular gift box smiling widely.

She handed Rashad the box and stood there watching us excited. Rashad looked at her and nodded his head for her to leave but she took that as sign to have a seat as she continued smiling at us with her hands propped underneath her chin. Rashad rolled his eyes "Jhene" he said sternly making her frown.

"Fine Imma go"she got up defeated and walked back inside.

Rashad rubbed his temples "I swear I ain't gonna use they asses again" and I smiled shaking my head. "Anyway. I got you something Summ." I nodded as he  rested the box in my hands. I undid the bow and opened it seeing

"I know you had liked daddy drip the other night, so I decided to get you your own ma" he said as he took out the chain and began putting it around my neck. "You ma queen Summer" he stated while holding the pendant. I couldn't stop smiling, this was so beautiful. My cheeks were hurting from all that smiling I did tonight and Rashad was the cause.

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"I really enjoyed my time baby" I said as I reached for his free hand which was on my thigh. He glanced at me then looked back at road as he smiled.

"I'll do anything for you Summer" he responded as he raised my hand to his lips and kissed it. I leaned back comfortably in my seat as he drove us home. We were now entering BridgeWood when a siren sounded off behind us and blue lights flashed.

I rolled my eyes "Are you serious? " I looked in the review mirror and see the police car was parked behind us.

"Listen tome  baby girl, let me do the talking ok and whatever they say don't move." Rashad warned me sternly. I was never afraid when dealing with the police  because whenever they pulled over my dad in Jade Hills  they were pleasant. But by the way Rashad spoke to me, I couldn't help but feel nervous. I watched as Rashad killed his engine and put his both hands on the dash and nodded for me to follow and I did.

The officer which approached the car was a white man. He shone his flashlight in the car in Rashad's and I face.

"Licenses and Registration please"

Rude Much, Not even a good night

Rashad handed him it. The officer looked at it then back at Rashad "This is your vehicle?" He asked

"Yes sir"

"You sure? Because you both looking like some trouble makers. Like Bonnie and Clyde. The nigga version of course" the officer rudely staed

What the fuck did this Cop say

I saw Rashad's  jaw clench as he was keeping his cool. But I couldn't.

"Excuse me sir, with all due respect, your choice of words are unacceptable. Your racist slur was inappropriate and I suggest if you are talking to us, please respect us. My name is Summer  and this is Rashad, please refer to our names respectively or there will be no conversation whatsoever"

When I was finished, I saw  Rashad's eyes turned dark as he looked at me with anger. And I instantly regretted it.

"You got a fiesty girl there buddy" the officer smiled slyly, seeming unbothered by my antics "Both of ya'll get out of the vehicle"

We came out to see another cop was there. He was also white and was giving me the creeps by the look he was giving me.

"Stand against the car" we both did as we were told. The officer who pulled us over began to search Rashad. "Clear" he said as he spun Rashad to face him while I was still facing the car. "Loui search the girl" he told the other officer who was giving me the creeps. I heard Rashad growl softly as he watched the officer hands travel down my body. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. The officer's hand then went to my butt and he lightly squeezed it.

"Hey stop!"I shouted and in a swift motion Rashad pushed the officer away from me, which made both  officers pull out their gun on him.

"Don't ever fucking touch her!"Rashad shouted walking toward the cop not caring that guns were being aimed at him. I pulled him back because the officers were already positioned ready to shoot.

"Baby please just forget it" I whispered in his ear as he just stood there with his chest heaving up and down with anger. "Please" he stared at the officer for a while then nodded. As we turned around Rashad was knocked to the floor from a gun buck from the other officer.

"Noooo" I screamed. I ran to attack the officer but the other police officer held me back. The officer took this opportunity to beat Rashad on the floor. "Nooo please stopp!!" I cried loudly as the police officer stomped and kicked Rashad on the floor. "Please no!! Pleassseee someone help!!" I tried fighting off the officer but his grip was too strong.

"Hey what are ya'll doing?" A man shouted walking towards the scene while holding up a phone recording the officers.

"Sir please remove the camera" the officer who was beating up Rashad said. The other officer had loosen his grip on my arms and I had taken that opportunity to rush to Rashad who was badly beaten on the floor.

"This is what you are doing us black people from the hood huh? Beating us for no reason. That young man did nothing , I saw the whole thing." the man who was recording the scene said.

"Come on Parks lets just go"the officer who was holding me back said as he went into the car.

"Move that shit out my face" the Officer Parks shouted as he passed by the man to go into police vehicle and left.

"Fuck" Rashad groaned as I held him in my arms

"I'm so sorry baby. I should've listened to you and not say anything. I'm so sorry. I'm the reason you got beaten up I'm-"

"Girl if you don't stop apologizing Imma beat yo ass "he smirked making me chuckle through the tears. Even in bad times he still held a good spirit.

"We should get you to the hospital"

"Nah I just wanna go home" Rashad declined

"Are you sure? Rashad you're hurt badly"I said as I looked at his face. His eye and cheek was swollen, his face was bruised and his lip was busted.

"Summer just carry me home mamas"

I nodded and and helped him up "Wait I have to thank the guy that-"I looked around to see that no one was in the street but Rashad and I

Where did the guy who saved us go?

"You good baby?"Rashad asked as I looked around but still saw no one

"Yeah baby I'm good" I said as I began to help Rashad in the car.

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What did ya'll think about the date?

Summer and Rashad?

COMMENT VOTE  FOLLOW AND.....

SHAREEEEEE ya'll invite others to read it and all that good stuff.