Then shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer, thou shalt cry, and He shall say, "Here I am."
Isaiah 58:9
"Hello," Zora replies when she answers the phone.
"Hey, sweetheart," replies Anton.
Anton seems disturbed about something.
"Hey! How are you," Zora asks?
"Um…Great! Great. Look, we need to talk."
"W…what's wrong? Why do you sound so serious?"
"That is because it is serious."
Zora's heart began to race.
Anton starts, "I just want you to know that I love you, and you mean the world to me…"
"Tony, just…just tell what's going on," she says anxiously.
"Ok…"
There is a brief pause.
Zora exclaims, "…Tony!!!!?????"
Anton takes a deep breath and says, "I'm getting married."
"What? What did you say, Tony!!??? You're getting married???... To whom??... Do I know her???... What do you mean you're getting married!!!????"
"Zora, please, calm down, my love. Let me explain."
"Calm down!!!!????... CALM DOWN!!!!????... You're breaking up with me. You're telling me that you're marrying some chick behind my back, yet you want me to relax. I don't need an explanation for that. You've been having sex with her behind my back, haven't you? Haven't you!!??"
"No! No, my sweet. Please, listen to me. I love you…"
"No. No. You're a liar. You NEVER loved me. I never want to see or hear from you again!"
She hangs up the phone and throws it across the room. Zora is furious. She grabs her hair and screams to the top of her lungs. Then she wails loudly, falling to her knees. Her fury turns into heartbreak as the tears begin to fall from her face. Zora lays on the floor in a fetal position, her face saturated with her tears. She sobs and sobs until her head and her chest hurt. Zora feels as if she is near death for a broken heart. The physical pain weaves into the emotional pain she feels from the love of her life.
A few years ago, Anton "Tony" Braganza and Zora Grant met at Holy Chalice Catholic College, one of the few four-year colleges in the city centered on theology's teachings. The college has harsh guild lines. Besides maintaining a decent grade point average and conducting themselves as dignified ladies and gentlemen, one of their rules is that a student must come from a Catholic or Christian family to enroll in the college. Another rule is that the student must come from a family with a mother and father; blended families were accepted if the husband and wife were Catholic or Christian faith and married in a church. If the student comes from a single-parent household, the other parent has to be deceased. Third, if a young woman became pregnant, she must be either engaged or married during her Holy Chalice Catholic College duration. Otherwise, they must leave college.
When Zora was a freshman and Anton was a sophomore, during a mixer, they exchange numbers. Since then, they were like any other quintessential couple, talking on the phone and going on dates. Since their meeting, their love affair has bloomed until they became inseparable. They pledged their love to each other with passionate kisses and passionate love-making. Now it has come to an end.
Anton slowly hangs up the phone. With his hand over his face, and begins to weep to himself. His heart aches for ending the relationship with the love of his life. He can still hear the anger and betrayal in Zora's words, repeatedly echoing in his mind.
'Zora, I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. I want to be with you; I love you,' he thinks to himself.
He sits on the couch and weeps for a long time until his father, Mr. Agnelo Braganza, found him in the living room.
"Anton," Agnelo calls out to his son.
Anton quickly wipes his face before his father became suspicious.
"Yeah, daddy."
"Are you ok? Why are you sitting in the dark," Agnelo asks with concern?
"Uh…nothing, daddy. I'm just thinking."
"Ah. You are anticipating meeting your bride, Nataline Panker," Agnelo Braganza assumes, as he sat next to Anton and placed his arm around his shoulder, "Do not worry my son, it will all work out for the best."
'I don't think so, daddy,' Anton thinks to himself, 'I love Zora.'
"You and Nataline will live in wedded bliss. With that marital bliss, your home will become blessed with lots of children. You know the Pankar family, your mother, and I have been planning this marriage for a long time. I pray that you and Nataline will be as happy as your mother and me."
That statement makes Anton hang his head with anxiety and somewhat nausea. If he only dares to tell his family that he has no desire to marry Nataline Panker and that he should have the freedom to marry outside his race and religion. Why should that matter? Love has no bounds. It is clear that Mr. Braganza is more excited than his son; he acts as if he is getting married to Nataline Pankar. Anton wishes to share his father's happiness and excitement, but all he can think about is the woman he loves, Zora.
Anton's mother and father, Rakel and Agnelo Braganza do not have a problem with their children dating outside their race and culture. However, in their learning, arrange marriages amongst their own were essential. Anton's parents already had a potential wife picked out for him since he was a boy. The young woman is from a well-to-do family from the United Kingdom, from the same culture and practicing the same religion. Therefore, any other girl before the marriage was considered nothing but a short-lived romance.
"I…I hope so too, daddy," Anton replies, with little enthusiasm.
'I want to tell you so much about Zora,' Anton thinks to himself, 'She's wonderful. She's my real bride.'
"Um…daddy," Anton starts, "Did you and mama get married the same way? I mean, was there another woman you loved besides mama."
"Well, son, I did have my share of dating…and romance," Agnelo explains, "but I knew my bride was waiting for me. Now, this Zora girl, it's excellent that the two of you shared a romance. However, you already have a bride, and it is not Zora. It is Nataline; she is already chosen for you. "
Anton takes a deep breath.
"Was I scared to see my bride? Sure," his father continues, "I prayed she would be the woman of my dreams. Beautiful. Intelligent. Strong. And when I finally met your mother, I was happy. I knew right then and there; I would give all my love to her."
'Wow,' Anton thinks to himself, 'that does not help me much.'
"Come," Agnelo says, giving him a pat on the back, "let us join the rest of the family for dinner."
"Yes, daddy."
So, the father and son join the rest of the family for dinner. Rakel Braganza, Anton's mother, and Monik Braganza, Anton's younger sister, wait for Anton and Agnelo.
"Hurry, or the food will get cold," Rakel says.
The family sits at the table to have dinner. It is like any other night at the dinner table. They eat and converse about their day. Then, the subject of the bride is on the table.
"Our son will be leaving the nest soon to start his own family," Rakel Braganza says, "pretty soon, it will be Monik's turn. I think you and Monik should stay close to us."
Anton looks at his mother.
"It would be nice for the family to stay together instead of living far away," Rakel continues, "How else will we spend time with our grandchildren?"
"Rakel," Agnelo interrupts, "Once they say 'I do,' we have no say of what they do with their lives."
"I…I can't believe my baby is getting married within a year. When is the engagement party—"
"Um…may I be excused, please," Anton asks?
"What's wrong, dear," his mother ask?
"I…I'm not feeling well. I need to go lay down."
"You may go, Anton," Agnelo grants.
Anton leaves the table and goes to his room.
"May I have the rest of Anton's dinner," Monik asks?
"You may have it after you finish your dinner, understand," Rakel Braganza insists.
"Yes, mama."
"What is wrong with that boy," Rakel Braganza wonders.
"Oh, he is just a little nervous about meeting Nataline," Agnelo replies.
"She's a nice girl…comes from a respectable family…well educated…What is with that boy?"
"That is very true, but Rakel, this is a boy who has never been married before, and it is a lifetime commitment."
"Yes, it is…," Rakel laughs and then replies, "Remember when we for the first time?"
The married couple laughs.
"I don't know about you, but I was so nervous," Rakel replies, still giggling.
"I was nervous too…but then I saw you; I was no longer nervous. You were so beautiful. Everything about you was so beautiful, and it has never changed," Agnelo replies as he gently takes his wife's hand.
"Agnelo," Rakel says, putting her other hand on top of his hand, "what a beautiful sentiment…and such crap."
Agnelo and Rakel laugh.
While the rest of the family continues with dinner, Anton lays on his bed, looking at him and Zora's pictures. He comes across one picture only of her; he gives it a lengthy kiss. He stares at the image for a few seconds and slowly glides his fingers against the photograph of her face as if he is touching her silky, soft skin. Anton then lays it on the bed and reaches for his Walkman, and places his Style Council's cassette tape in the tape deck. He plays their song, "You're the Best Thing." He turns off the lamp, leaving his room with only the moon's horizontal lights for his lighting. The music plays. His mind begins to drift to the memories they shared in the past, the good and the bad. Each memory flows like a running river; the colors of each memory are so vivid and move in slow motion to capture each movement. In each picture in his mind, he sees Zora with her bright smile and long, beaded braids that hung gracefully from her crown to her shoulders. Then, his tears come back to accompany him in his loneliness.
Rakel and Agnelo Braganza met in their birthplace of Goa, India. They were in their early twenties when they got married. Shortly after getting married, they migrated to America. The move to the United States was a slow transition. The newlywed couple moved into the apartment of Agnelo's friend and his wife. With the help of a local organization for Southeast Asian immigrants and his friend, Agnelo could get a job at the same cab company as his friend. The couple soon made enough money to get their apartment, which is also within the community; the apartment is very modest and small, but Rakel and Agnelo were pleased. Soon Rakel became pregnant with Anton. Three years after Anton's birth, their daughter, Monik, was born. When the children were old enough to go to school, Rakel went to work as a secretary for the same organization that helped her and her husband when they first came to the city. The organization specializes in helping Southeast Asian immigrants have a smooth transition into the United States. As time passes, the family eventually moved into a three-bedroom apartment.
"Lord," Anton silently prays through his tears, "Please help me through this heartbreak. I don't know my next move. I don't know if I can go on with my life when he has imprisoned my heart."
What a blow! Zora cries for hours on end. The pain is too much to bear. The crying and sobbing seem so exhausting. Therefore, like any other woman in this predicament, she eats anything in sight. Zora then slowly picks herself up from the floor. Then, she goes into the kitchen to grab whatever junk food she could find in her view. Zora goes into the freezer and grabs the pint of vanilla ice cream; then, Zora goes into the refrigerator and grabs the leftover strawberry icing and caramel syrup; Zora places the combination together and eats it straight from the carton. However, she is not satisfied; the pain is still there. Zora Grant puts on her sneakers, rushes downstairs to the corner store, and purchases a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Then, she goes to the liquor store to get any alcohol she could get for $10. When she is satisfied, Zora returns to her apartment with her meal. She sits back on the floor with her legs crossed and devours her sandwich and alcohol. Zora is now utterly intoxicated, but she does not care, as long as it numbs the pain of her broken heart. The intoxication takes over her body to the point that she falls to the floor, facing the ceiling. Her head is continuously spinning. Subconsciously she knows she is in a downward spiral. This is not a good time to be alone. She needs friends around her. Friends who can help her during this time of crisis. She crawls to her phone and calls her best friend, Fabiola Castillo. The phone rings. Zora prays, she will pick up the phone. Unfortunately, Fabiola's answering machine picks up the call.
"Damn it, Fab," Zora cried, "Pick up the phone! I need you!"
Zora hangs up the phone. Who else could she call? Then she decided to call her longtime friend, Jabari Montague. The phone rings again. Again, she prays, he will answer the phone.
"Hello," Jabari answers.
"Hello," Zora sobs openly.
"Zora…what happened? What's the matter?"
"He left me, Jabari! Ark left me for another woman!"
"What? Tony left you for another woman?"
"Yeah," Zora cries openly.
"What the...ok, ok, ok. Relax, please. Zora, I need you to calm down and relax."
Zora stops sobbing for a minute to compose herself.
Jabari starts, "Ok. Now tell me what happened?"
Zora grabs some tissue and blows her nose. She begins to explain to Jabari the phone conversation between her and Anton.
"Are you serious? I don't believe that! Tony came out and told you he's getting married to someone else? That's an ill move. He could have at least been a man and told you to your face. I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Are you going to be ok?"
"No!!!!! That's why I'm calling you!!!!!"
"Ok. Ok. Chill, what you need!!!???"
"I…need for you to come over, please. I can't be here by myself."
Jabari signs and says, "What about Fabiola?"
"I tried calling her but her. I guess Fab is too preoccupied with school. You know she's serious about her fashion career."
"What about Miss January."
"She working late at the hospital tonight. Please, come over to my house."
"Ok …just give a minute. I have a few things to take care of, and I'll come to your place. Just hang tight and don't do anything stupid. Please."
"Ok," Zora replies, wiping her nose.
"You promise me?"
"…Yes…"
"Ok. I see you later."
They both hang up the phone.
Jabari Montague scrambles to get his thoughts together. Zora Grant is still on his mind. He has to get to her, so he has to act fast on running his errands. Jabari grabs his jacket and goes out the door. Meanwhile, Zora continues to lay on the floor, but this time she weeps softly to herself. She thinks about all the times she shared with Anton. The memory of the first time they met…their first kiss and the passionate kisses that followed suit…and the memories of their love-making…play in her head repeatedly. Then…the final memory…their break-up. Zora sobs and sobs.
'I thought you would love me forever,' Zora thinks to herself, as the tears roll down her face, 'I thought we would be together forever.'
Although she is still heartbroken by Anton Braganza, Zora knows she will have some comfort in her company besides an empty liquor bottle; it is comforting to know that Jabari will be there. However, she waits for a long time for Jabari. Zora begins to realize that maybe Jabari, one of her best friends, bails out on her too. When she loses hope, about two hours later, someone rings the doorbell. Zora Grant drunkenly gets up to answer it. She staggers to the door in her drunken stupor. She looks through her peephole and saw it was Jabari.
"What took your ass so long, man," Zora scolds Jabari.
"Come on, Z.Z., open the door."
"I shouldn't let you in, but…I need you," Zora sobs, struggling to open the door.
Zora finally opens the door. Jabari cannot believe his eyes; she is a mess. Her hair is disheveled, her eyes are red, her face is wet, and she reeks of alcohol.
"Oh…damn," Jabari says softly.
When Zora is about to cry again, he hugs her as she sobs openly on his shoulder.
"Ok. Z.Z., I need for you to pull yourself together for a minute," Jabari advises.
Jabari does not want her to create a scene in the hallway, so he escorted her back into her apartment. Jabari takes the liberty of locking the door behind them. As he escorts his broken-hearted friend to the sofa, he cannot believe Zora's living room floor is littered with trash, but Jabari can sit Zora down on the couch.
"Girl, you are a mess," Jabari says, shaking his head in shame, "um…sit here while I get you a glass of water."
As he heads to the kitchen, Jabari asks her, "I'm going to go into the kitchen to get you a glass of water. Are you going to be ok for a few seconds?"
Zora nods her head.
Jabari takes off his leather jacket and places it on the recliner, in case Zora vomits spontaneously. After getting the water, Jabari sits next to his friend. He watches her slowly drink the glass of water; her hand quivers as she raises her glass with every sip.
"Feel a little better," he asks with concern?
"Yeah."
"Z.Z…," he starts, shaking his head, "I…I…cannot believe this is happening. Again, I am so sorry…but it's not the world. It may feel like it, but the Lord will guide you to your real soulmate."
"…I guess you're right."
Zora thinks he was full of crap; her heart longs for Anton Braganza. However, deep down, she knows he is telling the truth.
"Did he try to call you back?"
"No…It's clear that Anton never loved me," Zora concludes, as she a tear ran down her face, "That's why he's marrying another woman."
They talk; she sobs; he comforts her. This sequence goes on all night. Then, Zora places her head on his shoulder; she becomes exhausted from crying. He holds Zora like a baby in his arms.
'Wow…this is nice…so comforting,' Zora thinks to herself, nestled in Jabari's chest. 'He smells so good. I could stay in his arms forever.'
She smiles to herself; she falls so at peace.
Zora thinks to herself, 'I could listen to the heartbeat…even the rhythm of his heartbeat is soothing…Mmmmm, baby. Never let me go. Let me stay in your arms.'
Then it dawns on her, 'No…what am I doing? This is my best friend, Jabari. I can't get vulnerable like this.'
Zora springs out of his arms.
"What's wrong," Jabari asks?
Zora has to think of something.
"Um…I have to go to the bathroom," Zora says.
She goes to the bathroom and closes the door. She turns on the water and splashes water on the face. She slowly raises her head to look at herself in the mirror.
"Wow," Zora says to herself," I DO look like a mess. Most of all, I almost let myself fall victim to my vulnerability."
Zora puts her head down and thinks aloud, "I am a mess. I am about to give myself to another man. Not just any man but my best friend…I have to get him out of here before I do something stupid."
She grabs one of the towels to dry her face. Before going back into the living room, Zora takes a deep breath, looks at herself in the mirror one last time, and goes back into the living room. Meanwhile, Jabari sits patiently in the living room.
"Is everything ok," Jabari asks his friend with concern?
"…Yeah! Everything is cool."
"Are you sure? You looked like you were on edge."
"Oh…no…I fine. In fact…I think I'll be alright for the rest of the night."
Jabari sighs. He feels that he needs to be with her, but he has to take her word.
"Well…if you feel that way, fine. I'm still going to check on you."
"Ok. Thanks for coming by, Jabari. I greatly appreciate it."
"Don't sweat it. Remember what I said; you'll be alright. It's ok to mourn over the relationship, but don't get stuck in mourning."
"I won't."
Jabari grabs his jacket. Zora walks him to the door.
"I'll call you as soon as I get home."
"Ok. Again, thanks for coming to see me."
"No problem," he parts, walking towards the elevator.
After locking the door, Zora places her hands over her mouth and pushes her hair back. What a day! First, her longtime love breaks up with her, and then she gets vulnerable with her long-time best friend. She abruptly cleans the litter off the living room floor; there is still some alcohol in her system, which caused her head to spin again. Zora falls on the couch. After a few minutes, she picks herself up to take a hot shower. Zora lets the water rain on her body; Zora is in the shower for a long time. After a long, pulsating shower, she finally goes to bed. All she wants to do is sleep the entire evening. How bizarre! However, she eventually goes to sleep.
About two weeks later, Mother Superior Wakefield goes into her office to start the day with her morning announcement. Unlike every other day, this announcement is different. Mother Wakefield turns on her intercom with a heavy heart.
"Good morning, everyone," Mother Superior Wakefield begins, "…This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it..."
She pauses to take a deep breath.
Then, Mother Superior Wakefield continues, "It is with great regret and a heavy heart to announce…the passing of our dear friend and loving brother…Nevin Lorimar Nereid. Nevin Nereid attended our school as a boy and has been a longtime member of our parish. He came back to our parish to provide his services by keeping our beloved church immaculate daily. Now, the Lord has called him home, where he will no longer suffer. There will be further information about the time and place of the wake and funeral. Until further notice, I advised that you all keep Nevin's friends and family in your hearts. May God love you all, and have a good day."
There is a mix of reactions to the news. Some gasps…some are crying…others talk amongst themselves about their disbelief of the news.
"Oh, no," Sister Mary Hoyt says to herself, "Poor, Nevin."
Then, Sister Mary Astor descends into the main hall for her morning coffee and almond Danish. She notices that her fellow sister, Sister Mary Hoyt, is distraught about something.
"Sister," begins Sister Mary Astor, as she gently touches Sister Mary Hoyt's shoulder. Sister Mary Astor abruptly holds Sister Mary Hoyt's hand.
"Oh, sister, it's terrible. Just terrible."
"I know. It's a great loss for everyone. But you have to believe that Nevin is resting in the bosom of our Lord, and he is no longer in pain."
Sister Mary Hoyt takes a deep breath to compose herself.
"Sister Astor, I don't understand," she says, shaking her head and trying to understand the situation, "Why did he not come to me for help? He always came to me whenever he was in trouble."
"I don't know, sister," replies Sister Mary Astor, "maybe his demons overpowered him to the point that he could not ask for help from anyone. The only two people who know the answer to that question are Nevin and God."
That statement takes the nun back to a memory, years ago. Holy Chalice is an elementary school at the time, and Sister Hoyt finds a young Nevin sitting by himself.
"I guess so, sister," Sister Hoyt starts, as she looked towards the stage, "In fact, I can vividly remember one demon that was troubling him. I saw him sitting right at that very spot with his legs crossed. He looked like he was staring into space…"
"Nevin," I asked as I sat next to him, "Why are you not outside playing with the other children?"
He turned and looked at me for a few seconds and went back, staring into space. I knew something was troubling him, but I didn't know what? I just wanted him to tell me what was wrong or at least talk to me.
"Nevin, dear, you can get into a lot of trouble for not being present at recess," I explained.
I received nothing but a blink from his eyes. That was when I said, "Very well, Mr. Nereid, maybe the Mother Superior will have better luck talking to you."
I got up, and when I was about to walk to Mother Superior Wakefield's office, I heard, "Can I ask you something?"
I turned to him and said, "Yes, Nevin."
"Have you ever been afraid of doing something you loved wholeheartedly?"
I gave him a puzzled look; I did not expect him to ask me a question like that.
So, I asked, "What do you mean, dear?"
I can tell he was unsure of continuing with this query, but Nevin went on anyway.
"I…, I like to sing," he said softly.
"What did you say?"
"I like to sing," Nevin said, looking at me straight in the eyes.
"Really?"
"Yes, sister."
"You know we have a school choir, and anyone is welcome to join it."
"Yeah…I know, but…"
"But what, Nevin?"
"My parents might not allow me to join the choir."
"W…why is that?"
He sucked his teeth with frustration.
Then Nevin said, "They think school activities are a waste of time and…and they think my grades will get worse."
"They? Whose they, Nevin?"
"My parents."
"That's ridiculous. Why would your parents think such a thing?"
"I don't know, but what difference does it make? My parents will never let me join the choir. You know…every time the choir performs…I want to be part of it so badly. When I sing the songs to myself…I don't know…my eyes start to water."
With that statement, Sister Hoyt paused for a moment. Then, Sister Hoyt asked him a simple question.
"Nevin…how does singing make you feel?"
"…happy," Nevin said with a smile, "Singing makes me happy, but Sister if singing makes me happy, why do I cry."
I smiled at him at said, "You're singing from your heart. Do what makes you happy, my child. Never hide your light under a bushel. Let it shine for the whole world to see."
"But what about----?"
"Don't worry about your mom and dad. I will talk to them."
"It wasn't easy talking to talk to them. After that first call on the phone, Nevin's parents did their best to avoid me. They were like brick walls; they would not budge for anything, especially for their child's happiness," Sister Hoyt explained, shaking her head, "I called practically every day. Mr. and Mrs. Nereid got so upset with the constant calls that they would report me to Mother Superior Wakefield, but the Lord is good. I happened to catch Mrs. Nereid sitting in the office."
"Mrs. Nereid, please hear me out," I started.
"Sister," Mrs. Nereid interrupted, getting up from her seat, "with all due respect, you have been a thorn in my side about Nevin and this singing business."
"But-----"
"This has gone far enough! I'm reporting you to your superior, and THEN you'll be sorry."
"Ok, ok…Mrs. Nereid, I don't mean to be a pest, but…I care about your son's happiness. I see him on the school grounds, and…and he's a loner. He has told me that singing makes him happy. Don't you want him to be happy?"
"…of course, I want him to be happy…but education is our strictest rule-----"
"---And so it should be, but there should also be some balance."
Mrs. Nereid said nothing; she just looked at me sternly.
"Here's an idea," I started, "If you and your husband allow Nevin to join the school choir, I will keep a close eye on his performance in school, and I will never bother you again."
With a stern look, Mrs. Nereid replied,"… I will discuss it with Nevin's father." And she walked out of the office.
"Oh, my," Sister Mary Astor says, "That was a close call."
"Indeed, Sister. However, I kept my word to Nevin's parents. He sang in the choir, and his grades were always up to par."
"Did his parents ever come to see him perform?"
"…no," Sister Hoyt replies sadly, patting her eye with a tissue, "However…being able to sing made Nevin happy, and THAT made me happy."
After class, Isaac goes to a payphone to give his girlfriend a call; he thinks it would be a great idea to have a casual dinner date. As he dials her number, he prays she would answer the phone. Most of all, Isaac prays she would be available.
Fabiola Castillo and Isaac Gonzalez have been together, since their senior year, in high school; they attended the same Co-ed Catholic School. Fabiola came from a large, hard-working family. She had lots of brothers and sisters, and her parents ran a local bodega in their neighborhood. Isaac, however, is the only child and lives with his mother, who is a nurse. Unfortunately, he neither knows nor met his biological father.
As they approach their high school graduation, Isaac thought his girlfriend would be attending Holy Chalice Catholic College with him. Still, Fabiola dropped a bombshell…she accepted the prestigious Ellahue J. Walton College of Design, but she wanted to attend that school instead of Holy Chalice Catholic College.
She loves Isaac, but she also wants to pursue her dream as a fashion designer. Isaac was disappointed, but at least Fabiola's college was located within the city. After graduation, they spend the summer together; they promise each other that nothing would jeopardize their relationship no matter what happened. After the summer came to an end, it was time for the couple to go to their respective colleges. Since the school year started, Fabiola has been more occupied in her studies than Isaac; it is not her fault. E.J.W. is a prestigious school for the arts, and it only chooses the best of the best.
The phone ring.
"Come on, Fab," Isaac says, waiting for an answer, "answer the phone."
"Hello," Fabiola finally answers.
"Hey, Fab. It's Isaac," Isaac says happily.
"Isaac. Baby, what's up?"
"I want to take my fabulous Fab out to dinner."
"Oooohhh. That sounds great…but I can't see you tonight."
"Why not? Don't tell me it's another project."
"No. It's a test."
"Oh…well, I tell you what. We can have our romantic dinner at your dorm, and I can help you study for your test."
"Ok, baby. My roommate is working late tonight anyway."
"Great. I will meet you at your dorm at 6 pm."
"Then, it is a date! I love you."
"I love you, too, Fab."
They both hang up the phone.
Isaac is very excited about his date. It has been months since they have spent quality time together. That evening, Isaac comes bearing a Chinese take-out and a bouquet of multi-color roses, Fabiola's favorite. Isaac carries the bouquet like he brought a rainbow of royal blues, fuchsias, whites, reds, yellows, corals, pinks, and two tones. Isaac has to pass security, sign in the visitor log, and show his state id before Isaac can reach his lady-love. After that grueling process, he rushes to catch the elevator; he finds it just in time. When the elevator door opens to the fourth floor, Isaac walks to Fabiola's door. His heart is racing with each step. When he finally arrives at the door, Isaac has to position the food and flowers to have a free hand. Meanwhile, Fabiola can hear the tussling of plastic coming from outside her door. She looks to see who is making that noise on the other side of her door.
"Peek-a-boo," Fabiola says, "I see you."
Fabiola opens the door.
"Hey, Fab, baby."
"Hola, mi amor."
They embrace enough with a passionate kiss.
"Here's some flowers…and some Chinese food…for my baby."
"Aawww…baby. You spoil me."
"No, baby. YOU spoil me. Baby, I missed you."
"I missed you too. I want to see you so badly, but these professors will not let up with all of the assignments," she replies, placing the gifts on the table.
"I know, baby, the same thing with me," Isaac Gonzalez empathizes.
"Now I have to study for this stupid test," she says, sadly, plopping in the bean bag chair.
"Hey, I am here for you. We will get through this. But first, you need some food in your belly."
"Ok. I will make our plates."
Fabiola has difficulty getting up from the bean bag chair, but her boyfriend pulls her up from the bean bag chair.
"Thanks, mi amor."
She takes the food to the kitchen and puts it together on two plates and two glasses of Pepsi. Fabiola comes from the kitchen, while bringing the two plates of food, and placing them on the table.
"Baby, let's eat here on the floor like it's a picnic. I'll get one of your blankets; I want to be closer to you."
"Ok," Fabiola says with a smile.
When she walks back into the kitchen, a thought occurs to her, "Oh! The mix-tape."
"Ok. I'll get that too. You stay here," Isaac insists.
They both scramble to get their dinner date together. Isaac goes into her room to retrieve the mix-tape and one of her blankets. He runs back into the living room, places the mix-tape into the tape deck, and turns up the volume. Then, she goes back to the kitchen to get the two glasses of Pepsi. Finally, she joins Isaac on the living room floor for dinner.
They talk…eat…they have a wonderful time together.
"Have you seen Z. Z. recently," Fabiola asks?
"Yeah. Zora's been feeling depressed, confused, and betrayed. I thought they had a strong relationship. Eventually, I saw Tony. I gave him a piece of my mind. I gave him half of my mind. I mean…dumping your girlfriend over the phone…telling her you're marrying another woman. No Bueno. Then, he told me the reason he broke up with Z.Z."
"We all know the reason…he is marrying another woman."
"Yes…but you do not know the reason Anton is marrying another woman?"
"Oh, this should be good. What lie did Anton tell you?"
"Anton told me…that in his culture, arrange marriages are tradition."
"What?"
"Yeah. Anton is marrying another woman due to tradition."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, Fab."
"So he has been misleading poor Zora on, all this time."
"I asked him that question, but Tony said that he sincerely loves Zora."
"Love? He still loves Zora?"
"Yeah. Anton feels so bad about the situation that he began to cry. He feels that he hurt Zora, but he hurt us because we love Zora, too."
"I do not know, Fab."
"He told me…about his engagement party next month. He said it was an open invitation, and we're all welcome. I told him…I will think about it."
Isaac Gonzalez is bewildered about the news. So he puts the issue aside and focuses on his quality time with Fabiola. He turns her head, softly, and gently caresses her chin.
"Fab, let's just focus on you. Focus on us," he says with another kiss, "Focus on tonight."
"You're right, mi cielo. I am so happy you are here."
They exchange a passionate kiss.
"Are we done with dinner," Fabiola asks Isaac seductively?
"Yes, I am," Isaac asks seductively.
"Good…because we need to hit these books so I could pass this test," she says, leaping off the blanket and taking the two plates into the kitchen.
Isaac is disappointed; he wants to help his girlfriend study, but he wants to be intimate with his girlfriend.
She brings her book and notebook out from her bedroom and sits on the floor with Isaac. Fabiola opens her books and proceeds to study for her upcoming test.
'No,' he thinks to himself, 'I cannot do this to Fabiola. She wants me to help her study. I guess I am not getting that fortune cookie tonight.'
It starts as a regular study session. Isaac reads to her each section and then quizzes her after each chapter. It is getting late, and Fabiola cannot stop yawning.
"Baby, let's call it a night; I'm tired," she says with heavy eyes.
"Ok, mi vida," Isaac agrees.
"I'm going to go jump in to shower."
"Ok. While you do that, I'll clean up."
"Thanks, mi amor," she replies with a kiss on his lips.
So, Fabiola gets up to get ready for her shower. As he watches his girlfriend walk off into the bathroom, he cannot help watching her luscious body sway to and fro.
'¡Que rico, mi Fabiola,' he thinks to himself with a half-smile!
Before she goes into the bathroom, she turns and blows Isaac Gonzalez a kiss. He pretends that the kiss is flying in the air, catches "the kiss," and eats "the kiss" seductively like a piece of fruit. It makes her blush, and she shyly goes into the bathroom. He proceeds to clean up the living room while Fabiola prepares to cleanse her body. When he finishes, he can still hear the water running from the shower. Isaac is drawn to the sound of water as if it was calling him to come…come…come…he cannot resist the sound; Isaac is under its spell. He walks towards the bathroom door, licking his lips. Isaac then slowly opens the door. The bathroom is hot and steamy. He quietly closes the door behind him and stands in front of the shower. Isaac slightly bites his bottom lip because he knows who is behind that shower curtain.
'I'm coming for you, my beautiful goddess,' Isaac thinks to himself, 'I need to be inside you tonight…bless you, with my love. Maybe tonight…I can plant my love inside you.'
He takes off all of his clothes until he is nude. Isaac walks closer…and closer. His body displays outlandish excitement. He pulls the curtain open to see the fair-skinned beauty in her naked glory. Fabiola suddenly turns around, facing Isaac; she is soaked and wet. The suds cover her body. Their eyes lock on each other. Isaac slowly steps into the bathtub with Fabiola. He gently touches her soft, full lips with his fingertips; she gently caresses his cheek. They engage in a soft peck of the lips…then a kiss on the lips….then a passionate kiss on the lips…then tongue play. Their hands and arms join the festivities with the exploration of their bodies. Then they fall apart, so Fabiola could grab the bar of soap to wash Isaac's body. Isaac stands in the shower to await his cleansing from his lover. She looks at him with bedroom eyes as she cleans his naked body as the water was raining on her body. Every inch of his chiseled form covers with soapy suds. Fabiola then places the soap down and wash her lover's body with her bare hands; it is sensual. She removes his shoulders,…his biceps…his arms and hands…his pecks…Fabiola's hands explore every inch of Isaac's body, from his neck to his toes. She takes exceptional care of his manhood. The roles have changed when Isaac goes under the shower to rinse away the soap off of his body. He shakes his head to and fro to prevent the water from going into his ears, while Fabiola slowly runs her hands up to his chest. He looks at her as the water trickles down his face. Isaac softly touches her cheek; his thumb runs slowly down on her upper lip to her mouth. She gently takes his hand and gently puts his thumb in her mouth like a pacifier. She wants to taste him, feel his skin in her mouth…on her tongue. Isaac watches her pacify herself with his thumb for a while. Then, he takes his hand from her face and prepares the same soap she uses to cleanse him. He soaps her shoulders…then her left arm and hand…then her right arm and hand…then her back. Isaac then goes to Fabiola's breasts. Isaac lathers each breast, one by one. He works his way slowly down to Fabiola's lower body. She is in ecstasy by her lover's touch. So soft. So gentle. Isaac teases her as he pleases her. He gets down on his knees and slid his soapy, lathers hands up and down between her legs until he reached Fabiola's gentle flower. Fabiola gently puts her hands on top of Isaac's head as he continues to cleanse her. She lifts her head and closes her eyes. Fabiola gets lost in the ecstasy that is between her and her boyfriend. When Isaac finishes, he gets up and places her under the shower. He takes his two fingers and gently massages her flower as he gazes at her; she begins to moan softly. It gives her great pleasure. Then, he joins her under the shower. The remaining soap and lathers ran from their bodies, down the drain. He reaches around Fabiola to turn off the shower.
He whispered, "Are you ready for round two?"
Fabiola nods her head.
Isaac opens the shower curtain and steps out of the tub. He then helps Fabiola out of the bathtub and retrieves two towels; they are dripping wet. He dries Fabiola from her hair to her toes. She giggles from the tickles of the towel against her skin.
"Baby," she says, "You're tickling me. Stop."
"I'm trying to dry you, silly girl."
With a few more pats, Isaac finishes drying Fabiola. Then, Fabiola takes his towel and dries Isaac. She dries every inch of his body. Fabiola dries his soft, hairless pecks and works her way down to his manhood. She notices Isaac's excitement, so she gives it a gentle kiss on the head. Then Fabiola dries his legs and feet. She is such a tease. When Fabiola stands to her feet, Isaac gives her another passionate kiss. He then takes her by the hand and leads her into her bedroom. It is dark, but their only lighting is the campus lights. She turns down the sheets. She gets into the bed, and Isaac joined her. He lays halfway on top of her slowly…softly massaging and caressing her breasts. Isaac takes the nipple of Fabiola's left breast to his mouth and sensually puts it in his mouth. As he nurses himself with his girlfriend's nipple, he gently massages her right breast. The sensitive sensation of his tongue against her nipple makes her give a soft sigh. Isaac's tongue plays with her nipple over and over again. His hand slowly passes her stomach to the delicate, silky petals of her flower. He playfully caresses her flower, which makes her body quiver with delight. With her arm over her head, Fabiola lays like a helpless damsel as her lover pleasures her covetous body; she enjoys the sensation so much that she arches her back so he can go…deeper. She is so warm…and so wet. He pulls out his fingers; they drip and shine from her nectar.
"You're so wet," Isaac says, with a smile.
Fabiola turns her head to the side, blushes from embarrassment. Despite her shyness, he turns her head towards his and kisses her with tongue play. She cannot resist his passionate kisses…his sweet caress…his sensual words…her head feels so cloudy from the love-making and the love she felt for Isaac Gonzalez.
He then asks his girlfriend, "Can I…"
"…yes, please."
He then moves between her legs. Isaac pulls her legs on top of his shoulders and places his manhood within her flower. Fabiola lets out a gasp.
"You're so warm and tight, mi amor."
"…fill me up, baby…"
"I going to bless you tonight."
As they make love, they begin their duet of passion and love-making, composed of sighs, moans, groans, and pillow talk. It is getting so intense that they hold each other tighter as the thrust becomes faster. All of a sudden, he stops to turn his lover on her stomach. Isaac then places his manhood from behind; Fabiola lets out a sigh. Their duet continues with every thrust. He grabs her by her waist and thrust deeper and deeper inside her. The sensation sends shockwaves throughout their bodies. While he makes love to her, her hair spills on her shoulders, her breasts bounces, her thick, juicy thighs and butt ripples with each motion. Isaac smacks her luscious butt when Fabiola cries out with pleasure. As their duet of passionate love-making continues to climb to its climax…so do Isaac and Fabiola. Then…they both let out a cry. When he releases his love, she felt his love seeping through her vaginal canal. It is sheer euphoria between the two lovers. They are one. They want the moment to last, but her body clasps on the bed while he continues to plant kisses on her soft, bareback. He gives Fabiola a soft smack on her bottom and falls next to her on the bed. Fabiola crawls closer towards Isaac's chest and stomach; she places her arm and leg on his body. Isaac wraps his arm around her. They soon fall into their slumber, which leads them into the morning light.
The next morning, Fabiola wakes up from her slumber, but Isaac is not lying next to her. In his place is a single rose from her bouquet and a note. She sits up and opens the letter. It read…
Mi Amor,
Perdóname for leaving so soon. I had to hurry home and change so that I could make it to class on time. As always, I had a great time with you. The love-making was just extra. Anyway, good luck with your test and I'll see you later.
Te amo,
Isaac
Later that day, Zora and Fabiola decided to have a drink at Newkirk's Bar. They have a casual conversation until a waitress with long, blonde ringlets and big green eyes walks carefully to Zora and Fabiola's table. Her name is Orchid Willoughby. When she first started working at Newkirk's, she was shy until Christopher and the staff welcomed her with open arms, which brought out a bright and bubbly personality. Most importantly, Orchid's pleasant disposition was one of the factors that made the business boom.
"Here you go, girls," Orchid announces, putting the tray of food on the table.
Zora and Fabiola are very excited and hungry.
Orchid carefully removes the plates from the tray and places them on the table.
"If there anything else you need," Orchid asks?
"No. Everything is awesome," Zora says to the waitress.
"Yeah. Everything is perfect," adds Fabiola.
"Great," Orchid says, "I will come back later."
With no hesitation, Fabiola picks up her cheeseburger and proceeds to take a big bite until she sees her friend with a dazed look on her face.
"MMMM, the burger is so choice, Z.Z.…Z.Z.…ZORA!!!"
Zora leaps out of her seat.
"What," Zora asks?
"Where were you?"
"I'm sitting in front of you, silly. Where else would I be?"
"You're here, but your mind is a million miles away," says Fabiola, slipping her Root Beer float from a bending straw.
"Whatever."
"Are you still thinking about Anton?"
"I'm always thinking about him, but…someone else is on my mind."
"OOOHHH!!! Is he a hunk?"
"…yeah…"
"Do I know him?"
"Very well."
Fabiola is getting excited.
"Ok. Ok. Ok. Is it…Nacho?"
"No."
"Walter?"
"No."
"Oh, I know! It's Liam! He's sexy, nena. Well, German guys are not my thing, but he could be an exception…if I wasn't with Isaac."
"No!!!! It's not Liam."
"Alright. Well, who is it?"
"It's…Jabari."
"Jabari."
"Yes."
"Jabari Montague."
"Yes."
"Our Jabari Montague."
"Yes."
"OOOOOHHHH!!!! NENA!!!!!"
"SShhhh. Girl, lower your voice. I don't want people to know my business."
"Por favor, Z.Z. No one cares…but…why Jabari?"
"I don't know. I guess… It's the fact that Jabari was right there when Anton broke up with me."
"What do you mean he was "right there"?"
"He came to my house."
"Z.Z., you…and Jabari…?"
"No, Fab! I was a total mess that night, but he stays with me. Jabari was so attentive. He sat with me and console me…he held me in his arms and…"
"…and…"
"…it felt so nice. It felt nice being held by a man who cares about me."
"Did he kiss you?"
"No."
"Did he try to kiss you?"
"No. Jabari is not like that."
"Z.Z., that's vulnerability talking. You just broke up with the love of your life. He left you with all this love and affection that you showered on Tony. Now, Jabari comes into the picture, and you transfer those feelings you had for Tony to Jabari. You cannot allow your feelings to get the best of you. Otherwise, you and Jabari will get hurt."
"Ah, but I caught myself before it went too far."
"How?"
"I pretend I had to go to the bathroom, and then I kicked him out of my house."
"Zora…"
"I wasn't mean. Jabari asked if I was ok for the rest of the night, and I said, "yes." Besides, I called you first. I wish you would have answered your phone. Otherwise, this awkwardness would have never happened."
"Sorry, but you know that fashion school keeps me busy."
"It's cool. I understand…but there is something else I do not understand."
"What is that?"
"…why am I still thinking about Jabari?"
"Here's the deal. You have to ask yourself, "Do you want Jabari as your boyfriend?" "Do you see Jabari as your boyfriend?" Most of all, "Does he see you as more than just a friend?"
"I have to think about that, but I also think about Anton."
"You do! Otherwise, the results are going to be ones you never wanted... whoever chooses. So what about school?"
"What about school?"
"You know that you and Anton will cross paths sooner later."
Zora sucked her teeth with disgust.
Zora said, "…do not remind me, but I am afraid I might do something crazy when I see him.
"Like…."
"Run in his arms, kiss him, and tell him…
"Tell him what?"
"I don't care if you're marrying someone else. I love you, and nothing and no one is going to change that.' I would love to marry Anton."
"Maybe you can get um…your homeboy to pose as your husband."
"Who?"
"Jabari."
"Are you crazy???? Stop buggin'."
"It was a suggestion. ¡Tranquila!"