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Authors: Skyy

BOOK: Crossroads
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Denise walked into the house. Farih stood up. Denise wrapped her arms around her beautiful girlfriend. She kissed her on her forehead. “Where is Melanie?”
“Bedroom,” Farih whispered.
“I'll be back.” Denise headed to the bedroom.
Melanie was laying on her bed sobbing. Denise had never seen the strong Melanie Moore look so frail. Melanie turned over and sat up when she saw Denise standing in the doorway.
“It's not your fault. You can't blame yourself for it.”
“I should have never let them take me away. I should have kept in touch with her. She would have never got on crack if I was around. We always said we wouldn't try that shit. If I would have just been there ...”
“It's not your fault.” Denise walked closer to Melanie. “You couldn't help the fact that your parents sent you away. I'm sure my mother knew that.” The anger Denise felt had faded. She looked at Melanie. She could see the pain in her eyes.
“Don't blame yourself anymore. It's not your fault. My mother never blamed you. She took full responsibility for the things that she did.”
“Do you hate me?” Melanie stood up. She sounded like a child afraid of hurting its parents.
“No, I don't hate you.” Denise hugged Melanie. “I can't thank you enough for all that you've been doing for me. I really appreciate it, and I know my mother would appreciate it too.”
Denise turned to walk out of the room. Melanie called her name, causing her to turn back around.
“When your mother died, was she better?” Melanie's eyes were red and puffy.
Denise smiled. “She was much better, she was clean and living in Mema's house.”
Melanie's face lifted. Denise could feel the weight of guilt coming off of her. She had lied to Melanie. Her mother died of AIDS. She knew that the best thing she could give Melanie was peace of mind.
“Thank you for showing me that. I never had any pictures of my mother when she was younger. They were all destroyed over the years.”
“You know, you look so much like her, it's hard for me to look at you sometimes.” Melanie smiled. “Your mother would have made an amazing model.”
They both laughed.
“Go get your girl before she busts in here. I need some time. I'll see you two before you go to Atlanta.”
Denise nodded her head and walked out the door. Farih was waiting in the living room, sipping on some wine. She put the glass down and smiled.
“Are you all right?” Farih's eyes slanted with curiosity.
“I am now.”
 
 
Melanie's words played over and over in Denise's head. Her entire life, she had blamed her mother for doing drugs, not thinking that it could have been something more that pushed her over the edge. She thought about Melanie. Her love for her mother was real. She wished her mother had known.
Denise glanced over to Farih concentrating on the busy street. She wanted to let go, but something was holding her back. She was crazy about Farih, but fear wouldn't let her completely let give her heart to her.
“
She's the one.
” Mema's voice echoed.
Denise looked out at the lights of the city. She realized she didn't want to let it all pass her by.
 
 
Denise opened the door to her place. Farih walked past her.
“Well, it's about time I get to see the bat cave.” Farih laughed.
Denise watched as she pulled her hair out of the ponytail holder. She walked up to Farih without saying a word. She grabbed her from behind, pulling Farih's ass against her.
“Umm, OK.” Farih's face filled with excitement and confusion.
Denise didn't speak. She ran her index finger down the nape of Farih's neck. Farih's body shivered from the cold touch. “Denise. What are you doing?”
“Shhh,” Denise whispered as she moved her head in closer. She planted her lips against Farih's lower neck.
Farih's body trembled again. “Wait.”
Farih managed to turn around, but still in Denise's arms. Their faces met.
“I thought you wanted to take it slow?”
“Maybe I changed my mind.”
“Denise, don't let what Mela—”
Denise kissed Farih's lips.
Farih could feel her body getting weak. She draped her arms around Denise's neck. Her body was aching for Denise, yet she forced herself to pull her lips apart from Denise's.
Denise noticed the concern in her eyes.
“Farih, this has nothing to do with what Melanie said. It has to do with me finally letting go.”
Their lips met. Denise held Farih in a loving embrace. They broke apart only long enough for Denise to pull Farih's shirt over her head. Farih didn't say a word; she bit her lip as Denise unbuttoned her pants. Their mouths met again, their tongues dancing the tango.
Denise picked Farih up. Farih wrapped her long chocolate legs around Denise's body. They kissed all the way to her room. Denise slowly laid Farih's body on the bed. Her pink Victoria's Secret bra and panties only made her skin look even more chocolate. Denise loved it.
“Denise, I'm not complaining, but ... what brought this on?” Farih said as Denise lit three candles on the dresser.
“Let's just say it's time for me to let go.” Denise moved toward Farih. She pulled her blue polo over her head with her wife-beater.
Farih bit her lip at the sight of Denise's rock-hard abs and smooth, muscular arms.
Denise put one knee on the bed. She lifted Farih's long leg into the air, kissing her way to her thigh.
Farih's sweet-smelling skin sent Denise's senses into a frenzy. She kissed Farih's flat stomach, right above her belly button. Farih's girlish giggle caused Denise to smile.
Their bodies locked. Denise's tongue curled against the arch in Farih's back. Her chocolate skin excited her in ways she never imagined. Denise wanted to take it slow, savor every moment of their first experience. She held Farih's long limbs in her hands, slowly spreading her legs apart. Heat radiated from Farih; Denise could feel the warmth as her fingers eased closer.
Farih let out a deep breath, her chest rising and falling. She was ready, but Denise wanted to take her time. She studied Farih's body, making mental photographs to keep in her mind.
Denise traced her tongue around the chocolate drops that sat on Farih's breasts. She nibbled on her breasts. The wetness from her mouth mixed with the cool breeze from her breath caused her nipples to stand at attention.
Farih's bottom lip quivered. She bit it. She opened her eyes and met Denise's. Denise leaned down, her lips locking with Farih's. Farih opened her mouth, allowing Denise's tongue to escape into hers.
The softness of their lips pressed against each other caused their fires to grow. Denise's right hand disappeared between Farih's legs, her index finger entered Farih's heat, her wetness covering Denise's finger as she rubbed Farih's clit in a slow circular motion.
Denise and Farih's eyes locked onto each other, their minds connected on a higher level, an orgasmic level. Denise bit her lip as her fingers ran from Farih's clit down to her hollow. They didn't lose eye contact. Denise entered with her index finger. Farih's vagina pulsated; her wetness grew. She ran her perfectly manicured fingertips against Denise's flat stomach. Denise lowered her body. Slowly kissing her way down Farih's chocolate breast to her belly button, Denise's mouth watered for Farih's nectar.
Farih's butt clenched as Denise's breath hit her puffy lips. Her bottom lip fell as Denise's tongue took shelter inside her. She wanted to scream; instead she exhaled a heavy breath laden with the release of her passion. Denise licked Farih from the top to the bottom of her heat. Farih's arms extended, she rubbed Denise's hair, massaging her scalp until the small ponytail holder popped off. Denise's hair fell. Farih's fingers were lost in Denise's mane.
The tingling sensation of Farih's nails against her scalp caused Denise's body to quiver. Denise's strong arms gripped Farih's thick thighs. She pulled herself deeper into Farih. Farih arched her back, grinding her pussy against Denise's mouth. Denise didn't falter; she worked Farih, claiming her lips, clit, and cave as her property.
“Deee,” Farih moaned, her accent heavy as Denise sucked and licked her into a climactic frenzy. Farih's body shuddered; the pleasure grim reaper was creeping up on her, slowly causing her toes to extend.
Denise's body trembled. Her pleasure grew as Farih moaned and panted for more.
Farih grabbed on to Denise's shoulders. Lost in another world, her fingertips dug into Denise's skin, leaving tiny imprints. Denise sucked on Farih's throbbing clit, whose pussy curved to Denise's two fingers as they glided in and out.
“Ayeeee, Deeee.” Farih's voice and lips quivered. Her legs gripped Denise's body, and her ass shifted.
Denise grabbed her, pulling so close. She wouldn't let her run.
Farih's body jerked like she was going into convulsions. Her hands pushed against Denise's shoulders as her orgasm exploded to the surface.
The explosion of Farih's sweetness on Denise's tongue caused her to cum.
Farih pulled Denise's sports bra. Denise left her warmth. Farih sat up, and their eyes met immediately. Tears were falling from Farih's eyes.
“Are you OK?”
Farih didn't speak. She pulled Denise close. She held both sides of Denise's face as her lips planted softly against Denise's. Farih sucked Denise's lips, tasting herself in the process. Farih lay back down, pulling Denise with her.
They embraced. Their bodies were one as they held each other. It was unlike anything Denise had ever experienced. Denise stroked Farih's hair as she fell asleep. She thought about her grandmother. She was right. There was no better love than black love.
41
The gossip blogs were covered with images of Sahara and Bobby Dee on
106 & Park
and walking into Geisha House. Cooley felt a lump form in her throat. The plan had worked; the urban community was more concerned with the idea of Bobby and Sahara as an item than anything else.
Cooley sat at the kitchen table. She woke up early to prepare a special apology breakfast for Sahara. A lavish edible arrangement covered in strawberries, pineapples and grapes sat in the middle of the table.
Cooley looked up from the laptop when she heard the bedroom door open. She quickly closed the computer and put it on the floor. Sahara walked out rubbing her eyes. Her boy shorts and tight-fitting wife-beater hugged her body. Her eyes widened, the spread causing her to pause in her tracks.
Cooley stood up. “How did you sleep?” Cooley asked as Sahara walked to the table.
Sahara gave Cooley an upset stare. “Fine.” Sahara looked down at the table then looked back at Cooley. “What's all this?” She pulled a strawberry off of the centerpiece. Sahara slowly sucked the strawberry, biting the tip off of it.
Cooley smirked. “It takes all that to eat a strawberry?” She knew what Sahara was trying to do with the strawberry, and it was working.
Sahara cracked a smile. “Maybe.” She sat down at the table. “You know it's gonna take a whole lot more than a centerpiece.”
“I know.” Cooley clapped her hands.
On cue Tee walked out of the kitchen, wearing a long white apron and a tall, paper chef's hat. “Welcome to Café Apology. My name is Tee and I am your chef for the day.” Tee set a square plate with a large Belgian waffle and some turkey bacon in front of each of them.
Sahara shook her head. “Oh, Tee, I hope she is paying you overtime for that.”
“Don't worry. I'm well taken care of.” Tee cheesed from ear to ear as she sat Cooley's plate in front of her. “Will there be anything else?”
“No, we are fine.” Cooley said as she continued to look at Sahara.
Sahara nodded her head.
Tee took a bow and walked back into the kitchen.
Sahara picked up her fork. She felt Cooley's eyes on her. She looked up and curled her lip.
“What?”
Cooley smiled, and her deep dimples appeared. “You know I think I like you most, just like this.”
Sahara blushed. She pushed her hair behind her ear. “Stop it.”
“What? I'm serious.”
“OK, who are you, and what did you do with Carla?”
They both laughed.
“I'm just trying to apologize here.”
“All you had to do was say it.”
“I thought this was more unique.” Cooley winked her right eye. Sahara's cheeks were flushed.
They sat in silence for a moment. Cooley reached for the silver water pitcher and caught an unwelcomed glimpse at her face.
“I think I'm going to go see a surgeon about my scar.”
Sahara looked up from her meal. “Carla, why?”
“I just think I need to get it taken care of now. I'm tired of seeing this shit when I catch my reflection. I want to see my old self again.”
“Carla, I've told you that it—”
“It's not a big deal to you, I know, but it is to me. I look like a fucking monster.”
“Dramatic much?”
Cooley sighed. “You don't understand. You aren't living with a fucking scar across your face.”
“All scars you can't see, Cooley. Remember that.”
Cooley turned on her stereo to take the edge out of the tense room. Soft music began to play from her iPod. They both began to eat the food Tee created. Beyoncé's rendition of Etta James' “Trust in Me” began to play.
Sahara began to sing along, sounding almost just like the record. She focused on Cooley, and their eyes met.
Cooley admired Sahara as she sang the song to her, each word resonating in Cooley's soul.
Sahara stood up. She held her hand out. Cooley smiled as she stood up, taking Sahara into her arms. They slow-danced as Sahara sung along with Beyonce.
Cooley couldn't take her eyes off of Sahara. Her voice sent chills down Cooley's spine. She hated that the song was so short.
They held on to each other for a few more moments as the next song came on.
Cooley peered into Sahara's eyes. “You know that I care about you right?”
“I know,” Sahara whispered.
“It's just I was brought up to believe that you don't let women in. I broke that rule with Misha and it backfired. So as much as I want to take that leap of faith with you, the other half of me is steadily pulling me back.”
Cooley expected Sahara's face to be filled with disappointment, but to her surprise she looked happy. “Cooley, when I got into this with you, I knew who I was getting. I accept you the way you are.”
“I just want you to understand that I do care about you.”
“I already know that. I just want you to trust in me.” Sahara sang the words.
They both laughed.
“I promise I'll work on it.” Cooley's expression was serious.
Sahara rubbed her hand down Cooley's cheek. They shared a kiss. “Now let's eat before Tee kills us for ruining her food.”
They sat back down and continued to eat.
“So, how was Geisha House?” Cooley asked while eating a piece of bacon.
Sahara sipped her orange juice. “It was cool, very chill mode. I really think you will like Bobby when you meet him.”
“I still don't wanna meet your boyfriend.” Sahara threw her middle finger up at Cooley.
Cooley blew a kiss back at her. “But I will say your plan worked. You hit the blogs already.”
Sahara looked up, wide-eyed. “Are you serious?”
“Yup. Speculations are stirring that you are the hot new couple.” Cooley stuck her finger in her mouth and pretended to gag. “You better not kiss that nigga.”
“Oh, chill out.” Sahara stood up. She walked in between Cooley's legs.
Cooley sat back in her chair.
“What's wrong with a harmless little kiss for the cameras?”
“Don't play with me!”
Sahara moved the plate of food out of the way and hopped on top of the table. Her boy shorts raised up, Sahara spread her legs, placing them on the outside of each of Cooley's legs. “Baby doll missed you last night.” Sahara licked her top lip.
Cooley's right eyebrow lifted. “Did she?” Cooley looked at the camel print formed in Sahara's boy shorts. She took her index finger and pushed the small piece of fabric to the side, exposing Sahara's lips. Cooley moved her hand. “Tee is in the other room.”
“So.” Sahara raised her wife-beater, exposing her washboard stomach. “Where's your sense of adventure?”
Cooley smiled as Sahara planted kisses on her face. Sahara looked deep into Cooley's eyes. Cooley closed her eyes as Sahara leaned and planted a soft kiss on Cooley's scar.
“You are still the most beautiful, and sexy woman I've ever met,” Sahara whispered.
Sahara's words heated Cooley's icy heart. Cooley could feel her nature rising. She scooted her chair closer. Her face aligned perfectly with Sahara's pussy, she rubbed her nose against the cotton fabric.
Sahara held on to Cooley's curly hair with both hands. She pushed Cooley's head farther into her warmth.
Cooley fought to resist the temptation. She bit the underwear with her teeth.
“Did you need ... Oh ...” Tee froze, quickly turning her head. “I'm sorry.”
Cooley and Sahara's heads jerked in Tee's direction.
“I'm so sorry.” Tee covered her eyes and walked back into the kitchen, as Cooley and Sahara erupted in laughter.
The sound of the doorbell woke Lena up out of her sleep. She pulled herself out of the bed, threw her robe on, and headed to the door. Terrin turned over, still sleeping soundly.
“I'm coming!” Lena yelled as she made it to the door. She pulled the door open, and her mouth dropped.
“It's about time. I was about to use my key.” Karen removed her Gucci shades and walked in the house.
“Mother, what are you doing here?”
“Can't a mother come by and check on her struggling daughter?”
Lena placed her hand on her forehead. She glanced at the door to the hallway. She silently prayed Terrin didn't wake up. “You could have called.”
Karen turned to her daughter. “Now, what good would that have done? You never answer my calls.”
“Mother, it's seven in the morning.” Lena yawned as she sat in one of her dining room chairs.
“Well, I have a meeting at the college to discuss renovations to Jamerson Hall. I wanted to come by and get an update on things with you.” Karen sat down across from Lena. “You're twenty now and about to be divorced. This is not a favorable situation for you. Think men are going to line up to date a divorced college drop out? You need to have a plan.”
“I know, Mother. I am going to register.”
“And things with Brandon?”
“We are OK. Actually, very good. We are working on regaining our friendship.”
“That's wonderful, honey.” Karen shifted her eyes. “So, I saw your little friend on TV. Seems she's dating Farih Okoro.”
Lena felt her heart drop. “Yes, I know.”
“I heard she's making quite a name as a model herself. I swear I never would have imagined it. She was so butch.”
“Mother, is there anything else that you want?”
Karen slated her eyes at Lena. “Well, since I'm bothering you so much, let me go.” Karen stood up. “It's a horrible world when your own daughter can't make time for you.”
Suddenly they heard a toilet flush. Lena's heart began to race. Karen looked at the hallway. Karen looked at her daughter's frightened face.
“Mot—”
“Shhh.” Karen held her hand out at Lena. She proceeded to walk toward the hallway.
Lena jumped up. “Mother, what are you doing? This is my house!” Lena protested to deaf ears.
Karen continued to walk down the hall. She pushed Lena's door open and gasped.
Terrin stood in shock in her boxers and sports bra.
Karen turned to Lena. Lena lowered her head.
Karen walked past Lena without saying anything. Lena followed calling out, but Karen wouldn't respond. Karen picked her purse up. Her hands shaking so hard, she fumbled to get her keys.
“Mother, it's not what you think.”
Karen turned around and threw her finger up. “Lena, do not try to justify what I just saw. How could you do this to yourself and to your family?”
Tears filled in Lena's eyes. “I can't help how I feel, Mother. You don't understand.”
“I don't understand what, Lena? That you are a
gay
now? You're right. I can't understand that because you aren't!”
“Mother, I don't know what I am.” Lena cried.
“And is that the way to find out? Sleeping around with random trash you pick up off the street?”
“She's not trash. She is smart, has a great job, and she lives in this building!” Lena couldn't tell if she was more embarrassed that she was caught or angry at her mother's comments about Terrin.
“Oh, I don't care where she lives.” Karen threw her hands up. She took a deep breath. “What happened to my little girl? What happened to my child who would never lie to her mother? Now you lie constantly, hiding things from your father and me. Why are you constantly trying to hurt us?”

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