**Years Later**

17year old Julia walked down the hall holding her books close to her chest. She walked up to her locker and started putting her code in when all of a sudden somebody reached over and pushed the books out of her hands. She turned to give them a piece of her mind but they were gone. She turned to pick up her books and bumped into somebody. “Will you watch whe… I should’ve known.” She sighed rolling her eyes. “Why are you always bothering me?” She asked crossing her arms.

“Maybe because I feel like it.” 18year old Dmitri said now standing at 6’1.

Julia shook her head. “Well maybe you could feel like picking up my books.” she said leaning against the lockers.

“What if I don’t feel like it?” he asked crossing his arms.

“What if I whoop your ass!” she hissed.

“Yea right.” He scoffed. “Private school girl isn’t going to do anything.”

“You are such a pain in the ass.” She smirked. “Why do you keep calling me that.”

“Because you are a private school goody two shoes.”

“I haven’t been in private school for two years.” she sighed.

“That may be Julia Ali. Anyway! Heard about that boy you hit the other day. What is that fist made off… Steel?” he jokingly asked as he bent down and picked up her books.

Julia smirked as she took her books. “Maybe you should ask him. I mean he is the one that got hit.” she said as she opened her locker and placed her books inside. A boy by the name of Ronald called her a bitch and she showed him what kind of bitch she was… Taking her gym bag out she slammed the locker. “Oh wait! I just remembered… Maybe you should ask your left eye!” She shrugged and walked off.

DC looked dumbfounded as she walked off. “Yo! Wait up!” he called turning and running after her. He walked in front of her but turned to look at her. “I let you hit me.”

“I find it kind of strange that a 6year old boy would just let a girl hit him and then run home crying. Telling his mother.” She said with a smug smile.

“I was playing. I knew what I was doing. Didn’t even hurt.”

“Well if it didn’t hurt let me hit you again.” She teased as she balled up her fist and raised it to hit him.

DC caught her flying fist and shook his head. “Not even missy. Anyway prom is coming up and I need a date. Know somebody?”

Julia stopped walking and looked at him. If only this boy knew she had all of these feelings for him. She had feelings for him the moment she punched him. But he never saw her. He only saw those girls who were dancers and cheerleaders. She gave up on him after she met Zachary. He made her melt the moment he said her name and every since then they been together. “Don’t know maybe you should ask one of your whores to the prom.” She replied.

DC chuckled. “Why they gotta be whores. How come they can’t my friends or my ladies?”

“That was mean wasn’t it?” She asked timidly. She sighed and smiled. “Maybe you should ask one of your lady whores. Is that nicer?”

“Maybe I should… So uh… Julia Simmons wanna go to prom with me?” he asked.

Taken back, she punched him in his stomach and he stumbled back into the wall. She didn’t have to say anything as she walked out and went to track practice. Out of breath he stood straight up, “It was a joke!” he called before he coughed. Damn that girl had a arm on her. DC shook it off and went to his locker.

“Yo that is the wrong one to mess with. You know that’s Zach’s girl.” A boy by the name of Andre said stepping up to his friend.

“Who?”

“Zachary Martin… Julia is his girl. I thought you knew that.”

“She ain’t dating Zach.” He said as he and Dre walked to the locker room. He knew his future wife wasn’t dating anybody. She would have said something.

“She is… They been dating for weeks now. Your late.”

“No she’s not dude. I know Lia and I know she ain’t dating nobody.” DC said as they walked out and started walking past the track.

“What you think home girl swing the other way… I mean damn she got muscles and all but that don’t make her gay.” Dre said as he waved a few ladies who had on their cheerleading uniforms.

DC shook his head. “I didn’t say she was gay either. I just know Lia… I mean we’ve been friends since we were little.”

“Didn’t look that way when she punched you.” Dre teased. “Remember a few year back you came to school with a black eye. You said she hit you… Dude I’ll never forget that.” he laughed. Every time he thought back to that day he had to laugh. It was too funny. He looked up and saw Julia come out the gym. “Yo look!” he said as he pointed to her. DC looked over and saw Lia running up to some dude. He picked her up and they kissed. “What I tell you? Ole girl is dating Zach.”

DC stopped and looked at her. Hell naw! That was his woman. What the hell was he doing with her. Just watching them made him furious. He wanted to go over and punch the crap out of Zach! How could Lia betray him like that.

Lia slid down the length of Zach’s body and smiled up at him. “Hey baby. I thought you weren’t coming.”

“I thought I wasn’t going to finish that test on time. Luckily I did.” He chuckled. “Hey I was wondering if you were free this Friday night. Action flick just came out.”

She smiled shyly. “I’ll have to see if my mother isn’t having guest over.” she lied knowing she had to talk to the big man before she did anything.

“You gotta ask pops. I know the deal baby.”

Rolling her eyes she swatted his arm. “Ok fine you caught me. But I’m sure he will allow me to go.”

“I hope so.” Zach took her hand. “Come on let me walk you to the track.

“It’s like 10inches away.” she laughed quietly

“So.” he said as they began to walk.

Julia let him walk her. Just as she put her hair in a ponytail she caught somebody staring at her out the corner of her eye. She looked over and saw it was Dmitri, he looked puzzled and hurt. When their eyes locked he looked down and began to walk away. Now she felt a little bad… But why did she even care. He never once thought about her when he was with his girls so why should she! Shaking him from her head she entered the gate and turned to her boyfriend. “I’ll see you after practice?”

“You know it.” he said as they kissed again and she went to stretch. As she sat on the ground she saw a few other girls walk past her. She couldn’t stand them. They couldn’t stand her.

“Hey Sister Julia! What’s going on?” Her best friend Monica asked as she sat next to her.

“Hey Nica…” she sighed as she began to stretch. “Why do you always call me that?”

“Well because you have the name of a preacher’s wife or something. Seriously… Anyway! I saw you and Zach. You two look pretty serious.”

“We’ve been dating a few weeks.” She said shaking her head.

“Either way you two look close. Am I sensing high school sweethearts?”

“Am I sensing a nosey best friend?”

“Maybe.” Monica giggled as she stretched her leg out and leaned over to touch her knee with her nose. “Oh I saw your friend staring at you today. What’s going on with that?”

“What do you mean? What friend?”

“Dmitri Calhoun.”

“That fool just has a staring problem.”

“He has somebody but it ain’t a staring problem. He has the love bug.”

“The what!?” she laughed as she sat up and looked at her friend.

Monica moved in front of her they put their feet together. Julia took her hands and pulled her forward. “Love bug. Meaning he was pissed when he seen you and Zach all lovey dovey. Meaning he indeed has feelings for you. You can’t tell me that boy doesn’t have feelings for you.”

“He doesn’t.”

“He does! Why you think he’s always messing with you.”

“Look heffa.” She started as they started laughing. “I am going to tell you like I told my mother. If he likes me so much why does he continue to flaunt his girls in my face.”

“Make you jealous.”

“You sound just like Angela.” Julia scoffed as Monica pulled her forward. “Besides he had all his life to say something and it’s kind of late to say something when I’m with somebody I happen to like very much.” she said not taking a breath until the sentence was finished.

Monica shook her head as they parted and stood up. “Julia who are you fooling.”

“I’m not trying to fool anybody. I’m just trying to tell you nothing is going to happen where DC and I are involved. It’s not even like that. We are friends and enemies. Next door neighbors. Besides you just said me and Zach looked like high school sweethearts. Make up your mind!” she said as got in place to start running. Their coach was coming onto the field. “Plus it would never work between us.” she said softly.

“Simmons! Hurdles!” The coach called as she blew her whistle. Julia took off. Thinking about what her friend just said. Could it be true? Could DC have a crush on her? Maybe and maybe not! But she wasn’t about to live single just to find out.

She jumped the first hurdle and when she looked up she saw him. He was in the center of the field staring at her.

DC watched as she started off. She had on a dark green Nike speed suit, a pair of black track shorts and some ice white tennis shoes. Every since they were little she had speed. She was always running and she was always beating the kids in the neighborhood. Her arms and legs pumping hard and fast, her six pack very well known as she ran and put her all into it.

Second hurdle. Julia jumped but her back foot hit it and she tripped. Falling onto the grass. “Shiiii!” she hissed as she looked at her throbbing ankle that turned the wrong way when it landed on the ground.

“Simmons!” The coach called as she ran over. She got on the ground with her and looked at her ankle. “I’m going to remove your shoe.”

Dmitri ran over and kneeled beside her. “Hey you alright?” he asked looking at the swollen ankle.

“I’m flat on my behind how do you think I fe----OW!” she cried.

Coach shook her head. “Sprained ankle. You might not be able to race this weekend.” she said as she looked up at her best runner.

“No! I… It’s… Are you sure? I mean come on it‘s just a sprained ankle. It‘ll be fine by Saturday‘s meet.”

“Let’s take you in and check it out. Young man can you help me.” she asked looking at Dmitri.

“Yes ma’am.”

Julia sighed as she jerked her hand away from him and stood up on her own. “I’m fine.” she hissed as she started to walk but stopped and almost fell. He caught her in his arms.

“Let me help you inside.”

“Fine.” she mumbled as he picked her up and carried her into the building. As he walked to the girls locker room she smiled. He smelled so damn good. Like something spicy yet sweet.

He looked down in his arms and smiled. “I hope you like what you’re smelling.”

She looked away like not even happened. Once they were in the locker room he sat her on the table. “You know this is your fault.” She huffed.

Funny as hell, he thought as he started laughing. “How on earth could this be my fault. I wasn’t the hurdle nor was even near you.”

“You distracted me. This is your fault. Had you not been staring at me I wouldn’t have fell.” She rolled her eyes wishing the coach would hurry up and come in the room.

“Had you not looked at me you wouldn’t have fell.” He shot back.

“Get out! I’m tired of looking at your face.” Arms crossed, face down.

DC went into her space and raised her head. “Why are you trying avoid the fact that you were staring at me. Just admit it.”

“If you don’t get out my face I’m going to admit my fist into your face.” She hissed. Just as she was about to punch him he caught her fist once again and put it down.

“I’m tired of you raising your fist to me.”

“I’m tired of you testing me.” She said through gritted teeth.

DC let her go and swiped his lips. He knew how to get her back. Nodding because he was very sure of himself he charge her and pulled her close. He looked at her for a second before he leaned in closer. “What are you doing?” she asked just a above a whisper. Her heart began to pound against her chest. She felt all of these tingly feelings course through her body. She was so nervous! He was two inches away from he sweet lips that he could smell. Smelled like grape.

“Simmons I want to----” Coach Laurel started as she opened the door and saw them. Lia and DC pulled back and looked away from the coach and the trainer’s gaze. “Young man can you leave… Please.” The coach said as she saw her runner tense up when she manage to look her way.

“Yes… Yes ma’am.” he stumbled as he glanced at Julia and quickly left the room.

Laurel closed the door and looked at her. “Is everything alright Ms. Simmons?”

“Yes.” she sighed still reeling from the almost kiss. Laurel and the trainer came over and checked out her ankle.

Sometime later Julia limped out the locker room. She wasn’t going to be able to run this Saturday and if the pain persisted she wouldn’t be able to run Tuesday either. “Hey you alright?”

“Yea I’m fine.” Lia mumbled as Zach sat next to her.

“What they say?”

“Can’t run Saturday and I might not be able to run Tuesday.”

“Damn…” he sighed. “Don’t worry you’ll be alright. I know it. You want me to take you home?”

“No Larry’s coming to get me.”

Zach wrapped his arm around her waist and she laid her head on his shoulder. She didn’t know what to do. She was with one boy she liked a lot. But she was also fooling herself with another boy she liked.

DC was coming back out, in his baseball practice uniform. He saw Lia and Zach hugged up and he couldn’t help but feel jealous. After he left the locker room earlier he went to boy’s locker room. He needed to collect himself before he went out and embarrassed himself. How was it possible that he was so close to her lips that he didn’t take his chance. He been wanting to kiss her since he knew what kissing really meant. He just had a chance and he blew it!

As he watched her now he sighed. She was happy with Zachary Martin. Otherwise she wouldn’t have been all up on him after what just happened in the locker room. He also cursed Laurel for coming in like she did. He couldn’t stand that woman sometimes.

“Hey slugger!” Larry called out after he parked his truck and walked up the walk way.

Julia looked up and saw her father. She smiled every time she heard that name. “Hey daddy.”

“How you doing?”

“It’s just a sprained ankle.” she chuckled as he inspected the neatly wrapped ankle.

“What they say?” he asked eyeing the young man next to her. He knew Zach. Also knew he wasn’t his favorite person in the world.

“Can’t run until further notice.” she shrugged.

“Well let’s get you home and put some ice on that ankle.” he suggested as he stood straight up and helped her up. He grabbed her bag and threw it over his shoulder.

Julia turned to Zachary and hugged him. “I’ll call you later.”

“Ok.” he said rubbing her back. They avoided kissing because Larry was standing there watching them. Zach chuckled as Larry shot him a look and helped his daughter to the Navigator.

“I don’t like him you know.” he said on their walk over.

“Daddy you don’t like anybody.” she chuckled. Larry put her bag in the back and helped her in. After closing the door he went around to his side.

She turned to get in and she saw Dmitri staring at her. Like before she saw hurt and confusion but along with it she saw a hint of desire. Monica who was leaning against the fence followed DC’s eyes and saw him staring at Julia. She saw she was staring at him the same way.

Nosey she whistled and slid up beside him. “Sooooooo… how have you been?” she asked her hands behind her back.

“I’ve been better. What Moni…”

“It’s Monica or Nica. Get it right boy! Anyway what’s going on with you and my bestie.”

“What does it matter?”

“It matter’s a hell of a lot.” Zach’s booming voice said stepping up behind them. “What going on with you and my girl?”

“She’s my friend. Look why am I answering to you.”

“You weren’t looking at her like you were just friends. What’s the deal!” Zach asked with some attitude.

“Why do you care?”

“Because she is my girl and I will do whatever to keep it that way.”

“Is that a threat?” DC asked stepping in his personal space.

“No it’s a promise.” Zach warned. He never liked violence but every since he became involved with Julia he kept his guard up. Nobody was going to take her from him.

“I’ve known her longer. I know her better than you. I also live next door to her. Let’s just see who’ll really get her.” DC challenged.

As of right now, I am posting from my cell phone. My laptop charger was faulty and HP is sending me a new one. I tried my best to get the files off the laptop so I can use my cousin’s but the battery was too low for me to even cut it back on. So please forgive me… I made a promise to have the drama to you and I don’t. I have the story finished, just need to made corrections so as soon as my charger is shipped to me (UPS-Doesn’t take forever!) I will have the story posted. As of now I can only give you the main characters of the story. Once again I am so sorry for making that promise and I am not able to keep it.

Thanks to Neko who helped me out with finding a perfect DC. Thank you because he goes good with the person playing Julia. Thanks to those that have read and/or commented my story. Means alot to me!

Julia "Lia" Simmons

Dmitri "DC" Calhoun

John-John and Tiff looked at her with this dumbfounded look on their faces. Mrs. Jones dropped her hand and looked at her as well.

“Julia…” A deep voice behind her, called out. She stood frozen when she heard it. “Julia…” they called again.

She looked at Tiff before slowly turning around. When she saw him she sighed. The look on his face made her step back and hit John-John’s chest.

“What did you just say?” He asked stepping up.

“Yo man back up.” John-John warned stepping in front of Julia.

“Ok both of you calm down. Zach go back inside.”

Zach waved the principal off and looked at Julia once again. “Repeat it.” he barked.

Julia swallowed and looked past him at DC who looked just as shocked. Or maybe it was embarrassment. She couldn’t tell. She looked back at Zach. “You heard me.” she said moving back in front of John-John. She never been afraid of anybody but her father and she wasn’t going to start backing down now. She wasn’t about to let him talk her down. Throw her confidence on the floor and smash, no she couldn’t let that happen.

“No I don’t think I did.”

“Zach! Cool it or I’ll have the police escort you out of here.” Mrs. Jones warned pulling him back. Zach backed off but kept his eyes on her. He appeared to be hurt by her words. After everything he’d done for her. Bought for her. This is how she treats him.

“Look if this is about earlier. I’m sorry.”

“No Zach… No your not. Look I don’t care anymore. I just… I’ve been dealing with this for as long as I could remember and no matter how hard I try… I can’t let it go. I can’t just shield my feelings and act like they weren’t or aren’t there. I just can’t.”

“Julia…” he said stepping up. “Listen I’m sorry I pressured you. I don’t even know what I was thinking.” he pleaded.

“Oh you knew what you were thinking… You can’t seem to hold on. You can’t seem to put aside your need for sex to think about what I’m ready and not ready for. Earlier you showed me you weren’t that same old caring Zach. You showed me you were only with me for one thing and one thing only. Sex. If that’s the only reason you agreed to come with me, then you need to go on and get it somewhere else, because your not getting it from me.”

Tiffany stepped up this time. “You heard her Zach. You want sex you need to get it from somebody else----!”

“He get’s Tiff.” John-John chimed in with a chuckle. Tiffany always liked to instigate.

Julia just shrugged. “I’m going home.” She stomped away from Zach and back into the ballroom to get her purse. DC who heard everything was still in shock. How the hell did she just say all of that and walk away with her head intact. She put him in his place and left.

She walked right past him when she entered the room and he ran after her. “Julia don’t go.” He said. Julia turned around. “Stay here… Stay here and enjoy the night.”

Julia was hoping he would say something about her confession but he didn’t. Leading her to drop her head. Not looking into his eyes she sighed. “I can’t.”

“Why are you always running. Sometimes running is not always a good idea.”

“You wanna know why I’m running… Because I just confessed my feelings to you. And what do you do. Nothing! Not a thing. You just stand there and talk to me as if what I said was a joke.”

“Julia I’m not trying to---”

“DC I said I loved you! And you just stood there. I don’t usually do stuff like that and when I finally do… When I finally do put it out there it… Look! I came out of my shell and I… I released. I admitted! But you do nothing. Do you know how much that hurts? Do you know how it makes me feel?” Julia asked with a small cry. “Oh right I forgot you only think about those girls with big breast and a big butt. Oh how could I be so inconsiderate of what you want!”

“Oh come on! Have you seen the way I look at you. I do care about you.” he said holding her hand.

Shocked!, “Why am I just finding out?” she asked looking at him.

“Why am I just finding out about you having feelings for me?” he asked still looking at her.

“I… I… “

“So it’s her now? Well thanks for the heads up!” Rena said tapping his shoulder.

DC rolled his eyes and turned. “Rena you knew what the deal was in the beginning.” he said simply. “You know I…”

“You only brought me so you can show me off and take me home and fuck my brains. Well it’s nice to know I was only a hit it and quit it thought.” Rena sighed and looked at Julia. “I hope it’s good because if it isn’t he’s going to do you like he does all the others. Leave ’em high and dry.” she said with a smug look before walking off.

DC looked at Julia. “It’s wasn’t even like that. I was not going to do anything with her. I swear.”

“Hold up!” Zach bellowed as he barged into the room and over to the table. “Did Dmitri here tell you he made a bet on you. A bet to see who would get you first. And it was all his idea.”

“WHAT! Hell no! Julia it wasn’t even like that.” DC stammered. “Lia he’s lying. I never made a bet.”

“Oh so you didn’t say. ‘I’ve known her longer. I know her better than you. I also live next door to her. Let’s just see who’ll really get her.’ Those were your words! You challenged me!” Zach forced turning back to Julia. “You don’t believe me, you can ask Monica. She’ll tell you. She was there.”

Julia stepped back. “You made a bet on me! DC how could you!?”

“How could I? How could he?”

“How could I? Oh lets not forget my man you said it. I never agreed on it. I never shook your hand and said you were on. No those words never escaped my lips.” Zach said singing like a canary bird.

“Julia don’t listen to him. He took it the wrong way.”

“How can you take a bet the wrong way. Did you or did you not say, let’s see who’ll get her first?”

“Man shut-up!”

“No! Answer the question. Prove to me you didn’t say it and I’ll forget about it. I won’t mention it again.”

All DC could do was look at her. Hope she would understand he didn’t bet he could bed her first. That he bet that he could… Well either way he didn’t bet that he would have sex with her first. That was never the case. Julia nodded, “It’s nice to know that somebody that actually cares for me made a bet on me. For a minute there I thought you were different. I thought that maybe you wouldn’t treat me that way.”

“Julia I didn’t---”

“Lia, what happened?” Nico asked walking up to her with a pissed look on his face. He received a text from Julia no even 10mins ago. “Who pissed you off? Which one need a ass whooping?” he asked looking at the two boys who looked to be fighting over her. “What’s going on?” he asked getting into big brother mode.

“Nothing… I just wanna… I just wanna go home.” she sighed. She didn’t think he would have gotten there so fast. He lived in the apartments right down the street from the hotel but damn was he waiting on her text!

“You’ve been crying.” He noticed, raising her head and looking in her eyes. He saw hurt and that was all he needed. “Who was it Julia? Which one of these fools pissed you off?”

“Nobody! Alright! I just want to go home!” she fussed as she stomped past him towards the door.

Nico looked at them and bucked. “I’m going to find out and when I do… I’m coming back.” he warned. Nico started to walk off when he saw Tiff standing by the door. He just winked before he ran out and chased after Julia.

Julia’s heels clicked and clacked as she walked out the hotel building. The bottom of her beautiful dress dragging the ground. “Ugh!” she fussed pulling it up and walking even faster. “Can’t believe I wasted my money. My time on the crap!” she hissed making it to the car and pulling the door open. She slammed the door close and sat back. “Can’t believe he made a bet on me. He… ugh!” she fussed to no one as the car door opened and closed and Nico started the car.

“Si---”

“I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to go home. Just take me home… please.” she begged looking out the window.

Nico sighed. “Whatever you want… But you know momma and daddy aren’t home.”

“Good! Because I just want to be alone.” she mumbled.

~BACK INSIDE THE HOTEL~

“Why did you let her walk away? Why didn’t you tell her you felt the same way!?” she asked pushing him.

“I did tell her but he came over and told her that I made a bet on her. And she got pissed off.”

“You betted on her! What the hell were you thinking DC?”

“I wasn’t thinking! I was mad. He came to me with this arrogant ass attitude and I tried to put him in his place. The bet wasn’t for real. It was just to get him to shut the hell up and back off.”

“Damn DC! You keep this up and you’ll never get her.” Tiff sighed with disgust. “Ok now what… Now you need to go over there and get her. Go to her house and tell her about the stupid bet. Tell her it didn’t meant anything. Tell her your feelings for her are real.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?” She asked. “DC the girl cares about you! You care about her. What is the problem with telling her that?”

“Because I can’t.”

“That’s not good enough… Because what? She not one of your hoes. She not easy to get into bed. What is it?” she asked wondering what was in the Texas water.

DC looked away.

“So you’re just going to pretend you never cared for her? Have we forgotten that I know you better than anybody. You’ve cared for that girl since we were kids. Why are you going to let this chance slip away? Why? Please explain that to me.”

“Because she’s not like those girls. That’s just it. I know me and I know her… She isn’t ready to be with a boy like me. I don’t want her to be that girl that gives it up at the drop of a dime. That is why I can’t be with her.”

“Your not making sense.” she sighed massaging the bridge of her nose.

“Look… The girls I fuck with now… They’re… They’re not like Julia.”

“No shit, Einstein!”

“Damn it! Tiffany you’ll never understand.” he sighed throwing up his hands.

Tiffany turned him around. “Why can’t you tell her what you’ve been wanting to tell her since she was five? DC the girl just out and practically told everybody that she loved you and not Zach. She just made it that much easier for you and then you let her run out of here without explaining to her what the bet meant. You just showed your ass by not being upfront with the girl.”

“Tiff I know how I am… I’m a playboy. I want it when I want it, no questions asked!”

“Well you can just stop that… Julia is a good girl and she loves you… You love her.” she expressed again. “You really care for her… I mean really care for her you would forget about need for sex.” Hoping like hell he would forget about the need for sex and be with the girl he’s always dreaming about. From what she saw those girls didn’t do much to keep his attention. Julia wasn’t even giving him any and she kept his attention. Kept his nose wide open!

“She’s right man… Those other girls aren’t anything but a bad disease waiting to be caught. But Julia… Julia’s a gem. Rough around the edges I’ll admit but that’s what make her, Julia Simmons. You don’t have to worry about her doing something you know those others will do.” Dustin stepped in. Putting in his .02.

“And at least you know with Julia it isn’t about your status or where you’re going in the future. Not hitting on you or anything, but you got the looks. You got skills. You got brains. You can make it big out there. That’s why they look at you. That’s why they’re throwing themselves at you. Your big brother is a football player and your other brother is about to sign a deal with a baseball team. No telling what you will be doing later on… Your name… That‘s what they want.” Tiff added. “Think about it… Plus you’ve been wanting her since you were little. You didn’t even know what love meant but you knew you loved her. You knew that’s who you wanted to be with… Go be with her. Go love her.”

~AT JULIA’S~

Nico did as she asked. He took her home, even stopped and got her something to eat on the way. “Are you sure you want to be alone?” he asked when he pulled up into the driveway. “Because right now you look like you need a shoulder or something.”

“As much as I appreciate that. Me being alone is the best. Please.”

“Alright but call me if you need me. You know I’ll be right over.”

“I know. Thank you.” She kissed his cheek and got out the car. Julia fished her keys out her purse and let herself in before turning around and waving to Nico that she was alright.

Julia put her food down in the kitchen and went to the living room. When she walked in, “Why are you home so early?” Debbie turning on the lamp and looking at her sister. “Oh my god! What happened!?” she asked getting up and going over to her. “What happened baby… Tell me.”

The minute she wrapped her arms around Julia, was the minute she broke down into tears. “Oh honey… It’s ok… It’s ok.” she soothed rubbing her back and moving to the couch with her in her arms. “Come on tell me what happened.”

“I confessed… I told him how I felt and he just… He…”

“What did he say?”

“They made a bet on me. They made a bet to see who was going to get me first.”

“No…”

“I feel like a fool! I said I loved him in front of everybody and he told me he cared about me. I was going to give him a chance. I felt that connection and then this happens. If he cared about me so much, why did he bet on me. Why?” she cried into her sister’s chest.

“It’s ok…”

Julia pulled away. “How can it be ok? How will it ever be ok? I had one boy pressuring me for sex and then I had another one who was secretly betting he could get with me.” she said standing up. “It hurts… It hurts to know how they talk about you behind your back. It hurts to even think about how I was ready to give myself to DC… I… Thought he was The One and he just proved to me he wasn‘t.”

“Julia…” Debbie sighed reaching for her.

Julia threw her hands up and walked out.

DC wasn’t letting her get away that easily. Not even! He almost did but thanks to Tiffany and Dustin he didn’t. Tiffany was right, he loved her before he knew what the word love meant. He always dreamed about Julia. Every time he closed his eyes she invaded his dreams. That pretty smile. That goofy but cute laugh. All of that made him at peace when he closed his. That made him rest easy.

Peeling out of the parking lot like he was crazy. He needed to explain to her that the bet was nothing. That the bet didn’t mean to see who would get her into bed first. Let her know the bet was silly and he never thought of her that way… He never wanted her to think he was after her for sex. That’s not what he looked at her for. That’s not what he wanted from her. Mean yea that too, but he wanted her more than sex. If they never had sex then he wouldn’t have a problem with that. He just wanted her. He just needed her.

Julia walked into her room and slammed the door. Tears were streaming down her face as she clicked on the lamp. “Stop crying… He… He made his choice and…” She tried to finish but it was too much for her. Julia laid on her bed and curled up into a tight ball and buried her head in the pillow. She was so emotional. She was so heartbroken.

Tears, snot! All of that mixed into one as she laid there. Then… Something made her stop. “Debbie I just want to be alone.” she cried figuring it was just Debbie checking in on her.

She heard a soft creak. She saw her closet door open! Just open! Fear seized her as began to whimper. “Oh god…” she cried softly. She looked around. First she got her heart broken now she was about to be killed. This was not how she planned the night! This is not how she thought her life would end.

“Debbie…“ She called in a whisper. When nobody said anything Julia’s heart began to race. Not the kind of race she felt when she was running. No this was much faster and harder. Julia got up from the bed and started easing to the door before she could get it open she saw something black come for her face. “AHHHHhhhhhh!” She screamed

They danced well until 2am that morning. Slow danced. Got jiggy with it. Just so much they did that had them both laughing and praying that the night didn’t have to end. But it was time for it to end because one nobody knew that Julia left again and she was sure if she didn’t make it home soon they would find out. Then in turn send out search dogs. Larry was very good for doing that! Just ask Lauren!

The drive back home was quiet, but it was a good quiet. They held hands the whole time. Finally… “Thank you DC… Even though you ruined this night, you made it the best ever.”

“Ruined it!?” he chuckled keeping his eyes on the road.

“Yes ruined it. You made me yell and I don’t yell on a regular.”

“Oh whatever… I’m just glad you didn’t punch me.”

Julia giggled and raised her right fist. “Yea… I had to put him on lock down for the night. Doesn’t mean I won’t forget about you sneaking up on me. Trust me I’m going to get you back for that one.”

“I’d like to see you try.” he teased turning onto their street and driving down to their house. He pulled the car into his driveway and they got out. For some reason walking her home seemed better. They could have some more time together. They met up by the trunk took each other’s hand. “Thank for coming with me tonight.” he mentioned while they walked down the sidewalk.

“My pleasure. It was fun… We have to do it again… Soon.”

“How about tomorrow?” He suggested as they walked up her walk way.

“You mean later? It’s already tomorrow.” She teased squeezing his hand.

DC laughed as they walked onto her porch. “Ok smarty pants. Later… Good night girlfriend.”

“Goodnight boyfriend.” Their hands were at their sides, still entwined as they inched closer and their lips connected. She couldn’t get enough of those juicy lips. Their hands fell apart and wrapped around ones neck and waist.

~~~**~~~**~~~

2 Weeks! Those 2weeks were the best of her life. She and DC were damn near inseparable. They went to school together. Left school together. They sat with each other at lunch and hugged up. Fed each other, it was like they been together longer! They didn’t have to talk on the phone because when they got the urge to talk they met each other out on the balcony or at the sidewalk.

During those weeks, DC gave up the girls. When they came around he told them how it was and what it was going to be like from now on. They didn’t like it and made sure Julia was very aware of that. Every time they saw her they tried to break her.

“Bitch!” One of them fussed as she, Tiffany and Monica came into the pavilion, where their graduation was being held..

“Takes one to know one.” Julia shot back. She wasn’t about to let them get to her. Wasn’t about to let them ruin her chances at graduating. She got this far without socking one of them in the eye and she wasn’t about to mess that up. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t get them in the near future.

“You one strong chick because I would have been knocked that bitch out.” Tiff bucked. Monica nodded in agreement.

“They are just jealous because of what I have. Oh but best believe they will get there’s… When they least expect it.” She promised.

“Julia Simmons!” Mrs. Jones called. Julia turned around. “Do you have your speech ready?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Do you need it to be already on the stand?” She asked reaching for the sheet of paper.

Julia shook her head. “No ma’am. It’s all up here.” she indicated tapping her head lightly with her finger.

“Oh my god… I wish you would let us place it up there. I’m telling you. I have seen some of the best get up there and forget their speech. It never fails.”

“Mrs. Jones I can handle it. Trust me.”

Mrs. Jones looked down. “I guess I have no choice.” she sighed reading the salutatorian speech. “Ok you all get in your places so we can take this picture. Right after, you all will line up to walk out.” She commanded leaving the large group.

Julia turned to Tiffany and Monica and they came and hugged her. “You better get up there and knock them dead. Make them wish they would have made you valedictorian!”

“You so silly.” She teased as she felt somebody wrap their arms around her waist. She didn’t have to worry because she knew who it was now. She knew that cologne from anywhere. “You can’t scare me anymore.” she reminded before turning around and greeting her man with a kiss.

“Hmmmm! Baby you keep that up and I can’t promise I’ll be a good boy.” He warned still holding her.

“Oh!’

“So you ready to get up there and face all of those people?” He asked trying to avoid her hands that was trying to fix his tie.

“Be still!” She scolded. “And yes I’m ready… I was born ready.” Julia finally fixed his tie. “Now don’t you look sexy.” DC rolled his eyes and kissed her cheek.

The graduating class of 2006 got in their places and posed for their last picture as a class.

“Today is the day that we take our steps to making our mark in the world. We say goodbye to the jocks, cheerleaders, and band geeks, and say hello to the future CEO's, doctors and lawyers sitting next to us...

Over these 4 yrs there have plenty of conflicts and trials that you have went thru, but you always have those few people you can call on when you need the chocolate chunk ice cream and a good chick flick, or when u need the boys to come over to talk about your girl who isn’t quite right. I for one have had my moments where I needed my friends more than anything. And today, as I stand up here in front of our family, our friends, our instructors, our unsung hero’s. I would like to tell, Tiffany, Monica, Tucker, Jonathan, Dmitri!… Thank you for being there for me in my time of need. Thank you for being the best friends anybody could have. To the teachers, Thank you for being so hard on us. Mrs. Jones you especially. Thank you for having opened ears when we came to you crying. Came to you with a problem. Thank you for having our backs. Thank you for believing in me… In us.

To my parents. Angela and Larry Simmons, my sisters Debbi and Lauren and brother Nicholas, thank you… Thank you for giving me life. Showing me love. Giving me a chance to spread my wings. This day wouldn’t have been possible without you, your love, your strength, your constant need to be all in my business… Thank you, I would not be standing here without all of you. To those that came out tonight to show your support, your love, thank you! You may not know it but you all are what kept us going. Kept us pushing.”

Now… To the class of 2006 its time to go out into this big bold blue and green, thing they call the world and leave your imprint on society, let them know that they are getting the best the world has to offer when they associate themselves with you, and always remember if you can't light up the world, light up the little corner you have. John F. Kennedy said it best, If not us, who? If not now, when?

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe! I am Julia Simmons your class of 2006, Salutatorian and I would like to thank you all for being present to hear my speech! Thank you!”

Julia moved from the podium and gave a bow. Everybody that was assembled in the building stood and applauded her on her wonderful speech. The uproar had her eyes watering. Wow! This was it. This was the end and the beginning. This was what success felt like.

“That’s my baby! I gave birth to her!” Angela yelled.

“I helped!” Larry yelled. Even though they were embarrassed by their parents out burst, Debbie, Lauren and Nico clapped and hollered.

“That’s my girl! You better tell it Chica!” Tiffany and Monica called out as they stood in their spots and clapped and did a whooping call.

One person had to do something crazy. DC left his seat and went up to the front, he was there to meet Julia when she walked down the steps. That is where he placed a kiss on her lips. “I love you.” he said into her lips.

Julia was in tears as they held each other. “I love you too.” she replied.

The ceremony went on without any drama.

“Julia Simmons.” The principal called. Julia smiled and walked across the stage to receive her diploma cover. No way they were giving the diploma that night. “Congratulations.” He whispered.

Her class stood up and cheered her on. Even those who she never really liked. But the loudest was her family. She swear her parents called them all to be apart of this.

More names were called and when they came to, “Dmitri Calhoun.” the class was extra loud. One in particular was Julia.

“I love you!” She called as he winked and did another stupid thing. He ran up to the microphone. “I love you Julia Simmons!” he said before he ran off and went back to his seat. Julia’s cheeks began to burn with excitement. Tonight couldn’t be any better.

DC was loving it. The name calling. The hollering. He heard his family and he turned to wave at them. He saw they all had on shirts that had a letter from his name painted on them. “BDC!” One of his boys out of nowhere calls. DC chuckled and waved at him.

“I love you baby!” Victoria called.

~~~**~~~**~~~

Days later, Julia walked up the porch and rung the bell. Soon somebody greeted her. “Julia.” Victoria said with a hint of nastiness.

“Hi, Mrs. Calhoun.” she replied. She let that nastiness slide. “Is Dmitri here?” she asked softly.

“Why?”

“Well because I need to talk to him.”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Stay here.” she replied closing the door.

Julia rolled her eyes as well. She didn’t get this woman. Sometimes she thought the woman was bi-polar. Anyway, Julia turned and took a seat on the porch swing. What she had to tell him wasn’t going to be the best thing ever. Especially now that they were closer than ever. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Hey babe. What’s up!” DC greeted coming out the door and going over to hug her. They shared a kiss before they sat back down. “What’s going on? You look sad. Or pissed. Or… Well you don’t look happy. What’s wrong?”

“You uh… You know I love you… Right?”

“I never doubted it.”

“And you know I would never do anything intentionally to break us up.”

“I didn’t… at first…” he said slowly. “Lia baby what’s going on?” He asked nervously. Julia sighed and handed him a envelope. He looked at her a while before he opened it and read the first couple of lines. “Wow! This is good! What’s the deal?” he asked not getting it. “You got accepted into NYU, what so bad about---- Wait… Wait…” He got it. “Your leav… Your leaving me?”

“DC I’m so sorry! When I sent my letter I had no idea we would even be together. I didn’t even believe they would accept me!” she shrieked jumping up and pacing the porch.

“Well…”

“Well what?” She asked turning to look at him.

“You can’t go.” DC stood up and gave the letter back.

“What!?” Julia asked wondering if she was hearing right. This was the school of her dreams. She always wanted to go to New York. Always been her dream to live in a big city.

“You can’t go…” DC replied simply. “Say you didn’t receive the letter. Say you’ve been accepted somewhere else… But you aren’t going. Sorry. You just can’t.”

Julia stepped back. “DC…”

“No Julia! I just got you and I am not ready to let you go! I don’t plan on it.”

“But this is---”

“Is crap! Julia you leave and your walking away from us… from something we both fought like hell to get.”

Julia, “So if I leave we’re… we’re finished?” she asked carefully. DC didn’t reply he just ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “I thought you loved me!”

“I do love you!”

“If you loved me you would see this is something I have to do. DC this is my dream!”

“I thought I was your dream?”

“And you are… You are that and so much more. But I---”

“You can’t have me and New York… It won’t work that way.” DC nonchalantly replied. “It’s either me or NYU.”

Damn, she thought as her free hand slapped against her thigh. She thought he was better than that. They always talked about their dreams. Their goals and they supported them but now that her dream came looking for her he stopped. He stopped caring. Julia and DC stood on the porch in silence.

DC didn’t mean to give her an ultimatum but he just got her. He unfortunately didn’t get accepted to NYU. But that didn’t matter. He didn’t want their relationship to end before it had a chance to actually began. He wasn’t ready to let the woman of his dreams go. Was it so wrong that DC just wasn’t man enough to believe if you let them go and you love them enough, they will return. Was it wrong that DC felt if she left he would be nothing. Julia was his world. His number one girl.

After the silence became unbearable, Julia walked down the steps of the porch. She didn’t have the strength to turn and tell him bye, all she could do was walk away and go back to her own home. Go back to the place she knew!

~~~**~~~**~~~

“What’s wrong baby girl?” Larry asked when he passed by her room and saw her crying, leading him to turn around.

“I’m lost.”

“What you mean?”

“DC… He doesn’t want me to go to NYU… He gave me a ultimatum. Either him or New York.”

Larry knew it wouldn’t be long before that fool messed up. When were men going to learn you can’t give a woman an ultimatum. Especially a smart one. “What did you say?”

“I walked away… Daddy I don’t want to leave him but I don’t want to… I never thought he would do that. This is my dream! This is what I worked hard for!”

“Well honey. You know what you have to do.”

“But---”

“But nothing slugger… It’s your decision. It’s your life. You live it the way you were meant to live it.” Larry stood up from the bed and planted his lips on her forehead. “You dream it, you do it! Don’t let anybody stop you from growing. Don’t let anybody stop you from being all you can and want to be!”

When Julia just walked away and didn’t turn back, DC stormed into the house and down the hall to his room. He was swinging the door closed when somebody’s big hand slapped against it. “You know momma is going to kill you the next time you slam her door.”

“Well I’ll just be a dead man.” DC sighed as he plopped on the bed and crossed his arms. “What is it with girls! I mean one minute they want you and the next they want to go off to some other state…”

“So Julia got accepted into NYU?” He gathered.

“How you know?”

“Streets be talking…”

“You listened in on our conversation!”

“Well hell what you expect me do when nothing else is on TV and the drama is out on the porch. Seriously dude you need to learn a thing or two about women. They don’t like being told what to do. They don’t like it when you keep them from doing something that means a lot to them.”

“I’m not keeping her from being a physical therapist. I just don’t understand why she can’t do it closer to home.”

“If I remember correctly she isn’t going just to be a physical therapist… NY has the best schools for ballet. Something she’s into.”

DC looked down, shaking his head. “Damn ballet! What is it about having to put on a tutu and dance around on the stage. I don’t understand!”

“Of course you wouldn’t. Your not a chick or gay.” Keith sat down on the bed. “Look you just made a big mistake by letting her go like that… Even though she walked away, I’m sure that was the last thing she wanted. She was probably hoping you would stop her. Maybe even decide to chase that dream with her.”

“I didn’t get accepted into NYU… If I can’t go then I don’t want her to go.”

Keith shook his head. “That’s just selfish. You have a lot to learn my man.” Keith stood up and walked to the door. “Julia isn’t one your hit it and quit it girls. She’s not the type to change her life long dream at the drop of a dime. No-no. She’s the type that has her stuff planned out. That has her mind made up. And is going to do what makes her happy, whether you like it or not.” Keith added honestly.

“I know and I don’t want her to be that girl but am I wrong for wanting her to stay here with me. Where she belongs.”

“Hell yea! You can’t go asking your girl to just drop her dream for you. Especially if you haven’t put a ring on it. Especially with a background like your own.”

“I’ve changed.” DC defended.

“You’ve been a changed man going on a month. Dude! You’ve been a player since you were a freshman.”

“But that was the old DC. Not like I’m going to cheat on her… I care for her too much to do that.”

“Well if you care for her that much you would understand how much this means to her. You will find away to be with her. You care for that much, you wouldn’t have let her walk away like you did.”

“She walked away from me!”

“Doesn’t matter!” Keith fussed standing up. Keith leaned against the doorway and sighed. “Look man… Don’t let that girl go. You wanted her, you got her now you got to work harder to keep her. And if that means following her, then so be it… Do what you gotta do.”

~~~**~~~**~~~

It was the very last day of school and the seniors were saying their final goodbyes. It wasn’t exactly final because some of them were going to the same college. But for Julia it was The Final Goodbye.

“I can’t believe your leaving us.” Monica cried as they stood out in the parking lot.

“Me neither.” Lia cried. “But we promised nothing would change between us. Therefore when you need me just call and I’ll have my chocolate chunk ice cream at the ready.” She teased.

“It’s not the same. Your flying across the country. We probably won’t see you again.” Tiffany added.

“I will be home for holidays.”

“Still not the same.”

Julia sighed. “Don’t make me cry. Please.” she begged holding their hands. “I promise I will call everyday. I’ll take a lot of pictures and send them to you. I’ll IM you so much you’ll get sick of me.” she said as her emotions rolled around. “I’m going to miss you both so much.” she finally cried as they embraced.

DC was standing by his car, watching the girls share a teary goodbye. You’d think she was leaving today or tomorrow instead of in a few months. He shook his head and turned back to his friends.

“Dude we going to see you this weekend right?” Dustin asked as they did their handshake.

DC shook his head. “Nah man… I’m hanging with my girl this weekend.” he said with a wink.

“Fo’Sho!” Dustin yelped. “When ya’ll hooked back up. I mean lately you two haven’t been close.”

“That’s why I’m with her this weekend. Gonna make it up to her.” DC said knowingly. Yea he had it planned. They were going to go to the movies. Head to their spot at the park and just chill. Make-up for his stupidity.

“Well you gotta let me know how it goes. I really wanna know how ya’ll going to do the whole thing with her going to New York and all.”

“Man we’ll deal with that later. Right now it’s about us spending the summer together… Just me and my girl.” He muffled still looking at her.

Tiffany saw him and she chuckled. “Ya man looking over here.” she whispered to Julia who was leaning against her car.

Julia slowly turned around. She and DC hadn’t spoken since that day she told him she was going to New York. She hadn’t made an attempt to talk to him and he hadn’t made an attempt to talk to her. She wasn’t about to because it wasn’t her fault. He knew all about her dream. “Yea well… Looking isn’t going to solve our problem. Neither is talking. It’s too late.” she shrugged.

“I don’t know Julia maybe you should at least try and talk to him.” Monica urged.

“What would be the point… My mind is made. The plans have already been made.” She sighed looking down.

Not a minute later, Larry pulled whipped the Navigator near the girls and got out. “Hey ladies.” he greeted walking up to them.

“Hey Mr. Simmons.” They gushed.

Julia rolled her eyes. First they flirted with Nico, now they were flirting with her daddy. What the hell! Larry chuckled and looked at his daughter. “Plane leaves in 3hours… Gotta get home and make sure you have everything… So are you… You ready?” he asked putting his hands in his pocket. She nodded slowly before taking a deep breath.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” She sighed turning back to her friends. This was goodbye. “I guess this is my… My cue.” she said teary eyed. “I love you all. And I’m going to miss you oh so much.” She cried.

All three of them cried as they embraced one last time. Larry took their last pictures before they retreated to the navigator.

“Wait up!” A voice called before Julia got in the truck. She turned and saw Zach. “Hey.” he said out of breath.

“Hey.” She replied softly.

“I uh… I heard you were accepted into NYU. Congratulations!”

“Thank you.”

Zach looked at her before he looked down. “Look I want to apologize for everything. Messing up your prom night. Pressuring you. I shouldn’t have done that… I’m sorry for acting like a fool.” When Larry heard this he quickly turned into that over-protective father. He went around to their side and crossed his arms over his strong chest.

“Your right you shouldn’t have… but all is forgiven.” She opened her arms and they shared a friendly hug. “I’m going to miss you Zach.” she whispered. Even though they would never make it as a couple she still looked to him as a friend.

“I’m going to miss you too.” He replied.

Larry didn’t like it. “Julia… Come on honey.” he said carefully, making sure Zach heard the edge in his voice. Julia and Zach parted and she got into the SUV. When Larry pulled out she waved at her friends before sliding down into her seat. “It’ll be ok you know.”

“Yea I guess.” she sighed still looking out the window.

~~~**~~~**~~~

Julia had everything in the trunk of her fathers truck and was hugging her sisters and brother bye. “You go out there and be you but don’t forget where you come from.” Debbie said as they embraced. “Don’t make me and your nephew come down there and put a hurting on you.”

“Like he would even hurt his favorite aunt.” Julia teased resting her head on her sister’s shoulder. Debbie only gave birth Andre Simmons a week ago. Otherwise she would be leaving with her sister and staying with her while she got herself straight. “Give him another kiss for me.” she cried.

“You know I will baby girl.” she whispered. “You were always my favorite.” she whispered again. She and Julia pulled away laughing and wiping their tears.

“Don’t you go out there and get fast on me.” Keith warned as they hugged.

Julia was going to miss big Keith. He was like another brother to her. He, DC, and their father were the only ones that liked her. Victoria and Mike not so much. She didn’t know why, she really didn’t care. “Oh yea… So you can come down and put a hurting on me too.” she teased. She hugged him a little while longer before whispering something meaningful in his ear. “Tell… Tell Dmitri I love him and nobody else is worthy of that special place in my heart… but him.” Keith nodded and kissed her cheek. She silently thanked him before going over to Lauren and Nico who both threatened to come down if she didn’t act right. But Lauren was going to be New York within the next few weeks because she transferred to NYU not long ago. So it wasn’t like Julia would be totally alone.

“Come baby… You know how traffic is around this time.” Larry reminded looking at his watch.

“Yea your right…” She replied. Larry and Angela were going to New York with her but Larry was only staying for a few days. Angela was going to stay until her baby got situated. “Bye you guys.” She waved as she walked over to her father. He opened his arms and she went into them, laying her head on his chest.

“Don’t worry you’ll be alright.” he whispered kissing her hair. “My slugger can handle anything.” he said. They waited for Angela to finish giving instructions and right after they pulled out. When they passed by DC’s house she laid her head on the window and sighed. She felt bad she didn’t say goodbye but it was the only way she could actually get through this. No doubt had they said goodbye she would rethink about going. Really give up that dream to be with him.

~~~**~~~**~~~

Sometime after Julia and her father left, DC started getting a feeling something wasn’t right. Leading him to pull Tiffany and Monica who were about to leave, to the side. “Yo! What’s going on with Julia?” he asked.

“Oh like you don’t know! The girl is leaving.” Monica said with a hint of nastiness.

“Well duh! But ya’ll acting like she leaving tomorrow.” DC scoffed.

Monica looked at Tiffany and they communicated with their eyes. He didn’t know. He really didn’t know. “No she’s not leaving tomorrow… But she is leaving today.” Monica finally told him.

“What!” DC fussed. He couldn’t believe this. No she was leaving to damn early. “She can’t be leaving… Classes don’t start for another few---”

“Their leaving today to get her moved into her apartment. Orientation with NYU and her ballet classes start next week.”

“No… Before she said she wasn’t leaving until august.” He fussed again. Hoping he was being punk’ed.

“That was before you told her she couldn’t go. That was before you showed your ass.” Tiffany pressed on. “After you didn’t stop her, she felt she had no reason to stay behind.”

DC shook his head. This couldn’t be. His girl couldn’t be leaving. Not now anyway. Tiffany was still talking when he turned and ran back to his car. He hopped and ignored the many calls from his friends, telling to slow down. Asking what was wrong. DC sped out of the parking lot and out the gate. Why did he wait so late to ask them? “Why the hell hadn’t she told me!?” he fussed hitting the steering wheel and weaving in and out of cars. He couldn’t believe she was about to leave and not even say goodbye. Who does that?

DC made it to the house in no time. He didn’t see the SUV so maybe he was on time. He jumped out his car and ran up to the door only to hear a voice behind him. “She’s gone man.” DC turned around and saw his brother Keith coming out the backyard.

“What you mean she’s gone.”

“They left almost as hour ago. Where the hell you been?”

“I was at school. I… I… I saw him come get her but I just thought she came to get her papers. I didn’t know she was leaving until a little while ago.” he said out of breath. “Where is she… You have to tell me.”

“At the Bush Intercontinental Airport.” Keith sighed.

“What time does her plan leave? What terminal? I need to know!”

“I don’t know man. But I advise you to hop back in that damn car and get your ass over there.” Keith advised. DC was about to run off when Keith caught his arm. “She told me to tell you. She loves you and nobody else is worthy of her heart but you.”

DC looked as if he was about to cry as he jerked away from Keith and ran back to his car. Once he pulled out he buckled and sped away. He wasn’t about to let her go like this. He wasn’t about to let go period.

Julia’s flight to New York was suppose to leave at 1 but they quickly changed the time to Noon.

DC ran into the airport and checked the screen that was showing departures and arrivals. He didn’t know what the hell he was looking at, but he knew he was looking for New York departures. He strained his eyes as the words flashed. Finally it popped up. The flight to New York was now boarding. DC put his legs to work and ran up the escalator and he pushed his way through the security line. “Young man where is your ticket.” The guard asked.

“I don’t have one but I really need---”

“Sorry. You can’t get through here unless you have a ticket.”

“Look! My girl is about to board the flight to New York and I need to tell her something very important!” He fussed trying to get through.

“Should have told her before she left. How about you call her?… next!”

DC stopped fighting and let the people go. He could see the gate number he just needed to get past the big bear looking dude…… He was ready to give it up. No matter what he came up with it wasn’t a good idea. “Damn.” he sighed as he walked back toward the escalators. He shuffled his feet before he turned around and sighed. “Fuck this!” he growled making sure his shoes were tied tight and walking back toward the security check point. He watched the guard closely before he made the choice… DC took a few steps back before he made a run for it… … …

“Ticket ma’am.” The lady at the gate asked looking at Julia. Julia was too busy looking out the window to even hear her. “Ma’am…. Ma’am….” she pressed again.

Larry snapped his daughter back to earth and she jumped. “Sorry… What happened?” she asked.

“She wants your ticket.” he reminded.

“Julia!…” DC called pumping his legs like crazy. “Julia!” He called again pushing through the line. “Julia!” he called once again.

Julia, Angela and Larry turned around and saw DC running towards them. Larry groaned but soon chuckled when he saw the guards running after him. Julia and Angela both hit him and turned back to the young man when he stopped in front of her. “Ok… Ok I get it.” DC spat out of breathe. “I get it… Ok… I shouldn’t have given you an ultimatum. I shouldn’t have let you walked away. Ok! I’m sorry. I’m sorry for acting like an ass…” he huffed pulling her to the side. He touched her shoulders. “You can stop this. Stop this silliness.”

At first Julia was smiling but when he called it silliness she frowned and pulled back. “Silliness?” she questioned. Angela whispered something in her ear and she nodded before turning back to DC “DC, what I’m doing is not silly.”

“It’s a test! Alright! I passed it. I came for you. You can call of the whole thing.” he stated looking at the line of folks looking at them. “Games over! I’m here and this doesn’t… It doesn’t end.” he pressured.

“This is no test DC… I’m really leaving.”

“No. No. No you can’t… Tiffany and Monica said you were still mad at me for giving you an ultimatum. They said I was the reason you were leaving early. It’s a test. A test to see if I really care… I do. I do care.”

Julia continued to shake her head. “God!” she yelled. “You aren’t the reason I’m leaving. Yes I’m still mad at you but that isn’t why I’m leaving.”

“Sure it is…”

“No it’s not.” she sighed still shaking her head. “My classes are starting soon.”

“Ballet… Ok. Tell them something came up. Something is… Julia don’t go.”

“I signed up for summer classes and they start in 3weeks. Even if I wasn’t starting ballet lessons, I was still leaving early. You had nothing to do with me leaving now… Had you not fussed at me you would have known! You would have known I was---”

“Now I know and now I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to keep you. I’ll go to New York with you. I’ll… Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it, just please don’t leave me.” DC begged taking her hands. “Don’t leave me… Give me one more chance.”

Julia began to cry as she looked at him. “Your not ready. Your not ready to be in long term relationship…”

“What?” he asked nervously. “Julia I’m ready to do whatever as long as it involves you!”

“No your not DC… You thinking that this is a game doesn’t show me your ready. DC, you should know I’m not about games.”

“Julia this has to be a game. You can’t leave. You just can’t!”

“Stop that!” She yelled. “That’s another sign. You keep telling me what I can and can’t do. Your not ready to be with me. Your not ready to be with a woman who has her mind made up. Your not…”

“I came here to tell you I loved you and I’m willing to do whatever I have to do to keep you.” DC’s mouth was going a mile a minute.

She gulped and licked her lips. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Are you willing to give up your dreams of playing ball to chase after me? Are you willing to give up all of your friends to be with just me in New York? Are you ready to be committed to me and only me!?”

DC looked down. “Yes.” he said.

He didn’t convince Julia at all. His voice was low, his eyes were low. His grip on her hands loosened. He wasn’t ready to give up his dreams and she wasn’t ready to give up her dreams. Feeling choked up she raised his head and looked into his eyes. “You love me? I mean really love me?”

“I love you.” he said almost hesitant.

Julia was now convinced. He loved her but he wasn’t ready to be with her and only her. “If you love me as much as you say you do. You will let me go. Let me spread my wings.”

“I can’t do that.”

Another ultimatum. “We can’t be together. We can’t be lovers… We can only be friends.” she said softly. “That’s all. Until you are ready. Until I’m ready… We can only be friends.”

“I don’t want to be friends Julia! I don’t!”

“Last Call For Flight Number 1675 To New York. Last Call For Flight Number 1675 To New York!” The person announced.

Julia looked back at the terminal and saw the line was winding down. She turned back to DC and caressed his face. “Since we can’t be friends… I guess this is goodbye.” she cried as she then reached back and unhooked her necklace. She tried to give it back but he shook his head.

“No I don’t want it.”

“Take it.” she insisted.

“You promised me you would wear it until your dying day… Keep it!” he barked. “Please.” DC was trying to keep from crying. His eyes were already glazing over and small drops fell to his cheek.

“I love you.” Julia confessed. When he didn’t reply she knew that was it, she turned on her heels, gave the lady her ticket and began to walk down the terminal. She was alone as she walked down the long tunnel. Tears cascaded down her face.

DC couldn’t stay strong as he tried to get in the terminal. Game was over. He didn’t want to play anymore. “Julia! I’m sorry! Please baby! I’m sorry!” He yelled as the guards pulled him back. “I love you!” he yelled.

Julia heard all of this but she didn’t look back. His calls broke her heart and she was sure the sight of them pulling him away would break her down. “I love you too.” she whispered as she got on the plane and made it to the seats her parents were holding. She moved in and sat by the window, all the while wiping her.

Larry and Angela looked at each other before looking back at her. Larry then touched his daughter’s arms. “Are you ok?” he asked. Julia continued to look out the window as she nodded and continued to wipe her eyes that kept falling. Larry looked back at Angela who shook her head and gestured for him to let her sit next to Julia. They made the switch right before the light to buckle their belts came on.

“Julia… Baby.” Angela coaxed touching her shoulder.

Julia turned slightly. Her curly Q’s doing very little to hide her. puffy, blood shot eyes that broke her mother’s heart. “Momma.” she wailed as she threw herself into her arms.

“I know… I know.” She soothed rubbing her head. “I know baby.” Julia poured it all out in her mother’s chest. The flight attendant came to tell them to buckle up but when she seen the young girl crying she held off for awhile.

DC made out the airport just in time to see them hooking his car up to tow it away. He begged them not to and they let him off the hook only because he lied and said his sister was about to give birth. They didn’t know him so hell it didn’t matter. Once he pulled out he drove to the only place he knew. The only place he would find a little comfort. He and Julia’s spot at the park. When he arrived her walked the small distance to the bench and took a seat that is where he poured out his heart and soul… … She said it wasn’t a game and he was solely convinced it was. Convinced up until he took a minute to just think about. This was no game. She was gone!

They were about an hour into the flight when Julia’s tears subsided and she curled up in the seat. Letting her MP3 sing her to sleep.

When you love someone so deeply
They become your life
It's easy to succumb
To overwhelming fears inside
Blindly I imagined
I could keep you under glass
Now I understand to hold you
I must open up my hands
And watch you rise

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Oh, fly abandoned-ly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly


“DC will you always love me.” Julia asked as she and DC laid in her bed one night. Many nights he would sneak into her room and they would just hold each other and talk.

DC kissed her ear. “I will love you forever…” he promised. “Will you love me forever?”

Julia turned around and looked into his eyes. “I will love you until my dying day and even in heaven, my heart will belong to you.” she promised tracing his lips. “This is the real thing. We were meant to be together.” she spoke softly.

DC nodded in agreement and grazed her lips with his own. “Yes we were.” he whispered before they kissed.


I have learned that beauty
Has to flourish in the light
Wild horses run unbridled
Or their spirit dies
You have given me the courage
To be all that I can
And I truly feel your heart
Will lead you back to me
When you're ready to land

“I never thought I would say this Julia but… You’ve given me a reason to appreciate a lot of things.” DC said one day while they were sitting at lunch.

“What do you mean?” she asked taking a sip of her water.

“Before we hooked up… I always took things for granted. Said I love you and didn’t mean it. Now… Now I will never do that. When I say I love you. I will mean it because I will only say to you… The person I love. The person that truly has my heart.”

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Oh, fly abandoned-ly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

I can't pretend these tears
Aren't overflowing steadily
I can't prevent this hurt
From almost overtaking me
But I will stand and say goodbye
For you'll never be mine
Until you know the way it feels to fly

“You can’t have me and New York… It won’t work that way.” DC nonchalantly replied. “It’s either me or NYU.”

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Oh, fly abandoned-ly into the sun
(Fly to the sun)
If you should return to me
(I will know you were mine)
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
(Spread your wings and fly)
Butterfly

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Oh, fly abandoned-ly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly
So flutter through the sky
Butterfly
Fly
Spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

“Will you come back to me? Please tell me you will.” DC cried looking down at the grass, his own tears giving them some shine. It was as if Julia was sitting next to him, holding his hands. Like they were just talking.

“I will return… If we were meant to be… We will be.” Julia cried as she opened her eyes and saw the birds flying past her window. “We will be.” she cried again take a deep and trying breath.

~THE END~