Chapter Seven: Home Sweet Home

Yanique’s P.O.V.

Finally; I got off of the what-seemed-to-be-forever flight from sunny Miami, FL to beautiful California. I was so excited; I didn’t know how to handle myself. As I went over to baggage claim; I watched each luggage glide by without paying full attention to it. I’m supposed to be looking for bags; but instead -- I was daydreaming. Daydreaming about someone so special. Just as my thoughts were getting deeper; I felt a soft tap on my shoulder. I instantaneously; turned around. I couldn’t have been more happier than I was at this moment right here. It was the face that I have been longing to see for five years. It was my best friend, my brother; Omari. He had the biggest smile on his face.

My eyes widened and began tearing up as we greeted each other. I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck tightly; and hugged him like I never wanted him to let go. Honestly; I didn’t want him to let go. I wanted to hold him in my arms for as long as I could. This was a very emotional moment for me; because all of our memories that we’ve shared together -- once again -- became so clear to me. As we slowly parted from each other; we couldn’t help but to compliment the fact that we were both looking good. Good as in; brother-sister type good. Ya know? After all; we were best friends right? [sigh]

I stared deeply into his beautiful eyes. He was so perfect. He had beautiful hair, nice teeth, and a body out of this world. I mean; I always knew he was the “Ladies Man” but damn. My brother had grown up into a fine young man; and I couldn’t believe that I was back in Cali again. It almost felt like a dream that I didn’t wanna wake up from. It felt unreal.

When I left Inglewood and moved to Florida; a lot changed of course. I had to get used to another high school; which was pretty okay for the most part. But; it wasn’t Hamilton. I missed all of the great times we used to have at Hamilton. After I graduated; I took a few months off from school. Just to kinda get my mind right and explore a couple of things. After I took that time out that I needed; I began attending a Community College in Miami. It was cool. I graduated last year with a degree in Psychology.

Now; I work as a Nurse’s assistant; and I must say that it isn’t something that I am very interested in doing. I mean; drawing blood from the patients; and seeing these poor people sick -- was not something I enjoyed. My heart went out to all of the patients. I think that I’m a bit sensitive. Actually; I am very sensitive. I wanted to see people being happy at all times. Maybe because my happiness ended the day I left The Wood; was the reason why I didn’t want to see someone else hurting. I dunno. I’m so confused right now.

As we watch the luggage glide by once again; I spotted my bags. I kinda packed more than I needed. Ya know; just cause. You know how females are. We can never have too many clothes or shoes. The more; the merrier. Omari grabbed my luggage; and we were on our way to his vehicle. Damn he was strong. I mean; with a body like that -- I knew that he had it in him.

I couldn’t get over how good O was looking. I mean; I seen him in numerous pictures and on TV all the time. Well; when I’m home to catch him on a show. But; in person -- it was so much better. Just being there with him in the flesh was the best thing for me. Since I left town; Omari was all that I thought about. I always played out a scene in my head of what would have happened that night in the car; at the playground -- if we would’ve kissed. Sometimes I would let my emotions run wild. I mean; I know that it’s wrong because we are best friends; but something felt so right about it. I dunno. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe; I’m looking too deep into what could’ve happened.

I quickly shook away all of those thoughts. There was no way I could be crushing on Omari. No way. But; how could I not though? I mean; I knew everything about him. So I knew what kind of person he was. He’s very sweet and generous. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. He’s also a very respectable young man. He has morals and respect for himself. I can’t say that about too many guys now-a-days.

As he loaded the trunk of his Hummer with my luggage; I hopped in the front seat. Damn; that was a big ass truck. I don’t see how he climbed his little ass in it. It took me at least a good minute to get in properly. As Omari slammed the trunk; he immediately walked around to his side and hopped into the Hummer with no problem at all. Damn; how the hell? Oh well; I guess he’s so used to it. Before we pulled off; Omari smiled at me and said “Welcome home baby girl.”

It felt so good to hear those words coming from him. I always used to feel that someone would replace me in O’s heart. I felt that because I was gone; he would find someone else to kick it with and be best friends with. Since I’ve been in Florida; I’ve had two boyfriends. One of them was a real jerk. But; the other was very sweet. His name was Robert; and he actually reminded me so much of Omari. He had braids; and a smile that was similar to O‘s. But; that wasn’t enough for me. Nobody can ever make me as happy as Omari has. Nobody.

Robert and I dated for about two years; but things didn’t work out. He was looking for too much; too fast. After about six months of dating him; he wanted me to move in with him. Then a few months after that; he wanted to move in with me. And then a few months after that; he proposed to me. That was a surprise; but not so much a shock. I mean; I knew that he was really feeling me and all; but damn. I mean; I’m not tryna toot my own horn or anything -- [toot toot] but he had it bad. Omari was not very happy that Rob proposed to me. He didn’t show any type of emotion towards it; but -- I can tell. Every time I would bring Rob up; O would cut me off and change the subject.

Of course I denied the proposal. There was no way that I was going to get married. Not at the age of nineteen. Nope. I had too many things to accomplish in my life to be tied down with a guy; who I wasn’t feeling that much. I mean; don’t get me wrong -- he was cool; but he wasn’t cool for me.

••CHAPTER EIGHT

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