Federie

7

Omir and I had been texting all night not realizing the time. I looked over at my clock to see the time. I phoned him instead of finishing the text.

O: Hey, it is so great to hear your voice. Why'd you call me I was enjoying wearing my fingers out

Me: Ha ha very funny. I wanted to hear your voice when I told you it is almost 2 am. I just looked at the clock. To finish what we were going to spend 5 more hours texting. I did enjoy the lunch the other day. I haven't laughed that much in awhile. Thank you for agreeing to come. It was good seeing you.

O: Anytime for you baby sister.

**the phone went quiet between us both

O: Can I tell you something and it wont change how you look at me? I just really want to tell you.

Me: Sure, you know you can talk to me about anything.

O: I love you more than a baby sister. I think about you more than I should and I get aroused when I'm lost in thought thinking about you.

Me: Omir! Are you serious?

O: I'm dead serious can I come over and see you in person I know it is late. I promise I am not coming over on no funny business. I just want to see you again

Me: I'm not planning on going to sleep anytime soon. After what you just told me, I don't think I can sleep.  I'll stay on the phone until you get here.

O: I'm at the door already I was just waiting on you to agree to me coming over. If you had said no I was going to just go home.

I looked at the door like it would open itself. I got nervous immediately. I got up happily as I finally heard him knock.

Me: Really you're knocking as you know I'm coming to the door.

O: Yes I didn't want you to think I was lying.

Me: I have cameras out there so my phone already alerted me someone is at the door.

O: I don't see a camera.

Me: That's the point. Come on in.

I opened the door to see him dressed in an over sized shirt tucked in his jeans in the front, which were secured to his waist with a belt. He had grew his hair back out and was dreading it. He smelled so good this late at night. He told me the same thing. I chuckled as I thought he had read my mind.

Omir

She opened the door looking beautiful as always. I wasn't expecting her to still be fully dressed. She had on slacks and a button down shirt. I could tell she had been handling business today. She smelled like heaven. Her smile greeted me as she started in on me.

Really? you're knocking as you know I'm coming to the door?

Her voice angelic and soft, gentle. Her big grey eyes were mesmorizing. She took my breath away and I'm not going to lie. I felt a pulsation in my pants. I already told her I didn't come over here on no funny business. I regretted saying that as soon as she opened the door.

I didn't think she would agree to let me come over this late. She had just told me it was 2 am. I was happy she did.

A: If you get too cold let me know. I'm more hot natured so I keep it cool.

Me: I have a jacket in the car I could grab if I do.

A: Welcome to my home. It's nothing fancy.

Me: Cozy! It's truly beautiful. I love what you've done with the place.

We went over to sit on the couch. She asked if I wanted anything to drink and I said no. All I could focus on was how bad I wanted her right now. She had been through so much I learned. I was informed she had a fight with her mom.  Right now I knew she needed people who loved her all around her.

She was hard on herself about school. I guess she felt she had so much to prove to her mom. But how could she not be proud her daughter finished high school at 13? And COLLEGE! I was proud of her.

When she told me her mom had emancipated her while I was touring with my big brother, I wanted to hold her. Like d**n that was messed up. How could you put your kid out on the streets. Especially a female as beautiful as she was?

A: What are you thinking about?

I finally looked up to see her eyes on me and for a moment I think I blushed.

M: oh um..you and everything you've told me.

A: Yeah it's a lot to take in. I'm sorry if I overwhelmed you.

O: No it's not. To tell you the truth I want to hold you. Don't apologize to me. I'm the one who should say sorry for not picking up on that you were unhappy. I knew the day you were helping Mari that you were crying out for help. You looked scared and I never got your face out of my head for a long time after seeing you drive off. I heard your mom yelling before you even got in the car that day. How could I be so stupid. I should've protected you.

Did I just say that out loud. She's going to think I'm crazy. Her gaze never left my face. I was pouring out my heart to her and I feel like she might reject me.

Amryl

He just told me he wanted to hold me and to protect me. I couldn't  help but see how sincere he was. I felt bad I emptied my heart's pain onto him.

M: No I'm sorry I've overwhelmed you.

I hugged him before I knew it. He caught my embrace and I'm sure I felt sparks as I brought my face back up to meet his gaze.

For a moment he looked like he was looking into my soul. My body fluttered. I have never been with anyone intimately. I fessed up when everyone was over a little while ago. My brothers agreed it should stay that way. I just laughed. Not at all embarrassed I had just told my family and friends that I was a virgin still.

O: I want to kiss you. May I?

A: I don't want to give you the wrong impression.

He kissed me and said "you could never give me the wrong impression."

I didn't know what to say after the kiss. His lips pressed into mine and I melted in his arms. Relaxing. I didn't even know I was tensed. He continued to hold me as we started another conversation.

O: Can I ask you something?

A: Ask away

O: When you saw me looking at you that day I came to the high school with Mari, did you know?

A: Know what?

I knew what he meant. I had confessed to Amari that I liked his brother. He looked kind of defeated when I told him. Almost as if he liked me the way I liked his brother.

O: Did you like me back then?

A: To be honest.. yes I did. I was focused on getting through practice as Olivia was giving me a hard time as usual. Only because I was captain though at that point.

O: Yeah she was jealous because all the guys were looking at you wishing you were older. You had a heart of gold. Helping any and everyone you could. I liked that about you. You've helped most of my sibling graduate. Mari was the most appreciative if you ask me. He adored you and really did protect you like a baby sister. If he heard his teammates talking about what they would do to you if you were older, he'd scorn them and get them in check real quick.

A: I didn't know that! I'll have to thank him for that. I've always liked you Omir. The moment our eyes connected I felt butterflies. I even do now. I feel safe right here in your arms. Thank you for coming over. I hadn't realized I was tensed until I relaxed in your arms.

O: No problem anytime. I'll come over whenever you want me to. I'm yours.  If you just want to talk or vent. If you just want company. Whatever you need. I hope I'm not coming off too strong. Your place looks nice and cozy. That's a big kitchen.

I looked over at her kitchen. She got up out of my embrace. I wished I had just kept talking about her liking me now. I wanted her back in my arms. She motioned for me to come over to the kitchen.

She showed me around the kitchen and admitted she had found joy in cooking. She said it was her happy place. She invited Mari and I over to join her family for Sunday dinner. I told her I would get with him and see if he was free.

She was pouring herself some smoothie she had in the fridge when I walked over to her and embraced her from behind. She jumped a little, but just as quick, relaxed.

A: What are you doing?

I asked as he grabbed me from behind. I felt safe in his arms. I liked him holding me. My body was doing weird things I could admit. I felt weak in the knees.

I smiled as he brought his face down to my shoulder as he began speaking.

O: Thinking about little usies running around here. While I tell them how I made their mom fall in love with me.

A: Whoa cowboy!

I broke his embrace. Stepping back over to the fridge area.

O:I'm sorry! I was just thinking out loud not realizing I'm probably scaring you

I quickly replied. I just felt so comfortable. I was running her off. I think I better leave before I say the wrong thing and she friend zone me or something.

A: You didn't scare me. I was just caught off guard by your fantasy. I think it's cute you want to tell your kids how you fell in love. At first the conversation was nice. I just think that's all a little too fast.

O: Yeah. I'm not talking about right now though. We've got a lot of life left to live. I just know I want to spend it with you.

I said nervously. I was watching her and the lighting seemed to be better in the kitchen because she was even more beautiful.

O: You're so beautiful. I'm surprised you aren't taken already.

A: I'm not if that's your way of asking if I have a boyfriend. It's kind of too late as we shared a kiss on the couch and intimate hugs here in the kitchen. I felt your body's energy when you grabbed me.

O: Caught! I love your direct-ness. I love how you speak your mind. I won't lie to you I get giddy when I'm around you. I feel your body's energy too. I'm trying to go off of it, but instead I'm putting my foot in my mouth.

A: No no ... no you're not. I'm sorry if I made you feel self conscious. I wasn't meaning to. My mom says this is why I don't have a man because of how I word things. I'm sorry Aryan.

O: I like when you call me Omir. You've never called me Aryan.

I had never heard her call me Aryan. I foolishly told her my name was Omir upon first meeting her. Mari laughed at me and said he could see why I liked her.

A: I like to call you Omir. I mean, I think Aryan is beautiful too, but I like Omir. It's just different for me to call you that.

I could see him lighten back up as I talked about how I liked his name.

O: I've never heard Amryl before. It beautiful just like its owner. 

I was gushing over her openly to her. If I could talk to her about my feelings for her, I knew I was in love the moment I laid eyes on her. She blushed when I told her that. Her cheeks turned rosy red. She was pale from the last time I seen her, now that I noticed.

O: Is your skin lighter? You sick?

A: Yes it is. I have a rare skin condition. I haven't been in the sun enough lately. The more exposure to the sun I get the more caramel like my skin appears. The less, the more pale I appear. You're very observant Omir. I'm not sick.

O: I been watching you since I met you. When you would come over to tutor, I would find a reason to come in the room. Mom would be saying don't disturb them. Nana always said go see your future wife. She is beautiful. She's smart too!

A: Oh Nana I love her. She did mention she had a grandson for me. A husband. This is too much for one nigh- morning! How is Nana?

O: She is fine. She asks me every time I see her if I've told you how I feel about you yet. I can finally tell her yes now. Thank you for letting me come over. I really wanted to see you. I'll admit I didn't plan on coming in.

A: No problem, I really wanted to see you again as well. Thank you for the kiss and warm embraces.

Have a good nigh-morning as I watched him walk to the car. We saw daylight peaking through the windows and realized we had been up all night, the sun was coming up. He smiled and kissed me again before walking over to the door letting himself out.

_

Amari

Aryan came in this morning glowing with the biggest smile on his face. I wondered where he had been so early?

"Where you been? It's early for you Mr late night live."

"With my future wife." he said proudly.

"Future wif- you've not mentioned seeing anyone before just now. Who is she bro? Does she have a sister?"

"No to the sister, only brothers. Amryl" he said. I tried not to let my face disapprove. I knew he had a kiddie crush on her. She had told me she liked him after being so supportive of me going through with Ella. It's been two years but it still hurts like h*ll. I loved that woman and now she had two of my kids and one more on the way. I haven't told anyone yet.

Nana came in smiling at us both. Hello two of my favorite grandsons. What are you smiling about she asked Aryan. "I finally told her Nana" he replied. Ooh what did she say? Come sit down and tell me all about it. She said excitedly.

I no longer wanted to listen. I was crushed a little. I know that I should be happy for him, but I really liked Amryl, more than I should. She helped me so much and I wished to the heavens she was my age. I would've married her right after graduation. She was always kind, sweet and smelled like heaven. I felt my body responding as I lingered on her attributes. I headed to hop in the shower.

Omir

M: Nana she let me kiss her twice. I even went over, late. I was on my best behavior, promise! We talked for hours yesterday. I feel like that's all I did was talk to her yesterday. If I had known that this would happen, I would've asked her long time ago for her number.

Nana: Oh you're smitten with her, I knew it! I knew the moment she came in here to tutor Mari. She tried not to look for you, but I saw her looking for you every chance she got. You be good to her. According to your mom she's fragile. I don't think so, but your mom been hanging out with her mom lately. Don't hide your real feelings for her, especially if they change. You let her know up front. Or you'll lose her just as fast as you've gained her attention. I overheard them in the kitchen the other day talking about how she's endured so much in her upbringing. She's no stranger to pain. Don't add to it.

I looked up seeing Mari had left us. I was happy for Aryan. I wanted this to work out for him. Them fast tail girls wanted to distract him, but his heart belonged to Amryl and she was perfect for my grandson.

I got up to find Mari. I dreamt about fish last night and to my knowledge he the only one spitting out babies here lately. I found him deep in thought on the patio.

Hello my first grandson. He finally looked up seeing me. Hey Nans, he replied defeated. Why the long face?

Mari: Nans before you start giving me an ear full. I am happy he finally told her. I'm also happy that he is happy. He's my brother.

Nana: I dreamt about fish last night. I know you're the only one spitting kids out. So who is it this time?

He thought he knew what I was going to say. Even though that was on the list!

Mari: Ella. She told me last night. I came over to watch the kids while she went to work.

Nana: Why don't you marry her son? Instead of keep adding to your load? You can't even find your reason for music anymore.

Mari: I know Nans. She told me she wasn't ready for marriage. I respected her honesty. We hadn't planned on another baby but here we are. She's only a couple of week, but she feels she "showing" already.

Nana: That girl going to put you in the ground if you let her. Bring the kids here instead of going over there or you're going to have your own basketball team soon.

Mari: Nans! Oh you got jokes? Okay. Can I tell you something else Nans?

Nana: You know you can always talk to me. If you're about to tell me that you liked that Amryl girl, I already know. I've known you could do your school work just fine, since the first time she helped you. You did need help at first but you caught on quick. She showed you once in all your studies and you figured out how to do it just fine without her. Yet, you kept her coming over. While you were falling for her, she was swooning over your brother. I'm not going to tell you the trouble you'd be in if you had made a pass at that girl! You're almost a decade older than her.

Mari: Nans, I know. I would've married her right after graduation. I wished so many times that she was older.

I felt myself beginning to tear up. I held it in. Ella really broke my heart. Turns out she did cheat on me. Our son just so happened to still be mine, Ethan. Emi came soon after and I couldn't be more in love.  Now this third kid, I don't know what I'm going to do. I've been trying for two years to shake this feeling off of me. I just can't seem to.

Just then Aryan joined us.

Aryan: Bro we've been invited to Sunday dinner at Amryl. She told me to tell you. She wants us to catch up.

Mari: Tell her yeah, I would love to see our baby genius of a sister. I also can't wait to ask her why she letting you waste her time.

Aryan: Wow! It be your own family. I promise though bro, I'm not wasting her time. I really like her. Matter fact, I love her. She's perfect for me. She makes me want more! I kissed her twice last nig- well this morning. I did go over late because I lost track of time texting her all day.

Mari: Oh you spent the night at her place?

She already gave him the cookies? Well least if he got her pregnant I would have a beautiful niece or nephew.

Aryan: Nah it's not like that. We texted for hours at first, then she called me. I asked her if I could come see her. I didn't even have intentions of going in. I really just wanted to see her face in person. We had lunch a couple days ago and I enjoyed it man. She let me in and we were sitting on the couch just talking. Then her kitchen caught my eye. Once we got in the kitchen the conversation continued. I noticed in her kitchen's lighting, she was so much more beautiful. She took my breath away...

Mari: Sounds like you found your soulmate if you two talked all night long. The sun was coming up when you got back here.

Aryan: She only lives 10 mins from here. We saw the sun peaking through the windows and realized we had stayed up all night. I didn't want to leave to be honest. I can't explain in true depth how she makes me feel. I just know I want to be in her life as the one she loves.

Mari: I'm happy for you. I'm going to tell you just like I would any other guy, don't hurt her. She's a really great woman. Any man would be lucky to have her.

Aryan: I won't. I'm going to go to sleep. Wake me up if you need me.

Nana: I won't. You need to rest and be ready to spend another full day with your wife.

Mari: He's in love Nans. I can't bring myself to tell him I was in love with his "wife"

Nana: That's not something you say out loud unless you made a pass at her or in your case, got her pregnant!

We continued laughing for a little while longer. I really hope he don't mess this up for his brother just because he down in the dumps with that Ella girl. I don't know why he's torturing himself. She doesn't love him like she did before he told her he slept with his manager. He should just walk away and cut his losses. He can still be a great father to his kids.

Mari

I'm not going to lie I'm jealous. But all of a sudden lyrics for a new song were filling my head. I wrote them down. And searched myself for a melody.

"If love won't let you in, just go back and start again

Things don't always work out at first

Some things require more time to flourish

You have to water them with love because love makes everything feel better

And if it doesn't love you back, aw man just forget it"

I sat out on the patio for 2 more hours in deep thought. Why do I feel this way?