~Snoh Aalegra I Didn't Mean to Fall in Love
There was magic in the air....The frigid thaw from an unusually long and cold winter was finally upon us at last. I'm not gonna lie, I high key enjoyed my lil hibernation. Being tucked away had never felt soo good. The sunshine was returning to Richmond, and had decided to bless us and stick around a little longer for the next few months. I stood at my window, a cup in each hand; staring out at the street; pondering the possibilities for the day. I silently thanked the Universe for Life, then proceeded to contemplate which cup I wanted to dive into first. Was it going to be the ice cold spring water, or the cozy, hot tea that seemed to still be percolating in the mug. The copious amounts of steam rising from the brim indicated that it was still too hot to drink. The water it is! A few minutes later, I was sprawled across my yoga mat in child's pose, transitioning into cat cow. African Mist + Woodspell incense filled the air, while jazzy notes bounced around the room. It was so peaceful; the perfect start to my day...
Eventually I made my way to my desk; debating on whether or not to keep up the momentum and get my website work out the way, OR what I really wanted to do-finish a few crafting projects😇 The decision was made to appease my inner child 1st so that I would be able to get some work done! "Ok lil girl. LISTEN!" I said out loud, "We are going to finish up the ephemera for this floral journal I just completed, and add a shaker pocket with glitter and That's IT!! I'm on a mission; I have 3 articles to write, so I can't play no games! I promise, when I finish, it's ON! You can make whatever you want." This proved to be an excellent compromise, as I found myself happily cutting different edges with 4 different pairs of scissors. I had been dying to try them out; I had an idea to make some tags that look like postage stamps. I was so pleased; enjoying each new cut a little more than the last. Lost in a flurry of floral paper, glitter scraps, and shiny butterflies, my phone was ringing-totally hidden; it startled me. "OOoo girl, you not living right!" I said to myself; fishing my phone from a bin filled with tissue paper. I big smile appeared on my face...it was Landon.
"Yo!" I said; hoping my voice conveyed how happy I was that it was him. "What are you smiling about already?!" Landon asked, "I'm having a great morning, and your call just made it even better." I responded. "Aight, good! Anytime😁. What you doing Avri?" "Oh you know, a little this, a little that; making things. What's up wit you, what your day looking like?" I asked. "Nothing really, just the usual. I'm on my way back from Newton, heading to the store. But what's up wit you, you aight?!" he inquired, sounding concerned. "I'm great, I mean, staying busy and enjoying being out of the studio, even if it is just temporary." Candles have a season, like anything else. When the weather starts to change, traffic in the studio subsides for a while, and a get a tiny respite. "Why do you always ask if I'm ok?! It makes me nervous, like something should be wrong." I said. "Um, because I care, DUH Avri! I move around alot. I don't ever want you to feel like you aren't important to me. You know this is the time of year when shit switches up for us. I'm serious about not repeating past mistakes-I gotta move differently. I just want you to know I'm still here, and we still good" Landon said in earnest. "I know Love, " I began, "I also know this time isn't like years passed. I know it because I feel it; I feel YOU; all the time. Don't worry about me, I am Amazing rn. You just stay focused , and think about how blessed you're about to be. You know, just check in from time to time, and I'll be just fine." Landon let out a sigh of relief. "Word. I want a different outcome, so I gotta change how I move when it comes to you. You matter to me, I hope you always know that." "You're good with me homie. I know you don't have much conversation for feelings, but I keep telling you, I AM A GIRL!! We need that sweet shit from time to time. You know, just to re-affirm what we already know and feel. Thank you, I Love You Too!" I said with a smile. We chatted a while longer before I got back to it...
I wanted to spend the rest of the day immersed in some retail therapy that culminated in dinner and dessert at the Cafe. My first stop was at some of these online stores...Eh, a girl's gotta craft! It's where I get the best deals on hot glue sticks and glitter foam! Eventually making my way to the Market around Noon, it was already teeming with activity. Deliveries were being made, cabs and buses zipping in and out of the stand, and lots of eager shoppers. I into the busy rush of passers by after parking in front of my favorite hotdog stand...a little pit stop couldn't hurt, that's energy for all the walking!!😀 As I approached The Cloud Shop, I ran into Richmond's own Bobby and Whitney; Nate and Sasha. In true Sasha fashion, she spotted me first; vigorously waving and calling my name as she crossed the street. "Avri!? Avri!!! Hey girl hey! Hold up, I'm coming to you!" Nate must have muttered something distasteful to Sasha. She turned to face him, hissing something that could only be described as venomous; his entire demeanor changed. Shoulders slumped, they drooped to an embarrassed height; he immediately and obediently followed. In an instant, we were we were all standing in the same square of sidewalk. "Hey ya'll! What's going on?! It's been a minute since I've seen the two of you together. Is it safe to assume that there's a reconciliation on the horizon?!" My question was met with blank stares..."Are ya'll fools gettin back together or nah?! Ima be completely honest, don't NOBODY wanna see that!" I said. "Oh HELL NO!" Sasha quipped. "The baby has needed shoes for like two months, I'm not playin wit Nate, I brought him MYSELF to get this shit done!" I couldn't help but chuckle. "I know that's right girl, get Nate life!" I said jokingly. "Yea, whatever Avri!" Nate muttered. "Don't play with me Nate," I began, Ya'll have fun, and don't make no more babies, the world can't take it!" "NEVER!" yelled Sasha loudly. We parted ways, and I ducked into the beauty of The Cloud Shop...
Several hours later, out of bags and trunk space, I made my way to the Cafe. Steamed garlic mussels, Grilled Salmon, sauteed broccoli, and a molten brownie topped with vanilla ice cream was calling my name. Pulling up to park, it was apparent that there was a little crowd, so I took a minute to get my own life before going inside. I was currently sporting a short curly bob which was pretty low maintenance. 2 shakes, a fluff, and a swipe of lipstick later, I was already on my way in. Upon entering, I learned not only was I correct, but it was literal mayhem in there. Both the 1st and 2nd floors were filled to capacity with standing room only. I made a beeline for the bar, grabbing a menu, and placing my order. This was waaayyyy more than I expected for a Tuesday night-I would not be staying. After letting the bartender know where to find me, I took a seat out on the patio. It was quiet and calm with no wind. The time was easily after 6, and a mild 56 degrees. I was enjoying the moment or two; taking a few deep breaths and just sat; BEING. Just then, I heard idle chatter approaching, and I actually recognized the voices-it was Seline and Jamari. As I opened my eyes to confirm, they were already taking a seat at my table...
"We saw you walk in! We came out side to see if you wanted to smoke." Seline said, revealing a fresh leaf and a small vacuum sealed bag. I smiled; now this was my kinda night! "Absolutely!" I said, extending my hand in offering to roll up. "So wtf is going on, is the Cafe giving out free drinks or something? This is alot for the Cafe on a weekday; AND its still early!" I inquired. "Nah, you know its that tax money! All of a sudden everybody wanna eat a little better and be seen for them 2.5 weeks they hood rich!😂" Jamari responded. I laughed to myself thinking how I love me a hood-boogie negro...this is why Jamari and I were friends...We must've been enjoying ourselves a little too much for the crowd, because it seems as soon as we got comfortable, and situated ourselves in the solitude, all of a sudden we had company-very chatty company at that. Once the pitcher of Sangria arrived, some strange girl, who was terribly dressed, approached our table attempting to strike up a conversation. "Is this you guys first time here?!" She asked. I'm not one for small talk with strangers, and so I politely ignored her inquiry. Seline chose to engage-of course she did. "No, we live right down the street." Seline said; choosing to leave out the fact that Jamari's family actually owned the Cafe. The young lady made several more attempts to lure me into conversation, even commenting on how strong our drink of choice was. When she realized we would not be extending an invitation to join us, she took the hint and left the table. "See, this is why I stay tucked; I don't like people. How you tearing up to go outside to a bar with no money to drink?! Better yet, how is it that you haven't found no nigga who wit tha shits face to go play in?!" I said as I rolled my eyes hard. "The Riff Raff is REAL!!" Jamari suddenly said, and we all burst into laughter. After a few more passes, we poured up our Sangria; turning our high attention to the very interesting crowd on the other side of the double glass doors...
I got my food, and slipped quietly out the back door of the cafe. I did warn Seline and Jabari that I was ready to go several times before making a swift exit. I spun the block and found a parking spot right in front of my door. Dean helped me bring my bags in, and I returned the favor in kind by gifting him the cup of Sangria I had taken to go. "So I take it you bout to be lame and stay in the house!" he said sarcastically. "Oh you KNOW that! I been outside all day, and I've had enough. You be easy tho, and enjoy that cup!" I yelled over my shoulder as I disappeared up the stairs and behind my bedroom door. Both arms filled with bags, I dropped everything onto my bed. The plan was to put it all away, shower, and end up comfortable in fuzzy socks with my book asap. My show was back on, and I already had the first two episodes cued up to watch before bed. I wearily glanced over at my desk. "Nope," I said to myself, "Boundaries. Right now, we winding down; those projects will be there tomorrow." Shaking my head in agreement, I began to undress and proceed with the scheduled list of events...
I must've fallen asleep, because I found myself being startled awake by my phone. "Lightskin!" Landon's voice ringing out happily and bright. "Yo!" I responded. "Why don't you sound sleep?! You never sound sleepy when I call. It's like, does this girl ever get sleepy?!" he exclaimed. "Well I was! Idk why I don't like it. You've heard me sleepy before, but you be calling me 'young man' when you do!" I said with a giggle. "Oh that's what that is?! Aight then, so wassup, how was your day? Anything interesting happen?" Landon asked eagerly. "My day was good; it was productive, fun, and satisfying. What about you?!" I asked, pulling the covers up around me as I wiggled out of my socks. "Eh, it was cool; nothing out of the ordinary. Tell me more about your productive, fun, and satisfying day...but wait, hold up, let me get my food...We got lost in our conversation, eventually simultaneously drifting off to sleep in our own separate spaces...and Yet, closer than ever...
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