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  CHAPTER 3

  Aisha and Tameria had been best friends since kindergarten and nothing had changed over the years. In kindergarten when they lay down side by side to take an afternoon nap, they often whispered and giggled until they both fell asleep. They have simply been inseparable every since. They practically spent their entire childhood at each other’s homes – eating meals, having sleepovers and even helping to clean each others’ bedrooms. The two of them accepted Christ at the same time and were even baptized together at the same church. Since then, Aisha has taken her Christian upbringing seriously by being a hard-working faithful member of Temple Cathedral Church. Her love of dance inspired her to start a youth dance ministry at the church. Her new studio had seen its share of success and some of the girls from the church dance ministry were now her formal students. At times it was hard for her to fathom that she actually owned her own studio. Sometimes she’d walk through the studio’s beveled double glass doors and actually pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

  “Aisha, I can’t believe how much the studio has grown in just two years’ time. Girl, it’s like you’ve been doing this all of your life. How many children do you have enrolled in your classes now?” Tameria’s voice rang with enthusiasm and vigor. She often found herself amazed at the favor of God radiating in her best friend’s life.

  “I have three classes - Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced with a total of exactly seventy-seven students plus an ever expanding waiting list. I’m growing so fast that I’m going to have to hire another instructor. I can’t do it all by myself any longer. Of course that’s a good thing so don’t think for one minute that I’m complaining.”

  “I don’t see how you do it.”

  “Why can’t you enjoy dance as much as I do, Tameria? We’d make a good team.

  “I’m sorry to say, but you know dance just isn’t my thing. My passion is in the health-related field. That’s my calling. Hey, just think, once I enter into my Residency, I can offer medical assistance to some of your students. God knows you work them hard enough – with all of that bending, twisting, stretching, shaking and jumping, they’re going to need a good physician from time to time.” The two of them laughed and gave each other a high five.

  “You’re right about that, girl. But you know for yourself that perfection only comes from commitment, dedication and practice, practice and more practice. These girls know that I will not accept mediocrity. They will need to either give it their all or shut it down. It’s all or nothing. Even my younger students have memorized my favorite phrase. I will dance, I will dance, I will dance unto the Lord.”

  “Yeah I know, but right now can you dance on out of here this evening. It’s after six o’clock and we’re supposed to be going to that play tonight, remember? And it starts at exactly eight o’clock. Tameria reminded her.

  “Come on, help me straighten up around here and then we can get leave. You know, I have no idea what I’m going to wear.

  “Aisha, we’ve had plans for almost a month to attend this premiere, and you mean to tell me that you haven’t decided what you’re going to wear? I should have known to check up on you more closely.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll find something in that closet of mine.”

  It had been a couple of years since the two of them had been to the legendary Orpheum Theatre on Main Street. They had forgotten about the grandeur and elegance it seemed to exude from just walking inside the massive doors. Aisha’s teal sleeveless evening dress was perfect for the event. The form fitting dress accentuated her curvaceous body. Her stomach was flat as a pancake and her lean, shapely legs were undoubtedly the legs of a dancer as they made the teal Stuart Weitzman pumps she wore stand out with each sure and certain step she took – she had splurged on the shoes even though she knew they were way out of her price range. She walked like a graceful dancer. She didn’t notice the eyes of several gentlemen following her every move. Her auburn colored natural twists hung to her shoulders. She was glad she had finally let go of the permed look. She couldn’t imagine relaxing her hair ever again.

  “Ladies, please allow me to show you to your seats,” the well-groomed usher said extending his white gloved hand.

  “Thank you,” was Aisha’s response. She and Tameria took their lower level seats and began to enjoy the play. At the end of the production, when the little girl in the play was taken from her parents, Aisha found herself crying. Even though it was just a play, she couldn’t help but feel the emotions of losing someone. She thought about the tragic death of her grandparents.

  “Isn’t this touching?” Tameria whispered reaching inside her small beaded purse to pull out a Kleenex. “This play is soooo good. Look at the two of us crying like babies.” They both let out a soft snicker being careful not to disturb anyone with their chatter.

  “Girl, you know we have to do better. I didn’t go through all of that trouble putting on make-up just to have it smeared all over my face. We look like raccoons. ” Tameria said as they prepared to exit the theatre.

  “I know that’s right. But I just couldn’t help it. It was so moving and so surreal. Now what are we going to do to lift out spirits after this tear jerker?” Aisha asked.

  “How about having a drink with me?” The gentleman standing next to them spoke. Aisha turned swiftly in his direction.

  “Excuse me?” She said trying not to show her annoyance at the gentleman for listening in on their conversation.

  “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” he said. “But I couldn’t help but over hear you. I saw the two of you during the intermission but I couldn’t get through the crowd to say anything. Let me introduce myself. I’m Chandler, Chandler Larson. And may I ask your names?” He said, extending his hand and focusing his baby browns on Aisha.

  “No, I don’t think so,” Aisha responded. “I’m not in the habit of just giving my name out to strange men.” Her voice resonated her anger and cautiousness. She had no idea where this man had come from. What does he mean, he couldn’t get to us during intermission? How long has this fool been watching us? She felt quite uncomfortable. Grabbing hold of Tameria’s elbow, she said, “Excuse us. Come on Tameria. Let’s get out of here.”

  Tameria followed her best friend with a tad bit of reservation. This Chandler Larson was quite a looker. His black tuxedoed suit clung to his tall frame flawlessly. His coal black dreads rested neatly against his scalp and tapered off at the nape of his neck. His eyebrows were thick and when he spoke they seemed to carry on a conversation of their own. Every word he spoke revealed glistening white teeth which had to have been bleached His muscular physique could easily make a girl feel secure and protected.

  “Tameria, come on,” Aisha moved her hand to Tameria’s wrist pulling her toward the door. “Let’s get out of here before another crazed maniac walks up. I can’t believe the nerve of that guy.”

  “Aisha, get over it. He was only flirting with you. Stop getting so uptight. Just because a man approaches you like that doesn’t mean he’s some serial killer or rapist. That was just his pick up line to get a conversation going with us.”

  “Well, he obviously needs to get a new one because that one surely won’t work with me. You might fall for some okie dokie line like that but as for me, I think he must be nuts. You just don’t walk up to somebody you don’t know and eavesdrop on their conversation.”

  “Aisha, ease up. Come on, before you go berserk.”

  “Now you’re talking,” was Aisha’s response.

  Tameria steered her champagne colored Mazda onto MLK Boulevard. “Aisha you need to ease up some. Don’t be on the defensive so much. You can’t possibly expect to find Mr. Right if you keep brushing off every man that tries to get next to you?”

  “For one thing, you know me, right?”

  “Uh huh.”

  “Then you ought to know that I am not out searching for Mr. Right. I’m leaving that all up to God. He’s going to handle that. “

  “How do you know that God didn�
�t send what’s his name? Chandler. And look what you did. You all but told the poor guy to get out of your face. You’re a trip.” Tameria smiled pulling up into the crowded parking lot of Logan’s Steakhouse.

  “Enough of that, Tameria. I see we’re eating steak tonight. I’m glad. I‘ve only eaten a blueberry muffin today and I’m absolutely famished. They went into the restaurant and within seconds were escorted to a booth.

  It didn’t take long for the two of them to decide on what they were having. Tameria enjoyed the thickly sliced T-bone, prepared medium well with a Caesar salad and steamed vegetables. Aisha ordered a tender sirloin tip, well done with a green salad and a loaded baked potato. They laughed and talked, enjoying each other’s company like they always did.

  “Tell me, how’s it going with your new beau?” Aisha asked.

  “Chase is quite a guy,” Tameria answered. “I really like him. He’s attentive, he loves the outdoors like I do and he adores his mother. That’s a huge plus right there. I’ve heard that if a man treats his momma right then he surely will treat his lady with some real respect and admiration. And the fact that we’re both in the medical field is great because he understands that my schedule is hectic and our time together is quite limited. He’s already doing his Residency in Neurosurgery. To tell you the truth, I can’t find a single thing wrong with him.”

  “A neurosurgeon? Wow, that’s fantastic. But uh, what about his beliefs, Tameria? Is he a Christian? You know you shouldn’t date someone who doesn’t share the same Christian beliefs as you.”

  “Didn’t I tell you that I can’t find anything wrong with the man? He is a Christian and has been since he was thirteen years old. He’s active in his church and works with the youth ministry when he isn’t on call at the hospital. I really believe that God has his hand in this relationship Aisha.”

  “I’m so glad for you. That one time I met him, even though it wasn’t for long, he appeared to be a nice guy. He was all over you and quite affectionate too.”

  “Yeah, he’s like that. I have to admit that I’m crazy about him. I think I’m actually falling in love with him.”

  “ Really? Oh, Tameria, that’s good. Do you think he feels the same about you?”

  “Yep, he even told me as much the other night.”

  “He told you that he loved you and you didn’t tell me?”

  “I’ve been busy, Aisha. You know how medical school is and you know how busy you always are. By the time we make it home, it’s too late to talk on the phone and we’re both wiped out.”

  “You’re right about that. Our schedules are hectic as all get out. This is the first time we’ve had a chance to chill out and talk in quite a while. Just be prayerful and take it slow. And please don’t give up the booty. Make him wait, girl.”

  Tameria stopped eating. A look of guilt spread across her face.

  Aisha knew her friend too well. She was holding something back. She hoped it wasn’t what she was thinking. Surely Tameria hadn’t given up her virginity to Chase. She didn’t care how great he was. She wanted her friend to honor the commitment they first made when they both started dating, not only to each other but to God - to remain virgins until their wedding day.

  “Tameria, please tell me you haven’t? Please.”

  “No, we haven’t done anything. But things are really getting hot and heavy. I’ve never felt like this before. Even Kevin Dixon didn‘t arouse the kind of feelings in me that I have when I‘m with Chase. And you know how crazy I was about him in high school.”

  Aisha remembered all too well. Kevin Dixon had been Tameria’s first and only boyfriend in high school. The three of them attended Christ the King Academy. Kevin was the star quarterback of the varsity football team and he was crazy about Tameria Matthews the prettiest girl on the varsity cheerleading squad. During their junior year of high school, they were inseparable. Tameria believed he was going to be the man she would marry one day-until his daddy’s job transferred him up North. Tameria was devastated. She didn’t eat for almost two weeks and lost about ten pounds. In the beginning they emailed each other every day and talked on the phone just about every weekend, but after a couple of months the phone calls and emails tapered off and by the end of their senior year, Kevin and Tameria hadn’t spoken to each other in almost three months. The distance proved to be too much for the young high school sweethearts. Since that time she hadn’t been seriously involved with anyone, until she met Chase at University of Tennessee Medical school. They hit if off like they had known each other all of their lives.

  Aisha was delighted to see Tameria happy once again. And Chase did seem like quite a catch. He had that special charisma that drew people to him like a magnet. Yet Aisha was still cautious and she wanted her friend to be even more cautious. She didn’t want to see Tameria’s heart broken.

  “Tameria, you have to be careful. I told you not to put yourself in a position where you would be tempted. What ever happened to hanging out with other friends instead of just the two of you being alone? You don’t need to be alone with him especially in private.”

  “I know and you’re right. But it’s hard.”

  Aisha didn’t let up. “Everything will go much better for you in a group setting. Anytime you find yourself alone with him, you know your hormones and HIS are going to start raging girl. You have to be more careful. If he really is the one, remember that everything will work out. He’ll respect the fact that you are celibate and a virgin and he won’t try to push you to do anything rash.”

  “I know that Aisha. And like I said, you’re right. Our last few dates have been just the two of us in his apartment. And I have to put a stop to it. I don’t plan on giving it up until I’m standing before a minister and saying those two little words, I do.”

  “I know that’s right,” Aisha grinned. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. She took a bite of her steak. “Girl, this is the best sirloin I’ve tasted in a long time. How is your t-bone?”

  “Great, but the food here is always good. Now, I want you to admit something.”

  “Admit what?”

  “That the man at the theatre tonight was really fine.” Tameria laughed. “Come on, admit it.”

  “Girl, when I turned around and looked up at him, I could feel my face turning ten shades of red,” Aisha grinned. “He was so good looking I could barely stand to look at him.”

  “I knew it. Boy am I glad to hear that.”

  “Glad about what.”

  “Glad that you still got some feelings inside of you, some yearnings for a man. You stay too uptight.”

  “You’re so silly. You know dancing is what matters to me. It’s the only relationship I have time for right now and of course putting my all into being the woman God wants me to be.”

  “Aisha, just give somebody a chance. At least go on a date from time to time.”

  “I do. Remember when I went to dinner and a gospel concert with Gaston from church.”

  “Aisha, that was almost six months ago.”

  “Gnaw, it wasn’t that long ago. Was it?”

  Tameria eyed Aisha, raising one eyebrow and then nodded her head in an up and down motion.

  “I can’t help it, Tameria. I just can’t see myself allowing a man to get too close to me. I believe when that time comes along, God will awaken those special feelings inside of me and that’s when I’ll know it’s time. But He hasn’t done that yet, which is absolutely fine with me.”

  “Well, I’m going to start praying a little bit harder for you. You haven’t had a real boyfriend– not ever. You’re waaay overdue for one. We’re both twenty-four years old. And you, my dear, have never even been kissed.”

  “Yes, I have.” Aisha laughed loudly. “I can’t believe you said that.”

  “When then? Tell me. And I’m not talking about the time Gaston kissed you on your hand either,” both ladies laughed so loud that heads turned in their direction.

  The ladies finished their dinner then went to Tameria’s apartm
ent. Like they did when they were teenagers, they undressed down to their undies and put on flannel pajama pants and white t-shirts. Curling up in Tameria’s queen size bed with a bowl of buttered popcorn, they talked some more while flipping the remote between BET, MTV and Discovery Health. Aisha soon nodded off. Tameria’s light snore woke her up and she got up and went into the other bedroom.

  “I’m out of here,” she mumbled to Tameria.

  “Um, huh,” Tameria sleepily responded while she turned to her side and pulled the quilt over her head.

  CHAPTER 4

  “Girls, how many times do I have to tell you? We have to get this routine right? We have a recital in three and a half weeks and we’re still making the same mistakes. Now let’s start again. One..two…three….turn. One…two…three…bend…One…two three… left….One…two three… right. Great. Now, let’s do it again. This time we’re going to dance to the music. Remember, count in your mind. Don’t look at the person next to you. Concentrate, relax and allow the steps to flow naturally. Remember, you’re angels, graceful, light on your feet. Now let’s take it from the top.”