#snowfallfx

the two of them looked at each other a second before franklin spoke up. “it’s leon… you know. always starting some shit. finally mouthed off to the wrong person. probably caught him comin’ by the house.”

“so you had nothing to do with it, right?” she replied making him cock his head to the side and squint his eyes in disbelief at his moms’ question.

“no. come on, momma. of course not,” he assured, walking around the kitchen table where he stands closer to her. she stays in her position: at the head of the table.

she shakes her head with a scoff. “you scare me, franklin...” her breathing become uneven making her take a slight deep breath in. “how easy it is for you to look at me in the eye and lie your ass off. you got your best friends blood on your clothes and you don’t miss a god damn beat.”

“you know, jerome was here.” she slowly made her way to side of the stable where franklin stood. “heard the news. decided to check in. guilt was all over his face. at least someone in his family has still got a fucking conscience,” she added, looking him in the eyes.

“what’d he say?” franklin quickly asks.

“he didn’t have to say shit… i wanna hear it from you.”

he directs his eyes elsewhere for a few before looking back over to her. “what you wanna hear?”

“start with how long you’ve been slinging the weed for him.”

it wasn’t weed he’d been slagging for nobody. he knew that but she didn’t. he didn’t wanna dig himself into a deeper hole so he lied like he’d been doing all these other months. “six months. give or take.”

“6 months you’ve been lying to my face,” she scoffs at him with a shake of her head before turning around. “playing me like a fucking fool—” she mumbles before sharply turning back to him, eyes filling with tears. “…and don’t let me get started about that girl you been sneaking in here!” she yells pointing at him with the cigarette in her hand. her legs drawing her closer to him once again.

“no, it was hard lying to you— a-and it’s not some girl ma.”

“yeah? who is it then franklin!?” she yells in his face making him look down in disappointment.

now looking back up at her, franklin went to speak again but there was pounding on the front door making him push his lips back together. they both direct their attention to the front door where mr. wright stands. cissy quickly wipes the tears from her face as he enters in his uniform. “i hope it’s not too late,” he starts as franklin gives his mom a final glance before walking to the back of the house, giving them room to talk. “…just wanted to check if you were alright.”

their voices fade as he descends further into the house and he makes it into his room, closing the door with a sigh. “hey,” the welcome was soft and expected because of your almost everyday occurring presence. at first you were leaning against his headboard but you moved off the bed and stood to see him. franklin doesn’t flinch at your presence, only giving a glance— without that, he practically ignores it as he sits on the end of the bed without a word. he stares off into space, not giving you another glance. you don’t take it to heart after hearing what had happened with leon then the argument with his mom.

you thought maybe he just wanted to be alone. “call me later— or whenever you get the chance, alright?” you turn to leave through the window without a reply knowing you wouldn’t get one but you were proven wrong when you hear his voice. “hey. c’mere,” he mumbled, making you turn to look his way. he was looking at you now, eyes dead set on you.

“you sure? it’s cool if wanna be alone. don’t want you fighting me or nun,” you grin playfully, knowing he wouldn’t even raise his voice at you. he shakes his head with a light smile, “might throw a couple punches if don’t c’mere.” you chuckle lightly as you walk over to him. he parts his legs for you to stand in between and wraps his arms around your torso. you take his face in your hands, rubbing your thumbs along his hairline as you appreciate his handsome face.

“heard what to said about me not being ‘some girl’,” you smile, eyes averting between his eyes and lips. “…want you to tell me what i am then.”

he scoffs in a disbelief at your teasing before smiling, taking his bottom lip in between his teeth lightly to stop himself from kissing you. “you should know.” his head slightly titled to his left to admire you.

“no, i know, but i want you to tell me,” you say, titling your head in the same direction as his, in a teasing manner.

he laughs an airy laugh and in that process picks his head up the right way (you doing the same), before replying. “my girl.”

“your girl?” you question and he’s quick to respond with a nod. you smile at the gesture before adding, “i like that.” you lean into him to kiss his lips, and he doesn’t miss a beat, kissing you back. arms wrapping around your waist tighter to pull you closer. it starts off slow, wet, your heads rotating every once and awhile to find the perfect spot for your lips to connect, but once you feel the tip of his tongue graze the inside of your mouth you open your mouth to him and allow both your tongues to meet.

you hummed out, enjoying the taste of him. your lips are wet with one others’ spit as he moves his hands down to the back of your knees. he pushes lightly on the back of them and pulls one of your legs over his then the other so your straddling his lap. his hands move from your waist to underneath your shirt. your deep kisses soon become pecks before you pull away from him.

“if she hears us she’s definitely not gonna like me,” you say with a light smile, hands resting on his shoulders. he chuckles at you, thumbs rubbing your sides underneath your shirt. “well, be quiet then,” he says with a grin. you playfully hit his chest before he’s pulling you back into a kiss.

the two of you wasted no time to get your clothes off, hands roaming each others’ bodies once your back close to one another. now, you’re on top of his in the middle of the bed, kissing him deeply as you grind yourself against him. his hands gripping a hand full of your ass as you do so, his hand kind of guiding the pace of your hips. you were surprised he was even letting you be on top, normally he’d flip it over and fuck you that way.

you push your hips up a bit, and move your hand down to wrap your dick. before you can even rub his tip along your wet folds and push it inside of you, without breaking the kiss, he flips the two of you over. you’d spoken too soon. you don’t comment on it, knowing if won’t change his on going habit and because soon after he slowly slides himself inside of you. his deliciously sized head sliding passed your folds first and filling your entrance up. you moan lightly against his lips.

then his full length slides inside, making the kiss come to a slight pause as your mouth is slightly open in awe. “franklin,” you moan, arms instantly wrapping around his back. he doesn’t hesitate to start moving his hips at a good pace. you try to stay as quiet as you could, muffling your moan with kisses. the dark room seemed to get stuffy as his hips smacked lightly against your thighs. his groans fell against deaf ears as he didn’t have to try as hard to hide them like you.

you coo’d for him, calling out for him to fuck you harder. he could feel the way your pussy clinched and sputtering around him. he did as asked, pushing his hips into your thighs, making sure to reach deep. the deeper he reached the more you moaned and smashed your lips into his to muffle them.

your pussy continued to clench and squeeze around him making it even harder for him to hold on. his pace doesn’t lessen even when his head is lost in the feeling of you. "g-gonna cum,” you moan against his lips. “fuck, me too,” he mumbled, feeling your pussy squeeze him tightly. you moan quietly as you cum, the feeling of you pulsating around him pulls his cum from him. his cum rushes through him and into you, filling you up.

franklin lazily kisses you as the two of you calm down. soon after, he sits himself up and slowly pulls out, careful not to hurt you before lays down next to you. you snuggle in close to his chest and he wraps his around you.

Had there been any way to get in touch with Leon, you would have called him to pick you back up. He and Eva were likely already at their destination by now. Wherever that might be. You never got around to asking about his plans for the evening, too preoccupied with the concerns of a now ex boyfriend for any useful details that might have helped the situation. Damn the cloudiness of your thoughts, and damn Darnell.

The direction in which you faced seemed ominous. The walk home would be a long one, descending the almost pitch black street with a gown you hugged to your chest like a childhood security blanket. Your single benefit of protection. One that had failed you. 

For weeks, you saved the bit of money you’d gotten from your part-time job at the ice cream shop in order to get the one that caught your eye. The first time you tried it on, you felt like you were stepping out of the pages of some fairytale where princesses and knights lived. The color sat breathtakingly against your skin tone, and most importantly, a result of your own effort. No help from your mother, and not Leon, who held his disdain for Darnell since the first day you’d introduced them. Funny how, after tonight, you would carry that same sentiment. 

The argument, which happened no less than twenty minutes before, persisted, playing like a never-ending VHS tape on repeat, and you understood all too well why fictional stories were confined to the pages of books. 

“Liar. Didn’t even have the decency to cover your tracks! How long were you fucking her? Be man enough to at least tell me!” 

Anger stirred within you, which undoubtedly caused you to lose control for a brief moment and swim in an emotional turbulence. Leon always warned you to keep your hands to yourself. Both you and Leon inherited your mother’s temper. “Listen,” he said one time on a casual Wednesday afternoon, “I love you to death, sis, but don’t put yo hands on no nigga when you mad, less you ready for what comes next. I don’t give a damn how big and bad you pretend you are. He’ll fuck you up. If that happens, I’ll be in jail.” 

You halfway thought Darnell would haul off and hit you clean across the face. The impact of his back knocking against part of the TV and dresser caused some things to fall to the floor as the girl scrambled to gather her clothes when you pushed him. The sheets were still ugly and tangled with the scent of after sex. The bed. Once upon a time you both laughed together on it, played games and watched movies, sometimes in each other’s arms before his hands reached your pants zipper, and the kissing was just too much tongue that you urged him to stop. 

“Whole time. Fuck you gonna do about it? I know one thing, you better keep ya got damn hands to yourself.”

You were glad you held your composure and headed the warning, both from Darnell and Leon. The last thing you wanted was to be the reason your brother went to prison, but it didn’t stop your mouth and its taunting invites. You felt a glint of satisfaction in challenging him. 

“Or what? What are you gonna do? Tell me?”

He smirked, and you balled your fist in response to his arrogance and lack of remorse. 

“Nothing. I’ll tell you what you bout’ to do though. Get yo ass the fuck up out ma house.” 

“Are you serious right now?” 

“As a heart attack.” 

“Why? Just tell me why? I deserve that at least, Darnell.” 

“Because I’m tired of waiting for you. Shit, you act like a nigga gotta marry you to get some pussy. Shit’s sickening. I shouldn’t have to go through that as your nigga. All the bread I spent on yo’ ass. Time and attention. I literally gotta beg you! You won’t even let me taste that shit without yo’ ass being scary. Bottom line, I realized that stuck up prudes aren’t my thing any more.”

“Oh, and that is.”

You knew her. Not directly. Some girl you briefly saw around. If you cared enough, you would have heeded to the whispers about the reputation she carried around the neighborhood. Why bother? You assumed you were far removed. Had nothing to worry about when it came to your boyfriend. But he decided to put the cherry on top and defend her. Brooklyn Shepherds. She lived two buildings down. 

“Don’t be mad. Shit, at least she’s living her life having fun. Not acting like she better than ever’body. Stuck up!” 

“I never acted like that. You did all this because I wouldn’t have sex with you. Typical though.That’s all you ever fucking thoght about Darnell. I just wasn’t ready, damn!”

“Whatever man. No explanation needed. We done.”

As a brief bit of wind passed by, you shut your eyes momentarily before heading on. You’d held suspicions after the phone calls became less and less, although your heart wouldn’t let you believe it. Darnell, your first serious boyfriend falling out of love with you. 

In the beginning of the relationship, you spent almost every day with one another. That’s why you loved beginnings. With things so new and fresh, forever could be a real possibility. After spending months learning one another, you had developed a habit of taking mental notes of what different facial expressions and certain body movements meant for him. What he liked and didn’t. 

Nearing the end, you sensed some frustrations when you rejected his advances a little too often, or made excuses for them not to happen. The furthest it had gotten was him fingering you in the back seat of his dad’s car. An experience you wanted to forget. A mundane occurrence really, like some forgiven object had ended up in places it shouldn’t have been. Shame on you for not listening to your instincts. What they called a woman’s intuition. You forgave him. Some guys just needed practice. Of course, that strange love thing had a way of blinding logic. Fear ruled both. If worse one way, then surely he’d be downright terrible where it counted. If nothing else, you wanted the first time to be special. Or, at least something you wouldn’t mind talking to your friends about with some type of smile that wouldn’t be forced. 

A glance down at the dress, and tears burned down the side of your cheeks. Frantically, you located a dumpster and made your way to shove the dress inside, inch by inch. The pretty lilac would be solid by grease and grime from the years of remaining remnants of stinking residue the dumpster accumulated. You cursed, over and over again, haunted by those sweet words, smiles, and gentle touches. Everything! 

When the dress disappeared you found a ledge nearby and sat down. The end of a relationship was like a close death in a way. All the evidence of the breakup would live on your face. Puffy red eyes would be hard to explain away, unlike a missing ball gown. Whimpers turned into sobs. With no way to see what contorted facial expression you held through it all, you covered your face.  

“Beanz?” 

You shot up, scanning the area for whomever called out your nickname. Your gaze landed on a car, although the darkness didn’t help you identify who it belonged to right away. From where you sat, a face didn’t register from beyond the window that rolled down. The car door opened. You stood to your feet. The exposure the streetlamp provided had the tension in your shoulders loosen, extinguishing your fight-or-flight response. “Franklin….” you uttered before wiping away any trace of tears. 

“What are you doing out here?” 

His face looked every bit suspicious and concerned under the dim lightning. You shrugged. Your mind ran a million miles a minute. 

“Uh. Just walking. Getting some air.” 

Franklin lifted his chin. With his eyes, he seemed to scan round about the area you’d stopped to throw away the dress. 

“You know it’s not really safe to be out here like this, B.”

“It wasn’t intentional. No phone to call for a ride. I was at Darnell’s House just now.” 

Franklin cocked his head to one side. “So he couldn’t drive you?” 

You rolled your eyes up to catch any tears. “No. See, we um, we kinda got into it, so I left.” 

One of his eyebrows lifted. “What do you mean, got into it?” His dark gaze traveled. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”  

Franklin took two steps forward. His tall frame blocked more of the light. 

“You sure? He didn’t put his hands on you or anything, did he?”

You shook your head. He held a concerned older brother type of tone when he’d asked. It brought a bit of comfort. The same kind that Leon would have whenever you hurt yourself, falling off your bike, or accidentally standing too close to the pan when frying chicken and getting popped by grease. In that way, you felt like you had two brothers looking out.

“No, no, he didn’t.” 

“Alright. What’s this?”

Your eyes found the place on your arm. There, over pretty brown skin, different colors mingled together. A little red, and a hue that resembled a faint purple. 

“Damn. Um…”

You hadn’t noticed. It probably happened when Darnell had to drag you out the front door after you refused to go on your own. You bumped into walls and door frames during all the pushing and shoving, trying to resist his attempts. He’d gotten frustrated. With a shrug, you locked eyes with your brother’s best friend.  

“It’s nothing.”

He didn’t blink or move. 

“Doesn’t look like nothing. He still home?” 

Franklin faced the direction that led back to Darnell’s block. You turned to face the same path. 

“What? Why?” 

He shrugged. “Just wanna talk to him.” 

“What do you mean by that? Why would you talk to him?” 

Franklin grinned, but it appeared to be laced with a type of malice. Some form of vexation lived behind his stare. The way he’d said it, nonchalant and casual, meant otherwise. You weren’t that dense. It wouldn’t be just talking. 

Franklin, more subtle, unlike Leon who, when mad, you could absolutely tell was mad, temper on one thousand! Franklin Saint, on the other hand, was the type to keep things chill until all the chill left and hell visualized in the form of a man. That hadn't been the case growing up, but Franklin wasn’t the same anymore. He’d made for himself quite the reputation, and you’d heard stories. Rumors you weren’t sure you believed but headed all the same. You were mad at Darnell. Hurt, even devastated with the way things had ended, but you didn’t want him physically hurt, or worse. Franklin proceeded to take another step forward, but you’d raised your hands to keep him in place. 

“Wait, wait. No, stop. Hold on!” 

Heart pounding, images flooded your head of how everything could end up if he actually went to Darnell’s house for real! 

“It’s fine,” you assured him. “I said I’m good.” You took a deep breath. “Listen. I’ve had a really eventful night already. Can we just go, please?”

…

The warm night air streamed through the open window of the car, carrying with it the distant noise and the occasional horn from the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Beneath the star-sprinkled sky, the city pulsated with energy. You sat in the passenger seat, a bittersweet smile lingering on your lips as the heavy bass thumped through the speakers. Lights flickered through the windshield, casting playful reflections on your forehead as you leaned your head against the glass. With the windows down, the sweet sound of Little Micheal Jackson and his other four brothers’ voices drifted through the car, reminiscent of summer days and carefree moments as one of their best tunes played. 

Don’t you know I sit around with my head hanging down and I wonder who’s loving you…

“Want me to change it?” Franklin asked, glancing at you from the driver’s seat. His tightly coiled mini afro had lifted and side burns grew in with the promise of a beard starting. 

You sighed, your gaze still fixed outside. “No, it’s fine. I like the Jackson 5,” you replied. 

You wouldn’t mind a more upbeat song. The melancholic lyrics were too close to your current situation. At Least it hadn’t been… Never Can Say Goodbye. 

Franklin turned down an empty side street, further immersed in the story of your heartbreak. “You sure you good,” he said, his voice edged with frustration. 

“I’m fine. Thanks again for driving me home.”

The drive became silent for a moment. The quiet punctuated only by the soft strumming beats filling the car. 

“I guess I was just really excited about tonight. Everything else came outta nowhere and ruined it.”

“Excited? Why? What was tonight?”

“Well. It’s silly because I don’t really do the church thing.” A short chuckle had you brushing off the idea of being some crazed religious fanatic. “If anything,” you added, “our mama made us go but. It might have been a month past, maybe. I’m not really sure of the date and time, but they were talking about this dance they’d been planning. It was supposed to be real classy, like ballroom Cinderella fancy.”

Franklin nodded, but kept his eyes on the road ahead. “Okay, I got a good mental picture. White folks speaking that proper English, like good, ay’ Morgan! With the pinky on the up and all that?”

You didn’t want to laugh, but his switch in accent came out unexpectedly. Warmth spread through your chest. The moment was fleeting, but it mattered. 

“Yeah, something like that. Real fancy, sept no white, just black folk.” 

A little grin lifted the side of his mouth and you noticed. 

“I could see it. You’re into all that stuff. Even back then.” 

You smacked your teeth and rolled your eyes. 

He chuckled and threw you a glance. “Don’t you remember? Chocolate on your face. Little fairy princess dress trying to follow me and Lee around.”  

You sighed with a purse of the lips and dismissed the memory, shaking your head. “Well, anyway. I kinda thought it would be different. You know something new to do aside from going to the movies or the skating rink.” 

Franklin caught your gaze, his expression serious for a moment. “Darnell was supposed to go with you tonight,” he implied, his tone genuine. 

Something about the way he looked at you felt so different from before, like he truly saw you. Not just as his best friend’s little sister, but as you, the girl with hopes and wants behind the surface.

 “Yeah. But I lucked out twice, right? No dance, and now no boyfriend either.” You sank down in the seat. “Oh well, huh, maybe it was all just stupid,” you muttered. 

The songs changed in and out. The night wore. The weight of the past was heavy as the car ride continued until Franklin had parked. You gathered yourself to move and open the door when you realized you weren’t looking at your house. 

“Franklin, where are we?” 

You were greeted with the large sign that read Amusement Park in the distance. 

“Well, what does it look like?”

The gates loomed ahead, vibrant and inviting. Each flickering with a promise of joy and thrill behind their standing. The scents of popcorn and cotton candy wafted through the air when you stepped from the car. 

“I thought you were taking me home.” 

Franklin got out. “Naw. It’s too early. It’s Friday, right?” He shrugged. “I figured since you missed the dance, this might make up for it.” 

“Oh. Okay listen…” 

“I was planning to come here by myself. Figured it might be fun with someone else, though.” He opened the door. “But hey, if you’d rather me take you home…”

The whoosh of the roller coaster and the delighted screams of riders soared. 

“Mm. Okay. Let’s go.”  

Franklin walked around to the other side, took your hand and led you forward. 

“See now, that's the spirit.”

…

Families and clusters of friend groups bustled around. Rides whirled in a kaleidoscope of colors against the dark backdrop of the night sky, and under a sprawling canopy of stars, the amusement park buzzed with life. The Smells were the first thing that caught your attention stepping past the gate. More specifically, the funnel cake window. One server handed an awaiting customer a large order of two! The white powder was enough to make you drool with envy for a taste. 

“Oh my gosh,” you pointed. “I haven’t had one of those in like what, how long has it been?” You tried to comb your mind for the answer while your feet guided you closer and closer. You were stopped by Franklin’s pull of your hand. 

“Hold up. We can do that later.” 

“Later?” The window appeared to stretch further and further with his halt. “But when would be a better time for funnel cake, Frank?” You couldn’t think of any. “Funnel Cake is the reason people come to these things.” You pointed again, your voice expressing much more urgency than before. “Please! I won’t even get a large one,” you bargained. 

Franklin laughed, but shook his head. “You never eat first. How can you ride the roller coaster if you eat? I love you n’all lil bean pie, but I’m not sure I want you to throw up all over my new shirt so soon. This not even two days old.” 

Only when he said it did you notice what he was wearing. Navy blue short sleeve Polo t-shirt with brown khaki pants, and those Adidas he liked. One word stuck out among your observation of his outfit. 

“Uh, Rollercoaster. Like right now?” 

“Yeah, why not?”  

“Franklin. I mean, we just got here. I don’t know, I was thinking something a little less extreme to start out with. Maybe those.” 

You pointed toward the tea cups. Franklin shook his head, a grin plastered on his face. 

“Nope. This is go big or go home. Plus, what was all that talk bout’ you being this Coaster Queen? Unconquerable and all that?”

You smacked your teeth. You remembered the conversation. 

“Franklin, I said that two years ago.”

“Right, reputation noted. So come on.” 

He threw his arm over your shoulder and directed you the opposite way of the funnel cake window and the line for tea cup ride. 

As you both waited, you couldn’t shake the fluttering anticipation in your chest. As experienced as you were, it never failed. The path ahead was lit by glowing lanterns, and you caught snippets of conversations. Eager chatter, some couples giggling. 

“Are you ready for the ultimate test of courage?” Franklin teased, nudging you with his elbow as you walked past a glowing sign that read ‘IRON RAIL’ in bright green letters. 

You turned to Franklin, a wave of determination washing over you. You had very much grown the kinda reputation he talked about as the Coaster Queen. Why be modest? 

“You mean, are you ready? I’m pretty sure I’ll be the one holding your hand when we plunge into the abyss,” you joked, flashing him a confident grin. 

You both meandered through the crowd, pushing past throngs of exhilarated fans of all ages. Nearby, a little girl screamed with delight as she spun around in a colorful spider ride. The first stop was the Devil’s Fury. A monstrous structure that twisted and turned at dizzying speeds.

“Just gotta remember, it’s not about fear. It’s about conquering it,” you said, leaning over the rails to gaze ahead of the line. 

“Exactly. And I’ll be right next to you making sure you stay fearless,” Franklin added, his voice playful and goofy.  

You flicked his arm. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Like I said.” 

The climb into the coaster broke down the binds of your worries with each click of the safety bar. Strapped in, you were surrounded by clanking sounds, the clicks of the roller coaster gearing up almost drowned out the pounding of your heart. 

“Here we go!” Franklin shouted over the clamor, his enthusiasm contagious. 

The ride took off, hurtling upward as the ground fell away beneath you. You squeezed your eyes shut, but you could feel the rush of wind whip across your face and tease the two small sections of hair you’d parted by each of the corners of your forehead, before making your low bun earlier that day. With some blue magic and a bit of water, you had created two curls that you were satisfied with, and as light as they were, you felt their frolic. 

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any higher, the coaster reached its peak, and then plummeted! You screamed, but laughter came soon after, a mixture of exhilaration and joy. You could hear Franklin laughing beside you. “WHOOOO!” He shouted over the rush of wind. Adrenaline sparked as the coaster plunged down for the second time. 

After the ride, both you and Franklin stumbled out, breathless. 

“See? That wasn’t so bad. Rollercoaster first,” Franklin closed space to pinch one of your cheeks. 

You gave him a light push. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into that. That was my first time riding in the front cart!”

“First time for everything.”

You stopped. A smirk began to form. 

“Let’s do it again!” 

…

With each ride, with every twist and turn, you found yourself bolder and more adventurous. From one attraction to the next, moments melding together, the exhilarating heights, the spiraling drops, the way Franklin would take hold of your hand during the scariest moments, you were immersed in the present. 

You got your funnel cake after the bumper cars, then a second that you ended up splitting with Franklin, not including the chili dogs and fries. You were almost full by the time you spotted the pink ice cream truck. Franklin stepped up, exuberantly placing the order while you stretched your arms out, relishing the cool breeze that wrapped around you like a hug. 

Balancing two oversized cones on his way back, neither of you managed to keep hands clean. Ice cream dripped down wrists, sticky and sweet. Another coster speed past and the park’s pulse reverberated.  

“Hey,” Franklin said, giving you a sidelong glance, one cone raised in a mock toast. “To the Coaster Queen. May she reign fearless.” 

“Much obliged,” you echoed, clinking your cone against his. 

The park still jumped with life by the time you both came across the games. All the windows lined perfectly on the boardwalk. Various challenges for prizes, big and small. Franklin took out his wallet, and in exchange for the green cash slapped down on the countertop, he’d gotten back a row of tickets for both you and him. 

He beat you at basketball, and the balloon darts, and you surpassed him at boat racing with a very close tie at throwing bean bags. Only when it came to fishing did your luck run out. You smacked your teeth by the second loss and pouted a little, which gained his attention. 

“What?”

“Oh nothing. No one ever wins. I was going for that big one right there.” 

Franklin averted his eyes to a large booth adorned with bright lights and plush stuffed animals hanging in every direction. 

“It’s the pink and purple one,” you said to clarify your choice of selection.

“Hm. Well, let’s see what we can do.” 

He extended the half eaten cotton candy your way, and you took it reluctantly as he reached in his pocket for the tickets he had left.

Hook the end of bottles and lift without the bottle falling off. Looked simple enough. You narrowed your eyes. Oh, how looks could be deceiving. You watched Franklin take the pole in hand. Your eyes stayed on his movements. 

A loss on the first try. 

“Shit,” Franklin spat with exasperation, yanking out four more tickets. “Let me do it again.”

You released a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “It’s okay, it’s harder than it looks.” 

You knew he wasn’t about to lose. If it took all the damn tickets and he needed to buy more tickets, he would find a drive somewhere deep down inside himself to win. Even when it came to a stuffed animal you didn’t need. Franklin closed his eyes and sucked in air. The employee over the game tossed a glance and shook his head before folding his arms to watch him attempt a second try. Franklin cleared his throat, moved his head from side to side and rolled his shoulders, this time moving his hand with more caution. 

Again, another failed attempt. 

You concluded the game had to be rigged, but the determination stayed with him and he ushered out more tickets as a couple people began to stop and stare. Franklin licked his lips, and with another exhale he was at it again. Refocused, he regarded the hook, his mouth falling open as he steadied his hand to rise. 

“There it is…” He mumbled, raising it carefully, higher and higher, until! 

“Yes!” 

You jumped up and down and squealed with delight. A triumphant smile found Franklin and he shot his fist in the air over and over. The employee grabbed the stuffed bear that cost Franklin three fails and several tickets to achieve. He took it and said a kind thank you to the worker before he turned, extending it out toward you. 

“All yours lil’ Bean.”

You reached for it happily, grinning from ear to ear as you cradled the stuffed animal in a tight squeeze. 

“It’s so soft. Just the one I wanted to, Mm! Thank you Frank N’ Franks.” 

You offered him his cotton candy just before his pager buzzed loudly at his hip. You watched his brows crease as he took it off his belt to look at the number. 

“Give me a second. Gotta make a call.” 

His voice had gone from playful to serious in a matter of seconds. 

Work Franklin had arrived. 

Your smile faltered. 

“Yeah. Sure of course. I'll meet you over by the garden.” 

He left and You’d found a weathered wooden bench that hadn't been occupied near by the small gated greenage that had potential to flourish into a full grown garden, with time. You sat, and absentmindedly began to trace the intricate designs of the promise ring that somehow escaped being tossed away with the same dress you had worked tirelessly for. 

Gaze drifting around the park, a couple in the distance soon caught your eye. Young, radiant, and oblivious to the world around them as they leaned into each other, fingers intertwined, whispering sweet nothings. Joy bubbled over, illuminating their surroundings. The girl’s smile, beautiful, unguarded as her lover, looked as if he held the universe in his hands. It could be a scene from a romance movie. You imagined that all girls wanted to be looked at that way.

A sudden pang of longing hit.

Had there ever been a time Darnell felt that way. Truly? 

With every gentle touch between them, the weight of grief and envy pressed down. A torrent of emotions swirled inside. Love seemed to evaporate. Or at least the thought that it could be real for you. 

The urge to remove the promise ring that had until that moment seemed like a part of your identity overcame your desire to hold on to the past. Trembling slightly, you slipped it off your finger, revealing the bare skin beneath. One night had changed so many plans. Unwoven dreams unraveled by a few careless words and a change of heart, and you found yourself biting at your lip in order to hold what whaled up from all the memories. In a similar manner, anguish resurfaced and, inexplicably, time suddenly became a crucial thing to be aware of. 

Upon seeing Franklin making his way back, you sat the ring down on the bench and got up. 

“Did you see a clock around when you went to make your call?” You asked. 

Franklin nodded. “Yeah, eleven o’clock.” 

That meant the dance had come to its end. Franklin’s voice made you grip the bear a little tighter.

“We Been here for a good five hours. Rode damn near everything, I think. We probably should start heading back to the car. I need to get you home, so yo’ mama don’t worry. Trip or nothing.” 

You nodded, but shifted your gaze eastbound. “We didn’t get everything. Just one more left.” 

…

Children chased each other around colorful booths. You shifted your feet, glancing at the entrance where the wooden structure of the Ferris Wheel loomed like a giant spinning dream. 

The line moved quickly, filled with the chatter of eager riders. 

When you both finally reached the front, the operator waved you on. You and Franklin climbed into a small enclosed car. As the wheel began its ascent, the sounds of the amusement park faded into a distant hum.

As the ride carried, you and Franklin settled into a comfortable banter, like slipping back into an old pair of shoes. As you reached the top the ride would pause periodically for a moment to let other riders board. The fairgrounds spread out beneath like an intricate tapestry.

“Member guy in bumper car number three was tripping? I mean, the ride is called bumper cars. You’re gonna get bumped. Like why even get in the line if you had any reservations?”

“Right, but he wasn’t hearing it. That’s why I kept bumping him.” 

You dropped your head as your shoulders bounced with laughter. The memory, still so clear. The guy would zoom by, careful not to collide with the other drivers, then Franklin came out of nowhere and side swiped him. 

“You was wrong for that. Just when he thought his life got on a good smooth path, here you come to bump him outta it.”

Franklin shrugged, but a grin stayed on him, smug and careless. 

“Aye. He can’t blame that on me.” 

Your head shot up, and you snapped your fingers in his direction, eager to share the memory before it passed. 

“No, my favorite was the one ride where, wait, what was it called? I don’t know but the one that went upside down and twirled. Now that, beside the roller coaster, was the best.”

“Yeah, I could tell. You screamed the entire ride. Damn eardrums still achy.”

You waved him off with a laugh. “Oh whatever. Good times though. Good times.” 

The phrase offered a pause. Franklin trying to hide his smile had you tilting your head and rubbing your lips together, unable to let the moment pass by. Almost instinctively, you and Franklin began to sing the familiar tune. It started softly, voices hesitant, but soon the lyrics flowed easily. 

Franklin bounced his shoulders and you tapped your foot. 

“Fish don't fry in the kitchen, beans don't burn on the grill, took a whole lotta tryin’ just to get up that hill, now we're up in the big leagues, gettin’ our turn at bat, as long as we live, it's you and me baby, there ain't nothin wrong with that, well we're movin’ on up to the east side to a deluxe apartment in the sky!” 

The cart reached its peak, and you and Franklin grew quiet for a moment as you both soaked in the breathtaking view. You were cradling the stuffed Teddy Bear in your lap, denim jacket clinging to your arms in a comforting embrace while the colorful lights glowed and the cart swayed gently in the breeze. You’d experienced a sensation of lightheadedness. The excitement of the Ferris Wheel mirrored the feeling of being with Franklin. He presented a sense of freedom from the worries and uncertainties that plagued your mind. You found yourself hoping for a longer ride. All of a sudden, you didn't want to go home. His laughter since arriving had lifted the weight from your shoulders, but the smile left you.

“You good lil Bean Pie?” His eyes softened when he looked at you.

“Yeah, why do you ask Frank N Franks?”

“Noticed the energy shift.”

“Oh, that.” You run your fingers through the synthetic animal fur.“Trust me it has nothing to do with this. You know I couldn’t leave without riding the biggest attraction.”

“Then what is it?”

“I remembered the dance. Crazy because the entire time we’ve been here I’d forgotten about it. Guess I’m curious how it turned out. If it was nice. This was kinda my way of avoiding that without even realizing it. 

There came a long pause. 

Franklin. Tell me the truth,” you said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. 

“Alright. Hit me. What you wanna know.” 

“You planned this, didn’t you? You were never gonna come this way. Be here tonight by yourself. Like you said in the car.” 

“Huh,” he laughed. “For real, yeah, I was. I love doing things by myself like this, all the time.” 

“Franklin….”

He threw his hands up toward the sky. “Okay, so I took a detour on the way to your house. Damn, can a nigga do a nice thing?” 

You sighed and smiled. “Okay, I just. I didn’t want you to feel sorry for me, is all. Like you were obligated or anything.”

He shifted slightly closer, the space between you both shrinking. 

“You still want me to be honest.” 

The air tingled with a charge that both excited and frightened you. Your heart raced faster than all the rides combined. 

“Yeah,” you answered, wondering what he would say.

“I was very much obligated.” 

“So I'm basically a charity case. Got you,” you held your breath, stomach fluttering with indifference.

Franklin looked over at you, his gaze filled with something you hadn’t seen in him before. Something deeper.

“Okay. So let me clean that up with some context.” 

You looked at him. The frown waning from your lips.

“I saw you,” he began, “a little before you made your way to the dumpster. I was following behind just to make sure you were good. I don’t know what it was, but the way you were holding on to that dress hit me somewhere right here.” He touched his chest over the place where his heart sat. 

Surprised by how deeply his words resonated, your eyes began to water. 

“You made it seem like it wasn’t that big a deal during the car ride, but you really wanted to go,” he said. His own eyes, warm and sincere. 

A silence fell over the conversation for a brief moment, punctuated only by the gentle swaying of the ferris wheel.

“Yeah,” you breathed. “I did.” You moved the teddy bear and let your hands sit in your lap. “It’s stupid. But I always thought girls like that were so elegant. The ones who got to go to dances. I thought I looked real good in the dress, too. Not trying to be funny. But I imagined myself a princess with it on. I imagined that he would find a nice suit to match it. I would walk down these long sets of stairs. And people would look at me like I belong there. They’d whisper. Who’s that? I wanna meet that young woman. After that my favorite song would come on, and Darnell would take my hand and bring me to the dance floor. And it would be like everyone disappeared, except him and the music. Maybe we’d laugh a little, looking into each other’s eyes for too long, but it would be our moment.” 

Franklin reached for your hand and searched your eyes for answers that had no words. Then with a reluctant nod, he lifted his chin and stared up at the night. 

You pulled the bear closer and pressed your face in its softness. “My Mama always said I dream too much. Anyway, I’ve enjoyed myself. I’m glad you made the detour,” you admitted. 

Realizing he’d pulled you closer, suddenly the world around you blurred. Franklin leaned in, and you welcomed the gentle kiss he’d placed on your cheek before he snaked an arm around you. 

Darnell but not Darnell. 

Pretty quickly the moment passed of being so close to heaven. The wheel began to turn again, the descent followed and there was nothing you could do to stop it. 

…

As you climbed out of the gondola, you could feel Franklin’s gaze linger on you. 

“Wait Beanz,” he said softly, stepping closer. 

You stopped, but didn’t turn to face him. Emotion came from nowhere and locked your baby blue canvas flats to the surface. Like being stuck in cement. 

He’d taken the stuffed bear. You weren’t certain where he’d sat the toy down when he brought his arms around you, bringing you into a hug you hadn’t expected. 

“You’re gonna be okay.” 

Scary how he could read your thoughts. The daunting question knocked in the back of your brain the entire night. You raised your hands up and pressed palms against his back to strengthen the embrace while his cologne danced on your senses. The amusement park’s vibrant chaos faded into a muted backdrop. The gravity of the earlier moment hanging. Such a sensitive part of yourself had been revealed, but the truth kept coming, more and more. 

“It’s crazy that in the entire time I was with him,” you countered, feeling the stirrings of anger and vulnerability. “None of that ever felt like tonight. Tried so hard to be perfect for him. Be what he wanted. I was blind Frank, I couldn’t see what kind of messed up relationship I was in, despite the warnings. But yet, I’m still sad it’s over. What sense can be made of that? Maybe I’m fooling myself. Maybe it’s really just the fear of being alone.”

The song in the above speaker over a section of the park shifted, becoming a soft ballad, inviting a different kind of intimacy. 

Golden touch, it happens every time your lips touch mine, there’s a feeling that’s so divine, there’s a magic in you... 

“Why you crying?” Franklin asked.

A place on his shirt had become wet with your tears. 

“Cause this is my favorite song,” you answered back with a shaky breath.

Why would it be playing right at the current place and time you found yourself? Some cruel joke? Golden touch, I wasn’t very strong till you came along. You made me realize that by your side, is where I belong…

“Dance with me,” Franklin whispered.

His statement caught you off guard.

“So what if it’s not quite like you imagined it would be. You believe you need a dress, but you don’t. Remember, Cinderella was still Cinderella without it by the end of the story. It's not quite midnight. We got some time to make a dream come true.” 

At first, hesitation held you back, but as the music surged, a bubble of spontaneity welled up inside. Franklin sang the next part of the song, maybe as a form of encouragement. He was a horrible singer, that much was certain. Rose Royce might even sue him for slander if he ever decided to do anything publicly embarrassing with their music, but it kept your attention. You giggled, not out of obligation but from the sense of freedom, and let him lead you into the rhythm of a dance. You and Franklin moved together, his hands warm on your waist, your growing smile blending perfectly with the melody. He spun you around, making you weightless as you twirled under the twinkling lights. You swayed slowly, lost in his gaze. The noise of the amusement park dulled into a background hum, leaving you in the midst. A flutter of uncertainty washed through you. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, you found yourself having confidence in the potential of something new. 

But this was Franklin Saint, someone you had grown up with, Leon’s best friend! 

Then, it all replaced by an overwhelming sense of rightness. The weight of the breakup slipped away, and you let yourself float on some unseen cloud. The world became insignificant. Caught in the moment, you leaned, so close you could feel his breath warm against your skin. Before you had the chance to contemplate the consequences, Franklin closed the distance and softly pressed his lips to yours. Contingent at first, but the kiss deepened, and a wave of butterflies enveloped you. This new thing, bright and sparkling. 

You separated your lips from his. The world came rushing back. The sounds, the lights, reality, but Franklin’s hand found its way to your cheek, cradling your face as if to anchor you back in. You wondered what he was thinking. Your own thoughts swirled with confusion and curiosity. What might be going through his mind? What he felt. His steady gaze met yours, riddled with the same determination he held when trying to win the prize for you. Something shifted in the atmosphere as the weight of unsaid words lingered.

“Franklin,” you whispered. 

The intensity made your pulse quicken. He closed his eyes and so did you. His lips met yours a second time. Your heart raced. Delightful, the kiss tested the waters of possibility. It deepend, tender and sweet. A lingering moment where nothing else mattered. But just as you melted into the possibility to explore more of him, the harsh sound of your brother’s voice shattered the moment. Your heart sank. The spell of the occasion broke, leaving in its wake a swirling chaos of questions. You pulled away from Franklin, suddenly feeling the weight of Leon’s gaze on you. Just like that, the magic faded. 

Leon’s slurred words echoed across the rise as he stumbled into view, a goofy grin plastered across his face. His eyes, barely focused, settled on Franklin, narrowing with a protective instinct that only older brother’s could possess. 

“Aye, the hell you doing here Beanz? Saint? Fucks going on?” 

You could smell the liquor on his breath, pungent and strong. Clearly he’d had the same kind of night you did, only he thought about Wanda Bell, his ex-girlfriend. You wondered if Eva knew she’d been a means to fill that void somehow. The first time you ever saw Leon cry over a woman. A thing you would keep secret all the way to the grave. You knew he loved Wanda. Really loved her. 

“Leon, it’s not what it looks like-” You began, but the mixture of concern and drunkenness in his expression cut you off. 

“Well then maybe y'all would like to explain. Explain Why you have me drop you off at that nigga Darnell’s house if you wasn’t gonna be at that dance tonight.” 

Your heart raced, torn between the urge to defend Franklin and the obligation to Leon’s suspicions. You glanced back at Franklin, whose expression was a blend of disappointment and concern. 

You hesitated. “It's kinda a long story Lee. One I don't think you're really up for right now,” you said quietly, wishing you had the courage to close the distance. 

“Oh, damn it, Leon! There you are,” Eva cried, running up in her yellow jumpsuit. “Sorry. He's drunk. Got away from me.”

“What happened,” Franklin's voice chimed in from behind. 

“A long island iced tea. Couple shots of vodka. Jin probably, after that I stopped paying attention. He just kept ordering.”

“Leon…” you started, the aftermath of the kiss lingering over your lips.

“Why you ain't stop him Eva?”

She folded her arms.

“Oh yeah right Franklin, stop him? Sure. You know better than anybody, Leon doesn't listen to no one but Leon.”

“Mama's gonna cuss you out coming in her house all drunk. You better hope she sleep.”

Leon shrugged. His eyes drooped as he sucked in air. “Man, so what. She act like I'm the only one who drink. Besides, she might be more concerned with why you weren't at that damn dance tonight.” 

“Okay okay, come on let's get you back. I'll drive us.” 

“Naw fuck that, no body drive ma’ shit but me, I got it.”

Franklin closed his eyes a second and exhaled a breath. “Lee man. Let Eva drive. Get home in one piece.” The sound of his beeper made him peer down down at his belt.

“Uh huh. In one piece. Who’s that Saint?” 

Franklin's eyes traveled over the number. “Not your concern right now. Go home. Get some rest. Peaches can go with me if it becomes necessary.” 

Leon chucked, then offered Franklin a glare. “If it becomes necessary. Nigga what?”

“Okay okay it's fine. Let's go. Bye Franklin. Have yourself a goodnight.” Eva rushed to Leon, who swayed alarmingly close to the edge of the pavement. “Lee, c’mon. Let’s get you some water and get to the car.”

Leon nodded. “Yeah Saint. We gon’ talk tomorrow so keep yo shit nearby cuz imma damn sho’ page you when I wake up. We family nigga, but ma lil sister need ta’ be the one thing off limits to you. No exceptions. Drunk or not, I'll still beat yo’ ass.”

“Yeah,” Franklin brought on a quick grin that faded out as he placed his hands behind his back and raised his chin. “Okay. Night Lee.”

Leon huffed, a snarl pulled his lip. “Hm, yeah, night motherfuckea’, you think I'm bullshitin’. Bring yo hot ass on, Beanz.”

You offered a glare to his comment. “My hot ass? Seriously Leon?” 

“You heard what the fuck I said, let's go!” 

You rolled your eyes, but didn't argue. The same temper your mother gifted you would only hold out so long in your brother. As you made your way through the park, you stole glances back at Franklin, who watched you leave, an unreadable expression on his face. The connection lingered in the air like the scent of fireworks, but now it felt distant, almost like a dream you were walking from too fast. 

When the three of you made it to Leon's Buick Regal, only then had you realized you'd left the stuffed animal Franklin had won for you behind. Probably the only real emblem that such a night ever existed between you both. 

The entire car ride back Eva had a finger pressed at the side of her forehead, indication of a bursting headache on the rise. Leon, who hadn't stopped talking, became repetitive in the reasons why falling for one of his homeboys was entirely out of the question. You hadn't heard a word. The only thing that danced on your thoughts was the Ferris wheel, your favorite song, a cotton candy kiss, and Franklin Saint. 

A/N: This one was fun to write. I couldn’t help it. At first I wasn’t going to bother. I mean RoackABye Saint was a ONE SHOT work that could stand alone so it didn’t require a sequel, but then the idea just started screaming at me to jot it down, and I was like, why not give the readers a look at what happened before that fateful day. So this is what you have my friends. I wonder if ya’ll feelings will change reading this one and then going back to read RockBye Saint now that you know what happened. Was he wrong, or was it a little more complex a situation? You be the judge. Happy reading Saintettes!