Xeebop

Chapter 4( pt.1)

“One Call Away”

It’s Sunday morning.

The house phone rings, breaking the silence.

Smoke groans and rolls over, blindly reaching across the nightstand until his hand finds the receiver.

He answers without even opening his eyes. “What it is?”

Stack’s voice comes through the other end. “Aye, me and Tobias finna pull up. Roll up.”

Smoke lets out a tired groan. He hasn’t even gotten out of bed yet. “Aight, bro.”

“Bet.”

The line goes dead.

Smoke tosses the phone back onto the cradle before dragging himself out of bed.

He walks into the living room, unlocks the front door, then grabs his rolling tray off the coffee table.

The TV flickers on as he settles onto the couch. He starts breaking the weed down, expertly rolling a blunt.

A few minutes later, Stack and Tobias walk right in like they own the place.

Tobias drops onto the couch. “What’s good, bro?”

Smoke doesn’t even look up. “Nothin’. Just woke up.”

Stack pulls a blunt from behind his ear, sparks it, and takes a long pull. “Nigga… I barely see yo’ ass anymore.”

Smoke chuckles. “Nigga, you know where I live. You should’ve been pulled up.”

Stack laughs. “Nigga, you just had to fuck shit up wit Monica. Now you can’t even come chill wit yo own bro.”

Smoke sucks his teeth. “I ain’t fuck shit up. She the one trippin’. I just been on some chill shit.”

Stack grins like he already knows better. “Nigga, no you haven’t.”

Smoke finally looks up.

Stack points the blunt toward him. “Monica came home yesterday yellin’ talkin’ ‘bout Shatara seen you at Skateland skatin’ wit some bitch… and y’all was kissin’ and shit.”

Smoke’s stomach instantly drops.

Damn. This is the last thing he needs.

He already knows exactly where this is headed. It isn’t even about the fact that he was with somebody else. It’s the fact that he hasn’t really been fucking with Monica lately.

And now she knows he was out in public with another woman. Kissing her.

Smoke rarely took women out.

If he dealt with somebody, he either pulled up to her place or she came to his. Between hustling and work, he never really cared about going on dates.

So why the hell did he kiss Annie in the middle of a skating rink? In front of everybody. That wasn’t even him.

But…He doesn’t regret it. Not even a little bit. If somebody gave him the chance to do it all over again…He’d kiss her the exact same way.

He still can’t get the feeling of her lips out of his mind.

Tobias laughs.

Smoke cuts his eyes at him before looking back at Stack. “Damn… people nosey as fuck.”

Stack passes the blunt to Tobias. “Man, you was out in public wit the shit. What you expect?”

“I expect people to mind they fuckin’ business. I don’t owe nobody shit.”

Tobias nods in agreement before passing the blunt to Smoke.

Smoke takes a slow pull.

“You know how girls be,” Tobias says. “Soon as you give ‘em some dick or some money, they think they own yo’ ass.”

Stack busts out laughing. “Facts. They don’t listen for shit.” He shakes his head. “I gotta admit though, bro… when Monica said you was kissin’ her in public…” He points at Smoke. “I ain’t believe that shit.”

Smoke simply stares back. Silent.

Stack’s grin slowly disappears. “Damn…” He leans forward. “You really was?”

Smoke shrugs. “Do it matter?”

“Nigga, hell yeah it matter!”

Stack throws both hands up.

“You ain’t never did no shit like that.”

He laughs. “This bitch must be cold.”

Smoke’s jaw immediately tightens.

“She not a bitch.” His voice comes out lower than before. “Watch yo’ mouth.”

Both Stack and Tobias look at him.

Stack’s eyebrows shoot up. “Nigga… what?” He points the blunt at Smoke. “Now you standin’ up for her too?” He laughs louder. “Her pussy must be gold.”

“Stack,” Tobias cuts in, “shut the fuck up.”

Stack looks over at him.

Tobias shrugs. “She is fine as fuck though.” He looks back at Smoke. “Leave the nigga alone.”

Now Smoke’s looking at Tobias sideways. Confused. Not just because Tobias defended him…But because he called Annie fine. Something about hearing another man say it rubs him the wrong way.

Tobias notices the look immediately. He laughs. “Don’t look at me like that, nigga.” He raises both hands. “I ain’t mean shit by it.”

Stack notices everything. “Ohhh…” He points back and forth between Smoke and Tobias. “Nah…”

He starts laughing even harder. “Whoever this girl is… “He points at Smoke. “She got you trippin’ already.”

Smoke rolls his eyes. “I ain’t trippin’.”

“The fuck you ain’t.” Stack grins. “And Tobias… Shatara said you was caked up wit her friend too.”

Tobias clicks his tongue. “Yeah… and?” I don’t owe nobody shit either.”

Stack throws his hands in the air. “Damn! So y’all just left a nigga out?” He starts laughing. “I know they got some more friends.” He points at Smoke. “Hook me up.”

Smoke shakes his head immediately. “Man, hell nah.” He laughs. “Don’t nobody wanna be caught up in yo’ drama.”

“Whatever.” Stack smirks. “Look like you in some drama now.”

“I ain’t into shit.” Smoke leans back on the couch. “Monica ain’t my baby mama or my girl.”

Stack nods slowly. “Yeah…” A grin creeps across his face. “Tell her that.”

Smoke sighs. The other women he’s dealt with never acted like this.

They understood exactly what it was.

If they saw him, they saw him. If they didn’t…They kept living.

But Monica…Somewhere along the line she’d started feeling entitled to him.

Maybe because he’d spent a little more time around her. Maybe because she lived with Stack. Either way…Smoke hated it.

He didn’t want any woman feeling like she had a claim on him.

Well…Almost none.

His thoughts drift back to Annie.

Oddly enough…If Annie ever acted a little jealous over him…He doesn’t think he’d mind. Matter of fact…He thinks he’d actually like it.

Smoke catches himself and quietly chuckles. “Damn…”

Stack immediately looks over. “What’s so funny?” He reaches toward Smoke. “And nigga… pass the blunt.”

Smoke hands it over. “Nothin’, nigga. Damn.”

Stack takes the blunt, side-eyeing him the whole time.

A slow grin spreads across his face.

“Nah…” He points at Smoke. “You smiling too much.”

Smoke frowns. “I always smile.”

“The fuck you do.” Stack laughs. “Nigga… you got that look.”

“What look?”

“The look a nigga get when he really fuck wit somebody.”

Smoke immediately shakes his head. “You sound dumb as hell.”

Stack and Tobias exchange a glance before busting into laughter.

Smoke just sucks his teeth and leans back into the couch. He can deny it all he wants.

But judging by the way his mind keeps drifting back to Annie…

Even he’s starting to wonder if his brother might be onto something.

🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇🌇

Out south at Annie’s house, the cool Sunday morning breeze drifts through the open bedroom window, making the white curtains sway gently.

Bobby Jones Gospel plays quietly on BET in the background while the smell of breakfast floats through the house.

Annie sits cross legged on her bed while Rhonda and Devin lounge across it, making themselves right at home.

Devin grins. “So I hear y’all had a ball Friday with them fine ass niggas y’all met at the mall.” She points at Annie. “And I heard you was kissin’ Smoke and gave him yo’ number.”

Annie’s eyes immediately cut to Rhonda.

Rhonda busts out laughing. “My bad, Annie. It was too good not to tell. I had to.”

Annie sucks her teeth. “Damn. I can’t even tell my own business.”

“Nope,” Rhonda says with a shrug.

Devin leans in, smiling. “So… how was the kiss, Annie?”

Annie instantly blushes

Devin’s eyes get wide. “Damn… it was that good?”

Annie laughs and throws a pillow at her. “Shut up.”

Rhonda intercepts and catches the pillow before it hits Devin. “Uh-uh. Don’t avoid the question, Annie.” She points at her. “I wanna know too.”

Annie rolls her eyes before letting out a small sigh. “Truth is…” A smile slowly spreads across her face. “It was so damn good.” She shakes her head, almost laughing at herself. “Like… I can’t stop thinkin’ about it.”

Rhonda and Devin let out matching squeals.

“I know that’s right!” Devin says.

“Shit, I wouldn’t be able to either if I was you,” Rhonda adds. “Y’all was all into it too. I thought y’all was finna crash into somebody out there.”

Annie laughs. “I mean…” She shrugs. “I was a little lost in it. Not gonna lie.” She bites her lip for a second. “His lips are so soft.”

Rhonda dramatically fans herself. “Look at you bein’ fast.”

“Mhmm,” Devin agrees, laughing.

Annie shakes her head. “He kissed me first. I was not expectin’ that.”

Rhonda smirks. “So? You liked it.” She nudges Annie’s knee. “You just as guilty as him.” She tilts her head. “Now… has he called you yet?”

Annie sighs. “No… not yet.” She looks down at her hands. “And I’m so nervous, y’all.”

Devin furrows her brows. “Why? Y’all already broke the ice with the letters.”

“I know…” Annie smiles nervously. “But that don’t make me any less nervous.”

Devin laughs. “I gotta see this nigga.” She points between Annie and Rhonda. “He must be fine as hell for you to still be nervous.”

Rhonda doesn’t hesitate. “Oh, he is.” She nods confidently. “He fine as hell.” She looks at Devin. “Wait ’til you see him.”

Annie slowly turns and side eyes Rhonda. “Aye…” She points at her. “Watch it now.”

The words come out jokingly…But Annie feels a tiny pinch in her chest. It surprises her. Rhonda isn’t lying.

Smoke is fine. More than fine actually.

So why did hearing another woman say it bother her?

Rhonda notices Annie’s expression and laughs. “What, Annie? I ain’t blind.” She shrugs. “Tobias fine as hell too, though.”

Devin snaps her fingers. “I know that’s right.” Then she looks at Annie with a grin. “Claim yo’ man.”

Annie’s eyebrows shoot up. “That’s not my man.”

Devin laughs. “Shit… he might as well be.” She throws her hands up. “Y’all kissin’ and shit.”

“Shut up.” Annie throws another pillow, making all three of them bust into laughter.

After everyone settles down, Devin grins again. “Anyway…” She points between Annie and Rhonda. “When am I gon’ get to meet them? And when y’all gon’ hook me up with a brother or cousin or somethin’?”

Rhonda laughs. “Damn, girl. We still tryna get to know them ourselves.”

Annie cracks up.

Rhonda suddenly snaps her fingers. “Ooh! I wanna go to the And1 game at Kemper.” She points at Annie. “I’ma tell Tobias he and Smoke should go.” Then she smiles. “And Annie… you comin’.”

Annie shakes her head, already laughing. “You always plotting’.”

“Somebody gotta help y’all,” Rhonda says proudly.

Devin folds her arms. “Well damn. I don’t get no invite?”

Rhonda clicks her tongue. “You and Ebony can come too.”

Devin grins. “Oh, I’m comin’.”

She points at Rhonda. “And tell them to bring a brother or a friend.”

Rhonda nods. “Got you.”

Annie just shakes her head, smiling to herself.

She tries to act like all of Rhonda’s plotting is ridiculous…But deep down…She hopes Smoke says yes.

🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃🌃

8:30 p.m. rolls around, and Smoke is just getting home from trapping.

He’s calling it an early night because he has plans.

He’s finally gonna call Annie.

He knows he can’t call her too late since she’s still in school and has to be up early in the morning. The thought makes him chuckle to himself.

He would’ve called her yesterday, but work kept him late. Brandon called out, leaving Smoke stuck breaking down the grill by himself before closing.

By the time he got home, it was too late.

Annie had been off yesterday anyway.

After taking a hot shower, he throws on a white T-shirt and a pair of gray basketball shorts before flopping onto his bed.

He reaches over to his nightstand, grabs his Nokia, and stares at it for a second.

A smile creeps onto his face.

Instead of calling right away, he decides to give her a heads up.

His thumbs move across the keypad.

Hey, it’s me, Smoke. I’m gettin’ ready to call.

He hits send.

Out south…

Annie is lying on her stomach across her bed, one foot kicking lazily in the air while she finishes her homework.

Her bedroom is quiet except for the soft hum of her ceiling fan and the scratch of her pencil across the paper.

Her Nokia suddenly vibrates against her comforter.

She reaches for it absentmindedly.

The second she reads the screen…

Her heart skips. Smoke.

A smile instantly spreads across her face.

Yes…She saved his number the very night he asked for hers.

Even though she’d never worked up the courage to call him herself.

Butterflies explode in her stomach.

He’s about to call. Her palms suddenly feel warm. She’s so nervous she almost feels sick.

Taking a deep breath, she types back carefully.

Okay. Call in ten minutes. My minutes are free.

She smiles to herself after pressing send.

One more minute and she would’ve been paying for that call.

Smoke’s phone buzzes almost immediately.

He reads her message and laughs, shaking his head.

He forgot all about free nights starting at nine.

He quickly replies.

Got you.

Then he sets his phone on the nightstand and glances at the clock.

Eight fifty. Only ten more minutes.

For some reason…

Those ten minutes suddenly feel like they’re taking forever.

Annie watches the clock on her nightstand. 8:58…8:59…9:00.

Her stomach twists into knots.

She wipes her sweaty palms against her pajama shorts.

Please don’t ring yet…

A second later… Her Nokia lights up and begins to ring. 9:01.

Her heart immediately starts pounding.

She stares at the screen for a moment. Smoke

She inhales slowly.

Okay, Annie… answer the phone.

She presses the button. “Hello?”

The second Smoke hears her voice, a smile spreads across his face.

Damn…She sounds even sweeter over the phone.

His heart gives a little flutter he wasn’t expecting. “Sup, Pretty Eyes?” he says with a grin. “Thought you wasn’t gon’ answer.”

Annie’s stomach flips all over again.

Lord…His voice sounds even better over the phone. Deep. Smooth.

She can practically hear the smile in it.

A nervous giggle slips out before she can stop it.

The sound pulls at something in Smoke’s chest.

He already likes making her laugh.

“Why you call me that?” she asks softly.

Smoke smiles. “Call you what?”

She smiles too. “Pretty Eyes.”

A quiet chuckle rumbles through the phone. “I call you that ‘cause yo’ eyes big and beautiful.” He pauses for a second. “Ain’t nobody ever told you that before?”

Annie feels warmth rush into her cheeks.

Thankfully…He can’t see her blushing.

She smiles to herself. “Not really.”

Smoke shakes his head. “Well…I’m tellin’ you now. And I’m gon’ keep tellin’ you.”

Annie bites the inside of her cheek to hide another smile. “Thank you.”

Smoke chuckles. “Ain’t no need to thank me. I’m just tellin’ the truth.”

Another soft giggle escapes her.

Smoke smiles to himself.

He could get used to hearing that.

“So…” He shifts against his headboard. “What you doin’?”

“I just finished doin’ some homework.”

Smoke lets out an amused laugh. “Oh… It’s been a minute since I heard somebody say that.”

Annie raises an eyebrow even though he can’t see it. “Oh?” She smiles. “Is that a bad thing?”

Smoke sucks his teeth. “Man, nah.” He laughs. “At least you actually do yo’ homework.”

That earns another laugh from Annie.

“Well, yeah. Of course. I’m not on the principal’s honor roll for nothin’.”

Smoke blinks. “Damn. So that mean you make straight A’s?”

A shy smile spreads across Annie’s face. “Mhmm.”

Smoke leans back against the headboard.

He honestly doesn’t know what to say for a second. Every time he learns something new about her… She impresses him even more. She isn’t just beautiful. She has goals. She works. She stays out of trouble.

And now…She makes straight A’s.

He shakes his head with a smile. “That’s dope, Annie.” His voice softens. “The more you tell me about yo self…The more I wanna know.”

“Thank you.” Annie smiles to herself before asking, “What school you graduate from?”

“I graduated from Central.”

“Oh.” She nods even though he can’t see her. “I got a couple cousins that go there.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. One’s a senior and one’s a sophomore.”

“That’s what’s up.” Smoke shifts against his headboard. “So what school you go to?”

“I go to Hickman Mills.” She pauses. “You know where that’s at?”

Smoke lets out a quiet laugh. “Of course. I know Kansas City like the back of my hand.”

Annie smiles to herself, feeling a little silly.

Of course he knew. She should’ve known better than to ask. “My bad,” she says with a little laugh. “Guess I ain’t think about that.”

Smoke chuckles. “What you apologizin’ for? You ain’t assume nothin’.” He pauses. “I like that.”

Annie’s cheeks warm.

She isn’t exactly sure how to respond to that.

The silence isn’t awkward anymore.

It’s… comfortable.

Smoke fills it without missing a beat.

“So you stay closer to Raytown?”

“Yeah. Off 87th.” She smiles. “Right across the street is considered Raytown.”

“Oh, I know exactly where that’s at.”

“Mhmm.” She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “So you stay in the city?”

“Yeah…”He laughs. “Somewhat.”

Annie grins. “Somewhat? What that mean?”

“I stay off Eastwood Trafficway.” He shrugs even though she can’t see him. “It ain’t deep in the city. It’s right off seventy one highway.”

“Ohhh. I get it.” She nods. “You grow up there?”

“Nah. I grew up in the Thirties.” He pauses. “You know where that’s at?”

“Nah.” She laughs softly. “I ain’t never been to the Thirties.”

Smoke raises an eyebrow. “For real?”

“For real.”

“Do you come to the city at all?”

“Not really.” She starts counting on her fingers. “Just to visit family… The Plaza… Crown Center… And Ward Parkway.”

Smoke laughs. A real laugh.

Annie smiles. “What?” She laughs too. “What’s funny?”

“My bad, lil’ mama.” Smoke shakes his head. “I don’t really consider none of that the city.” He grins. “I’m gon’ have to take you around and show you the city for real.”

Butterflies instantly fill Annie’s stomach. She can’t stop herself from smiling. “For real?” She leans back against her pillows.“Like where?”

Smoke starts naming places without even thinking. “Troost…Prospect…The Fifties… The Thirties…The West Bottoms….Parker Square…Wayne Minor.” He chuckles. “Both of them the projects, but they be lit in the daytime…And the food over there…” He kisses his teeth. “Man…It’s some good ass food in the city.”

“Oh yeah?” Annie asks. “Like where?”

“Humdingers.” He answers immediately. “Go Chicken Go.”

“I’ve had Go Chicken Go once…I liked it.”

Smoke laughs. “Yeah. They gizzards good as hell.”

“They are.” Annie laughs. “But we got good food out here too.”

“Oh yeah?” Smoke smiles. “Like what?”

“We got Godfather’s Pizza…Big T’s and Fish City.” She grins. “Godfather’s got the best pizza ever.”

Smoke nods. “I’ll give you Fish City. I ain’t never had Godfather’s though.”

Annie gasps dramatically. “You’ve never had Godfather’s?”

“Nah.”

“They really good. We eat it all the time.”

Smoke hums. “Hmm… I still think Santora’s got the best pizza around here.” He pauses just long enough for Annie to wonder where he’s going with it. “But…” His voice softens. “Maybe we can hit up Godfather’s one day…You can make a believer outta me.”

Annie’s heart skips. He’s already making plans. Not someday in theory.

One day. With her.

She smiles so hard her cheeks begin to hurt. “Okay.” It comes out barely above a whisper.

There’s a brief silence.

Not an awkward one.

Just long enough for Smoke to hear the hesitation in her voice.

He smiles to himself. “Annie.”

“Hmm?”

“You still scared of me?”

Annie opens her mouth.

Nothing comes out. She bites her lip instead.

Smoke chuckles softly. “It’s okay.” His voice is calm. “Be honest wit’ me.”

Annie lets out a quiet sigh. “…Yeah.” She closes her eyes. “I’m still very nervous.”

Smoke grunts. “Why?”

Annie fiddles with her comforter

“I told you.” She laughs nervously. “’Cause you look too good, Smoke…And you older.” She pauses. “I mean… Why me?”

Smoke shifts again against his headboard and chuckles. “Damn, Shorty. If you call me fine one more time, my head gon’ get big.”

That pulls a genuine laugh out of Annie. “Oh, please, Elijah.” She smiles. “Don’t act like women ain’t never called you fine.”

“I mean…”Smoke shrugs. “Yeah, they do. But…” His voice softens. “None of ’em ever made me feel like you do when they say it.”

Annie’s stomach flips so hard she has to press a hand against it.

She doesn’t know what to do with that.

Smoke continues before she can overthink it. “Stop askin’ why you, Annie.” He pauses. “Why not you?”

Another quiet silence settles between them. “I’m the one who’s nervous as hell.” He laughs at himself. “And I’m happy you even gave me the time of day.” His tone grows more sincere. “You different….You so pretty to me.” He smiles. “You one of the most beautiful women I ever laid my eyes on.” He pauses for a moment. “I know niggas tell you that shit all the time…Don’t they?”

Annie can’t stop smiling now. Her cheeks hurt. She can’t believe this man is really saying all of this to her.

Especially over the phone.

She lets out a shy laugh. “Um…I mean…Yeah.” She shrugs even though he can’t see it. “Dudes holler at me.They call me sexy. But…” She smiles to herself. “You know how high school boys are. They don’t compliment girls like that. They too busy tryna be hard and impress they friends.”

Smoke nods. “Yeah…But I’m a grown ass man, Annie. I’m not scared to say how I feel. I’m not ashamed to tell you how beautiful I think you are.” His voice remains steady. Honest. “And I ain’t tryna rush to take you out. I know we gotta take our time to get there.” He smiles. “But… Just so you know eventually…I wanna get to that point.”

Annie’s heart melts. Oh my God…

He’s saying all the right things.

She smiles into her pillow. “I know and I do too.”

Smoke smiles so hard his cheeks start hurting. “I’m gon’ be patient wit’ you…I promise.”

Another piece of Annie’s nervousness melts away. “Okay.”

Smoke can hear the difference in her voice now. She’s smiling.

“You feel a little better?”

Annie giggles. “Yeah. I do. Thank you.”

Smoke grins. “You welcome…” He pauses just long enough to tease her. “Annika.”

Annie’s mouth falls open. She starts laughing. “You really sayin’ my real name right now?”

“Hell yeah.”Smoke laughs with her. “You been usin’ mine.” He shrugs. “It’s only fair, right?”

Annie shakes her head, smiling so hard her cheeks ache. “Yes…” She laughs again. “Elijah.”

The way she says his name has him swooning. He doesn’t know why.

He just knows…He hopes she never stops saying it. “Good.”

Smoke glances at the clock on his nightstand. “Well… it’s gettin’ late. “I know you got school tomorrow…And work.”

Annie laughs. “How you know I got work tomorrow?”

Smoke grins. “Come on now.”

That answer makes Annie laugh even harder. The conversation has gone by so fast she hadn’t even realized what time it was. Truth be told…She doesn’t want it to end.

And if Smoke is being honest with himself…Neither does he.

A comfortable silence settles between them. Neither one feels the need to rush and fill it anymore.

Smoke breaks it first. “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

The words come out before he can overthink them.

Annie smiles into her pillow. “I can’t wait to see you either.”

Smoke grins. “Good. Make sure you act like it too.”

Annie laughs. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly what it mean.” He chuckles. “When you see me, you can at least speak to me.”

Annie shakes her head even though he can’t see her. “I mean…” She smiles. “You can speak too. Instead of just starin’.”

Smoke laughs. “I do be tryin’ to speak….You just be too busy lookin’ away from me…” He pauses. “You don’t even look at me long enough.”

Annie clicks her tongue. “I do look at you long enough.”

“Nah.” He laughs. “Not really, not as long as I want you to.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Hell yeah.”

She smiles, ready to argue back. “Don’t even try it, Elijah. You break eye contact first a lot of the time.” She laughs. “Admit it.”

Smoke lets out a chortle. “Aight…” He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah… sometimes I do.” He pauses. “But that’s ’cause you got the type of eyes a nigga can get lost in.” His voice softens. “And I be tryna work. I can’t afford to get lost in ’em while we at work.” He smiles. “Now outside of work…That’s a different story. I got all the time in the world then.”

Annie presses her face into her pillow to hide the smile spreading across it.

Lord…She wishes there was some way to record this conversation so she could play it back whenever she wanted.

The amount of times he’d made her blush… Laugh… Smile… All in one phone call… She’d lost count. “Whatever, Elijah.”

Smoke’s smile drops “I’m serious though.”His voice grows quieter.

“So am I.” Annie answers softly.

Another comfortable silence falls between them.

Neither of them wants to be the one to say goodbye.

Finally…Smoke speaks. “Well, Pretty Eyes…I hope you have a good night.”

Annie smiles. “I hope you do too.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then.”

For a second…Neither of them hangs up.

Almost like they’re both waiting on the other person to do it first.

Then…Click.

The line goes dead.

Smoke lays back against his pillow with a smile he can’t seem to wipe off his face. He hardly ever smiled before her but now it’s something he seems to do all of the time.

That conversation couldn’t have gone any better.

It started off with nervous laughs and awkward pauses…

But somewhere in the middle…

Everything just flowed.

Every time he made Annie laugh, something in his chest lit up.

He could practically picture her smiling on the other end of the phone.

He knew she was still nervous.

But by the end of the call…

He could hear her relaxing.

She wasn’t overthinking every word anymore.

She was simply…Talking to him.

He smiles to himself.

Annie is humble to a fault.

As beautiful as she is, she still questions why he’d want her.

He hates that.

Because if anybody deserves to know how special they are…It’s her.

He wants her to see herself the way he already does.

And if it’s up to him…

He’s gonna spend however long it takes showing her.

He laughs at himself again, he can’t believe he was already making plans to take her out. Smoke didn’t mean to scare her, it’s like he couldn’t help himself the words just tumbled out of his mouth so naturally, which is crazy because he didn’t even go out on dates but yet there he was jumping the gun and already telling her about places he wanted to go. For some reason she just had that effect on him.

Still smiling, Smoke closes his eyes.

For the first time in a long time…

He falls asleep thinking about one person.

Across the city, Annie lies on her stomach, hugging her pillow close to her chest.

The room is quiet now.

Only the soft hum of the ceiling fan fills the air.

She stares at the glow in the dark stars on her ceiling, replaying every part of their conversation. It wasn’t scary at all.

Not like she’d convinced herself it would be.

Instead…He made her feel comfortable. Safe. Like she didn’t have to pretend to be anybody but herself.

Every compliment he’d given her…

Every joke…

Every time he’d called her “Pretty Eyes…”

Every time he’d said her name…

She remembers all of it.

A smile slowly spreads across her face.

She’s already looking forward to talking to him again.

And maybe…Just maybe…He was right.

She needed to stop asking herself…

Why me? Maybe it was finally time to start believing she was enough.

With that thought warming her heart, Annie snuggles deeper beneath her blankets.

Still smiling…She slowly drifts off to sleep, wondering what tomorrow will bring.

✏️📚✏️📚✏️📚✏️📚✏️📚✏️📚✏️📚✏️

The next morning at school, the hallways are already packed.

Lockers slam shut. Teachers stand in their doorways greeting students while conversations bounce off the cinderblock walls. The smell of cafeteria breakfast lingers in the air as students rush to beat the first bell.

Annie and Devin step through the front doors together.

Before they’ve even made it halfway down the hall, Devin nudges Annie with her elbow. “So…”

Annie already knows where this is going. She laughs. “Damn, Devin. We just stepped in the building. No time to waste, huh?”

“Girl, no. I’ve been waiting on this. Did he call you?”

Annie smiles to herself. “Yeah, girl… we talked.”

Devin squeals loud enough to make a few students turn around. “I knew it! So how’d it go?”

Annie can’t hide her smile. “It went really good.” She looks down for a second, remembering the night before. “I didn’t even wanna get off the phone.”

Devin grins. “Oooooh.”

“Mhmm” Annie grins “He said all the right things.”

Devin grabs Annie’s arm dramatically.

“You gon’ have to give me every single detail.”

Annie rolls her eyes. “I guess.”

“Don’t be like that, Annie.”

“Whatever.”

Still laughing, they stop in front of Annie’s locker.

She spins the combination and pulls the metal door open.

The moment it swings wide…

A folded piece of paper flutters to the floor. Annie’s smile disappears. Her stomach twists.

Devin looks down. “Oh hell…”

She already knows. “Don’t tell me Ryan wrote you another damn letter.”

Annie bends down and picks it up.

She doesn’t even have to unfold it.

She recognizes the handwriting immediately.

She sighs. “Yeah, girl.”

Devin throws her head back. “Oh my God. He is not giving up. I wish he would.”

“So do I.”

Annie stuffs the letter into her purse without opening it.

She slams her locker shut. “Come on.”

The two continue walking toward class.

By lunchtime, the cafeteria is buzzing.

Music leaks from somebody’s headphones.

A group of boys is arguing over basketball while someone nearby laughs so hard they nearly choke on their fries.

Annie sits down with Rhonda, Ebony, and Devin.

She hasn’t even opened her milk before Devin speaks. “So…”

Annie sighs. “What?”

“What’s the letter say?”

Ebony looks up. “What letter?”

Rhonda glances between them.

“From Smoke?”

Devin shakes her head. “Nah. Ryan’s weird ass.”

Rhonda immediately sucks her teeth.

“Oh, hell no.”

Ebony leans forward. “What’d he say?”

Annie shrugs. “I don’t know. I ain’t read it.”

Ebony blinks. “What? Why not?”

“Because I don’t care.”

Devin laughs. “Where the letter at? We reading it right now.”

Annie sighs dramatically. “I knew y’all wasn’t gon’ leave me alone.”

She reaches into her purse and hands it over.

Devin unfolds the paper.

She clears her throat dramatically. “Ahem.”

The girls laugh.

Then she begins reading.

Ann,

Skip all the formalities. What’s this shit I hear about you being at the skating rink with another dude? They said you was kissing him and everything. What the fuck is that? Ain’t no way you moved on that quick. That means he been around this whole time.

I ain’t dumb, and yet you mad at me about Dana while you was cheating the whole time? You a hypocrite.

Who he is, Ann? I wanna know.

It’s funny how all of a sudden you can get out the house for him but couldn’t make time for me.

What school the nigga go to?

When I find out who he is, it’s like that for him. We scrapping, and you better not get in the way.

—Ryan

Devin slowly folds the letter.

The table is quiet for exactly three seconds.

Then— “I know his light-skinned ass was red as hell while writing this.”

The whole table busts into laughter.

Rhonda wipes tears from the corners of her eyes. “He’s crazy”

Devin shakes her head. “He probably pressed so hard the pen almost ripped through the paper.”

More laughter.

Rhonda catches her breath.”Ryan really think he tough.”

Devin snorts. “He fake tough. He ain’t fighting shit.”

Rhonda grins. “Especially not Smoke.” She laughs. “He talmbout, ‘What school the nigga go to? If only he knew.”

The girls laugh all over again.

Annie shakes her head. “I swear…”

Once everyone settles down, Devin looks at Annie. “So how you feel?”

Annie sighs. “Honestly…” She shrugs. “I’m just annoyed. Why are people even telling him my business?”

As she says it, Ebony looks down at her tray. She suddenly becomes very interested in her fries. Guilt flashes across her face. Rhonda notices. She doesn’t say anything… But she definitely notices.

Ebony clears her throat. “So…You gonna write him back?”

Annie looks at her like she’s lost her mind “Hell no.”

“Why not?” Ebony asks. “He still fighting for you.”

Before Annie can answer, Rhonda jumps in. “I thought we already discussed this shit, Ebony.” She points across the table. “Annie got a real man now. He older. He make his own money. He got his own car. And he fine as hell.” She laughs. “No offense, Annie…But Ryan can’t compete with that.”

Ebony clicks her tongue. “I guess.”

Annie finally looks directly at her. Her expression hardens. “I’m gonna be honest. I don’t give a damn what you think or say about Ryan anymore. I’m done.” The words come out calm…But firm.

Ebony slowly raises her hands. “Okay, girl.”

The conversation moves on.

But Rhonda quietly studies Ebony from across the table.

Something about the way she’d defended Ryan…Again…Didn’t sit right with her.

A little while later…

The final bell rings.

Lockers slam shut all around the hallway as students flood toward the exits, laughing, talking, making plans.

Annie weaves through the crowd toward her locker. She’s already thinking about work. She still has to hurry home, change clothes, and make it to Red Lobster on time.

As she gets closer, something catches her eye. She slows. Then stops completely. Her stomach drops. Spray painted across the front of her locker in thick black letters is one word.

HOE

For a second…She can’t move.

She just stares.

Her throat tightens as she swallows hard.

“No…” She whispers.

Her eyes dart up and down the hallway. Students continue walking by. Nobody says anything. A few glance over. Some look away quickly. Others stare a little longer than they should.

Heat rushes into Annie’s face.

She already knows who did it—Ryan.

Who else would? Her jaw clenches.

Anger surges through her so fast it almost takes her breath away.

Are you serious?

She balls her hands into fists.

Part of her wants to march straight through the school and find him.

She wants to cuss him out.

Demand to know what gives him the right to humiliate her like this.

But she doesn’t have time. She has to be at work.

Instead, she steps closer to the locker.

Maybe… she can wipe it off.

She rubs at the paint with the sleeve of her jacket. Nothing.

She tries harder. The black paint only smears a little. It isn’t coming off.

Her heart sinks. “No… no…”

Students continue passing.

One boy nudges his friend and quietly points.

A couple of girls whisper to each other as they walk by.

Annie lowers her head. Her cheeks burn. Tears sting her eyes before she can stop them.

Not because she believes the word.

But because everyone else can see it.

Because now people are looking.

Wondering. Talking.

She blinks rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.

“Don’t cry.”

“Don’t give anybody the satisfaction.”

She takes a shaky breath. Her mind races. Maybe the janitor can clean it tomorrow… No. Tomorrow is too late.

She can’t leave it there overnight.

She can’t come back in the morning and let the whole school see it.

That means…She’s going to be late for work.

The thought only frustrates her more.

Ryan didn’t just vandalize her locker.

He stole her time. Embarrassed her.

Made her day harder.

All because she refused to take him back. Annie closes her eyes for a second and exhales slowly.

Then squares her shoulders.

There’s only one thing she can do.

She turns away from the locker and starts walking toward the principal’s office. Her footsteps are quick.

Determined.

But each one feels heavier than the last.

Behind her…The word is still there.

Waiting. Mocking her.

And all Annie can think is…

Why won’t he just leave me alone?

🦞🦀🦞🦀🦞🦀🦞🦀🦞🦀🦞🦀🦞🦀

It’s 4:00 p.m., and the dinner prep is in full swing at Red Lobster.

The kitchen hums with controlled chaos. Oil crackles in the fryers.

Steaks hiss as they hit the grill.

Someone calls out for more biscuits while another cook slides a rack of shrimp into the broiler.

Smoke works the line like he always does. Quick. Precise. Focused.

Or at least…He’s trying to be.

Every few minutes, his eyes drift toward the swinging kitchen doors.

Each time they push open, he instinctively looks up.

Every time…It’s somebody else.

A server. A busser. A manager.

Not Annie.

He checks the clock mounted above the ticket machine. 4:00.

His brow furrows.

She was supposed to be here at three.

Annie wasn’t the type to be late.

If anything, she usually showed up early.

He plates another order, but his mind isn’t on the food.mWhere the hell is she?

His thoughts start running.

Did I keep her up too late on the phone?

He immediately dismisses it.

Nah…They hadn’t even talked that long.

Maybe she didn’t go to school today.

Or maybe…Something happened.

That thought settles in his chest like a brick.

Without realizing it, he reaches into his pocket where his cell phone rests.

For a brief second…He thinks about calling her. Just one quick call.

Just to make sure she’s alright.

His thumb brushes the phone.

Then he stops himself.

Man… what are you doing?

He shakes his head. That’d be doing too much. They’d just started talking.

He had no right to be checking on her whereabouts. Still…The feeling wouldn’t leave. He couldn’t explain it.

He’d never found himself worrying over a woman like this before.

Especially one he’d only known for a little while.

He grabs another plate and slides vegetables into place.

The kitchen doors swing open again.

His eyes lift automatically.

This time…It’s her.

Relief washes over him so fast he almost laughs. There you are.

A smile starts to tug at the corner of his mouth.

Then…He really looks at her.

The smile disappears.

Something’s wrong. Very wrong.

She isn’t smiling.

She isn’t bouncing through the kitchen with that quiet little energy she always carries.

Her shoulders are slumped.

Her eyes stay fixed on the floor.

She doesn’t greet anyone.

Doesn’t glance toward the line.

Doesn’t even look his way.

She quietly hangs her jacket on the hook. Grabs her server book.

Then heads straight back onto the floor.

Smoke watches her until the kitchen doors close again.

His chest burns. She hadn’t even looked at him.

His mind immediately starts replaying the night before.

Did I say something wrong?

Did I move too fast?

Did I scare her off?

They’d left each other smiling.

Everything had been good.

So…What happened between last night and today?

Before he can talk himself out of it, Smoke wipes his hands on a towel and steps away from the line.

One of the cooks looks over.

“Where you goin’?”

“I’ll be back.”

Smoke pushes through the kitchen doors into the dining room.

He scans the restaurant.

Near the front entrance, he spots Annie.

She’s standing with her back to him, talking to Michelle.

Smoke slows his steps.

He isn’t trying to eavesdrop.

But Annie’s voice carries.

“…I’m so sorry I’m late.”

She sounds tired. “I had something bad happen at school, and I had to stay and take care of it.”

Smoke’s shoulders loosen just a little.

At least…It wasn’t because of him.

Michelle’s expression softens.

“It’s okay, Annie. Bryan already told me what happened. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

Smoke’s ears perk up immediately.

His jaw tightens.

Something happened?

Michelle continues.

“You’re never late, so you’re good.”

Annie nods. “Thank you so much, Michelle.”

Michelle hesitates before asking,

“Do you know who did it?”

Annie lets out a quiet breath.

“Yeah. I do. I reported it to the principal.”

Michelle nods firmly. “Good.I hope whoever did it gets exactly the punishment they deserve.”

Smoke’s stomach knots.

So somebody really did hurt her.

His hands slowly curl into fists at his sides.

He doesn’t know what happened.

He doesn’t know who did it.

But just hearing that someone had done something to make Annie walk in looking that defeated…It makes something hot settle in his chest.

He turns without saying a word and heads back toward the kitchen.

The sizzling grills and shouted ticket times fade into the background.

His mind is somewhere else now.

Whoever did this…

His jaw flexes.

I need to find out what happened.

Because one thing is becoming painfully clear to him—When it came to Annie… He was already more protective than he probably had any business being.

A little while later, Annie pushes through the kitchen doors to pick up another order.

The kitchen is still loud.

The fryers hiss.

The grill crackles.

Cooks call out ticket times over one another while servers weave in and out of the narrow galley.

Normally, Annie would be smiling.

Tonight…She’s quiet.

She steps up to the window and waits for her food.

Smoke looks up from the line.

His eyes immediately find her.

She looks exhausted.

The brightness she usually carries is gone. Even her shoulders seem heavier.

He gives her a small nod.

Annie notices and quietly nods back.

No smile. No shy giggle.

No blushing before looking away.

Just…A nod.

Smoke’s chest tightens.

He catches her eyes for only a second, but that’s all he needs.

The hurt is still there.

Those big, pretty doe eyes that usually sparkled looked dull tonight.

He hates seeing them like that.

For a split second, he thinks about saying something. You alright?

What happened? Who did it?

Anything. But the words never leave his mouth.

The kitchen isn’t the place. They’re both working. People are everywhere.

So instead…He slides her plate through the window.

She quietly mouths, “Thank you.”

Smoke nods once. “You welcome.”

She picks up the plate and disappears back onto the floor.

His eyes follow the swinging kitchen doors long after she’s gone.

The rest of the night feels different.

Every now and then, Annie comes back into the kitchen.

Every now and then…Their eyes meet.

Just like always.

Only tonight…She never smiles.

She doesn’t laugh with Megan.

She doesn’t tease anybody.

She simply does her job.

Smoke notices every bit of it.

Each glance worries him a little more.

Whatever happened at school…It really got to her.

And not knowing what it was…

Is starting to bother him.

Closing time finally arrives.

The restaurant slowly empties.

Servers finish their side work while the kitchen begins breaking everything down.

Smoke is still in the back, scrubbing down the line.

The smell of bleach mixes with grilled seafood and grease as everyone gets ready to head home.

Out in the dining room, Annie quietly unties her apron.

Megan notices the expression on her face. “Girl…” She gently takes the silverware bucket from Annie.

“I’ll roll these.”

Annie looks surprised. “You sure?”

“Mhmm. You’ve helped me enough.”

She smiles warmly. “I got you tonight.”

Annie’s shoulders finally relax a little.

“Thank you.”

“Go home and get some rest.”

Annie smiles—a tiny one this time.

“Thanks, Megan.”

The two had become friends over the last few weeks.

Always helping each other when one needed it.

Tonight…Annie was the one who needed it.

She grabs her things and quietly leaves for the night.

About twenty minutes later…

Smoke finishes cleaning his station.

He washes his hands. Grabs his keys.

Then walks out into the dining room.

Almost instinctively…His eyes start searching. Near the hostess stand.

Nothing. Near the computers.

Nothing. The front windows.

Megan notices immediately.

A grin spreads across her face.

“Looking for Annie?”

Smoke slowly looks over at her.

He doesn’t answer. Doesn’t deny it either.

Megan laughs. “She already left.”

She gestures toward the bucket beside her. “I’m rolling her silverware.”

Smoke glances down at the bucket.

His stomach flutters. He’d missed her.

He didn’t even get to tell her goodnight.

Didn’t get to ask if she was okay.

Didn’t even get one of those quiet little smiles she always gave him before leaving.

He nods once. “Aight.”

Then he turns and heads for the door.

The drive home is quieter than usual.

The radio is on…But Smoke isn’t listening.

Streetlights blur past his windshield as he drives through the City.

His hands rest loosely on the steering wheel.

His mind…Is somewhere else.

All he can see is Annie’s face.

The way she’d walked into work.

Head down. Eyes tired. Not herself.

He thinks about what Annie said.

“Something bad happened at school.”

Then… “Do you know who did it?”

Somebody hurt her.

He just doesn’t know how.

Or why.

His jaw tightens. He wishes he’d asked. Wishes he’d found a moment to pull her aside.

Even if it was just for thirty seconds.

Instead…He let her go home carrying whatever was weighing on her.

Smoke sighs. “This shit ain’t sittin’ right wit me.” He mumbles

He drums his fingers against the steering wheel.

Normally he’d tell himself to mind his business. Normally he’d wait until tomorrow.

Normally…He wouldn’t be this worried about somebody he’d only known a short time.

But Annie wasn’t “normally.”

She’d become the first person he looked for when he walked into work.

The first person he noticed when she smiled. The first person he thought about when he woke up .

And apparently…The first person whose sadness followed him home.

By the time he pulls into his driveway…

He’s already made up his mind.

He cuts the engine.

Sits there for a second.

Then reaches for his phone.

He glances at the clock.

It’s late. Too late by most people’s standards.

He doesn’t care. If she’s asleep…She won’t answer.

If she’s awake…He wants to hear her voice.

He wants to know she’s alright.

He wants to know what happened.

Smoke finds Annie’s name.

His thumb hovers over the call button for only a second. Then he presses it.

He isn’t calling because he’s nosy.

He isn’t calling because he’s trying to be controlling.

He’s calling because all night…

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the girl who always made everyone else’s day a little brighter…

Needed somebody to check on hers…

Annie is lying across her bed in an oversized T-shirt, the see through corded house phone tucked between her shoulder and ear.

She’s on three way with Rhonda and Devin.

The bedroom is dark except for the glow of her bedside lamp. Every now and then, she absentmindedly traces circles on her comforter as they talk.

Rhonda lets out a long sigh.

“I’m sorry he did that shit, Annie.”

Devin clicks her tongue. “Yeah, that’s messed up.” She pauses before adding, “He a hoe for that. The nigga literally wrote exactly what he is on your locker.”

That earns a small laugh from Annie.

She shakes her head. “Ugh… I don’t even know what I was thinking ever being in a relationship with him.”

“Girl,” Rhonda says, “we live and learn. He just bitter. He so used to girls kissing his ass that he can’t handle somebody finally telling him no.”

Devin jumps in. “And you actually moved on.”

She laughs. “Meanwhile Dana’s desperate ass still over there with him…”

“…even though she got all them letters he been writing you.”

Annie sighs. “I know.”

She rolls onto her back and stares at the ceiling. “I just don’t know who he thinks I am.”

Devin sucks her teeth “He really thought spray-painting your locker was gon’ make you come back.”

Rhonda scoffs. “That shit don’t even make sense.”

Devin’s voice softens.

“So… what’d the principal say?”

Before Annie can answer—

Her cell phone lights up on the nightstand.

It begins to ring. Annie glances over.

Then her eyes go wide.

She sits straight up in bed. “Oh my God.”

“What?” Rhonda asks.

Annie grabs the phone. “It’s Smoke.”

Both girls squeal at the same time.

“Answer it!” Rhonda blurts out.

“Girl, hurry!” Devin says.

Annie laughs nervously. “My heart beating so fast.”

“Quit talking to us!” Rhonda laughs.

“Go answer the phone!”

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Devin says.

Annie smiles. “Okay. Bye, y’all.”

She quickly hangs up the house phone and reaches for her cell.

Her fingers fumble as she goes to answer

The ringing stops. She freezes.

The screen goes dark.

“…No.”

She stares at it for another second.

“He hung up.”

On the other side of the city…

Smoke sits quietly in his truck, his phone still in his hand.

He looks at the screen for a long moment before letting out a slow breath.

“Maybe she sleep.”

He leans his head back against the seat.

“I’ll try again tomorrow.”

Smoke climbs out of his truck and starts toward his apartment.

The night air is cool, carrying the distant hum of traffic and music from somebody’s car down the block. His phone rests loosely in his hand as he climbs the stairs.

Meanwhile, Annie sits on the edge of her bed, staring at her cell.

Her thumb hovers over the call button.

She debates it for a few seconds.

Maybe he really thought she was asleep.

Maybe he only called to say goodnight.

Maybe calling back would make her look too eager.

Then she thinks about how disappointed she felt when the ringing stopped.

Annie takes a breath and presses call before she can change her mind.

Smoke’s phone rings just as he slides his key into the lock.

He glances down at the glowing screen.

Annie.

A slow smirk pulls at his mouth.

She called back. So she wasn’t asleep.

Smoke answers as he steps inside and closes the door behind him.

“Sup, pretty eyes?”

Annie’s stomach flips. “Hello, Elijah.”

His heart skips at the sound of his real name leaving her mouth. Soft. Sweet.

Like she’s already claimed the right to use it.

“I’m glad you called me back,” he says, locking the door. “My bad for calling this late. I really just wanted to talk to you.”

“It’s okay. I was on the phone anyway.”

Smoke’s ears perk up. His mind immediately takes him somewhere it has no business going.

Who the hell was she talking to this late?

Another dude?

The thought irritates him before he can stop it.

He pushes it away just as quickly.

“Oh.” He walks toward his bedroom. “I ain’t mean to cut yo conversation short.”

“No, it’s okay. It was just my friends. I talk to them all day, every day. I’ll see them at school tomorrow anyway.”

The tension leaves Smoke’s shoulders.

He nods to himself as if she can see him.

“Aight.” He enters his bedroom, kicks off his shoes, and stretches across the bed. “So…”

He settles the phone against his ear.

“How are you?”

“I’m…okay.”

Smoke’s brow furrows. There she goes.

Trying to be brave.

Trying to make everything sound fine when it clearly isn’t.

“Annika?”

Annie’s stomach tightens at the sound of her full name coming from him again.

“Hm?”

“You not okay.” His voice softens. “And I can tell.”

Annie doesn’t respond.

Smoke stares at the ceiling. “I don’t wanna pressure you into telling me what’s wrong. But I want you to know I’m here to listen.”

His thumb brushes slowly against the side of the phone. “I’m not gon judge you. I want you to feel like you can open up to me, even though we just gettin’ to know each other.”

Annie closes her eyes.

The sincerity in his voice makes her chest ache.

Most men didn’t want to hear women’s problems. They wanted the fun parts.

The smiles. The flirting. Not the hurt.

Not the messy parts.

But Smoke sounds like he really wants to know.

Annie exhales slowly. “No…” She swallows. “I’m not okay.”

Smoke sits up against the headboard. “Okay.” His voice remains calm. “Now we gettin’ somewhere. Talk to me.”

Silence settles over the line.

Smoke can hear her breathing.

He senses the hesitation immediately.

“Tell me what happened.” He pauses.

“Did somebody do somethin’ to you?”

“Yeah…”Annie’s voice is quiet “Somebody did.”

Smoke’s jaw tightens. “Okay. Who?”

Annie stares at the pattern on her comforter. “You sure you wanna know?”

Smoke chuckles softly, but there’s no humor in it. “Hell yeah.” His voice drops lower. “I wanna know everything when it comes to you.”

Annie’s heart flutters. She decides to be honest.

If they were trying to build something, she needed to feel comfortable opening up to him.

She just hadn’t expected drama to find them this soon. “You remember when I wrote you that poem and said the last guy I was with hurt me?”

Smoke’s expression hardens. “Yeah.”

“Well…” Annie pulls her knees to her chest.

“It was him.”

Smoke runs a hand down his face.

“Aight.” He forces himself to stay calm.

“What he do to you?”

Annie swallows hard. “When we were together, he cheated on me.”

Smoke says nothing, letting her continue.

“He’s a football player, and she’s a cheerleader. They kissed at camp.” Her voice grows tighter. “So I broke up with him.”

“Good,” Smoke says quietly.

Annie pauses. “But ever since I ended it, he refuses to let me move on.”

Smoke’s brows pull together.

“Even though he’s with the girl he cheated on me with.”

Smoke cuts in. “When you say he refuses to let you move on, what you mean?” His tone sharpens. “What’s he doin’?”

“He used to call me back-to-back.”

Annie looks toward her bedroom door, lowering her voice even though it’s closed. “The house phone and my cell. But he knows I won’t answer anymore, so he started slipping letters into my locker, begging me to take him back.”

Smoke’s grip tightens around the phone.

“I wrote him back one time and told him to stop. I told him I was done.”

“And he ain’t listen.” It isn’t a question.

“No.” Annie sighs. “At the last football game I went to, he begged me again. I refused, and I gave his girlfriend all the letters he’d written me.”

Smoke’s mouth twitches slightly.

He likes that. She stood on her decision.

“He stopped writing after that, but…”

Her voice trails off.

Smoke feels his agitation beginning to rise. One thing he couldn’t stand was a man refusing to respect a woman’s choice.

“But what?” He keeps his voice steady for her. “You doin’ good. I’m listenin’” He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You can tell me. What else did he do?”

“So…” Annie hesitates. “Somebody saw us at Skateland.”

Smoke’s jaw flexes.

He already knows where this is headed. He’s dealing with his own version of the same bullshit.

“They knew him,” Annie continues, “and went back and told him I was skating with you and that we were kissing.”

Smoke’s eyes narrow.

“So he wrote me this rude ass letter.”

“What he say?”

“He called me a hypocrite. Said I must’ve been cheating on him with you the whole time we were together.”

Smoke shakes his head slowly.

“He said I was no better than him.”

“That don’t even make sense.”

“I know.”

Annie’s voice trembles with frustration. “Then he started asking who you were and what school you went to.”

Smoke almost laughs. “What school I go to?”

“Yeah.”

Despite everything, Annie lets out a tiny laugh. “He said when he finds out who you are, he’s gonna fight you.”

Smoke leans back against the headboard.

A quiet hum leaves his chest.

Not because it’s funny.

But because the idea of some high school football player putting fear in him is ridiculous.

Smoke had been fighting his entire life.

He’d had to. Growing up where he did, weakness made you a target. Everybody in his neighborhood knew better than to try him or Stack.

Still, he doesn’t brag. Doesn’t laugh.

He knows Annie is upset, and the last thing she needs is him making light of it.

“Hm.” He keeps his voice calm. “What else he say?”

“That was the end of the letter.”

Smoke goes silent for a moment. Then asks, “That all that happened?”

Annie doesn’t answer.

Smoke’s eyes narrow.

He recognizes the silence now.

She’s holding something back.

And he knows for a fact there’s more.

He heard what Annie and Michelle said earlier.

Whatever kept her at school wasn’t just some letter.

“Annie.”

She closes her eyes.

Smoke’s tone softens, but there’s firmness underneath it. “Come on, lil mama.” He lowers his voice. “Don’t hide nothing from me.”

Annie’s fingers tighten around the phone.

“Don’t give me half truths. I know something else happened.” He pauses, allowing the weight of his words to settle. “Spill it.”

Annie lets out a slow breath. “So…” She stares down at the comforter beneath her fingers. “When I went to my locker after school…”

Her voice grows quieter. “…somebody had spray painted hoe across it. Big black letters.”

Smoke goes completely still.

“I tried to wipe it off…” She swallows hard. “It wouldn’t come off.” A lump forms in her throat. “I know it was him.” She shakes her head even though he can’t see her. “I ain’t got no enemies.”

For a split second…Smoke doesn’t say anything. Then he sits upright so fast the mattress creaks beneath him. “He did what?”

His voice is low. Controlled.

But there’s an edge to it Annie hasn’t heard before.

“He… spray painted hoe on my locker.”

Smoke’s free hand curls into a fist so tight his knuckles damn near turn white.

A hot wave of anger rolls through him.

So that’s why she’d walked into work looking like the light had been taken out of her.

That’s why she hadn’t smiled.

Why she barely spoke.

His chest tightens.

She had every right to feel hurt.

Humiliated.

Some coward ass nigga had publicly tried to shame her because she wouldn’t take him back.

Smoke slowly exhales through his nose.

He’d never understood niggas who couldn’t accept rejection.

If a woman said she was done…She was done.

That was it. Harassing her. Following her. Trying to embarrass her.

That shit wasn’t love. That was ego.

And it made his blood boil.

His voice stays calm. Too calm. “What’s his name?”

Annie’s eyebrows knit together. “…Ryan.” A moment passes. .”Why?”

Smoke stares at the wall. “What he look like?”

Annie’s stomach drops.

Now she understands where his questions are headed.

She sits up. “No, Elijah.”

Her voice is gentle but firm. “I don’t want any problems.”

Smoke rubs his jaw. “Oh, there ain’t no problems.”

The way he says it doesn’t reassure her. If anything…It worries her more.

Silence stretches between them.

Finally Annie speaks again.

“…Are you mad?”

Smoke lets out a humorless chuckle. “Truthfully?” He pauses. Nah…”

His jaw flexes. “I’m pissed.”

Annie’s heart flutters. Not because he’s angry. Because she can hear it.

Not anger directed at her…Anger for her.

Nobody had ever sounded protective over her like that before.

She lowers her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Smoke answers immediately.

“Nah.” His voice softens. “It ain’t you. Don’t apologize. You ain’t the one who did something wrong.”

Annie closes her eyes. “Okay.”

@lilbitt @lizbehave @myheartsaysyes @viciously-divine @girlmath101 @bananajoeclone @waitingtobreatheagain @xeebop @zunibugsiren @pastelprintessa

Part 2

Jon Bernthal and Lupita Nyong'o 👑👑

It never fails. Racists are so predictable. Any time a Black woman gets a role that's been previously played by White women, the racists have to whine and bitch about it. Helen of Troy isn't real. Athena isn't real. Any woman of any ethnicity and nationality could play these roles. It's never that serious.

In 1950, Orson Welles cast Eartha Kitt as Helen of Troy in his avant-garde stage production, Time Runs (also known as The Blessed and the Damned), in Paris.

Because Helen of Troy is a purely mythological figure—the legendary daughter of the Greek god Zeus and Leda—and not a documented historical person, performers of diverse ethnic backgrounds are frequently cast to reinterpreting her character on stage and screen.

Zendaya is playing Athena but it's not the first time a non White woman has played this role. Athena has been played by Audra Day.

I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.

IN RESPONSE TO Acknowledged Answered Protested

INPUT/JOIN CONVERSATION/ASK Added Implored Inquired Insisted Proposed Queried Questioned Recommended Testified

GUILTY/RELUCTANCE/SORRY Admitted Apologized Conceded Confessed Professed

FOR SOMEONE ELSE Advised Criticized Suggested

JUST CHECKING Affirmed Agreed Alleged Confirmed

LOUD Announced Chanted Crowed

LEWD/CUTE/SECRET SPY FEEL Appealed Disclosed Moaned

ANGRY FUCK OFF MATE WANNA FIGHT Argued Barked Challenged Cursed Fumed Growled Hissed Roared Swore

SMARTASS Articulated Asserted Assured Avowed Claimed Commanded Cross-examined Demanded Digressed Directed Foretold Instructed Interrupted Predicted Proclaimed Quoted Theorized

ASSHOLE Bellowed Boasted Bragged

NERVOUS TRAINWRECK Babbled Bawled Mumbled Sputtered Stammered Stuttered

SUAVE MOTHERFUCKER Bargained Divulged Disclosed Exhorted

FIRST OFF Began

LASTLY Concluded Concurred

WEAK PUSY Begged Blurted Complained Cried Faltered Fretted

HAPPY/LOL Cajoled Exclaimed Gushed Jested Joked Laughed

WEIRDLY HAPPY/EXCITED Extolled Jabbered Raved

BRUH, CHILL Cautioned Warned

ACTUALLY, YOU’RE WRONG Chided Contended Corrected Countered Debated Elaborated Objected Ranted Retorted

CHILL SAVAGE Commented Continued Observed Surmised

LISTEN BUDDY Enunciated Explained Elaborated Hinted Implied Lectured Reiterated Recited Reminded Stressed

BRUH I NEED U AND U NEED ME Confided Offered Urged

FINE Consented Decided

TOO EMO FULL OF EMOTIONS Croaked Lamented Pledged Sobbed Sympathized Wailed Whimpered

JUST SAYING Declared Decreed Mentioned Noted Pointed out Postulated Speculated Stated Told Vouched

WASN’T ME Denied Lied

EVIL SMARTASS Dictated Equivocated Ordered Reprimanded Threatened

BORED Droned Sighed

SHHHH IT’S QUIET TIME Echoed Mumbled Murmured Muttered Uttered Whispered

DRAMA QUEEN Exaggerated Panted Pleaded Prayed Preached

OH SHIT Gasped Marveled Screamed Screeched Shouted Shrieked Yelped Yelled

ANNOYED Grumbled Grunted Jeered Quipped Scolded Snapped Snarled Sneered

ANNOYING Nagged

I DON’T REALLY CARE BUT WHATEVER Guessed Ventured

I’M DRUNK OR JUST BEING WEIRDLY EXPRESSIVE FOR A POINT/SARCASM Hooted Howled Yowled

I WONDER Pondered Voiced Wondered

OH, YEAH, WHOOPS Recalled Recited Remembered

SURPRISE BITCH Revealed

IT SEEMS FAKE BUT OKAY/HA ACTUALLY FUNNY BUT I DON’T WANT TO LAUGH OUT LOUD Scoffed Snickered Snorted

BITCHY Tattled Taunted Teased

part three • finale • modern!au annie x smoke

summary: all his life, smoke had heard that two is company but three is a crowd; and never had it made as much sense as it did now.

cw: smut, toxic smoke x annie, possesive!smoke, obsessed!smoke, obsessed!annie, public!sex, unprotected!sex (everyone say thank you to @brownskincheyenne), light choking, cheating, use of alcohol, use of the nword

a/n: here's the final part and a very annie centered chapterrrr. we been focused on smoke, but now it's her time to shine! this is much longer that part one and two combined, so please enjoy! requested here and inspired by @librababe7

part one; part two.

masterlist

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body language masterlist

a translator that doesn’t eat ass like google translate does

a reverse dictionary for when ur brain freezes

550 words to say instead of fuckin said

638 character traits for when ur brain freezes again

It wasn’t lost on you how Stack would fuck you like a mad man who hated you after not having acces to the saccharine pot between your legs for too long.

After he abruptly ended the call, you ran to the bathroom to freshen up. Thank god you had your everything wax done a week ago. Saves you from having to do a last minute shave.

Getting into the shower, you exfoliate your body with the pink hibiscus scented body scrub. Every nook and cranny was thoroughly cleaned because Stack can get a little passionate when it comes to showing his love and appreciation. There’s not a part of your body that hasn’t been in that man’s mouth. Especially after not having a taste for 14 days, he was going crazy today.

You were damn near buzzing with excitement. One thing about it is you were always extra horny when your body finally decided to act right. Even while sitting down in order to moisturizer, you could feel your center throbbing so hard.

“Hmm lingerie or birthday suit? Decisions, decisions” looking in your lingerie drawer, you were contemplating giving him something to tear apart before getting to the prize or just going full nude and getting down to business once he made it home.

Ultimately the decision came down to wearing your black three piece lingerie. Stack always loved the chase. Plus he’s a visual, he always appreciates it when you give him a show. Not sure if you’ll have time for that today.

You could hear the front door creak open and your dog and lovely companion barking with excitement as his father walked in.

Suddenly, you could feel your heartbeat in two places. Between your legs and in your chest. Not only did the sound of his voice have your center moist, you were also anticipating seeing his handsome face.

“Down boy, down! Lil hyper midget.” His rough but sweet voice to your ears could be heard scolding the dog. Frankly those two had a love hate relationship which is crazy because he bought it for you but would act like he didn’t like the dog. Not even after seeing proof of him cuddling the little beast or him getting emotional when he got sick that one time.

Ascending the stairs like her royal highness, he heard the click clack of your kitten sandals and he straightened his posture to get a good look at you. He could smell your sweet scent mixed with your natural scent, the combination teasing his nostrils and making his mouth salivate.

One would think you were a virgin the way you were standing before him. Eyes looking every where but directly at him. Doing that little nervous dance. It took him 3 long strides to stand in front of you as he peered down at you.

“Fuck! You not playing fair baby” he muttered. His lips hovering over your gloss covered ones.

Hands circling your waist. Running up and down your full figure as his head found its place in the crook of your neck.

You could hear him sniffing you. Taking in your scent that he loved oh so much.

“And you smell delectable too. I could eat you right now.” He growled close to your ear as he nibbled on your earlobe. “Can I eat your pussy baby? Hm? You know how bad I missed it.”

All you could do was moan helplessly. Your hands running up and down his broad back. Squeezing his muscles. God, you missed feeling his rough biceps under your palms.

“Uhh baby wait..” you couldn’t help but moan as he smacked your ass and rubbed the spot. He jiggled it in his hands as if it was a stress ball. “You need to wash up first.”

“Why? Imma just sweat and get dirty anyways”

“Baby please-“ came out in a whiny voice as your arousal kept drenching your inner thighs.

After a few more minutes of him kissing on you and kneading your body like a horny teenager, he reluctantly detached from your body and basically run to the bathroom to wash up.

If someone were to ask you what’s your name or what date it is? You wouldn’t even know where to begin. The only thing coming from your succulent lips, that Stack had kidsed so much and bit on, were your beautiful moans and the word Daddy.

“Daddy-“ He lapped on your pussy like a caveman who just discovered his meal. Legs spreads and draped over his broad shoulders. His hands rubbing your titties. You were in heaven.

And so was he, given the grunts that kept coming from the back of his throat.

He put his whole face between your thighs. Alternating between making out with your pussy and his nose inhaling your scent.

“My god! I fucking missed this.” He growled.

You couldn’t take it anymore. Your palms pushing against his strong shoulders and your body trying to scoot back and detach from his lips that seemed to be glued to you.

“Why are you running?” When he lifted his head, you could see your juices coating his moustache. That visual was enough to make you cum on the spot. Paired by the obvious neediness in his dark brown orbs.

“B-baby I caan’t, it’s too much”

“Nah you’re a big girl. You can take it mama.” He said as he pulled your body under his massive one. Arms cradling you like a fragile little thing. He rained soft kisses all over your face. You chest.

It’s like the body has a mind of its own. Didn’t even notice when you started grinding on his center that was laying between your legs. Rock hard you could bet he was uncomfortable.

The combination of his dick teasing you, his mouth making out with your areolas and his fingers caressing your scalp, surely you couldn’t form a coherent sentence.

“Tell me what you want mama. You keep making all these noises, I need you to tell daddy what you want.”

Your soft fingers came between your bodies to hold his dick, making it jump.

“Please, p-please put it innn” Your whiny voice and moans were like soft breeze caressing his ears.

“Yeah? Put it in then baby. Put it in for me.” He pecked your lips then pecked your forehead

Your fingers shook as you held him tightly guiding him to your entrance.

“Oh my God, oh my god, oh my go-“

“Fuck! Open up for me baby. You know I need more space than that.” Came his cocky reply as you struggle to take him all the way.

He always let you guide him in because it was always a sweet but painful few seconds before you could fully let him in .

But once he was in, you both let out sigh. You knew you were in for a long night. No complaints, because this is what you both needed.

Sometimes you just get into one of those moods where you don’t want to do anything. Your hormones just being do imbalanced the idea of sex repulsed you. But stack was understanding during those times.

It’s been exactly 14 days and six hours since you got intimate with your partner. Yes you keep track just to see if it’s consistent and to get a better understanding on the issue. Going to the doctor is not an option because the hospital scares you and the idea that going to the doctor may reveal some other underlying issue or a diagnosis makes you hesitant even more.

Today though, butterflies swim in your stomach just from the thought of your big handsome man. He makes the butterflies come to life anytime but today they have travelled south. Your lady parts are tingling at the mere thought of him and you can feel your heartbeat between your legs.

Watching your home made videos hasn’t scratched the itch. You tried using the toys he brought you as a just because gift when he’s away from you, but nothing can reach that special, cushiony place only he can reach.

So you decided to call him even though he’s at work because you’re too horny to wait.

“Hello?” Your velvety voice sounded even more soft because it was laced with need.

“Wassup my baby?”

You could hear the noise in the background coming from the loud machinery. The men talking even louder over the noise and music.

“Umm you got a few minutes to spare?”

“Yeah mama, you okay? you need something?”

“Yes I’m fine, I’m okay baby. Umm am I on loud speaker?”

“Yn baby I’m in the middle of something very important wassup you good? I got my earphone in.” You could hear the concentration in his voice. You just know his muscles were bulging from the black fitted t shirt he wore this morning. He probably had that little concentration frown on his face.

“Yes. Umm I was just wondering if I could maybe schedule a D.A.” You said biting your lip and holding in a giggle because you just know he’s going to be confused by what the hell is a DA.

“A D.A? The fuck is that? Aye if this one of your lil tiktak trends I’m hanging up!”

You giggled at that. Music to his ears, penetrating straight to his heart. “No baby it’s not. Stoop. I’m serious”

“Well what the fuck is a DA?”

“A dick appointment, duh.”

He went quiet for a moment. Thinking he hang up on you, you removed the phone from your ear to see if the call was still going on.

“Ain’t no ‘duh’. Also, who said you need to schedule to get some dick from your man?”

“Well I don’t know you beeen busy and I’m just tryna..respect your schedule.. plus, you know..”. You were self conscious with the hormonal changes in your body. It was so confusing because it seems like it came out of nowhere.

“Ain’t no fucking schedule for you. You want some dick for real baby?”

“Yes-”

“Aight I’m pulling up-”

“Wait, baby I didn’t mean right now, I can wait-” You heard the phone go silent announcing the end of the call. You didn’t know if you were going to jump with excitement or vomit from the butterflies multiplying in your stomach.

It’s been a minute since you and Stack got active.

He never once pressured or made you feel guilty for the way your body would react. He would give you the space you needed while still letting you know how much he loves you and showing you affection in ways that wouldn’t overwhelm you. Even a blind person can tell you his love language is physical touch. But when physical contact overwhelmed you, he would tone it down.

So when you call his phone telling him explicitly you want some loving? How can he not drop everything and come running to you?

As of April 2025, content written before 2024 will be found in the ARCHIVE masterlist. This list will include full-length fics, drabbles, and the dad!fic masterlist also.

All writings feature Black women ONLY.

Click here to sign up for my Tag List. I do NOT add tags for pieces that have already been published. If you'd like to be tagged in an ongoing series, you'll be tagged in the next chapter.

A Preview.

Summary: It’s time for the grand reveal of the new house — but it won’t be just a regular event. Not if Michael has anything to do with it.

Pairing: Michael B. Jordan x Black!Reader

WARNINGS: EVENTUAL smut, we’re going for a slow burn here. Smitten!Obsessed!Michael

hello i’ve emerged from the crypt. this is based off a dream i had. i’ll be adding on in chunks. winter at briar ridge is… on hold? idk it feels weird writing about christmas when i’m actively dying of heatstroke. ALSO. i turn 25 in 3 days. 🫪

as your heels clicked on the gravel floor towards the shop and he eyed you up and down.

man was gone ever since and Stack knew that. (Stack just smirking like he cupid himself)

part two • modern!au annie x smoke

summary: all his life, smoke had heard that two is company but three is a crowd; and never had it made as much sense as it did now.

cw: smut, toxic smoke x annie, possesive!smoke, obsessed!smoke, car!sex, cheating, extra messyy, this is real stack coded fr (smoke on some bullshit), they arguing, use of the nword

a/n: y’all always have me making a one shot into a mini series smfhhh. there’s at least one more part, and you’ll see why after readingggg… requested here and inspired by @librababe7

part one

masterlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

part one • modern!au annie x smoke

summary: all his life, smoke had heard that two is company but three is a crowd; and never had it made as much sense as it did now.

cw: smut, toxic smoke x annie, failed threesome, messyy, just read it :3

a/n: hiiii! i took a mini trip to see family, but i’m back noww. this was a request and inspired by this post by @librababe7. i kinda deviated from the idea and had this be a first time event for smoke and his girlfriend

part two

masterlist

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