Tiana
People were everywhere.
Chatting, laughing, shouting, hurrying, running to and from. Especially Mickey and Ayla, them poor things probably ain't seen a seat since we got here.
Tonight was a special holiday performance, in which Journee was asked by the academy to sing to a highly respected audience, for charity. Rich people always confused me with their extravagant events, then saying it's all for the less fortunate. The ignorance and audacity was laughable.
Viv and I had been in this dressing room with her for almost an hour now, and old times had never felt so good.
A nice room it was, too, considering the way every bit of this newly renovated building screamed wealth. The air conditioning was crisp and clear. The black sleek floors were squeaky clean enough to spot your own reflection. And not a speck of dust was anywhere in sight. Not even in the vents.
White folks money was written all over this. I knew that much before Mickey came back to tell us there was a sea of them waiting out front.
Her gown was white, satin, and strapless with a mermaid bodice; a gorgeous flare out past her knees, and a thick and long train that attached to her hips in the back. White pearls were to dress her neck and long silk gloves would run up her arms, all while her hair was pin-curled tightly to where it stopped just at the bottom of her neck, parted to the side.
Journee knew what she was doing too. Or maybe she didn't, but I always had a feeling that she did.
When doing her hair or makeup, she would stare at me every chance she got, especially if we were alone at the club. A flirty touch here or there would be snuck every time I came around to stand in front of her. And she had to have known what it did to me, because she'd smirk the minute I gave her a pleading look to behave. I already couldn't focus if I met her eyes or gazed upon her for too long, and she just insisted on torturing me.
"Rose."
"Yes?..."
At that, my eyes narrowed when finding hers. Of course she was playing innocent now. Typical Journee.
Arching a brow at her, I pointed a finger without saying anything, though the quiet huff I gave said plenty. She understood, but her smirk told me it was likely going in one ear and out of the other.
Though before I could shake my head with an evident blush and continue, she grabbed a hold of my blouse's hem, tugging me closer between her legs given that she wasn't dressed yet. The two of us glanced over at Viv, who was turned around and paying us no mind while steaming the gown.
And before I knew it, the collar of my blouse was quickly grasped, followed by her hand at my cheek. Our eyes met briefly as she mischievously smiled while leaning up to kiss my lips. Right then, I internally cursed, hating that my hands were occupied with a makeup brush and palette.
Sneaking another peck before letting me go, Journee sat back with her bottom lip between her teeth as if simply waiting for me to continue on.
"I heard that," Vivianne announced without turning around. As I sheepishly smiled with a mental hand covering my eyes, Journee giggled in response.
"Sorry sweetheart," she said to Viv while winking amorously at me.
Upon that, it took a deep and long breath through my nose with the shy curl of my lips to strengthen my knees. Shaking my head yet again, I let it fall to recompose myself, for I still couldn't seem to move or think much.
Journee did nothing but giggle as she watched me struggle, clearly amused and definitely in for a rude awakening later tonight. Little did she know.
"Quit smilin' it ain't funny," I mumbled with my lips pursed to prevent a smile of my own, finally able to return to my job.
"I love you..." she then whispered just as I finished the last of highlighter across her cheekbone, her eyes fixed to my every feature before meeting mine.
Drawing my eyebrows together with emotion at those words, my every playful defense was laid to rest with the sink of my shoulders and tilt of my head. Now shaking my head for the third time, in a different way than the others, I bit softly at my lip.
When sitting the highlighter palette and brush down on the vanity behind me, I then turned to place the curve of my finger under her chin while planting my lips softly to her forehead.
"I love you too..."
As I stood close on the side of her chair, her head tilted back in search of my eyes again. Gazing with devotion, Journee then smiled as I smiled, thankful that her lips weren't done yet so that I could give them a quick and gentle kiss. And her content and happy sigh extended right to my heart as I turned back to the vanity for the berry red lipstick. The last step of our routine.
Music from the vinyl spinning in the room faded in the background of the audience's commotion within the building, as more and more filled in. It was quite the moment, being the usual calm before the storm as we migrated into getting her dressed at last.
"J, this dress was made for you girl," Viv muttered as she placed the pearled necklace around her neck. And my usual stunned smile was in everlasting agreement once Journee glanced at me, wearing a timid grin of her own.
"Thank you Viv..."
"More than welcome," she stood back proudly once everything was on, the look now coming graciously together. "Oh, let me get your shoes- hold on."
Chuckling while Vivianne hurried to grab the white heels, Journee's eyes trailed back to mine, finding my head tilted before I mouthed 'you look beautiful.' It was her turn then, to grow shy with the twist of her seductively red lips and blush of her glistening cheeks.
She looked like an angel. Breathtaking and incomparable. And my God would I do anything for her...
"Tee will you help me please?" she said while plopping in a nearby chair to hike up her dress and reveal her bare feet. "I hate these damn shoes-"
Laughter escaped my lips as I went to kneel before her, taking a foot in one hand and a shoe in the other. Viv made sure her gloves were secure on her arms while I fastened her heels. And just moments later, Mickey's expectant knock hit the door before he stepped in.
"Showtime J- Curtain's in five, y'all ready??"
"Yess Sir-" Vivianne stood upright with a grinning sigh just as I took Journee's hand to do the same, helping her to her feet.
"Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous," he shook his head before turning on his heels with a beaconing finger. "C'mon sweet pea, no time to waste."
"I'm comin' I'm comin,'" Journee chuckled, now with a sway to her hips and she ambled through the door.
Not wanting to let go of my hand just as much as I didn't want to let go of hers, she gave me a look over her shoulder the second we exited through the dressing room, breaking the link of our fingers. I knew she wanted me following close behind though, as she always did before going onstage, for even amidst all the chaos and commotion she'd keep checking to her right for my presence. And if I got too far away from her she'd grab hold of my arm to lock hers with mine.
An action that I thought adorable, and didn't mind at all.
The crowd out there was more intimate than those of the tour. It was filled with people dressed in gowns and suits, all while being served champagne and appetizers as they sat at large round tables clothed in white drapes.
Navy velvet lined the floors, with patterns of gold tracing thinly across it. Chandeliers that each cost more than a car hung from the high and skillfully carved ceiling. And judging by the round shape of the room, and the volume of the smaller audience, the acoustics in here were out of this world.
I don't know if the people entering were in awe, but I sure as hell was. The amount of luxury in this one building was jaw dropping, to say the least.
"Please don't go nowhere, okay?" Journee turned to me right before crossing from backstage to the stage. Honey brown eyes searched mine, and I could tell what she meant by that. A tragedy had happened the last time I left out of her sight while she was onstage. "And if you do, you come right back Tiana-"
Pulling her into an embrace, I closed my eyes while speaking into her ear.
"I'll be here the whole time baby I promise..." Rubbing her back in the most friendly way possible, I gently squeezed. "Don't be thinkin' bout that right now, alright? You go out there and you focus on that beautiful voice of yours. Nothin' else, Celeste, y'hear me??"
Feeling her nod at last with a squeeze back, I then pulled away to give her a bright smile. And with a wink, I put a hand at her back as she drew a breath while making her way to center stage.
A grand blue velvet curtain with shimmering golden bristles at the bottom hung high above and blocked the spotlight from touching her just yet. Only several seconds after she was into position, standing beside the piano with Marty on the bench behind it, a man's voice hit the speakers.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome tonight's lovely guest... the beautiful and the talented, Miss Journee Rose..."
Upon the spread of applause as the curtains parted and the warm spotlight cast a sunlit glow on her skin- illuminating the white of her dress- Jorunee then shined her award winning smile. As always, my breath caught in my throat. And as always, I couldn't take my eyes off of her.
Coming to stand beside me was Mickey as Journee bid the audience a 'hello' before directing a look and kind nod to Marty, who grinned with the tip of his hat in response.
The way they always did, her hips began a subtle sway with the shutting of her eyes as she grabbed hold of the standing microphone with red painted fingers. Her neck rolled to the side a bit just while the intro rused, and the moment her eyes slowly opened with her lids low, her lips parted in a way that made mine do the same.
"Have yourself, a merry, little Christmas... Let your heart, be light..." she sang with a serene smile. "From now on, our troubles, will be out of sight..." Serenaded by the song, and her soulful yet alluring voice, Mickey, Ayla, Viv and I banded together in a rhythmic sway. The second we noticed, we exchanged knowing grins before focusing on the stage again. "Here we are, as in olden days. Happy golden days, of yours... Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us...once more..."
Her eyes then closed again as the song progressed, the strength of her voice surely giving plenty of us chills. "Hang a shining star, upon the highest, bough..." she shook her head with the run of the note, hushing her words to a whisper at the end now. "And...have yourself, a merry, little Christmas, now.... A merry, little Christ-mas... Noww...."
Breaking the trance of my gaze as I marveled over every bit of her frame, an uproar of cheers nearly vibrated the floor beneath our feet right when the song came to a complete end. Mickey and I smiled wide upon noticing people standing and many men taking off their hats with old-fashioned bows.
"Thank you... Thank y'all so much," Journee giggled modestly, her cheeks surely reddening. She then took a moment to glance to her left, a crinkle scrunching her nose the second we locked eyes, for I blew repetitive kisses her way with the overflowing gesture of my hands.
Mickey was clapping beside me, all while Viv and Ayla were hooting in support. Shaking her head timidly at us, she then peered out onto the audience once more.
"This here's 'The Christmas Song,'" she told them into the mic before craning her neck to her right. "After you, Marty..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Days later, we found ourselves in another state, and doing something we'd never in a lifetime be able to forget.
Inside, and underneath the descending Florida sun, I wore a white gown of my own while getting ready in Coco's room. Journee was on the other side of the beach house, in our room, getting ready with the help of Mickey and Deja.
Downstairs was the rest of our friends, for all of us had come here on vacation for the holidays. But really, it was for Journee and I's wedding.
It's Christmas Eve, and probably the happiest day of my life.
One that's a dream I can't believe is actually coming true. But somehow it was possible. And so, here I am... About to marry the absolute love of my life. There couldn't possibly be a merrier Christmas than this.
"Tiana, I'ma tell you this right here," Vivianne spoke while adjusting the breast area of my dress. "If I was into women I'd sure as hell be checkin' you out right about now-" I threw my head back with an instant snicker as she chuckled. "And it ain't no disrespect to Journee 'cause I'd be checkin' ha ass out too."
Giggling with a soft slap to her shoulder, I shook my head. "Good to know Viv."
"You look smokin' suga-" she then pulled me into a hug, rubbing my back. "I'm happy for you."
Glad to have a friend like her, a warm smile upturned my lips once I drew back, tilting my head while she cupped my face all motherly like. Moments later, Coco then emerged from the closet with my heels, and Viv instinctively took my hand to lead me to the mirror.
"I think I wanna just go barefoot Cee," I said before she could bend down to put them on. "It ain't nothin' but sand we finna walk on."
Snapping her fingers with a nod, "you sholl right," she said. "But ain't your dress gone get dirty at the bottom?"
With a shrug, I smirked. "It's comin' off not too long afterwards anyway..."
"Ewww, nastyy-"
"TMI girl, TMI," Viv waved her hands, her face just as scrunched as Coco's. All of it made me giggle with another shrug, for not a single lie was told nonetheless. And they knew it just as much as I did.
"C'monn ladiess-" Our heads turned upon Marshall's knock on the door. "Sun's bout to set and Frank's outside waitin.'"
"Is Journee ready, Lou?" I called over my shoulder from inside the room.
"Yeah she finna walk out now."
Glancing between Viv and Coco with a nervous breath drawn, I slid my hands down my frame with a nod as they both placed a hand at my back. Ready to go, the three of us made our way to the bedroom door, with Coco picking up a bouquet of flowers from the chair on the way out.
Just as my door opened, so did hers. And not a speck of air seemed to be left in the house the moment our eyes locked.
Ambling to one another from across the upstairs hall that was guarded by a wooden rail, Journee's gaze was the first to travel down. I don't know if I'd ever not grow shy when she did that; just about undressing me with her eyes, all with a subtle shake to her head and smirk on her lips.
Our fingers soon interlaced as my gaze did the same, absorbing every inch of her in hopes that my brain could be a camera.
"Jesus you look breathtakin...'" she whispered to me, her head shaking still.
"As do you," I replied, my shoulder sheepishly shrugging in a way that made her nose adorably scrunch at me.
Hand in hand, we then walked down the steps together, with our friends behind us since everyone else was outside.
My dress was a simple satin slip gown that brushed the floor beneath my feet, and subtly hugged my frame, while exposing my entire back. The neckline plunged a bit to show just enough chest and cleavage. Then I wore my locket with dazzling gold earrings as my natural hair was straightened and loosely curled in long waves.
Journee's, on the other hand, was embroidered with white lace amongst the mesh material all over, falling past her feet as well. The sweetheart of her neckline highlighted the swell of her breasts and the glisten of her collarbone, for it was strapless and cinched at the waist.
Contrasting mine, her hair was pinned back in a low bun, with curls spiraling from it and around her face.
Beautiful wasn't even the word...
Along with the rush of the shore, blissful winds blew in our hair as we walked down the path lined with flower and rose petals, up to where Franklin stood in a suit. Everyone else was dressed rather nicely as well, for Mickey, Deja, and Ayla stood on Journee's side while Coco, Viv, and Marshall stood on mine.
Our rented vacation home resided right on the private beachfront, with not a single soul in sight for miles and miles. No vehicle honks, indistinct chatter, busied streets, or even buzz of a nearby generator could be heard anywhere near us.
How in the hell Franklin managed to hook this place up for us, I had not a single clue. But I was ever so grateful. For it all.
With the presence of the ocean and the cloud of the sand as our witness, Journee and I came to a stop before facing each other, both of us with a bouquet in our other hand. No matter how hard I tried, which wasn't hard at all apparently, I couldn't wipe the schoolgirl grin off of my face for anything. And Journee's smile was placid just the same.
Our eyes met at last, and I didn't realize I was crying until she reached up a hand to wipe a tear from my cheek with her thumb. Exhaling a laugh as she smiled, I sniffled, doing my best to hold it together.
"Everybody please hold your tears until after the ceremony," Franklin joked with a look around, having the group of us chuckle in unison. "And if y'all ready, we'll get started hm?" he then glanced between Journee and I as we responded with emotional nods.
During the entire time that he spoke and we listened, the tether between our eyes didn't wither for barely a second. I couldn't look away, and neither could she... Forever had simply never seemed so promising.
Both our hands were joined in the middle of us now, for we'd handed off our bouquets before the ceremony began.
I couldn't believe this was all real, and not a dream that had me smiling from ear to ear in my sleep. I've yet to stir awake, and I've yet to be pinched. This is real... I'm really doing this... And words couldn't dare to explain the fulfillment of my heart, the tingles along my spine, or the swoon of my stomach. I might as well have joined the clouds in the sky.
Placing the gold bands with engravings inside on one another's finger- both of our cheeks now stained of happy tears- Journee then brought my hand to her lips before Franklin continued.
"Do you, Journee, take Tiana to be your wedded wife? Will you honor and cherish her; love, trust, and commit to her, through joy and pain, sickness and health, to have and to hold, until death do you part?"
"I do," she whispered, her head tilting and a tear falling as her thumb caressed my hand.
Grinning between us, Franklin then focused his attention on me. "And do you, Tiana-"
"I do," I whispered back, smiling at her once she and our friends let out emotional laughs.
"Tee-" she pleaded with a soft giggle. And with an unserious and teary eye roll, I gave him a look.
"My bad Franky, continue..." And hurry the hell up.
Chuckling, he shook his head. "No need, we all know your answer already-" They all snickered again while I couldn't help bashfully smiling. "And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, wife and wife... You may now kiss the bride-"
His sentence was hardly over before our lips were hopelessly and breathlessly intertwined. The cheers and heartfelt laughter surrounding us seamlessly faded while the rush of the sea amplified in sound, rallying a celebration of its own.
I could feel the breeze in my hair, the last of the sun before its goodbye kissing my skin, and the pillow soft sand between my toes as my dress merged with hers in its sway amidst the wind. Although more than anything, I could feel the plush of her lips, the blazed imprint on my skin where she touched my face, the delicacy of her fingers in my hair, her body against mine as my hands fervently held her waist, and the tease of her tongue making my heart so full I feared it might explode.
Everytime I thought I was done crying, the tears would come flooding right back.
They trickled merrily down my cheeks while our hand placements switched positions. In an instant then, my breath caught within our sensual kiss once Journee pressed me desperately close into her, as if she needed the contact to survive.
I loved this woman in a way that required a new word to be invented just to describe it.
Never in a thousand years could I live without her, and suddenly even forever didn't seem like it would be long enough...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the next chapter is a bit distressing ima warn y'all now lol, but pls pls plss read til the very end, it's worth it i promisee ;)
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