90. A Small Flame🕯️

After leaving Zeke's room, I checked my phone that had been on silent all this time. My dad sent me a text, Monica sent me five, and Colby sent me two.

I read the texts as I walked to my bedroom.

Colby: All your appearances have been postponed until next year.

Colby: You still have a meeting with your team and Ricky, though. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Me: Thanks, Colby! You, too.

---

Dad: Baby, you looked beautiful on that float. Your mom has watched your performance a hundred times already. I wish we could see you, but we understand you have to work. We love you!

Me: LOL I miss y'all so much. Tell mama I'll try to come early January to see y'all. I love you

Dad: Okay, baby

---

Monica: Girl, you did that!!! And tell Deonte Way that you already kinda a little bit somewhat partially have a man. He was singing like he was about to marry you.

I busted out laughing at her text. Why is she like this?

Monica: Why y'all got social media on fire? People already saying you moved on to Deonte after E was spotted with another woman SMH

Monica: Oh, that's right. I'm the other woman 🤣🤣🤣

Monica: Girl, they done zoomed in on your sunglasses. Why they got his name on it?

Monica: Cousin, if you dating Deonte you NEED to tell me ASAP like RIGHT NOW

When I got to my room, I hopped on my bed and text Monica back.

Me: Dear the other woman, my business is not yo business. Perionica - that's period and your name put together. It means end of discussion. Sincerely, the first woman. P.S. Deonte and I are not dating

Monica: No you didn't try to write a letter LAME. Anyway, have you checked on your real man? If I'm seeing all this, he is too.

Me: Unlike you, A.B. has a life

Monica: Where is E so he can beat you up for me?

Me: SMH now you sending other people to fight yo battles

Monica: You lucky we in two different states. Since you got all this time to reply, why you can't call me?

Me: .....................................

Monica: What does that mean?

Me: I fell asleep on my phone. Goodniiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Monica: It ain't nowhere near night time! It's cool. Unlike you, I have a man to talk to. 🤣

Me: Sooooooooooooooo

Monica: Jealoussssssssssssssss

Me: Bye, Moni!

Monica: Bye!

I put my phone on the nightstand and rolled over onto my back. "What is life?"

Knock! Knock!

I lifted my head to see Zack standing at my door. I quickly sat up.

"You can stay in bed. I don't mean to disturb you." He walked inside my room and took a seat in my chair by the window.

Before I thought to say something smart, I sat up with my legs hanging off the side of the bed. "What brings you by?" I asked him.

"I heard there was a fire. I'm here to put it out."

I arched a brow. What is he talking about?

"This morning," he stated.

"Oh, that. It was a small fire, but it was enough to damage the stage and put us outside."

Zack nodded his head. "I saw."

I mimicked him, "You saw?"

"Yeah. You and Deonte."

I folded my arms. "Deonte and I are friends."

"Good." Zack stood up. "Are you celebrating my mom's birthday with us?"

I sighed, "I don't know, yet. I haven't discussed it with my boyfriend." I stood up and walked over to my bedroom door.

Zack walked over to me. "You know that I know you and Zeke aren't together. Everyone knows by now. If you want to talk about anything, my room isn't far away."

"I doubt you want to talk... about anything. Have a great day, Zack."

He walked out my room. "You, too."

I closed and locked the door. I can't be too comfortable around here. I walked over to my nightstand and checked my phone for the time. It was only 2:15 p.m.

I went back to my bed, debating on taking a nap. As I lied there, my mind remembered the events of today. Everything happened so fast. Now, I have nothing to do. What am I thinking? I need to be grateful for this little bit of freedom.

"Thank you, God," I said aloud.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

I thought about the Bible verse that was on the food container that Deonte's sister made for me. Then, I remembered the scripture that A.B. told me to read: Proverbs 31:29-31. Don't ask me how I remembered that.

29 "Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all."

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Now, I have an excuse to call A.B. I smiled as I put my phone to my ear.

On the second ring, he picked up. "I was just about to call you."

I smacked my lips. "No, you were not." I rested on my stomach as I moved my feet in the air.

"I was. I watched your performance about 10 times already."

I pursed my lips. "As you should."

We both laughed.

"What are you up to now?" A.B. asked me.

"Well... I just read Proverbs 31, and I have some questions."

"Shoot," A.B. told me.

I began, "Why are some Bible scriptures easier to understand than others? Like, verse 31 in Proverbs 31 is... puzzling. Can you explain that part to me?"

"Yes, ma'am. One of the many things that I love about the Word is the different writing styles. There's a lot of literary devices used like similes and metaphors; foreshadowing and symbolism. This is shown through poetry, songs, and letters. I was only able to learn that after reading the Bible for myself. One of the most important things to remember when reading the Bible is the context. My question to you is have you read the whole chapter?"

I sighed, "Nope."

"I can read it to you."

"I'm listening."

A.B. read the entire chapter of Proverbs 31. It was about the advice a mother gave to her son.

"Wow. That's really beautiful. So in a nutshell, it's about the qualities of a good woman, a woman who fears God. Specifically, verse 31 is saying she'll be rewarded in Heaven for it."

"You catch on quick."

I smiled, "Yes, I do. However, you think you're slick, sir."

He asked me, "What did I do?"

I shook my head. "His mother doesn't seem too happy with how her son is acting in those first nine verses. She sounds disappointed like 'son, what are you doing? You're supposed to be a grown man, handling your business, but you out here acting like you don't have any sense.' Then, she goes from how he needs to open his mouth and stand up for what's right. Then, bam! 'I want some grandbabies; therefore, this is what to look for in a wife.' Mr. Bravos, is this what your mother had to tell you in the past?"

A.B. lightly laughed, "What? I didn't know where you were going with that, but to answer your question. My mother did not have to tell me to stand up for what's right."

I squinted my eyes as I thought on how to ask my next question. "Can you tell me who A.B. was before he got saved?"

A.B. answered, "Yes. I was immature. I had a bad temper, and I fought a lot. I was living like a... a smart dummy. I didn't take life too seriously, and I never had anyone dependable around me as far as friends go. I always thought I was the smartest person in the room, and nobody could tell me anything. I played good at living a double life, too. Around my family and my mom, I was respectful and could do no wrong. Anybody else was gonna get manipulative, condescending, and arrogant Jace. I demanded respect and never bit my tongue."

"Sir, I'm scared."

A.B. reassured me, "Jamie, I'm not that person anymore."

"I know it's your past, but now I'm wondering what was wrong with your ex for calling you boring."

A.B. said, "I met her after I got saved. Honestly, I was like a Pharisee and very judgmental at the start of my journey. I was saying no to everything. I would often say 'a little leaven leavens the whole lump,' but I was using it to support my legalistic ways. I shouldn't have been in a relationship at that time to be honest."

"Did she cheat on you or did she leave you before dating your friend?"

"I believe they were talking while we were together. After she broke up with me, a week later, she and my business partner got married and moved."

I shook my head. "I'm sorry that happened to you, but I'm so glad they're no longer in your life."

A.B. admitted, "At first, I was hurt and upset about it. After a month or so, I went back to God's Word. During that time, I was able to get rid of that religious belief and allow the Holy Spirit to work in me. He changed my heart and helped me make a decision. I talked to my uncle about moving to East Grove, and he said I could work at his store or learn the operation of it to give me something to do while I figure things out."

I smiled, "And then you met me."

"No, I met Jamie Sawyer. I met Jae A.B. later."

"Ha-ha-ha. Very funny." I sighed, "So, you went from an American gangster to a modern day nerd?"

A.B. laughed, "Is that what you think of me?"

"Have you seen your room full of books? Like, there's no way you're a nerd." I spoke sarcastically. "Nah, I'm joking. You're definitely Stefan and not Steve Urkel."

"You know I like that you can joke and have fun, but it's fascinating how when I kiss you, you have nothing to say."

No, he didn't! I flared my nose. "Umm, we are not talking about that. We are talking about the Bible."

A.B. disagreed, "Woman, I was telling you about my past, and you called me a nerd."

"When you get here next week, you are not allowed to kiss me."

"I can do that as long as you tell Deonte Way the same thing."

What was going on? Why is everyone mentioning Deonte?

A.B. chuckled, "He was singing to you like you were his girl."

"Then, why did you watch it 10 times," I asked him.

"I watched your solo performance 10 times."

I chuckled, "Like I said, you are not allowed to kiss my lips, sleep in my bed, hold my hand, or go out on dates, because last time I checked we are not together."

A.B. retorted, "How else will I keep your mind occupied on me?"

I gasped, "Sir, you got one more time to say something crazy. I will tell God on you."

"God knows my heart, my thoughts, and the plans he has for me. You won't be telling him anything new. I just pray our future lives are aligned."

Then, he goes and says something so sweet. "You make me sick, A.B.! I can't wait to see you."

"I'll bring the medicine. I can't wait to see you, beautiful."

His voice. His words. I was blushing way too much.

We talked for another hour. It would've been longer, but he had to work. He threatened to tell my parents that he lived in my apartment if I didn't hang up first. I was definitely not following Erma's advice. A.B. was conquering this relationship. I don't even know what kind of relationship it is. I just hope it doesn't continue on like this.