There was no way that I could believe that O forgot about the account he had established and maintained in my name. I’d just hoped he figured after all the turmoil he put me through, I deserved every dime and then some. He did, however, want to know of my whereabouts. Akeem had heard through the prison walls that he put word out, but nothing had come up for years. O learned from his cousin who was a friend of Akeem’s that only Akeem knew where I was and he was tight lipped about it. My father never attempted to reach out to me, furthering my fury for him.
As for me, I was a new creature. College did me very well and knowing Michelle was equally as beneficial. The first thing I had to work on was my vocabulary. Every third word out of my mouth had become one of profanity or some sort of broken idiom since my ordeal back in Jersey. My vocabulary had to be lengthened to communicate articulately with professors and other intellectual students. Being from the hood was less evident with me than most girls with the same humble beginnings. With the help of Michelle, I worked very hard to create a new identity. I wanted to disassociate myself from my past, totally. But there were still a few nasty habits that were difficult to part with.
One late May night, Michelle, April, another friend named Britni and I had gone to a club in Greensboro called Night Life. Michelle knew Britni and April from California. They somehow ended up at Duke together, so by mere association, I’d hang out with them from time to time.
I had created fashion awareness among my peers in North Carolina. If I’d learned anything in high school in Jersey it was how to dress. I wore a pair of Calvin Klein blue denims with a Louis Vuitton silk scarf, which belonged to Michelle, wrapped around my upper torso leaving my arms and shoulders exposed with a pair of gold Nine West stilettos to complement the ensemble.
I’d always been in shape growing up because of sports, but my body had formed beautifully now that hormones had taken over and weight settled in the right places. No longer did I run daily and I had begun eating more socially. I did, however exercise several times a week and was conscientious of what I ate. All of these behaviors were learned by association and taking science and nutrition courses during my tenure at school.
I loved the club and everything it brought with it. I usually sat alone quietly, absorbing the humid, smoky atmosphere. I loved it. I would order two drinks to satisfy my alcoholic appetite and just observe the other patrons who played the dance floor. I would occasionally get up to cut a move, but generally I’d survey the environment. This particular night as I sat with my back turned to half the bar, watching the dance floor while nodding my head to the rhythm, I felt someone tapping my shoulder.
It annoyed the hell out of me causing me to swivel my stoop to the individual. “Can I help you?” I hissed to the mildly handsome gentleman inappropriately attempting my attention.
“I’m sorry. Would you like to dance?” His eyes were a mix of green and hazel, and his clear caramel skin glowed even amidst the smoke clouds in the dim lighting. He had fairly handsome features from what I could make out, but I knew instantly that his exotic eyes would make up for any shortcomings his features may or may not have yielded. I’d soon learn the gentleman’s name was Tyquan.
“Why should I dance with you?” I was still perturbed by his lack of finesse.
“Well, why don’t we dance and you’ll see.” Tyquan winked. It was corny, but in a cute way.
I’d become accustomed to the guys I encountered not possessing the style and approach that I’d grown familiar with from home. I didn’t have much else going on at that time so I decided to warm up to him. I thought to myself, He’s sort of handsome and I’ve finished my drinks. Hell, ain’t nothing but herbs in here anyway. Let me get it while it’s good.
“Okay.” I grabbed his hand while rising from my seat.
As I danced with Tyquan, we got past all the formalities of names, where we were from, and the little cute jokes that guys told to break the ice.