Wednesday, July 28, 2010

What is Going on With You Marlon?

We resume this episode at Marlon and Ashlyn's reception...

Marlon: Is this thing on? Hey everybody, I hope you’re having a good time. I just wanted to tell my beautiful bride, Ashlyn, that I love her and I’m so honored to be her husband. You are the air that I breathe baby.


Ashlyn begins to cry as she approaches the band stand. She takes the microphone.

Ashlyn: I love you too Patrick!

People in the crowd gasp. Ashlyn is initially surprised at their reaction then, she realizes what she has done and covers her mouth with her hands. Her eyes become large as they well up with tears. She is truly embarrassed. Marlon takes the microphone and says…

Marlon: Hey baby, I told you to only call me Patrick when we’re alone.

The crowd laughs as though they believe the incident was planned. Marlon hugs Ashlyn tight and whispers in her ear.

Marlon: What the hell was that?

Ashlyn: Valencia is Mrs. Patrick Crixus now and we were just talking about that before I came up here!

Marlon ends the hug and searches the crowd for Valencia. He speaks into the microphone…

Marlon: We want to thank you all for coming to share our special day with us. Please enjoy the food, drinks and music!

They both leave the bandstand and sit at the lovebird’s table. Their food has already been prepared for them. They sit down and start eating.

Ashlyn: I am really sorry you know. I just couldn’t believe she would do something so stupid!

Marlon: Yeah, she’s officially off of her rocker. But, don’t let their drama ruin our day.

Gabrielle approaches their table dressed in a floor length cream dress holding a gold box.

Gabrielle: Why hello you two. I just wanted to drop-in and bring you all a little something from Silver records. You know KAMA does all of our events and we simply couldn’t let the owner slash Executive Chef get married and not bring him and his new bride a gift! It’s a romance bundle complete with candles, scented oils, chocolates, a spa gift certificate and a copy of our newest artist, Wesley’s LP.

Marlon: That’s funny, I simply couldn’t have imagined our wedding day with you as a guest. Speak of the damn devil and the saints appear! So, are you here to spy with Valencia? Did Patrick send some henchmen to ruin our day?

Ashlyn: Baby remember what you JUST said? Gabrielle, thank you for the gift. Would you care to stay for a drink?

Gabrielle: Uh, no dear. I would however care for my 40% of your now combined estate. Was that not the deal Marlon?

Marlon gives Gabrielle a cold stare.

Ashlyn: Bitch please! I tried to be cordial but, you have 2.2 seconds to get the hell out of here or I will personally jump down your throat, tap dance on your tonsils and make it so they’ll have to give you a whistle to communicate!

Gabrielle: Such hostility isn’t good for your spirit Ashlyn. You all will be hearing from me.

Gabrielle picks up Marlon’s champagne, drinks the entire glass and slams it down on the table. She places her clutch under her arm and walks away.  Marlon walks towards the grassy space outside of the tent.  Ashlyn gets up and follows him.  He is fumbling with his phone and doesn't notice that she's trailing him.  Ashlyn stops short of going outside and comforting him.  She sits at a nearby table feigning a conversation with some guests.

Marlon's phone begins to dial someone.
Ring, ring, ring.

Patrick:  Hello.

Marlon:  You married Valencia?  What is going on with you Patrick?

Ashlyn:  No!  What is going on with YOU MARLON!?!

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Misty Blue

Hi Journal,

I know it's been a while since I've written in these pages and honestly, I've paid a heavy price for the absence.  My whole world has changed and I'm feeling like a different woman more and more everyday. I am becoming so carefree and bold. Just yesterday I saw an old friend at the grocery store and she didn't recognize me.  It seems as though even my face and skin have changed...

I really wanted to vent about Aletha.  I can't believe she would just blatently lie in front of her boss.  She tried to make it seem like they weren't fooling around but, I know the sex face when I see it. I've obviously been a fool to believe that she only wanted to be with me.  I just assumed that she was taking as big of an emotional risk as I was.  Maybe she's emotionally bankrupt.  It's been three weeks and she and I have still not talked about the situation that occured in her office that day.  I guess I just don't want to know what is really going on.  I've hinged all my hopes and desires on this relationship and if it fails, I just don't think I would make it.

I stopped by my homeboy's house and smoked a blunt with him.  It felt good to just get high and allow myself to feel nothing for a while.  He and I talked about school and what our future plans were.  He's going to Nigeria to work with the AIDS Elimination program. I told him I was proud of him and he started teasing me about being a Black vetrenarian and then...we kissed.  I didn't feel bad either.  I started taking off my clothes and I had sex with him like I had never been taught the meaning of modesty.  When it was over...I just put on my clothes and we started smoking again.  Misty Blue was playing on the radio and I couldn't help but think that, that's how my life is right now...misty blue.

Until next time...
Peyton

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I Love You Too Patrick!

We resume our episode at the wedding of Ashlyn and Marlon Jamison…


Ashlyn: Okay baby, I'll catch up in a minute! Wait girl…is that a ring on your finger? Are you engaged? Drexel is making it official! I see you Ms. Thang!

Valencia: Actually I’m married.

Ashlyn: What! Y’all are quick!

Valencia: Yeah, it’s Mrs. Crixus now.

Ashlyn: Are you serious Valencia? Mrs. Crixus?

Valencia: Yes, I’m serious. He’s the father of my child and he loves me.

Ashlyn: He loves you? No, he loves himself! What happened to Drexel?

Ashlyn looks around to see if anyone is listening to their conversation. She leans in closer and lowers her voice.

Valencia: Patrick sent a note of apology to our house addressed to me and Drexel read it. He told me to get out and I went to Patrick’s house. I had no where else to go. It turned out to be the best thing I could have done.

Ashlyn: You are looking for a world of heartache and trouble. I married him on a whim. You married him knowing who he is and what he is capable of. If he hurts you, you asked for it. How could you do this to Drexel?

Valencia: Don’t lecture me! You married his ex-lover; a man that was trying to extort you and leave you penny-less. For all you know, he could have married you to get to your money.

Ashlyn: You had better be thankful to God for being pregnant. Otherwise, I would slap the taste out of your mouth. Now if you’ll excuse me I have my husband and my guests to tend to.

Valencia: Listen, I didn’t come here to start any mess. I came to wish you well and I’ve done that. I don’t want there to be any bad blood between us.

Ashlyn: You’re right. I’m sorry, you can do what you want. Everyone deserves the right to be happy. Just be careful.

The music stops abruptly and there is the piercing noise of back feed from the microphone. Marlon is holding the microphone.

Marlon: Is this thing on? Hey everybody, I hope you’re having a good time. I just wanted to tell my beautiful bride Ashlyn that I love her and I’m so honored to be her husband. You are the air that I breathe baby.

Ashlyn begins to cry as she approaches the band stand. She takes the microphone.

Ashlyn: I love you too Patrick!

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

You Need a Manager

Tasha is sitting at a circular table covered with a fuchsia table cloth and a burnt orange taffeta overlay. The chair that she is sitting in is covered with a white chair cover and tied with a burnt orange sash with a large fuchsia peony blossom tucked in the folds of the bow. There is a large golden candelabra in the middle of the table with cd cases bearing the couples monogram at every place setting. The cutlery has an antique brass finish and each plate is clear glass with a golden rim. The soft candle light dances on top of the glass creating an illusion of a diamond sparkling in the light of the sun. The place cards are written on a thick parchment with the attendee’s names in calligraphy. Even the table number is prominently displayed on parchment in ornate calligraphy.



Tasha is very proud of herself. She pulled together every detail. She takes a moment to drink in the sight of what is to be her reception décor and turns toward the kitchen to ready the meal.


Wesley walks in the apartment and drops his briefcase at the door. He loosens his tie and throws his blazer across the banister of the stairs. He does this all while talking on the phone.

Wesley: I am not going to do that! Tell Gabrielle that I will do a showcase after our honeymoon and not a day before! This is not up for debate damn it!

He hangs up the phone and proceeds to walk to the kitchen. He pauses when he sees the spread in the living room. He is amazed at how beautiful it is. Tasha emerges from the kitchen.

Tasha: You hungry baby?

Wesley: Oh my God baby! This is beautiful. Is this what you planned for the reception?

Tasha: Yeah. Do you really like it? We can change it around if you don’t I mean…

Wesley: No, no my love. Keep it just the way it is. I can’t believe I’m marrying such a dynamic woman. Look at all this. And you’re feeding me too?

Tasha: Well, I’ve got to take care of my man. Now, let’s eat.

Wesley: Okay so, what’s this?

Tasha: This is called a summer salad with mixed greens, artichokes, olives, feta, red onions and cherry tomatoes. The dressing is balsamic vinaigrette.

Wesley puts his napkin in his lap and digs into the salad. The food tastes great and he is impressed.

Wesley: So, I talked to Gabrielle’s assistant today and told her that I can’t do the showcase until after the honeymoon.

Tasha: Good for you baby. I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself. You know I’ve been thinking…you need a manager.

Wesley: Yeah, I have it in my contract that I can perform anywhere I choose whenever I choose but, I haven’t been booking anything because I can’t manage teaching summer school, wedding plans and booking shows.

Tasha: Well, that’s why you need a manager and I know just the person…me. I gave the community center my two week notice.

Wesley: You did what?

Tasha: I gave them my two week notice. I sensed that you needed me baby and we’d make a good team.

Wesley: Listen Tasha, when I need your help, I’ll ask for it. This is my career and I don’t need you trying to tie yourself to my rocket so you can blow up with me. You need your own thing. The last thing I need is you sabotaging my situation at Silver Records.

Tasha: Excuse me? Tie myself to your rocket? You had better deflate that big ass head of yours before I do it for you! Why are you afraid that I would jeopardize your relationship with Silver huh? Is it Silver you’re worried about or Gabrielle? Tell me now before we go any further with this whole marriage thing.

Wesley gets up and walks up the stairs to their bedroom. Tasha follows behind him.

Tasha: I said tell me Wesley!

Wesley: Get out of my face Tasha.

Tasha: No! What are you going to do huh? I’m all in your face! Now what? Answer me!

Wesley: I said get out of my face! Just leave me alone!

Tasha thumps Wesley in the head and pushes him.

Tasha: You are so full of yourself Wesley! You could have just said that you didn’t think it was a good idea. Now I see that you are obviously feeling Gabrielle!

Wesley pushes her and she hits her head on the corner of their dresser. Tasha’s forehead is bleeding and she starts to cry.

Wesley: Oh Shit! I’m so sorry baby…oh my God. I’m sorry.

Tasha (crying): You are sorry Wesley. But, not as sorry as you’re going to be.

Tasha rushes down the stairs, grabs her purse and her keys.

Wesley: Where are you going?

Tasha: Get out of my way Wesley! I’m going to get away from you!

Tasha slams the door and goes to her car. She sits in the parking lot and looks at her forehead in the rearview mirror. She cranks the car, and opens her cell phone.

Ring, ring, ring…

Gabrielle: Gabrielle Silver speaking.

Tasha: Gabby this is Tasha. We need to talk….

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Season Two Premiere..."Two Weddings and a Heartbreak"

It is a busy day at CraveMag. Pamela Jones a renowned author and poet will be on the August cover and the entire magazine staff is a buzz. Aletha is overseeing all the details. She is in what she likes to call “power mode”. She has created a strict timeline for the photo shoot and interview. She is shouting orders to the interns from her office.


Aletha: Carroway! Carroway!

Carol Leigh: My name is Carol Leigh. How can I help you?

Aletha: Oh, I’m sorry. Carol Leigh, how long have you been interning for me?

Carol Leigh: 3 months Mrs. Hill.

Aletha: Would you like to fill the vacant Assistant position here at CraveMag?

Carol Leigh: I would love to!

Aletha: Well, correct me again and you will never get the chance. Now, I need you to go down to the green room and ensure that Ms. Jones’ requirements have been met. Here is a copy of her rider. Make sure that nothing is left off of that list.

Carol Leigh mumbles something under her breath.

Aletha: That had better be a prayer that you’re mumbling! Close my door!

Carol Leigh gently closes the door and runs off to complete her task. Aletha hears the door knob turn as she is looking out the window.

Aletha: I said close my door!

Peyton: So, “power mode” has you this worked up? I don’t want to see “super power mode”!

Aletha: Oh, my God baby. What are you doing here? I can’t meet you for lunch today. Pamela Jones will…

Peyton: I know, she’ll be here tomorrow and you’ve got so much to do. That’s why I brought some sushi and miso soup for you. I’m actually on my way to the zoo.

Aletha walks over and kisses Peyton.

Aletha: I forgot all about the zoo! I’m so excited it for you…my little Black vet.

Aletha’s boss Mr. Phillip walks into her office. He is a very handsome man in his mid 40s. He has dark olive skin, grey eyes and wavy salt and pepper hair. He stands about 6’ 6” tall with a muscular build and a wide toothy smile.

Mr. Phillip: Well, Ms. Hill, who have we here? Is there an animal feature in the August issue?

Peyton smiles because she is wearing her Cravencrest Zoo Hospital lab jacket.

Peyton: No, I’m Peyton, I’m Aletha’s…

Aletha: Good friend! Yes, she’s a very good friend who was kind enough to stop by and bring a weary soul some lunch.

Peyton looks at Aletha with disbelief. Her feelings are hurt.

Mr. Phillip: I see. Well isn’t that sweet? Ms. Hill, I was just stopping by to make sure you were and I were still on for dinner. I miss my favorite dinner companion.

Peyton: Well, that’s my cue, I’ll leave you two lovebirds to discuss your dinner plans.

Mr. Phillip: Okay, it was nice meeting you!

Aletha:  Peyton...wait!

Peyton walks out and slams the door. She walks to the elevator and breaks down in tears.

********************

It is 8:45pm and the sun is creating a colorful light show in the sky as it makes room for the moon. The air is thick with the scent of magnolia flowers that have been bathing in the summer heat. Paper bag luminaries are placed in the plush grass in the shape of a circle. Fire torches are lined up to create an aisle leading to the circle of warmth. Fire flies are dancing on the slight night breeze creating an atmosphere of subtle passion and overt romance. Marlon and Ashlyn are standing in the midst of this beauty.


Marlon is dressed in a cream, French cuffed shirt with a cream linen vest, golden pocket square, cream linen pants and bare feet. Ashlyn is wearing a golden lace, mermaid style dress with a deep dip in the back. The underlay is nude making it appear as though she is swathed in gold. Her hair is swept up in a bun with tendrils falling on her face. She is wearing small pearl studs and minimal make-up.


Their 25 guests are seated around them all dressed in hues of cream and gold.


After the couple exchanges vows and lights the unity candle they share a loving embrace. As the 6 piece band begins to play “One in a Million” the couple kisses and walks down the aisle.


Everyone is holding sparklers as the ceremony space is converted into a reception space. The bar is open and all in attendance are lively and excited for the newly weds.

Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge: Congratulations!

The four of them embrace.

Mrs. Talmadge: Please take care of baby chick. She’s been through so much and I just want happiness for her.

Marlon: I promise.

Mr. Talmadge: Son, I’ve grown to like you a lot. But, I’ll kill you if you hurt baby chick.

Marlon: Yes sir I understand.

Mr. Talmadge: No seriously…I will have you killed.

Ashlyn: Daddy!

Marlon: You both have my complete and undying respect and love. I promise I will be the best husband for Ashlyn. I give you my word. God brought her to me and I will do everything I can to keep her happy.

Ashlyn looks down at her ring and back at Marlon..it still hasn't sunk in that she is Mrs. Jamison.

Valencia: Congratulations Mrs. Jamison!

Ashlyn: Thank you girl! How have you been? I haven’t seen you since you left the shop. How is that bun in there?

Valencia: Well, Sophie will be here in a month and a half. She’s a kicker so, mommy is ready for her to come out!

Marlon: Excuse me ladies, I’m going to say hello to some of our guests.

Valencia:  Oh, okay...congrats again Marlon.

Ashlyn: Okay baby, I'll catch up in a minute! Wait girl…is that a ring on your finger? Are you engaged? Drexel is making it official! I see you Ms. Thang!

Valencia: Actually I’m married.

Ashlyn: What! Y’all are quick!

Valencia: Yeah, it’s Mrs. Crixus now.

Copyright © 2010 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.