To Dinner...

We resume this episode at Peyton and Aletha's house...

Aletha: Yeah, uh oh is right…who are you?


Justice: Who me? Oh, I’m just a friend of Peyton’s…a nobody.

Aletha: A nobody that calls my fiancé babycakes?

Peyton: No, he’s the same kind of nobody that your boss is.

Justice: Listen Cakes, I’ll catch you later. Think about what I said.

Justice kisses Peyton on the cheek and brushes by Aletha on his way out the door.

Justice: Uh, nice to meet you ma’am.

Aletha: Yeah, the pleasure was all yours.

Peyton: So, I’m your fiancé now? When did that happen?

Aletha: If you explain yourself out of this mess, it might happen right now.

Peyton: You know, you are so self righteous. Do you think that just because I haven’t been on you about that little tryst that you and your boss had; that I’m not hurt and annoyed by you?

Aletha: If you’re so hurt and annoyed why are you still here?

Peyton: I’m here because I love you. I’m here because both of us came into this relationship under the pretense that we wanted to be truly in love…not with just anyone but, with each other. And I’m here because I’m not a quitter.

Aletha: I, I’m sorry about Mr. Phillip. It was going on long before you and I and I just didn’t want to break it off. I didn’t know how he would react.

Peyton: What about me? First you know Greg had herpes, and you didn’t tell me. Then, I find out that you’re secretly screwing your boss? You have to understand how unscrupulous you look right now.

Aletha: First of all, I don’t have herpes, Greg does and that’s why I never told you. Second of all, I realize that I was wrong about Mr. Phillip but, I refuse to apologize on a loop. I said it more than once and I’m done.

Peyton: Okay, since we’re being so forthright, I did sleep with Justice, but, I don’t love him.

Aletha: You slept with that, that…teenager?

Peyton: He is no teenager, he’s a grown man…trust me. That isn’t the point, the point is that you’ve been so aloof, working long hours and making me feel insecure about your relationship with your boss. Justice has been here on those long, cold nights.

Aletha looks surprised.

Aletha: Okay…I deserve that. Can we just start over.

She pulls out a shinny diamond encrusted band out of her purse. She hands it to Peyton.

Peyton: You and I both know we’re not ready for this. The fact that you would even assume that this is going to solve anything makes me wonder if we’ll be ready for it anytime soon. The ink isn’t even dry on your divorce papers for God’s sake.

Aletha: Where do we go from here then?

Peyton: To dinner.

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

One Finger Up...

We resume this episode outside of Marlon and Ashlyn's wedding reception...

Patrick: Hello.


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

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

Marlon holds one finger up and walks away from Ashlyn. He steps on a rock and winces. Ashlyn stomps her foot and sucks her teeth.  She walks away frustrated.

Patrick: I don’t know what you’re talking about Marlon. Shouldn’t you be enjoying your wedding day?

Marlon: Enjoying my wedding day? Are you serious Patrick? First I hear that you’ve married Valencia, then, you send Gabrielle to hit me up for some money! You’ve dropped to surprising new lows.

Patrick: What I do in my personal life doesn’t concern you. I didn’t send Gabrielle to do anything. I have turned over a new leaf in my life and I don’t even associate with her. So, I suggest you pay more attention to your wife than to me.

Marlon: Maybe you should pay more attention to yours, she looks like she’s going to drop that baby any day now.  Poor child that baby has no idea what it's up against.

Patrick: What do you mean she looks like? You saw her?

Marlon: Yes fool! How do you think I found out about you two? She was bragging to Ashlyn right after the ceremony.

Patrick: Listen Marlon. Good luck. I have to go.

Marlon: NO! What you have to do is tell that girl that you don’t love her. Don’t ruin her life Patrick. Hello? Hello!

Dial tone……


Ring, ring, ring…

Valencia: Hello.

Patrick: You went to their wedding after I asked you not to?

Valencia: Yes, I did. I wanted to wish them well. What are you spying on me?

Patrick: Valencia, you are pregnant with my child and you’re due any day now. You could at least be honest with me and tell me where you’re going so I know that the two of you are alright.

Valencia: I’m sorry. I just wanted everyone to know that you and I are together now and that we’re happy.

Patrick: So, you go to my ex-wife and ex-partner’s wedding? How do you think that made you look…going there without me? You looked foolish and childish.

Valencia: Okay fine. You’re right. Did Gabrielle say that they would pay her?

Patrick: No, but they will….they will.



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

Baby Cakes...

It’s 7pm at Aletha and Peyton’s house. Peyton’s is boiling water for pasta. She starts chopping vegetables and tosses them into the saucepan which is full of tomato sauce. She has garlic bread in the oven and wine chilling in the freezer. When the phone rings, Peyton turns to answer it and burns her hand on the pot of boiling pasta.


Peyton: Oh God damn it!

She answers the phone.

Peyton: Uh, hello.

Aletha: Hey babe, it’s me. What’s the matter? You sound like you’re in pain.

Peyton: Oh, nothing. I just burned the hell out of my hand trying to fix dinner.

Aletha: About dinner…I…

Peyton: Let me guess…you have to work late. No, no…you have a dinner appointment…that’s right a dinner appointment. Which one is it?

Aletha: Actually, I wanted to tell you that I wanted to take you out tonight. You deserve a break after the grueling summer you’ve spent working at the zoo. You shouldn’t have to work with the animals all day only to come home and have to work like an animal too.

Peyton: Well, I feel stupid. I’m sorry, I’d love to go out with you. Let me finish things up and take a shower. I’ll be ready around 9ish. Is that okay?

Aletha: Yes angel..that’s fine. See you soon.

Peyton: See you later. Bye-bye!

Peyton drains the pasta and dumps it into the tomato sauce. She takes the bread out of the oven and wraps it in foil. She turns off the eyes on the stove and washes her hands in the sink. The warm water feels like one million needles pricking her freshly burned skin.

Peyton: Ow! Crap! Shit!

Justice: Hey, hey, what’s up with all these expletives?

Justice walks up behind Peyton and wraps his arms around her waist. She leans back into his embrace and fills her lungs with the heavy musk that is lingering in the air around him.

Peyton: Hey! Oh, It’s nothing, I burned my hand cooking. But…now that you’re awake, why don’t you take a to go plate and well…go.

Justice: Oh, it’s like that huh? Use me and abuse me! I see how you do.

Peyton: Shut up boy, I was just trying to send you off to Africa properly. Couldn’t have you going on that long trip carrying the burden off all that sexual tension now could I?

She smiles a coy and mischievous smile.

Justice: Seriously girl. I want you to reconsider this situation you’re in. I think we’d make a good pair.

Peyton: Seriously Justice, I think you had better grab this food and go! Go on now!

Justice: Alright, alright…promise you’ll think about it.

Peyton: I promise now go!

Aletha walks in the kitchen.

Aletha: You promise what? Who are you talking to?

Justice walks into the room, food and keys in hand.

Justice: Thanks for the food baby cakes I’ll… uh oh.

Aletha: Yeah, uh oh is right…who are you?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.