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    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad

    Drama!! Oh Drama!!

    By Najya Yasirah


    Chapter 25- Reyjah, Ask J-Lo If You Can Borrow Her Body Glue!!



    Reyjah gave herself one final look in the mirror. The soft-cerulean organza dress fit her like a glove. The neckline was plunging and the crystal straps tied around her neck.  The back was very low and the train was longer than usual. “I hope a breeze doesn’t blow,” she said sitting down to fasten her crystal Jimmy Choo stilettos. Derrick had put her hair in a French roll with loose curls.  He decorated it with crystal combs. She managed to find Sheila’s invisible diamond necklace. “Sheila’s been looking for this thing, for a while,” said Reyjah to herself. “Oooops.” Reyjah’s room still hadn’t been cleaned. “Where the heck is my ring?” she asked. She searched her bathroom and underneath her bed. “Well, that sucks,” she said. Her phone rang. “Hello?” “Bell, I’m outside your house,” said Antoine. Reyjah sighed. She threw on her matching wrap and picked up her clutch. Maybe I can just hide my hand all night, she thought as she walked downstairs to meet her possible doom.

    Look at my Ant, she thought. Antoine had gained more muscle since training with Arianna and Salvador. His hair was healthy  and shiny again, thanks to Sheila, on those days when Reyjah was preoccupied. As he stood outside the limo for her, he smiled brightly. Wearing a black Dolce and Gabanna tuxedo complete with cuff links, his whole presence seemed divine. Reyjah’s knees almost buckled when she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.  The Bigalows, Midori, Sheila, and Derrick were already in the limo. “Arianna , Akilah and Salvador are already at Giovanni’s,” said Sheila, who was dressed in lilac. Her red and black-streaked hair had been curled in tight spirals. Antoine held Reyjah’s hand as they sat down. The chauffeur closed  the door. “Ms. Holden is there, too,” replied Midori who looked very cute in a fuschia chiffon number.  Leave it to Midori to bust out with the bright , exotic colors. “I found out what was wrong with Darlene,” said Kate Bigelow, who was dressed in royal blue satin. “I did this lady’s weave today; she works at a mental institution over in San Bernadino. She said that Darlene is bi-polar, and obsessive-compulsive.” “They got the ‘bi’ part right,” said Derrick, who looked GQ in his gray Versace dinner suit.  “Not to mention the obsessive,” said Deuce. He leaned his head on his wife’s shoulder. Sheila looked at Reyjah’s hand. “Reyjah, where’s your..” Reyjah gave her a look. “Watch?” said Sheila. Good cover. “Oh, it’s in my purse,” said Reyjah. She exhaled softly. Please don’t let this night go wrong, she thought. “Damn, if y’all don’t smell like hair salon!” she said.
    “Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you, Giovanni’s shining star, Ms. Reyjah Bennett!” Reyjah bowed, and Mr. Giovanni  gave her the microphone. “Thank you,” she said to the audience. “I really, really, need to thank God tonight. These past few weeks have been nothing but DRAMA.” “She ain’t lying,” said Arianna.  She was glowing in an olive-green one-shoulder satin/organza dress that did wonders with her skin.  Salvador sat beside her. “You two amaze me,” he said. He kissed Arianna on the cheek. Akilah wore a simple black sheath with an asymmetrical hem. Derrick had straw set her bob into teeny, tight curls. “Dynamic duo,” she said as she gulped her champagne. “It just goes to show that when people tell you the worst, God will make it the best.” The audience agreed. “I have to thank my friends at Sha-Hair-Azad; you all have really been thorns in my side. To my personal trainer, Arianna, who incidentally has a pretty good vocal ranges.” “You sing?” said Salvador. Arianna covered her face in mock embarrassment. “It’s okay, I’ll find out tonight,” he said. “Sssshhhh!” said Arianna. “Freaks,” Midori joked. “Ms. Holden like you said, your boobies may be fake, but your heart is definitely real,” said Reyjah. “Ms. Holden, you got implants?” asked Sheila. “Akilah, for her ‘hidden talent’.” “I’ll drink to that!” said Akilah. “And . importantly, my baby, Antoine, for sticking by me, even though I was a dumbass at times..I love you so much!” Antoine smiled. “Okay, I’m gonna sing…Eric?” Reyjah motioned for Eric, her favorite waiter. They sang “Endless Love” remade by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey:

    Endless Love: Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey
    Written by Lionel Richie


    My Love, there's only you in my life The only thing that right My first Love Yeah Your every breath that I take Your every step I take And I,
    I want to share all my love with you No one else will do, you know And you eyes They tell me how much you care, oh yes You will always be
    My Endless Love
    Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one Our lives has just begun And forever, I'll hold you close in my arms I can't resist your charms And I, I'll be a fool for you I'm sure, you know I don't mind Oh you know I don't mind Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby You mean the world to me I know,
    I found in you
    My Endless Love
    Yeah, yeah, yeah Do, do. Do, do, do, do Wo wo In love I'll be that fool for you I'm sure, that you know I don't mind Oh yeah, yeah, yes You'll be the only one 'Cause no, no one can deny This love I have inside And I'll give it all to you My Love, my Love, my Love My Endless Love My Love



    Reyjah had tears streaming down her face as she sung. “that was for you, Ant,” she said over the standing ovation. Antoine wiped away a tear as he clapped. “Awww, ain’t she the sweetest thing?” said Akilah as she nudged Antoine. “Yes, she is,” he agreed. “Thanks Eric,” said Reyjah as she hugged her friend. “For you, Bellissima, anything.”

    Tales From Sha-Hair-Azad - Chapter 26