All That and a Bag of Chips

by Darrien Lee

  Venice asked, “What’s wrong with you, Chanelle?”

  “Let’s go. I’m kind of tired so I want to get back and take a nap before the show.”

  Venice noticed Chanelle was a little short with her. When they got in Venice’s car, she asked again, “Chanelle, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

  Chanelle put her hand on Venice’s hand to prevent her from starting the car. “Venice, I’m late for my period.”

  Venice didn’t know what to say as Chanelle burst into tears. “I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, and when Jeremy called me today, I almost started crying.”

  Venice tried to remain calm. “Have you thought about buying a home pregnancy test?”

  “I’m too scared! In a way, I want to know and in a way, I don’t want to know. Venice, what am I going to do!”

  “Does Spoonie know?”

  “No way!”

  “Don’t worry, Chanelle. Everything’s going to work out. I really believe you’re fine, but you can’t get yourself upset like this. You’re throwing your body chemistry off.”

  Chanelle agreed and the two left for the mall. When they got there, they got their minds off the problem and ended up having fun picking out homecoming outfits. Venice told Chanelle she wanted something new to wear to the concert also, but couldn’t decide if she wanted a skirt or pants.

  Chanelle thought it would be nice to wear a long skirt outfit for the concert and then get a pants outfit for the game. Venice was feeling the suggestion and picked out a straight skirt with a sheer overlay. It was a beautiful red with a short jacket. Venice already had shoes to match the outfit so that would save her a little money.

  Chanelle picked out a short set with a double-breasted jacket. It was gray with the white pin stripes. Chanelle’s muscular legs would definitely compliment the outfit with gray pantyhose and shoes.

  The two friends continued through the mall before deciding to stop for a snack. They both ordered pizza and Coke.

  Once they sat down, Venice said, “Chanelle, no matter how this turns out, don’t look down on yourself. Accidents happen and I know you didn’t mean for it to go down like this.”

  “I know. I’m just going to have to pray about it and leave it in the hands of the Lord. I’ll tell you this. If I’m able to get out of this crisis, I won’t ever take that kind of chance again. Oh, Venice! Jarvis called me last night.”

  “What did he want?”

  “You.”

  “What did he say?”

  “He said he feels like he’s losing you and he doesn’t know how to deal with it. He asked me if you were serious about Craig.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “I told him that I didn’t want to get in the middle of this, but that I do know that you love him and miss him.”

  Venice grew sad. “What did he say?”

  “He said that he didn’t know what he would do if he lost you. He realizes you like Craig, but doesn’t know how serious it is.”

  “I really need to see him, Chanelle. He’s my heart and I love him so much. I don’t want to lose him either. I can’t help it that Craig is so nice. This whole situation is a trip, but I can’t see Jarvis like I want to. He said he understood.”

  Chanelle said, “Venice, he probably said he understood, but his heart doesn’t. I don’t want to see any of you hurt, but this love triangle is eventually going to fall apart. I hate to see who’s left standing. Craig must be hitting it correctly, because I’ve never seen you confused about Jarvis before.”

  “Chanelle, it’s not about the sex. Craig’s just wonderful.”

  They held each other’s hand for a moment, then decided it was time to go.

  Nineteen

  It was concert night. Venice and Craig arrived early enough to get great seats. Craig knew Tamia was going to be looking good and Venice knew that Levert was going to have it going on also.

  The concert lasted about three hours and then sadly it was over. A lot of the concertgoers were headed to after parties, but Venice and Craig decided to go out for drinks and then head back home since it was a school night.

  They went to a local restaurant and ordered appetizers and drinks. Galen and Sidney came in later. Craig invited them to join their table. After eating and sharing many laughs together, Galen and Sidney had to leave so that he could make curfew. Venice and Craig also decided it was time to go.

  They arrived back at the house at about eleven-thirty. Craig, once again, told Venice he had a few more drawings to work on before morning. She solemnly told him goodnight and went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Craig lit candles around the room so that he didn’t have to turn on bright lights that might disturb her sleep. His drawing table had a small lamp on it so he wouldn’t have to strain his eyes. He had another drawing table downstairs, but preferred to stay close to her.

  When Venice reentered the room after taking her shower and saw the candles, she thought they gave the room a nice relaxing mood and the aroma was breathtaking. Craig had put on some soft jazz, which he liked to work by.

  Venice expressed how much she liked the candles. “I love the candles. Just make sure you don’t fall asleep before blowing them out.”

  “You’re right, or it’ll really be hot up in here.”

  They both laughed and Venice retired to bed, leaving Craig up to work.

  “Is the music too loud?”

  “No, it’s just right. Thanks for asking.”

  It wasn’t long before Venice drifted off to sleep.

  It was about one forty-five when Venice woke for no apparent reason. She opened her eyes to discover Craig on the computer with his back to her. She eased out of the bed and slowly crept toward him. Craig didn’t realize she was there until she draped her arms around his neck and kissed it. He stopped working and pulled her around in front of him.

  Venice straddled his lap and asked, “What are you doing up?”

  Craig wrapped his strong arms around her body and gave her a kiss on the neck. She began massaging his shoulders and said, “It’s late. Don’t you think you need to get some sleep? I miss you.”

  Craig looked into her desire-filled eyes, then traced his finger up her thigh. He laid his head against her chest and let out a deep breath. Venice could tell he was tired so she continued to gently massage his neck and shoulders as she felt his hands roam over her soft body. The heat she felt was so intense, she started to perspire. She looked into his eyes and, without saying a word, he started unsnapping her shirt. Once he opened her shirt and revealed the picturesque body he’d missed, he kissed her, then hungrily took her nipple into his mouth. Venice closed her eyes and shivered to the dance of his tongue around her swollen nubs. Venice tightened her grip as he ran his hands and mouth over her entire body. Getting up from the chair, he carried her over to the bed and laid down upon her. They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment.

  Craig said, “Taylor, you feel wonderful, baby. I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you missing me.”

  “I’m leaving it in the past, Taylor.”

  Venice saw the desire in his eyes and knew in her heart, this man loved her.

  With her arms around his neck, she licked his earlobe and whispered, “Come on, baby.”

  “Hold that thought.”

  Reaching into his nightstand, he pulled out a foil package to protect her. He crawled back over to her and once again ran his tongue over her entire body. Venice felt extremely relaxed. She arched her back when Craig’s tongue played with her navel. Finally, he pushed her thighs apart with his knee and positioned himself above her. His dark gaze met hers again as he covered her lips with his. She began to breathe heavier and felt her heart pounding in her chest as Craig slowly began to push himself deep into her.

  It had been a long awaited pleasure, so he made sure he took it slow as he entered into her moist body. She wrapped her legs around his tight physique as he began to push his body in and out of hers. Venice moaned even louder as his
breathing got heavier. The dark, curly hair on his chest was no match for Venice’s tongue as she licked at his nipples. He sucked in air when the warm tip of her tongue met his chest.

  Craig rolled over and positioned her above him as he moved his hands underneath her, stroking her softly and intimately. His strong hands pulled her even tighter to him as his fingers danced in and out of her love. When Venice sat on top of him, their gazes locked on each other momentarily.

  “Taylor, I-I want…I need you so bad.”

  “Sh-h-h, just make love to me, baby.”

  Craig rolled her over on her back and kissed her with his probing tongue; tasting, exploring. Venice met his thrusts. They became more intense each time he pushed in and out of her trembling body. Craig gripped her hips tightly and began to call out her name. First in whispers, then in screams.

  “Venice…Baby! Oh! Venice!”

  Craig buried his face into her neck as he shuddered to a halt inside her warm thighs. Salty tears ran down her cheeks as he stroked them away while kissing her on the neck, ears, and lastly, her soft lips.

  Venice thought that Craig was definitely all that. He made love to her so powerfully, yet tenderly, which made her body feel like it was on fire. She pulled him tightly to her and buried her face into his warm neck. She could still smell the masculine scent he’d showered with earlier mixed with the scent of their love and it was heavenly. Venice woke up a couple of hours later and laid there watching Craig sleep. She realized that she’d almost lost him after her rendezvous with Jarvis. She was still unsure about which one of them she really wanted to be with. She realized many men wouldn’t want a woman who’d slept with another man. Especially, if they weren’t seeing anyone else on the side. For a moment, she wondered what Jarvis might be doing.

  Venice was awakened by Craig stroking her lower back in the morning. She was lying on her stomach, but she soon turned to face him.

  He gave her a morning breath kiss. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning to you, Bennett.”

  “Nice tattoo.”

  Venice really didn’t know how to respond, except to say, “Thanks. Looks like we’re going to be late for class.”

  Craig remained motionless. “I can’t believe you have his name tattooed on your body. You must…really…never mind.”

  Craig got up out the bed and went into the bathroom to shower. Venice could see that the tattoo had shaken him up a little bit. She waited for him to come out and said, “Craig…I don’t want to have to keep on explaining my relationship with Jarvis to you. I told you what was up and I still want to be with you.”

  Craig looked at her without emotion. “We really need to get to class.”

  She showered and got dressed, but before they left the house, he pulled her close and said, “I’m sorry I was trippin’ earlier. That tattoo just caught me off guard. I didn’t see it the last time we were together. I’m sorry.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. I should’ve told you about the tattoo. I forget it’s there.”

  “Forget it, Venice. Just don’t take too long getting back over here this evening.”

  “Why? You gonna have something for me?”

  He smiled as he pulled her to his body and whispered in her ear, “I love you, Venice LaShawn Taylor.”

  Venice blushed. “I love you too, Bennett. I’ll see you later.”

  Before letting her go, he gave her a kiss, licking her bottom lip before his tongue dove in. Venice felt lightheaded as he finally took his lips off hers. She had to steady herself for a moment before realizing that he’d actually taken her breath away.

  “Are you all right, Venice?”

  “Of course not! You just took my breath away…in more ways than one.”

  “You took my breath away the moment I laid eyes on you.”

  Their embraced lingered in silence as they stared into each other’s eyes. Craig felt himself growing as his body pressed firmly against hers.

  Finally, he said, “We’d better go before we start something we’ll have to finish and we really don’t need to miss class.”

  “I know you’ll give me a rain check.”

  “Unlimited supply, Taylor. Unlimited.”

  It was hard to release her embrace, but somehow she managed. They left off in separate cars to class…late.

  As Venice drove to campus, she called Chanelle on her cell phone. After two rings, Chanelle answered, “Hello.”

  “Hey, girl, how are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay. My first class isn’t until nine-thirty. What time is it now?”

  Venice glanced at her watch. “It’s about seven-fifty.”

  Chanelle asked, “Aren’t you going to be late for your class?”

  “Yeah, girl, but I don’t care!”

  “So I guess you had a good night.”

  “Yes, ma’am! I can hardly walk.”

  “Dang! My man Jarvis has some serious competition.”

  “Don’t say that, Chanelle.”

  “Why not? It’s true. You don’t know which one you want.”

  “Girl, you know I’m in love with Jarvis. But, Craig takes my breath away. I love him, but it’s a different love. It’s hard to describe.”

  “I feel you, girlfriend, and I’m happy for you. I think you two look great together, but be careful. I hope everything works out for you guys. If not, that’s cool also because you know Jarvis is my boy.”

  They talked a few more minutes, then Venice told Chanelle to meet her in the campus courtyard for lunch. Chanelle agreed and they hung up.

  Venice finally made it to class and eased into her seat. Luckily, the professor was writing on the board when she came in. This professor was famous for embarrassing students entering class late. By the clock on the wall, Venice was approximately ten minutes late. The professor gave his students fifteen minutes flextime before they were counted absent. One of her classmates, Tim, slid his notes over so Venice could copy what she’d missed. The rest of class went on without any problem. Her mind couldn’t help but backtrack to the previous erotic night. She didn’t want to tell Chanelle, but she really did have stronger feelings for Craig than she let on. She couldn’t get him off her mind and when the professor finally called on her, she was lost in her daydream. After a nudge from Tim, Venice snapped back to reality and luckily answered the question correctly. At the end of class, the professor announced that even though it was homecoming week, the campus didn’t shut down. They would be having a quiz during the next class on the previous three chapters covered. The class let out a disappointing moan.

  Venice told Tim, “I’m glad he gave us a warning. The last thing I wanted to do this week was get caught by a pop quiz.”

  “Me, too. You better be glad he didn’t see you come in late. I’m going to the library to study later. You wanna meet me?”

  “What time?”

  “About three.”

  “I’ll try but if I’m not there by three-thirty, I probably won’t make it. I’m going to the ball tonight. Are you going?”

  “If you’ll be there, I’ll be there. Hope to see you in the library, but I’ll definitely see you in class.”

  Tim winked at her and walked off.

  When Venice reached her last class, she sat next to Tim as always. They were in the same major, Sports Medicine.

  Venice asked, “So have you made up your mind about the ball?”

  “I might go. Are you asking me to go with you?”

  “Not this time. I’m hanging with my girls tonight.”

  “How are you going to get away from Mr. Perfect that I see you around campus with?”

  “Ha, ha. You’re funny. He understands that I want to hang out with my girls for a while during homecoming.”

  “Sure he does. I bet he already has you on lockdown. Especially if you’ve broken him off a little something, something.”

  They laughed together and Venice punched him lightly on the arm. “You sure are silly!”

  About that t
ime, the professor began calling the roll.

  With classes over for the day, Venice headed back to her room to get the itinerary together with her girls. Monique was in the room with several bags of new clothing on her bed. As Venice put her book bag down, Monique came into the room modeling a “sharp” evening dress with a back so low, Venice was surprised you couldn’t see the crack of her ass.

  “Damn, Monique, that’s a sharp dress! Where did you find it?”

  “If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you. I don’t tell my secrets.”

  Venice giggled. “What Cake Daddy bought it for you?”

  “You think you know me! Anyway, I can’t reveal my sources!”

  “That color really looks good on you, Monique. You go, girl!”

  The dress was a beautiful silver, slinky dress, which revealed just enough and left the rest to the imagination. The dress was made for Monique’s tall figure.

  Later that evening, Craig called Venice from the lobby of the dorm. She met him downstairs and they sat on one of the sofas to talk.

  “Venice, I know I asked you to come back over this evening. I forgot you wanted to go to the ball with your girls.”

  Venice smiled and put her hand on his thigh. “Baby, you made me forget everything after that loving you put on me.”

  Craig blushed. “You haven’t seen anything yet. I’ve been holding back.”

  Venice closed her eyes and said, “My God! What are you trying to do to me?”

  “You’ll find out. Anyway, have a good time with your partners. I hope you have fun. The frat ball is usually the best one out of all the others. Am I going to see you tonight?”