The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One)

by Danda K.

  “What’s up, man?” He gives me a fist bump and leans on the counter in front of me.

  “Not much, you know, just living my best life,” I gesture around the store sarcastically.

  He looks around. “Yeah, but you seem to be doing all right for yourself. Got your own place now, a steady job, you know.”

  I nod back in agreement. “Oh, I’m for sure grateful to Sayeed for taking that chance on me.” I gesture my chin towards him. “What’s going on in the old stomping grounds? You finally find yourself a nice girl off your parents’ obnoxious list of prospects?”

  He shakes his head and rubs his neck. “Nah, man. Fuck that noise. But, I did meet someone on Halloween,” he blows out a breath. “She’s the furthest thing from my type, and I’m pretty sure she’s batshit crazy.” He leans in closer so people don’t hear him.

  “I actually met her at a party not too far from here. I went with my boy Chris Novak. He knew the dude throwing it. Anyway, she stood out like a sore thumb. No costume, just wild and curly black hair and some band tee. We were talking, drinking, just having a good time.” He looks around again. “We somehow ended up hooking up. It was fantastic.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Or so I thought.”

  I give him a puzzled look.

  “She gave me a fake number, and I haven’t heard a thing from her since.” He tries to shrug it off, but I can tell he’s hiding his disappointment. ”I’ve actually been hanging around here more with some of those guys from the party. Just needed a change of scenery.” He grabs a magazine and flips through the pages. “My parents are on my case like crazy lately.”

  “I bet you’ll run into her again soon,” I lie. When a girl gives you a fake number, it isn’t because she’s testing fate. It’s because she doesn’t wanna see your ass again.

  Before he can respond, my phone rings. It’s Gelissa. Again. I let it go to voice-mail. It’s been over two years since I’ve heard from the traitorous bitch, so why is she so eager to talk to me now?

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  Morgan looks up from his magazine. “What’s up?”

  “Have you heard anything about Gelissa? What’s she been up to?”

  He gives me a puzzled look and closes the Sports Weekly. “Why do you wanna know? Don’t you have a girl now?” He raises an eyebrow at me.

  “It’s not like that. She’s been reaching out to me. I never answer, but she’s persistent as fuck.”

  He rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t know much, just that Roland broke up with her. After you two split, she went MIA with him and hasn’t shown face again until recently.” He shrugs his shoulders.

  Roland is the piece of shit who almost broke my neck when I was tricked into fighting him. Gelissa planned to help him steal from me had I won the fight.

  “She’s probably looking for a rebound. Don’t take the bait, man. Especially if you got a good thing goin’ with your girl.” He goes back to flipping through the pages.

  “Trust me, no chance of that happening.” And that’s the honest truth. There’s nothing she could tell me that’d merit my attention. I drop the subject because I don’t wanna make this a thing right now. I’m pretty sure she’s just reaching out ’cause she’s lonely and looking for someone to fill the void.

  Well, not today, Satan.

  When my shift ends, we decide to head over to the bookstore to pick up Cam so I can introduce them. Walking up to the big building, Morgan stands outside and lights up a cigarette.

  “Since when do you smoke?” I hate this nasty fucking habit.

  “Since I became acquainted with stress, man.” He shrugs and lights the cancer stick. ”It’s better than drugs,” he says with the cigarette between his teeth. He takes a puff and puts the lighter back in his pocket.

  I wave the nasty stench out of my face. “I’m gonna head inside. Just meet me by the cafe.”

  I enter the building, and immediately the smell of books and coffee hits my nostrils. I walk over to the counter, but it’s empty, so I whistle to get Cam’s attention.

  She comes out of the back and places a box of cups on the counter.

  “There she is,” I lean over the counter to kiss her cheek.

  “This is quite the surprise,” she moves forward and meets me halfway.

  “I have Morgan here,” I gesture my head to the door. “I wanted to introduce you guys.”

  Cam gives me a gotcha look and begins removing the cups from the box to place them in holders. “I get off in about twenty minutes,” she tells me over her shoulder as she walks away to grab another box.

  Just as she disappears, Morgan approaches, wiping down his polo.

  “You’re takin’ ten years off your life, y’know.”

  Morgan shrugs, “I better make these count, then.”

  Cameron comes out again with another box and drops it on the counter. I gesture to Morgan, “Nyx, this is Morgan, the asshole I told you about.”

  Morgan punches me in the arm and argues, “Yeah, I’m the asshole that let his dumb ass live with me and outstay his welcome on my couch.”

  Cameron chuckles and waves at him from behind the counter. “It’s nice to meet you, Morgan.” He reaches out a hand to shake, and Cameron tries to hide her discomfort as she does the same.

  Morgan doesn’t seem to notice and continues to talk, but Cam mostly concentrates on closing out her register.

  Occasionally she smiles or giggles under her breath when he makes a joke but stays mostly quiet. When she’s finished, we all leave and walk back to the house. As we approach my gate in the alley, Morgan decides to head out. He says good-bye to Cam, and she waves back and heads for the door.

  I hang back to talk with Morgan.

  “Just do me a favor.” I peek into the house to make sure Cam’s out of earshot. “If you hear anything about what the she-devil’s up to, just let me know. I’m gonna need a heads up.”

  He nods. “Yeah, man, of course, but I wouldn’t stress it. She’s probably just looking for the next coattail to ride on.”

  I nod in agreement, mumbling out, “Yeah, well, she won’t be getting it here.”

  He fist bumps me. “My man. I’ll keep you posted.”

  I bump him back. “Appreciate it.”

  ◆◆◆

  I’ve been ignoring Gelissa’s calls all week. I eventually blocked her number because I didn’t want Cam to get any ideas or suspicions about her. I feel absolutely nothing towards that girl, and I feel just about everything for Cam.

  Knowing the type of girl Cam is, though, an ex trying to contact me will fill her head with enough doubt to send her packing. And I’m not letting anything mess with my relationship, plans, or my mood today. I’m taking Cameron to the aquarium, and everything is set up and ready to go. The weather will be perfect, and so will our Saturday night.

  “Wouldn’t it be better to do the aquarium during the day? How will we be able to enjoy all the different exhibits if it’s late?” She finishes straightening her hair and turns off the iron.

  Cameron bought herself a hair straightener a couple of weeks ago and has been using it daily. Her hair is longer when it’s not wavy and falls to the curve of her back. I love her wild, wavy hair so much, but there’s something about her hair falling all silky and smooth down her back that has me contemplating canceling this entire night and staying in bed.

  “I told you to leave everything up to me, Nyx. Now stop asking questions and trust me.” I step up behind her and move her long locks out of the way so I can kiss her neck.

  She leans into me and tilts her head to the side, giving me access to the beautiful curve between her shoulder and neck. I step back instead of kissing her because I know exactly what that move means. She wants more. And I’m determined to make it out of this house tonight.

  “You got five minutes, baby.” I give her a light slap on her behind to help speed up the process.

  She jumps in surprise. “You ass!” She shakes her head as she rolls up the cho
rd to the hair iron.

  “It’s a fine ass, indeed.”

  I smirk at her through the mirror and turn around to head out of the room and finish last-minute tasks around the house.

  “Five minutes!” I holler over my shoulder as I go find Magnet and make sure he has his food and water available to him before we go.

  Exactly five minutes later, we’re off to finish the last wish on my little Nyx’s list.

  Twenty-six

  Cameron

  We decided to take the train to the boardwalk instead of the bike. Although riding feels second nature to me now, finding parking in Coney Island on the weekend is nearly impossible. Even for a motorcycle.

  The train ride is only about ten minutes total, and when we step out onto the street, a chill has already set in. It still amazes me how the weather in New York can be so unpredictable. One minute you’re removing layers to cool off, and the next you’re zipping up every article of clothing to warm up.

  Tonight is perfect, though, even with the cold from the sun setting. My black jacket, black leather leggings, and army green, off-the-shoulder crocheted sweater are finished with my new black Docs. Jaxon also looks exceptionally hot: his crisp, white thermal top, black leather jacket, dark blue ripped jeans, and black Timberlands compliment the grey beanie perfectly in place on top of his messy hair.

  As we walk along the blue concrete walls that lead up to the aquarium, I spot a sign with the hours of operation and check the time on my phone. It’s almost five. Feeling disappointed, I turn to Jaxon to let him know we just missed it.

  “Looks like we’re too late. They closed twenty minutes ago...” I try my hardest not to sound too upset, even though I did mention we should have come earlier.

  Annoyed, I continue to walk quietly and try to avoid an argument.

  Jaxon pulls me closer under his arm. Suddenly we get to the entrance, and a man is standing by the swinging doors. He approaches us, and I look up to Jaxon in confusion. “Do you know him?” I whisper, and he nods and reaches out his hand to the stranger.

  “Hey Roger, thanks so much for this. I really appreciate it.”

  Roger shakes his hand. “Oh please, you’re always covering my breakfast at the store. It’s nothing.”

  “Yeah, well, you do a lot for the community; it’s the least I can do.” Jaxon gestures to me. “This is my girlfriend, Cameron.”

  I smile politely at Roger. “Nice to meet you.” He reminds me of Harrison Ford, just a bit on the chubbier side.

  “The pleasure’s all mine, Cameron.” He turns back to Jaxon, and they talk a bit about a recent football game before he reaches out his hand again and gives Jax a set of keys.

  “All other entrances are locked up. The only door you need to lock is this one--” he points to the spinning doors in front of us. “Just bring me the key after you guys are done, and I’ll take care of the rest. Otherwise, enjoy!”

  He looks at me and pats Jaxon on the shoulder. “You got yourself a good one here, Cameron.” He waves at us and heads towards the boardwalk park.

  When he’s far enough away, I look up at Jaxon. “We’re allowed to go in while it’s closed? Won’t we get in trouble?”

  “Roger manages the aquarium. I’ve known him for a while now. It’s fine.” He pulls me in for a hug. ”Plus, we both know the fewer people, the better for you.” He takes my hand and leads me towards the door.

  Two hours later, we’re finishing our tour. The whole experience was amazing. Most of the lights were off, but there was enough lighting from the exhibits to see perfectly. It made it feel much more intimate and natural and less like a stage.

  We saw the seals dance in the water, like our own little private show. The blackout jellyfish room was my favorite. All you could see in front of you were the low lights inside the tank and the glow from the jellyfish. As we sat in silence on a bench, I leaned my head on Jaxon and watched the lights slowly bounce around the tanks.

  We caught the penguins during feeding time as well. I guess a few workers stayed after the aquarium closed to feed them. It was fun to watch. Every time one of the birds would get a fish, they’d dive into the water with it and then come back up for another.

  As we stepped out of the aquarium, Jaxon locked up behind us. It’s dark outside, the sun has completely set, and we begin to walk towards the amusement park. I put on my jacket and rub my arms with my hands to keep warm.

  When we get to the boardwalk, everything is closed for the season, but we spot Roger standing outside a small office talking with another man. As we approach, he eyes us and gives a quick nod, interrupting the other guy. He excuses himself before walking over to us. Jaxon stretches his arms out, presenting the keys to him.

  “Did you guys have a good time?” He looks between us. “I even had Sandra stay later to feed the penguins so you guys could watch.”

  “It was amazing. Thanks so much for letting us do that,” I tell him sincerely because this was incredibly thoughtful of both of them.

  “Eh, it’s nothing. Jaxon’s a great guy. I don’t mind it at all.” He points to me now. “I’m gonna give you one ride to choose from. I can’t do more than that without putting my job at risk.” He says it playfully, but I’m sure it’s the truth. He’s probably breaking every rule in the amusement park handbook right now.

  I shake my head in refusal. “You don’t have to do that. Just being here is more than enough for me. Really. It’s my first time. I just appreciate you letting us do this.”

  He shakes his head. “Nope, one ride. I insist. I wish I could do more.” He points at Jax, “But he wanted it to be offseason, so you guys will just have to come back again in the summer and experience the rest of the rides.”

  “So what’ll it be, Nyx?” Jaxon asks me as they both give me their full attention. I know exactly which ride I want to go on- the only one that allows me to experience everything all at once.

  “The Ferris wheel.”

  They both nod, and we’re off.

  As we approach the tall, round structure, it’s still turned off. It’s so high up that the top seems almost invisible without other lights on in the park.

  “Just give me a minute,” Roger says, disappearing into a small control center.

  Looking at Jaxon, I say in shock, “I can’t believe you did this all for me.” I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek as he lifts me up and hugs me back.

  Setting me down, he turns me around to face the ride. “You think that was amazing? Watch this.” He points to the large wheel, and I hear the low hum of machinery as the ride comes to life. I watch as the rainbow lights brighten up the entire area we’re standing in. Empty game booths and food stands all have shades of green, purple, and orange illuminating them now.

  I stare at the beautiful colors against the darkness of the night.

  The Ferris wheel has brought all this light back into this cold and desolate park.

  Just like Jaxon’s done for me.

  Twenty-seven

  Jaxon

  I’m watching the light dance over her face as she just stares up at the sky.

  “You ready?”

  She looks back at me, swallowing. “Yeah, I just got a little lost for a minute. It’s so pretty.” She takes out her phone and snaps a picture.

  “Why don’t you let me take a picture of you both?” I hear Roger from behind me. Cam immediately tenses because she hates pictures, but I answer for us.

  “Absolutely!” I gesture to Cam sarcastically. “You know girls and their obsession with pictures.” She rolls her eyes like a brat as I set up the camera and hand my cell phone to him.

  I step behind her and wrap my hands around her waist. She smiles and backs into me but is still a bit stiff with an audience.

  “Relax, baby. It’s just a picture,” I whisper in her ear. She smiles more genuinely now. This was too easy, so I surprise her by tickling her side, and she cracks up laughing and swats at me to get off of her.

  “Got it!
” Roger yells, and I know damn well we both weren’t ready, but fuck it.

  We get in our little cart, and Roger buckles us in. He hands us a thick blanket, and Cameron buries herself underneath it. She seems nervous now, rubbing her hands up and down her legs under the plush cover. It’s obvious she’s never been on a Ferris wheel before. I pull her closer to me and wrap my arm around her. The ride starts slowly, and she jumps a bit at the sudden jerk of movement.

  “It’s okay, Nyx. I got you.” She relaxes into me and leans her head on my shoulder. As we get higher, I notice her stiffen again.

  “Oh, my God,” she cries out, covering her eyes.

  I grab her hands and gently bring them down. ”Trust me, Nyx, you’re gonna want to see this.”

  She shakes her head and brings her hands back over her face. “We’re so fucking high, Jaxon! This is terrifying. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.”

  She squeals and shimmies closer to me.

  “You’re right. It is a bit scary at first.” I take one hand of hers and bring it down again. “But if you look a little closer, the world’s pretty fucking beautiful, too.” I remove the other hand covering her eye. “Look at it, baby. You’re a part of it.”

  I turn her head towards the ocean below us, as black as the night sky. The silhouette of the moon dances through the waves.

  “You spent so much time hiding from the world.” I point towards the distance in front of us. “You deserve to see what it looks like when you’re on top of it.”