Beautiful

by Kiexiza Rodriquez

“Welcome friends, to ViFlaa Entertainment’s First Annual White Ball. Thank you very much for coming out,” a tall, curvy woman, dressed in a white one shoulder dress, said from the stage. She continued to speak to the crowd, making jokes here and there keeping the crowd entertained and then introduced another gentleman, and handing him the microphone. The distinguishably dressed man gave a little history on ViFlaa, Vito and the event. He mentioned some of the acts that ViFlaa represented, and each of them stood for a brief moment, when their names were called. He thanked the sponsors for their sponsorship as well as everyone who worked hard at making the night such a great success. Then, he introduced Vito.

  “Now without further ado, the man we are all here for… Please stand to your feet and help me welcome my friend and yours, ViFlaa’s man in charge and CEO, Justis “Vito” Flagger

  With everyone standing to their feet in a thunderous applause, the man of the hour strolled out on stage surrounded by about a dozen gorgeous women in very short white dresses. How else would Vito make his entrance? The women all kissed him on the cheek and then stood back as he shook hands with the MC, and they embraced, as men do. The MC then handed Vito the Mic, and exited the stage. Vito then stood center stage, fully enjoying the moment.

  “Please, please, everyone sit down,” he began finally. “Thank you, thank you. I am so very glad you all are here tonight. I was afraid I was going to have to eat all this food myself,” he joked, getting a mild laugh from the audience. He spoke a few minutes about how he was thankful for his blessings, and how hard it was to change from a stubborn knuckled little boy to the man he now was.

  “Since this industry is such a kick-ass type, and our best reps barely get any recognition, we at ViFlaa, together with other MM&E companies in the area, came together a few years ago and devised a system to reward those of you for your excellence. Today at our White Ball I’m very honored to be able to announce the first winner of the MM&E Award of Excellence,” the crowd clapped and looked around the room, surprised at his announcement.

  “The award this year goes to a person who has surpassed the limits and the boundaries set by others in the field. This is a person who no matter how high you raise the bar they will far exceed it. This year it goes to a person who never let their last account set their personal record, but who strived to beat their own personal best, time and time again. In this industry you are very easily here today and gone tomorrow, there is no real shelf life on your time at any given label or company. This year’s recipient not only out lasted many others in their own firm, but has caught the attention of many other firms. Their unwavering attention to detail, professionalism, positive outlook, and happy clients made this person an easy shoe in for this award. I’m certain that you all have an idea of with whom we speak. She came into the game as a magazine reporter and quickly worked her way up the ladder, staying in the game for well over 6 years. Tonight actually marks her 4th year at Baxwell Enterprisez, where she now holds the title of interim CEO.”

  It was obvious who Vito was speaking of, and everyone turned their attention to her. Tierra Rodriquez. To her surprise, as she looked around, she felt embarrassed. Yet, as her eyes met with those of her male colleagues from Baxwell Enterprisez, although she assumed she’d find anger looking back at her, instead their expressions were not one of anger, but soothing, as they smiled at her.

  This was so totally unexpected, no wonder Vito was so adamant about her attending, she thought to herself.

  “Where is Shireece?” she whispered to Sean.

  “She said she’d be right back.”

  “I want everyone to stand to their feet for me as I present to you the 2011 MM&E award winner, and one of my good friends, Ms. Tierra Rodriquez.”

  Not one person remained in their seat. Everyone rose to his or her feet clapping and cheering for her.

  She was shocked, embarrassed, and surprised. Bridget hadn’t even given it away, and she was bad at keeping secrets. She stood up and hugged Bridget and Sean, and walked through the crowd towards the stage. Many people shook her hand or gave her a hug as she passed them. All she could do was smile as she stepped onto the stage and stood next to Vito.

  “Ti, as I call her, and I go way back. We grew up together and, with some of our other friends here tonight, we started our careers around the same time. About two years ago, some of us went down separate paths, and our little group separated. We are all good at what we do, but this young lady,” Vito said, holding her hand and looking towards her, “She is at the top. She has made her way up and passed all of us men, to be recognized by many, many top CEO’s, as the number one rep in the New England area. I got it straight from her boss’s mouth, that in the three, well now four years she has worked for Baxwell Enterprisez, the only time off she took was two weeks he had to make her take off. Now, before any of you think this is a setup, let me tell you how this award is figured out. After tallying up your total accounts, and assessing how many successful contracts you have closed. We also rate how well you work with others, we give you a percentage. Your boss also gives you a review for the year’s work, which we add to your percentage. Then we talk to other MM&E CEO’s and see who they’d nominate for the award, after all that, those of you nominated are tallied and the one with the most votes wins. The person with the highest number of nominations is here tonight.

  The crowd again erupts in clapping.

  Vito then handed Tierra the Award and kissed her on her cheek. She stood there for a moment and starred at it. It was a gold statue in the shape of a person with MME across the bottom No. 1 Rep 2011 Tierra Rodriquez

  “Thank you, Vito,” she said to him as he stepped off to the background behind her. “This is a complete surprise, and I’m so honored that all of you would acknowledge what I’ve done from my heart for so long. Vito’s right, it is hard to maintain your standing in the industry. I have always worked with integrity, not worrying about if I’ll have a job tomorrow, rather worrying about if what I’m doing will make my Dad proud of me. If I am doing what’s best for my client. I guess it’s that integrity that shows through and has kept me all these years. So all I can say is Thank you to my Heavenly Father, my father watching me from heaven and to my mom and Abuela for being my nurturer, for never turning their backs on me. To my friends for always looking out for me, even when I was the world’s biggest pain in the neck, I will never be able to repay you,” she smiled. “Thank you, to all of you for this.”

  Vito walked up and he gave her another hug, as she wiped the tears from her cheek. The duo walked her back to Tierra’s seat, while the packed banquet hall stood maintaining their applause until she was seated. When she was seated Vito made his way back to the podium and continued with his speech.

  “In addition to your receiving this award on behalf of the MM&E committee, several of your friends have come up with a more personal way to show you how special you are.”

  She continued to wipe the tears from her face, until Bridget handed her a tissue. When she heard the band begin to play, she recognized the tune immediately. It was her favorite song, “Love Saw It… “Then it happened: she heard a familiar voice singing.

  Shireece walked out onto the stage, and before anyone knew it, she was singing. To Tierra and Sean’s added surprise, she was followed out on stage by Qu.

  Qu began his verse of the song and stepped to the edge of the stage. He looked intensely at Tierra as he sung his line, ‘Then you came and made life worth living… Like the very first day of spring…,’ Qu sang starring into her eyes, his emotion evident to everyone. He walked off stage and took Tierra’s hand in his as he finished his verse.

  Shireece made her way around the room during her verse. Sean was surprised that his wife was singing, again… He couldn’t believe she was able to keep this a secret from him. More importantly, he couldn’t believe she looked so damn good in that dress and sounded so wonderful singing. His mind drifted to what he wanted to do to her when they got home and the fun he was going to have gett
ing her out of that dress. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see her standing over him singing directly to him. He smiled and put his hand into hers.

  As Qu and Shireece wound down the song, Qu gently pulled Tierra by her hand until she was standing. There they stood, face to face. Tierra’s heart began to beat so fast she was sure he would notice her dress doing a happy dance to the beat. Her palms became moist as Qu looked into her eyes. She never noticed how, in the midst of their honey brown color, there was a shimmer of green. This close to him, she could smell him each time she inhaled. The sweet scent of the same cologne she loved so much on him engulfed her nostrils and traveled to her brain. She was weak and her body began to tremble. At any moment she thought, she might just fall into his arms.

  When Shireece and Qu finished their song, Qu stopped, handed his mic to Shireece, and took another step towards Tierra. They were so close she could feel his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled. Taking her by the hand he led her to the balcony just off from the main room, while the audience clapped for the duos performance. There, in the seclusion of the balcony, he stood quietly. He had no plan. Didn’t know what he was going to do or say. The therapist was able to get him walking, without any help, or cane. Now the rest was up to him. He closed his eyes and said a quick silent prayer.

  When he opened his eyes, he took her face in his hands and turned her to face him.

  “Ti, I know things have been really crazy since I’ve been back, since I called you that morning,” he began in such a soft tone, that it sent tingles throughout her body. “I just want you to know that through it all, what I came here for hasn’t changed. I don’t know if you’ve picked up on it, if you realize it, if you feel it, but I have to tell you how I feel.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Shhh,” he silenced her, placing his finger to her lips.

  “Ever since we were kids, we’ve been inseparable. We were together so much our parents began to call us PB&J. But when you left, and came here, I missed you. I know you don’t know it, but I came here 5 years ago to be near you. But I wasn’t ready to admit how I felt. I wasn’t ready to jeopardize our friendship, so I left. I took that job in Cali, hoping to figure out some things, but both our lives got more complicated and we lost contact. I never really realized how much you really meant to me, until I talked about you to Beautiful. She helped me to see how I’d light up at the mention of your name. How I had to take this chance and see what could be. I was afraid you wouldn’t understand, you would think I’ve betrayed you, and our friendship. I wasn’t ready to risk all we had, for what might be,” he paused and took a deep breath. “But now, now I am.”

  He took her hand and kissed it gently, “I love You, Tierra, and I have for a while now,” he said slowly.

  Tierra’s face went blank. She could tell by Qu’s tone he wasn’t talking best friend love. He meant L.O.V.E. Now she knew what he was trying to say all this time, why things felt so weird with him lately, and even why she couldn’t get into things with Malcolm.

  “Aquarian,” she tried to begin.

  “It’s ok, Ti. I know you don’t feel the same way. I just needed to let you know how I felt. No matter what, just know there is someone around that really sees you, and really loves you, for you. I always will,” he said and kissed her on the forehead. He released her hand and smiled then turned and walked away.

  She stood there, in a daze. What just happened? ‘I love you, then goodbye? What type of mess is that?’ she thought to herself. “How is he going to tell me I don’t feel the same way? Does he know what’s in my heart? Can’t he see maybe that’s why I could never fall for Malcolm?” she said quietly and watched as Qu walked through the large doors of the balcony. She walked slowly behind him and stopped at the doors leaning up against one of them her mind going a million miles a minute. Shireece was sitting next to Sean and saw Qu walking towards them kind of somberly. When she looked towards the balcony, Tierra’s face was blank. She got up quickly and rushed over to her.

  “Are you really going to let him get away? Are you that prideful, or that scared, Tierra? He told you his heart, now tell him yours. Forget about Malcolm! QU isn’t that jerk, and you know that,” she turned to the side so Tierra could get a clear view of Aquarian walking away. She looked at her friend and gave her that look that girlfriends give one another when no words are needed, but the meaning is clear.

  Qu stood talking to Sean by the stairs that everyone entered in at. Sean shook his hand, and Qu turned to walk up the stairs. The sight of him taking a step on the staircase snapped something inside of Tierra. Something she didn’t realize took over and it rang free from deep inside of her.

  “ AQUARIAN SKEENE! “ she yelled, causing everyone in the room stop and look at her. Sean tapped Qu on the shoulder, and he turned around and looked back towards the balcony.

  “AQUARIAN SKEENE!” she called to him again. This time, she lifted her head and locked eyes with him. She pointed her hand down towards the floor where she was and Qu walked towards her. When he arrived close to her, she was standing in the doorway with her arms on her hips tapping her foot.

  “Who in the hell are you to tell me what I do and don’t feel?” she finally heard herself say angrily.

  Shireece closed the balcony doors behind them giving them much needed privacy to work things out. “How do you know what’s in my heart? Maybe I do love you. It’s not like I’ve dated a whole lot of men before. Did you ever ask me? Did you give me a chance to reply?” she asked “Well, did you?”

  “No, I guess I didn’t, I just…”

  “You just assumed,” she interrupted him. “Well when you ASSUME, you make an ass out of you and me. Since I’m not an ass, I hope you’re going to ask me, if you really want to know. Ask me.” she begged him.

  Qu opened his mouth and started to ask the question he was terrified to hear the answer to, “Tierra how do you feel…” but, before he could finish she walked towards him until she was face to face with him. Now it was his heart beating fast and his chest that was rising and falling fast as she pressed herself against him.

  “Say it again.” she said in her softest, sexiest tone.

  Qu cleared his throat. But what he really needed to do was adjust his pants, but was unable to. It was different when he was the aggressor, but she was now, and he would be squirming in his seat if he were sitting. But as it was, he was standing and had no way to hide what he was feeling, or how his body was reacting to the sound of her voice, or the smell of her skin.

  “Um, how do you…” he began. She leaned in, and stood on her tip toes, kissing him gently on the lips, answering his question. She leaned back and looked at him. She wasn’t exactly sure until she released her lips from his, what she really felt for him. But when she kissed him, she knew all she needed to know. She loved him, she was certain of it.

  “Just in case that didn’t answer your question, Yes Aquarian Skeene, I love you,” she admitted, smiling bashfully.

  Qu reached down and pushed some of her hair out of her face and smiled. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, and then paused before he lifted her chin and took her lips into his. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, as she released herself and kissed him back.

  It felt right.

  “It’s about DAMN time!” Shireece and Sean yelled through the glass doors.

  Qu and Ti stopped kissing long enough to look at their friends. They laughed and were a bit embarrassed. She wrapped her arms around Qu’s waist and noticed a familiar silhouette on the far end of the balcony. It was the lady from the church.

  “Qu, I didn’t know she was invited?”

  “Who?”

  Tierra turned him around towards the figure on the balcony. Tears instantly swelled in his eyes, and his mouth fell open when he saw the woman.

  “What’s wrong Qu?”

  “How do you know her?”

  “She’s the woman I told
you I see sometimes at the church, why?”

  “I… It’s… it can’t be!” he exclaimed, looking towards the woman as if he was seeing a ghost.

  “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  “Tierra, that’s… Beautiful,” he said in disbelief and waved. The almost translucent figure smiled at them, blowing a gentle kiss, right before disappearing into the night air.

  Tierra looked at Qu, who looked at her. Then they turned back towards where they had both just seen the woman. Had they really just seen who they thought they saw? Was it really his birth mother who gave Tierra her words of wisdom? They faced each other hand in hand and didn’t care… fate, God, Beautiful’s Spirit, whatever it was… something, or someone had been determined to bring them together.

  They finally had love, and love was… Beautiful.

  Epilogue