Sitting in the pew, Steven was pissed. Forget the fact he had been up till 12:00 last night crunching numbers for a disrespectful client, he was now sitting in a church attending his Aunt's wedding. If it weren't for the fact his mother had dragged him here, he would still be in bed. She knew full well that he had made a vow to stay away from churches till the end of his days. Hell...he really didn't even like his Aunt Vera. He hadn't been a fan of hers since he was little. She smelled funny, was ALWAYS at church, and...gave birth to his greatest nemesis...Azia.
Steven and Azia had NEVER gotten along. Even as children, they hated each other. She was always the biggest pain in his ass. Whenever he played by himself, she interrupted his fun. When he got a new toy, she found a way to try and destroy it. Her most grievous offense came at a church softball game. Playing in Centerfield, Steven had an unobstructed view of Sharice Green's beautiful ass standing at 2nd base. It was full, round, firm and plump, stuffed into a pair of tight, spandex "biker shorts." So beautiful it belonged on the back of a Nubian Goddess. Being so mesmerized by the sight, Steven didn't hear the crack of the ball fly high into the air; before it came crashing down on his head. This should have been enough embarrassment for anyone. But Azia couldn't resist pointing out his fully erect penis, pitching a tent in his loose basketball shorts. Steven was beaten to within an inch of his life for jumping up and punching Azia dead in the eye.
Another reason Steven hated the church (aside from the disaster that was his own failed marriage), was the ridiculous concept of CPT (Colored People's Time). When it came to celebrations, black people in churches often went WAY too far. This time was no exception. Once the procession started down the aisle, the games began. The flower girl just couldn't throw the petals onto the rug and make a path for the grown-ups. The little girl spun and twirled like a wooden legged ballerina. Depositing most of the petals everywhere EXCEPT the floor. The little boy who was the ring bearer, damn near broke out into a "mashed potato" just walking down the aisle. The groomsmen and bridesmaids all jigged to the beat. Looking like a procession of clowns, all except one. Dressed immaculately, her hair pressed in the back and front, curled at the ends. Her skin, a radiant shade of mocha, her frame a statuesque 5', 6" wrapped in a matching scarlet dress with gold accents, standing atop a pair of mid high pumps, walked Azia. She looked lovely. She looked regal...she looked pissed. Reverend Felkirk didn't let Steven down. The nuptials took so long, because he turned them almost into a sermon. By the end of the speech, Steven's ribs were sore. His mother repeatedly jabbed his ribs to wake him up. Although she knew full well he had been up late the night before working. But dragging him to a wedding at a church was more important for her social image. Finally, the ceremony ended, with the Reverend telling the well wishers to gather at the Piedmont Inn & Suites for the reception. Another sharp elbow to Steven's ribs caught him off guard: "You know I need a ride to that, right?" His mother said.
"What a fucking surprise." Steven said.
Like most black weddings, the reception saw more people show up, than were at the church. Steven's mood wasn't just foul...it was downright murderous. The DJ was spinning all the oldies (going back to the early 60's for God's sake). But at least the food was on point. The Piedmont had laid a wonderful spread: Fried chicken, greens, cornbread, green beans, corn, Fried fish, Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and smothered Rice. But due to the good thinking of someone, they catered from "Pops" BBQ, who showed up with enough succulent ribs and biscuits, everyone there was in danger of juicy, cholesterol induced diabetes! The only let down was the "wet" bar. The Bride and groom only authorized their guests to drink red or white wine, wine coolers, and champagne, that was reserved for the toast to the new couple.
After the food had been served and most of the people had eaten their fill, the DJ started to ramp things up a bit. It was then that Wanda (Steven's mom) spoke up.
"Sweetie, why you so upset? It's just a wedding. You should be happy your Aunt is getting hitched. That means there's still hope for you yet. Take a look around at all the lovely young ladies in here."
"Mom; I am exhausted. You knew I damn well didn't want to come here. Much less for Aunt Vera. Furthermore, I suggest you get your prescription updated. Most of the women in here are already sitting with other men or are big enough to need a State license plate screwed to their butt! No thanks!"
"Baby...you still stinging from that whole divorce thing? That was 5 years ago sweetie. You got to let that go. And stop harboring such a grudge against your Auntie. She and her child have been through a lot. Speaking of which, Azia is here. You should go talk to her...bury the hatchet."
"I'd rather bury a hatchet in her skull at a FOP meeting then talk to that nasty woman!"
"STEVEN ALLEN RHODES!! How dare you!! Boy, you just like yo' daddy...know how to hold a grudge! What happened between you guys was almost a decade ago!"
"A decade for you is fine! You didn't get your ass beat, nor were you embarrassed in front of everybody!"
"Yes...and you deserved it. But baby, you have been through a lot and so has she. Much more than you know. Believe it or not, you two are a lot more alike then you might think. I really need you to go make up with your cousin. Sometimes all you have in this world other than God...is family."
"Maybe she can pray herself more family then."
The slap to the lips wasn't hard. It wasn't meant to be. It was done to gain attention, and attention is exactly what it gained. Steven stood up so fast his chair almost clipped an attendant at the knees. Wanda stood her ground, standing to her full height. But it was no where close to his full 6',3", 230 lbs.: she forgot he was no longer a child. But staring up at his imposing figure reminded her quickly. Making her wonder if she might have gone too far.
"Look Ma: I love you. But don't you EVER do that again! Mother or not, I am a grown ass man and you WILL respect that! Clear?"
"Baby...I'm sorry. I just need you to grow up mentally as well as physically. You can't go through life holding grudges and carrying your pain on your sleeve. The first way of letting go is learning to forgive. If not for them, for yourself. You're too good looking a man and too sweet in your heart to forever be alone due to your hurt."
Pointing to a table in the back corner of the room, Azia sat by herself. Still looking like a caged viper.
"Talk to her Steven...for me. Please?"
Steven wilted down. "Fine. But shortly thereafter, I'm out."
Sauntering over to the wet bar, Steven ordered a wine cooler and a glass of red. With the DJ beginning to spin a few new and better songs, the throngs of guests began to move toward the dance floor. Navigating through this sea of humanity, Steven stood in front of Azia. Having come closer, he was pleasantly surprised at the growth of his cousin. She had grown into quite an attractive young woman.
"Uh hum." Steven said clearing his throat. "Hi Azia. It's nice to see you again."
Rolling her eyes, Azia responds; "Hi Steven."
"Uh...yeah. You look nice today. I really like the contrast of that red dress against your skin...ummm...How have you.."
"Look. I appreciate the compliments and everything. But can you get to your point? What do you want Steven?!"
Steven had had enough of women disrespecting him for one day. His irritation boiled over and he let his cousin have it.
"You know what? I don't need this aggravation! I came over here, brought you a drink and you talk to me like I have done something to you! I haven't seen you in forever and this is how you talk to me? You know what...fuck it. I came to bury the ax with you and really see how you're doing. But I see exactly how you're doing...you're the same irritating, self-absorbed, spiteful BITCH you were when we were kids. Bye!"
Turning to leave, Azia's voice stopped him.
"What did you say?" Steven said over the loud music.
"I said I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked to you like that. I'm not having a good day. Please sit down."
Steven looked at his cousin with a side eye, until she used her foot to move the chair next to her so he could sit. Taking the seat, Steven pulled up next to his nemesis. Not sure exactly what to expect.
"Thanks for the drinks Steven. But I really am not in the mood for a drink right now, and I can't stand red wine. But I guess the first thing I should say is; Hi. And I'm so sorry."
Steven was stunned. He hadn't expected this turn around. He wasn't so sure about what was going on. "Ok...thanks. Now...who are you and what did you do with my cousin?"
