When two become one

Chapter 1 — Ex marks the spot…..

It was just after 10 at night and the vibe was sitting just right. The atmosphere was the perfect combination of conversation and temporary intoxication.

But even with the calmness of the night Cassidy couldn’t deny she still felt slightly out of place. The scenery around her was not one she would voluntarily find herself in but she was determined to stand her ground against her discomfort.

She relied on her desires to take victory in this current internal wrestle.

Just then, she felt arms of protection clasp around her petite waist & 5ft 4 frame. She already knew who’s arms were loving on her outer frame. She melted into him as his cologne provided all the familiarity she needed to feel safe and secure.

“Hey babygirl” he spoke as he released her from his lingering embrace. “Where did you go? I was looking all over for you”

“I’m sorry Ju. I just came to get a drink and completely lost track of time.” Cassidy places her arms around June’s neck as if to strengthen the magnetic pull that existed between them.

“Why’d you ask? Did you miss me ?” She asks.

He looks into her irises, and almost immediately begins to lose the feeling of the reality around them. He believed that if he searched her eyes long enough he’d be able to find the words to express himself.

To express the way he felt. To express the way he felt about her.

Even in this moment June found it hard to communicate his feelings. To be naked with his feelings. It may sound odd to some, but to June being expressive even in a manner that was frivolous, was a foreign concept.

A concept his childhood had not exposed him to. A concept his adolescence was forcing him to confront everyday.

But with Cassidy the idea become easier. She was unique.

She made him want to experience things like peace & love. He wanted to engage with his present feelings and learn to disengage with the scars of his trauma. They had only been together shy of two years, but she was his teacher. She taught him lessons on love, life, healing, the goodness of God and everything in between.

“Of course I missed you. You know that.”

Cassidy’s heart smiled in response. She had met a man who was intentionally chasing her heart through being A man after God’s own heart. June realised he was never going to get to Cassidy without going to her father first. Cassidy’s heart was so hidden in God, that the only way to get to her was through Christ.

“So how are you enjoying yourself so far? I know this isn’t really your scene”

June was inquiring because he knew Cassidy was the depiction of homebody. She did not leave her home for anybody without cause or gain.

But for him, she’d consider anything at least once.

“I’m okay. I promise. All your friends have been so welcoming and friendly. I honestly can’t complain” She spoke with serenity in her voice.

“I’m glad to hear that. The moment you want to leave, just let me know and we’re gone.” June replied with authority.

“Honestly June, I’m good. You worry too much”

“No ones worried about you, Anaiah. You must think I like you or something” he says playfully in rebuttal.

“mmhm okay, Whatever you say Samuel” Cassidy responded by calling him by his middle name.

There was an unspoken unity between their names. One they both acknowledged and prayed about in the sovereignty of their own personal alters with God. Both names paved honor to God and the beauty of in his different characteristics.

June’s Samuel speaks to God’s ability to hear the prayers and cries of a broken and desperate heart. Whilst Cassidy’s Anaiah confirmed God’s capability to answer the cries of a broken and desperate heart.

Much like the blueprint of many scriptures in the bible, simply put, God hears and God answers. It was almost as if their union was a replication of such.

Just then, their intimate yet peaceful silence was interrupted by the boisterous nature of June’s friends.

“Hey June! We’ve been looking all over for you”

He looked over at them with a puzzled expression. “Why were you looking for me?”

“There’s a special guest here to see you”

June was filled with more confusion as his thoughts began to drown out the sound of the live band playing in the background.

“Bro, what are you talking about?”

Then as if on cue, Eve revealed herself slowly from the shadows of the men around her and took the center of their circle much like taking center stage.

“Well aren’t you going to give me a hug JuJu?” she smiled discreetly almost to shield her excitement amongst other thoughts and emotions that ran through her mind.

June froze at her appearance but slowly began to hug her back. He gave a one handed hug with his arm around her upper back out of respect for his Cassidy.

But Eve on the other hand was determined to keep his essence in her embrace until she was ready to come back to earth. June cleared his throat as he released himself from around her hoping that he didn’t hold onto her longer than what a respectful boyfriend should have.

“June you look so good. You guys sounded amazing up there tonight. Honestly you’ve improved so much since the last time I saw you play. Somehow, even after all this time, you still manage to make me speechless”

June felt a lump in his throat forming and felt the sides of his throat begin to close up. Not really knowing how or what to say in response.

He silently prayed for his spirit to guide him, but even he knew this was a case of wisdom rather than intervention.

“Good to see you too E. Thank you, for the compliments. It’s just God-given opportunities. We’re just the vessel. Always just the vessel. You know that”

“Same old June always with the humble tip” she says as she softly caresses his arm. Eve was locked in. Her focal point was consumed with just one thought, and it rhymed with tune.

She reintroduced her intentions to her ex through the expression of her actions and her words.

June looked around and noticed that he was now standing alone with Eve and no audience. The crowd that brought Eve, his friends, had now left them in their conversation.

This also included his current girlfriend whom he didn’t even see leave. He felt a stir in himself knowing that he would have to do an impeccable job trying to explain this to Cassidy. He ended the conversation with Eve and went to look for Cassidy. Something that he should’ve regrettably done a-lot earlier.

After a pointless scavenger-hunt with no prize nor helpful clues from his boys, June decided to go outside desiring to catch his breathe with a hint of clarity.

Just then he looks up and is met with what he was looking for.

He hugs her from behind and instantly feels peace. If only Cassidy felt the same. She removes herself from his grip and turns to face him.

“Cassi, where have you been? You didn’t answer any of my texts. I was looking for you. ”

“Seems like you found everything you were looking for in Eve” she sharply rebutted.

“Okay I deserved that”

“I know” she folds her arms in power.

June sighs quietly knowing that no one can save him from taking accountability of his actions.

“I know I messed up, but I just got caught up. Eve and I happened a long time ago and I want nothing to do with her.”

“Can she say the same for you Ju?”

“That doesn’t matter to me Cass. My focus is elsewhere and you know this”

He grabs her waist and pulls her closer to him, so she could feel the sincerity in his words. They stared at each-other as she examined his plea and decided whether or not her walls would go back up.

She sighs in surrenderance.

“I don’t trust her intentions June. And in all honesty I don’t think you should either”

“Why’d you say that?”

“Because she still wants you. It’s clear as day.”

“She doesn’t. She’s like one of the boys. She’s just friendly. She’s been like that since we were kids. She was just congratulating us on the show and We were catching up on old times”

Cassidy removes his hands from her waist in annoyance.

“She may have been a child when you met, but she’s all woman now. I’m going to need you to see her for what she really is.”

Cassidy looks up at me intently as she continues.

“ Or you might end up falling for her schemes and consuming rotten fruits of her deception.”

Cassidy leaves June standing there to think over her words. He begins to ponder over the words Cassidy had let out.

Before she enters into the venue she looks back and says “Before you analyse the situation I suggest you take off your rose- tinted glasses”

With that, Cassidy disappears into the venue and the sounds of light Jazz begin to get louder.

Seconds turn into minutes, and minutes turned into hours.