"Love is Love"

It’s 9 o’ clock pm. Tara has been in a serious relationship for over a year. One night, she decides to take a train to escape the harsh reality of her break up. She has no destination in mind, she just needs to get away. So, she decides to take the first train leaving the station.

Sarah, is a recent high school graduate. She is going out of town with her family to celebrate her recent achievement. Sarah enjoys the thought of the trip but she feels like something is missing. Sarah and her family decides to take the 9 o’ clock train to Cincinnati.

To their shock, their paths cross again.

“Wow! It has been a long time since I last saw you!” Tara shrieks.

“I know!” Sarah exclaims.

The two ladies hug. They haven’t seen each other in over 4 years. Sarah and Tara went to middle school together. Sarah was an honor student in middle school, while Tara preferred to enjoy her middle school years. They were good friends back then – except Sarah’s family didn't approve of their friendship.

“So, what have you been up to?” Tara asks.

“I just graduated high school and I’m on a trip with my family. How about you?” Sarah responds.

“I just got out of a relationship and I decided to get away.” Tara explains.

“I understand. Do you want to talk about it?” Sarah asks.

The two talk about Sarah’s recent accomplishment and Tara’s failed relationship. Sarah tells Tara how she plans on going to college to get her Bachelor’s degree in Education and in return, Tara tells Sarah how her relationship ended. Basically, the two wanted different things. Their conversation is rudely interrupted by Sarah’s parents.

“Tara, could you please come with us.” Sarah’s mom demands without acknowledging Tara.

“I’m talking with my friend mom.” Sarah protests.

Even after much of Sarah’s protest, Sarah decides to go with her parents. Sarah and Tara hug and whisper to each other, “See you around.”

Tara’s in disbelief after seeing Sarah. Sarah, was Tara’s crush in middle school for 3 years. Though, she kept it to herself. Tara didn't want to hurt their friendship by telling her and she already knew that Sarah’s parents didn't approve of her.

“I can’t believe it. Wow! That was Sarah.” Tara says in disbelief and then goes to her passenger cart.

Sarah’s parents are very religious with high standards. They've raised Sarah to do well in school and in life, and they have kept her away from anyone who doesn't fit their standards. And Tara doesn't fit their standards – never has and never will.

While Tara goes to sleep for the night, Sarah enjoys the festivities that her family has planned for her. Her parents plan a little game night for Sarah and her little sister, Kim. They play some Trivia Pursuit and Clue.

Sarah has a hard time focusing during game night – she’s thinking about Tara and what she is doing. It seems, Sarah had a crush on Tara in middle school as well.

As soon as her family’s game night ends, Sarah decides to go to Tara’s passenger cart. Tara is still sleeping so Sarah decides to go her cart and call it a night.

The next morning, Tara and Sarah run into each other for breakfast. They don’t say much to each other with Sarah’s parents around. They both wave at each other and exchange smiles. Even though Sarah’s parents make it their mission to keep the two apart, Sarah and Tara manage to pass quick glances at each other.

Midday, the two finally manage to see each other. They reminisce about the good memories they shared in middle school.

“Do you remember that day we ran away from home?” Sarah asks.

“Yes, we got tired of your parents trying to keep us apart so we decided to leave home.” Tara responds and they both laugh.

“Yes, I remember. We had to go back home though because we didn't have any money.” Sarah continues.

“Would you do it again?” Tara asks.

“Do what again?” Sarah responds.

“Run away with me.” Tara explains.

“Anytime.” Sarah replies.

They both smile and stare at each other.

It doesn't take long for Sarah’s parents to come look for her. When they find her, they pull Sarah away from Tara.

“Please stay away from our daughter. We’re trying to have a family trip.” Sarah’s mom tells Tara.

Tara just nods and winks at Sarah in defiance.

“Sarah, we’re having dinner in an hour. Please be ready.” Sarah’s mom tells Sarah.

Sarah leaves with her parents while Tara stays at the back of the train admiring the scenery.

Tara thoughts lead her back to the day when Sarah and her went to the park and shared a picnic dinner –

“We should sit here.” Tara suggested.

“Okay. Do you have the blanket?” Sarah asked.

“Yes, here it is.” Tara said as she laid the blanket on the ground for both of them to share.

“I really enjoy hanging out with you.” Sarah said.

“I really enjoy hanging out with you too.” Tara agreed.

Tara smiles at the memory. It was the first picnic she’d ever had. She was glad that she got to share it with Sarah.

Tara didn't have many friends growing up – especially during middle school. It didn't help when rumors came out about her being gay. Sarah was the first real friend that she had. Despite Tara being teased and public ostracized, Sarah continued being Tara’s friend. Sarah didn't care what everyone else thought, all she saw was a nice girl with a kind heart. Tara appreciated that.

Sarah’s dressed and ready to have dinner with her family. She wears a pretty sequined black dress. The family wants to have a formal dinner. Kim, Tara’s little sister, wears a pretty blue dress while her parents wear a color coordinating gown and tux. The family enjoys a nice, fancy feast. They talk amongst each other while they eat. Sarah does her best to enjoy the moment. She spends most of it correcting her little sister on her table manners.

After dinner, Sarah discreetly fixes a plate for Tara. She had noticed that Tara didn't eat much for breakfast. She manages to get away from her family and goes to Tara’s passenger car. Tara is happy to see Sarah.

“Here you go, Tara.” Sarah says while handing Tara the plate. “I just thought that you could use something to eat.”

“Thank you.” Tara says. “Would you like to come in?”

“I would love to but my family will be looking for me soon.” Sarah explains.

“Okay. Well, thank you for the plate. Enjoy your night.” Tara says. “And oh, you look really beautiful. That black dress looks gorgeous on you.” Tara adds.

“Thank you.” Sarah replies. She then politely kisses Tara on the cheek.

They both smile and tell each other good night. Sarah goes back to her family.

Tara looks at the plate of food and contemplates whether to eat it or not. After years of being bullied and teased, Tara suffers with anorexia. Tara finally decides to eat the food because she doesn't want to seem ungrateful.

Meanwhile, Sarah continues to spend time with her family. She hopes that Tara ate the plate of food she made for her. The family continues to mingle with other high society families while Sarah’s parents continuously brag about their smart and wonderful daughter. Sarah just smiles.

After finishing her plate of food, Tara writes Sarah a note to thank her. She then leaves the note in Sarah’s passenger cart.

Sarah, exhausted after a night of entertaining, goes to her passenger cart and finds Tara’s note on the floor. She reads it.

The note says, “Thank you so much for the plate of food. I just wanted you to know that I ate it all and it was delicious. And if you’re not too tired, I would love to see you tonight. Please wear that beautiful black dress that I saw you in earlier today. With love, Tara.”

Sarah smiles. She is so happy that Tara ate the plate of food she made for her and that Tara wrote her a thank you note. Thankfully, Sarah still has her dress on. She goes to meet Tara.

Tara waits patiently on Sarah in her tuxedo. She surprises Sarah with a dance. The two dance to their favorite song, Boyce Avenue “Find Me”. And for that moment, everything is perfect.

The song ends.

“I love you.” Tara declares.

“I love you too.” Sarah replies.

The two kiss, and then head back to Tara’s room. They watch a movie together, and then call it a night.

“Thank you. I had a wonderful time.” Sarah gushes.

“You’re welcome. I had a great time as well.” Tara smiles.

And they kiss again.

During the train ride, the two spend as much time as they can together – mainly when Sarah’s parents aren't around. They’ll watch movies together and meet at the back of the train to look at the scenery. They’ll even read a couple books together and play a few board games.

“I wish this ride would never end.” Sarah says.

“Me neither.” Tara replies.

It isn't until the train is close to its destination, that the two take their relationship to the next level. Tara has everything planned and ready. Rose petals on the floor and a nice bubble bath prepared for them both. Sarah arrives and things go according to her plan. After they share a bubble bath filled with laughter together, the two make passionate love on the bed. Birdy “Wings” plays in the background. Time seems to stop and nothing matters. Every kiss and every moment is full of bliss. It seems that nothing can keep them apart. The two spend the night together.

The next morning, Sarah’s parents find Sarah in Tara’s room. They drag Sarah out of the room and scold her – Sarah is to never see Tara again. They keep Sarah under a watchful eye the rest of the trip. She doesn't see Tara again until the train make it to its destination. Even then, Sarah’s parents keep her away from Tara. Sarah couldn't even wave or say bye. The two lock eyes and then go their separate ways.

Inspired by a dream that I had on 4/28/14.

Written and typed on 4/29/14.

By LaTasha B.

“The Players' Game”

Introduction/Day 1:

When they first meet, it is just a game. He likes her and she likes him – and yet, the game is to see who could win the other. They meet in college. He is fresh out of California and she is a city girl herself. Mr. California surely is handsome. He has the looks right out of a magazine and every girl wants him. Girls fall to his feet whenever they get the chance – she is the only exception. She sees his game the moment he walks into the cafeteria. He is a player – but little did he know that she is a player too. In fact, she has the home court advantage.

Round 1:

He walks in and he knows that he wants her the moment he sees her. She is beautiful and she knows it. In fact, she is just as desired as he is. She is sitting with her girls when he walks in the cafeteria with his boys. He flashes a smile and politely asks one of her girls to move so that he could talk to her. Her friend is all too generous and moves as she falls for his charm and good looks. He sits down and starts talking to the beautiful “chosen” young lady. She acts uninterested and excuses herself from the table for a minute.

Her point.

Round 2:

When she leaves, the charming guy walks back to his boys. His boys are laughing because he just lost round one. A young lady who notices that he was just rejected, offers to be his girlfriend. Reluctantly, he agrees. He intends to use her to get back at the “chosen” young lady. When she enters the cafeteria, he kisses the young lady. The “chosen” young lady just smiles. He is surprised by both her smile and the guy that she leaves with.

Her point, again.

Round 3:

Shocked as he watches her leave arm in arm with another guy, his boys start laughing at him again.
“She wins again!” One exclaims.
“You've met your match!” Another one shouts.
He laughs, but he is unprepared when the young lady that he just kissed smiles and gives him a card.
She tells him, “It's a card from my friend, it's the Queen of Spades. She told me to tell you that sometimes the queen beats the king.”
He laughs because he realizes that he has finally met his match.
“Touché,” he thinks to himself.

Not only did she win round one and two but she wins two points this round – one for the young lady he kissed since she is her friend and the other for the card that proved he was set up. 

4 - 0

His boys are laughing harder now as they realize that she's up by four points. This has never happened to their friend before.

He tells them, “Don't worry. It's just the battles, she hasn't won the war.”

Day 2:

He sees the “chosen” young lady in the cafeteria and says, “Hello.”
This time, she smiles and says hello back. He is surprised but decides to keep the conversation going.
“How are you?” He asks.
“I am fine. How are you?” She replies.
“Fine, now that I am speaking to you.” He smiles and tells her.
She laughs.
“You must enjoy laughing at me.” He says.
“Maybe.” She grins.
They both smile and laugh.

Round 1:

“What's your name?” He asks.
“Tell me yours first.” She demands.
“Adam, my name is Adam.” He lies.
“Well then, my name is Belle.” She lies too.
She then leaves to a table by herself. While she leaves, “Adam” meets with his boys.
“I got her name! Her name is Belle.” He brags.
They all start laughing.
“Her name is not Belle,” his friend tells him.
“Here, I got another card from one of her friends. It seems she knows a lot about you already and you know nothing about her. She wins again.” His friend says while giving him the card.

Her point.

Round 2:

Upset that she lied to him, he joins “Belle” at the table.
“You lied to me, your name is not Belle.” He groans.
“And yours is not Adam. You lied first.” She smiles.
“Touché,” he says. “It seems like you already know about me. I want to know how.” He demands.
“A pretty boy like you comes from California...” She starts off. “It’s not too hard to find out about you.” She whispers.
“Okay, so what do you know?” He demands.
“A lot,” she replies and smiles.
“Okay, so I want to know more about you. Is that okay?” He asks her.
“Sure, let's play 21 questions.” She complies.
“Okay, but you can't lie.” He warns her.
She laughs, “But you lied first. Remember?”
“Touché,” he smiles.

One point each.

Round 3:

He asks her for her name and other basic questions while she asks more in-depth questions.
“You don't really want to waste all of your questions on basic information, do you?” She asks.
“No,” he replies.
“So, what do you really want to know? You only have 6 questions left.” She warns him.
He asks her more questions. This time they are more in-depth. She continues asking him more in-depth questions as well.
He wonders, “Who was that guy that you left with when we first met?”
She smiles and tells him, “A friend, that's all. One more question, what are you going to ask for?”
He smiles and tells her, “It's the most important question of them all.”
“Really? What is it?” She wonders.
His grin gets bigger and he says, “Well, what's your number of course!?”
She laughs and says, “Hmm... That is the biggest question of them all. You're clever, I thought you would forget.”
“Na, never that. How else would I get a hold of you?” He explains.
“Touché,” she says and gives him her number.

His point, finally.

Conclusion/Weeks Later:

It doesn't take long for them to start dating. It only took 21 questions for him to fall for her and for her to fall for him. 21 questions, that's all. But in reality, it just took a second for them to fall in love – just one look. No one won or lost the game, but it was the game that brought them closer together. In the end, both of the players' fell in love with each other.

Written on 7/22/11
By LaTasha B.