Suds – Season 1, Episode 17

… a mini-soap opera that bubles with Love & Drama

[Last time on Suds, I was surprised that the crowd didn’t start chanting, “Ali, boom ba ye,” when Leilah and Shantel were about to throw down in the club. Why, you ask, because Terrance was being uber friendly with Leilah, and Shantel attempted to remedy the situation by stepping to Leilah, except Leilah sort of lost it and tried to rip the girl’s head off. The evening ended with a pile of threats, and Mira suggested that Leilah cool off before returning home to face her roommate again. Speaking of Mira, did anyone else notice that she was semi-enamored by our newcomer, Sylus.

Anywho, If you didn’t read the last few episodes, you probably should. Critics have dubbed them, “…juicy…” and “… oooooh juicy…”]

Darien started the engine. “You cool?”
Leilah nodded embarrassed by her behavior.
“I’m not trying to be forward or nothing like that. You know where I stand, but um…” He traced his rough braids. “We can chill at my place for a while. Like watch a movie or something.” Darien glanced out of the window before seeking for her answer.

Hesitantly, she nodded.
~~

Shantel’s eyes narrowed from confusion as she thought of how Darien interceded. Not only did he step in, he pushed the writhing maniac out of the club. He cares, she thought staring at the hall where they exited. He couldn’t stand by and let that tart attack me.

A dreamy smile appeared on her lips, piercing her cheeks with dimples of delight.

Relieved, Terrance hugged her. “…I’m so glad you understand.”
Huh, Shantel thought.
“It wasn’t nothing like that. You know you’re the only one for me.” Hunching his large frame over to nuzzle her neck, Terrance continued, “I already told you I love you girl.”
“I know, Baby.” Shantel’s voice was vacant of real emotion as she rested her head on his shoulder with her eyes fixed on the doorway, waiting for Darien to return. I knew he still cared for me, she thought.
~~

“Sy, I have to get back inside,” Mira said pulling away from his persistent kisses.
He drew her near, kissing her once more, “You just gon leave me like that… again?” His brows lifted in question.
“I did not leave you,” she retorted.
Sylus laughed, imitating her light tone, “Sy, I just don’t have time… I have a lot going on right now…” Heightening his pitch, he continued, “You play too much, Sy… Where were you? Huh, huh, where were you?”
“Good idea. Remind me of all the reasons I shouldn’t be standing here.”
“What if I remind you of a reason why you should?”

Sylus stole her breath, pressing his lips against hers with fierce intensity, removing all traces of indecision. His knuckles smoothed across her chin, and even as he slowly lifted his lips from hers, she could taste him.

Her long lashes fluttered as she tried to regain her senses. Gently pushing his hands from her hips, she said, “Um, I have to wrap this up.” Mira covered her bare mid section with her arms, suddenly feeling exposed although he had been wearing the skimpy top, fitted jeans, and knee high boots all night.

Mira walked to the front door of the club torn between her duty and her desires. She glanced back at Sylus who stood coolly, appraising her statuesque figure. Her stomach twisted and churned, tickling her internally.

With one hand on the door, she extended the other to Sylus. He smiled, took her hand, and went inside with Mira.
~~

Shantel expected to see Darien return with Mira, but he didn’t. She forced herself to look annoyed instead of disappointed as Mira and Sylus approached them.

“Everything cool,” Terrance asked Mira with concerned round eyes. His arm was molded around Shantel, but his mind was set on Leilah’s well being.
Mira assessed Terrance, realizing his duality, and intentionally said, “Everything is alright. Actually, Darien volunteered to take her home.”

Shantel stopped pretending to be uninterested and cast a dismayed glance at Mira. Her jaw tightened and she meagerly managed to choke back the first thoughts that came to mind. Quickly, her eyes darted in Terrance’s direction, hoping he didn’t notice her reaction, and then away to the dance floor. Shantel trained her expression into a state of nonchalance as she watched the bodies moving to the music.

Terrance rolled his lips together and nodded. Although, his reaction was less dramatic than Shantel’s, Mira noticed that the arm he draped around Shantel’s neck stiffened, and he was unable to speak for several seconds.

“Alright ya’ll,” Mira said. She gripped Sylus’ hand and meandered through the crowd. She thought about how Terrance approached Leilah earlier in the evening, and replayed Shantel’s reaction to Darien’s name. Perplexed, she attempted to understand their motives until Sylus whispered something in her ear that made her pleasantly curious about only one person’s motive… his.”
~~

“After this movie, you have to take me home.” Leilah folded her body onto Darien’s sofa wearing his oversized t-shirt and jogging pants.
Sitting next to her, he pressed play on the remote control. “What if I don’t want to take you home?”
“I think it’s cute that you think you have a choice.”
Darien laughed, “Alright Leilah Ali, lightweight champion of Carbondale.”
“Shut up,” Leilah laughed, snuggling into the cushy sofa.

He leaned back and placed his arm behind his head. They watched the previews in silence. “For real though, I would prefer if you stayed here tonight.”
Leilah raised her brows skeptically.
“Hear me out, at least.” His eyes were fixed on the flat screen television while he spoke earnestly. “You know your roommate, and from what I can see, you are not about to back down from her. If she is on some low down stuff, which she probably is, then something will go down tonight.”

Leilah nodded. She pulled her hair from her back, scooping it over her shoulder.
Darien lost his train of thought as he watched the simple act. The stands fell together as one, curving around her neck. He was transfixed by her unconscious beauty.

“What?” She asked when she noticed he was staring.

He shook his head rapidly, and leaned forward massaging his head. “Nothing… I just… If you leave, I’ll stay up all night worrying.”
“Worrying? That’s a strong sentiment for someone you barely know.”
Darien fixed his golden brown eyes on hers, and said, “It doesn’t seem strong enough considering how much more I want to know.”

His hypnotizing eyes captured her heart and took her to a tranquil place. Leilah forgot about everything that happened, and accepted the private invitation to be lost the sincerity of his eyes.

[Stay tuned: Our bubble bath is rapidly approaching Jacuzzi mode.]