Suds Season 1, Episode 24

… a mini soap opera that bubbles with Love & Drama

[Last time on Suds... I just have to say that I am fully aware of Shantel’s “ways” but I am a smidge surprised that Mira seemed like she enjoyed seeing Shantel distraught. It’s almost like she knew Shantel was thinking of jumping off a cliff and Mira was pushing her off the edge. What’s going on there?

Meanwhile, I wonder what’s happening with Darien and Leilah. Don’t you think it would be nice to take break from the psych ward and peek in on their budding romance? Good, because that’s exactly where we’re going. Ain’t I a sap? :o) But not to worry my drama-holics, trust there is always room for situations to get slippery on Suds.]


Mira laughed harder, “You really are crazy.” Kneeling down beside Shantel, her flat voice silenced the frantic cries. “If you keep lying on Leilah, I will make sure you hear every bit of the truth. Every hug, every kiss, everything, and I will enjoy watching it tear you apart.”

Shantel’s bitter eyes rolled open meeting Mira’s taunting glare. She felt her insides twitch uncontrollably as she watched Mira’s full lips slink into amused smile.

People should not hurt me, Shantel thought squeezing her fists tight until her fingernails pierced into her palms. People should not hurt me.

~~

Darien opened the passenger door, smiling at Leilah as she stepped out. Gasoline lingered in the air as the occasional car whizzed by on the nearby highway.

He pressed her body against the car, “Is it done?” Darien cupped her elbows, leaning against her.
“Oh, you’re talking to me again?” Leilah mused. “And all it took was an emergency roommate change. Is there anything else I can do for you, your majesty?”

Her sarcastic curtsey was interrupted by his lips grazing hers. “There is one thing,” he said with warmth tickling her lips while he spoke. Then he kissed her leisurely, taking his time to explore the contours of her lips as they shaped against his own. A fresh coat of raspberry plum lip balm coated his lips, the same way that his happiness lined her heart.

Darien opened the door for her, she slid in, and they continued their trip back to Chicago.

~~

Mira hawked Shantel like a predator. They rose simultaneously, holding each other’s glare. Standing face to face, Mira sensed Shantel’s silent rage, her smile extended further.

Mira laughed, “That’s it? You’re just going to ball up your lil fists and pout?”
Shantel didn’t flinch.

“Whatever, you can be pathetic. I don’t mind.” Mira turned her back on Shantel and walked toward the door. Part of her expected Shantel to pounce when her back was turned, but she knew Shantel wouldn’t. She was too crafty.

“Hey Shantel,” Mira said as she opened the door.
Shantel seethed in anger. Her fists balled tightly enough to draw blood.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say at the next meeting, especially the part where you clarify that Leilah did not attack you.” Mira paused, tapping her index finger against her chin, “Hmm, but that still leaves the question of what happened to you. Was it Terrance? Or will you lie and say it was me?” Mira laughed. “This is like a messed up game of Clue. Whatever, whoever, wherever, it better not be Leilah.” Then Mira left the room, and sang as she walked down the hallway, “Bye Soror.”

Shantel’s hands were numb. She didn’t notice the pressure shooting up her finger tips. When she finally unclenched her fists, her hands were a pinkish red, the same color as her eyes.

~~

Traffic was the first indicator that they were nearing the city. She vaguely heard him. Perhaps it was because he barely spoke. Leilah traced her lips, reminiscing about the two times she and Darien kissed. The first, she was able to play off as nothing more than a first kiss, but the second burned with undeniable intensity.

Leilah shook away the thoughts, and rested her head against her seat, closing her eyes. She imagined his lips pressed against hers, his hands roaming, her toes curling. She sank deeper into the dream, wishing it were reality.

“Leilah?”
Her eyes sprang open.
Darien’s golden brown eyes were filled with concern, “Are you alright?” he asked.
“Uh, yeah… yeah,” she rubbed her eyes open, and pressed her palms against her cheeks.
“Are you sure,” Darien asked, reaching over to rub the back of her neck.
“Yeah,” she said, pushing his hand away, “But could you please not touch me.”

Stricken, he pulled away, placing his hand on the steering wheel instead. Leilah stared out of the window, gathering her confused thoughts.

“What’s up?” he asked.
She shook her head, hesitantly before unleashing her concerns. “I just… I… I don’t know if I can do this. I think it’s great that you’re getting right with God, and on the no sex kick, but… I don’t think… I mean, I can’t… I just.” Leilah forced air out of her lungs and stared out of the window. “I like you a lot. And when we kiss it’s amazing.”

Darien smiled, but as she continued, his smile disappeared.
“But then my mind defaults to a place where you’re not trying to be. And I don’t see how I can be involved with you without being involved... intimately.”

Leilah glanced over at him.
He nodded but said nothing else.

The green highway signs occupied her eyes while her thoughts cluttered her brain. It is what it is, she thought. He needs a church going girl anyway. The kind that actually believes God listens to her prayers. I have enough to worry about without getting on God’s bad side by tempting Darien.

Several green signs with white lettering passed by as Leilah tried to convince herself that it was best to let Darien go. The thought wouldn’t stick. Instead, she saw how his fall-colored eyes would squint when he smiled, she remembered how the slightest glance from him made her blush, and she wanted to cry because she would no longer feel the warm comfort of his hand wrapped around hers.

She watched the exit signs lower from the hundreds to the sixties, less than half an hour from her house.

Leilah pretended to push her hair away from her face, glancing at Darien from the corner of her eye. He appeared to be deep in thought. I’ll catch the train back to school, she thought. This was just silly crush anyway. She returned her gaze to the highway signs, counting the seconds of silence before they parted ways for good.

Darien reached over, placing his hand on hers. She turned her palm up, gripping his, and rested in the comfort.


[Stay tuned: “Don’t excite love, don’t stir it up, until the time is right – and you are ready.” Songs of Solomon 2:7]