The Art of Falling | Szn 1, Episode Thirteen

Heartbreak Hotel | Kiyanne

“Okay,” Lauren brushed her hair out of her face. “There’s no way you called me again just to have us sit in silence again. I swear if you don’t say something, I’m changing your name in my phone to Do Not Answer.”

Stabbing her fork into her salad, Kiyanne smiled. “You’re so extra.”

“And you should know this already,” Lauren’s sepia face split into a grin. “So spill. Por favor.”

Propping her elbow onto the table, Kiyanne considered whether she felt comfortable discussing her and Shameek’s prior conversation. The two hadn’t spoken since he left Kiyanne’s apartment, as she didn’t know what to say, and he seemingly meant it when he said he’d give her some space.

As much as Kiyanne hated to admit it, she missed having him around, and it bothered her that they weren’t speaking. The metal gymnastics made her head hurt, and it blew her mind that Shameek had managed to flip her world upside down without even trying.

But what she could say was that the time they’d spent together was a welcome distraction to the other thoughts she’d been fighting. That was until she learned about his past and shut down.

“I’m waiting,” Lauren said, tapping her nails against the table’s top, regaining Kiyanne’s attention.

“Do not do the most,” Kiyanne warned, pushing her uneaten food away. “But, there’s this guy…”

“Lo sabiá!” Lauren’s elevated tone made Kiyanne groan. “I knew it! Is he cute? Are you in love?”

Unable to resist the pull of Lauren’s infectious, bubbly energy, Kiyanne giggled. “Would you quit? You’re worse than my mom.”

“He met your mom?”

“By accident. He happened to come over the other night while she was visiting, and things snowballed from there.”

“Okay,” Lauren inhaled deeply to calm her excitement. “Let’s start from the beginning. Who is he?”’

“My neighbor.”

“Ooooh, a classic love story.”

“Lauren.”

“Okay, okay, okay. Is he cute?”

“He is gorgeous, tall, and has these dimples that—ugh,” Kiyanne groaned. “Even more than that, he makes me feel comfortable and puts me at ease. Except for when he’s working my nerves.”

“Aye, mamita, sounds like love to me.”

“I wouldn’t say it was love,” she replied, reaching for her water bottle. “But despite me pretending otherwise, it’s definitely something.”

“So what’s with the long face? This is the honeymoon stage. You should be enjoying it.”

“Our pasts are making that a little difficult at the moment,” Kiyanne admitted.

“Everyone has a past, Kiy. Are either of y’all’s affecting your future?”

“Not at the moment, but it could.”

“Or it could not,” Lauren argued. “You don’t always have to view the glass as half empty, Kiyanne. It’s so easy to focus on the bad and the negative that sometimes we forget there’s a possibility that things will work out for the good.”

“Trust me, history has taught me to always expect the worst.”

“And allowing that trauma to dictate how you view life robs you of any chance of happiness. I will never tell you that people have it worse than you or downplay anything you’ve been through, but despite the ugliness, there’s a lot of beauty to find in life, Kiy. Maybe if you try to focus more on that, you’ll be more open to accepting the good that comes your way instead of obsessing over circumstances you can’t change.”

“You, of all people, know how important it is to have the right people in your life when wrestling with sobriety, Laur. One wrong thing and…”

“Let me stop you right there,” Lauren picked up as Kiyanne trailed off. “Because that’s not fair. You are not perfect, Kiy. You have a past, and you also aren’t that person anymore. It’s unfair to hold whatever he’s done against him or use it as an excuse not to get close to someone because you’re afraid of the outcome. You’d be pissed if someone did that to you.”

Sinking her teeth into her lip, Kiyanne groaned, knowing Lauren was right.

“I don’t know, something about this just feels different. This man I barely know makes me feel so safe and seen—”

“And you’re worried about how you’ll handle it if he turns out not to be who he says he is.”

“I don’t know if I’m strong enough for that disappointment,” she admitted.

“Once again, you’re only focused on what could go wrong, Kiy. Step one to changing your life is believing you’re capable of change. You deserve good things. Don’t doubt that.”

“I can’t help but doubt that,” Kiyanne mumbled.

“Fine,” Lauren shrugged. “Then stay miserable. It’s your choice. Just remember you’re the only one to blame for the outcome.”

As she absorbed Lauren’s words, Kiyanne felt she’d made the right decision by opening up to her. Although she wasn’t totally optimistic about the outcome of allowing Meek into her life, she knew she’d never know if she didn’t try.

***

Shameek

Shameek’s heart nearly stopped as he stared at the contact ID on his phone’s screen. Licking his lips, he debated whether to answer or let the call go to voicemail. It was a short debate; however, two rings later, he swiped his thumb across the screen to answer, desperate to hear the person’s voice on the other end.

“Ma?”

“Hello, son,” she hesitantly said.

“Everything good? I—”

“Everything is fine. I’m fine. How are you?”

A mix of emotions coursed through him as he struggled to answer her question. No matter how hard he claimed to be, part of him wanted his mother’s comfort after everything he’d been through.

“I’m making it.”

“So I’ve heard,” she revealed. “I ran into Hendric’s mother, and she let it slip that you were released from prison. I didn’t think I’d have to hear that on the streets.”

“I didn’t think you would care, given our history.”

“No matter what’s transpired between us, you’re still my son, Shameek. A son I wish would make better decisions.”

Shameek was almost immediately frustrated. “If you called to lecture me, I don’t want to hear it. I—”

“I didn’t call to lecture you, Meek. I called to tell you that Hendric’s mother isn’t the only person I’ve bumped into recently. Amber stopped by here looking for you.”

That made him stop in his tracks. “For what?”

“I don’t know. And I didn’t ask. But she did seem desperate to know your whereabouts. Which I couldn’t have told her if I wanted to, since I don’t know.”

“Like I said, as far as I knew, you didn’t care what I had going on, so I didn’t share.”

“And like I said, regardless of what’s happened, you’re still my son, but you chose the streets, Shameek. The lifestyle you wanted only ends one of two ways, and I refused to sit up all night waiting for the call telling me that I would have to bury my child. You might not like it, but the state of our relationship is partially the consequence of your own actions.”

“I hear you, a’ight? About everything.”

“It’s a shame it took you getting locked up to do so.”

“You’re right. I had ill feelings about what I was up to that night, and not listening to my gut came back to bite me. But I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m trying to be a better man. I’m in a new city and trying to do things the right way.”

“And I look forward to hearing about all your endeavors if you’re willing to share them with me.”

“I don’t have too much to tell. Hendric and his family helped me get set up, and I’m back focused on music. Despite Amber trying to dredge up unnecessary drama in my life, I’m chilling.”

“What happened between you two?”

“Long story short, I went to jail, and she disappeared. I don’t know why she’s so pressed to talk to me now, but that’s a wrap.”

“Are you sure? I know how attached you two were.”

“Trust me, Ma. I’m good. I have enough women problems without adding—” he immediately fell silent, realizing his mistake.

“Shameek Black, tell me everything, and tell me right now,” his mother demanded. Have you met someone?”

“I misspoke; don’t read too much into it.”

“You’re going to be reading the bottom of my shoe before I put it up your behind if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”

“I don’t even think that’s physically poss—”

“Shameek!”

“Her name is Kiyanne, Ma. She lives next door.”

“Tell me about her.”

“I told you she lives next door. That should be enough.”

“Boy.”

He grinned, enjoying falling back into their old routine.

“Alright, alright,” he conceded, palming his face. “Although I really don’t know how to describe her. Kiy’s unlike any other woman I’ve ever met. She’s stubborn and difficult, which is frustrating, but those moments where she lets her guard down and allows me to really see her make it all worth it.”

“But,” she urged.

“But we both have a bit of a rough past, and she thinks we aren’t good enough for each other. She doesn’t fully trust me, which is also understandable since we technically just met.”

“And what do you think?”

“She has a point, but I feel like our pasts help shape us to be our best selves.” he kept his reply limited, refusing to air out Kiyanne or her business. “There’s a reason we crossed paths.”

“I see you want to be tight-lipped, and that’s fine,” she grumbled, making him laugh. “But if it’s meant for you two to be more, she’ll come around, baby.”

“And what if she doesn’t, Ma?”

“Then you’ll have to accept that maybe it’s not meant to be, Meek.”

“Under normal circumstances, I would. But like I said, from the time I laid eyes on her, there’s been an intense connection I can’t explain.”

“Well, if, and only if, she’s willing to hear you out, then I vote for you to find a way to encourage her to do so. With her consent, Shameek. I didn’t raise a weirdo.”

“Go ‘head, Monique,” he sniggered. “It’s nothing like that.”

“I very damn well hope not. But I have to go, but I will call to check on you soon. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“I love you, son.”

“I love you too, Ma,” he replied, hanging up the phone and tossing it aside.

Without overthinking about what he wanted to do in case he talked himself out of it, Shameek stood and left his home, heading to Kiyanne’s door. Clearing his throat, he knocked.

He didn’t have long to stress about whether or not she’d answer as her door swung open less than a minute later.

Kiyanne’s eyes filled with warmth the minute they landed on him, putting his soul at ease.

“Hey,” she murmured.

“What’s up?” he rubbed the back of his neck. “You have a minute?”

“Yeah,” she stepped back to allow him inside. “I’m actually glad you came over. I’ve been obsessing all day over whether or not to knock on your door.”

“Had I been home, you would have been more than welcome to,” Shameek replied, heading into the kitchen.

Toying with her hands, Kiyanne followed. “I’m sorry for how everything unfolded the other day. With everything I’ve been through, I guess sometimes I view things negatively without even thinking about it,” she blurted, hopping onto the counter.

“It’s all good,” he assured her. “I get it, and I understand where your fear stems from. I don’t think I can say much to make you trust me since what we’re doing is still new, but I hope you’re at least willing to allow me the opportunity to show you who I am before deciding this won’t work.”

“Me and trust don’t get along too well,” Kiyanne dropped her eyes to the floor.

Tucking his finger beneath her chin, he lifted her head. “I know. And part of the reason I’m here is to fix that.”

Kiyanne delivered a partial grin. “You are so annoying.”

“Now, was I annoying when I brought you a gift the other day?”

“You were, actually,” she smirked. “And speaking of said gift, would you mind grabbing it for me? It’s sitting on my living room table.”

Nodding, Shameek briefly left the kitchen to retrieve the gift bag, then returned it and handed it to her. “Here, spoiled ass.”

“Ain’t finna be too much more name calling, homeboy,” Kiyanne frowned, excitedly digging into the bag. She gasped softly upon retrieving the bamboo paintbrushes and the 3D printing pen tucked inside.

“What?” Shameek worriedly inquired when she didn’t speak. “Did I get it wrong? I can—”

“No,” she interrupted. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just in awe. This was sweet of you, Meek. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. You deserve it.”

He barely got the words out before she hopped off the counter and took his hands. Pushing herself to the tips of her toes, Kiyanne brushed her lips against his. For Shameek, the atmosphere in the room shifted, and a sensual, electric energy ran between the two like a current. Trailing his hands down her hips, he lifted and gently placed her back onto the counter. Kiyanne gasped while he slipped his tongue into her mouth, sparking an animalistic desire to become further acquainted with her.

As he gripped her back, Shameek couldn’t help but notice how well they fit, like two perfectly shaped puzzle pieces.

“Wait,” Kiyanne suddenly pulled away and planted her hands against his chest. “I’m not—I mean, I don’t think…”

“It’s cool, Kiy,” he thumbed her cheek before kissing the tip of her nose. “You know it’s no pressure. Come walk me to the door.”

She grabbed his hand when he attempted to move to keep him rooted. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for us to take that step yet,” she murmured. “But I’m not ready for you to leave either.”

Untangling his fingers from hers, Shameek gripped her thighs. “Then I’m yours until you put me out.”

Kiyanne wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him forward and into another kiss. “And I will,” she assured him. “In the morning.”

He didn’t protest as she led him to her bedroom, only letting go of his hand to climb into the bed. After stripping out of his clothes, Shameek was right behind her.

“What’s something you’ve always wanted?” Shameek inquired, knowing he should probably let Kiyanne sleep, yet he still needed her company.

“You mean as a gift or just in general?”

“In general, but I’ll make it more specific: what did you want most as a kid?”

“An English bulldog,” she answered swiftly, making him snort.

“Ugly ass dogs.”

“You’re ugly,” she countered, gingerly punching his arm. “Jerk.”

Sucking in a sharp breath to hide that he’d dozed off just that quickly, Shameek turned onto his side and curled his arm around her waist to pull her closer. “Don’t call me ugly, ugly.”

Kiyanne yawned once more. “Go to bed, Shameek.”

“Let me get a kiss first.”

“You aren’t tired of kissing me yet?” She forcefully pecked his lips.

“I don’t think I could ever get tired of kissing you,” he murmured, allowing her warmth to lure him into the best sleep he’d gotten since being released from prison.