Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennslyvania, U.S.A. - January 1991
KAKUYA POV
A lot has happened since February 1988. Donald and Monica had a baby girl they named Dyana Renee DeGrate on September 9. I'm her godmother! He worked at a record store and eventually made enough money to move out of our house. Against my father's protests, Donald paid him 800 dollars back for letting him stay with us. We both graduated high school. I'm at Temple University in Philly as a Journalism major and I LOVE IT!!! Donald went to live with some friends of his: Joel and Cedric Hailey and they are supposedly starting a new group. I wish him well, I wish we could see each other more.
I entered a contest with my roomates Sienna and Euxodie where we get to meet this new group called JoDeCi. I don't even know these niggas, I'm all about my boo things Boyz II Men. Can't nobody touch them right now. I just did it on a dare and we won!
Sienna: Girl, I am TOO excited!!!
Me: I don't know guys, I haven't heard any of their songs.
Eux: You will soon enough! Girl, I wanna see my boo JoJo, but I kinda want to slide on DeVante.
I playfully rolled my eyes and checked the mirror. My long curly hair was on point, the short emerald velvet dress with matching Tessa heels (and the removal of my braces) made me feel like Pam Grier. The girls grabbed my hand and off we went.
AT VIDEO SOUL.....
We were speaking with the host Donnie Simpson waiting for JoDeCi to come.
Donnie: Okay girls, have a seat on this side of the stage next to me so the guys will have a good look at you.
We sat down and my mouth dropped open when I saw them! Oh. My. God. Dalvin, Joel, Cedric and Donald....these guys were Jodeci? NO WAY!!!
I gasped and looked down.
Donnie: You okay, honey?
Me: I'm fantastic.
I pulled it together and was fiddling with my hair so Donald couldn't see me.
Donnie: Welcome to Video Soul! I'm Donnie Simpson with our special guests Jodeci with three beautiful young contest winners from Temple University.
Us: Hi.
Donald took off his glasses and looked at me. We hadn't seen each other in almost three years. Damn, he grew into his looks and so did Dalvin.
Donnie: Boys, introduce yourselves.
K-Ci: I'm K-Ci.
JoJo: I'm JoJo.
Dalvin: Mr. Dalvin, ladies.
DeVante: I'm DeVante Swing, baby.
JoDeCi. Jo was for Jo-Jo, De was for DeGrate and Ci was for K-Ci. And Donald DeGrate was now DeVante Swing. Considering that New Jack Swing is in full effect, Swing seemed to be a good fit.
Donnie: Ladies, introduce yourselves for the men, please. Include your year and major.
Eux: My name is Euxodie Flowers. I'm a junior and I am a Philosophy major. I love you JoJo!
Sienna: I'm Sienna Sheridan. I'm a senior and I'm a Nursing major. What's up Mr. Dalvin?
Me: My name is Kakuya Mandrake, I'm a Journalism major. Big up to you K-Ci, and hi there Do.---- er, DeVante.
They smiled at us.
Mr. Dalvin: So, ya'll keeping up them grades, right?
Sienna: Uh....the way these clinicals got me set up....
Euxodie: So-so, K.O. here is the real brainiac. She's made the Dean's List every semester with a 5.0.
DeVante: Wow, smart cookie.
Donnie: I'll say.
I blushed.
Donnie: How?
Me: I work hard, think sharp, and focus on the tasks at hand.
K-Ci: Make it sound all simple.
After 45 minutes, the segment ended.
Donnie: Well, that's all the time we have. Thank you ladies, and thank you Jodeci!
We got up and left the stage. I felt DeVante watching me as I walked away. God, why is this happening to me.
When we got backstage, Sienna and Eux put me on blast.
Sienna: Okay, spill.
Me: What?
Eux: About what?
Sienna: You know damn well about what! You knew DeVante Swing the whole time!?
Me: I grew up with Donald DeGrate and his kid brother Dalvin. I didn't know they were Mr. Dalvin and DeVante Swing until now!
Eux: Lucky girl.
Me: I don't even think he remembers me. Dalvin does, but DeVante probably doesn't.
Eux: That's why she was dressed up today. She wan' 'it be a swing ting!!!
We burst out laughing.
Me: But seriously, DeVante Swing doesn't even remember me no more. That's old news.
DeVante: No baby, I remember you!
I turned around and he hugged me. I took in his cologne and I missed his touch, his smile.
DeVante: Um, could you girls excuse us for a second, I want to talk to your friend here.
Sienna: Sure thing!
Eux: Kiss and make up....we'll see you back at school.
I forgot they had exams.
Me: How---
DeVante: I'll give her a ride back to campus.
They left and it was just me and DeVante......
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FanfictionKakuya Mandrake has known Donald DeGrate (known better as DeVante Swing) since they were babies. They are best friends who laugh, cry, and comfort one another. Perfect right? WRONG! The problem is that DeVante has catapaulted to fame as a founder/me...
