Please excuse ANY grammatical errors.
January 17, 1992
~Tia's P.O.V~
Today is the day of the Movie Premiere. After checking up on my mother, I showered, then lotioned up my body. As I was putting on some lotion, there was a knock at the door. I already knew it was Bullet-Head.
"Give me a second!" I yelled towards the door, but he kept knocking.
"I said give me a second," I was louder this time and it stopped. After I finished rubbing the lotion in my left leg I tightened my bath robe and went to open the door. As I opened it again I saw his knuckles up, like he was about to knock some more.
"Knock again! I know you heard when I said I was coming!" I said with a threatening look.
"Well, it took you long enough!" He retorted, I walked back into the bedroom of the hotel.
"You still not ready? You said you was getting ready two hours ago. You must've took one of those Hollywood showers or something."
"NOPE," I said popping the p.
"Should have known..."
Thirty minutes later I came out the room completely dressed. I had on a long, mid sleeved, black dress with a slit on the right leg, and built-in brassiere. I had on some wooden black and brown BGM earrings, thick leggings, a black clutch with some gym shoes on. I also had my gun strapped into my inner left leg.
"You looking good over there Bullet-Head. With your little black slacks, black button up and silver tie. Mmkay." I said eying his fit.
He cockily replied, "Pshh, ye ain't gotta tell me twice. You not wearing all those layers of clothes put are you?"
"Of course not! I'd look like a dang fool! I'm taking all this EXTRA stuff off in the car. It's WAYYY too cold to be just wearing this with my toes out." I said pulling my black, five inch, ALMOST suede platform pumps, with a larger heel. Lord knows, I can't walk in thin heels as of now.
"Ohhh, okay. Smart move!"
"I wanna look cute, but not freeze to death over it," I said to him chuckling at him and shaking my head.
"A'ight let's roll, youngin'."
I burst out laughing, "Boy, I'm older than you! Talking about some youngin' sounding like somebody uncle."
"Only by four months! Besides you won't be correcting me when you get older." He shot back, grabbing our coats.
We left out the house at 6:04 p.m, the film starts at 7:30. So even with the New York snow, and traffic we'll make it on time. We made it to the limo that Mr. Dickerson rented for me, now us, since were going together. The boy Tupac and I have been hanging out since he got here, which was two days ago. He might as well not rented a room, cause he's been at mine since he got here really. He only left to shower. He'd sleep on the couch. Why? Idunno, but I also didn't mind. We enjoyed each other.
"Oh snap you got us a limo? We riding fly tonight!" He said opening the door for me to get inside.
"Hecky nah, I don't spend money like that. Besides this is only my second film I done worked on." I replied as he got in behind me, "Mr. Dickerson did this," I continued.
"You saying that now. When you really get out there you'll be spending big bucks. I'm supposed to be meeting, my crew there. They supporting a brother. You know the Digital Underground."
"Of course I'm going be spending money I have to travel, and for events like this. And of course on my family. How can I forget about them? They were practicality there during the whole filming of 'Juice'." Plus Shock G is one fine brotha, I thought. It was quiet for a minute before Bullet-Head spoke up.
"Yeah. This seems so unreal. I get to see myself on the big screen acting for the first time. Wow." He said in a daze rubbing the corners of his mouth.
"Yeah, you can act your little butt off! You did so good I felt a bit intimidated." I laughed at the end.
"Mmhm, I'm just... AMAZED. I'm just grateful y'all decided to give a couple of young brothas a chance." He said referring to Jermaine Hopkins, Khalil, Omar, and himself.
"I was given a chance, so I did the same for a few others. Besides, it ain't like we just GAVE y'all the role every last one of you worked y'all behinds off, in the FREEZING cold."
"Yeah. Still thanks."
I noticed we were almost there. "Turn around." I said gesturing with my index finger.
He looked at me confused, "Why?"
"So I can take all this off, and just in case something pop out this dress while I struggle to."
"Oh, a'ight." He said turning towards the window. "Hold on, I can still see you in the window reflection. Move to the other side." He said before I started unraveling any of the extra clothing items.
"Okay, thanks for telling me." I moved to another seat, the one on the long wall of the limo, took my shoes and socks off, and then my thick leggings. When I lifted up, my nipple almost slipped out. So glad I made him turn around. I moved back over to where I was previously sitting.
"Can I turn around now," he asked as he felt the seat near him sink a bit.
"Yes, you surly can." The driver came to a stop, and was about to get out to open the door until Tupac stopped him.
"Nahh sir, you don't have to get out. I just don't feel right having another man opening up doors for me." The driver nodded at him understanding. We both thanked the driver. Tupac pushed the door open, got out and helped me out. As soon as my right foot hit the ground I noticed the bright cameras that were there, all the people behind the ropes, and the paparazzi. It was a buku amount of white reporters and only a handful of black ones.
"Tupac, how do you feel about your first film," a lady shoved a mic in his face.
"It feels unreal that I see myself on the big screen doing something other than rapping." He calmly replied.
While another lady shoved one in mines, "Tia, this is the second film you worked on, how did it feel working with thugs?" Thugs?Completely ignoring her I answered another woman questions. She was beautiful, black, and very respectful.
This was my very first Movie Premiere. When I was working on 'The Five Heartbeats' we ran out of budget money, we even had to cut a few scenes to meet the budget requirements. This right here is just so dang on different from my first experience.
Tupac, broke me out of my thoughsts, "Yo, you lookin' fly as hell. But, those heels got yo looking almost six feet, you looking taller than a mothafucka!" He had to shift his eyes up to look at me now.
"Boy, you just mad because I'm taller than you right now," I'm originally 5'6 and a half. I now had about twi inches on him.
"No, I'm no--"
"Yo 'Pac... and Tia, we need y'all both back on the Red Carpet. They want a whole cast photo, people behind the scenes photo, and a photo with both the cast and people behind the scenes together." Omar, one of the actors of 'Juice' interrupted Tupac from finishing his sentence. The other two main characters were stood next to Omar.
"Aight, we comin'." Tupac responded to Omar.
"Wait, what y'all doing here together?" Khalil said turning back around.
"What it look like?" Tupac asked him as we all began to walk back outside.
"Y'all together, together?"
"No, we just decided to come here together." I responded to Khalil.
"Okay," his voice still held a bit of skepticism.
As we made it outside I automatically felt that draft go up my legs. I'm cold as heck.
"Over here." Mr. Dickerson yelled towards us. We walked his way.
"I know your ass is freezing." Tupac said lowly to me.
"Hecky yeah, smile," we both cheesed posing for the camera.
We headed back inside the building after taking pictures, and answering more questions. I would be strutting in confidence, but my legs were stiff from the cold AND I had on heels. We were walking up the steps to enter the theatre. As I was walking my legs gave out and I fell back after I took about six steps. I reached out for Tupac who was on my side, trying to find anything to grab.
"Oh shit!" Tupac loudly, as he saw what was happening. His big mouth caused more people to look this way. THANKS BULLET-HEAD!
When I fell back I was caught by someone other than Tupac. My head was in someones chest and my waist had a tight grip on it. I gripped the arms around my waist still scared I was going to fall. I also felt my dress hike up some.
"You're good. I got you, I got you," the tall dude said trying to calm me.
I looked up and my breath got caught in my throat, as our eyes met. Usually, colored eyes scare me but not this time. "Thank you," I said embarrassingly, yet thankfully. He lifted me up back to the step I fell from.
"No problem," I heard him say from behind me. We had to continue walking because it was piling up. Tupac put his arm around my waist so I would fall back again. I took a look around amazed.
"Damn!"
"Dang," we said at the same time. We took some seats on.
"Feels like I stepped foot in a castle," I whispered to myself, as I sat down in my seat.
"But you can't step your foot over the next step? I can't believe your ass fell back," Tupac hunched over laughing at the situation. I blushed in embarrassment.
"I- you didn't make it any better you yelled, which caused more attention." I said offended at his laughing. That is going to be forever engrained in my mind. One of the things I think about on a sleepless night.
"I know, you still cold." He took off his jacket and placed it on my legs.
"I am, thanks." I crossed my hands over my lap.
"This is the cleanest, and biggest theatre that I've ever been in." Tupac was looked at the red chairs and golden ceiling.
"I swear this place look elegant as fuck." G- Shock said from behind Tupac.
"Lemme go get some snacks, what you want?"
"Some water, some juju beads, and bonbons."
"A'ight." Tupac walked out to go the the concession stand.
He came back and we were sitting there for about fifteen more minutes before the movies started.
~DeVanté's P.O.V~
"DeVanté, can I please switch rooms with one of y'all? This nigga K-Ci irritating as fuck!" Dalvin said walking into JoJo and I's hotel.
"Why, what he do?" I asked, closing the door.
"He keeps on messing with me in my sleep!" He exasperated.
"Like what?" JoJo asked.
"He tickled my ear with something, just for me to swat it away and smash myself with whipped cream. He stuffed my nose and filled my throat with hot sauce, you know I sleep with my mouth open." JoJo and I looked at each other and started cracking up.
"What y'all laughing so hard for?"
"You forgot about the one when you were surrounded by sheeted people." I suggested.
Dalvin gasped, realizing it was all of us alone. "Y'all could have killed me with that jot sauce one, and y'all sitting here laughing. "I thought that was a nightmare, y'all niggas foul for that.
"You ALWAYS over exaggerating. You wasn't gon' die."
JoJo butted in, "In our defense the hot sauce one was K-Ci's idea. We just went along with it..."
I slapped him in the back of his bald head, "Dumb ass! How does that help our case?" I turned to Dalvin, "Look, we're sorry, but we had to go for the weakest link, which happens to be you."
"Nigga, JoJo sleeps harder AND louder than I do! Imma remember that next time. Watch!" Dalvin looked at us both menacingly.
"Whatever, we need to start getting ready," JoJo suggested.
"Yeah, and I'm sorry to tell you Dalvin but those purple coats you picked looks horrible with what imma wear. So, I'm not wearing it."
"What!? You said you would!"
"I know what i said but that purple makes my ears stick out more."
"Please just wear it, for me big bro? Besides nothing can make those big ears stick out more than they already are." He's trying to guilt me into doing so.
"N- okay, but only for a little bit. You owe me. Now go back so we can all be ready in time!"
We all met at Dalvin's and K-Ci's hotel room. When they were ready we all left. Upon arrival we automatically saw the flashing of lights and people outside trying to get the attention of their idols. We took some group photos. After we finished that, Dalvin and K-Ci were answering questions, while me and JoJo just stood there. I looked saw the cast and crew taking photos. I remember Tupac Shakur from Digital Underground from the preview. I also noticed Queen Latifah with the cast, I didn't even know she was part of the movie or could act for that matter.
I was glad that interviewing shit was over, I'm ready to sit down. After leaving the red carpet I took off my glasses while K-Ci, Dalvin, and I headed to the theatre room, while Jojo went to get everybody some snacks. As I was walking up the stairs the woman in front on me fell back. She was reaching her hands out for something to grab.
"Oh shit!" Tupac who was beside her yelled out, which caused more people than there already were to look at the whole situation unfolding. He looks mad different with a bald head, his head is shaped like a bullet.
Her head fell in my chest and I quickly grabbed her waist to prevent her fall. I felt her grip my arms that were around her waist tightly, probably still scared she'd fall.
"You're good. I got you, I got you," I reassured her she's fine, in more ways than one.
Her dress hiked up a bit, and her breast moved up some. At the angle I was at I could see something else peaking at me as well. As a man I couldn't help but stare at them. I looked down and my breath got caught in my throat, as our eyes met. Her piercing, dark brown eyes met mine.
"Thank you," she said embarrassingly, yet thankfully.
"You're welcome," I cleared my throat, and lifted her up back to the step she fell from. She looks familiar, I know I saw her somewhere.
"You're welcome," I let out in a low shaky voice. Yo, what the fuck is wrong with me right now!? I watched her walk off, but lost her once Dalvin cut me out of my trance.
"Damn, look at her! She's bad as fuck."
"Yeah, she is!" I said a little too excited.
"Is I'm dreaming? Donald Earle DeGrate Junior appreciates a black woman. Not to mention, she flaunts hers. She's got the afro, and the earring. It's looks like she stepped right out of the 70's with that big afro." Dalvin said with a very shocked expression.
"Right, you was just insulting my skin tone before we came here two days ago. There go a white woman over there. They aren't hard to spot here since it's a whole lotta of us here." K-Ci pointed out.
"Look I'm sorry about insulting you, let's just find a seat." I said looking around trying to find where she went.
I spotted Tupac head and that lead me the way. They both sat down. Immediately after they sat, I made my way near her. I sat in the seat right behind her. I'm tryna see of they're together or not, just to make sure. When I know for sure they're together I'm step back a little bit.
"You just so happen to pick this seat, right behind her." Dalvin chuckled,
"You ain't ever did this, you sprung already and she ain't even tell you her name." He continued to whisper, we sat down.
"Shhhh." I hushed him eavesdropping on she and Tupac's conversation.
He must be with her, he left, came back with snacks, I also noticed his jacket in her lap. Jojo came and handed us some snacks. Maybe she ain't with him snacks, bringing snacks don't mean nothing. I'm not with with Jojo and he got ours. The lights began to dim, indicating the movie was about to start.
The previews started to play while we waited for the real movie to actually start. When the actual movie came on I heard the woman in front of me squeal.
"There's my name!" She said. I quickly shot my head back up to look up at the screen. I was only able to read the first name, because it only stays up there for a few seconds.
"Tia..." I trailed off lowly, but she must have heard me because she began to look around to find the source of noise.
She turned back to face the screen. Her name later popped up again for writer. So she's a director and writer? She got her shit together, I like that.
"There you go Bullet-Head." Tia turned her head to Tupac. Bullet- Head? I looked at the top of his head. She is too funny for that.
The movie came to an ending, everyone began to gather their things, preparing to leave. I got up and stretched. That was a good movie, well the parts I did see. Tupac can ACTUALLY act very well, might I add.
"You the dude from the movie," Dalvin said to 'Pac when he turned around. "You did good as hell with this role!"
"Thanks. Aye, y'all them Jodeci niggas right" 'Pac asked pointing out.
"Oooo YEAH," K-Ci sung out as as response to him. 'Pac dapped us all up. Tia stood up and rearranged her dress. She turned around and waved at us.
"That's you?" Dalvin asked him straight up.
"Nahh," he responded.
"Y'all look like a couple," K-Ci spoke up.
Tia butted in, "But, we aren't."
"That's good to know." I mumbled.
"Huh, what you say De? Speak a little louder." He said in a knowingly manner.
"Ian say nothing."
"Y'all going to the after party?"
"Yeah, we was all invited." K-Ci said.
"A'ight, I'll see y'all there." Tupac said dapping us all up again. Tia waved as they walked out.
"See y'all! You liked the movie?" Dalvin asked me.
"It was good," I replied.
"Nah, ion mean the one on the screen I mean the one that just walked out the door." Dalvin put his hands in his pocket.
"You wild!" K-Ci spun around stomping his feet, and laughing.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now let's go to this party." I walked of, they soon followed me.
When we got in the car they kept on jiving on me, about this. They did this the whole ride which was pretty short, since the place wasn't too far from the theatre.
Word Count: 3,330
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