tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27938352328616829032024-03-08T03:59:12.172-08:00Dream Deferred: The NovelPoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13066001244915129886noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2793835232861682903.post-54153037303635290652011-12-11T16:35:00.001-08:002012-10-13T14:48:39.615-07:00Dream Deferred<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Prologue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Each raindrop fell harder than the one before. The light was making way for darkness. My plan to go onto the balcony and count the stars had been cancelled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Counting stars could seem strange to some; not normal. But what exactly was normal anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn't be like everyone else. I wouldn't be put into a box, labeled. I didn't care about the in crowd on being the most popular kid on campus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was more of an artist. Photography and poetry was more of my thing. But everyone wasn't into counting stars. Or lying on a bed of grass and finding objects in the clouds. Or DREAMING.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes I hated being different from others. I just want to be normal. Whatever that is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood at the doorway of my balcony watching the rain as I smoked a wine black and mild. The rain falling was NORMAL. Duke Ellington playing in the background was normal. I was normal. In just that one moment. Whatever normal is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Dream! Dream!" He was being shaken and stirred like an alcoholic beverage by his best friend, Epiphany. She owned a spare key to his apartment, for emergencies, but she used it at her leisure. Dream had fallen asleep on the couch after giving in to the rain's hypnosis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I thought I told you to use that key for emergencies," said Dream as he sat up on the couch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"It is an emergency. I need you to getu p and go somewhere with me," said Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Where?" Dream asked as he put on his shoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"School. They are having a Pre Dawn Throwdown tonight."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Oh, hell no! You know I don't do gatherings like that anymore. Too many freshmen."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Come on Dream. I'm sure someone that pisques your curiousity will be there. Swag might be there."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Fuck Swag," Dream said as he lit the remains of his black and mild.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream was never the one for secrets and Swag was just that. A secret. He was a star on the school's track team and a true womanizer. Or so he thought. And Dream fucked around with him on the low a few times but it never got any further than that. Just fooling around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"SWAG, SWAG SWAG! He's all you ever talk about and now it's fuck him?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yes, ma'am. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to sleep," said Dream as he stretched back out on the couch. Epiphany fanned the smoke that swirled around her face away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You loser. Get ya ass up you bohemian, dread loc wearing sorry excuse for a best friend!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"What did I tell you about calling them dreads? They are just locs!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Whatever. Ever since you realized you had to stay at NCU another semester you have been acting very grumpy and bitter. Now get up before I snatch you up and let's gooo."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream sighed and stood up. He blew the last bit of thick smoke in Epiphany's face and laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The gymnasium was dark, the music was loud and Dream didn’t want to be there. He was more out of place than a nun in a whorehouse. But being the friend he was, he came for Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She was the one who knew everyone. Dream and Epiphany could never walk around campus without her stopping to talk to someone. Epiphany had been like that since junior high school, so Dream was used to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream stood over to the side watching everyone shake and gyrate. Work up and sweat until their shirts were soaked and hair dishelved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Act like you want to be here, Dream, " said Epiphany, walking back over to her friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I don't wanna be here, that's the thing. So you decided to rejoin me. But I know you're fans awaited you," said Dream sarcastically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Fuck, youuuu," said Epiphany playfully. "You see SWAG over there? he's been trying hard not to grill you. Shit ain't working."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know I peeped him and his entourage of FAKENESS when we walked in. They're trying so hard to put on this front that they are all straight......"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"When they are all probably getting head from each other. A Favor for a favor!" Epiphany finished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rodney "SWAG" Atkins was one of the best track and field stars that Langston Central State University has to offer. HE held the best time in the 400 meter and hurdles. The boy was fast as lightning for 6'1". Track and Field wasn't the most popular sport at an HBCU (football took the precedence over any other) but was supposed like any other sport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Especially by Dream. Ever since he started dealing with Swag, he made it a priority to show up to as many track meets as he could, home and away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Swag stood up against the wall with his hands in his pockets, occasionally looking at Dream. He jerked his head in the direction of the exit doors a couple of times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I think he wants you to meet him outside, Dream. Now why can't he be like everyone else and come speak to you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You already know the deal," said Dream. He watched as Swag headed for the double doors of the gym. He waited a minute, then followed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Swag leaned against a wall with one leg holding him up and the other against the wall as well. Dream realized as he approached him why they called him Swag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"What's good, dude?" he asked so smoothly. It was like those words were made for his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Not much. What's up with you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Not shit. So you can't call a nigga no more?" Swag asked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know how I am about calling people."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yeah, yeah. You don't call people. Well, I'm special.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"And what makes you so special?" Dream asked. Swag laughed. His smile was beautiful. But Dream never told him that. He'd think you were getting soft on him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You should already know by now what makes me special."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"So is there a reason why you called me out here other than to see if Verizon had cut me off or not?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Pretty much. You got the number. Use it." said Swag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream chuckled and turned to walk away, but Swag reached for his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Dude, don't play me," said Swag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I'm not. You have my number as well. Text me. I have unlimited."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream was cutthroat and dry. He had been through enough with boys in his 22 years of living. From the playground in the fourth grade to bullies and crushes in high school. People either hated him or loved him. Mistreated him or worshipped him like a king. Epiphany admitted at times how green she could get when Dream got more attention than she. Even thought she could pass for a model. She carried a nice bone structure with a short hair cut like Pop star Rihanna. She was sometimes mistakened for the singer Keri Hilson., with an added lip piercing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Epiphany always rocked the lastest fashions, so Dream considered her a fashionista in her own right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"So what did he say?" Epiphany asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I'm surprised you're still in the same spot I left, E."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"What did he say?" she asked again, completely ignoring his comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"He just asked why I hadn't called him and what not. Like I'm supposed to look like a desperate groupie that blows up his phone. I've learned that lesson in the past."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"The boy has a point though. You don't call anyone! Not even me and I'm your best friend!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I call my mom every day."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Of course. She's your mother. That's what you should do, Dream. Duh! Anyway, I'm over this party. It's late and so am I, for my beauty rest."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yea, you need all the beauty rest you can get," said Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Fuck you, boy!" said Epiphany. "You got one more time..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I love you too, E!" They headed for the door without looking back at the party that was still in full effect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He woke up unable to breathe. His body felt different. Like his soul was being taken from him. God, not again, Dream thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He always called either his mom or Epiphany when he was having a panic attack. His mother told him to call her at anytime. So he picked up his cell phone and hit one. She was number one on his speed dial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Hey baby. Are you okay?" Cynthia Rushmore asked in a groggy voice. It was around 3 a.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"No, I'm having another episode," said Dream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Just relax and breath, baby." Dream sat on the edge of his bed and did what he was told. The panic attacks always woke him up out of his sleep, which was the most disturbing part about it. He felt alone and child-like during this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"What are you stressing about, Dream?" his mom asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I don't know. School, maybe. But I'll be fine. I didn't mean to call so late, but you were the only person on my mind."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I already told you you can call anytime."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I know, Ma. I love you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I love you too. Call me if you need to." They hung up and Dream got up to get a glass of water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">LOVE. It was the most misunderstood emotion in the world but Dream knew his love for his mother was nothing to be confused about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She has been t here for him since day one and always reminded him of that. Dream was independent for the most part, but his mom always seemed to help him out in some way with his bills. His job at the coffee shop got him by, along with occasional refund checks from grants and scholarships from school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream was the only child, so it was only natural that he be spoiled. Cynthia was told that she could never have kids. She always DREAMED of having a son. A prince to complete her small kingdom. So when it happened at age 30, she took it as a blessing from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cynthia divorced her husband, Marco, when Dream was only ten. As soon as the divorce was final, Marco disappeared. They hadn't heard from him since. Only once did Marco send Dream a birthday card on his 13th year of living. He wrote a personalized message in the card:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You are now a man in my eyes. It is time for you become the king of the throne. because I was took weak and foolish to continue on."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream cried so hard that day. Not because he no longer had a father figure but because his m other was abandoned by her high school sweetheart. Her first love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream tried to shake the memories of a bitter past from his mind as he laid back down to continue to his rest. He promised himself that he would never to cry again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sundays at the coffee shop were slow. Most people came in to use the free Wi-fi internet but none really ordered coffee or anything until after church services. Java one was a laid back cafe with an artists' atmosphere and Dream seemed to fit right in. Amy Fusari, his supervisor and owner of the shop was the coolest white girl Dream knew. She often times hung out with Dream and his small circle of friends. When they clubbed, she bought everyone a round of drinks. When she got really drunk, the drinks kept on coming, until everyone was wasted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Epiphany said that Amy tried too hard, buying their friendship and all, but Dream didn't think she was per se, just being a very generous soul. Whenever he needed a day off, Amy gave it to him. Whenever Epiphany wasn't around, he could talk to Amy about anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"So I take it since things are slow around here you can spare me a cup of joe," said a quiet but loud voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream looked up from his E. Lynn Harris novel he was reading. It was Tyree with Epiphany right behind him. They were dressed up, fresh from church. Epiphany wore a gray pant suit with stiletto heels and flower in her hair. Her diamond earrings sparkled like her personality. Tyree was his other close friend, who had on a white button up, a big pink bowtie and gray pin stripped slacks with snakeskin shoes. Dream had known Tyree Williams for about four years now. He was a little more feminine than the guys Dream hung with. But Dream didn't mind. Dream was friendly and didn't worry about a person's demeanor, but more so he based his friendships on character, loyalty and trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I think I can manage a cup for both of you," said Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know I don't drink coffee boy. But I will take a scone," said Tyree. Dream reached for a scone. "And a bear claw!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Okay, now you're pushing it," Said Dream with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Tyree is always reaching. But I will just take a coffee, honey," said Epiphany. "So, where's Amy?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Home, I guess. She knew today would be slow so she didn't come in," said Dream as he prepared the coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know, it's something about that girl that ain't right," Said E.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Here we go again," said Tyree with a mouth full of scone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"What?! I just get weird vibes from her," said Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You get vibes from everyone. Did you check your tea leaves for that one?" asked Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"YOu've got jokes. Anyway, when are you going to go to church with us, Dream?" Epiphany asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I don't know. You know I work most Sundays and..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You're just plain evil," finished Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Don't start that either!" said Dream. "I've just come to realize that religion is one of those things that we don't know much about. Most people follow the Bible, stories written by man and interpret it the way THEY want to. And don't get me started about crooked pastors and church members!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"And those queen choir directors," added Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know all churches aren't like that. You would love my church, hun." E reassured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"The boys are cute there, too," said Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Stop that! YOu are in church for all the wrong reasons. Damn shame." said Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"NO, what's a damn shame is that I spend my Sundays in church when I should be here. Who is that over there?" Tyree nodded in the direction of a guy who was seated in a corner on his laptop. He had fair skin, which was damn near flawless. His hair was curly and unkempt and he emitted that bohemian vibe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I don't know his name but he is in here almost every time I work," said Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Maybe I should go say something to him. Ask him his name and if he is single," said Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"ONLY TYREE," said Epiphany as she sipped on her coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"What? I'm intrigued. And I know Dream isn't going to do it."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"He has to come to me, which I doubt will happen." said Dream. The guy looked up from his computer and directly at them. They all turned their heads away. He smiled and looked back down at his work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Dream! You have more boys flocking to you than the kids running down to a gay pride fest. Don't play that woe-is-me act with me," said Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"E is right, Dream. I taught you better. Anyway, lemme turn on my boy and show you two how I do this."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tyree stood up and grabbed his crotch, like it was a switch to turn on his masculinity and walked over to the stranger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tyree stood up and grabbed his crotch, like it was a switch to turn on his masculinity and walked over to the stranger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Your friend has problems," said Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"NO, that's your friend," said Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Mind if I sit down?" Tyree asked the stranger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"It's a free country. Help yourself." he replied, not even looking up from his laptop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Actually, if you think about it, we're not that free. With all of these laws and restrictions, I'm starting to think we're in Cuba. We had our own Fidel Castro for about eight years."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The stranger cracked a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I'm Ishmael," he replied<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I'm Tyree." They extended hands to shake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"So, do you always walk over to people you don't know and spark conversations of law and ethics?" Ishmael asked. Tyree laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Law and Ethics. Only if the person seems interesting. I'm a friendly guy and I like meeting interesting people."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Interesting," said Ishmael. They both laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"SO are you are writer?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I am. I'm working on a young adult novel right now" said Ishmael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Are you published?" Tyree asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Not yet. My agent is shopping around for me a book deal."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You need to put my boy on. He's been trying to get published for a while now."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Who's your boy?" Tyree nodded in the direction of Dream and Epiphany. "Ohhh, Coffee Dude." Tyree laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yeah, Dream's his name. Come on, let me introduce you to my people."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They both got up and went over to the table where Dream and Epiphany were seated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Guys, I'd like you to meet Ishmael. Ishmael, this is Dream and Epiphany."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ishmael shook both of their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You two have some very cosmic names," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Thank you," said Epiphany with a smile. Dream remained silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"So I hear you're a writer, Dream," said Ishmael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"And he's a photographer too. You should see some of his stuff," said Tyree. His femininity had switched back over. Dream gave Tyree a look of death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I am. I didn't think my friend here would give my entire life story."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"He didn't I like leaving it up to the individual himself to tell me whatever they'd like to."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"If it were left up to Tyree, he'd tell everything," added Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"YOu love making me look bad, E," said Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"YOu do that to yourself," said Epiphany with a chuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"SO what time do you get off?" Ishmael asked Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Eight."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Maybe I could come back and we could talk. I wanna see what you got.your writings and all," said Ishmael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Cool. That'll work," said Dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"See you guys later," Ishmael said and went back to his table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"IS that a date?!" Epiphany said in an excited but low tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Noo," said Dream with a smile. "WHy can't two people with the same interests talk and get to know each other?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Because he looked at you like you were a Tootsie Roll pop," said Tyree. "Lickin his lips and shit."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream continued to smile from ear to ear. Shit like that didn't happen to him every day. Really, it never happened. HE always met someone in the club or on the internet. bbut never on the streets or at work. People were crazy these days, no matter how accepting people seemed to be about alternative lifestyles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I think you imagined that, Tyree," said Epiphany. "And if he was licking his lips, I'm sure it was because they were dry."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"HELLO?! It's called Carmex. The shit is under a dollar at Wal-mart. If he becomes your boy toy, make sure you give him a supply of it." said Tyree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Tyree, shut up," said Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yeah, I doubt it'll be anything more than a friendship. I'm not interest in anything serious anyway. "<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You just wanna bang it up. He doesn't look like much of a bottom to me, so someone might be giving up the caaaakes!" Dream laughed and got up to help a customer that had come in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For the rest of the day, Dream did think about Ishmael, the guy who he had been checking out for a while now. Especially considering the fact that when eight o'clock rolled around, he was a no show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream's Interlude<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I always felt left out. That one feeling no one wanted. Tyree was a member of the best modeling troupe on campus, Extravagance, not to mention that he danced in one of our hip hop groups as well. Epiphany was starting her own line of bags, that she was convinced would put Louis V and Dooney and Burke out of business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Louis, who? You must be talking about that swap meat stuff with the bad stitch line," Epiphany once said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone had dreams that were obtainable except me. I loved photography and poetry, but it seemed to be getting me nowhere. Something was missing from my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted to belong to something, but that would mean putting me in a box and I was claustrophobic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It had crossed my mind a few times to pledge in a fraternity. But all that brotherhood shit wasn't my thing either. Besides, frats and sorors seemed like names and names only. You have more pull and clout when you have that frat name attached to your own name. I wanted to make my own name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But I was once again curious and wanted to see what would happen if I went to an interest meeting for one for one of the most popular fraternities on campus: Alpha Sigma Kappa Omega. or AKSO for short.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This was the first fraternity I had ever heard of with four names, SO i assumed that's what made it so special. I guess I would find out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 2: Who Want to Be An AKSO Man?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I would like to welcome you to the interest meeting for Alpha Kappa Sigma Omega Inc. I am Calvin Wynn, chapter president of AKSO . I am going to give you a little background info about us. We were founded in 1921 by Dr. Newman Campbell, our very own founder of the illustrious Newman Campbell University. We pride ourselves on community service, brotherhood, of course, and throwing the best parties on this side of the Mississippi river. Can I get a..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"AyyyyAyyAyyyyeeeee!" screamed the brothers that sat in the front row of the conference room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream tried his best not to laugh at the insanity that was taking place. This seemed like a joke, What would Dr. Langston think if he knew his predecessors were straight clowns? He'd probably turn in his grave a few times at this one. Dream wish he had invited Epiphany or even Tyree along for this , but he didn’t want them to know he was even thinking about pledging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tyree would probably act up anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream stood up from the back row he was sitting in and was heading out of the door when Calvin called him out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"My brother?! Leaving so soon. We haven't even gotten to personal testimonies yet," said Calvin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I was actually just going to the bathroom," said Dream. A few people laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream hurried to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on his face. This was not the time for another panic attack...Damn, Why did I come here? he thought. He could easily dip out at this point but his face had been shown at the interest meeting. Who knew what would be said on campus about him after this. And Calvin was a big asshole according to Epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Who gives a fuck what anybody thinks? I'm leaving this muthafucka," said Dream in the mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He would face the consequences later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So you really went to their interest meeting last night?” Epiphany asked in disgust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, I did. And I don’t know why. I started to bring you along but I figured that would be a big mistake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You know me too well. I probably would have started a riot up in there,” Epiphany said. “They talk allt his stuff about what they stand for and it’s all a façade in my eyes. Anything to make themselves look good in the eyes of the Dean and Chancellor. The community as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream and Epiphany sat outside of Java One, having coffee and biscotti. One of the m any things they did that a lot of students at an HBCU would consider “white”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What was normal going Greek, modeling, dancing, and student government. But Dream was determined to break that stereotype somehow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But ol’ dude, Calvin, talked about all the community projects they were involved with and charities they’ve given to,” Dream said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did he mention that they throw the best parties too?” Dream nodded. Epiphany blew raspberry. “I told you if you wanted to make your mark on the world, join my team. You got that eye for beautiful things.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ve been considering it for some time now---“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, shit! Speak of the devil.” Dream looked behind him to see Calvin was headed in the direction of Java One with two of his frat brothers. “Isn’t that something. I wouldn’t be surprised if ol boy Ishmael shows up here.” Calvin nodded his head at Epiphany and she waved and smiled back, with no emotion behind it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why do you even speak to him?” Dream asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I gotta have frenemies, sweetie. You never know who might need to get where you wanna be in life. I call them stepping stones.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So maybe I should have tried to see if I would have crossed AKSO.”<br />
“Maybe. I just don’t want you joining for the wrong reasons. When you graduate college, you’ll AKSO is still relevant to you. You know how I feel about the college experience. It’s like high school on steroids, with glorified plastic people,” Epiphany explained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Calvin came outside and over to the tables where Dream and Epiphany were seated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s up, Miss Wingate,”he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hello, Mr. Wynn. How are things?” Epiphany asked with no enthusiasm. “Great as usual.” Calvin looked at Dream and squinted his eyes. “Weren’t you the one who came to the interest meeting last night, only to walk out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That would be me,” Dream said. He felt a lump forming in his throat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Was there a problem or anything? Because if you’re still interested, we could talk a little more one on one.” Calvin reached into his pocket and handed Dream a business card with his contact info on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,” said Dream, “but I don’t think a fraternity is what I need after all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just give it some thought, playa. I hope you two have a wonderful afternoon.” Calvin winked at Epiphany and walked away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You see what I mean?” He was going to force that shit on you. I hate that you went to that meeting,” Epiphany said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Trust me, I got this. Don’t worry you’re pretty little head about it.”<br />
“I’m just saying every time your name gets into some shit, I have to do damage control.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I never ask you to. People are going to talk regardless of what I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know, because a lot of hating chicks don’t like me either. I just know how much it hurts to hear someone talk about you. And besides, they would definitely talk about you if you became an AKSO man. Not a good look, boo,” Epiphany said as she stood up and kissed Dream on his forehead. “I gotta go though. And you need to get back to work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream thought about what Epiphany had said, btu the decision was ultimately up to him if he would pledge or not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 3: Her Extracurricular Activities</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Come on, walk bitches! We are going to be here all night if you don’t learn how to walk in these fuckin’ heels!” Tyree basked at his models as they practiced for a show they had coming up in two weeks. “There is no way we are going to be the best with you bitches slacking the way you are!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tyree started Extravagance after he was ousted from the best modeling troupe on campus, Face, when he was just a timid freshmen. They said he was too gay to represent what they stoof for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s funny you say I don’t represent your troupe they way you guys want it when half of the members in your group are banjee ass fags who don’t know how to rock real couture anyway!” Tyree said in between tears. He thought he would give the executive board a piece of his mind before leaving the meeting scorned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That was freshmen year, when he left them speechless and now he was in his junior year and neck and neck with Faces in modeling competitions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But the sloppiness of the girls at 11:38 p.m. was not pleasing to Tyree Williams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as he was about to get up and show them how to walk, Epiphany walked in. She had plenty of experience on the runway and what better person to teach them but her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I got your text and came right over,” Epiphany said.<br />
“Good, I was about to get up and show these hoes how we do,” Tyree said. He stood up from the chair he was sitting in and gathered everyon4e around to introduce them to Epiphany. “She has been ripping the runway since she was fifteen so she knows what she’s doing and I suggest you watch closely and take notes.” Epiphany smiled and shrugged it off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Tyree is exaggerating just a little bit. I’ve been modeling since I was sixteen and I am starting my own line of women’s purses and shoes in the spring as well,” said Epiphany with a confident smile. Some of the girls seemed uninterested.<br />
Most people were humble and didn’t like to brag about accomplishments. Then you had those who tooted their own horns even when they had no reason to. Epiphany was neither though. She balanced a nice medium. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As Tyree went to turn on some music, Epiphany pulled her favorite pair of six inch stiletto from her bag, which she had made herself. Britney Spears’ “Circus” came blasting through the Bose ipod speak as the people made a runaway for Epiphany to rip up. And she did just that. She executed her spins and kept a straight face the entire time. She showed the members of Extravagance what they and other modeling troupes had been doing wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Some faces showed the same jealously from when she walked in the door and some showed excitement. Epiphany didn’t care either way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Any questions.” Epiphany asked when she was done. No one said anything.<br />
“Now I know somebody had a question,” said Tyree with attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Could you do that one more time?” asked one of the amazed girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No problem,” Epiphany said with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lame. Wack. Pointless. Shit with no rhyme or reason. These were al words that Dream used to describe college. He realized that after being in school all this time and changing his major three time, that he hated school. He had learned more from life’s lessons than any class could ever teach him. He say in his class struggling with the answer to a test. He knew this stuff though! He had been studying for it for over a week now, but all he seemed to draw were blanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Back to the multiple choice then</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, he thought. So he finished those up and just when he was about to go back to the essay questions, the professor said that time was up<i>. SHIT! This muthafucka always does this to me. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dream dropped the paper on the desk without even looking at Professor Tate and walked out into the sunshine. He pulled his phone from his pocket and texted Epiphany. She replied back, saying she was busy with her extracurricular activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So how is the wife doing?” Epiphany asked as she sat down in the plush chair that faced Lorenzo Lattimore, her on and off again lover of six months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I haven’t seen you in three days and the first thing you ask about is my wife?” asked Lorenzo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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