FLASHBACK ORPHANAGE: SPEND TIME WITH ME

Ivy's and 3rd POV

The picnic was still going strong while the sun was beginning to set. Len delivered his friends their food. We decided to sit in his car and eat. I had never had an IN N' OUT burger before, so this was a treat for me. The food smelled wonderful and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

I took my first bite and immediately I experienced my first foodgasm," OH…..MY….GOD!!"

Len smirked, "It's good ain't it?"

"You don't understand how deprived I've been of good food."

He laughed, "I get it."

We ate in silence for a while enjoying our food. Before Len had finished his burger, I was done with mine and started consuming my french fries.

"Damn, you sure can put it away," he joked.

"Is that a problem?" I jokingly asked.

He shook his head, "Nah, just never met a girl, especially a young one, who could eat so much. But I can dig it."

"I actually don't eat much now that I'm at the orphanage. The food is nasty, and I can't stomach it."

"So, what are you plans?" he asked.

I gave him a puzzled look, "Plans for what?"

He clarified, "What do you plan on doing once you get out of here?"

"I wanna go off to college. Get a degree and become a biologist."

"For real? That's what's up," he nodded

Wanting to hear his experience I asked, "What is college like?"

"College is cool. It's a lot of work but I'm not sweating it. I'm on the Dean's list."

"Congrats. What about college life?"

He chuckled, "What about it?"

"Do you have a roommate? Are females throwing themselves at your feet? Are the parties wild?" I ask with humor and excitement in my voice.

"I have my own apartment on campus. Women always want to have a piece of this action. And I go to the parties just to take a break from all the studying," he said.

"I figure a guy like you would have several girlfriends."

"A lot of them try but, I'm not looking for a relationship right now."

"So, you are not in a relationship with the female that you were talking to earlier?"

Silence.....

"What about you? Don't take this the wrong way cause I'm not a creep," he joked, "As fine as you are, you gotta have a boyfriend."

I chuckled, realizing how he just avoided my question with a question. "Yeah, I do but he's on vacation with his family or something right now. So, I won't see him for another week or so."

"That's cool. Since your little 'boyfriend' ain't here; I'm gonna get you out of this reclusive shell of yours. You and I are gonna have some fun after we finish eating."

"Number one, I like my reclusive shell. And besides what about your 'girlfriend' aren't you supposed to be heading to her place soon?"

"And I thought you weren't listening? She'll be alright. She does her own thing," he shrugged off his thought.

"Look, Len I appreciate what your trying to do, honestly. But you shouldn't be worried about a kid. This kid can take care of herself, trust me. Anyway, this is good training for me."

"Ivy, what type of training could you possibly be doing? Your age is the only thing that is young about you. I do not see you that way. I never have."

"Oh, contrary to what you are saying now; you said something differently earlier. And about my training, that is not something that I talk about. But one day, when your all grown up; I just might tell you all about it."

Smiling with a little chuckle in his voice, "I stand corrected. Promise me that you won't go to far away from me. I mean, how else will I learn about this training you're doing?"

"I would almost venture to say that the statement you just made has a double meaning. But I won't bite. I will promise this, I will tell you all about my training when you get older. How about that!" I said jokingly.

"Your age is truly just a number." He mumbles in hushed tone.

"But I am still determined, despite what you say, to get you out of your reclusiveness. So tonight, we are going to have some fun; regardless of what you say. NO excuses!"

"Oh…ok. I guess I have no choice in the matter."

After eating, we decided to play one on one basketball at the court. Len was impressed that I had skills above the level of a rookie. Nevertheless, we had fun.

We picked a spot on the ground and watched the fireworks together. I was really enjoying my time with Len. I hadn't laughed or smiled so much since I lost my mom. I truly enjoyed Len's company and wished that this day would never end.

When the fireworks were over, sadly, it was time to part ways. Before Len left, he gave me some extra money and wrote down his cell phone number. He told me, if I ever just wanted to get away for a couple of hours, to call him. I never called him because I lost his number. I regretted losing his number to this very day.

Within 3-month of the Fourth Of July, Miss. D died. I did not go to the funeral, but I did attend the graveside services. I never joined the group of people, but I stood in the shadows.

I saw Len, for a brief moment, but left well before the services were over. I didn't speak nor would I make any move towards him because Antonio was with me, and I didn't want to deal with his jealousy. We immediately headed back to the orphanage packed my things, loaded the car and we left.

END OF FLASHBACK

Still deep in thought after getting out the shower, it was already 8:00 p.m.. With only a towel wrapped around me, I began my beauty regimen.

Got to lotion up the bod first, so that there is no ash anywhere.

Next, I started blow drying my hair and applied my 14 in 1 Hawaiian Silky Activator Hairspray; to protect from over drying. This gives my curls luxurious sheen and body

My makeup, flawless. I went with a light contouring of my face, a gold smokey eye look, with dark plum lip liner and matching lipstick.

By the time I was done with hair, makeup and choosing the outfit I wanted to wear, another 30 minutes had passed.

My outfit had to be slamming… I chose a red and gold bandeau bra, black pencil skirt and black platform stilettos with gold spikes. To finish my look, I added a pair of gold hoop earrings, a black bracelet and gold rings on my right hand. Classy and sleek, this is the look for tonight.

I was completely ready, it was now 10:30 p.m.; and like clockwork, Mandy Lynn was outside waiting.

Giving myself a final look over in the mirror, I grabbed my handbag, phone, $500 in cash, I.D and credit cards; it was time to go.

Ooops! I almost forgot. I sprayed the pulse points with my favorite Gucci perfume; now, I am ready to go.

I quickly left my room, hopped in the waiting car; Mandy Lynn and I were speeding off into the night.