Beyond The Dead/ issue 30

Dinner Table - Issue 30 of Beyond The Dead
Lionell took a sip of his light water bottle that was almost empty. He tossed the bottle to the nearest trashcan. He began to walk towards the recliner to relax after the busy day with all the trading going on. Lionell sat on the recliner and set the chair back; he then proceeded to cross both of his legs over each other, and quickly closed his eyes.

His relaxing time was quickly ended, once he heard the doorbell ring.

Lionell: Shit, can’t I get a fucking break… Lionell mumbles to himself as he sits up from the relaxing brown leather chair. Lionell starts to steadily walk towards the door. He grips on the doorknob and begins to slowly start opening as he rubs his eyes with his other hand.

Lionell: What do you want?

Dessi: Oh, well later on we’re going to be having a little get together at the house, and Anthony requested you, and all your friends to come.

Lionell: And if I say no?

Dessi: Well that’s up to you to decide…Dessi looks towards her brown and white vans, waiting for an answer from Lionell.

Lionell: Oh- I guess we’ll stop by for a little bit… You asked the others?

Dessi: Yea, they’ll said they be going as well…

Lionell: What time? Dessi: Just arrive around noon, and make sure you’re in formal wear…I guess I’ll see you guys later, and tell Willow hi… Dessi begins to walk away, as Lionell waves at her slowly eventually shutting the door, and heading back too sleep.

-

 Lionell awoken from his dream to the smell of pancakes. He sat up from his chair, and wiped his watery eyes, and turned his head toward the kitchen, where he seen Willow listening to music on her IPod.

Lionell stood up from his chair and walked over to Willow, to greet her. Willow took the IPod headphones out of her ears to pay attention to Lionell.

Willow: About time you are awake.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: What time is it? Lionell kisses Willow on her lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Maybe around 12?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn… So later on, we’re going to Anthony’s house…

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: We are, well are we going to be the only ones?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: No, I guess Anthony wants to meet all the new people…

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh- Well what time?! I don’t want to go there not looking good and everything!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Ha-ha, relax babe, we will just go around noon time or somewhere around that.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Yea I know…  Better not be joking!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Well babe, I’m going to head out… Lionell grabs his hoodie, and puts his hand on the knob of the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh, where are you going?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I’m going to see Paxtan… Everything has been rough on him, and it just feels like I have been neglecting him…

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh, well tell him hi from me! <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: Will do boss, oh yeah by the way you have to dress formal! Lionell opens the door and heads outside in the cold weather.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Willow: That man always telling me stuff late! What am I going to where!?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Lionell stepped up on the front porch of the tan house. Lionell knocked on the door twice to make sure someone would be able to hear the noise.

<p class="MsoNormal">The door begins to open slowly, until it is stopped by Paxtan, revealing his whole body.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Hey man! Been a stranger lately… Paxtan says in a rough monotone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, sorry man… Just been really busy with everything…

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: It’s cool… Want to come in?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea sure… Lionell steps into the warm home, where he is quickly greeted by Walter.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: What’s sup Lionell!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Nothing much, just been doing some work, and trying to take care of Willow, and been needing some guy time! The three men share a laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Well you always know, you’re welcome here bud…

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: By the way, are you going tonight?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea… Y’all really think Anthony wants to meet all of us?

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Yea why not?

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: The dudes, a dick that’s why…

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Did I miss something here or something?

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: He’s just a total tool… Knowing him, he’s going to want payback for Lionell whooping his ass back in high school…

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Ha-ha! You telling me Lionell whooped Anthony’s ass back in high school… For what?

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Just for being a tool, he treated Dessi the wrong way, and you know Mr. Superman decided to beat his ass… Walter grabbed a hold of his chin, and looked at Lionell who shrug his solders laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: That’s my boy! If you treat a woman wrong, you’ll get your ass beat! Walter continues to laugh, and Lionell can’t help but shake his head and smile at Walter’s remark about Anthony getting beat up.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh boy, I miss having these laughs… I already feel better, like how it was before the apocalypse…

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: You’re always welcome to stay here!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: You know I can’t do that, got a nice girl back home and everything…

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Shit, I know that feeling man… Sometimes I just miss having a lady around to be there to comfort you, feed you, and just love you… Walter can’t help but smile as all those things remind him of his wife.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Shit, I haven’t even got my dick wet until this shit happened… There is an awkward silence in the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Shit, I am not going to even stand here and lie, I haven’t either… The three men all share a laugh once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Where’s Teague?

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: That man still knocked out up stairs.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, well I’m going to hit the deck, I told Willow I wouldn’t be out that long!

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Aww, well see you later couzo… Walter waves at Lionell as he heads towards the front door. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: See y’all later! Lionell turned the knob and made his way towards his home.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih opens up his journal, and taps the top of his pen, allowing it to be usable.

<p class="MsoNormal">''     I don’t understand why the three of us can’t find anything fun or interesting to do… Then again, it is the apocalypse. Plus today I’m writing with a new pen I found at best buy. Very comfortable by the way, and I as well managed to get me a pair of beats… At least I’m still able to listen to my IPod! I mean sometimes if we are lucky, Ripley allows us to just go out and just have fun, like how it used to be… Just blast some Lil Wayne, while everyone cooking and everything! I mean living in the projects, isn’t that bad besides the fact that you’ll have friends come and go away and by going away I mean death…''

<p class="MsoNormal">''    Growing up I never had a father, and my mother was just a single mother living with her mother. I remember when my grandmother was out of the house, and my Mom just left me. All she left was a few comics, and I just hadn’t seen her again… Grandmother said she just that got a boyfriend and move to fucking Texas or some shit. I wouldn’t be surprise if it was true or not, mama always loved the south.'' <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">''     I mean I try to not think about it much. I rather just honestly write this type of stuff down, so if I do indeed live until I’m like 69 or some shit, I can always read all this crazy stuff that happens. Then again, this is kind of like a diary, although I just don’t want to think of it as some… Well I’m going to head out, and I just continue whatever the hell I was going to say. ''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">                                                                 <p class="MsoNormal">Willow slowly finishes putting on her lipstick allowing her lips to be cherry red. She headed towards where Lionell was standing at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Willow to come down. Willow slowly came down, with a red dress on, as well as red heels. She had her hair curly, on both sides with her bangs hanging down.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, you look good…

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Well, let’s get going! Willow grabs Lionell hand and makes her way towards the door while dragging Lionell with her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Okay, is that how it’s going to be?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh, shut up you look good too! Willow smiles, and walks outside.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, well aren’t you in a good mood?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Well I haven’t got to get dress like this before! Last time I ever did, was prom night!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Y’all girls and your romantic fantasies!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Whatever, no are you going to open this door so I don’t get my “girly dress” dirty?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright girl, keep pushing it! Lionell chuckles as he opened the door for Willow.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell opened the door for himself, and started the engine. He buckled himself in, and pulled out the small parking lot. He continued down the road, and made a sharp left. He didn’t have to worry about how fast he was going; he was aware everyone was already in their homes. He finally pulled up the biggest house in the neighborhood.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright let’s get going woman. Lionell opens his door, and begins walking towards the front door. Willow rolls down her window, and gives Lionell an evil stare.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Okay, what is it now?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: You better make tonight special! I’m trying to have a second prom!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, then… Lionell walked towards her door and slowly opened her door. Willow stepped out of the car, and grabbed ahold of Lionell’s soft hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Well that wasn’t so bad? Willow laughs, and she grips Lionell’s hand harder.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: So since you want this to be like prom, are we going to do the after part of it as well?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Well see how you treat me tonight!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright girl! Lionell knocks on the door, and is quickly greeted by Lexi.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lexi: Oh my gosh Lionell! We haven’t even said a word since I last seen you! Lexi hugged Lionell, and gave a handshake to Willow.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, nice seeing you! So what are you doing here?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lexi: I’m actually helping to cook the food and deserts! And let me just say, I love that dress you have on!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh thanks! By the way, my name is Willow!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lexi: Oh, well good too meet you Willow! Well just go ahead and step in to that room and Anthony be greeting y’all shortly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, alright then, well see you later! Lionell and Willow proceeded towards the golden room that got it color from all the lights.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: So who was that?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, that’s Dessi home girl, she left with her to come to Maryland!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh, okay then!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell entered the golden room, with Willow wrapped around his arm. Quickly in the corner, he noticed Walter sharing shots and talking to Mark. At the other corner of the room, was Alfred sitting at a booth with Elena, Greta and Teague and Paxtan. Nadine was sharing a glass of wine with Bradley, and Jay.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, they got this place nice don’t they?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Yea! Anthony walked into the room with Dessi on the side of his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Hello ladies and gentlemen! I’m glad everyone could be here today! We usually do this every once a month for all the new people! So if you would do me a favor, and just follow Lexi towards this room over here to go ahead and grab y’all plates and food!

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone followed his orders, and made their way to their seats.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: So how about we all introduce our selves to each other? I’ll go first! My name is Anthony; my lovely girlfriend name is Dessi! Walter stood up to introduce himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Hey guys, my name are Walter! Paxtan stood up next, then Teague, Alfred, Lionell, Willow, and everyone else besides two people.

<p class="MsoNormal">A younger black male who looked to be around 17-20 stood up.

<p class="MsoNormal">Younger black male: H- hi guys… My name is C.J., I actually arrived yesterday… C.J. quickly sat down in his seat, and continued eating. Another younger black male stood up.

<p class="MsoNormal">Younger black male: Wassup, I’m Jerome… Uhm, I don’t know what the fuck else I’m supposed to say, so I’ll just sit down… Nick couldn’t help but chuckle at Jerome’s comment.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Well y’all guys are welcomed to come to come and dance if you guys would like! Everyone that were finished with their food, made their way towards the dance floor. Elena and Alfred were the first ones to start formal dancing. Eventually be joined by Nick, and Kelsey and followed more and more people.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell sat up in his chair, and begin to walk towards the dance floor with Willow until he heard his name called. He turned his head to see Ryu signaling him to come over towards him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Hey babe, I’ll be right back and I promise we can dance okay!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Alright, you better not be lying!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Just relax! Lionell kissed Willow on her forehead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Hey Willow! You want to hang with me while Lino doing his stuff? <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Willow: Oh, sure!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: What sup? Lionell asked Ryu, referring to him calling his name.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Look, I don’t know what’s going on at all… Anthony just requested for you… If I were you, I try to stay on his good side…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, well thanks I guess… Lionell entered the dim room. Anthony sat drinking a bottle of wine, and he signaled Lionell to sit in the empty leather chair in front of him. Lionell followed his orders, and sat in the chair.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Alright, I’m not going to pretend nothing happened between us in high school…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: What do you mean?

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: You know damn well… You remember what happened at prom night? When you took Dessi away, and on top of that you beat my ass?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Dude, come on it was just such a while ago… Can’t we move on?

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Look all I’m saying, you pull any shit like that then I’ll just have you kicked out of here! And you’ll be out there all alone… So I’m just letting you know!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Dude, I have a girl of my own, there’s no need for me to even try to go with Dessi…

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Don’t “dude” me, as of now your job is too not do any shit too piss me off… And if you mention this talk to anyone, and I mean anyone! There will be consequences… Now go ahead and enjoy your time out there, and don’t forget what I said…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh- okay… I guess I see you around… Lionell got up out of his seat slowly, and walked out of the door. He seen Diamond talking to Willow, and walked up to the two girls.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Y’all enjoying y’all time?

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Yea, well she’s all yours Lionell! Willow reached her hand out and waited for Lionell to retrieve it. Lionell put his hand on Willow’s waist, and Willow put her hands on Lionell’s bulked shoulders. The two grabbed each other hand and begin walking back and forth.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Is everything alright?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, yea… Why wouldn’t it be?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: I don’t know, your shoulders just seem real stiff…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, my neck is just still kind of sore from the jog earlier! A slow romantic song begins to play… Willow set her head against Lionell’s hard chest… He just couldn’t believe everything that just happened.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Well just try to be happy! We might not have a moment like this again!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, I know… By the way Willow, I love you…

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: I love you too Lionell!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell continued to dance with Willow and wear a fake smile. He was just hoping nothing like this would ever happen again.