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The waves leaped onto shore, crashing and frothing and foaming. I stood watching absentmindedly while the wild wind blew my skirt up above my knees. I blushed and tried to smooth it down while glancing around to see if anyone had noticed. I knew what I had worn had seemed appropriate at the time, but I also knew that it could get me into trouble out here. Katie and Emily supported my choice; a light, flowing flowery skirt under a tight black tank top exposing my stomach. It had seemed a good choice. My mind raced, we were at Julian’s bar overlooking the windward coast. I had been here once before on a class trip up island but we had not stayed long and we had not been allowed to drink anything. Maybe that would change now that Katie’s mother brought us, she seemed very chill. I smiled, my heart racing. How long had it been since I had had a drink? Or a cigarette for that matter? Too long…I felt sure Julian would give me a cigarette and a drink or two. Julian stood inside behind the bar, smiling with those pearly white teeth of his, laughing loudly and joking with a few other Bahamians. Yes, Julian would give me a cigarette or a drink or two. Julian was my friend. He had come down-island to the Island School to teach me and my classmates how to dance. We needed to learn because the Bahamian festival of Junkanoo proved to be fast approaching. We were to partake in the festivities by making our own costumes and hats, dancing and singing the traditional songs. I did not like dancing as much as I liked drumming and when I saw Julian and his cousin Vernon playing two animal skin drums I forced myself to walk over and begin to play with them. I did not know Julian or Vernon at that time, but I was very aware of how the Bahamian men viewed any girl with white skin and blonde hair. I sucked it up, knowing that nothing could happen to me on campus. They both seemed surprised at my ability to keep a beat and shortly thereafter announced that I would be the first female to ever play drums in the Junkanoo festival. My heart had almost burst from my chest with pride. Yeah, Julian and I got along real well. I sat down to keep my playful skirt from exposing me further in front of the natives. Katie and Emily came over to join me and we began to talk. “Yo you guys, do you think Julian would give me a cigarette?” “…I don’t see why not,” Katie replied, “He gave me a long island iced tea.” She nonchalantly held up the glass for me to see. “Rock on dude! So I guess your mother doesn’t mind if we drink?” “As long as we don’t act irresponsibly,” Emily replied. Damn her, always the voice of reason. “I’ll be right back you guys, save my seat.” Not that it mattered, it was midday and the entire patio was empty. A few natives sat inside watching the satellite television, and a few more lounged on the bar, but the wind proved too much for them. It did not seem like anything special to them, they lived there, in that paradise. I stepped inside hesitantly. Julian still stood behind the bar, flashing those bright teeth. I found him to be a handsome man; 6’2, probably around 230 lbs, 43years old and not a bit of fat on him…well muscled and dark. His eyes were white and big with long lashes, I thought them beautiful. The men did not notice me and I stood there in the doorway, silent for a few minutes. “Julian?” He was still laughing. I stepped further inside, “Excuse me, I’m sorry, but Julian could I talk to you for a second?” The men turned to look at me. “Sure sweetheart, just go out front, I’ll be right there.” I smiled in relief, “Thankyou!” He joined me after a minute, just long enough for my excitement to build. “Hey.” “Hey, what you need my little drummer?” I grinned, I loved it when he reminded me of that. I felt very special. “Ummm, I really hate to be out of line here…” I glanced up at him to ensure that he was watching me in a platonic way. I had become very aware of how I must have appeared to him. He looked down at me, patient, affectionate and friendly.
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