Have we met before?

       Alphonso 

As I sit quietly in the back of my Earth Science class, I notice a lady frantically walking throughout the hallway from the classroom door. “Please sign the sign in sheet I have placed on my desk before you leave” Professor Andrew shouts as the back door swings open. The entire class turns as the door creaks. “Wrong door” Professor Andrew yells but the young lady had already walked in and slammed the door behind her. “Glad for you to join us” one of the student's states. “OMG, that scared me” another one squeals. “Quiet, Quiet” Professor Andrew states “Please quickly take your seat. We will not be in class much longer”  

The young lady took the first seat that was empty next to me which caused me to reach over and remove my belongings I had scattered in the empty seat. Slightly panting she removes the contents from her bag when her phone falls and hits the floor. As we both reached down to pick up the phone something familiar appeared on the home screen. Noticing my hesitation, she grabbed the phone and placed it back in her bag. 

The classroom was set up with a double desk. To make things easier Professor Andrew announced an upcoming project and said that whomever you share your desk with will be your partner for the duration of the semester. “Please obtain contact information from your partner, rather it be phone number, email address or both. We have 3 major projects this semester and getting that information is imperative. I will allow 5 minutes to do so.” Then I turned to introduce myself to the young lady and ask for her contact information. She quickly placed a wrinkled piece of paper in my hand that included her name Anastasia, her phone number and email address. As I placed her number in my phone I was shocked to find it already there. “Mmm, have we met before?” I wondered…  I tried to ask but was interrupted by Professor Andrew. “Ok, we must move on, I have a lot of material to cover in such a brief time”  

For the rest of the class I could not help but wonder where do I knew Anastasia from. Why is her number already programmed in my phone? As class ended, Anastasia gathered her things and skit-skated out of the classroom without even signing the attendance sheet. Not giving it much thought I grabbed my bag, signed the sheet and exited the classroom. Before I reached the last step, I caught a glimpse of Anastasia having a conversation with a guy. She appears a bit irritated as the guy seems to be arguing with her about something. Me being the man I am I wanted to intervene, but I learned that lesson years ago after being jailed for jumping in between a situation with my sister and her boyfriend. Ignoring what I said I decided to continue to my truck and just mind my own business. I noticed Anastasia looking at me helplessly as I just continued about my way.  

As I approached my truck, I heard footsteps behind me and noticed Anastasia speed walking towards me with fear in her eyes… She mouthed “Get in the truck” and that is what we did… 

                                  Anastasia  

Waking up to the sound Cock-a-doodle-do as my 5:00 am alarm clock goes off. Wanting to hit the snooze button I decided against it knowing the busy day I have ahead of me. I slowly roll out of bed as I kneel to pray then stand to my feet and make my bed. Sitting on the toilet to pee I scrolled through Facebook but not before I noticed thirty-seven missed calls. Knowing exactly who called me like a maniac I did not even look at the missed call log but turned on pandora entered the shower and begun my day.  

Trying to leave my house before 7:00 am seems like a battle every morning but I manage to do it with ease. Talking to my brother and mom is a part of my everyday routine and oh do not forget my morning coffee from my favorite place Dunkin. Arriving at work just shy of 7:30 am I decided to go ahead and get clocked even though we don’t officially open for business until 7:45 am. I cannot believe I have decided to go back to school after graduating seven years ago. But at this moment, I will do anything to take my business to the next level.  

4:30 pm never came so fast. I had to keep reminding myself all day that I have class at 5:30 pm so I would not jump on Buckman bridge and head home. Halfway to school I realized I left my printed school schedule on my bed. I scrambled on my phone trying to pull up the digital copy but the reception on my phone is not allowing me to be great. Finally gaining access to my schedule I see that my Earth Science class is being held in building D room 806L. Only to realize I parked on the opposite side of the campus I decided to just walk instead of driving closer to the assigned building, halfway through I quickly regretted my decision, but it is too late now. Not really knowing where I am going, I am starting to panic a little as I frantically look for classroom 806L. I see 806, 806R but where is 806L. Because this class is a lab it is held inside Room 806 but without my printed schedule I would not know that.  

When I finally reached the classroom, I burst into the door and sat down in the first available seat I saw, and the rest is history. I noticed Alphonso right away but to my surprise he did not seem to know who I was… Good I thought I am not in the mood to chit chat I am too busy catching my breathe. As I pulled out my notebook and pink gel pen my phone fell out of my bag and hit the ground. Alphonso and I both reached for the phone at the same time. I noticed he was stunned at the sight of what is on my home screen when he hesitated to grab it. I picked it up and placed it in my bag. As I place my bag beside me, I can hear Professor Andrew say “Please obtain contact information from your partner, it can be a phone number, email address or both. We have 3 major projects this semester and getting that information is imperative. I will allow 5 minutes to do so.” We have a total of three major projects and whomever you are sitting next to will be your partner the rest of the semester. Great! I thought, I grabbed a sticky note that I had placed in my scrub pocket at work earlier and scribbled my name on its phone number and email address on it and handed it to Alphonso without giving him a chance to properly introduce himself. I am still not in the mood to have a conversation and just counting down the minutes until I can go home. 

Trying to ignore the many text messages that is coming through one message in particular catches my attention. “Either you come out or I’m coming in, I’m standing outside building D, and you know I will do it” WTF I thought as I gathered my things and ran out the door. Not wanting to bring drama to the classroom, I knew leaving was the best thing to do. As I am approaching the stairs I realize I didn’t sign in but due to unforeseen circumstances I couldn’t go back I will just send Professor Andrew an email once I get home and let him know I was in attendance however I had to leave early due to an emergency. Reaching the final step, I spot Robert standing underneath one of the large umbrellas in the school outside patio.  

Not wanting to make a scene I walk up to him and say “yes” with an annoying look on my face. “Man, I have been calling you all day, why are you not answering my calls?” I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly as I stared blankly at him. We just got the contract that we have been waiting for. You see Robert is my so-called business partner, but I decided a few weeks ago that I no longer wanted to work with him and that I will be moving forward with my business on my own. “Anastasia, clearly you are not thinking straight. Why would you walk away from $1.5 million dollars? Guaranteed! He shouted” All I could do was hold my head down and shake it rapidly as I noticed my Earth Science partner walking by with a look of concern over his face. When Robert phone rung, I decided that was my way of escape. “I got you Robert” I said while speed-walking away from him… I thought he would come after me but to my surprise he just squatted to the ground and continued to talk to whoever called in on the phone. 

To my dismay, My Earth Science partner was attempting to get into his truck when he looked in my direction and I mouthed “Get in the truck” he did just that and sped off leaving me feeling stranded and alone. Oh well! Let me find my way back to my car. Standing in front of Building D I think to myself, “where is building R?” I’m walking for what seems like forever while pushing the button on my key fob at the same time looking for any sign of my gorgeous new 2025 Range Rover SV. Finally, I hear the horn and see the flashing lights. I take off running as if I’m running for my life. Tired is not the word I’m just ready to get home. Eat, shower and go to bed. This has been a day for the books.  

Alphonso  

Speeding off in my all-black Nissan Titan I look in my rearview mirror and watch Anastasia throw up her hands and place them on her hand. I read her lips; did she want to get into my truck with me? After seeing her in a heated conversation with that guy I cannot take any chances. I’m not trying to get in the middle of any domestic disputes. I glance at my clock on the dashboard. 7:45 pm “Yes! I still have time to catch Empire, Cookie Lyon is my girl I don’t want to miss this show for nothing. Driving home in deep thought listening to my boy Trey Songz sing Panty Droppa I can’t help but think about Anastasia and how I just left her all alone. “What if she was in trouble? What if she needed me?” Too late now I thought as I back my truck into the driveway, I just pray that she is ok…  

Two weeks have passed since our first class and there has been no sign of Anastasia. Our first project is due in a week, and we have yet to get started. Anastasia has been on my mind heavy since I left her for dead two weeks ago and I have been feeling terrible ever since. “Alphonso” Professor Andrew calls out to me. “May I have a word with you for a moment he states.” “Have you heard anything from Anastasia?” He asked “no” I respond in a low tone. “ We are a week out from the project, and I am still expecting something from you he exclaims” “Yes sir” I respond “I will reach out to her after class today to make sure she is ok and let her know that we only have a week left to get this project completed.” “Thank you” said Professor Andrew. 

As I walk back to my seat, I pull out my cell phone and proceed to send Anastasia a text message, When the back door swings open and to our surprise it’s Anastasia. Wow! She’s breathtaking. “Wrong door” Professor Andrew yells from the front of the class the same as he did on the first day. “Anastasia, I need to speak with you now.” Says Professor Andrew. As Anastasia stands there speaking to Professor Andrew, I can’t help but think “Have we met before? “Being blessed with a photogenic memory I don’t forget anything. Anastasia is wearing a blue off the shoulder long sleeve dress with tiny white flowers all over it. Her hair is jet black and is neatly braided in two cornrows. OMG! I remember Yes, we have met before… It is her it’s the Anastasia. Forgetting where I was, I began to beat my hand on the desk with excitement which caused everyone to look back at me. “Sorry” I whisper. Anastasia returns to her seat, and I can’t help but to just stare at her. Feeling my stare, she looks over in my direction and says, “Why are you just staring at me Alphonso aren’t you going to say something to me?” Feeling embarrassed all I could muster was “Hi” Hearing her voice brought it all back to me.  

My brother Ross came to visit me from Atlanta about six months ago. We decided to go catch the game at Gator Dockside, a nice sports bar that plays every sport you could think of. This night our Miami Dolphins were taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the game of the century. We were supposed to go to the game in person, but we just had a major storm, and it caused some significant flooding to the Parking lots at the stadium, so we just decided to go to a sports bar and watch it instead. As we walked in we noticed a small group of ladies sitting in a circle all wearing Jaguar gear. I must say they appear to be having a great time. They were very loud waving their flags and chanting DUUUUVVVALLLLL as Little got ready to kick a field goal to add the additional points that had just been scored on the Dolphins.  

Without even thinking I walk up to the table and shout “Phins up” I got the stare of death from all the ladies as they shouted DUUUVVAAALLLLL even louder. My brother pulls me away from the ladies and say “Chill man we are outnumbered in here” “It’s all fun” I clap back “All fun” seated not too far from the ladies I’m about to make eye contact with one in particular. I could care less that the Jaguars were leading my Dolphins 40-37, and the game was so close. I have $5,000 riding on this game but something else has my attention. It’s the sexy firecracker of a women with jet black hair and two cornrows. “She is beautiful” I mumble. My brother says, “Man get your head in the game, we got 5 bands riding on this game” In this moment nothing else matters.  

I have laid eyes on my soul mate. I have never felt this feeling ever in my life. Breaking out of my daydream as Sanders successfully kicked the field goal and the game was tied 40-40. “Come on baby” my brother jumps from the table startling me. This place is rumbling with cheers and chants but amid all this commotion I can’t focus on the game because I’m focused on her. We are now into overtime and the Jaguars wins the toss. “Heads” Trevor Lawrence yells. Heads it is. The Jags took the ball and surprisingly ran an 85-yard touchdown ending the game 47-40. That group of ladies were so excited they won the game they are high fiving everyone shouting Duval and having a great time. They make their way to our table to make fun of us and mark us for being losers. The girl with the two braids walks up to me whispering something in my ear but due to the noise I can’t hear her. She grabs my phone off the table and puts her number in my phone calling herself from my phone. I watch as she saves an Aquafina water bottle as the contact picture in both phones. I notice that same image is the wallpaper on her home screen... “Let’s go Anastasia” one of the ladies' yells as she's walking out the door. She drops my phone back on the table and heads for the door and she gives me one last look as she disappears for what seems like eternity.  

                                                                           The end...