You Make Me Feel So Good

Written By: E.A. Smyer 
Cover Art: Angela Maxson

YOU MAKE ME FEEL SO GOOD 

It was Shii’s turn for Karaoke. She was going to kill the room with her rendition of Prince’s Do Me Baby, one of her favorites . Friday night shenanigans at her apartment was the highlight of her week. 

Unfortunately, only Tejrick would be there to witness her grand performance. Everyone else left for study group. 

The song started and Shii jumped into character, making sexy Prince-eyes at her lone audience member. The sentiment of the song eluded through her as she sang along, “Here we are....” Her gaze was held on him. Slowly, she walked closer. By the time she got to, “Let’s stop fooling around,” Tejrick had melted into a two-hundred-pound puddle of honey and was ready to give her all of him. 

He seized the moment. In one quick motion he pulled her into him then pressed his lips tenderly against hers. The scent of coconut and sugar filled her curls. 

Shii, shocked, pushed Tejrick away as she started for the door. “We are friends!” She nearly shouted. Her forehead knitted with confusion.

Tejrick, also surprised, recanted, “I thought we were having a moment.” Then sank onto the couch’s arm. 

“We most certainly were not! We were karaoke-ing!” Her hand on the door knob while she contemplated sending him home. 

“You were singing to me, getting closer, I thought... Sorry.” He apologized. His pride only slightly wounded. He’d hoped for a more favorable response. His body, soul, and mind believed they’d elevated to next level together. 

Neither moved as Prince continued in the background. He remained on the couch and she stayed by the door. Their emotions settled into the newness unfolding between them. 

Tejrick was not Shii’s type; he was an intellectual on a full science scholarship, wore large glasses, told three-layered jokes, and had a strange hump on his nose. Other than that he wasn’t a bad guy. He’d been her math tutor turned friend who helped her navigate her senior year. She invited him to Friday-Funday because she felt bad for him. She knew he would be spending the weekend in his dorm room with his lizard, Gary, developing scientific theories. (Snores).

Tejrick dreaded the idea of another weekend with Gary. He was eager to accept the invitation, the first to arrive, brought snacks, and had the most fun - that was clear.

Eventually, Prince faded out. The music was replaced with a quiet hum from the speakers. 

“My Prince impression is amazing.” She stated, slicing through the thickness in the air. 

“I’ll remember it forever.” He responded too quickly. He felt challenged with baring his soul or walking away in defeat. He chose to say what was on his mind, “I know you see me Shii. You are right, let’s stop fooling around. I’m here for you.” Calm courage burned in his eyes. 

“Bars.” She joked, mocking his poetry. Under the exterior of genius lie someone who was just a man, seeking what men seek - feeding the angst of his desire. She recognized the chemistry he was sending and decided to be forthcoming , “I’m in relationship with myself, and I am good to me. I am not looking for anyone.” 

“But here I am anyway.” He retorted. 

“It’s late.” Shii said and opened the door. She had to break his spell. For the first time he started to have an affect on her. 

Tejrick didn’t argue. He understood it was time to leave. He grabbed his jacket from the closet and as he passed her at the doorway took another chance. “Let me take you out.”

“Are you asking or telling?”

“Asking. Tomorrow?” 

“Tomorrow.” Addicted to living in the moment, Shii agreed. She felt herself being pulled back under his enchantment. 

“You make me feel so good Shii.” Then leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. “I’ll slow down. You need time think.” He walked away to leave her with her thoughts. 

Shii was baffled by the phantom reverberations of his soft lips - she enjoyed each echo. That night Tejrick started to look different. His glasses were suddenly adorable, the hump in his nose invisible, his scientific pursuits alluring, and his eagerness exciting. Her mind spun.

Shii watched him walk away. Taking in his musk that lingered on her shirt - a welcomed phenomenon. Excited to see Tejrick again the next day. A warm sensation rushed over her - soothing an ache deep inside that had gone ignored for years. 

She looked forward to tomorrow.