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Authors: Mary B. Morrison

BOOK: He's Just A Friend
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CHAPTER 12
V
igorously SaVoy brushed her teeth, rinsed with a blue-mint mouthwash, smiled in the mirror, and said, “I love you. Choose the words you speak today very carefully. Lord, if my words influence anyone, I pray that I make a positive difference in their life.”
Every morning SaVoy was happy because sunrise represented a new beginning. Each night she prayed, and whatever troubles she encountered throughout the day, SaVoy left them with the Lord and slept peacefully. With her affirmation in mind, SaVoy went into the family room, gathered her books, and checked her backpack, hoping she hadn't forgotten anything this time. “Bye, Papa. I'm going to the library, then to class. I'll relieve Tanya at three. Have a wonderful day, Papa.”
Not quite forty, barely five-foot-four inches, her dad was a handsome man. A no-nonsense man. A loving and caring man. His mustache slightly curved at the corners and tickled her jaw when he kissed her good-bye. Papa had dark brown eyes, broad shoulders, and the same long slender nose she had. When SaVoy hugged her father, a shadow crossed the kitchen doorway commanding her attention.
SaVoy's eyes widened as she smiled. “Hi, Vanessa.”
For as long as SaVoy remembered, Vanessa was the only woman Papa had dated. But why hadn't Papa married Vanessa? Maybe because she was always out of town on business. Or perhaps Papa wouldn't marry Vanessa because she placed her career ahead of having his baby and had aborted his child. Last year when she turned forty—despite Papa's protest—Vanessa had a tubal ligation.
“Hi. I'm in here trying to decide what to cook with these eggs. How's college coming along?”
Vanessa's personality was a lot like Papa's. Straightforward. Kind. But unlike Papa, Vanessa didn't censor her words. Before SaVoy began her menstrual cycle, Vanessa had told SaVoy the truth about menstruation, where babies came from, and how a woman conceived. Vanessa introduced SaVoy to plays at the Black Repertory Theatre, the ballet, and musicals at the Paramount. The last time Vanessa stayed the night at their house, she had shared information—about sex and relationships—that left SaVoy with unanswered questions.
SaVoy raised her voice and replied, “Fine. Glad it's almost over though so I can take a break.”
Vanessa stood in the kitchen doorway waving a green plastic spatula. “Forget about a break, honey. Keep going until you get your PhD. Then you can take a break.”
The highest degree Vanessa had was a Master's so SaVoy imagined Vanessa, like Papa, wanted her education to exceed theirs.
“Well, actually, I could use your opinion on something—that is, if you have time,” SaVoy said slowly, walking down the narrow hallway to her bedroom. Vanessa followed her into the room and closed the door.
SaVoy sat on the edge of her bed, gazed up at Vanessa, and said, “Remember when you told me I could have sex and remain a virgin?”
Vanessa swiveled the computer chair around. “And so that's what you want to know so early in the morning?” Vanessa sat, then propped her long legs across the bed, dangling Papa's house slippers over the side.
“Yeah, I do. 'Cause there's this guy I like. A lot. But he doesn't know that I like him. But every time I'm around him, I get butterflies. I get nervous and excited at the same time. Sometimes I want to kiss him. And even though I've never had sex, something inside me wants to have sex with him. I've prayed those feelings would go away, but they haven't. I mean, I've had feelings of attraction before. But I've never felt, you know, like this.”
Vanessa sat beside SaVoy and said, “Well, I know you have to get to class but, here's what you should think about. Have a sexual relationship with yourself, first.”
SaVoy shook her head and frowned. “I don't understand.”
“Just listen to me, SaVoy. How long have you known this guy?”
“Seventeen months.”
“That's good. So you know his people? Family? Friends?”
“Just one of his friends, but mainly I know Tyronne because he delivers beverages to the store.”
“Okay.” Vanessa nodded. “That's a start. But you need to ask him questions about his family and his upbringing. You learn a lot about a person when you know who they really are.”
How could SaVoy ask Tyronne personal questions without having him ask questions about her mother?
“Now, back to your hormones. Get to know your body. And one way you can do that is through experimenting with masturbation. Then on your first sexual encounter with your partner, explore his body, with the lights on, and allow him to do the same with yours. Make certain he has excellent hygiene. No penetration. Wait to have intercourse because the first time is painful. Actually, honey, the first few times might be painful. Take it slow.” Then Vanessa emphatically said, “And no matter how experienced he is, make him wear a condom.”
Masturbation? Before intercourse? SaVoy wanted and needed to know how and why but she didn't want to interrupt Vanessa so she'd ask for details later.
“Look, honey, boys are taught at an early age that masturbation is acceptable. For them, looking at naked women in
Playboy, Hustler,
and
Penthouse
magazines is normal. But most women never talk to or teach young girls that masturbation is safe. One, you can't contract any diseases. Two, it's safe because you definitely won't get pregnant. And three, it's necessary because you need to learn your body before sharing yourself with someone else.”
SaVoy appreciated how Vanessa took time explaining sex. Vanessa's casual approach and honesty helped to lighten the subject. For a moment, SaVoy thought about Tyronne. And how Tyronne brightened her day and brought a smile to her face without speaking a word.
Vanessa said, “You know, my niece is graduating from high school this year. Well, she has X-rated magazines but she doesn't have to hide them. She has male and female condoms and she knows how to use them properly. And I told her, like I'm telling you: always carry your own condoms and you”—Vanessa pointed at SaVoy—“always check the expiration date before opening the condom. And even though my niece hasn't had intercourse, she knows a lot more about sex than her peers. Now that she's no longer curious about what an orgasm feels like, she's confident and in no rush to lose her virginity. And she has no problem telling guys no.
“If you don't remember anything else I've said, SaVoy, never forget that abstinence is abnormal. You are supposed to have desires. Honey, the laws of nature dictate reproduction in every living organism and you are no exception. I just want you to make healthy choices.”
SaVoy glanced at the clock on her wall. She could wait another twenty minutes but then she had to leave or she'd be late for class. SaVoy wished she didn't have to go to class today because she was learning so much from Vanessa.
Vanessa threw her head back in laughter and said, “Don't wear out your clit fingers.” She held up her middle fingers, rotated them in the air, and said, “You know why these are called clit fingers?”
SaVoy shook her head and stared at Vanessa.
“Honey, because they're the longest! Nobody masturbates with a pinky . . . unless it's a dick in disguise.” Vanessa tossed her head back again, then patted SaVoy's leg. “Honey, a dick the size of a pinky can only be used for masturbation but if you know how to masturbate, you can love that man and wear his dick out! Once you learn your body, you'll know there's no such thing as a dick that's too big or too small. But I must admit, a big dick is a beautiful thing because it can hit the G spot and the clit at the same time. Now the smaller dick, let it focus on the clit and you work your own G spot from the inside. Vanessa will explain that one to you later. You just need to learn how to get your orgasm on because believe me, he will get his, with or without you.”
Vanessa unbuttoned her blouse, stood in front of SaVoy, and unfastened her bra. Vanessa breasts were firm and plump. Her erect nipples were a much darker shade of chocolate than the rest of her body.
SaVoy frowned, then looked away.
“Honey, you'd better pay attention 'cause Vanessa's only going to show you this once.”
SaVoy hesitantly watched Vanessa.
“When you take a shower you probably wash your breasts without thinking about them.”
SaVoy remained silent but agreed and continued to listen.
“Next time you wash your breasts, hold them in your hands. Squeeze them. Stroke them. Pinch your nipples. Your nipples are loaded with nerve endings. Never let a man make love to you without caressing your breasts. And once a month check them like this.” Vanessa placed her left hand behind her right shoulder. Her elbow pointed toward the ceiling. Then she moved her three middle fingers in small circular motions. Massaging around her breast, Vanessa started at the outermost part and worked her way in a slow spiral pattern and stopped at the nipple.
“Once you learn your body, you'll know when something doesn't feel right. Honey, you need to do this the rest of your life but only once a month. Doctors suggest right after your period but, baby, you may not have a period every month so I say pick the same date as your birthday and examine yourself.”
Vanessa shook her titties from side to side. Then she fastened her bra and buttoned her blouse. “And don't be afraid to move your titties, hips, whatever. Sex is like dancing.” Vanessa's body gyrated. “The more you move the better it feels.”
Papa knocked on the door and said, “Breakfast is ready.”
Whew! SaVoy had begun questioning whether Vanessa was giving too much information. “Thanks, Vanessa. I've got to hurry to class but I really appreciate your advice.”
“Honey, don't mention it. Anytime you have a question, let Vanessa know.”
On her way to San Francisco, SaVoy shifted her thoughts from Tyronne and wondered how she could help Tanya get rid of that strange guy William who practically held Tanya hostage in her own home. After William moved in, the only place SaVoy saw Tanya was at work.
SaVoy parked one block away from the campus and prayed the professor didn't call on her in class. She quickly entered the room, sat in the back of the class, booted up her laptop, and E-mailed the professor her assignment. As soon as class was over, SaVoy stopped at the main library across from San Francisco's City Hall. After hours of studying and transcribing the tape recorded lecture notes, SaVoy drove to the store thinking how she could help her daddy buy the building at the end of his ten-year lease, which expired next year.
SaVoy entered the store and said, “Hey, Tanya. How's it going?” then tossed her backpack on the floor behind the counter.
“Fine. Tyronne came by. Said he might come back later.”
SaVoy stood in front of the cooler, opened the door, and stuck her head in. She closed the freezer and smiled at Tanya. “Oh, that man is so fine.”
“Who? Tyronne? Where'd that come from? He's not your type.” Tanya locked the front door, pulled her cash drawer, and carried the money into the office.
SaVoy followed Tanya. “That's what's so exciting about him. He's not my type at all.” She watched Tanya count her drawer.
She counted her ones, scribbled on her close-out report form, and then did the same with the fives, tens, twenties, and coins.
“Oh, yeah. I accepted a job offer this morning cashiering at the new retail store opening in Emeryville. They don't open for another month so I can work here until then,” Tanya said, handing SaVoy the piece of paper.
Tanya's drawer always balanced perfectly. Although SaVoy trusted Tanya, she had to remain professional and keep track of Papa's inventory and his money. SaVoy wondered how much Tanya knew about sex.
“I wish there was something I could do to keep you here. Look, if you still want a few hours, we can work something out.” SaVoy locked the money in a safe and left fifty dollars in small bills and change in the drawer. SaVoy looked at Tanya and asked, “How does a woman know when she's had an orgasm?”
Tanya's forehead wrinkled. “I'm not sure it's automatic for women like it is for men.” Tanya scratched her head. “Why? Are you—”
“No. I'm just curious, that's all.” SaVoy carried her cash drawer to the register.
“I gotta run. William gets upset if I keep him waiting too long. He's taking me to see
Brown Sugar
but I'm going to secretly feast my eyes on Boris.” Tanya smiled.
Undoubtedly William was paying with Tanya's money because William didn't have a job. And he didn't want a job. He'd convinced Tanya her car was his car and because he was the man of the house she should let him manage her money. Whenever SaVoy tried to tell Tanya to always handle her own money, Tanya became defensive and sided with William. So SaVoy stopped giving Tanya advice.
“Oh, yeah. Before I forget,” Tanya said, “I've been meaning to ask, have you heard from Fancy?”

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