The Tangible Reality

Chrystal stared at her final essay of the semester. It was a long and challenging freshman year. But with this essay completed, she was finally getting a breath of fresh air. She clicked the print button and the Brother went to work completing the final touches. "Girl, are you not done with your report yet?" A smell of fresh bath and body works cherry blossom body wash filled the room with steam. Chrystal took a deep breath to allow her nostrils to be filled with the sensational scent. She wished she grew up with bath and body works, but she only used old fashioned Zest. Her roommate, on the other hand, was a different story. "Yeah, I'm printing it now," Chrystal said as she continued to enjoy the astonishing aroma. She turned to capture a view of her not afraid to show her body roommate, Delilah. She was standing in the doorway of the bathroom drying her wet cherry blossomed body. Chrystal had always admired Delilah confidence. She traditionally had been an introvert gamer that never went to parties, including prom. She was satisfied by grabbing a controller and playing fortnite, apex legends, or some sport game by herself. Very rarely was she seen in the outside world unless she was in church. Which that avenue did allow her to date a boy or two, kind of. If going out to eat after church with a boy plus her parents is considered a date, then Chrystal had one or two high school boyfriends. But besides that, Chrystal did nothing before she met Delilah. On the first day of the semester, Delilah had Chrystal at a party. Chrystal didn't do much but sit in the corner, but she was there. Even though Chrystal has never made her way to the dance floor yet, now at least she was talking to people, going on real dates, and even sipping on wine coolers. Though not everything was for the better, at least Chrystal experienced things that she never would have if it wasn't for Delilah. And Chrystal loved her for that. Maybe loved her too much.

"I'm glad your done Chrys. Let's get into something. It's been a long time." Delilah said as she finally decided to follow in Eve's footsteps and wrap herself in a towel. "Tony is having a party." Delilah walked back into the bathroom where she found a second towel to finish drying her hair. "Who is Tony?" Chrystal's angle allowed her to have a director's view of Delilah in the mirror. She watched the steam-filled mirror like it was a TV screen as Delilah rubbed her hair up and down with the towel. "You know Tone. He has been trying to get with me for a minute. Tonight may be his lucky day." Chrystal had no idea who Delilah was talking about. Mainly because half of the football team wanted to get with her. Plus the basketball teams, plus the track team, and the science club. Though Delilah was very beautiful, Chrystal couldn't figure out how one person could attract so many people. Was it her flowing hair? That couldn't be it because every other week she changed it. Was it her smile? Can't be right either because she is known for snapping on a lot of people. Was it her breasts? No way. Though they were natural silver dollars that sat on her chest in perfect formation, they weren't mountains. They were more like hills. Was it her butt? Maybe. Chrystal did like to see it when she walked around after shower time. But still, it wasn't the biggest. Chrystal was pretty sure hers was bigger. The only thing that was left was her confidence, her tenacity, and her boldness. She had plenty of that. "Oh yeah. Tony," she said as she rolled her eyes. "But I don't know. I heard Tiff may be there too. And if I see that bitch there, it's not going to be good for her health." Just like there was a batman and a joker, there were Delilah and Tiffany. They were friends for a while, but it was a matter of time before the titan's clash. And that clash came after Kevin's eventful party. After that party, things were not the same with anyone. Chrystal had also dealt with Tiff throughout the year. She wasn't as cool as Delilah was in her mind, but she still thought Tiff was alright. Tiff was a sophomore so she knew the ropes around campus. She had a reputation for being the hook-up doctor, and the crazy party girl. But the parties she attended were usually wilder than the parties Delilah went to. For instance, she was the one that invited Chrys to Kevin's party, and Chrys invited Delilah. Because of her invitation, Chrystal should never talk to Tiff again. But Tiff was really good at doing hair, so Chrystal still had moments with her after that day. If Chrystal needed something like the locks she currently wore, she would tell Delilah she was going off-campus to avoid controversy. So far it had worked. But she also knew it wouldn't last. Eventually, she would tell her.

Chrystal still had the perfect view of Delilah as she started putting on makeup. Chrystal had never used makeup before, but she wanted to because at times she was ashamed of her freckles. And it wasn't because her family didn't approve of makeup, her parents really wouldn't care if she wore it. But because she had only brothers, they never brought it up. So no one ever taught her. "I heard the basketball players were going to the Lobo. They usually make it hyped when they are there. But someone is always fighting." The Lobo was a bar close to the college that was popular for college students. It wasn't the biggest, but they did let students in free on certain days. "Yeah, it was hyped last time." A loud click echoed through the room. The book report had finished and the printer had put the heavy-duty stapler in. Chrystal had to look away from her favorite new show to take it hot off the presses. She was proud of the work she had done and was ready to unwind, but she didn't want to go to the club. "I heard they are doing a movie night downstairs." "Yeah, but it is cheesy movies. I wouldn't mind going to the actual movies though. I heard there is a new scary movie playing." "I hate scary movies." "O yeah, I remember last time I had to cuddle with you because you were scared," Chrystal remembered that night vividly, and secretly longed for a repeat. It ended with just her and Delilah, alone, together, and in each other arms. What a wonderful night. "But I can get Charles to come with us and keep you company." Chrystal had no idea who Charles was either. Delilah always tried to hook her up with random guys just because she was so popular, but most of them were jerks because they actually wanted Delilah. "Nope. Not going with Charles." Chrystal started putting her paper in her backpack. One thing Chrystal did have over Delilah was her organization. She made sure everything was in order every night so that every morning all she had to do was grab and go. Her focus was so intense that she actually didn't notice Delilah had made her way out of the bathroom and on to her bed where she was putting on lotion. "Are you done with tests?" She asked. "I have one more, but I have an A in the class so it's not that important." "Well then, we have to do something more than a movie tonight to celebrate, even if I have to be your date. But what do you want to do?" Chrystal put her bag on the hook by the door and then turned to look at a naked Delilah again. So many answers could have been replied, but she chose the generic "I don't know." Delilah picked up her phone and then wrapped the towel back around her body. "Don't take this wrong. I love you, but how about I give you a quick makeover." Chrystal was actually surprised this was the first time Delilah ever offered. "Ok, I guess." Towel-wrapped Delilah stood up with glee and grabbed Chrystal by the hand to led her to the bathroom.

In the bathroom, Delilah grabbed a yellow mesh ball from her side of the cabinet. Chrystal had seen them before but never thought to ask if she could have one. She had always used a small rag to wash up. "First, what I want you to do, even though I know you stole some of my cherry blossom before, I want you to take a shower with this. I bought it for you." She handed Chrystal a new scent that she had never seen. It was called Dark Kiss, something Chrystal secretly craved at that moment. "Your skin has to give off an essence that no boy or girl can resist. And this plus the loofa will help." Chrystal didn't know if she should be offended. Was Delilah saying she smelled, or did she notice that Chrystal wanted to use some of her bath and body works? "I'll get the makeup ready." "Wait, are you going to be in here." Even though Delilah walked around naked all the time, Chrystal never once walked in her underwear around Delilah. "Umm, do you not see what I am wearing. As long as you don't' have a penis under that, you are alright." "I don't think I can," Chrystal whispered. "We all have the same stuff. Here let me help." Delilah took off her towel and placed it on the towel. "See." It didn't help matters at all. Chrystal slowly started to take off her favorite comfortable shirt and sweats. She had a bra underneath the shirt, so at least she wasn't instantly in the nude. But she was very uncomfortable. "Fine, I'll step out. But I'll be back in when I hear the water turn off." Delilah stepped out of the bathroom and closed the door. Delilah was so comfortable with herself that the towel was left in the bathroom. Chrystal slipped out of her Hanes sweats and bra and entered the shower. Delilah wasn't lying about one thing; Chrystal did use her bath and body works once or twice. But she had never used it with a luffa. 'How do I use this thing.' She squirted a little bit of the kiss into the middle. She couldn't see any suds, so she squirted a little more onto the strange luffa. Finally, she rubbed it on her body. Instantly the bubbles popped up. She was convinced she used too much. But her body was dark kissed today. From her neck to her legs, to her parts Hanes hugged. She smelled amazing. The rag didn't handle her as the luffa did. She turned off the shower and found a towel to dry off. But Delilah was a woman of her word. A few seconds later there was a series of knocks. 2 soft ones, 2 loud ones, and 3 more soft ones. Delilah had come up with a secret code with Chrystal after the momentous Kevin's party. Chrystal quickly found a towel as the door handle started jiggling. A few seconds later, in came Delilah with her makeup brushes. She chuckled, "You know you are still wet." Chrystal couldn't decipher exactly what that meant. "You tripping. I'm going to give you 5 more minutes and I'm coming in because you are going to be sexy tonight. Might even get you a real man instead of Eli." Delilah closed the door and left Chrystal alone once again. Chrystal quickly went to work drying off with her favorite massive beach towel that she had since high school. It was the perfect size for her mid-size body. Once everything was dry as she could get it, she started wrapping her towel around her body again. She wanted it to be snug, but at the same time a little loose, just in case. Two soft knocks came at the door. Chrystal anxiety kicked up. Should she pose sexual? Probably not, because she didn't know how to. Two loud knocks banged on the door. Should she take the towel back off and act like she wasn't ready? Nope, her brave level did not increase over the past 10 minutes. Soft knock one. Should she lay on the floor? Soft knock two. Should she sit on the cabinet? Soft knock three? Should she stand there as in looking awkward? "Are you ready for me yet?" Delilah's voice rang out on the other side of the door. She was not an introvert like Chrystal. "Yeah, ready as I am going to be." Delilah opened the door back up, but this time with Victoria hiding her secrets. "Let's do this!" She started opening drawers and pulling out palettes of every color of the rainbow. Then she pulled out a box that must have kept her secret weapon. It contained everything from brushes, lipsticks, eyelashes, eyeliners, mascara, concealer, foundations, and everything else that you would need to open a makeup store. "The first check, let me make sure you smell good." Delilah moved in close to Chrystal. She had been close to Delilah before, but this time it seemed different to Chrystal. She took in her enticing odor with a whiff. It was even intoxicating than before. It was so intoxicating she imagined that Delilah came all the way to her neck to not only get a smell but to give it a quick kiss on her dark kiss smelling body. But she wouldn't stop there. She would move in for a real kiss. Then she imagined that after a long sensual kiss, she would move her hands into her high school beach towel to reveal that she wasn't as dry as she had claimed. "That's a check. You smell good girl. Now let me get the chair for you to sit in." Reality kicked back in for Chrystal. Though Delilah sometimes played around flirtatiously before, she had never once given her the hint that she liked Chrystal in that way. Chrystal wasn't sure why or when her admiration of her best college friend had turned into an infatuation. But now it was so strong, she had wished this simple gesture from her friend would accidentally turn into a sexual interaction with her.

Delilah reentered the bathroom with a chair from the room. "Sit here girl. Let me work my magic." And work magic she did indeed. She moved like a wizard through the colors and tools she had in her secret weapon box. Chrystal sat in the chair trying to keep focused on what was happening instead of daydreaming about what could happen. She tried to distract herself by asking questions like what type of makeup Delilah was using, or how many brushes were in her box, or what was her best color. It worked for the most part. But Delilah was in such close proximity that it was impossible to stop a body part from rubbing up against Chrystal. Delilah imagination would activate every time she would touch. It was hard to stop. And when Delilah needed something new from her toolbox, she would bend over slightly to figure out what she would want. Chrystal imagined that if she was brave enough, she would take advantage of that situation. Because even though Victoria was keeping Delilah's secret the best she could when she bent over everything couldn't be kept a secret. "My masterpiece is almost done," Delilah said as she stepped back and looked at what she had accomplished on Chrystal. Chrystal tried to stare only into Delilah's eyes, but she knew that stare wouldn't last long knowing that her peripheral vision was telling her the full story. She tried to avert her eyes by looking toward the mirror. "No. Not yet." Delilah had jumped in front of her line of sight to the mirror. Chrystal used that moment to take a look at Delilah's cute naval. Her imagination took her to a parallel universe where she was brave enough to reach out and grab Delilah's side and pull her close. She would kiss around that naval before telling Victoria she could no longer hide Delilah's secret. "Now let me get you the perfect dress for tonight." Delilah pulled Chrystal out of the parallel universe and into the room. She started looking through her massive selection of unorganized clothes in her closet. Though Chrystal had feelings for her roommate, she still didn't like how unorganized she was. The few arguments they had were because of something Delilah left out or lost on her side of the room. Delilah never took the arguments seriously though, but Chrystal's biggest pet peeve was something unorganized. As Delilah was looking around in her closet of stuff, Chrystal caught sight once again of the secret. It was about to take her to another parallel universe this time of depicting some sort of punishment for the mess, but then Delilah discovered what she was looking for. "This is it!" She was really excited and proud of the dress she had discovered for Chrystal. It was a party black dress with gold trim. Shorter than what Chrystal was used to, but Delilah was for certain it was the perfect dress for the night. "I don't know, it's a little short." "Girl, you have the perfect body for this dress. I wish I had an ass like yours. I would always rock these short dresses." "Fine." Chrystal grabbed the dress and tried to go back into the bathroom. "Nope. You aren't going to look in the mirror until you are fully ready. Since you scared, I'll turn around." Delilah proceeded to turn around. But mid-turn, she remembered something. "I almost forgot. Stop wearing granny panties." "I do not," Chrystal snapped back, but she knew she did. They were comfortable. "Here take these. I just bought them but they didn't fit. You have an ass, so they should fit good. And you can have the matching bra too." As she started digging in her drawer, Chrystal started to get upset again at how unorganized Delilah was. But she was fully bent over, so her anger disappeared while she was taken away to another parallel universe similar to 50 shades. "Here they are." Delilah pulled out something of course made from Victoria. "This will work perfectly with the dress." She handed them to Chrystal and then started rummaging through her closet again. "I am going to wear the red one. We are going to be fly tonight." She took her red dress and went into the bathroom.

Chrystal started changing into these foreign clothes. They felt a little strange as she slipped them up. To her surprise though, they were really comfortable. She looked down at her exposed legs. More than usual was showing. She thought, 'my parents would kill me for wearing this.' The door creaked open from the bathroom and out walked the lady in red. She was gorgeous. A man, or woman, would see her and instantly fall in love. "You are so pretty," Chrystal was in awe by how amazing Delilah looked. "First off, I know I'm fine. And second, when you see yourself, you will say the same thing." Delilah grabbed Chrystal hand and led her into the bathroom to the mirror. Who was this lady staring back at Chrystal? This stranger had a sexy face, beautiful full lips, hypnotizing eyes, and ass. "Damn." "I told you didn't I. Call me Merlin." Delilah was truly a magician because Chrystal had never seen herself like that. It was so good, she couldn't hold her excitement. She grabbed Delilah and gave her a hug. "You are going to make me mess up my mascara. Stop!" Chrystal really wanted to follow up with much more, but she didn't know how to. "Are you ready to go stunt on these hoes." Delilah confidence is not a force to mess with. "Yeah. Let me get my shoes on." Chrystal walked into the room and grabbed her sneakers. Delilah laughed. "Normally I would clown you for those, but I like your style. Never let anyone change you all the way." Every now and then Delilah would have some words of wisdom. Maybe because she was a pk. "Where are we going?" "Let's go to Tony's."

As they came closer to Tony's house, they noticed how packed it was. They were met in the front with the normal party bouncer. He was a big 300 lb. lineman they called Bug. "What up Bug," Delilah said as she walked through the door. "What up D. What up Chrys." "What up Bug," Chrystal said as she gave him a fist bump. "You ladies look nice tonight." Bug was always seen as the serious enforcer on and off the field. But he was also one of the few gentlemen left on the campus. "Boy, I know we are looking sexy right now." "You crazy. I'm not about to have any trouble from you two again am I." "Hey, if they don't start nothing, won't be nothing," Delilah said as she walked into the loud party. "Naw Bug. It'll be cool," Chrystal said as she stepped a foot inside. "For real though Chrys, if anybody starts acting crazy, come get me this time. I got you." She punches him in the chest and says, "I know B. I appreciate it." She walks into the party and looks around. To no surprise, Delilah was already dancing with some guy. Chrystal moved around to find the drinks. "Damn girl. When did you get sexy?" "Shut up Eli. I've always been sexy." Eli was one of her few guy friends as well as her video game challenger. He also had a crush on her, but Chrystal just couldn't find him attractive. Maybe because she would always demolish him in games. "I got that new 2k if you want to come by tomorrow." "Why, so you can lose again. Go home and get you some practice before you step into my arena." She continued to make her way thru the crowd. Sometimes stopping to explain why she looked different, and how Delilah hooked her up. She then found the drinks.

"You want a Smirnoff, right?" A deep voice said as she entered the kitchen. The voice froze her to the core like an ice ball from Sub-Zero. "I know it's right." She knew the voice, and she really wished she didn't run into it. The source of the voice then places the black ice on the counter in front of Chrystal who begin to shiver like she was close to the ice caps. "I'm not even trying to mess with you right now." She glanced up to see a smile as it walked by. Minutes seem to go by as Chrystal thawed. "Hey, are you alright." This voice was different. It was the voice of Eli. He picked up the drink and put it in her hand. "You don't have to be here if you don't want." Chrystal took a deep breath in. "I'm good. He isn't going to mess up the party." "Are you sure? We can go and play a game right now." "You need some more practice before you play me again." Chrystal took the cap off her Smirnoff and started to drink. "You know you only beat me twice." Chrystal slapped Eli's arm. "Stop lying." Eli then spotted a seat that they could sit at. Delilah must have been on a break because she also joined them. "What up girl. I lost you on the dance floor." "You know I don't dance." "What up Eli. Are you trying to hook up with my girl again?" "Nope, he's over here trying to get beatdown in 2k." Delilah smirks. "I really don't know when I became friends with nerds." The three sat on the couch while the DJ continued to play. A few songs made Delilah get up and dance, but she would come sit down like a boxer after the bell rings whenever she grew tired of twerking. This would usually be followed by some dogs trying to get a date. To Chrystal, they were all corny. She wished she was brave enough to take Delilah out of the party and go back to the room where she could watch that scary movie. It would just be her and Delilah, alone, together, and in each other arms. But that was yet again another parallel universe. Because in this universe, Tony was the one that achieved what Chrystal wanted to do. "What up ladies. Looking good tonight." Chrystal rolled her eyes because she knew Tony was not trying to talk to her. She did remember him. He had been chasing Delilah for a couple of months. And judging by how Delilah stood up, he must have been successful. She went to give Tony a hug and what looked like a pregame kiss. " Come on people," Eli sarcastically said. He must have been reading Chrystal mind because she really hated that kiss scene. "How are you feeling tonight Chrystal?" Tony did have some manners after all. "I'm doing good," she replied. "I know you see my girl tonight. I worked my magic and she is looking hot, isn't she." "She is. Some of my boys wanted to hook up with you." Chrystal smiled. She didn't hate Tony anymore. But she still wished for that horror film that would give her and Delilah alone time instead of whatever is in the room that was going to give Delilah and Tony alone time. "Can you give us a few minutes. Delilah has to help me with my final. And we'll be back." "What final is that," Eli yelled as they walked off. Chrystal laughed. "I'm pretty sure its sex-ed." "Must be the take-home test." They both laughed.

"Look who is in the building. What up bitch!" "Oh my gosh. Can you leave," Eli turned off the laughter when a new third figure entered the sacred couch vicinity. It was the famed Tiffany. "Hey Tiff." Tiffany was a hugger, so the first thing she did without asking was give Chrys a hug. "And you are looking amazing. When did you start dressing up?" "My girl hooked me up tonight." "I know you are not talking about that hoe of a roommate. I can't stand her." She was definitely talking about the hoe of a roommate. "Luke told me he had talked to you earlier. I can't believe you aren't still together." "Are you serious right now Tiffany." Eli tone was becoming more aggressive every time he spoke. "Shut up. Nobody is talking to you." "Say that one more time and I swear I am going to jail for hitting a bitch." "Stop," Chrystal just wanted to keep the peace. "You know she started it. But I am about to damn well finish it." "Eli stop! I'm good. Can you get me another drink, please? I'll be ok." Chrystal had sensed the seriousness in Eli's voice. She had seen him mad before, but this moment his anger was elevated to the point she believed he was serious about going to jail. Objectively, Eli stood up and walked to the kitchen. "You need new friends girl," Tiff said. "He's cool Tiff." Chrystal knew she was now on a time limit. Unless Delilah and Tony were already at the point of no return in the room, Eli was going to go find her. And when she comes back, the drama that Chrystal really desired to avoid tonight by watching a horror film was going to be in full display. "So girl, I know it's been a while, but I heard about your little argument you had with Luke. He told me he didn't mean to take it that far, and that he was sorry." "I don't want to talk about it Tiff. But how have you been?" "I've been good. But for real. We are still good right? You aren't mad at me, are you?" Chrystal sighed. "No Tiff, we are good." "Cool girl. And Luke really does wish that you would give him a second chance." "I told your ass the next time I see you I'm slapping the shit out of you." Time was up faster than anticipated. Eli had found his target. "Delilah, calm down." Chrystal had to stand up to stop her friend, and in a different reality her lover, from doing something jail time worthy. "As stated, you need new friends," Tiffany seemed unphased by the threat to her well-being. "New friends. Are you serious?" By the way Delilah was taking off her earrings, she was definitely ready for round one. "D, calm down." Tony had finally entered the room. He recognized the code red signs from Delilah and tried to calm her down to no avail. "You know damn well what your teammate tried to do and this heifer was the reason for it all," Delilah stepped out of her heels. Tiffany still seemed extremely calm for a person whose life was possibly on the line. "First off, I can't control anybody. And second, it's just an argument between a couple that got a little out of hand." Emotions started to gut punch at Chrystal. She no longer stood in the way of Tiffany and Delilah. Luckily Tony was there to stop his girlfriend, or whatever they were, from fighting. Chrystal world was now spinning. Her imaginative mind was now filled with flashback thoughts of reality. She tried to block them out, but it felt like someone was playing dodgeball and she was losing. She moved backward fighting a memory with every step. "An argument? I'm about to show you an argument," Delilah was fully charged up and ready to go super Saiyan. Tony was a D1 college linebacker. His bench press was over 400lbs easy. But today, he was having trouble holding this 140lb girl back. Around that moment, the party had started to turn its focus to the activities around the couch. The music had ceased, and even the DJ was watching to see what was about to happen at ground zero. "An argument doesn't end with someone in the emergency room," Eli yelled as he stood on the side ready to strike if need be. "And you said you are friends? Where the hell was you when she was there," Delilah yelled as she carefully placed and perfected mascara started to flow away from her eyes. Tiffany had finally stood up from the couch. "I went to go visit bitch." "No, you didn't hoe, because I was there every day after that party. And every day after when she had to catch up with her schoolwork. I was always with her!" "Hey!" A loud voice echoed through the room. "Everyone get out now!" Bug was a force no one was going to mess with. His voice echoed through the crowd like Mufasa. The crowd immediately began to disperse and the party crowd dwindled down to four people standing in the living room.

Out of the remaining people in the living room, not one of them was Chrystal. Delilah, Eli, Tony, and Bug started to ask each other when was the last time they saw her. "Maybe she left with the group?" Eli stated as they all started the investigation. "No, I didn't see her," Bug said. "And Luke?" "I told him he had to go when I saw him talking to Chrys in the kitchen," Bug stated. "Shoot, that's my fault. I shouldn't have let him come by," Tony said. "I can't believe he is still here after Kevin's party." "People with power can beat the system." Delilah started walking away from the group. "Where are you going," Tony asked. "I got it. Just make sure that bitch is gone. Otherwise, prepare some bail money." She walked through the house until she found a bedroom with a closed door. She lightly knocked twice, and then twice loud, and then three times softly. A few seconds went by, and then a click was heard behind the door. Delilah cautiously entered. "Chrys? Are you ok?" She looked around the room and discovered Chrystal sitting alone in the corner. Her face was no longer the beautiful masterpiece that Delilah was proud of earlier. It now resembled roads on the atlas maps. Her blackened tears flowed down and blended into the black dress that was soaked with salty water. Delilah closed and locked the door behind her. Her own face lost the masterpiece that she worked on as she started to shed blackened tears too as she walked toward her broken friend. The room was silent. Not one word was spoken in between the two. Delilah sat down and placed her arms around Chrystal and tightened. The room continued to be silent as tears mingled together as they flowed to the ground. This horror film wasn't in theaters. It wasn't a part of an augmented reality. And it wasn't a figment of anyone imagination. It was reality. And it left Chrystal and Delilah, alone, together, and in each other arms.