Capricorn
Chapter 53

Chinese Astrology: 5 Elements
Instead of fire/water/air/earth, China bases elements on the first five planets:
* water (ruled by Mercury)
* metal (ruled by Venus)
* fire (ruled by Mars)
* wood (ruled by Jupiter)
*earth (ruled by Saturn)

*

Craig waited impatiently and couldn't hear anyone on the other end. Damn, these scam callers are relentless these days. He was about to hang up when he finally heard a little background noise. "Yes, I'm sorry. Can you hear me?" they asked.

"Yes. Who is this?"

"I'm trying to reach a 'Craig,' I'm guessing that's you-"

"I have no guess as to who you are, though."

"Trying to get to that...My name is Val Roberts, and we have never met per se, but we first saw you at a Grammy's party earlier this year."

Craig paused. He then got up quickly and walked into the cabin to hear clearly. "There he is," Beverly said excitedly, but he just rushed past her and started climbing the stairs, holding up a finger and saying 'wait.'

Once he was up there, Beverly sighed. "Do you think that's her?"

"Nah, he's too calm, but we need him to be if we want to have a decent trip," Ron said as he took a swig of his second glass of Dusse. Craig didn't want to be the third wheel at his own damn birthday party. A few other people tagged along, the yacht owner's son, his sisters, and a couple of friends of Brandon's. There were only so many people Craig would invite, but not all came.

Craig wanted just so so so badly to have her here. This was nice, but he'd give it up if that meant Adena would be waiting for him at the door, wrapped up in a bow or something. That's the daydream fantasy he had today on replay.

It was last minute, but he wanted Ron to tag along. Needed him. So Ron had to play dead to get out of work. Meaning a random family death. Missy wanted to come, but the whole point was Craig not being a wheel. 3rd, 5th, etc. Craig was glad that they had made amends, at least. Missy had to sit this one out, and she was pissed. Ron knew she would be. He tried to make the trip look as boring as he could on their Facetime calls. It was hard to. Nothing was boring about this yacht.

Why not just an audio call, then?

"I hear a girl," Missy had said.

"That's Beverly, silly," Ron said.

"Wait. I hear more than one girl..."

"They are friends of Brandon's. Ok? I have no control over the guest list. They're friends, his friends."

"I don't give a fuck who they're friends with. I need to know who they will be fucking on this trip."

"Missy, I have you on speaker."

Why, Ron?

"I don't have a fuck over here, Ron. None. Turn Facetime on. I need to see if them bitches are ugly or not."

For once, he hoped they were. Please be ugly.

Nope.

So now Missy Facetime'd him at random moments throughout the day. He had just hung up with her. It was wild how she called at just the right moments. Being faithful was easy for him to do on his own. She always called when they were having a good time and doing expensive shit. This had to be a broke as fuck boring party. Missy was probably giving Adena a play-by-play.

However, she called right back again. He had to answer every call or else. He could not believe he was bending to her every will; this was not him!! It's like he wanted to stress himself out. It's like his body was doing everything on its own. "Shit," he said as he put his drink down, picked up his cup of water, and ran to a far corner of the yacht where it looked like it wasn't luxury, but every nook and cranny was. He sighed and got into the same awkward position, and answered. "Hey babe," he said with an award-winning smile.

"Why did it take you so long to answer? You're out of breath."

"Missy, come the fuck on!!! What do you want from me!? Huh? Stop with this Carmen San Diego Death Note bullshit!!!"

Craig looked down over the railing and could hear Ron freaking out. He sighed and walked over to the other side of the deck. "Sorry about that. You have my full attention," he said as he sat on a lounge chair that had to have at least ten pillows on it.

"I'll try not to take too much of your time. So, my name is Val Roberts, my team and I saw you at the Grammys party, and we were very impressed. I don't know about your contracts or when you're available, but we wanted you to come down to the station and give it a go. I'm sure you'll do great, but I have to 'audition' you to appease the bosses-"

"Station? I'm sorry, Mr. Val, sir, I'm not following," he asked as the waitress returned and asked if he wanted water. He nodded as he waited for his reply.

"Cucumbers?" she asked. Craig looked at her and nodded his head. Shouldn't she know that by now?

"Sorry there, Craig. I guess I got ahead of myself, and it sounds like you're having a good time. Where did I lose you at?"

"Um, all of it? Well, no, everything you mentioned after contracts is where."

"Ok, we don't know if you're exclusive to anyone. I know you play various gigs, birthdays, and strip clubs, but are you locked into a contract currently?"

"Oh," Craig said and then sighed. He hit his head with his palm. Duh, dude. Wake up. "Actually, no, a contract I did have didn't work out. I'm freelance. I try not to lock myself into anything until it's consistent and professional; they pay me on time, all the time, we click, we vibe. I audition you all as well."

"I like that attitude, and you've been doing this for a while, I take it?"

"Since high school, sooooo I have some years on me."

"Great, and the MC'ing, you started that in high school?"

"Oh," Craig said and paused. Should he tell them or fake it so he could make it? "That Grammy's party was my first-time MC'ing. They put it all on me last minute because the other guy couldn't show."

"So you weren't following a script? You've never actually conversed with a crowd before?"

"No and no," he said and sighed. Welp, there it was. Hell, what's the worst that could happen? It feels like the worst happened already, so what's another one?

"That's very surprising. You looked like a pro, but everyone had never seen you before, so we were confused. Clide cycles the same MCs. We couldn't tell at all that you've never done it?"

"Good because I was literally gonna shit my pants," Craig chuckled. He almost forgot about that. With everything going on, he forgot about the best gig he's ever done.

"I was gonna say..!" Val said and laughed. "Ok, sorry, I promised not to keep you long. That experienced inexperience was surprisingly impressive. That may change a few things, but it could be a good thing. But that's if you take the gig. You said you wanted a consistent and professional gig that pays well. We got that. Now we have to see if we click and vibe..."

*

Following the Rooster, the next Chinese Animal is the Dog, which is associated with justice and compassion and is the champion of the underdogs.

*

Missy was chuckling as Ron cussed her out. She didn't mind; she loved it. It turned her on or made her laugh. He was doing both. She tried to keep a straight face once she moved the camera back to her face. She immediately noticed a change. "Ohmygod, my highlight is popping."

"Missy, I swear to God- what the fuck are you talking about? I'm putting you on medication when I get back. I'm serious. My license might be revoked, and I won't work, but that's better than dealing with your fucking bullshit."

"Ok, Ron-"

"Nothing is happening! It's boring. You may think the girls are pretty, but they're not my type. Maybe I have to change it because you're trying to prove me wrong, as usual."

Damn it, he's mad. She wasn't trying to, but she was bored without him here. "Ron chill out, alright? I'm just making sure-"

"I don't have a chill over here, Melissa," he said, rolling his neck, mocking her from earlier. She almost dropped the phone from laughing. But if he was bringing out her government, he was pissed or serious. "I'm not fucking no bitches. I'm not. To be perfectly goddamn honest, Craig and I are the most faithful motherfuckers on this damn boat. One of Brandon's friend's girlfriends is fucking someone else, and they're here on the boat! I peeped it. They got their own shit. No one knows. But if I do cheat, how about I call you? Ok? How about that?"

Missy rolled her neck. "I fucking dare you to do it." She knew he won't, though. That's why she liked playing this game. She loved that she was winning every time once she realized he wouldn't without saying it.

Because she also found out his 'thing.' His secret. His kryptonite. 

Ron can't fuck when he's mad. Really mad, not play mad. Not annoyed, mad mad. He was always chill and quiet unless a situation called for him not to be. Loud and mouthy wasn't him. So he's unable to think or even get it up when he's pissed off. So...

He can get mad all he wants.

"You know what? I want you to. Please do it. Do it. Go ahead. Do it," she said. "You won't get far because you left your doctor's badge here. I know how you are."

"Missy, I could get it without a fucking badge, and that's what I will do. You're gonna regret playing with me," Ron said to her. "I'ma get Craig to join in too...wait, not like that. He needs pussy more than me, though. It's his fucking birthday. He should be drowning in it! He gets first dibs because I swear he's saving himself for Adena, and that's not gonna happen. He's probably thinking about jumping off the top..." he said and then looked up. He then turned the camera around to reveal a lush yacht. Her eyes widened. Was he really getting lit without her? "Oh, and I'm having the time of my life Melissa. I wish you were here...no; I don't. Fuck it. I won't answer one more call. Do you hear me?"

"Fine, don't call me until you do!" she said, and they both hung up on each other. She sighed. Shit.

"What the hell did you do now?"

Missy turned around and saw Adena standing in the doorway to Missy's temporary room. It was Adena's idea not to jump into moving back in with Ron just because they're on good terms now. But when Baby came, she had to go. She was grateful she had a choice regardless. Adena's perfectly waxed eyebrow raised as she continued to stare at her.

"How much did you hear?"

"I've never heard him call you Melissa before. No other dude has called you Melissa, to my knowledge. I don't even call you Melissa," Adena answered. Damn, Ron was definitely different from the others. Ron probably thought he was pussy whipped on a leash, but he had more privilege than any other guy Missy dated. "You ready to go?"

Missy looked at her watch. "Yeah, I'm right behind you, girl."

As Adena entered her bedroom to retrieve her purse, she couldn't get what Ron said out of her head. It was now on repeat in her mind. She tried to shake it off as they left.

When they walked into the Lamaze Class, she said hello to the people she had gotten to know and the teacher. Now she was always 10 minutes early like she always is. 'Early is On Time' Adena was back.

So, of course, Taye couldn't come to every Lamaze Class. She needed stand-in daddies so she wouldn't feel like shit. Missy, of course, was one of them. "You ready, Papi?" Adena asked her as she situated herself on the floor as Missy sat behind her.

"Always, Mami," Missy said as she hugged her from behind. Adena smiled. She tried to focus on Missy and the baby. Depending on what the Universe has in store, those two were the only ones left in her life that she would do anything for. The list used to be longer. However, she found herself recounting what Ron had said repeatedly.

Because earlier, during her lunch break, Adena had window shopped as much as she could. At the last minute, she found it. Once she did...

Knock knock.

When the door opened, Adena was surprised to see who answered. A buxom girl who could be Nicki Minaj's twin opened the door. LaLa. "Oh, I must be in the wrong place. I was looking for Craig-"

"Nah, you got it right," LaLa said as she looked Adena up and down, chewing her gum. "But he doesn't live here like that no more."

"Yeah, I figured," Adena said and then hesitated. She had an internal fight with herself and then took the risk. "But Ron does, and he sees Craig more than I do...or if he happens to come by even. Could you give it to one of them for me? Please?" she asked her cautiously. She was putting this into someone else's hands and didn't like it. She hoped Fake Nicki would be able to do those simple instructions. She didn't want things to be lost in translation or transition either. Adena would ask her name, but she didn't want to know.

"K," Ficki said as she took it from her. "Have a nice day," she said to her and shut the door. She looked at it and lightly tossed it aside as she sat down. She sighed. She knew exactly who that was. She shook her head and continued doing her nails.

Adena frowned as she still stood there. She felt like she had made a wasteful trip. She should have gone to lunch because now she was starving. They were starving. Adena stared at the door for a second, and it was nostalgic to even look at that. Every time that door used to open, she would be assured everything would be ok; she was taken care of. This door used to hold everything that would revive her.

She shook her head and walked quickly down the hallway. The hallway had memories too. Slapping Felicia in the face here would always be a proud moment for her. She smirked as she got on the elevator, but it quickly faded. Her life also fell apart in this hallway.

Adena had a movie of memories playing in her mind as she sat in front of Missy. Hopefully, Missy paid attention because Adena wasn't.

*

The Dog Signs are honest, noble and see things in black and white. They're respected, have lively minds, and have quick tongues to use as a defense.

*

Like magic, when Craig reappeared, walking down the steps into the lounge everyone was hanging in, he smiled. "What's wrong with you guys? I thought this was a birthday party!"

Everyone cheered. Beverly was so happy that she ran over and hugged Craig close. Like she hadn't seen him in a long time, she hadn't. The Craig she took in was not the Craig she was standing in front of now. "Welcome back, bro," she said to him. He winked at her. She brought him over, and they all finally had champagne to celebrate. Ron and Beverly were so glad Craig was feeling better that they were cheering and spilling champagne everywhere as they toasted Craig. "TO CRAIG. MY BIGGIE BRO," Beverly said as she held up her glass, and Craig laughed. Inside joke; you had to be there. They cheered and clinked glasses, and the energy on the entire boat flipped.

Craig pulled Beverly to the side. "So guess what-"

"Yeah, what has you so happy? It's like your battery died; you're at 100 now," she said. Did Adena call? She really wanted that for him. "Did she call?"

Craig paused. "Um, no, but I got an interesting phone call. A job offer. Or a job offer that comes with an audition. Have you heard of Valentino Roberts?" Beverly shook her head no. "Me neither, but he offered me a job at WKNA 106.7?!" Beverly squealed. "They saw me play at the Grammy's gig, remember? They were impressed, they have been following my career to see if I made the cut, and I guess I did. He just called me."

"So what are you gonna do?"

"They want me to start just doing my DJ mixes. It's like the club, but no one is there, and everyone can hear it. Wait, do people listen to the radio anymore? Anyway, they got me DJing Monday, Wednesday, and the whole weekend. From 10 pm-2 am."

"Everyone's gonna hear you! You're going to be Charlamagne, no- better than him, by far. You're gonna have a Club Craig like when we were little, remember? That's big! I'm proud of you, bro," Beverly said. "So, isn't this the best birthday you ever had?"

Craig chuckled. "Yeah, it is. Now where's my favorite Scotch you got me?" Fuck it. He deserved a drink, damn it.

*

The Dogs must be led, or they'll become confused and anxious. They're courageous, determined, and need to do good. They fight for any cause, if it's for helping people, but all at the same time.

*

While Craig had the best birthday weekend ever, Adena was in the city working as usual. The doctors said she needed to start slowing down. She felt fine, though. She couldn't sit around and do nothing. She would go insane. However, she had the Mondays that night, and she realized this when she and Lloyd locked up. "I could sleep for years," Adena said tiredly. She turned around and paused when she saw something across the street.

Or someone.

Without saying a word, Adena started walking to the crosswalk. "Adena? Wait for me, girl!" Lloyd called.

"Stay there. Gotta do something really quick. I'm just going across the street."

Damn, she was pregnant, not disabled. She walked as quickly as she could, and when she reached the other side, she looked around, and they were gone. "What? They were...they were just here..."

Did she need a break? Hallucinations during pregnancy were never a good sign. "Adena!" Lloyd called.

Shit, she swore they were just right there. She wasn't going crazy. They were right-

Then they appeared walking out of a bodega. See!? She wasn't crazy. She walked over to them as soon as she saw them. "Hi? Hello, excuse me," she said to them.

A girl was leaning up against the wall, drinking water. She turned to look at her. At least, she thought so; her shades were huge. "Can you wait 10 minutes? No selfies right now."

"No, I just wanted to talk to you for a second. I've been seeing you for months now. Your signs are like literal signs that I need. Each and everyone that I've seen. I guess I just want to thank you. I think they've helped me more than I even know."

The girl stared at her with wide eyes. Adena could tell she was shocked because she moved her shades over her head. She twisted the cap back on her water bottle and set it on the ground. "Wow, I've never had anyone say that about me ever. I'm surprised you want to talk to me. Everyone takes selfies with me or pictures of me and tries to go viral. I didn't know that these could help people. I write whatever is on my mind, find cardboard, and do it. I guess it's working. I want people to stop rushing around and think for a second. You know? The city is so fast-paced, and we can get so caught up in the go, go, go and don't take care of ourselves, speak up for ourselves, think for ourselves sometimes..." she stopped. "Wow, I'm rambling. That was a long 'thank you, that's sweet.'"

"What's your name?"

"I don't give out my real name, but you can follow me at 'girlwithyoursign.'"

"Understandable. Um, ok, it's up to you, but I think it would be fun. But, um, I work at that art gallery across the street. I sell art for a living-"

"That's why you're drawn to me, huh?" the girl said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, you can say that. I think you need to be seen. Seen. I'm opening my own art gallery, actually-"

"Yes, girl. Women are out here really doing it."

"Thanks. And I want my first exhibit in MY art gallery to feature you and your signs."

"So you want to paint me with my sign?"

"Not exactly-"

"ADENA CAPRICORN!" Lloyd shouted from across the street.

"Can I get your contact information? We can meet up and talk about this over lunch or in my office-"

"The only way I let people contact me is through Instagram. You can message me, and we can go from there..." the girl said cautiously. Adena nodded. That was better than nothing.

"Well, my name is-"

"Adena Capricorn," the girl said with a chuckle. "Your boyfriend's getting worried-"

"He's not...no, and he's my assistant. Ok, I will message you right away. Hope we can talk soon."

"Yeah, maybe; nice to meet you," the girl said as she got her sign and held it up. Adena paused to read it once more. 

YOU ARE BEING PRESENTED WITH 2 CHOICES: EVOLVE OR REPEAT.

"ADENA BRIELLE!" Lloyd shouted.

"He's going to have a heart attack; you should..."

"Yeah, thanks. Nice to meet you." Adena crossed back and gave Lloyd a look. He was giving her a look, too, and the two had a stare down for a second. "My government? Really?"

"Had to get your attention somehow," Lloyd said. "Now we won't have time to eat before-"

"It's ok. There's a spot right next door that has good food. Come on," Adena said. She looked back at the girl with the sign, and a couple of people were taking a picture standing next to her like she was a statue.

"Why am I nervous?" Lloyd said with a laugh. Adena told him where to sit, and they got themselves situated as Adena ate a few snacks she was able to pick up from next door.

"I was nervous my first time, too," Adena said as she sat in front of him. "Thanks for doing this with me, Lloyd. It means a lot."

"I'm here for you girl. Always...during business hours, but sometimes I do overtime. Besides, I've never been a Daddy before," he said with a laugh as the instructor came in.

*

The Dogs' element is metal. The energy of metal makes them strong-minded and idealistic, but they are only ambitious for advancing the downtrodden. They tend to put others first.

*