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chironsilentmind · 5 years

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III. BLACK AE/ AFTER ENDING part.10

Kev tussled on his palette on his bedroom floor. He knew it wasn't just his comfortability keeping him from sleeping. He never though his one phone call to reconnect with Chiron would get them both to this point. He had dreamed of it often but after hating himself for so long and not reaching out to Chiron after so long. He thought the last thing that would occur was them both letting their guards down and having sex. So many thoughts running through his mind of what does this mean now? He couldn't lose him again. Kev knew how many traumatic memories in Miami Chiron had from his childhood. Growing up here in the hood of Liberty City wasn't the easiest for Chiron. He wanted nothing more than for Chiron to stay. While at the same time, he knew he would have to understand if Chiron chose to go back to ATL. Pushing Chiron into this space where he'd remembered so much hurt would be selfish of Kev to do. Kev sat up looking over at Chiron who was faced away from him. He couldn't tell if he was actually sleep.

Kev: Psst. Hey Black, you up?

Chiron gave no response.

Kev: Chiron...Chiron?

Still nothing in response. Kev adjust his blankets and pillows for comfort. He laid there quiet looking to the ceiling.

Chiron: Yes Kev...I'm up, wassup?

Kev: Oh I was just seeing if you where sleep...nevermind.

Chiron laughs.

Chiron: I told you I barely sleep anyway.

Kev: Oh yeah, you did say that. What's that all about?

Chiron: a lot of reasons, long story short It's been this way for a while. Even back when we was kids.

Kev: Really? oh wow.

Chiron: Kev why are you up?

Kev: I don't even know.

Kev sighs. Chiron pulls the cover aside. He invites Kev into the bed. Kev joins him. Chiron turns over laying on his back on top of the covers.

Kev: you're not cold?

Chiron: Not really, No.

Kev peeks at Chiron body wearing only his boxers. Looks away as Chiron notice him checking him out as Chiron clears his throat to regain Kev's attention.

Kev: Umm anyway... What were we..? oh yeah. So why don't you sleep?

Chiron: Well we were close back then Kev but there's still a lot I never told you. You know my mom's situation being an addict. Kev: yeah man of course... Chiron: yeah well when first moved out to LC my mom was on the run from her ex boyfriend he was crazy. Like beat her for stealing from his stash, he beat me to get back at her about twice, but my Grands took me from Paula told her she was raising me and if Greg had a problem or even think of putting hands on me again. She threaten to shoot him Dead. He didnt like that Grands word was law in my mother's life. One day Greg beat my momma threatened to kill Grands and some other things she didn't want Grands to hear about. Paula ran over to Grands house bloody. Grand had enough she sent us down here to my mom's cousin to lay low. He never found us. Word got around that he was killed a few months after we left North Carolina.

Kev: damn.

Chiron: so when I was young I would stay up and make sure he never came back for her, for us. Protect her, you know?

Kev: yeah.

Chiron: then when we got along with our lives she started using. Old dude she would cop wit he was no good. Do you remember when we were kids, I hated thunderstorms?

Kev: Yeah...you snuck to my house a few times. I remember.

Chiron look so empty like all the light inside him shut off completely.

Kev: Chiron what's wrong? Chiron was silent. Kev: Chiron look at me...what? It's just us

Chiron eyes looked away from Kev. Filling with tears.

Chiron: Juan handled it.

Kev: handled what?

Chiron: One night It was a really bad Storm out. Felt like the earth would shatter with so much thunder and hard rain there was. So I couldn't run over to your house. I grabbed a blanket a comic book and a flashlight ran into my Moms closet curled up and must of fell asleep for a bit. When I woke up... He found me in the closet. His hands were as rough as sandpaper. I woke up he was pulling my underwear off with one hand & holding me down with his other arm. I screamed and I fought back but... Chiron breaks down. Kev teary eyed so upset trying to keep his emotions together. He held Chiron as he cried.

Kev: Chi...man you could've told me. FCK! man! Where was your mom?

Chiron: she was in the bathroom too high to care. She was getting high while he was... He ripped my shirt and my underwear off of me beat me with a belt & his fist because I wouldn't quit fighting him off. I reached for the flashlight and hit him in his nose. I probably broke it, but I didn't care I just wanted him off of me. So his face is bloody and filled with rage. My mom stumbles out of the bathroom. Says to me no lie wtf your faggot ass doing naked in my room. Get the fck out!" She rushes over to him to see what wrong with him and why was he bleeding. Meanwhile he bust my lip I was bloody too. But her own child came 2nd maybe even 3rd to her drugs and her men. I raced to my room locked the door but it was a horrible lock on it anybody could get in if they needed to. So I grabbed my book bag grabbed as much clothes as I could fit in my bookbag. Got dressed, it was still raining but I was more scared of staying there than escaping that house. So I blocked my door with my dresser and bed climbed out the window and I ran. You remember how fast I ran when we were kids. All I remember is running ...I felt like I ran for so long I felt like I was floating like my legs wasn't carrying me God was.

Kev: Chiron! I don't even know what to say.

Chiron: I ran to Teresa & Juan's house. Teresa opened the door I collapsed into her arms. She carried me into my room in the back. Juan wasn't home yet she called him while I slept. The next morning Juan was there sleep by my bedside in a chair. Teresa knocked at the door as I sat up in bed. All I felt was pain all over me. Juan sat on the bed next to me. He tried to hug me, but he could see the pain in my face. My whole left side of my stomach & chest was bruised. My busted lip and a knot on my head had swelled, but that pain was nothing in comparison to he rest of my body.

Something in Chiron had unlocked the memories of that day. He remember the worry and anger in Juan's voice. No man had ever cared for Chiron enough to be angry he was hurt and in so much pain. Eventhough Chiron knew Juan's anger wasn't towards him, his recent trauma it still made Juan's anger uncomfortable for him. The calm and soothing attention Teresa gave to allow Chiron to know he was in safe hands now. Juan calmed himself.

Juan: Little... Who did this to you?

Chiron sat silently shutting his emotions down. Teresa walks over to the other side of the bed, holding her emotions in. She sat beside him held his hand, patiently waiting for him to gain the courage to speak. Teresa: Whenever you're ready Chiron baby.. we will always protect you. No matter what. Do you hear me?

Chiron nods. Juan covered the sadness in his face with his hands.

Teresa: Juan baby please, give him a minute.

Juan: Chiron? I need to know who did this so I can help you.

Chiron mumbled. Teresa tried to hear what he said leans in closer.

Juan: Little it's handled..do you hear me? I'm not gonna let anybody else hurt you. PERIOD! Juan: I just wanna make sure. So you gotta speak up.

Chiron: Walt...he did this

Juan: that's who I thought you said.

Juan hopped off of bed grabs his keys and walks towards the door as Chiron stops him. Chiron:JUAN!...wait.

Juan in rage. Joined Teresa sitting on the edge of the bed with his back towards Chiron & Teresa.

Chiron: I fought back hit him in his nose with the big flash light... I'm scared of thunderstorms so I hid. He found me in Momma's closet. I screamed for her she was too high to care. He pinned me down and His hands...were..were.

Chiron shut down in tears now unable to finish his sentence. Teresa bursts in tears as she held Chiron close to her.

Teresa: My God!

Juan leaned over cried into his palms.

Chiron: he beat me becuz I kept fighting him off me. I ran away I'm never going back there. Please dont make me Go back there Please! Chiron begged as he cried into Teresa chest. Juan stood as he wiped away his tears.

Juan: Stay here with Teresa. She's gonna be with you whatever you need. You're here now. Imma go have a talk wit your momma, iight?

Teresa let me talk to you for a min. Teresa kissed Chiron's forehead and talked to Juan in the hall.

Teresa: Juan!...i know...we need to care for him first.

Juan: I need to find Dude first..before he skips out..we can't let that go down. Now he's a known addict so Imma hear about where he moves I just want all ears open.

Teresa:Juan!..

Juan: Teresa I want you to worry about him, Imma be good Look Imma head over and talk to Paula.

Juan went off to talk to Paula and didn't get back until later that night. He explained the situation to Paula she wanted to confirm with Chiron what happened. Chiron didn't want to speak to her at all. Paula made a report about Walt to the cops and allowed Teresa to take Chiron to get looked at that night at the doctors. Give him a few weeks off of school to heal up and get back to normal. She would go to rehab to get help, Juan would help her in anyway she needed. And they did just that Chiron took a month & a half off. Went back to normal life, Paula wanted Chiron to see a therapist. He had began to have insomnia, nightmares, and panic attacks.

Chiron: That stuff stays with you and you get used to not sleeping. Chiron looked up at Kevin. Kev: you have to be the strongest person I know Black. Chiron smiled. Chiron: I just survived a lot of sh*t.

Kev: I think I remembered that. Your mom said y'all were going back to N.C. but you would be back by the summer. Damn I'm sorry that happened to you Black. Whatever happened to Walt if you don't mind me asking?

Chiron: I heard he got what he deserved he's in prison. Had his jaw wired for a while nose still fucked up. Mostly I don't give a fuck. So it's a lot of factors to why I don't sleep much at night. Not to mention the juvie experiences. Kev: Yeah, I know what you mean say no more. Chiron: Kev..you're the only one I talk to like this stuff. Kev: Really? Not even Teresa? Chiron: Teresa was there for most of it she tried to get me to talk to a therapist about it. Just feels better to take to people in your life instead of someone who has you on a schedule to talk. You're my best friend.

Kev: I guess I'm more than that now huh? Chiron looked away blushing a bit.

Kev kisses the top of Chiron's head. Chiron: did you miss me all that time Kev: of course I prayed for you. I prayed for us to be friends again all that. Chiron: Me too. Kev: I can't wait for Big Momma to see you. She just might cry. She used to talk about you a lot before you left. You know she prays for all of us. Omg & Neicy is gonna flip

Chiron: Neicy how is she? Where is she now? Teresa told me she shipped out a while back Kev: yeah i didnt want her to but you know...shes in Germany somewhere. Chiron: That's cool.

Kev looks down at Chiron.

Chiron: what? Why you looking at me. Kev: I just happy you're here. Chiron smiles

Chiron: it's getting late Kev come on I'll sleep if you sleep. Chiron and Kev laid there face to face both their eyes closed, faking sleep.

Kev: so you do love me? Chiron: ...what?

Kev: to be honest I knew growing up. Chiron: knew what? Kev: BLACK?... I knew you were into me. It never bother me. I loved being around you it didn't change our friendship. After a while I started liking you too. Chiron: nah you fckin wit me.

Kev: I'm so serious. I would find myself acting different around you. Chiron: different how? Kev: when you like a person you try to impress them show off. When your nervous seeing them you check your body odor, hair, nose, & or breath. Fixing your clothes. Chiron smiles Chiron: really? Kev: when you left me & Teresa got close She was the closest thing I had to having you. I became depressed like scary depression. Big Momma was scared for me. Thought I would end up like my momma. Locked away in some hospital. Teresa knew what it was about before anybody else did. They thought it was stress from family stuff. Like Neicy enlisting shipping out, Ricky off to college, Shaunie being committed. Teresa knew it was those things but it was mostly about you. She knew what went down with you getting jumped and juvie. She knew the truth she didn't hate me for it that lady is love through and through.

Chiron: yeah she's so dope. Kev: she'd check up on me almost everyday. One day she just asked me what's all this depression about? Then she just said it and it never occurred to me until after she said it.

Chiron: what she say? Kev: "Boy, you're in love and you lost him. You're heartbroken." I knew I liked you but I couldn't deny it to Teresa. She knew before I knew.

Chiron: i..i...uh

Kev: I knew when I asked her for your number & called you. I'm in love with you Chiron, Little, Black whatever you want me to call you. That hasn't changed everything every ime it brings me back to you.

Chiron nervously looking away trying not to make eye contact Kev turns Chiron's attention back to him.

Kev: I think I realized that feeling started especially after that first time on the beach. Chiron: the beach ...hmm so you do remember the beach.

Kev smiles Kev: Hell yeah

Chiron kisses Kev

Kev: So are you gonna answer my question? Chiron: what question? Kev: do you love me? Chiron kiss Kev again. Chiron: goodnight Kev Kev: goodnight?...Chiron answer the question. Chiron: I did Kev: No you didn't Chiron: you know the answer. Kev pulls away. Kev: so say it

Chiron sighs.

Kev: cool. Goodnight Black.

Kev turns over angrily and tries to go back to sleep. Chiron kick himself for not saying how much he loved Kev. It wasn't even a question he knew he loved Kev too more than he could express.

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chironsilentmind · 5 years

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III. BLACK AE / AFTER ENDING part.11

Chiron woke up to an empty bedside.

Kev had moved back down to his palette on the floor.

Chiron got out of the bed & walked over to Kev’s palette sat on the floor beside him.

Chiron: Kev, Kev?

Kev: hmm?

Chiron: I uh..I do love you.

Kev: mhmm.

Chiron: I just never said it before

Kev: I know, I love you too.

Chiron: so what does that mean?

Kev: it means we love each other. We can’t be separated like we were before.

It's too Early. Let's just lay here next to each other. We don’t have to know what that means right now.

But we're gonna figure this out together.

Chiron: yeah I know.

Chiron kisses Kev rubbing on his back.

Kev: you better not start nothing now.

Chiron: I can’t help it, you look so good right now.

Kev: you just want me for my body.

Chiron: you're funny.

Kev pulls Chiron down to his level

The two start making out.

Kev hand moves down into Chiron’s boxers

Chiron: Kev the kids should be getting up any minute.

Kev: So…

Chiron: Kev!

Kev: Alright!

Kev pauses listening out for K.J. & Ang..

Kev: Alright …I’ll be quiet.

Chiron: you said that last time.

Kev sighs. Chiron kisses Kev neck feeling his chest under his shirt. Kev tried his best to speak unable to form complete a sentence.

Kev: Youu…just uh…oh right there. Chi.. Chiron: you said you would be quiet.

Kev: if I don’t what’s my punishment..

Chiron takes Kev’s shirt off, he begins kissing Kev from his neck down to his naval He could see just how hard Kev was.. how much he wanted all of him. Kev stops Chiron.

Kev: Are you sure you wanna do this? Chi you don’t have to.

Chiron: I know, Kev you don’t have to protect me from the person I love most in this world. I Love You, Kev! You won’t hurt me right?

Kev: Never, its just... Chiron: Sshhh! let me finish what I was doing then Kev. Trust me I'm good.

Chiron disappeared under the blanket. Kev’s moans and expression was all the confirmation he needed to know he was doing it right. Kev grabbed the pillow to silence his moans. Chiron was enjoying it just as much as Kev did. He too was getting aroused very turned on by Kev's moans. Before he knew it Kev had already reached his orgasm for the 2nd time. Kev: OH Sh*t! CHI Chiron popped out from under the blanket to cover Kev's mouth.

Chiron: shhh Kevin!

Kev: Chiron you been holding out on me? Chiron shrugs

Chiron: I just know what I like so…

Kev: I wasn’t that good last night was I? Chiron: I don’t know how good I was so how can I compare. You were surprisingly good TBH.

Kev:Damn you might be better than Me! but hey if I’m the one enjoying it I’ll gladly lose that battle..

They both laughed.

Chiron: All I remembered everything about that night on that beach. It keep me for a lot of nights.

Kev: yeah I surprised you let me. I was nervous to kiss you and then let it escalate. Chiron: you were nervous, you took the lead I followed your vibe.

Kev: I was so corny back then. Chiron: Remember what you said? "You like the water let me introduce you to this fire… Kev cringed laughing

Chiron: then you would ask me what I cry about, something about downing my sorrows, what the lot of things I wanted to do. Kev: Oh yeah! then you was like “damn, you nosey” Then that’s when I knew I had to kiss you like this.. Kev leans in with his arm around Chiron looking into his eyes… Kev: then I was like “Oh you cursing now” Chiron: then we Kissed.

Kev: then you looked at me and something in me was like kiss him again. Then one thing let to another and.. Kev kisses Chiron like he did on the beach. Reaching down in Chiron’s boxers again. Chiron imagined the same feelings he had for Kev long ago. This time his love was stronger that made the reenactment better to him.

They were interrupted by the sound of Kev's bedroom door closing....

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chironsilentmind · 6 years

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MAHERSHALA ALI ‘Green Book’ Première at the 43rd Toronto International Film Festival, Canada (September 11, 2018).

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chironsilentmind · 6 years

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2018 is a good year for my moonlight boys

I got to see Alex in Black Panther

Ashton in The Equalizer 2

Trevante in The predator

Andre Holland in Castle Rock

And Ali in Green Book

Blessed.

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chironsilentmind · 6 years

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Moonlight (2016)

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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“What’s a faggot?” A scene from the movie ‘Moonlight’

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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III.BLACK ~/Chiron's thoughts [after the ending] part.1

Chiron frozen with fear shaken even. Kevin looks puzzled as if he didn’t remember doing anything with Chiron.

Chiron: It’s stupid i shouldn’t have- But it’s the truth.

Kevin gazed down at his hands.

Kevin: I didn’t think. I didn’t think you- You said you tried to forget those times…So I figured you forgot me. I mean if i were you I would want to forget me too.

Kev looks up to see a single tear falling down his cheek.

Chiron gives off a giggle slightly lowers his head.*

Chiron: Ha-…Nah Not you Kev.

Kevin turns to grab two mugs out the cabinet. Grabs the green tea out the pantry.

Kev: Honey, Lemon,…? Chiron: yeah that’s cool.

Kev: you wanna sit in here or on the sofa. Chiron: Nigga ain’t you off work sit your serving ass down, im good.

Chiron chuckles as he looks to shift the mood in the room.

Kev: Oh! So you playing now Kev laughs at himself.

Chiron smiles. Grabs his tea to head to the sofa in the livingroom.

Kev: & take them fronts out before you make em permanent. sipping this hot ass tea.

Kev jokes as he follows Chiron to the livingroom.

Chiron sips his tea.

Kev:Tea is good, Huh? So Black!…you in love with me or something?

Chiron chokes on the sip of warm tea. Chiron tries to cough it out.

Kev: Damn! You good Black?

Chiron nods a yes.

Kev: my bad Chiron: it’s cool

The room gets quiet.

Chiron: what kind of question is that.

Kev: a good one.

Chiron silencing himself again.

Kev: ay man you remember that time I taught you how to fight. Chiron: the first time as little kids or…? Kev: when we called you Little, smartass. Chiron: yeah after a game of tag ball right? Kev: yup

Chiron remembered everything about Kev.

Kev: yo you was like my best friend back in those day.

Chiron looked puzzled

Kev: nah bruh forreal. My family was going through a lot back then. I was always so scared. I looked to you to be brave. It was like all that you been through even as young Little you walked around brave enough to be you no matter how many fights you were in. At the end you never changed.

Chiron: yeah I was always scared. I shouldn’t have had to be that scared as a kid. You know?

Kev: yeah, i looked up to you though. Why you think i would stick up for you wit TaRell & em.

Chiron: yeah you did. You were like my only friend until Juan & Teresa came along. You didn’t show up to school that day & Juan rescued me.

Kev:You miss him? Chiron nod his head & got quiet.

Chiron: he was my family. Real Shit treated me better than kin. He wasn’t perfect. But he was like a big brother or even dad at times. Moms bugged out and threw iron at me i took off to Juan’s house stayed for a week, no questions asked.

Kev: Damn that’s some real sh*t..

Kev: Chiron when we was kids. I knew you liked me. Samantha cousin told me you did.

Chiron: How did Glory know that? when she always trying to kiss me?

Kev laughed. Kev:Nigga I knew it! Glory didn’t tell me & but you just did.

Chiron blushing now.

Chiron: Wow!

Kev: ay but when she told me she kissed you. I don’t know, I got mad.

Chiron: Mad? Why? Kev: yes, mad. She was convinced it was about her but it I was mad at her. Kevin paused looking for Chiron to connect the dots himself….Get it Black?

Kev reaches over and takes Chiron’s mug out of his hands and place it on the coffee table in front of them.

Kev grabs Chiron’s hand. Interlocking each others fingers together.

Chiron smiles. Avoiding eye contact with Kev.

Kev lifts their hands together as he kiss Chiron’s hand. Chiron leans his head against Kev’s shoulder.

Kev kisses his forehead.

~is this all happening.

The two of them sat there in peace & quiet of Kev’s apartment. Chiron close his eyes and imagine the rushing sound of the waves in the distance.

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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Trevante Rhodes 💜💜💜💘💜💜💜

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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"There are many white people who mean right and in their hearts wanna do right,” he said. “If 10,000 snakes were coming down that aisle now, and I had a door that I could shut, and in that 10,000, 1,000 meant right, 1,000 rattlesnakes didn’t want to bite me, I knew they were good… Should I let all these rattlesnakes come down, hoping that that thousand get together and form a shield? Or should I just close the door and stay safe?”

- Muhammad Ali speaking about the “not all White people” argument. During his 1971 interview with BBC’s Michael Parkinson

#STAY Woke #black lives matter #black boy joy #black girl magic #my black is beautiful #qwoc #queer poc #Muhammad Ali

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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Unarmed 15-year-old boy shot in the head by Balch Springs police officer.

15-year-old Jordan Edwards and his friends were leaving a party at approximately 11PM on Saturday after hearing gunshots. A police officer, whose name has not been released yet, shot through the passenger side window of the vehicle, in which Edwards and his friends were traveling, and struck the boy in the head. The officers were reportedly responding to a call of drunk teenagers. The Edwards family’s legal counsel S. Lee Merritt says Edwards and his friends were NOT the intoxicated teens that police officers were allegedly called to control.

The police officer who shot Edwards was placed on paid leave.

Police claim the vehicle Edwards was in backed toward officers “in an aggressive manner.”

youtube

Sources (x/x)

Another innocent Black child was shot by a trigger-happy cop. Another family is in pain..

Jordan was a freshman at Mesquite High School, he loved to play football and was a straight A student.

Rest in peace baby boy…

#JordanEdwards #BlackLivesMatter

#StopPoliceBrutality

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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Moonlight (2016)

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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I cry so much, sometimes I feel like I’mma just turn into drops.

Moonlight (2016) dir. Barry Jenkins

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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Trevante Rhodes, Alex R. Hibbert and Ashton Sanders getting ready the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California.

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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I think about love on a scale from 1 to 10. Most of us find a 6 or 7, and that’s why we have divorce. It’s the truth. We settle for that 6 or 7. But I like to think Kevin is Chiron’s 10. He’s found that and he realizes that there’s no reason to settle for a 6 or a 7 because, “I know this person is my 10. Whether or not this person believes I’m his 10, I’m going to devote my life to this person entirely.” That’s why the line where he says, “You’re the only man that’s ever touched me,” for me, was the most amazing, most beautiful thing I’ve seen in cinema, period. Because that’s what we strive for as people, to find that one person because they’re there. If Kevin doesn’t feel that they should be together, Chiron is just going to die a miserable person because that’s his person and he won’t settle for anything else. But I like to think they’re together, walking in Central Park hand-in-hand when they’re 90 years old. - Trevante Rhodes

Moonlight (2016, dir. Barry Jenkins)

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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‘Moonlight’ is the first LGBTQ-themed film to win best picture. That’s a big deal.

Whether or not Moonlight took home the Best Picture trophy Sunday night, it would’ve been a standout film with deep personal, political and cultural resonance. But its win elevates the film to the level of cultural artifact. People will be able to tell from this win what mattered to people in 2016. And this year, black queer lives mattered.

Where mainstream LGBTQ media has offered mostly white representation before, with notable exceptions like Noah’s Arc, Moonlight centers on both unapologetic queerness and blackness. It treats its queer, black and Latino characters with dignity and respect.

In a world that is still striving to understand intersectionality, Moonlight doesn’t compartmentalize Chiron’s blackness and his queerness. It allows him, and other characters, to be radically fully-realized, whole people. And when you create psychologically complex characters full of agency, it allows us to feel that we can be the same. Read more (Opinion)

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chironsilentmind · 7 years

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I. Little (1.4)

Out of breath once again Kev loses the race home to Chiron’s front door.

Kev: You going back home already it ain’t dark yet. Come on let’s go to my house play the game. Chiron: Nah… I’ll be right back iight stay here.

Chiron quietly opens the door he knew his mom could only be doing two things sleep, or entertaining company who she show him off , and brag about him. Either way he didn’t want to be by Paula.

Chiron tiptoes and slowly closes the door behind him. Chiron looks around a bit for any sign of Paula. Her cigarette still lit upon the ashtray. But she isn’t laid on the couch where he last saw her.

Chiron rushes off to his bedroom. He hears noises across the hall coming from his Momma’s bedroom. He leans in for a sec. To listen in radio is playing old school r&b love songs. A man’s voice along with his mother’s. Chiron sighs and proceeds to his bedroom grabs his dollar he had hidden behind his headboard. He always had to find new hiding places from his mother. She hated him keeping money from her. She’d take it away, but he never saw it again.

Chiron was good at keeping secrets seeing as he never really had much to say.

Chiron tiptoes back into the hall as he hears his mother room open he makes a dash for the front door.

Paula: CHIRON keep you Little ass outside boy!

Chiron heads out the front door. Slamming it shut.

Chiron scares Kev who was unable expectedly relaxed again the wall.

Chiron: Damn! Kev: wassup Little?

Chiron out of breath.

Chiron:…Nothing. come on.

Kev: I’m tired man.

Kev and Little walk along. Chiron reaches in his pocket to fish out the dollar. Shows it of to Kevin.

Chiron: Candy lady? Kev nods.

The candy lady of the neighborhood lived closer to Kev’s house.

Kev knocks on the door.

Kev: Now and Later, Lemon heads, & mike& ikes plz…thank you.

Kev grabs the candy after Chiron pays the dollar. Kev races off to his house 4 doors away. Kev lived with his Big Mama. He was the youngest of 4, well 5 if you count his cousin Ricky. He had 2 brothers & a sister. He had a big family. Chiron was an only child, at times it felt like his mom didn’t even want him. She’d never want more kids.

Kev looks back at Little. Kev: You coming?… Little: yeah

Kev never really talk about his parents.

Kevin escorts Chiron inside.

Kev: Nanny!…Big Mama!..me & my friends going to play the game!…NANNY!

Kev’s grandmother emerges from the kitchen.

Big Mama: Boy! Stop yelling in my house. Kev smiles and hugs her.

BigMama: Mhmm boy I’m not fooling wit you. Dinner gon be ready soon. Mhmm I know you got some candy. buttering me up.

Kev: not a lot! Big Mama: Kevin! You heard now…

Big Mama turns to greet Little.

Big Mama: and who little boy is you. Kev: Nanny that’s Chiron. My friend Little remember…? Big Mama: Kev hush. He can speak. And that ain’t what I asked him. Who ya Momma? Chiron: Paula.

BigMama: I used to run a daycare here. Before your Momma moved out here. Watched just about everybody kids. So I know everybody. She still nursing?

Chiron nods. Chiron: Yes Ma'am.

BigMama: Kevin I like this boys manners. He can come over here anytime. Teach yall some. Kev: Okay Nanny, Can we go play now?.

Big Mama glares at Kev.

Kev: I mean…May we please go play? Big Mama smiles and nods. Little staying for dinner?

Kev: yes Ma'am.

Kev leads Chiron into the back room.

Kev: Come on…my brother just got Mario Bros.

Kev sets up the game console. Grabs the controllers.

Kev: Little, why you was in trouble today? Chiron: huh. What you mean?

The two talk as they start a random level on the game eyes focused on the TV.

Kev: ya moms said you was in trouble before you had came out to play. Chiron: Oh, nothing.

Chiron didn’t feel right to tell Kev about Tarell, Vic & em boys. And yesterday til this morning. He’d have to explain why he didn’t come home. Him mom worrying getting mad. The reason he did it on purpose.

Kev: nothing? I’m gonna get it out of you anyways. You mind as well tell me…

Kev pauses the game to show some sincerity. Little smiles.

Chiron: It’s too long of a story.

Kev unpause the game.

Kev: ok…you gonna tell me.

Chiron shakes his head and smiles to himself.

Kev hands Chiron the bag of candy.

Chiron wasn’t really a big candy eater. On Halloween. He mostly gave away his candy to the neighbors kids who weren’t allowed to trick or treat because of their beliefs.

Chiron suddenly realize he’s in Kev’s and Ricky’s room.

Ricky was about 12 years old. So he had to share a room with Kev. Kev’s other siblings were too old. Shaun & Shaneice were Twins, Shaneice being the only girl had her own room. Trevor & Shaun shared a room before Trevor went to University full scholarship playing football.

Kev: Little you gon play or what?

Chiron focus his attention back on the TV.

Kev’s cousin Ricky walks in the room.

Ricky: Kev get out I gotta study. Kev: Nerd. Ricky: Stupid. Kev: Little. Ricky. Ricky: sup man. Chiron: hi

Ricky grabs his books & heads to the dining room table.

Kev:That’s my cousin but i call him my other brother. You don’t talk much Little. Why you so quiet all the time?

Chiron shrugs. Chiron: got nothing to say. Kev: it’s cool, we still boys.. Kev playfully nudges Chiron’s shoulder. You can talk to when you find stuff to say.

The boys continues the game.

Big Mama: Boys come on eat!

Kev & Chiron had been smelling Nancy’s delicious food since they burst through the front door. Both excited to eat her sweet delicious meal. The rush to the bathroom to wash they’re hands.

Kev: Bet you to the table… Chiron:you too slow Chiron stomach growls from hunger he realize he hadn’t eat since the morning with Teresa & Juan. Kev: Man you hungry or something..? You can go first.

The two walk to sit at the dining room table. Both mesmerized by the delicious aromas. Fried chicken, Mac'n Cheese, candied yams, ham, green beans & carrots, cornbread & for dessert Nanny’s Banana Pudding.

Chiron had never seen so much delicious food. Paula didn’t really know how to cook as well as Nanny. Chiron didn’t even see as much good food on Thanksgiving.

Kev: Little close your mouth you drooling.

They both shared a laugh as the the rest of Kev’s siblings joined the table.

Shamrock Kev’s only sister, beautiful Carmel skinned typical boy crazed teen girl.

Big Mama: i see you on my house phone again. Shaneice sighs. Big Mama: Gurl!!! Shaneice dinner time! Shaneice: Mhmm gurl, imma have to call you lata… Bye. Ricky: girls! Shaneice smacks Ricky upside his head. Ricky: OW! Big Mama: cut it, yall hush.

Shaneice looks over at Kev.

Shaneice: hey baby bro when did you get here?…? Kev: I walked past you when i came in the house Neicy. Shaneice: you did?….oh. hi! Who’s your friend?

Chiron sits quietly swinging his legs in the chair. Kev: Little thats my big sis Shaneice but we call her Neicy. Chiron smiles and waves hello. Shaneice: he don’t talk?… Kev laughs. Kev: Not much. Chiron: Hello. Shaneice gushes over him. Shaneice: aww Little you’re so cute. You’re gonna be a heartbreaker when you get older, watch. Chiron blushes of embarrassment as all eyes of the room studies him. Chiron:Thank you! Shaneice: You’re welcome. Big Mama: and he has manners too.

Kev smiles and nudges Chiron again. Kev: ay stay away from my sis…..I’m her protector.

Shaneice: Mmm Nanny this looks amazing as always. Big Mama: thank you baby!

Ricky reaches over to grab the serving plate of fried chicken. Big Mama: Grace! Boy!. Ricky:Sorry Nanny.

Chiron didn’t say grace at home. Kev grabs his hand Little didn’t care what he had to do for grace as long as Kev never let his hand go.

Chiron looks around at the collectively joined hands closed eyes and bowed heads. As Ricky starts to lead prayer. Ricky:thank you Lord for this delicious food…. Chiron peeks his eyes open a bit to looking around the room. He snickers as he sees Kev peeking back at him. Kev squeezes Chiron’s hand as Ricky finishes the grace With a collective Amen.

Kev still holding Chiron hand for a little longer. Reaches over to Ricky’s plate to steal his price of chicken. The two snicker again as Ricky realizes his now empty plate.

Ricky: Funny!

They fill their plates with the delicious food selection. And begins to eat.

BigMama: Shaneice where in the world is Shaunie? Shaneice: I don’t even know Nanny…I think he went to Michael’s house or something. Big Mama: ok…Chi Chi- Shaneice and Kev: CHIRON! Nanny Big Mama: l know his name…how you like the food baby?

Chiron: It’s great, thank you Ma'am. BigMama: you’re a polite young man Chiron, I like that. You can call me Big Mama or Nanny, Whatever you'd like. Okay? Chiron nods. Chiron: okay.

Kev: Nanny must like you, because she don’t let kids around the neighborhood call her That. Big Mama: Not that little Badass boy Tarell or that sneaky Vic & ‘em. They act like they don’t have no home training. But I keep them in my prayers. I pray for all yall. Especially living out here something always going on.

Chiron smiles at Nanny. Chiron: I like it here. Kev smiles at Nanny and Shaneice.

Kev: yeah, this is the most you’ve spoken to anyone else besides me. Big Mama: I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself here. That food got you to talkin. huh? Chiron nods as everyone at the table laughs along.

The family finishes the rest of their meal. Kevin & Chiron help collect dishes from the table for Nanny.

Big Mama: You’re a good influence on Kev. Kev stick around this one. Kev: he's alright Nanny!…she finna kidnap you from home Little. Keep you as her child.

Eventhough Chiron knew it was only a joke. He knew he didn’t mind being kidnapped away from his life at home.

Kev:Nanny I’m gonna walk Little home real quick. Big Mama: Shaneice walk them boys halfway. Kev: aww Nanny, Neicy walk too slow… Big Mama: She's is your big sister let her look after the both of you.

Kev rolls his eyes Kev: fine!

Chiron face dropped at the thought of going back home. Big Mama walks over to him give him the warmest Grandma hug he’s ever had. BigMama: you come back now Chiron, you hear? Chiron: yes Nanny.

Chiron follows Kev outside Shaneice already waiting for them.

Kev: Nanny love her some Chiron… Little? Kev whispers Why was you in trouble wit your moms?

Chiron: I didn’t come home lastnight. Kev paused in his footsteps. Kev: You what!? Chiron: I came home this morning. A little before you came for me. Kev: you brave. Nanny would’ve gave me a sore behind. Where was you at? Chiron stays silent. Kev: So you not gon tell me.

As they walked along the way they looks back for Neicy she was on her cellphone further behind.

Chiron: ok if i tell you don’t tell anyone. Kev: i can keep a secret… Chiron: i was at Juan’s house. Kev:….Juan…juan?…OG Juan? Chiron nods. They both continue to walk along. Kev: That’s crazy. Too crazy. What you do there? Chiron: nothing special met his girlfriend. Watched a movie, ate dinner, slept woke up ate breakfast, came home. Kev: Why? Chiron: why what? Kev: why didn’t you go home? Chiron: that’s a longer story.

Neicy shouts Neicy: Kev… ay yall hurry up. Kev: ALRIGHT! Come on Little let’s just run to your door.

They both pace themselves as they run to Chiron’s front door.

Kev: alright man, tell me more later. Chiron reaches to give Kev dap. To his surprise Kev refuses and hugs him instead. Chiron smiles. Chiron: Ok! Bye kev! As he enters his front door.

Chiron walks in slow not to disturb Paula. Chiron peeks around into every room. So far still no sign of Paula.

Chiron goes to the kitchen for a glass of water. When he hears a slam at door. Chiron cautiously opens the front door to see his Momma Paula passed out in the entrance of the doorway.

The only thing he could think to do is pull her body the rest of the way inside the house. Chiron struggles as he pulls Paula’s limp body inside. He places his ear to her chest to search for her heartbeat. He felt her hand rubbing his head.

Paula: Chiron you helping your Momma out.

Chiron had seen his momma like this once before a while back. It was after a 4th of July cookout at hi Nana Joyce house. The next morning his momma and Nana Joyce got into it. He remembered the loud screams very vividly. They don’t talk much anymore.

Chiron grabs a pillow from the couch place it under Paula’s head and cover her in her granny’s favorite quilt. Gave her his fresh glass of water.

Chiron bathe & dressed for bed. Peeking in on Paula one last time. Paula now sleep under their dining table. Nowhere Leg resting upon the seat of course moving her wouldn’t be any easier. He decides to leave her there. He turns off the list & goes to bed.

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