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What's The Word : The Girls Are On Fire!, and so are the rumors and exclusive announcements surrounding former New Energy members Riley Tarver and Byron Barker.
A few of the pages from their Word Up issue! _______ ** Támar & Nadine's Word Up Cover, Byron & His Babes, Getting To Know & Támar's Tunes poses all by @simohgi 🥰 💚
Inspiration was Jody Watley (who Tam is modeled after, fun fact) and Oaktown's 357 (with Byron being MC Hammer for the group pose lol)
When he got home, Dominic walked in to find his grandmother cooking and talking on the phone with a contractor about remodeling her kitchen.
When she finished and sat to chat with him, he offered up his non-existent skills to save her money. For once Carolina could and would not be swayed by her grandson's overconfidence, but she greatly appreciated his enthusiasm.
And when he made it down to his space, he decided to mess around with his guitar before getting himself ready for bed. Noticing a red flash on the phone system he'd had installed, he listened to his voicemail.
He and Támar kept missing each other when they had the time to call. Sometimes it'd be by a few minutes, sometimes a couple of hours. There would always be a message left, no matter how long or short.
(sound on)
tonight's the night, or whatever Rod Stewart & Betty Wright said.
#2.5 : Sticking With It
Previous
In spite of his doubt and sudden lack of confidence, Dominic decided he was going to push through and make this opportunity work in his favor. Time was not going to wait for him to grow up or find himself. His fear of being left behind was budding and becoming too great too fast, and he wanted it gone before it could take over completely. And though they would undoubtedly help in any way they could; he did not want to be the type of able-bodied young adult that depended on his parents to give him the life he wanted.
The only thing, currently, was that it seemed so many people in Brindleton and at the news station were so interested in pinpointing where they 'knew' him from. Though it was expected, when listening to speeches about great anchors, journalists, and writers; constantly hearing his mother's name was beginning to get to him. Not because he couldn't use her name for a bit of leverage. He didn't want to. Just as he and Margaret agreed to keep quiet about being related, for as long as he could help it he would not mention that his mother was at one point the #1 journalist and anchor in Copperdale.
Then there was the 'chatterbox', as the other intern Carrington Birch had been deemed by some of the crew members around Good Morning Brindleton. While Dominic had become an observer, a sponge soaking up everything that caught his attention, Carrington dove straight into networking and attempting to form connections between their menial tasks and activities.
One connection she wanted in particular was with Dominic, and more than just a friendly one. What the twenty-year-old could not figure out, however, was if Dominic was intentionally rebuffing her or if he was completely oblivious to the signals she was giving.
The only thing on Dominic's mind? Wanting the moment his choice feels right to kick in sooner than later.
Towards the end of the day, Dominic was in the media room watching old clips when he was joined by Bill Flores, THE top anchor. Unlike everyone else running around, Dominic was unbothered by his presence.
Not because he didn't admire or respect him; but because Bill's arrogance was at a level that even an overly cocky Dominic found to be exhausting.
Once again someone was 'familiar' with him, for some reason. He kept his face straight, simply shrugging when the name Bill was trying to find failed to present itself. Dominic gave short answers when asked questions, gave simple replies to whatever Bill said. Polite, respectful, attentive to the little bits of advice tossed his way.
And then, there was something Bill said (and a way that he said it) that flipped a tiny switch in Dominic's head. Hit that competitive trigger of his.
As predicted, Byron's Babes became one of the biggest attractions of the Lights Out Tour.
They rank high with some of the biggest dancers of the time.
They are the first dance 'group' to have their own trading cards created by SimTV Jams!. Byron wasn't even offered his own card yet.
Collectors encouraged to try their best to collect all three when they drop officially in July of 89, as the Byron's Babes cards are limited edition.
_________
They were only a few stops into the tour when the decision was made to make these cards. Folks are scrambling to get even a corner of a last-minute ticket following next day reports and chatter about the show being put on. Especially with talks of how Tam & Nadine specifically have upped Byron's skillset as a performer.
The girls can't believe the hype, but their number one fan (Byron) can.
He hates to say 'I told you so' to his uncle and any other naysayers who were doubting when he was making decisions about his new team but ... he told 'em so.
#2.35 : Ready
Previous
After a successful evening, Támar and Dominic went back to her apartment. As they were talking, she gave response to the confession he thought she didn't hear just a few months before.
She then confessed that there was something that had been on her mind for some time now.
While Dominic made a quick store run, Támar decided to change into some things she'd bought recently, gave herself a little pep talk to settle her nervousness.
#2.25 (Part 2) : A Thoughtful Gift
lengthy post.
Previous
Settling into their seats, Dominic took a deep breath and put his focus on the big screen like Támar asked him to. Like with most of these movies, a dramatic tune played and the initial credits began to roll.
Though he hadn't a clue who any of the actors were, Dominic scanned the names. It took him a moment to register one in particular, and when he did he turned his attention to Támar.
She sat beside him, facing forward as if nothing was happening. As if the shock she was probably counting on hadn't hit.
Evangeline Duvall, the second name billed. His grandmother's name. Támar had stumbled upon one of his grandmother's lost films. And more importantly, she'd made a way for him to see it.
As more credits rolled, Támar gave him a brief rundown of what "Now & Forever" was supposed to be about.
An ugly duckling, forced to live in the shadow of a vindictive sister, finds her voice and an unexpected love while on a journey to create the life she's always dreamed of.
(inspired by elements of real-life film "Now, Voyager")
Dominic couldn't believe his eyes. He was hooked in immediately, mesmerized by the smooth, deep richness of his grandmother's voice. Even with the plainness of her character's style, she lit up the camera and took over every scene. Even the ones where her character 'Suzzanne' was meant to disappear into the background.
The resemblance to his baby sister, Dominique, was insane to witness. He could instantly pinpoint some of his mother's mannerisms. He wondered if Beverly knew or thought she held some of her late mother's inflections and habits. In particular, the way she tugged at her ear when she paused to collect her thoughts, likely not intentional or scripted.
As he watched in awe, he began to wonder about things he'd been told. He was intrigued for other reasons suddenly. In particular, the history of white passing and how she managed to still get starring roles when she made the choice to stop and out herself, as Beverly had taught him and his sisters. The old lady playing the bitter mother was also getting on his nerves.
Támar was extremely tickled listening to his colorful commentary every time the elder actress popped up.
Once the 'transformation' happened, Evangeline's character became the great beauty, Dominic was deep into the storyline. Támar, on the other hand, had to stop herself from watching him and his expressions. While she had another birthday gift for him, she wanted him to like, or love, this one the most.
And just like most of the Golden Age films Támar loved, there was a complete, happy ending where the heroine got the world and the villains disappeared into oblivion.
When Dominic announced that he wanted to watch the movie again, to use up the full time Támar had rented out the theater, she was happy. Second time they watched in complete silence. Third time Dominic roared on with more of his colorful commentary.
It was nothing like he expected his evening to go, but it was the best birthday he'd celebrated to date.
MEMORY LANE :
Nearly every weekend, 9-year-old Dominic could be found 'harassing' and 'tormenting' his grandfather Vernon on their Saturday walks around the neighborhood.
They talked comics, TV now that Vernon watched so much of it since retiring, sports, life and school (which was always Dominic's least favorite topic).
The rest of the DeWitt family tended to think that the young boy annoyed the 73-year-old, ornery old man. Truth was, Vernon was just as much of a clown and pest as his favorite grandchild. He was a grouch to everyone else, but not to his buddy. They played pranks together, Vernon stayed as fit as possible so that he could keep up with Dominic, and every five minutes they could be found arguing about any and everything under the sun.
The relationship he did not have with Birdie and Rodney, because of his own ways, Vernon was able to have with Dominic and he cherished it. It's quite possible he's the reason Dominic is such a menace, when he's not quiet, but Vernon loved his foolish self deeply.
"My best friend keeps me young" would always be Vernon's response anytime someone asked why he jumped/moved anytime his grandson called on him. Their bond remained tight until Vernon passed in 1987.
And in the summer, the boy would move his wild energy to Willow Creek to disruptprovide youthful entertainment to his lonely grandfather Anthony.
Because Anthony rarely smiled or showed any sign that he was anything other than serious or sad, Dominic tried his hardest to make the old man crack.
It hardly ever worked. He kept his 'Quiet Rules' and Dominic continued to ignore them, even if he only got a few short sentences out of 56-year-old. The Duvall family joke was Anthony graying early came from Dominic stressing him out so much.
In reality, Anthony adored and appreciated his 'kiddo' more than he was able to express. In all the years since losing his wife prematurely, Dominic was the only bright light forcing itself on him just enough to keep him going. While everyone else respected his desire to sit and be in silence, Dominic was a ball of energy that would not be ignored. Much like Evangeline had been. Anthony never showed it outwardly, but Dominic knew how much he helped the old man.
And when Anthony was on his death bed in 1984, the only person he wanted beside him was his grandson. He allowed the then 13-year-old to talk to him about any and everything that came to mind. His final words, with a smile on his face, "thanks for the conversations, Kiddo. I've loved them all, and I love you."
In typical Dominic style, when asked how he was able to get along with his grandfathers or why his memories are the best or why he was the obvious favorite, his response is always a shrug and "unfortunately, everybody can't be as amazing and lovable as Dominic."
Secretly enjoying one of the activities he shared with both of them after his long day at the news station, Dominic wonders now if they'd be proud of him if he chose to continue down this uncomfortable path, if they'd be watching those same news channels looking for him someday if they were still here.
