We're All The Same Color When We Turn 
Out The Lights


"Two households both alike in dignity
(In fair Verona, where we lay our scene)
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star � cross�d lovers take their life,
Whose misadventur�d piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents� strife.
The fearful passage of their death � mark�d love
And the continuance of their parents� rage,
Which, but their children�s end, nought could remove,
Is now the two hours� traffic of our stage;
The which, if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.�
(Romeo & Juliet - 1597)


William Shakespeare wrote beautiful stories full of romance and promises of eternal love. 
Romeo & Juliet is my favorite one but, like all Sheakespeare�s writing, is tragic; really different 
from the story I�m about to tell you.
In 1982, February 14 to be exact, a mission was given to me. From that day on I had to take care 
of a beautiful girl named Lindsay Spellman who had blond hair and beautiful blue eyes. On my 
mission, I had to keep her far from danger and always light 
her way whenever she got lost so, like a good guardian angel, I gave my all 
to protect her from the cruel world. 
I saw that beautiful little girl become a gorgeous young lady. Her parents gave her 
all the love and comprehension a person could get and a good wealthy life also,
full of gifts and trips around the world. But Lindsay never cared much about her status, 
she always thought about the unfortunates and always manage to do something for them. 
That�s the reason why I can say my job wasn�t hard until the day of her 18th birthday.
February 14, 2000. 
Lindsay was radiant. Her mother woke her with a beautiful birthday breakfast with
all her favorite fruits and hot chocolate with marshmallow,her father gave her the car she was 
dreaming about since she got her license and her friends, Chayanne and Jessica,would throw a 
party for her later that same night.
My precious little girl had a boyfriend too, Brian. Even though I had doubts about that boy,
my baby loved him really much so; I put an extra effort to make sure he wouldn�t hurt her. 
I guess it wasn�t enough. That night at the party, he almost killed Lindsay with his words.
_Look honey, I know today is your birthday and everything but, I have to say something that
 can�t wait.
_What�s wrong Brian?
_We can�t be together anymore. 
I met someone else and I felt in love. Sorry honey� happy birthday.
At that moment I could hear my baby�s heart breaking. That day wasn�t supposed to end like that. 
She was so happy and beautiful in that black dress, and one little thing made all fall down. 
Lindsay was left crying as Brian left the party with his brand new girlfriend. 
All night she had to pretend that everything was ok and that what she had with that boy 
was just a little crush. For the first time I didn�t know how to easy her pain. 
Once the party was over and everybody left, she said she wanted to drive around the town. 
She took her old car and went for a ride.
My baby cried all the time thinking about what happened to her. She drove for a long time and 
when she decided to go back home, she realized she was lost. Lindsay didn�t get 
scared but when she was looking for a way out, her car stopped. 
She didn�t know anyone there or anything and, to complete the bad things on that day, 
she forgot her cell phone at home.
_Great! Now I can say that my day is done. � she cried.
Suddenly a man came.
_Do you want some help? � he asked.
_Thank you! � she manage a smile � My car stopped and I don�t...
Before she could finish her sentence the man jumped on her.
_Stop! � she yelled.
_Come on babe, I know what you want.
My baby was crying and screaming. 
I started to look around and saw a young man all dressed in white coming down the street. 
I did everything I could to call his attention and he heard Lindsay�s screams. 
He ran to find out what was happening and saw that ugly scene.
_Hey you! Take your hands off the girl.
He pushed the man, threw him on the street then the man ran away. 
_Are you Ok? � the young man asked.
_Yes. � she answered holding her crying.
_Are you lost?
My little girl looked at the young man and couldn�t hold back the tears anymore. 
_Hey� � he whispered � Everything�s Ok now. 
He put his arms around her.
_ Nothing�s Ok. � my baby said crying � I thought my day would be perfect today but all 
turned out wrong and, to complete my worst day ever, my car broke.
He broke apart from her and wiped her tears away.
_Well, your day I don�t know if I can fix but, your car, I know someone who can. � the young man 
said smiling.
My baby smiled back at him.
_Come on, let�s go.
The young man took my girl�s hand and both went to a house near there.He knocked on the door 
and in a few seconds someone appeared. 
_Yo, Devon! � the young man shouted.
_What�s up, Simon?
_Look man, this girl here has a problem with her car. Could you take a look at it?
_Sure man, no problem. Just take me where the car is.
Devon took his truck and they all got back where the car was.
 My baby was getting calmer but didn�t release Simon�s hand since he took hers.
_Well, there�s something wrong with the battery.
_But, can you fix it now? � my baby asked concerned.
_Of course! I�ll just recharge it. � Devon said quickly.
_How long it�ll take? � she asked.
_20 minutes at least. � Devon answered smiling.
My girl smiled back.
_Thank you. � she said to Simon.
_Don�t mention it. � he answered a bit shy � Are you hungry or something?
_No but I think I need something to drink. � she said fixing her hair.    
_ Devon, I�ll take her to �Take It Or Leave It� and I�ll be back soon, Ok? � Simon said.
_Fine man. I�ll wait for you here.
Simon and Lindsay left Devon there.
_What�s �Take It Or Leave It�? � my baby asked.
_It�s a dinner. � he smiled � So, what�s your name?
_Lindsay Spellman, and you are Simon, right?
_ Yes. Simon Webbe. � he answered with a smile. � Here we are! The best burger around! 
They sat down. Simon ordered a huge burger and Lindsay a Diet Coke.
_So, what brings you here at the neighborhood? � he asked curious.
_I was just driving around and got lost. � she answered with a sad face.
_What happened to make you go far away from home?
_Well, besides being Valantine�s Day, today is my birthday. � she said smiling.
_Really?! 
_Yes. But I�m not having a happy day, I mean, my day was good but my night at my birthday party 
was really bad.
Her smile faded away.
_Hey! � he held her hands � No matter what happened, is not worth it to make you stop smiling.
He kissed her hands and smiled.
_Thank you Simon. You�re really kind.
My baby was feeling much better; I could see that in her eyes. After eating and drinking, 
Simon paid the bill and they got back to meet Devon and her car working again.
_Thank you Devon. � Lindsay said � Give me your number so I can pay you.
_Hey, don�t worry about it. � Devon said � Any Simon�s friend is mine too.
Lindsay smiled then thanked him and Simon again. They explained her how to leave the 
neighborhood and before she left...
_Wait, I have something to you. Happy Birthday Lindsay.
Simon gave her a chocolate chip cupcake with a lightened little candle on it.
_Make a wish. � Simon said smiling.
My baby blew out the candle, smiled and said.
_You already made it come true.
_Really?! � he sounded surprise
_You were able to fix my day. Thank you.
She took the cupcake and gave him a kiss on the cheek making him blush then, got in the car and left.
_So, Don Juan, who�s the girl? � Devon asked laughing.
_I don�t know. I saved her from a guy. � Simon answered tripping.
_Oh my sweet hero! � Devon joked � Come on man let�s go home.
The next day my baby woke up really late. Her parents didn�t complain, they knew she might 
wanna be alone �cause Lindsay was really sad and upset the night before. You know what? 
They were completely wrong! My little girl wasn�t sad anymore, she had a beautiful smile 
on her face �cause what began bad turned out to be a real good thing. Lindsay couldn�t stop 
thinking about Simon, every time she closed her eyes there was him smiling with those big 
brown eyes.
Eventually Lindsay left her room, but she didn�t want that everybody knew what happened so, 
she tried not to look so happy.
_Lindsay, baby, are you Ok? � her mother asked concerned.
_Yes mom. I�m fine. � she answered trying to look sad.
_Are you sure? � her mother asked still concerned.
_Yes. I�m gonna eat something then I�ll call Chayanne and Jessica.
Lindsay went to the kitchen and made herself a sandwich then, called her friends and 
in less than 20 minutes they were there to see her.
_Are you Ok, Lindsay? � Chayanne asked.
_Yes, I�m fine. I mean, still hurts a little but I�m pretty good.
_Are you sure? � Jessica asked.
_Yes. 
My baby gave a forward smile.
_Lindsay? What happened yesterday? � Chayanne inquired.
_Well, I left home to settle my mind and I met someone. � she said smiling.
_Really? Is he cute? � Jessica asked curious.
_He�s gorgeous! He has a beautiful smile and is really nice.
_What�s his name? � Chayanne asked.
_Simon Webbe.
Lindsay told the whole story.
_Oh God! It�s like a fairy tale! � Chayanne observed.
_You�re so lucky, girl. � Jessica remarked.
_The bad thing is I don�t know how to find him. � Lindsay 
said a little sad.
_Don�t worry girl, we�re gonna find him. � Jessica said smiling.
They spent the day laughing and making plans about how to find Simon. Particularly 
I didn�t like how things were going but my �boss� didn�t let me interfere.
A few weeks went by. On a Saturday, my baby and her friends went to the mall 
to buy the usual things. 
At the same day and the same time, Simon and his friends were at the same place at the arcade.
_Come on Devon! You don�t know what you�re doing man. � Simon yelled.
_Are you kidding? I can beat you and Chris with a hand tied on my back! � Devon teased laughing. 
Around 2pm, Lindsay and her friends stopped to eat something.
_I�m starving. I could eat a horse. � Lindsay joked.
_Hey girl, watch out! You can get fat. � Jessica said laughing.
They made their orders and sat down. 
They were talking and making jokes when suddenly my baby looked up. At the same time Simon 
looked down and their eyes met. She waved to him and he did the same.
_Who you�re waving to, girl? � Chayanne asked.
_He�s here! � Lindsay said excited � Simon�s here.
_Where is he? � Jessica asked looking around.
_He�s up there. � Lindsay said staring at him.
Chayanne and Jessica got confuse.
_All we can see are 3 black guys. � Chayanne said.
_Well, he�s the one with the red shirt. � 
Lindsay said smiling.
_What?! � Chayanne and Jessica asked shocked.
Lindsay didn�t understand.
_You never told us he was black! � Jessica said a little bit mad.
_And what�s the deal? � Lindsay asked confuse.
_Now the things are different. You can�t be with him. � Chayanne said.
_Why not? I mean; I won�t be with him if he doesn�t want. � Lindsay said still confuse.    
_You�re totally different from each other. It�s not right. � Jessica said.
Then Lindsay understood what they meant.
_Oh, I got it. I can�t be with him �cause his black and I�m white. Where did you get this idea? � 
my baby asked disappointed.
_Well� it�s not right, that�s all. � Chayanne answered.
My little girl got a bit sad and, like I said before, I couldn�t do anything. 
At that moment Simon got closer to the girls.
_Hey Lindsay.
_Hi. � she said smiling.
Her friends didn�t look very comfortable with his presence.
_How have you been? � he asked clueless.
_I�m fine and you? 
_Can�t complain. You remember Devon, don�t you?
_ Yes. How could I forget? That night I had 2 angels to rescue me.
Hey girl! Make it 3! I�m sorry. As I was saying, Lindsay smiled and Simon went on.
_Look, my friends and I are going to a party tonight. Do you wanna come? 
_Sorry but she has plans. � Jessica answered for her.
_Oh! Ok then. I guess I�ll see you.
Simon went back upstairs a little disappointed.
_Hey man. � Devon said � Maybe she�s a little bit embarrassed around her friends.
_Never mind. Chris is right; she�s just like all the rich girls we met before.
Lindsay just watched him go and scowled at Jessica.
_What? � she asked � I was just protecting you.
_Protecting me? � Lindsay asked angry   
_Baby, he�s not for you. � Chayanne observed.
_I don�t care if he�s black, white, green or purple! I don�t care if he doesn�t 
have the money Brian has. All I care is that he was really nice to me at that stupid night. 
He wiped my tears. � she said still mad.
_Come on, he knew that Brian had broken up with you and used an excuse 
to take you to his bed. � Chayanne said rudely.
_I�m not listening to this. You know what? I�m leaving. I can�t even think of you 2 right now.
Lindsay took her things and left the mall. I never saw my little girl like that before. 
She got in her car and when she was about to leave Simon�s face came to her mind, 
she went back to the mall. Lindsay looked but couldn�t find him anywhere so; 
she decided to go back where they met.
After driving for a while she found that street. She was looking around but nothing.
_Damn! I can�t remember where Devon lives.
Lindsay said to herself. But suddenly she remembered �Take It Or Leave It�. 
She drove there and bingo! There was Simon with Devon and another young man. 
Lindsay took a deep breath and step out the car. When Devon saw her he smiled.
_Simon. What did you say about Lindsay before?
_She�s like all those rich girls. � he answered a little upset.
_Are you sure?
Devon made a sign with his head and Simon looked behind.
_Do you know it�s really hard to find you? I looked for you all over the mall! � Lindsay said smiling.
_What are you doing here? �  Simon said standing up. He couldn�t hide his happiness.
_I came here to apologize. � she said in a nice voice.
_Did you have all this trouble just to apologize? � Devon asked.  
_It was no trouble. I know I could do something before but my friends....
_Your friends thought you shouldn�t be around me. � he interrupted her.
_No! I don�t do what my friends tell me. I was saying that they were getting on 
my nerves and I lost control. But now I�m here trying to make it up to you.
He smiled.
_Well, apologies accepted.
_Do you wanna know something? � she smiled � I left the mall in such a hurry that I didn�t even eat.
_So, you�re invited to eat with us. By the way, that guy over there is Chris.
Lindsay greeted the boy and they all ate, talked and laughed a lot. 
_I never thought that a little girl could eat like that! � Devon observed.  
_You know what? �Take It Or Leave It� doesn�t make the best burger around here.Makes the best 
burger in town!
They all laughed.
_Are you for real? � Chris asked.
_Why are you saying that? � Lindsay wondered.
_Well, you spent all day here with us talking about nothing constructive when 
you could be at your big house with your friends by the pool. � Chris answered.
_You know Chris, I really enjoyed my day here. You�re real� your souls are real. 
My friends just care about money and superficial stuff. Just because I live in their world 
doesn�t mean that I think and act like them.
Lindsay smiled and Simon got really happy. He knew she was different.
_Well, it�s getting late so I better be going. � Lindsay said standing up.
Simon escorted my baby to her car.
_I guess I see you around. � he said.
_What about the party? � Lindsay asked.
_What about it?
_You invited me. � she observed.
_Don�t you have plans for tonight? � he asked.
_Of course not! Jessica was being an idiot when said that.
Simon smiled. My baby took a pen and wrote her address and phone number on his hand.
_Pick me up at 8pm ok? � she said smiling.
_Ok.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and left.
_Simon and Lindsay sitting in a tree K � I � S � S � I � N � G... � Devon joked.
_Shut up man!
They all laughed and went home.
When my little girl got home her parents and her friends were waiting for her.
_Is there a party going on here? � she joked.
_Where have you been? � her father asked.
_I was with some friends, why? � she answered.
_�Cause Chayanne and Jessica told us you were with a crook! � her mother said concerned.
_What?! 
Lindsay couldn�t believe what she was hearing; I couldn�t believe what I was hearing.
_You better start to talk young lady! � her father warned.
_His name is Simon Webbe and he�s not a crook or a drug dealer. Those 2 girls here just said 
this lie �cause he is black. � Lindsay explained.
Her parents looked to Chayanne and Jessica.
_Is it true? � Lindsay�s mother asked.
_Well... we really didn�t know but by the way he dress and talk, he looks like a crook. � Chayanne 
tried to explain.
_Look, I don�t know why you�re doing this but let me tell you something. When I look at 
Simon I don�t see the color of his skin or wonder how much money 
he can spend on me, I see beyond that. And as far as I know, you�ll never know this 
feeling �cause you�re too shallow for that. Bye!
Lindsay went to her room. Her parents send the two girls home and went to talk to her.
_Baby, we�re really sorry. � her mother started.
_That's ok, mom. � my baby said crying.
_No is not Lindsay. We didn�t trust you when we knew we could. � her father observed.
_ I know you were worried. But, do you mind if I go out with a black guy who doesn�t
 have much money?
They looked at each other.
_ Lindsay, we all breathe the same air so, this boy could be green that we still 
wouldn�t mind. 
And about money... you know money doesn�t make a man but his soul does so, if he�s 
a good man and treats you good he�s the best man ever. � her father said.
Lindsay gave him a big hug.
_So are you going out with this boy? � her mother asked.
_Well, I think is time for me to go. � her father said laughing.
_He invited me to a party tonight. 
_Are you going? � her mother asked curious.
_Yes. He�s gonna pick me up at 8pm! � she yelled.
They started jumping around. Her mother looked like an 18 year old.
Lindsay was really happy. She got ready for the party and waited for him.
Simon got dressed and rushed to meet Lindsay. 
He looked for her address and started to get a little bit scared when saw some 
of the houses at her neighborhood. 
_What are you doing Simon? Probably her parents will kick your butt when you say 
you�ll take their little girl out. � he said to himself.
He stopped his car in front of her house.
_Here goes nothing.
Simon rang the doorbell and a maid appeared.
_Yes?
_Hi. � he said a little shy � Is Lindsay Spellman here?
_Come in.
Simon entered the house; it looked like in the movies. Suddenly her mother appeared.
_Hello. I�m Lindsay�s mother and you must be Simon Webbe.
_Yes, Mrs. Spellman. � he answered trying to look calm.
_Have a sit please. 
She led him to the living room. Simon sat down.
_Do you want something to drink? � her mother offered.
_No thanks. I�m fine.
Her father entered the room.
_Honey, this is Simon Webbe, Lindsay�s date. � her mother introduced.
_Nice to meet you Mr. Spellman. � he greeted a little apprehensive.
_Nice to meet you too, son.
Her father shook his hand.
_So, where are you going? � her father asked.
_We�re a going to a party, sir. � he answered almost without voice.
_I see. So...
Her father sounded serious and Simon started to worry. 
_Have fun you two. � her father said smiling.
Simon laughed then suddenly my beautiful baby appeared.
_Simon! 
He looked at her astonished.
_You�re beautiful!
She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
_Did my parents scare you? � she asked laughing.
_I tried but I couldn�t do it. This boy seems to be really nice. � her father said laughing.
Simon was getting comfortable. He knew Lindsay was different and knowing her family 
was just like her made him really happy.
_I guess we should be going. � Lindsay said.
_Yes, we�re already late. � he observed.
They said goodbye to her parents and he drove off.
_God! I thought your father would point a gun at my face or something. � he joked.
_No. He�s really peaceful. I�m glad he liked you. � she said smiling.
_ Really? Why? � he wondered.
_Because I like you.
He looked at her and smiled. They got at the party and Devon was in front of the 
house talking to a girl.
_Yo, Devon! � Simon greeted.
_Hey! Lindsay... you�re beautiful. � Devon remarked.
My baby blushed.
_Sorry, this is Chantelle. � Devon introduced
_Hi girl. Sometimes Devon forgets his politeness. � the girl said smiling.
My baby just laughed then Simon held her hand and they got inside. 
The people at the party were staring at Lindsay well, it was understandable, 
I mean, she was the only white person in that house.
_Are you ok? � Simon asked.
_ Yes. � she answered smiling.
Simon looked like a celebrity �cause he knew everybody in there.
_You must be famous around here. � she joked.
_No, I just have a lot of friends. Let�s dance! I can�t let pass �Too Close�! 
� he said pulling Lindsay�s hand. 
_Ok but� I don�t know how to dance. � my baby said blushing.
_That�s ok. I can teach you.
Simon took Lindsay by the waist and started to guide her on her moves. 
She was doing exactly what his hands were �saying�. They danced the whole song really close. 
Once the song ended, Simon stared at her.
_Was it hard? � he asked smiling.
_No. But I had a good teacher.
Simon didn�t remove his hands from her waist and Lindsay was looking into his eyes. 
They were feeling something so intense that I could see sparks in their eyes but then, 
Devon appeared.
_Simon, come here. Let me show you something.
He �woke up� and finally moved. 
_I�ll be right back ok?
Lindsay smiled and watched him go. 
_Hey girl! � Chantelle yelled. � Come here!
Lindsay went where she was.
_I want you to meet my girls Sherry and Nikki. Girls, this is Lindsay, Simon�s date.
They all greeted each other. 
_Are you having a good time? � Sherry asked.
_Yes. I�ve never been to a party like this before and I�m loving it! � my baby answered smiling.
_Chris was right. You�re really nice. � Nikki observed.
Lindsay smiled. The girls talked about a bunch of things and at that point, 
the only thing that made her different from the others was the neighborhood she lived. 
30 minutes later Simon came to Lindsay.
_Can I steal her for a while? � He joked.
_I guess she won�t mind being stolen by you. � Chantelle observed.
They all laughed then, Simon took her outside the house.
_Sorry for leaving you there alone. � he apologized.
_That�s ok. I was having fun talking to Chantelle, Sherry and Nikki.
_Really? 
_Yes, they were telling me a bunch of things about you. � Lindsay said smiling.
_What things? � he sounded worried.
_Well, the modeling contest, the time you were a soccer player... 
_They told you about my dream? � he asked.
_No. What do you wanna do? � she sounded curious.
_Come on. I�m gonna show you.
They went back inside. He told something to Chantelle and suddenly someone yelled.
 _Hey! Simon and Chantelle are gonna do it!
�Do what?� Lindsay thought to herself. Then she heard a beautiful melody and when 
she looked at the mini stage there were Chantelle and Simon.

I see your true colors, shining through
(You wouldn't believe the things I've seen; Straight up)
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you
(Yeah; I'm from the ghetto)
I see your true colors, shining through
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you baby
(I'm gonna make it out)

Yo, father forgive, we all tryin' to survive where we live
I'd rather feed the 
homeless eight times than talk to the kids Show 'em life ain't no walk on the bridge
Damn as hard as it is, when I be dreamin I be talkin to B.I.G.In my hood it ain't no 
yellow brick road, we hear the shots echo
Sneakers hangin' from a telephone pole
In my ghetto ain't no rainbow with pots a gold
But there was love from the family when times are cold
I seen and analyzed the world from my project roof
And seen the hope in the eyes of a troubled youth
A good kid, I kept a burner in this mother goose
A motherless child, lost in these streets loose
In the waterworlds away these are rainy days
My man got poped at an early age
These cowards run and say he flipped into his early grave
They say the good die young, we're headed for them pearly gates

I see your true colors, shining through (Straight up)
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you (I can see through you man)
I see your true colors, shining through  (I know you really ain't like that; 
but I understand you know dog)
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you

Yo, they say this love wasn't meant to be
Two people from two different worlds, we wasn't meant to be
It must a been fate you were sent to me
We'll make it through these hard times, eventually
The standard fight, walk by faith and not by sight
We're all the same color when you turn off the lights
I take the sunshine with the pain
Wear my Saraguards sad, that's when it rains
No fridge, kept the food on the window pane
We all breathe the same air so we all the same
I'm trapped in this ghetto maze tryin' to make it out
If you don't know me don't judge me, what you talkin' 'bout
I'm far dividable of ard of the broken dreams
Single mothers y'all my heroes, y'all my queens
To get my moms out the hood, that's my hope and dreams
To raise my son to be a soldier by any means

I see your true colors, shining through
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you
I see your true colors, shining through
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you
     
Lindsay looked astonished. Simon had a beautiful voice and the song was perfect, 
it seemed to be made to them.
_So what did you think? � Simon asked.
_You�re amazing! So that�s your dream? Music? � she asked still astonished.
_Yes. � he laughed.
_You�re talented. You can go really far. 
_Do you think so?
Lindsay looked into his eyes and in a firm voice answered.
_I don�t think so, I know.
Simon gave her a hug. Lindsay really believed in him. Of course she did! 
My baby always said that dreams are not made just to be dreamt; they were made to be lived. 
All night Simon couldn�t hide how happy he was having a perfect girl like Lindsay 
beside him. They danced, talked about a lot of things and around 4am they left the party. 
All the way to her home they were laughing and making jokes.
_Princess, here�s you castle. � Simon said stopping the car.
_To me is just a house �cause I�m way too far of being a princess. � Lindsay said laughing.
Simon stepped out the car and opened the door for her.
_Thank you! You�re a real gentleman. � she said smiling.
He walked Lindsay to the door.
_So.... this is it. � he said a little shy.
_This is it.
_I hope you had a good time.
_I had a great time tonight. I loved to meet all your friends and get to know more about you. 
� Lindsay said with a beautiful smile.
Simon smiled and looked into her eyes. The sparks came again.
Lindsay put one of her hands on his face; he kissed her palm and then kissed her on the lips. 
That was the tenderest kiss I�ve ever seen and certainly Brain never gave her one of those. 
_Can I call you tomorrow? � he asked with his eyes still closed.
_Sure you can. � she answered whispering.
Simon kissed her lips again.
_Good night babe. � he whispered in her ear.
_Good night. � she whispered back.
Lindsay entered in her house with a stupid smile on her face. Her night was perfect. 
My precious girl was walking on the clouds. Simon was feeling the same way about that night. 
He went right to his house and his mother was waiting for him.
_Simon.  � his mother called.
_Hey mom! What are you doing still awake? � he asked still smiling.
_I was waiting for you son. And by the way you�re smiling you had a great time with 
the rich white girl. � she said standing up.
_Mom, I�ve already told you her name is Lindsay. � he reprehended her.
_Sorry, I couldn�t remember her name. Did her parents almost spoil the night? � she asked concerned.
_No way. They liked me.
_So, how�s gonna be?
_I�m gonna call her tomorrow. � he said all excited.
_Did you kiss her? � her mother asked curious.
_Mom! 
_Yes or no? � she insisted.
_Yes mom, I kissed Lindsay.
_Did she like?
_I don�t know!
_Well, by your face she must have loved it! � her mother joked.
They laughed and carried on chatting for a little while before sleep. 
The other day Lindsay woke up early, she couldn�t sleep anyway. 
_Good morning my dears! � she said smiling.
_Hum... by the smile on your face, your date was really good. � her mother observed.
_Rose! � her father called the maid � Start the arrangements, we have a wedding coming on!
_Dad! � Lindsay yelled blushing.
They all laughed. My baby had her breakfast by the pool and waited anxious for Simon�s call. 
He didn�t sleep much either and was waiting for a good time to call Lindsay. 
Around 11:30am he couldn�t wait anymore and called.
_Miss Spellman. Phone call for you.
_Who is it Rose?
_A boy named Simon.
Lindsay jumped from the chair and almost knocked Rose down.
_Hello. � she said anxious.
_Hey Lindsay. How are you? � he asked anxious too.
_Fine and you?
_Better now that I�m talking to you.
My little girl blushed. They talked for quite a while then, her mother decided to talk to him.
_Simon?
_Yes Mrs. Spellman?
_Would you like to have lunch with us today? � her asked sweetly.
_Well, I guess....
_Come on boy! I won�t take �no� for an answer. 
_Ok. At what time? � he asked a little shy.
_You can come around 2pm ok?
_I�ll be there Mrs. Spellman.
Her parents really liked him. He told the news to his mother and she was really happy about it. 
At 2pm, Simon was there. This time Lindsay opened the door.
_Hey babe! � he greeted.
_Hi!    
He kissed her. Her parents came to greet him and they all went to the living room.
_So, I�m glad you didn�t run away! � 
her father joked.
_Dad, come on! � Lindsay reprehended.
They all laughed and carried on talking. The lunch was served. First, Simon got uncomfortable but then, 
got more relaxed when Lindsay and her mother started to teach him what he didn�t know.
_Don�t worry son. I�ve been through all this before and with those two I guess is worst! � her father joked.
After lunch, Lindsay took him to see her house.
_And you said you didn�t live in a castle. � Simon joked.
_Well, it�s not. Come on, I�m gonna show you my room.
Lindsay held his hand and went upstairs.
_ Wow! It�s just like I pictured in my mind. � he observed.
_ Really? Am I that obvious? 
_ No. It�s just you�re so tender and so sweet that your room had to be pink, 
full of Barbies and teddy bears. � he said looking all over.
When Simon looked at her dresser he saw something familiar.
_I can�t believe you didn�t eat the cupcake. � he sounded surprise.
_I promised to myself that I�d eat it with you. I was hoping to find you sooner then I thought. 
Simon gave her a hug and kissed Lindsay the same way he did last night. 
Suddenly my baby had a surprise. Chayanne and Jessica were there for a visit. 
If I could interfere I wouldn�t let them in but there was nothing I could do.
_What is he doing here? � Chayanne asked.
_Well, Chayanne.... Jessica, this is Simon my boyfriend. � Lindsay said firmly.
He just made a sign with his head. The two girls were astonished.
_Have a sit. � Lindsay invited � What brings you here?
_We came to see how you were. � Chayanne answered.
_Yes, you left the mall so upset and then were so rude to us here. � Jessica complemented.
_I was rude?! � Lindsay wondered with her arms still around Simon.
_That�s ok, we forgive you. � Jessica said.
Lindsay and Simon looked at each other and laughed. Those two girls tried to be 
comfortable around the boy but it wasn�t working.
The fact of Lindsay being with him was bothering them. Every time he ran his fingers through 
my baby�s hair, the girls scowled at her. After 2 excruciating hours, 
Chayanne and Jessica left them alone.
_I thought they�d never leave. � Lindsay said relieved.
Simon laughed.
_Do you wanna stay alone with me that much? � he joked.
_I wanna enjoy every second I have by your side.
He smiled and kissed her.       
A month went by and everything was perfect. Lindsay met Simon�s family, 
had really good times with his friends and he went to some fancy dinners and 
reunions with her family. First he was not sure about those things but then, 
with Lindsay and her parents� help, he could fit everywhere he wanted, 
the only problem was Lindsay�s friends. One day, Simon was waiting for my baby talking to her father.
_Simon. My daughter said you want to be a singer. � he observed.
_Yes sir. That�s my dream.
_Well, don�t take it as an easy way �cause I know you like to fight for your own things but, 
I have a friend at music business and he�s making auditions with boys to form a band. 
If you want, I can give you his number.
Simon�s face lit up.
_Really Mr. Spellman?! God, of course I want. Maybe this is my chance to make 
my dream come true. � he answered really happy.
Lindsay�s father smiled and wrote down his friend�s number.  
_What�s going on here? � Lindsay came asking.
_I guess your boyfriend is gonna have a shot with his music. � her father answered.
My baby got really thrilled about the good news and then, Simon and her left to 
celebrate their one month anniversary. They went to a nightclub to dance a little. 
All night was going really well but nothing is perfect and they had a huge problem. 
Simon left Lindsay home and on the way to his, three cars surrounded him. 
He stopped. Suddenly one man stepped out the car behind his and yelled.
_Yo bro! Step out the car!
Simon wasn�t understanding what was going on.
_I said, yo bro! Step out the car!
Simon did what the man was saying. When he looked around, the other men were 
stepping out their cars. There were 9 of them.
_What�s wrong? � he asked confuse.
_You don�t talk here. You just listen, bro! � the man continued 
� You think you�re really smart getting a white rich girl, but you know what? 
You�re not! You messed with the wrong girl.
Simon wasn�t understanding what was that all about. Suddenly one of the men came 
from behind and punched his back. Simon felt on his knees.
_That�s better! � the man said � You shouldn�t be walking around here. You should 
stay on you neighborhood with your kind of people. Lindsay is too precious 
to be with someone who doesn�t worth a spit.
They were all laughing. Then Simon asked.
_What do you know about it? 
But before he could notice, the man punched him on the face.
_I know everything about it. 
_If you knew� � Simon continued � You�d know how much I love Lindsay and how much she loves me.
The men started to laugh again.
_Come on! You don�t love her. She�s just an opportunity for you to get out of 
this poor life of yours. And you know what? I�m done talking. Come on boys, let�s give what the bro deserves.
The 9 men went towards him and started punching and kicking Simon. 
Two of them had baseball bats on their hands and bit him up really bad. 
They went on with the biting routine for about 10 minutes. Simon couldn�t do nothing but protect himself.
_That�s ok boys. I think he got the message. � the man looked at Simon � 
I�m gonna tell you something, bro. If you don�t leave Lindsay alone I�m gonna kill her. Did you hear me?
Simon was in pain and astonished.
_You wouldn�t do it. � he confronted.
The man laughed really hard.
_Are you sure?
When the man asked that he pulled a gun and pointed to Simon.
_Just think about her and I�ll kill her, bro.
The men started to get in their cars.
_Don�t mess up with me. I�m not kidding.
After saying that, the man spited on Simon, ran to his car and left. 
Simon stayed there for a while; he still couldn�t understand what was going on, 
the only thing he could think was Lindsay. When he was finally able to stay on 
his feet he went back to his home. He took a long shower and cried alone, 
not �cause of the bruises but �cause he had to let his girl go. It wasn�t fair! 
But like my �boss� said, life ain�t fair. He went to his bed but couldn�t move much 
�cause every single part of his body was aching. Simon started to cry again and 
kept like this till morning. The other day he gave a lame excuse about trying to help 
a friend in a fight and later called Lindsay.
_Hello. 
_Lindsay is Simon.
_Hey babe. How are you? � she asked really tender.
That killed him inside.
_Look, I need to talk to you. � he said a little rude as a tear came to his eye.
_What�s wrong? � my baby asked concerned.
Simon took a deep breath.
_I don�t think we should be together anymore.
My little girl sat down.
_What? � she asked in disbelief.
_Yesterday I got my pass to music so, it means I don�t need you anymore. � Simon said almost crying.
My precious baby didn�t know what to say. She was so disappointed that she could badly think.
_So... I guess is goodbye.
Simon hung up the phone crying. My baby stayed there crying as well. 
She wasn�t believing in what happened.
_What�s wrong, baby? � her mother asked.
_Simon just broke up with me. � she answered crying.
Her mother tried to give her a hug but Lindsay ran to her room.
She threw herself on the bed and cried all day. Simon locked himself in home and 
didn�t want to talk to anyone. A few weeks went by and both didn�t talk to 
each other nor left their houses. The only people they saw were their family and best friends. 
_We told you he wasn�t good for you Lindsay. � Jessica said.
_We tried to protect you but you just didn�t listen to us. � Chayanne observed.
Lindsay refused to believe that their friends were right but the evidences were so clear. 
He dumped her just like Brian did.
_You have to get out to get some air. � Chayanne advised.
_Yes Lindsay. Let�s go for a drive around town. � Jessica suggested.
After a lot of insistence, my baby decided to go. They took Jessica�s car and 
went driving around town. My little girl didn�t want to be with them, she wanted to be with Simon. 
Every young man she saw reminded him, she couldn�t hold back her tears. 
Few hours later Lindsay saw Devon but couldn�t talk to him but he saw her and 
my baby�s eyes were clearly telling how sad she was so, he decided to talk to Simon.
_Hey Mrs. Webbe! How are you today? � Devon asked politely.
_I�m fine but my son is not good. He doesn�t wanna eat or leave his room. � his mother said a little sad.
_Can I speak with him?
_Yes Devon go there. Maybe you can make him go on with his life.
Devon knocked on the door and then entered.
_Hey man. How are you doing? � he asked.
Simon looked at him.
_I�m fine. � he mumbled.
_Man, you can�t stay locked in here in the dark.
_What do you want Devon? � Simon asked a little rude.
_What really happened between you and Lindsay? And please don�t tell me the 
story that she dumped you for a rich guy. 
Simon started to cry.
_Man, what�s wrong? � Devon asked.
Simon looked at Devon, he couldn�t hide what happened anymore so, he told the whole 
story to his friend. Devon was shocked.
_Why didn�t you go to the cops?
_Come on Devon! It�ll be my word against theirs and besides I couldn�t see their faces. 
I just did what I did �cause I didn�t want Lindsay to get hurt.
Devon looked down.
_I saw her today, man.
Simon stood up.
_Where?
_She was in a car with those 2 girls. I can tell by her eyes that she�s more hurt then you can imagine.
Simon sat down again and held his head with his hands. Tears were running from his eyes.
_Now is too late man. There�s nothing I can do.
But Devon could. He took Lindsay�s address and went to look for her.    
_Yes? � the maid said opening the door.
_Hi... hum... is Lindsay here? � Devon asked a little shy.
_ Yes. Come in.
Devon entered and had the same impression Simon had the first time he�d been there. 
A few minutes later Lindsay appeared.
_Hi Devon. � my baby greeted still sad.
_ Hey!
_What brings you here?
She led him to the living room and they sat down.
_Well girl, I�m here to talk about Simon. � Devon said.
_Look, I�m sorry but I don�t wanna hear. � my baby said even more sad.
_No, listen. You must know what really happened.
_I know what happened. He got tired of me. � my little girl cried.
_No! � Devon said standing up � I�m gonna tell you the true story.
Devon told her everything that Simon told him.
_What?! � my baby sounded surprised � I can�t believe that! Why he didn�t tell me?
_He didn�t want you to get hurt. You don�t know how much he loves you and cares about you girl.
My baby had hope in her eyes. She knew Simon would never do that to her. 
_Where is he? � Lindsay asked standing up.
_He�s at home, locked in his room in the dark.
My baby felt sorry for him. She took her things and left with Devon. 
After a while they arrived at Simon�s house. His mother was in front of the house 
chatting with some friends and when she saw my baby a big smile came to her face.
_ Lindsay, honey! 
My little girl gave her a hug.
_How�s Simon Mrs. Webbe? � my baby asked crying.
_Bad honey. He doesn�t eat and doesn�t want to leave his room. � his mother said really sad.
My baby couldn�t hold the tears.
_Can I talk to him? � my baby asked.
_Sure honey. Go there.
His mother opened the door and Lindsay entered going right to Simon�s bedroom. 
She took a deep breath and knocked.
_Mom, I said I don�t wanna see anyone. 
My baby could tell by his voice that he was crying. She knocked again. 
Simon got a bit upset and opened the door.
_What?! � he froze. � Lindsay!
_Hey babe. � she said crying.
Simon didn�t say anything else and held her tight. My baby was crying just like 
him and held him just as tight. After 5 minutes like that they broke apart and sat down on his bed.
_Babe, why didn�t you tell me what happened? � Lindsay asked still crying.
Simon was feeling really bad and weak so, he placed his head on Lindsay�s lap and crying answered.
_Sorry babe. I didn�t wanna hurt you. I knew I had a coward reaction but 
I couldn�t take it when that guy said he would hurt you. Sorry, babe.... I�m really sorry.
_Shhhh babe. That�s Ok. � Lindsay whispered � I knew you wouldn�t hurt me.
Simon looked straight into her eyes, ran his fingers through her hair...
_I love you Lindsay.
My little girl smiled and Simon finally kissed her. I was really happy for them. 
My baby was happy again and Simon was able to show all the love he felt for her.   
_Your mother said you haven�t eaten. � Lindsay observed.
_I just kept thinking about you that I forgot about me. � Simon explained.
_But babe, you shouldn�t do that. You could get sick or something. � she sounded worried.
_I know but I couldn�t help.
_I know what we could do. � she gave a forward smile.
_What? � Simon sounded curious.
_Let�s go where they make the best burger in town.
Simon finally smiled and they left the house. When his mother saw him outside 
she felt the happiest woman in the world.
 _Son! How are you?
_I�m better now, mom. � Simon answered holding Lindsay really close.
_Where are you going? � his mother asked.
_Not far. We�re going to �Take It Or Leave It�.
His mother hugged them both and they left. 
They ate and talked about what happened. Lindsay got shocked when Devon told her the story, 
but hear it from Simon really hurt. 
_Who could do that? � Lindsay wondered.
_I don�t know but, whoever did it, knew you really well and our story. � he answered clueless.
My baby walked Simon home.
_Do you wanna come in? � he asked.
_I don�t know.
_Come on, let�s go. � he insisted.
Lindsay entered and they went to his room.
_I�m so glad you�re here with me. � he said kissing her.
My girl smiled.
_Me too. � she answered in a low voice.
Then they started to kiss more and more. Although they had some urgency on that, 
Simon was being really tender. Lindsay was trusting herself to him and he didn�t disappoint her. 
He was touching her really softly and taking good care with what he was doing after all, 
Simon knew it was Lindsay�s first time and he didn�t wanna ruin it doing something wrong. 
At that moment Lindsay remembered a piece of the song Simon sang at that party: 
�We're all the same color when you turn off the lights�. She was so happy there with him, 
feeling so protected that no one could take that away from her. That�s all I can tell. 
Well, of course I�m a guardian angel but some things we don�t watch. 
Anyway, a few time later Lindsay was laid on his chest and Simon was caressing her blond hair.
_Are you Ok? � he asked kissing her forehead.
_Yes. � she smiled looking at him.
Simon held her tight and then kissed her. Hours went by and he took my baby home. 
Lindsay felt like she was in a dream. She went to bed and couldn�t 
stop thinking about her night. Everything was so perfect and she was really happy. 
The only time she got sad was when she thought about what happened with him. 
The next day, Lindsay was woken by a Simon�s call. 
_Hey babe, did I wake you? � he asked in a low voice.
_Not at all babe. I�m glad you called. 
_I wanna see you. � he said smiling.
_Me too. We could do something tonight. � she suggested.
_Nothing too wild. Just you and me.
_How about a picnic at the park? 
_Hummm.... me, you and the stars.... I loved the idea. � Simon answered smiling.
_So I�ll bring the food. Ok?
_This is your night; you can do whatever you want.
They chatted for a while and set everything for their date. Later that day 
Lindsay�s parents went on a 3 days trip at the countryside and my baby gave 
all the maids the afternoon and the night off. Her smile was more beautiful than before. 
Around 6pm everything was set for their picnic but something happened. 
She took a shower and was waiting for Simon at the living room watching TV when suddenly 
she heard a noise.
_Who�s there? � she asked.
Lindsay got no answer. The noise got louder.
_Who�s there? � she asked again.
My precious girl started to get scared. She walked around the house to find out 
what was happening and when she entered her room... BAM!
_What are you doing here? � my baby asked surprised. 
_I just came to see you. � Brian answered really cynical.
Lindsay didn�t know what to do.
_How did you get in here?
_I have my ways. � he said smiling.
My baby was afraid.
_Please, leave! � she begged.
_Why? So the black dude can score here on your bed? 
Brian approached her.
_Please Brian. Just go. � my baby begged again.
He got closer to her and slapped her face. 
_Do you think I�m gonna let you become a bro�s whore!? � Brian yelled.
_Please Brian. You broke up with me and now I�m happy with Simon.
_Simon!? Is this his name? That dog doesn�t know with whom he messed up!
Brian yelled and hit Lindsay again. My baby couldn�t move and started to cry.
_Why are you crying? You�re not supposed to cry. Girls on your level are not able to cry, 
just swallow everything quite!
He kicked her stomach. My girl couldn�t breath.
_Stand up! Come on Lindsay stand up!
He grabbed Lindsay by the hair and threw her against the wall.
_I warned the bro to stay away from you but he seems to be deaf! Now I�m gonna have to kill you.
Brian was out of his mind and my baby was trying to breath and crying at the same time.
_Jessica and Chayanne were right. This guy is nothing, nothing! Did you hear me?
I�m the guy for you. You had to make all you could to get me 
back and not meet that guy at the same night. 
Now Lindsay was understanding the things, those two so-called-friends trapped 
Simon that night using Brian and his friends.
_Brian, you said you didn�t want me, what was I suppose to do? � my baby answered crying.
_Beg! Crawl! You had to show me your love doing whatever I wanted. 
But no! You went out and slept with the first bro you saw. Bitch! 
He grabbed Lindsay by the hair again.
_This won�t be like this. I�m gonna have what I want.
Brian threw her on the bed and she started to scream.
_Shut up, whore! If that black guy had I want some too!
He started to kiss Lindsay. She was scared and tried to get him off her. 
At that moment Simon came. He was about to ring the bell when he realized the door was open. 
He entered and started to walk around the house. Simon went upstairs and heard a noise.
_Lindsay? � he called.
Brian looked at her.
_What is he doing here? � he asked.
Brian went to the door and saw Simon walking through the hallway. 
He got close to Lindsay and put his hand on her mouth.
_Listen, you have to make him wait outside. Say that everything is ok and you�ll be right there in a minute.
Lindsay looked at him then Simon knocked on the door.
_ Lindsay? Are you there?
_Answer! � Brian whispered.
_Yes. I�m here. � my baby answered holding back her tears.
_Is everything all right in there? � Simon asked concerned.
Brian pulled her hair then she answered.
_Everything�s fine, Sy. Wait for me outside, I�ll be there in a minute.
_Ok then. I�ll be outside.
Brian gave a psychotic smile.
_So honey. Where were we?
Brian put his hands under her dress and before he could do something 
Simon opened the door pulled him off Lindsay and threw him at the wall. My baby ran to Simon.
_ I told you bro to stay away from Lindsay.
Simon held my baby and just stared at Brian.
_I�m gonna kill you, bro. I�m gonna kill you and her.
Brian pulled a gun. My baby started to cry.
_Fine! � Simon yelled � Shoot me! Kill me! Finish with my miserable life!
Lindsay cried even more.
_Come on, man! Go on pull the trigger! You told me I didn�t know with whom I was messing, 
so here�s your chance to show me.
Simon opened his arms putting himself in front of my precious girl. 
Lindsay wasn�t understanding what Simon was doing and got even more desperate.    
_Simon please. What are you doing? � my baby asked crying.
_Shut up Lindsay! This guy is right I don�t worth a spit. So what if he kills me? 
� Simon yelled � Come on, man. What are you waiting for?
Brian pointed the gun at Simon; Lindsay was sat on the corner of the room crying a lot. 
When Brian decided to pull the trigger the cops came in.
_Freeze! Put the gun down!
One of the cops pushed Simon away and he ran to Lindsay.
_Shhhhh babe. Everything�s ok now. � he whispered holding her tight.
My little girl held him tighter and let all the crying out. It was like a bad dream. 
She couldn�t believe that Brian and her two best friends were capable to do a thing like that to her. 
She was shocked and scared at the same time. The cops handcuffed Brian and on his way 
out he stopped in front of Simon.
_Take good care of her.
Simon just looked at Brian and the cops took him. My baby and Simon had to go 
to the police station to give their deposition. Lindsay was really nervous and 
crying a lot but was able to tell every single detail to the cops.
_So Mr. Webbe, you said you entered in the house and heard a noise. 
How did you know that was something wrong? � the commissioner asked.
_When I went upstairs I saw Lindsay�s bedroom door closed so I knocked and asked 
if everything was ok. � Simon answered.
_And you simply didn�t believe. 
_At first I thought she was fine but then I realized she was not Ok.
_How did you realized it, Mr. Webbe? � the commissioner asked curious.
_Well, when I asked if she was sure that everything was all right 
she confirmed her answer and called me �Sy�. She never calls me that way so, at that moment, 
I knew something was wrong. Then I called the cops and did my best to distract Brian �till you get there.
The commissioner wrote everything down.
_Good job Mr. Webbe. If it weren�t for you, she�d probably be dead by now.
The commissioner shook Simon�s hand and he left the station with Lindsay. 
He took my baby home and spent the night with her.
After that horrible thing the weeks went by really fast. Chayanne and Jessica 
were convicted just like Brian. Simon got his audition and Lindsay went back to college.
Everything were back to normal but one day...
_Lindsay you�ll never guess what happened! � Simon said all excited.
_What babe? � she asked curious.
_I made it! I�m in the music business! � he said haply.
_Really? When did you know that? � she asked all excited.
_A guy called me and said he�s trying to put a band on the market and 
he really liked my voice, so I�m gonna to work with 3 other guys.
_God! This is so great, babe!
They kissed and celebrated all day. 
The next day Simon met Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Antony Costa, the other guys in 
the band that later will be named Blue. They all worked really hard to make themselves big. 
They recorded some demos and finally, in 2001, they got they first record deal. 
Today Blue is the biggest band in Europe full of awards and fans, Lindsay got 
her major in Literature and Pedagogy and me... well I finally understood my mission. 
I wasn�t supposed to protect Lindsay all the time but find someone who could do that when 
I got my wings. As you can see, I succeeded. I found Simon, a real angel 
on Earth to take care of my precious girl.


�I see your true colors, shining through
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you
I see your true colors, shining through
I see your true colors, and that's why I love you�
(�Shinny Through� - Fredro Starr & Jill Scott)


The End.