Firebird and Baebee (Fiction)

A sweet tale of fiction rose in response to winning three Firebird International Book Awards!

Gif created in Midjourney by the author.

The golden trophy felt heavy in my hands as I stepped off the literary stage, my heart still racing from the applause. Through the crowd, I spotted Baebee's familiar smile—the one that always made my stomach flutter like butterflies caught in sunlight.

"Firebird!" he called out, his voice wrapping around my nickname like sweet tamarind. He pushed through the people, his dark eyes shining with pride that made me feel cherished and beautiful.

When he reached me, his hands cupped my face gently. "You did it, mon cœur."

I leaned into his touch, the trophy forgotten between us. "I want to thank …" I whispered playfully, "you! For believing in me when I didn't believe in myself and wanted to give up."

"Ah, but look how you shine now," he said softly, his thumb tracing my cheek.

His kiss tasted like triumph and promises, like shared dreams sparkling under our ancestral stars. In that moment, surrounded by strangers celebrating my achievement, I felt grateful for it all—Baebee's love, this recognition, and my story touching more and more souls.

© Scarlet Ibis James, 2025: All Rights Reserved.

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My beautiful readers, I have the most incredible news to share with you: Scarlet Birthright won FIRST PLACE in THREE major categories at the 2025 International Firebird Book Awards! 🏆🏆🏆 - African American Fiction - 1st Place - Literary Fiction - 1st Place - Multicultural Fiction - 1st Place + PLUS "Best for Provoking Philosophical Discussions"

Grateful to Speak Up Talk Radio for hosting awards that celebrate literary excellence while supporting women and children in shelters through their charitable mission.

Read more about it on my website: https://scarletibisjames.com/.

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