CHAPTER TWENTY- ONE
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It was the start of spring break, and I wanted to use my time wisely.
My aunt asked me to come to the city, but I refused.
I was determined to take Jesaiah down, and if I had to use my spring break doing it, so be it.
Since seeing that video of me, I felt like everyone on campus had seen it.
It was possible it was all in my head, but the fact that Harlem saw the video made me think others did too.
Tonight, Harlem wanted to meet up. Initially, I wanted to say no because I needed time to track Jesaiah down.
I wanted to catch his ass in the act. He was a certified fuck nigga, and I wanted all fuck nigga activity exposed.
I didn’t care if he was caught talking shit about people, jacking off, or treating his line like dirty fucking dogs.
Harlem, however, had been there for me, and I didn’t want to let him down.
I held off on my snooping activities and headed to the restaurant he had invited me to.
When I arrived, I was taken aback by how nice it was.
It gave off five-star rich-girl vibes, but I knew Harlem was merely a short-term campus pusher.
After parking and heading toward the entrance, I was surprised to see Harlem waiting for me at the door.
Tonight, he wasn’t in street clothes but rather dressed in after-five attire.
A wide smile beamed on my face. “You look good,” I told him honestly.
There was nothing like a man who had a fresh line-up and was smelling good. He held the door open as I entered. Each time he pulled a stunt like this, I felt like a princess. Once inside, he led the way to a small table in the corner. It held a single candle that looked freshly lit.
“Harlem, you didn’t have to do this,” I squealed.
“I did. I know how to be a gentleman.” He winked.
I glanced around at the other people who were enjoying their intimate moments until he grabbed my hand. “Apple, I brought you here tonight because I want to show what things could be like if you gave me a chance.”
I was confused because he and I were already sleeping together, but I guess that was the gullible part of me that expected commitment just because I opened my legs.
He was already someone who entered my life unexpectedly.
I appreciated him because, given everything I’d experienced so far, I needed that support, even if we stayed friends.
He lifted my hand and kissed it. “You’re so beautiful.
I know this thing between you and me is still fresh and unexpected, but I need to tell you something.
You know I graduate in a few months, and when I do, I’m—” he cleared his throat, “—I’ve been accepted into Hillsdale Law School. Apple, I’m leaving this summer.”
The smile I had on my face was stuck. To him, I probably looked happy as hell, but inside, I was screaming. At this point, I felt like there was no winning for me. I saw his mouth moving, but I heard nothing because my thoughts had become loud. That was when he snapped his finger.
“Apple, are you okay?”
I nodded quickly. “Yes, Harlem. That is great, and I’m so happy for you.”
“How does it make you feel?”
It made me feel alone again. It made me feel like any piece of happiness I had was being snatched away from me. I felt like a lost girl being pulled into a world of uncertainty. I knew college life would have its ups and downs, but damn. Something was happening as tears welled in my eyes.
“I-I don’t know,” I began to stutter.
He reached out and stroked my cheek. “Why are you crying then?”
Shit! “Excitement, I guess,” I lied.
I was upset. I wanted him to stay. We were getting to a point of comfort.
We had something that I perceived to be blossoming.
However, I knew it was only me being selfish, so I sucked it up so I wouldn’t ruin the night.
He stroked another tear away, and I gently kissed his hand before he pulled it from my face.
“Seriously, Harlem, that’s great. I am happy for you. Make sure you keep in touch.”
He sat back and smiled, then ran his hands down his face. “You’re a law major as well, correct?”
I shrugged. “I guess. I mean, I’m thinking about changing my major. I’m not sure that’s what I want to do.”
“What are your interests?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it. Maybe communications or something like that.”
He nodded. “I can see it.”
Harlem turned to the passing waiter and gave him a head nod before he turned his attention back to me.
“Well, let’s make sure this Black Excellence Day is every- fucking-thing. In the meantime, I need you to answer another question for me,” he said. He had now sat up.
The waiter placed a plate in front of me with a small piece of chocolate cake. I became confused as I quickly looked at the waiter. “I didn’t order this. I haven’t had dinner yet.”
Harlem touched my hand. “Apple, you have to sometimes let things flow. Stop trying to control everything. Things happen for a reason. Now look at the cake.”
I looked at the cake and noticed red syrup that held words. My head shot up toward him. “But you said you were leaving?” I muttered as I looked back down at the words.
Will you be my girlfriend?
“I don’t care about the video, and neither should you.
He wants you to react, but don’t. His time is coming.
However, what I want is you. I’m offering you the opportunity to come to Hillsdale with me.
I can make that happen if that’s what you want.
If you want to stay here, that’s fine too, but I need to know if you would be my girlfriend. ”
A laugh fell from my lips. “Yes.”
He lifted, leaned forward, and kissed me. This was a moment I would never forget. The only regret I had was not meeting him sooner. This was the perfect way to start off my spring break.
Even though Harlem and I were in a good place, I still couldn’t let go of what Jesaiah had done to me, and I wasn’t letting up on his ass, regardless of what Harlem said. I just hoped he would understand. Also, I hoped my actions wouldn't affect Harlem or my new relationship.