Youngin' Blues: The Story of Reed and RaKeem (18 page)

“Yeah. I need to sit down.” Kelly complained.

KinZu and Reed had moved into a cottage style mini mansion near the suburbs. Completely secluded, Bella had wondered how they were even able to find their home. Both, very smart girls, where buying the home. Neither planned on living in it for long, but they would rent it out just as soon as they made their final payments. It was the perfect move.

The pastel yellow painted house was perfect for the two. It reminded Kelly of the home that she’d envisioned for she and Bella as children. However, they weren’t dripping in funds back then, so they took what they could. No matter what, Bella had always made it do what it do. Kelly could never thank her enough.

“Reed,” Bella yelled, walking through the house, in search of Bella’s bedroom.

“Yeah?” Reed called out, suspicious of Bella’s presence. She could see that KinZu had let her end, but she wondered why.

Before she could protest, KinZu, Kelly, and Bella had all piled into her bedroom. She was busy filling out the necessary papers to start her consultant company, and hadn’t noticed so many footsteps.

“Well, hello.” She placed the pen that she’d been writing with on her desk and gave the clique her undivided attention.

“We need to talk to you.” Bella started.

“Obviously.” Reed countered, knowing what this was all about.

“Look.”

Kelly pulled out her cell and showed Reed the picture of RaKeem laid out on Bella’s lawn. She’d sent the photo from her husband’s cell to hers. Kelly thought that it was hilarious, but it was sad at the same time. The young man was hurting. If Reed was completely done with him, she needed to give him some closure. If not, she needed to go get her man back.

“When was this taken?” Reed asked, holding her hand up to her chest. “Why is he laying out here like that?”

“He showed up to my house drunk.”

“Keem doesn’t get drunk.” Reed reminded everyone.

“Yeah, that was before you left him.” Bella enlightened her.

“Shit, I don’t drink, but I’d get drunk if it meant easing my pain.” KinZu agreed.

“He’s hurting, Reed.” Bella sighed. “He poured his heart out to me, today. I felt so bad for the poor guy.”

“For what? I’m the victim, here.” Reed pointed at her chest.

“But Reed, it’s been two months. Don’t you miss him a little?” KinZu asked.

“I miss him a lot, but that doesn’t change a thing. He put himself in this mess.” She hissed.

“I know you miss him a lot… I can see it in your actions. You don’t even seem the same no more.”

“Kin, what are you trying to say.”

“You miss him.”

“I just said that.”

“And you still want him.” KinZu added.

“Bull!” Reed lied. “Come on now.”

“I’m being serious.”

“Are you KinZu?”

“Yeah, and she is right!” Kelly added.

“I can see it, too.” Bella chimed in.

“I say that you go for it, Reed. There is no need of hurting yourself, trying to hurt that man. He’s sick about what he’s done to you. He’s done a lot of suffering. If that’s where you heart lies, then I say go get your man. However, if you’re completely done with him then you owe it to yourself to get some closer. Meet with him. Tell him that you want nothing more of you two. It’s simple.”

As Kelly spoke, KinZu listened on. She’d been dodging Jonathan like the plague. She was still in pain. Hearing Kelly speak, she knew that one day she’d need to gain closure from her relationship with him. If not, she’d forever be holding on to something, whether it was love or pain.

“Exactly. I mean, I don’t think that you should give up, but if that’s the decision you’ve made, then we can’t do anything but support you.” Bella shrugged. “But damn Reed, I don’t think that throwing in the towel will make things any better when that’s where you’re meant to be.

Sighing, Reed considered everything that the girls where telling her.

“Okay, I’ve said my peace. I have to get back to my husband before he freaks out. Plus, I have this long ass drive and I’m praying that I can stay awake.”

“Call me if you can’t. I’ll talk to you the entire way.” Bella threw in the air.

“Girl, if I get too tired, I’m pulling over. Roc will just have to get out of bed to come get me.” Kelly was spoiled, much like Bella and Reed. They all had good men, even though they all fucked up.

“Okay. Call me when you get home, then.”

Kelly walked over to Reed’s desk and hugged her neck. “It’s all good, love. Whatever you decide, you know that I am here for you. If you are ready to walk away, then let that man know. He deserves it. If you’re not ready, just talk to him.”

“Okay.” Reed smiled when Kelly kissed her forehead.

“Night you all.”

“Let me walk you out.”

The minute KinZu and Kelly left the room, Bella moved closer to Reed. She took a seat on her bed and breathed deeply. “Reed. He loves you.”

“Bella, that man hurt me. That’s all I care to know right now. Love doesn’t hurt like this. It just doesn’t. Yeah, it’s been two, nearly three, months, but my healing doesn’t have a time limit. Frankly, I ain’t done healing, yet. When I have finished, I’m not sure if with Keem is somewhere I want to be. A man that claims to love you doesn’t just walk all over you like that. It’s just not possible.”

“Yes it is.”

“No it isn’t.”

“It happened to me.”

“And you were a fool to take him back!” Reed covered her mouth after the words had come out.

“It’s fine.” Bella smiled, taking the insult. “Get it off of your chest.”

“I always thought that you and Kelly had to have been crazy to take your men back. Like, if your heart hurt anything like mine does now, then how could you. It’s never ending. I still feel the same amount of pain that I felt when it first happened. Gosh. I don’t wish this on anyone.” Reed hurriedly wiped the lone tear that was about to fall. “I mean… What if he doesn’t get it right this time? Who’s to say that he won’t do the same thing again? After I take him back that may cause him to think that this is okay. It’s not okay. This is not some car, toy, or foreign object. It’s my heart dammit, and you can’t just play with it.” Reed was furious, and Bella just listened on. She was glad that she was able to get things off of her chest.

“I understand your dilemma. I was here before, with the same questions as you. However, sometimes you just know. I knew without a doubt that my husband didn’t want to be alone. I also knew that he was aware that it wasn’t any more chances to be given. He’d used his one, one that I hadn’t even given him to start. There weren’t any more freebies. He broke my heart one time, and that was enough. Meek didn’t want to be alone. That’s why he got his shit together. With your absence, Keem knows that you aren’t to be played with. You’re showing him right now that you don’t mind leaving his ass. That’s what you’re supposed to do. You’re not some weak bitch that will just lay down and allow him to step al over you. You’ve stood your ground, but now it’s time to go for what you know. You want him Reed. You can’t tell me anything differently and I believe you. Go get him.” Bella raised from the bed. “I’m going to get out of here, but I’m going to leave you with this one… If you don’t want to see your man dance off into the sun, down the aisle, or fathering someone else’s child, then you’d better get off of your high horse. Because as time passes, hearts heal… Even the ones who caused the chaos will eventually move on. Happiness will find it’s way, Reed. Don’t let it be without you.”

16

A year later…

Sweet melodies crooned through the polished Cathedral as everyone sat patiently, awaiting the bride and groom’s entrance entrance. The wedding planner had gone above and beyond to replicate a royal atmosphere for the wedding party and the attending guest. Sonia, the planner, was worth every penny that had been shelled out. The expenses that had been acquired in preparation for the special day had been absurd, but the groom paid with pride –willing to do anything for his bride.

Large gold chandeliers were ordered and delivered just a week shy of the wedding, and their placement couldn’t have been more impeccable. The aisle that was to serve as the bride’s personal runway was aligned with four of the $20,000 accents. They hung just a few feet above the six feet clearance level, and expanded over 2 feet in width.

Candles spotted each row, held by five feet tall gold dusted holders. The cashmere finished candles were lit, and gave off a sweet vanilla fragrance throughout the vicinity. Massive gold and champagne colored fabric bows were attached to the benches on either side of the aisle. They’d been hand tied and shipped from a bridal factory down in Alabama.

“Emm. Hmmm.” The pastor cleared his throat as the double doors of the enormous venue were pulled apart by the assigned.

A loud wave of movement soared through the church as everyone turned to face the rear. Gasps and whispers could be heard throughout the building, being that it was prone to echoing. The elevated vaulted ceilings weren’t meant to keep secrets that were told.

The groomsmen walked down the aisle, coupled with their significant others. One person in particular stood out to others, being that she was the only one with a mug on her face. A tired and whiny Bella would much rather be in the audience watching as her husband served as the best man. At eight months pregnant with RahMeek Jr, she wanted nothing more than a seat and a cold towel over her forehead. Pregnancy was not her friend this time around.

“Straighten your face, Bells.” RahMeek chastised, but didn’t receive a response –verbally or physically. Bella remained stone faced as they approached the alter and separated.

RahMeek was shooting daggers at his wife as she stared into space. Looking into the audience, she tried scoping out the familiar face, but couldn’t spot it. Feeling defeated, she turned to her right and sighed.

“It’ll be fine.” Kelly patted her shoulder and grinned. “Just relax.” Bella finally took someone’s advice. Turning to her husband, she gave him a forced smile, and then turned to the front to focus ahead –like everyone else.

A different tune began to play as the handsome groom appeared in the center of the aisle, walking slowly. Smiling faces bore holes into his tailored tuxedo. The damn thing had cost him over $60,000, but it was worthy of it’s expenses. Being that his bride-to-be’s dress cost three times the bill of his attire, he didn’t feel the least bit guilty for depleting his budget.

RaKeem “Keem” Jones, the man of the hour, stepped to the alter and turned to face his guests. The thought of completely signing away his freedom crossed his mind, and caused swelling in his throat. Grabbing at the tie that was wrapped around his neck, he attempted to loosen it a bit. It seemed as if, from his brief walk to the alter, the damn thing had shrunk in size.

The doors of the Cathedral closed after RaKeem took his place. Suddenly, his anxiety began to take control. Hovering over him like a landing aircraft, Keem tried desperately to shake it. Thoughts of the past, and its participants, clouded his mind and left him wondering if he was making the right decision. At only 26, he was to be wedded, but was he ready?

Standing there at the alter, awaiting his blushing bride, Keem couldn’t help to be reminded of that one piece of the past that he’d never forget. That one huge chunk of greatness that had been snatched away from him, like he had the plague, due to his selfishness. That one thing that meant the world to him, at one point or another. That one person. That one love. That one girl.

If he could turn back the hands of time, Keem wondered would he still be here –on this day at this very same alter. Would things have turned out any differently than the have? Would his heart be compelled or would it love freely –without restraint of pass failed obligations? A mile a minute, questions swarmed the gentleman and he prayed that it didn’t show on his face. Looking over to his brother, he wore a troublesome look of inquisitive. Searching for a sign, he wanted RahMeek to twitch, shake his head, frown, or do something. All Keem received in reply was a head nod, which implied approval. 

Only seconds had passed, but it felt more like hours, when the music switched –once more. RaKeem’s focus was repositioned, and placed on the back of the building. The doors were opened, and the sight before Keem was enough to make a grown man cry. Finally, he felt relieved. His pass transgressions placed on the backburner while gawking over his beautiful bride.

With nearly a mile-long train tailing behind her, she marched into clear view. RaKeem desperately wanted her to remove the veil to see her piercing eyes. More than anything, he needed them to peek through his soul, and admit to their forgiveness of him. Her alluring eyes would surely reassure him of his hasty decision, and declare to him that they’d be quite alright.

The ravishing gown that adorn her willowy frame had been commissioned, made to her specific liking. Not a thread was misplaced or disapproved by the bride. With a v-neck line, tubed top, and dazzling centerpiece, it was an exquisite design. Pearls danced around the corset styled center, with diamonds all through out.

Silent tears and low cries were heard through the church as she marched alone –no accomplice. With an absentee father and mother, the bride barely had anyone to share her glorious moment with. Family was few, but her day was to be grand nonetheless. The small family that she’d acquired over the few years were enough. Besides, she was marrying the man of her dreams, and nothing more mattered at the time.

Looking ahead, she became teary eyed. RaKeem was like a dream come true. With everything that had been thrown in her path, she’d never considered the thought of loving someone so special. Not only was he special to her, but to everyone that he encountered. A boss in his own right, that damn man was a sure-fire, and she couldn’t get enough of him.

His white tux was tailored to perfection, and he looked fine in it. Upon request, he’d allowed his curls to grow out just a bit in preparation for the big day. Sandy blonde tresses were her favorite, and she was thrilled that he considered the alteration –being that he’d preferred a lower cut as of lately.

Before long, she’d made it to her safe-haven, in the arms of RaKeem Jones. There was no place like it. Lifting the veil from her head, Keem stared into his bride’s eyes. There they were. There were those eyes that he could get lost and find his way in. Those eyes that he often looked to for validation and confirmation that his choices weren’t in vain or forged. To see them, he was thankful.

“Eh. Hmmm.” The pastor gathered the congregation’s attention as he began the ceremony. All the while, RaKeem kept his eyes planted ahead, afraid that if he looked anywhere but in her eyes that he’d began to allow doubt to creep back in.

“Let us pray pray together.” Shuffling of heads caused a stir in the Cathedral before silence commenced. “Dear Lord, we come to you on this day asking that you bless this holy union. We ask that you go with and stand by this bride and groom, and dwell in their love forever more. Amen.”

“Amen.” The guests and wedding party repeated.

“Today, you have come here not simply to witness our couple’s union, but to take part in it. Each of you represents not only yourself, but all of the people who have and will touch the lives of our bride and groom. Your support has helped their relationship to flourish, and the joy that you all bring into the couple’s lives keeps them going. Our bride and groom have asked all present to take vows as well, to pledge your support and love for them as they embark upon this new path together. After I have spoken these vows, please answer with “We will.” The pastor roared.

He, then, continued, "The bride and groom would like to ask you, their family and friends, to support them in keeping the vows that they make to each other today. They ask you to uphold them in loving each other, stand beside them, offer them your encouragement and your love, listen to them when they ask for advice, and pray that they will grow closer to God and to each other. In these ways you can honor this marriage into which they have come to be joined today. Do you offer your love and support to strengthen their marriage and bless this family created by their union? All in favor say, we do.”

Just as the church yelled in unison, “We do,” a familiar face appeared from behind the double doors that the entire party had just walked through. Upon recognition, Bella’s heart grew with glee. She knew that it was only a matter of time. Kelly tapped her side and nodded ahead. Both women, hoping for the TRUE happy ending.

Reed Coleman stepped into the sham of a wedding with one thought in mind. Her accomplice, KinZu Noble, was at her right as they both filed into the aisle in search of a seat. Luckily, the doors had closed silently, keeping everyone’s eyes trained up front. Had Reed captured the attention of the congregation, she would’ve cut to the chase and discontinued the wasting of anymore of anyone else’s time.

Styled in a flawless black Roberto Cavalli ensemble, Reed had come to capture her grief in style. Bruised and broken hearted, she was. However, it was nothing that time and attention couldn’t fix. Reed had thought that the relationship that RaKeem shared with another woman was his way of coping with her swift departure, but she’d never thought it to be serious.

Now, here, at their wedding ceremony she understood that he was near to sealing their fate. It was not to happen –not today, tomorrow, next week, or next month. If Keem wanted to wed, she was his only option. There wasn’t any other way around it.

Time, effort, heartache, and growth had been selflessly invested into the relationship that they’d embarked on, and Reed would be damn if she let it go. At 26, RaKeem still had a lot of learning to do. Their separation had been in order for him to commence the process. In the midst, he’d found himself love, and was doing everything that he’d promised he wouldn’t. It was quite alright, though. Hell would have to freeze over before Reed willingly gave up the man that she’d constructed so that he could use every lesson she’d taught him to properly love another woman. It was absurd, especially being that Keem was still in love with her.

Nearly a year had elapsed since she’d last seen her ex, but she was back. Reed’s absence was needed, but her presence was going to be felt. The well established 24-year-old had returned to claim her throne, and there wasn’t a damn thing that anyone could do to stop her. RaKeem had made a boss out of the sheltered little girl that Reed had once been, and it was now time that he witnessed the monster that he’d created.

“Thank you…” the pastor paused. “If any of you has reasons why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Reed stood from her seat as if it was covered in hot lava, and shouted, “I do!”