Page 1 of Cove City: Volume II
The rain against the dorm’s window played the tune of sadness. The taps of something hitting my window made me rise from the bed. I slowly got up and crept toward the sound, hoping my roommate didn’t awake. Although we were going into the summer, she and I decided to take summer courses and stay on campus. It was senior year, the most crucial part of this journey, and there was no way I would slow down. I was that dedicated.
Sure to be careful, I cracked the window enough to let the singing of the rain flourish and drops of their voices to splash on the windowpane. I peeked through the small crack. The figment of someone standing below made me squint. Without looking, I reached over and grabbed my glasses from the dresser. I slid them on, pushing them up onto my face. The beautiful scenery of TSU amongst the cloudy night was beautiful. I had glanced down to see him standing there. A smile graced my face.
“Bunny, come down!” he called out.
He named me Bunny because he said I was always so friendly, jolly, and eager. I quickly snatched my coat and rushed out ofthe room and down the steps. When I swung the Livingston Hall doors open, he stood there handsome as ever, letting the rain pour on him. I lifted my coat over my head and jogged down the steps until I reached him. Naheem leaned down underneath the coat with me. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t doing summer school?” I giggled.
He smiled brightly. I loved the way he looked at me. Naheem was more than handsome. He was bright, sharp, and eye-catching. Most times, I would have to fight the girls off because the thought of them pulling him from under me was always a challenge, but Naheem was different. The other women had never swayed him. He was the man of my dreams, and I was treated like his forever love.
His hand held my head as his thumb stroked my cheek, “Bunny, I want to ask you something.”
That bright smile had turned into something more serious, something that made the clouds darker, the rain come down faster, and the singing louder. “What is it, Nook?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box. “Bunny, I love you. I love you very much and I want you to marry me. Let’s get married and leave Toussaint.”
I didn’t understand. “But,” I paused. “But we’re so close, Naheem. We’re about—”
“Don’t do this shit, Bunny. I’m sacrificing a lot doing this. Do you love me?”
“Yes!”
“Do you want to marry me?”
“Yes!”
He smiled again. “Then let’s do it.”
I could feel the emotions taking over. What Naheem was asking me to do was give up everything to ride off into the sunset, not knowing how long the sun would stay set before it was no longer there. “We can do it once we graduate.”
I could see a flicker in his eyes. He dropped his head. “Bunny, my father is trying to send me off for a while. You don’t understand. If I walk away without you, that’s it. I need you to choose me, baby. I need you to,” he begged.
My mouth opened, but nothing came out. I was afraid. I wanted to, but on my time, not his. I had dreams and things I wanted to do, and with him, how much of my dreams would be mine before they turned into his? “Nook, I-I can’t,” I mumbled.
He stepped back from under the coat. A piece of regret settled in my bones. He stared at me as if I had just ripped his heart out, but mine was aching too. It wasn’t my intention. I stepped closer, removing the coat from my head and allowing those raining tunes to hit me. They were sad, yearning to be accepted. They dropped onto us as our love lingered in between. We stood there like two wet puppies. He was my forever love, and I couldn’t give him a forever.
Naheem came closer to me. He leaned down and placed his chocolate lips against mine. The love he poured into me made the tears trickle down my face. I didn’t want to let go, but I couldn’t marry him. Pulling away, he gave me one last look, “I love you, Bunny. I always will, but I got to get the fuck out of Toussaint.”
I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye before he walked off further into the music. I felt sick, so sick that my tears began streaming down my face, meshing with the rain. I forced myself to walk back toward the building when the tickle in my throat struck me. I rushed over to the nearest bush and threw up. Once I could gather myself, I entered the building, but not before looking back to see if he had changed his mind. However, Naheem was gone, and I was left with no man and a growing baby in my stomach. Unfortunately, this child wouldn’t get a chance to see what life was like because before school starts, it would be somewhere with the other sleeping Angels.
My decision to choose myself left me losing the love of my life. If he couldn’t share me with me, maybe we weren’t meant to be. However, he gave me a love that I will never forget.
***
May 1989
My Sweet Bunny,
I’m unsure if this letter will reach you, but if it does, how are you? The thought of you crosses my mind daily, and every day I wish you had chosen me.I never left Toussaint, you know. My father made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s dangerous out here beyond Toussaint University. The streets are cold and rigorous. They don’t care about anybody.
I saw your sister the other day, Bunny. She’s doing bad. Her demons are bigger than you know. Let’s say she has gotten swallowed up in the epidemic.
I know graduation is near, and I’m so proud of you. Even though you didn’t leave with me, you followed your heart. Our season ended sadly, but I always wish you the best. I got you a gift, I hope you like it.
Bunny, I met a girl. She’s the complete opposite of you, but she’s cool. Her name is Angela. I know it’s probably something you don’t want to hear, but I have no one else to talk to.I’m not going to take up too much of your time. I hope you write me back. Send the letter to Ishmael, not my father’s house.
Always your best friend and first love,
Nook.
