Until My Heart Stops Beating (15 page)

              “Daddy please, please be happy for me,” she pleaded.

              “I can’t. I can’t condone this.”

              “Why not dad? Isn’t
it enough that I love him and he loves me? Isn’t that what it’s all about?”

             
“It’s a lot of decent black men out there. You’d know that if you
gave them a chance.”

              “I fell in love daddy,” she cried, “and the man I happened to fall in love with is a white man. Why can’t it be more about how I feel and less about the color of his skin?”

              “Those people can’t be trusted. They’ll turn on you in a minute. I don’t trust him and I can’t give my blessings on this. You think it’s going to be easy? Well, you’re in for a rude awakening. Times have changed but not like you think. Race relations have gotten worse since we’ve voted a black man into office. He doesn’t love you. He wants an arm piece or maybe he just wants to piss his parents off or something. Whatever it is, it’s not genuine. You think him buying you fancy cars is proof of his feelings for you? That’s material shit. Fancy gifts and little trinkets are not a token of someone’s love,” he shouted. “They use you for their benefit. When they’re done, they’ll toss you out like last night’s trash.”

              “How do you know?”

              “I know and you will too eventually. A hard head makes a soft ass. You go on and marry him. Go ahead but if you think I’m going to give you away on your wedding day you have another thing coming,” he stated then walked away.

              Mrs. Jones walked in the house just as her husband was walking away. She glanced over at Makeba who was sitting on the sofa bawling. She knew her father wasn’t going to budge. He was adamant and she knew there was no changing his mind. She looked up at her mother teary eyed as she sat beside her and wrapped her arms around Makeba allowing her daughter to cry on her shoulders.

              “Baby, it’s your life to live. I can see how much you love this man and I know his love for you is genuine. When true love shows up, don’t let anyone stand in the way of it. I know you love your dad and I know this is tearing you apart but everything will work out fine. Give it some time.”

              She raised her head to look her mother in the eyes. “Mama, I don’t know if I want to marry Declan and risk my relationship with daddy.”

              “You know what that tells me sweetie?”

              “What?”

              “It tells me you don’t love that man as much as you say you do.”

              “But I do mama.”

              “Then don’t ever give up on the love you two have for one another. Don’t let someone else’s bias come between you and Declan. You can’t live your life for me or your dad. You have to live it for you. Now go clean yourself up and let me talk to your father,” she said as she watched him return to his lazy boy chair.

              Makeba kissed her mother on the cheek then left without acknowledging her father’s return. She hurried up the stairs to her bedroom. It didn’t take long before she could hear yelling coming from downstairs. She tiptoed to the top of the staircase and kneeled down so she could hear what the argument was about. From what little she got she knew something had happened to her dad in high school but what? She had hoped the details would come up during the argument but it didn’t. They skated around it. She assumed it was for her benefit.

              “Tell her Terrence. You owe her an explanation for your behavior and your reluctance to offer her your support. She's your daughter. She needs you.”

              “She needs to stick with her own kind.”

              “Her own kind? Do you hear how you sound? She’s your daughter for crying out loud,” she yelled, and it shouldn’t matter who she chose to spend the rest of her life with. As her father you’re supposed to teach her about a love that has no conditions.

              “I know who she is. All the more reason why I’m against it. Them people-“

              “Stop it! Stop it now. You fix this and I mean you better fix it immediately or its going to be a war in this house like you’ve never seen before.”

              “Are you threatening me woman?” he shouted.

              “It’s not a threat at all. It’s a promise. You’re the reason Mark doesn’t come home and why I haven’t seen my grandchild yet. Our children are grown. They’re not babies anymore They don’t need us to make decisions for them. You’re not going to her wedding? Fine. That’s your decision but you tell her why. You owe her that much.”

      “I don’t owe her anything. I’m her father and I love her. I want the best for her.”

      “Even as parents we don’t always know what’s best for our children. She loves and adore you and they love each
other. That should be enough, Terrence.”

              Makeba left the top of the stairs with
more questions than answers. What had happened to her dad to make him this way? She retrieved clean night clothes from her drawer and laid them across the bed. She picked up her cell phone. There was an urgent need to speak with Mark. She called him and began to tell him all that was going on between her and their father. Mark listened intently. He knew all too well what she was going through. He had been there with him. After she was done with her story he advised her to make the decision that was best for her. He offered his support and informed her that he would be more than happy to stand in for their dad on her wedding day. She was happy to hear that he was in her corner but without her father’s blessing, nothing will ever feel complete and she told him so.

              Over the next couple of days, the evidence of how damaged her relationship was with her father was evident. When she tried to start a conversation, he acted as if he hadn’t heard a word she said. When she sat in the same room with him, he would leave, having dinner at the same table was out of the question. Her mom was disgusted by her father’s behavior and made no secret of it. The house was in total chaos. Her mother was true to her words. It was a war brewing inside the Jones home, a cold war
and there was no warmth in sight. The atmosphere was as frigid as the inside of an igloo. The situation had Makeba distressed. It didn’t feel good knowing that her engagement was causing a rift in her parents’ marriage. There was one thing that gave her some solace and that was knowing that the next day was Wednesday, the day she’d be flying out to Chicago to be with Declan for a few days.

I DON’T MIND

              It was a dreary day. The sky was smoke grey. There were strong winds and heavy rain. Makeba was having second thoughts about flying out. Perhaps she should postpone her trip for another day. She was surprised that her flight had not been delayed or canceled as a result of the inclement weather. She was fearful to board the plane in those conditions but she pushed past her fears and boarded the flight as she said a silent prayer for traveling mercies. Thank God the flight was only an hour and twenty five minutes.

             
Makeba exited door three on the arrival level. She looked around. Declan was nowhere in sight. A few seconds later she heard someone call her name. As she turned to her right, she saw Sam waving for her to come to him. She approached him as she held on to her luggage.

              “Hello Sam,” she greeted solemnly, wondering why he was there and not Declan.

              Picking up on her disappointment he kissed her on the cheek then said, “Declan had an emergency at the office. He asked me to pick you up. I hope you don’t mind.”

              Forcing a smile she replied, “No I don’t mind. Thank you for coming.”

              “No thanks necessary Makeba. It’s good to see you,” he countered as he took her bag and placed it in the trunk.

              “It’s good to see you too. How is Granny Whitaker?”

              “She’s fine. She can’t wait to see you.”

              He opened the door for her to get in the car. “She hasn’t stopped talking about you since she got wind of you coming.”

              That was welcoming news to Makeba. She took to her so well. Granny Whitaker was one of the few members in Declan’s family besides Sam that she was actually looking forward to seeing.

              “Are you taking me to him?”

              “I have strict instructions to take you to his place and nowhere else. You’ll love it too. It’s beautiful out there. He bought it just for you. I’m hoping you guys will let me
crash there from time to time,” he chuckled.

              “Where is it?”

             
“Patience my soon to be sister. Patience.”

              Did he just call her his soon to be sister? Did he really like her as much as he led on? His behavior was surprising to her. Was he real or was it all an act? She wanted so bad to ask? If she did would she offend him? Would he even bother to answer?

      “Sam?”

      “Yes.

      “You don’t mind Declan marrying me?”

      “That’s not the question you wanted to ask. You mean do I mind that my brother is marrying a black woman right?”

       She was a little embarrassed about being read. “Yes.”

              “Why should I? I mean, why should I mind just because you’re of a different race. If you love someone it shouldn’t matter where you come from or what race you are. Personally, I'm proud of my brother for not letting anything or anyone come in between him and the woman he loves especially something as trivial as the color of her skin. Love is blind. If it isn’t, it should be. I know my brother loves you. He lights up like a Christmas tree whenever he speaks your name. Never have I ever witnessed a woman having such an effect on him. I liked you from the moment I met you. You're a good person and you’re good for Declan. A good woman is a good woman no matter where she comes from, who her parents are or the shade of her skin color.”

              “Thank you Sam. That means a lot.”

             
“Makeba, I know you didn’t feel welcome the last time you were here. My mom has always been somewhat of a bitch even to white women she thought weren’t good enough for us but it isn’t about my mom or anyone else who doesn’t approve of you and Declan’s relationship. It’s about the love you guys have for one another. My only hope is that I find a woman that makes me feel
and glow the same way he does when you’re around or when he talks about you. Sometimes he talks so damn much about you I want to tell him to shut the hell up,” he laughed.

              Makeba snickered at his last statement.
“I hope you do too Sam.”

              “Ah,” he smiled, “I think Declan found the last diamond in the ruff.”

              “No he didn’t. It’s a lot more of us out here. Your Mrs. Right will come. You’ll see.”

              “I’ll patiently await her.”

             
No other words were exchanged until
they reached their
destination.

~*~

              Makeba was in awe at the property. Declan had outdone himself once again. He purchased a four bedroom home on the beach. This used to be one of her dreams as a kid, to have a house on a beach or somewhere near a lake. It was as if he had lifted the multi-layers of memories in her mind and discovered her deepest desires.

              Sam had dropped her off over an hour ago. She had been sitting on the deck enjoying the view of the clear blue sky, the waves as it splashed against the shore and receded back into the ocean, and birds  flying overhead. It was tranquil. As she laid back on the chaise, she  closed her eyes surrendering to the hypnotic sounds of nature. The chirping of birds and the sounds coming from the ocean was so relaxing it sent her into a deep peaceful sleep.

              A sweet smelling aroma tickled her
nostrils. She turned on her side trying to ignore the smell but the growling of her stomach made it difficult to ignore. She rose from the chaise the moment she heard what sounded like cooking spoons hitting the edge of pots. She stood. A smile spread across her lips after noticing the table on the deck had been set for two. She entered the dwelling making her way into the kitchen. Declan was standing at the stove cooking. It was a vision she would never forget.

             
Declan turned around. His heart pounded against his chest at the sight of her. His mouth curved into a smile as he picked up the bouquet of red roses from the kitchen island.

              “These are for you my lady,” he said handing them to her.

              “Thank you. They’re lovely.”

             
“Not as lovely as you are.” He leaned into her pressing his lips against hers.

              She laid the flowers on the counter wrapping her arms around him. The comfort and security she felt being
enveloped by him melted her like butter. Emotions overwhelmed her to the point of no
control. Without her volition she bawled in his arms
.

      
He was disheartened by her sudden
onslaught of tears. He
hated to see her cry. Immediately he released himself from the embrace but held onto her hand. With his other hand he turned down the fire under the pots. He pulled her into the living room and sat her down on the sofa. “Why are you crying? Tell me everything. Don’t leave anything out.”

              She pulled herself together so that she could tell him about the disagreement she had with her father regarding their engagement. Declan listened without interruption. At the conclusion of the story he enveloped her in a loving embrace, expressed his everlasting love, and assured her that he would be understanding if she wanted to wait a while before they started planning the wedding. He promised to give her all the time she needed, and reiterated that they weren’t going to end their relationship for anyone, not even their parents. He loved her too much to live without her. Makeba assured him that she didn’t need any more time. She was ready to make wedding plans and wanted nothing more than to be Mrs. Declan Whitaker, the sooner the better.

              “That’s my girl,” he said as he gently nudged her from the sofa. “Are you hungry?”

              “Starving.”

              “Then let's eat. You go on out on the deck. I’ll take care of everything.”

              “I can help.”

              “No, my lady. I’ve got this. Go on, relax.”

              She sat at the table as she had been ordered to do. Makeba watched as Declan brought in dish after dish then filled their wine glasses with red wine. Once all the food was placed on the table he lit a candle and sat it in the center then sat down. A brief grace blessing their dinner escaped his lips. They ate to their fill of a meal which consisted of garden delight pasta, homemade spaghetti sauce, five cheese garlic bread, and garden salad as they conversed about any and everything.

              After dinner she helped him clear the table. They took care of the soiled dishes together. She washed while he dried. Afterwards they shared a quick shower.

              “Lie down on the bed,” he told her.

              She obliged him.

              Declan left the room momentarily. When he returned he told her to lie on her stomach. He then commenced to lighting the many candles he strategically
placed around the room. He put on the CD player and listened to love songs by various artists. After grabbing the edible strawberry
body oil off the dresser, he mounted the
bed next to
Makeba. Slowly he removed the towel
exposing her
naked body.
He poured a few drops of oil in his hand, rubbed his hands together, and began massaging her neck, carefully, moving down to her arms and back. Every so often he would replenish the oil and resume smoothing it over skin until her entire body front and back was covered in strawberry oil. When he was done he laid the empty bottle on the dresser and returned to the bed. Starting at her ears, he allowed his tongue to explore every curve inward and outward. The feeling sent chills throughout her body. She let out light moans. He lay to the side tracing her body with his fingertips as he watched her reaction. One thing he prided himself on, was making her feel good. From the looks of things he was doing a hell of job but this was only the beginning. Before the night was over, he intended to make her fly away from earth to a celestial plane.

              Declan kissed her gingerly from head to toe. Suddenly he stopped. “Where are you going?” she asked looking up.

              “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

              Declan hurried to the kitchen. He grabbed two small pickles from the pickle jar. One, he cut up in thin slices. The other, he left whole and placed everything on a saucer then returned to the bedroom. “Turn onto your back and keep your eyes closed.”

              “Declan.”

              “Just do it!”

              Once she was on her back he climbed onto the bed. With his free hand, he parted her legs wide. Afterwards, he removed the whole pickle from the plate. Pure elation set in the moment he heard her take a deep breath when she felt the cold pickle being inserted inside her. He placed the slices around the surrounding area. He pulled himself up to the level of her lips parting them with his tongue and kissed her with so
much passion she felt like someone had set flame to her flesh. Abruptly ending their lip lock, he began tracing her body with his tongue in search of the snack he prepared for himself moments ago. She gasped as she felt his tongue against her love nest. With each lick he sucked up a slice of pickle.
He kept doing this until it was all done.  He wasn’t finished yet. With one hand he massaged her breasts as he began to eat at the pickle inside her
love tunnel. Here he was again turning her on to something new, something fantastic, that was sure to
send her over the edge. He chipped away at the pickle as he played with her clit. She didn’t know what to do. It was too many sensations going through her at once. The more noise she made the more intense his touches, his kisses, his licks and sucks became. Once he finished the last of his pickle he sucked the juices dripping from her until she trembled like she was having convulsions. She screamed in the process as if she was being tortured. Declan smiled poking his chest out. She had validated how skillful he was at his task once again. Gripping his hard elongated penis, he entered her gently, going deeper with each gyration of the hip.

       Once fully inside the warm, moist and most intimate spot of the woman he loved so dearly, Declan, took no prisoners. Before she could calm herself down from the highly intense orgasm she had just experienced, he turned her on her side. He placed one of her legs in between his and the other on his shoulders. He entered her sideways giving her all he had to give. He lowered her leg from his chest to his side as he fell backwards onto the bed. She moaned as she squeezed his foot that was now in her face. It was almost as if he was
scissors cutting into her. Whatever position he had her in she was loving it. She was sure they would have to do this one again.

     
Declan squeezed her thigh as he gyrated his hips. He increased his speed as tingling sensations set off sparks inside his body. With rapid motions he felt himself disappear deeper inside her treasure chest. She was tight and wet. He could not get enough. She felt so good that he wished he wouldn’t cum for hours but that was wishful thinking. He was on the edge of an explosion. He had to stop it. He couldn’t come yet, not yet. Quickly, he pulled out. She thought something was wrong but it wasn’t. Everything was right. He wanted her to cum while he brought himself down in an effort to savor the moment. He turned her on her back and ate her like it was a second helping of the spaghetti he had prepared earlier. Again she screamed releasing the uncontrollable feeling that ravaged through her. She tried to stifle it. She didn’t want to be so loud but hell, it couldn’t be helped. What he was doing to her warranted that reaction. She needed a release and the only way she could get it was to scream.