Ch 6 Our Cherished Forbidden Love

Our Cherished Forbidden Love

        There's a very unique reason why I titled this chapter Our Cherished Forbidden Love. Who would have thought for one second, especially at that particular time in our very young lives that we would do the unthinkable? Yes! Only between us! While it wasn't the most questionable predicament for us to be in, nevertheless, it wasn't expected of us because of our very young ages. Well, I'm more than sure that adults today would respond similarly to those from back in the day; quite a few grown-ups back then stated that we went too far! You know what, if I had the right to voice how I felt back then as I have now, my honest response to their comments would have been something like this: Oh please, spare me! With all the kissing and hugging that we were enjoying - only between us; what did you expect?

P. S. : Why Do You Think The Little Nude Girl Is 

Holding A Dragon/Dinosaur Head In Her Hands?

   

        On the other hand, as a responsible Mother today, I agree that we went too far. However, considering that we fell in love with each other, it didn’t seem to be an unnatural act of affection that was shared only-between-us. Okay, maybe in most of those adults’ eyes, we were viewed as filthy, little nasty kids; nevertheless, what about in FATHER GOD’S eyesight? Of course, we were too young to even think about having sex; unfortunately, we did. You know what? I wholeheartedly don’t believe that we knew any better. Regardless of how people viewed us at that time or how people may still evaluate this situation today, FATHER GOD was always with us. Yes, from the very beginning of our friendship and all throughout our time together FATHER GOD continued to share HIS unconditional love with us; even though we became a bit lost along the way. Oh, how grateful I am that HE did! Thank you, FATHER! Thank you!

        That particular Sunday when my family and I finally made it back from Church services, Mother Bayley wanted Rhonda and me to stand outside on the balcony for a while, to show off the beautiful dresses that she made for us. I liked them because they were colorful and stylish! I must say, Mother Bayley was pretty good with a sewing machine! We had several different dresses that she made for us to wear to Sunday services. While Rhonda didn’t care much for the idea of hanging out on the balcony to show off our dresses, I didn’t mind at all. Considering, the fact that we never got a chance to come outside after dinner any day of the week, I felt that I was being given an opportunity to enjoy life as much as possible!

        Well, I ended up standing on the balcony near Apt. 907 by myself because Rhonda refused to do so. While standing on the balcony looking over the railing, someone opened the hall door near Apt. 901 that was located at the other end of the corridor. Although I only glanced in that direction once, I decided to take another look because that person's action caught my attention. As I did so the second time, I realized that the person was Michael! Oh, I was so happy to see him, but at the same time, I was also somewhat shocked to see him! My mixed emotions came about because I didn’t usually get a chance to see Michael on Sunday afternoons nor did I expect to do so.

         

The New Hairstyle

        Nevertheless, I must say that specific Sunday of events was entirely off the charts! Yes, from the time I woke up that morning to the present time of that very day was different for me. It all started with not really knowing how I felt about my new hairstyle. Dara, the oldest sister of the Bayley family decided to try out a new hairdo on my head. Oh, how she loved doing hair, especially mine for some unknown reason. When it came to her doing my hair that day, I requested a bang; well, being the hairstylist, Dara decided to cut it. Then, she brushed the rest of my hair up toward the crown of my head and used a fat rubber band to hold it all in place.

        You know, I actually thought that I was going to keep that ponytail full of curls. Unfortunately, I didn't; well, um, okay only if you're counting alterations, I did. Dara used some black bobbin pins and hairspray to make the locks appear as if they were standing on top of each other; yes, stacked! Who would have thought for one second that she was going to create that type of style for my hair? Honestly speaking, I really didn’t like that hairdo. Seeing all those curls full of bobbin pins and hairspray was a bit too much for me! I felt kind of weird; nevertheless, I dealt with it. Besides, I had no knowledge of how to do hair at that time.

        Once we made it to Church, I received all kinds of compliments on my new hairstyle. However, right after Sunday school, I had an encounter with a few boys there who wanted to use my ponytail to determine which one of them could jump the highest. You know what? Once I stated that I was going to tell their mother, if they didn't leave me alone, they quickly changed their minds. Ah, I was so grateful to FATHER GOD that they did; end of that dilemma!

        Yes, it seemed as if so many things were going on in my life that Sunday. During Morning Devotional Service, I sang in the Junior Choir; then we stayed an additional 30-45 minute for Communion Services. You know, even though I didn’t understand the full meaning of Communion, I knew that I loved FATHER GOD and HIS Only Begotten Son – Christ Jesus. Besides, I also enjoyed partaking of the grape juice and cracker every first Sunday; they were definitely worth the wait!

 

        When it was time for us to leave, my Great Uncle – Minister Bayley agreed to drop-off a few members at their residences. On our way back home in the station wagon, I ended up sitting on one of the Missionary's laps. Although the car was a bit overcrowded, I understood that they needed to get home too. Well, we didn’t make it back home, until after 3:00 pm that Sunday, when we usually made it there between 2:00 and 2:15 pm. Yes, that Sunday of events kind of drained my energy level.

        However, once Mother Bayley suggested that Rhonda and I stand outside on the balcony for a while to show off the pretty dresses that she made for us; my energy level instantly increased a bit! Maybe the breeze coming from Lake Michigan had a lot to do with that boost of energy that I received. Yes, all of a sudden, I began to feel so mellow. Oh, that pleasant breeze made me feel as if I had just gained a little more independence!

        

        So, when I saw Michael standing near Apt. 901, my eyes lit up like two 100 watt bulbs!  You know, just seeing him as I stood near Apt. 907 made me smile; then, he smiled. As he motioned for me to come to him, I blushed all the way there. I was so happy to see him! However, out of curiosity, as I walked toward him, I began to wonder why he hadn’t left yet? Once I made it to where he was standing, Michael, looked at me and said, “Wow, Jeannie, you look just like a Princess!” With my head was slightly tilted to the left out of inquisitiveness, I shared with Michael one of the most welcoming smiles that I had ever shared with anyone, in my entire young life. Yes, the sun was shining that Sunday afternoon, as I gazed into his beautiful lit brown eyes and shyly said, "Thank you, Michael."

        You know what, after Michael gave me that compliment, I actually began to feel, as if, maybe, just maybe I was a Princess for a day! After all, I had on a beautiful new dress and a very different/ somewhat pleasant hairstyle. Yes, I smiled even more so because I looked at Michael's compliment as reassurance that my hairstyle with all those bobbin pins and hairspray was actually okay. As I stood there with him on the balcony enjoying that cool breeze, wholeheartedly, I actually began to feel like a Princess for a day but only because I was happiest whenever we were together.

         Then, Michael took me by the hand and said that he would be leaving shortly. His hand was so warm. I nodded my head okay, in agreement as I held his hand. I thought to myself, too bad that he can’t stay an extra day. However, I understood that Michael had to go home and go to school tomorrow just like I had to do so. We stood there for a while, holding hands and looking over the balcony toward the railroad tracks and the viaduct that led to the A & P grocery store. As we stood there, so very close to each other, enjoying the view, Michael gently placed his lips on my left cheek. I closed my eyes as he did so because I loved him. In my very heart and soul, I felt as if I was meant to stand there next to him, always. Then, he gently placed his arm around my shoulders and whispered softly in my left ear, “Jeannie, if I asked you to go somewhere with me right now, would you go?”

        Well, unfortunately, my ability to answer him on that question became to a certain degree uncertain; although I really wanted to say yes. Maybe it was because I needed to consider my family's Sunday dinner or because I didn't know where Michael wanted me to go with him. On the other hand, I didn’t want to say no because I honestly enjoyed being with Michael, all the time! However, before I could answer the question, Michael said, “Well, there’s something important that I’d like to share with you, Jeannie; if you decide to say yes, I promise that I won’t take up too much of your Sunday.”

       Guess what? I really wanted to find out the significance of what Michael wanted to share with me. So, I thought about it all for a moment, then I said, “Michael, I’d love to go with you, but after Church on Sundays, we always have our Sunday meal together as a family, and there’s always a head count.” Michael smiled, as I said that, then he looked at his watch and stated that he understood. Out of sincerity, I asked him, where were we going? Michael smiled and said that we weren’t leaving the building. You know, I felt somewhat of a sense of relief, when he said that, then he promised me that we’d be back, in no time. Well, after he said all of that, I definitely felt a sense of relief. I honestly didn’t want to cause any problems, when it came to having Sunday dinner with my family. Of course, I believed Michael; he never gave me a reason to doubt him.

       
       With great relief and a bit of curiosity that Sunday, I agreed to go with Michael, even though, I had no idea of where we were headed or what was in store for me. After, reminding him that I couldn’t stay long because of my family’s Sunday meal, Michael smiled as he reached for my hand. We held hands as we walked toward the hall door that was located near Apartment 901. As we began to walk down those stairs, Michael said that he understood when it came to family meals together and that we wouldn’t be gone very long.

        You know what? We walked three flights down to the 6th floor. Before that day, I had never walked down the hall stairs or ever tried to travel that way to get to my destination. I've always used the elevator, considering that the 2517 building complex or as some called it - the projects that I lived in was quite massive. Yes, Rockwell Gardens was made up of 10 high-rises buildings and in 2517 there were thirteen floors and eleven apartments on each. 

        Although using the stairs instead of the elevator to visit the 6th floor was all new to me, I honestly didn’t feel scared, or out of place. Well, perhaps I should have because I didn't know of anyone who lived on that floor; I had only visited the 3rd floor where Michael’s cousins resided. Nevertheless, I believe wholeheartedly my reason for not being afraid was because I was with Michael and I've always felt so comfortable being with him. 

        As we walked hand in hand to the middle section of the 6th fl., where the elevator was located, I did something that made him laugh. By force of habit, I punched the button for the elevator to come; as Michael watched me do that, he began to laugh a bit. You know what? I felt kind of foolish after I did that and started laughing as well. Then, I said, "Oh, my goodness, gracious!" You know what, I knew that we had just walked down the stairs to the 6th floor. However, I honestly believe that my reaction was based on our previous actions of being near an elevator in the building. So, out of routine, I must have thought that we were going to get on the elevator, lol! 

Apartment 606

        After we shared a few moments of laughter about it, I began to feel a sense of ease as we stood on the 6th fl., adjacent to the elevator and a nearby apartment. Then, all of a sudden out of nowhere, I heard a set of keys dangling up against each other, that 's when I looked at Michael and noticed that he was the one with the keys! As Michael pulled them out of his pocket, he looked at each one very carefully; there were two keys, one was bigger than the other. Then, in a very mature tone of voice, he said, “Jeannie, we’re here!” 

        Well, I became utterly perplexed after he made that statement because I had no idea of what Michael was talking about. However, as I began to look around us in absolute wonderment of his comment, it dawned on me that we were standing in front of an apartment located near the elevator. Then, in my mind, I concluded that maybe, just maybe Michael could have been referring to that apartment. As I looked up at the numbers located at the top of the apartment door, I said, "Michael, do you mean Apartment 606?” Michael smiled, as he placed one of the two keys, in the lock of the door; then he said, “Jeannie, I was told that this was really a very beautiful apartment and I was really hoping that you wouldn't mind taking a look at it with me."

        Although I was somewhat thrown by Michael's request, I was also a bit inquisitive about it. I began to smile because I'd always wondered what the apartments that were located by the elevator in our building looked like. Now, I was going to get a chance to see one firsthand! I continued to smile as he used the big key to unlock the door. I didn't actually know if it was going to open the door or not. Guess what? It fit! Yes! Oh, I became somewhat overexcited as I heard the lock when it turned; I couldn't wait to see the inside! Once Michael opened the door, I noticed that the lights were on and that startled me a bit. However, he walked in and began to look around; then, he looked back at me and said, “Aren’t you coming in Jeannie? This place is beautiful! I’d really like for you to see it!” Michael sounded so pleased to show me the apartment; I could hear the excitement in his voice.

        As I walked in and began to look around, I smiled because the place was lovely! However, it didn’t dawn on me, until now but where on GOD’S green earth did Michael get those keys to Apt. 606 from?! In addition to that thought, even though it never crossed my mind until now but why were we visiting an apartment in my building or any building at our age, in the first place?! As I continue to disclose what happened that particular Sunday between Michael and I, please keep in mind that we were just kids.

       Once we were both inside the residence, Michael leaned toward me to lock the door; I smiled as I continued to look around with wide eyes; yes, it was a beautiful place! I loved the set-up of Apt. 606, it was neat and clean, and the floors were polished! I could tell that they had been newly waxed. As we began to walk through the apartment, I saw a living room and kitchen area; they were combined in one big open space. I also saw the restroom; I knew that it was a restroom because the door was partially opened and I could part of the fixtures. The bathroom was somewhat small, but it was lovely and clean.

        As we continued walking down the hall of the apartment, we saw a door that was closed, and Michael opened it. I smiled as he opened the door because I sensed that there must have been a bedroom behind that door. As we viewed the bedroom, I realized that each apartment in 2517 from floors two - thirteen located by the elevator were all one bedroom apartments! Oh, I was so happy when I found that out! You know, whenever I punched for the elevator on the 9th or the 3rd floor in my building, I always wondered how many bedrooms were in the apartments located by the elevator. Well, when it came to that thought, those days of wondering were officially over!

        After we stepped into the bedroom, we both looked around at it out of amazement; then we just stood there staring at each other and smiling. I became a bit uneasy because I began to think about my family’s Sunday meal together; I reminded Michael once again that I can’t miss the Sunday family meal. As Michael smiled at me, he said that I didn’t need to worry and promised that I wouldn't be late for the family dinner. As we stood there smiling and staring into each other’s eyes, Michael took me by the hand as he sat down at the foot of the bed. He stated that I could sit there too if I wanted to. I really didn’t want to sit because almost everything in that bedroom was basically white; oh, the bedspread was white, the throw rug by the bed was white, even the lamp shade was white!

        Well, as Michael kindly invited me to sit down on the bed, I thought to myself, if I sat on that white bedspread, it might get dirty. Yes, as a kid that thought was something that was said quite often to me growing up in the Bayley family. When I told Michael that I really didn’t want to sit on the bed because I might get the white bedspread dirty, he smiled and assured me that I wouldn’t get the spread dirty just by sitting on it, especially in one spot. Then, Michael asked me, did I just come in from outside where I had been playing in the dirt or something? I began to laugh because it seemed like ages ago since I’d made mud pies! You know what? I hadn’t made any mud pies, since we resided at 2331 W Jackson Blvd. and that was ah, about two years before moving to Rockwell Gardens.

     

        Michael saw that I was giggling; then he said, “Jeannie, let me see your hands?” Oh, how I began to laugh even more, as he asked to see my hands! Michael couldn’t help but chuckle a bit himself as he reached for my hands. I giggled so very much so at that time, then, he began to inspect them for traces of dirt. Oh, how I laughed at his animated actions and expressions! I understood where he was coming from, lol! I loved Michael’s sense of humor; it always captured my heart and soul! Yes, our age of innocence that brought us together as friends became one of the most precious ingredients in our relationship. I was falling in love with Michael and that felt so very beautiful to me deep down inside.

        As I continued to laugh at his actions, Michael smiled at me, as he gently held my hands; then he softly kissed the outside of them. I was all smiles because I honestly felt like a Princess when he kissed them! After doing so, he stood up and placed his forehead up against mine and caringly said, “Don’t worry about it Jeannie, if the bedspread gets dirty, it can always be cleaned." You know what? I also believe wholeheartedly that one of the many reasons why I fell in love with Michael was because he didn't mind explaining things to me, that I didn’t understand. His ability to explain things to me always made me feel better; just like, he made me feel better about sitting on the white bedspread.

 

        You know what? Based on our conversation that was actually factual and also brought laughter to my very being, I made a decision to sit on the cover near him. As I sat there on the white spread next to Michael, we began to talk to each other like we always did. Yes, I loved our conversations because each time we talked, I ended up knowing a little bit more than I did before we had those beautiful and meaningful discussions. As we sat there, side by side, Michael began to express to me the importance of our friendship and how his feelings for me had grown beyond friendship.  I smiled at him when he said that; I could tell that he meant every word that he stated to me that Sunday. You know, there was something very exceptional that I saw in his beautiful brown eyes that day; there was also something that I felt in my very heart and soul as we talked that Sunday.

        Then Michael glanced at his watch and said, “I know that we won’t be able to spend a lot of time together today; you have to attend your family’s Sunday meal, and I have to leave soon." Yes, it was Sunday, after 3:30 pm and I knew that Michael had to go home and I felt so sad about him having to leave. The look that I shared with him after he said that was one of great sadness; I felt as if I was losing my very best friend in the whole entire world. In a soft, disappointing tone, I said, “I don’t know Michael, but for some strange reason, I was hoping that you didn’t have to leave today." Although, Michael smiled at what I said to him, his eyes displayed unhappiness, just like mine; I felt so blue deep down inside. Then, he took me by the hand and said, “Ah, don’t worry Jeannie; I’ll be back next weekend, I promise, okay?” I tried to pretend that his leaving that day was alright with me but it wasn’t. I couldn’t understand why I felt such great sadness about him going home that particular Sunday. 

        Whenever Michael came to visit his cousins, he always left to go home late that Saturday evening or early that Sunday morning. Oh, I tried to share with Michael, a smile of happiness, even though I felt such sadness. Then, I softly leaned on his shoulder, as I said in a calm and hopeful tone of voice, “Okay Michael, I’ll see you next weekend."  After I spoke those words to him, I decided that maybe it was best that I’d just go back upstairs, instead of sitting there feeling so blue. As I stood up and began to walk out of the bedroom, I noticed that Michael was right there behind me; he stopped me in my steps with a hug.

        When Michael hugged me, he embraced me from behind. As he did so, I dropped my head a bit; I noticed that the hug that I received from Michael that Sunday was somewhat different from all the others that I usually got from him. Even though his hugs always made me feel so good deep down inside, this one made me feel as if I was meant to receive each and every one of them, all the time! Well, as Michael hugged me, he placed the side of his face next to mine; I honestly felt in my very heart and soul that he really didn’t want me to leave, so very soon. Then, I placed my hands on top of his and held on to him for as long, as he held on to me. Holding each other wasn’t anything new to us, lol; we were known for hugging all the time, mostly when it was chilly outside. There were times when we’d sit on the park bench located in the playground area of 2517. We always ended up in each other's arms especially when a cold gush of wind came our way. Oh, how I loved the fresh breezes of Autumn, just as much as I adored the Spring rain, showers and all!

        As we stood there by the bedroom door, my hands still on top of his, Michael kissed me on my right cheek and softly whispered in ear, “Jeannie, I wish that I could take you with me; you know, if I did that, it would definitely cause a ruckus!" When Michael said that, I smiled, as I turned toward him; I felt as if I needed to see his beautiful browns at that time. While standing there all hugged up and gazing into each other’s eyes, he kissed me on the cheek again; then he said, “I love you Jeannie; you know that don’t you?”  I smiled even more because I loved him so very much so!

        While gazing into his beautiful browns, I said, “Yes, I believe that you love me, and Michael you know that I honestly love you too."  Michael smiled as he placed his head up against mine and said, “Yes Jeannie, I love you true; you love me, and I love you! We love each other, Jeannie!” Then, he took me by the hand, and we sat back down on the white bedspread. After placing our arms around each other, we kissed; I closed my eyes as I felt the warmness of his breath on my face. You know what, being with Michael always made me feel so comfortable and secure.

        As we cuddled, Michael began to talk to me like he always did; then he said, “Jeannie, did you know when two people like us are in love with each other, they do things to show each other that their love for each other is genuine?” You know what? At that point, I shared a soft, inquisitive smile with him because for some unknown reason I felt so beautiful inside-out. I always listened to Michael and welcomed his suggestions because he had a way of enlightening me on all sorts of things that were going on in this life. I loved our discussions, oh, the topic of our conversations could have been about ‘Do’Wat’Did 'De,' it really didn’t matter to me, just as long as we were together. I loved him and felt that, as long as we could be together, everything was going to be alright.

        As we continued to talk, Michael shared with me, his insight on ‘Truth in Love.'  He took me by the hand and said, “Jeannie, even though, we both are still quite young, there’s one thing that we haven’t done that two people like you and me, who are in love with each other should do.” Ah, well, I felt my heart skipped a beat when Michael said that! I knew how I felt about him, but I was still very much so clueless when it came to what he was actually talking to me about at that time. No, I didn’t know where Michael was going with that statement, but I loved him very much so, and I trusted him with my life.

        

       As he held me tighter, I reciprocated; in other words, I met him halfway. Yes, we ended up doing what we called ‘Doing the Do.' Oh, I wasn’t afraid because I was with him; I loved Michael, and I trusted him completely. Nevertheless, I was somewhat concerned that day of what I saw, when it came to me viewing his body. I flinched when I saw the discolored scarred area on the right side of the lower part of his body. Of course, I had never seen Michael without his clothes on, until that Sunday. In fact, we had never seen each other ‘In the Nude’ until that day. Michael caught my reaction when viewing his scar; then he said that I didn’t have to worry about it because it wasn’t a disease and it wouldn’t rub off on me or anything like that.

        You know what? I felt much better after he said that; the discolored area was located below his waist and partially on his inner thigh. Michael asked me to point to that area on his body and run my finger across it; then, I did. Well, as I began to touch his scar, he placed his hand on top of mine. Believe it or not, his knowledge and my ease when touching the discoloration made me feel a sense of normalcy about it. Michael also reminded me once again that it wasn’t something that I could catch. As I touched his discolored area, it was incredibly warm to the touch; then, Michael asked me to look at my finger, and I did. You know, I honestly didn’t know what I was looking for when viewing my finger; wholeheartedly I felt that Michael didn’t have to try to prove to me that his discolored area was not catchy because I believed him and trusted his word.

        Then he asked me to look at my finger and tell him if I saw anything out of the ordinary on it. I smiled when viewing my finger because I didn't find anything unusual about it. When I looked at my finger, it appeared to be the same, as it had always been.  I smiled as I told him that there wasn’t anything different about my finger. Then, Michael said, "Jeannie, even though my discolored area may look like a scar to you, it's actually my birthmark. Well, you don’t have to worry because it’s not a disease and it wouldn’t rub off on you or anything like that, okay?” You know what? Michael’s demonstration and our interaction when it came to his discolored scar, I mean his birthmark made me feel entirely at ease about it! I had heard of birthmarks and what Michael said, to me that Sunday made a lot of sense! He always had a way of making me feel better about things, especially things that I didn’t know about or understand.

        

        Afterward, Michael asked me to place my entire hand on his birthmark; I smiled as I did so. That's when went on to explain to me that even though it was kind of big, it was still his birthmark. Michael stated that all birthmarks were not the same in color, shape, or size; he also said that some were smaller than others and some were lighter or darker in color than others.  You know what? I had never thought about birthmarks very much before that day. Yes, Michael’s knowledge about stuff always enlightened me.

        Subsequently, he asked me did I know where mine was. You know what, even though I felt somewhat dumbfounded because I had no idea, none whatsoever as to where my birthmark was located or possibly looked like, I began to laugh! Yes, I started to giggle not because of what Michael said to me, but because of how he said it! I continued to smile, as I told him that I had no idea, where my birthmark was or what it actually looked like. Honestly speaking, I had never inspected my body to look for it; however, if it was large like Michael’s, I’m more than sure that I would have spotted it long before that day.

        As I began to think about the various possibilities of where my birthmark could be located, I surely started laughing out loud! Yes, even though I was quite shy those days, I became full of loud laughter! The reason for my joyful outburst was because that day seemed to be so very different for me and yet, I was there with Michael on a Sunday after Church and full of bliss! Yes, I believe wholeheartedly that we were definitely ‘In Love’ but please keep in mind that we were still ‘Just Kids.'

        

        As Michael continued to speak to me about birthmarks, I noticed that his tone of voice changed a bit; it became relatively reduced in sound but still caring. As we continued to gaze into each other’s eyes, he said, “Hey Jeannie, I got an idea; maybe I can help you find your birthmark, if that okay with you?” You know what? For a quick second, my eyes grew quite large, as I began to giggle at the thought of him trying to help me find my birthmark. Then I told Michael that he could help me find it, only if he could actually help me find it!  We laughed at my comment; then he said, “Now, let’s see where it could possibly be." Michael placed his forehead up against mine; as we continued to stare into each other’s eyes, then we kissed. Michael always found a way to make me smile/laugh and that made me feel so good deep down inside!

        We kissed again, as we continued to stare into each other’s eyes. However, in the process of Michael trying to help me find my birthmark, we ended up doing, what I call ‘Doing the Do.' In other words, we made love; yes, even though we were still very young. And I wasn’t afraid of what we were doing. You know what? I wasn’t afraid of that process because of the way that we felt about each other. In other words, it just kind of happened; you know, naturally! I believe wholeheartedly that it was meant for us to be together that Sunday after Church. I also believe that we were truly in love with each other. I believe wholeheartedly the trust that we had between us was based on honesty and truth. I loved Michael and trusted him completely. Yes, Michael was and forever will be the Love of my life. I will never again experience such ‘We Love' that stemmed from the beginning of our childhood friendship.

        

        We talked awhile longer as we sat there; Michael explained to me, who I was to him and what that meant when it came to us being together. He also shared some of his plans for us when it came to the next time that he was to visit. His details delighted me! Oh, how elated and grateful I was that we felt the very same way about each other! Ah, by the way, Michael actually found my birthmark, lol! Yes, I honestly believe that it's my birthmark! After all these years, it’s still there in the same exact spot that it was in the day that he helped me find it! I love him forever and for always, IJN!

                 

Keeping It Real Is For Real

      You know, regardless of all the bull crap that has been said about him through the years, Michael was always a ‘Gentleman’ when it came to me; yes! In my very heart and soul, he will forever remain 'My Gentleman.’ Through the many years that we had the pleasure of sharing our life together, Michael never lied to me or told me what to do; he always asked me, if I wanted to do so. Yes, he always ‘Kept It Real' with me! Oh, sometimes he’d make suggestions, and that was okay by me because he always left the final decision up to me; that made me feel as if I had some rights. You know, I felt as if I was of great importance in his life and him in mine.

        Michael always demonstrated to me, how responsible and helpful he could be; for example, when we were visiting Apartment 606, he made sure that my lovely dress did not get wrinkled by laying it flat on the white rug. He also made sure that I returned to my residence looking the same way that I did before I left with him. Just like he made sure that Apt. 606 was the same way that it did before we entered it. As we left that residence, Michael locked the door by turning the knob to make sure that it was secured. Then, we walked down to the 5th floor and caught the elevator up to the 9th floor. 

        Michael and I held hands, as we waited for the elevator to come. You know, even though we always held hands, that day I could feel the warmth of his very 'Being,’ like I never felt before and that made me feel so very close to him. Periodically, Michael looked at his watch as we waited for the elevator; he assured me several times that we hadn’t been gone for very long. Unfortunately, at that point in my life, I really wasn’t off into keeping an eye on the time but thanks to FATHER GOD, Michael had experience with doing so! Well, when the elevator door opened, there was a lady and 2 kids between the ages of 4 and 6 on it. As we got on the elevator, the woman looked at us and smiled; then she said that my dress was pretty! I grinned and politely said, “Thank you!”   

  

        We couldn’t help but notice her 2 small sons, as they arguing back and forth over who was going to get the majority of the Milky Way candy bar that they both had their hands on! I smiled at them, and Michael chuckled a bit, as we listened to their argument. Then, their Mother closed her eyes for a moment, however, once she opened them, she snatched the candy bar from her sons and said “Neither one of you are going to sink your teeth into this baby! As of right now, this very minute, it belongs to me!”

        All of a sudden, her sons became very quiet. I guess they really didn't care for her comment. I began to feel kind of sad for them; after all, it was a Milky Way bar made of chocolate, marshmallows, and caramel! Lol! As the elevator door opened on the 9^th floor, the lady laughed at the expressions on her sons’ faces; then she reminded them that the candy bar was hers for keeps. As we got off the elevator, I felt sorry for them; I knew how it felt to experience what they were going through especially when it came to treats. 

        After we got off the elevator, I heard laughter from some of the younger kids that lived on my floor; they were playing tag. Seeing the younger kids out on the balcony playing made me feel more confident about not having been gone too long. Michael asked me, did I want him to walk me to the door?  Oh, how my eyes lit up when he said that! I became somewhat surprised and confused at the same time. Honestly speaking, I didn't want to answer that question because I wasn't ready to hear/see any of my family members' reactions; not at all!

        You know, I believe that the expression on my face revealed to Michael how I felt about his suggestion. Then, he smiled as he kissed me on the cheek and said, “Ah; Baby, I’m only jiving with you." Oh, you just don’t know, how I sighed with relief; then, I realized that Michael referred to me as Baby! I began to beam! Yes! I felt a warm, tingling sensation deep down inside because Michael had never called me Baby before; that made me feel as if we were definitely more than just friends. We continued to smile at each other as we stood by Apt. 906 for a moment; then, I told him that I could walk to the door by myself. Michael said that he understood where I was coming from, even though he really wanted to walk with me to the door.

        Nevertheless, with a loving smile on his face, Michael said, “I can’t wait for you to introduce me to your entire family!” You know what? For someone like me who has somewhat small eyes, they sure grew bigger and bigger throughout that day, lol! I felt kind of sad when Michael said that because the Bayley family was actually my extended family. At that time in my life, I honestly didn’t want to share with him the truth about my biological parents. Then, Michael stated that he sure would love to sit down and have Sunday Dinner with them, one day very soon.

        Slowly but surely my head dropped a few notches, as I thought about my bio-parents and the Bayley siblings squabbles. Thoughts of my biological parents made me sadder with each passing second. Oh, my goodness gracious! All the bickering that the Bayley siblings participated in during dinner time, especially whenever we had fried chicken for dinner. They'd always argued over who was going to get the drumsticks and the thighs! I honestly tried not to remember their quarreling over who ended up with those little itsy bitsy wings. Nevertheless, my Uncle Bayley always made it right for the losers; yes! Although the chicken breasts were off limits to the Bayley siblings, my Uncle because he wasn't a big meat eater shared with them ½ of the chicken breasts each time.

        Naturally, thoughts of my extended family overwhelmed me very much so; nevertheless, I continued to smile. Michael must have noticed how quiet I had become; I didn't hear him talking to me completely. I must admit that back in the day when I was very young, I was a daydreamer. I only hear him when he said, "Baby, Baby I’ll give you a penny for your thoughts." Then, he asked me was I okay because that was his second time asking me to respond. I smiled and nodded my head, as he said, “I also look forward to you sitting down and having dinner with my loud and crazy family!" As we looked at each other, we began to laugh! Michael went on to say that everyone in his family was just as crazy as him! Then, I smiled as I said, "Michael, I don't think that you're crazy."  Michael smiled as he kissed me on my forehead; then he softly said, ‘Thank you, Baby, thanks."

        As Michael shared that information with me about his family, I thought about our possible family meetings; oh how my heart began to beat quite rapidly, however, I continued to smile. Then, Michael kissed me gently but somewhat quickly on the lips, one last time before we parted. As we kissed, I heard a few of the smaller kids that were on the balcony playing say, “Owe, they’re kissing, again!”  Oh, how I wanted to laugh! Yes, for a split second, I actually felt like laughing out loud again because their comments were so funny to me! After we kissed, Michael said that he’ll be back on Friday, but it may not be until after 7:00 pm that evening; I nodded in agreement.      

        Of course, I smiled when he said that. Honestly speaking, I really felt as if I was someone special in Michael's life; I was glad that he shared that information with me, ahead of time. We continued to stare into each other's eyes as we gently let each other’s hands go. Michael stood by Apt. 907 and watched me, as I walked toward my family’s door. I looked back at him, as I knocked; then one of my younger family members opened the door for me to come in. I looked back at Michael, one last time before I went inside; then I waved at him as I closed the door. Wholeheartedly, I hated that he had to go home; from that moment on, every day of my very young life in my very heart and soul I loved him more and more!