by D. Camille
He pulled back and looked at her. “We can come back later, before I take you home to get ready for class tomorrow.”
“Our portraits are coming along so well,” Leslie told him happily.
“Maybe I’ll stop by your room and see them this week?”
Leslie shook her head. “No, I want everyone to wait until they’re done.”
“Okay, goddess. I’ll let you do your thing.”
“I promise, it’s going to be amazing.”
“I’m not worried.” Caelum assured her.
“Before breakfast, do I get a small sample?” Leslie whispered sexily.
He lifted a brow. “A small one?”
“Nah…not a small one.” She agreed.
Caelum turned her over onto her back and covered her body with his. After her sample, the couple got dressed and headed to the car. Inside, Caelum turned on the music then placed a hand on Leslie’s leg.
“Any requests?” he asked.
“Any place that serves a good brunch. I’m so hungry.”
He nodded. “I think I know the place.”
Leslie smiled, and when his phone rang, she waited for him to answer. Caelum pushed the screen on the dash that displayed his mother’s name.
“Hello?”
“Caelum?” his mother said shakily.
“Yes. What’s wrong?”
Leslie became alarmed at both of their tones.
“It’s Bibi.”
Caelum froze and Leslie put a hand on his arm.
“What’s happened?” he asked concerned.
“She fell, and we’re on our way to the hospital.” His mother told him.
“I’ll meet you there!”
She told Caelum which facility and he ended the call, while Leslie rubbed his arm.
“I need to get to her.” He told Leslie.
“Of course, do you want me to drive?”
He shook his head and started the car. “No, I can drive.”
“Okay, let’s get there.”
Caelum concentrated on driving, while Leslie continued to soothe him with a gentle touch.
“It’s going to be alright, Caelum. We have to be positive.”
He glanced at her. “Thank you, goddess.”
They arrived at the hospital and Caelum found a parking spot. Rushing out of the car, he came to help Leslie out. Standing outside the vehicle, Leslie looked at how far away the door was and could feel how anxious Caelum was.
“Caelum, I don’t have my cane and I walk too slow. You don’t have to wait for me.”
He took her hand. “I’m not leaving you.”
She pulled back. “Caelum go. They need you in there.”
“You’re wasting time, Leslie” He told her impatiently.
“Just go ahead. I’ll find you.”
The next thing she knew, Leslie was in the air, secured in two strong arms. Caelum walked quickly toward the door and Leslie held on for dear life.
“Caelum.”
He kept walking, looking straight ahead.
“I don’t have time to debate with you.” He told her as they got closer. “And I’m not leaving you in the damn parking lot.”
Hospital staff rushed to Caelum when he got to the door, thinking that Leslie was a patient.
“What’s her emergency?” they asked Caelum.
Leslie buried her head in his shoulder, hating the scene they were clearly causing.
“She’s fine.” Caelum replied, lowering Leslie to her feet.
His mother came rushing over to them in the lobby, and Caelum hugged her quickly.
“How is she?” he asked in a rush.
“Just a twisted ankle.” She answered in relief. “We thought it was much worse.”
Caelum frowned. “What was she doing?”
“Trying to do everything as usual, and moving too darn fast.” His mother turned to Leslie, and hugged her. “Hello, Leslie. Thank you for coming with Caelum.”
“I’m glad she’s going to be okay.” Leslie replied.
“Come on. She wanted to see Caelum as soon as he gets here.” Leah told them.
Hooking Leslie’s arm over his, Caelum followed his mother. Outside the door, Caelum stopped Leslie, after his mother entered.
“I know you don’t like being stared at…” he began and she looked up at him. “And I wasn’t trying to embarrass you.”
“I’m just glad that you’re strong enough to carry me such a long way.” Leslie smiled.
“I should’ve dropped you off at the door before I parked, but I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry for being impatient.” Caelum apologized.
Leslie touched his face. “You were worried about your Grandmother, and now you need to get in there and see her.” She lifted and kissed his lips, then the couple entered the hospital room.
Caelum made his way to his grandmother’s side and she held out a hand to him.
“What are you doing?” he asked, taking her fragile hand in his.
She smiled. “A little too much, according to the doctor.”
“We can’t have that, Bibi.” Caelum told her.
“I know. I have to see a few more Bannakas, before I depart this place.”
She looked over and smiled at Leslie. “Hello, little goddess.”
Leslie moved past Caelum’s father to get to his grandmother. Standing next to Caelum, she smiled down at the woman in the bed.
“Hello Bibi. We need you to be careful.” Leslie said, reaching out to pat her leg. “You scared us to death.”
“It’s going to take more than a twisted ankle to take me out.”
Leslie laughed. “I’m sure it will.”
His grandmother smiled at her. “I guess we’ll both be walking on a cane for a little while.”
“I’m not using one, today.” Leslie said, glancing at Caelum. “My legs are much stronger, thanks to Caelum.”
“I’m sure Caelum’s been very helpful.” His grandmother looked at him and he grinned.
Pulling Leslie close, Caelum agreed and said, “Because I will do anything for this woman…”
Chapter 10
The Christmas season was a joyous occasion for both Caelum and Leslie. In addition to sharing activities at the Academy, they also spent the festive time with friends and family. Today, Caelum was spending Christmas Eve with the Kendall clan, including his little nemesis C.K.
Over the past months, Caelum’s life had changed dramatically. Teaching the children at the Bantu Academy was even more fulfilling than he’d hoped it would be. Working at a school so centered on the past, present and future of black children was one dream come true.
He’d not had any more problems with Mr. West, but Caelum was always at the ready, for him to slip up. Leslie was now getting around very well without her cane, which made her happy, and in turn, also made him happy. Caelum busied himself with providing everything on the list of things that made Leslie feel good.
For her part, Leslie also kept a mental note of things that made him feel good, and she was becoming an expert at them. Their physical intimacy was on par with their emotional connection, which made their coming together, incredible experiences for them both, each and every time.
Caelum smiled to himself as he parked at the Kendall estate, thinking about the next week he’d spend in D.C. with Leslie. He couldn’t wait to show her his home city and the history of his family. He also couldn’t wait to introduce her to his friends and relatives there. To say that he was proud of his woman was an understatement. After all that Leslie had been through, she’d emerged as powerful as the Goddess Oshun, in both life and in love.
Caelum grabbed a large bag of wrapped packages from his car and headed to the door. When it opened, and a beautiful woman smiled at him, he dropped the bag and lifted her from her feet, holding her in his arms.
Lowering his head, Caelum connected his mouth with hers in the decorated foyer. When she responded to his passion, he held her closer, knowing that no other woman alive could give him thi
s feeling. Leslie was made for him, and she was his other dream come true.
Lifting her face, to look at him, Leslie smiled softly. “You’re happy to see me?” she asked.
“Always.”
She kissed him again, until he lowered her back to the floor.
“Where’s your family?” Caelum asked.
“C.K. is waiting for you in the family room.”
“I’m sure he is.” Caelum said smiling, as he reached for the bag he’d dropped. “I brought him a sack of coal for Christmas.”
Leslie laughed, and took his other hand. “That’s so wrong. I thought you were going to be his favorite uncle.”
“Game respects game, and one day, I am going to be C.K.’s favorite, because he’s going to realize that I’ll boss up with the best of them.” Caelum told her. “Even five-year olds…”
Leslie shook her head. “Did you really bring a sack of coal?”
Caelum looked at her. “Baby, where am I going to find a sack of coal?”
“I don’t know…I’ve seen you do some incredible things.”
He smiled. “And the greatest was that I got you…”
“You sure did.”
They entered the room filled with people and Caelum was greeted by the family, which included, Curt and Sydney, Niyah and Rashad, Curt and Niyah’s parents, Sydney’s father and stepmother, in addition to all the children, Ms. Barrett, and an older man named Chris, who worked with Sydney and Rashad at Whitlock Studios. When Caelum finally sat with an arm around Leslie, C.K. approached.
“Hello C.K.” Caelum said to the boy.
“Hi, Mr. Bannaka. I’m ready.”
Leslie looked at C.K. in confusion, as Caelum nodded.
“Ready for what C.K.?” she asked.
He smiled at Leslie, then turned to Caelum. “You ready?” C.K. asked him.
“Yeah, I’m ready C.K.” Caelum agreed.
The boy nodded, then walked away, disappearing from the room.
“What the hell is that?” Leslie asked Caelum. “Did you two just challenge each other to a duel or something?”
Caelum leaned over and kissed her face. “Not quite.”
“Are you looking forward to your trip to D.C., Leslie?” Sydney asked her sister.
“Yes, I can’t wait to see Caelum’s home.”
“You’re really related to Benjamin Banneker?” Chris questioned, sipping his eggnog.
Caelum nodded. “A distant relative.”
“That’s quite a history.” Chris added. “We have both Greenwood, Oklahoma and Washington, D.C. history sitting right here.”
“History is so important,” Caelum agreed. “That’s why I teach it.”
Chris looked at Sydney and Rashad. “I feel another blockbuster movie coming to Whitlock Studios.”
Rashad agreed. “If Niyah gets me a great story, I’ll make a great script.”
“I can already picture it.” Sydney said in excitement.
Curt shook his head. “I hope Rameses Whitlock knows his pockets are about to be hit.”
“His wife, Tasha, will love it.” Niyah said happily. “And we all know that she’s the real boss…”
“Now that’s the truth.” Chris affirmed.
At that moment C.K. and R.J. entered the room, each carrying a medium sized box.
“Here are the ornaments!” C.K. announced to the group.
Leslie smiled at Caelum. “This is a tradition we started when C.K. and R.J. were babies. Everyone has an ornament that we hang on the tree,” she explained. “I got one for you.”
“Thank you.” Caelum said warmly. “That was very thoughtful.”
“I know Christmas isn’t really your thing, but I’m glad you’re here today with us.”
“You’re my thing…whatever and wherever that is.”
She looked into his face and whispered. “I love you.”
Caelum leaned closer. “I love you.”
The two little boys began distributing the ornaments one by one. Caelum watched each family member, accept their ornament, then hang it on the tree. R.J. brought an ornament to Caelum and placed it in his hands.
“Aunt Leslie got this one for you.” R.J. told him.
Taking the black ornament with a golden ankh painted on it, Caelum studied it, then turned to Leslie.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you, goddess.”
“I hoped you’d like it.”
“I didn’t expect this.” He continued to study the ornament, as she watched his reaction.
Leslie smiled. “You’re a part of our tradition now. You’re obligated to come and hang your ornament each year.”
He looked at her. “Is that what you want?”
She nodded and touched his face. “Yes…”
They stared at one another until remembering they were not alone. Caelum stood, and took his turn at the tree, then came to sit back with Leslie.
The boys continued to hand out ornaments, saving Leslie’s for last. Reaching into the box, C.K. carefully removed Leslie’s ornament, then placed it behind his back, and crossed the room to where she sat. She saw mischief in his eyes and looked at him.
“I have yours Aunt Leslie.”
“Why are you hiding it?” Leslie asked.
C.K.’s eyes darted from her to Caelum then back to hers. Leslie then noticed everyone watching her intently.
“What’s going on?” She looked at Sydney, who smiled at her, along with everyone else.
C.K. produced the ornament and held it up for Leslie to see. Attached to the hook of the snow white globe was a platinum diamond ring that took her breath away.
Leslie put one hand to her mouth as she took the ornament with the other. “Oh….”
“He wants to marry you!” C.K. shouted.
Caelum smiled at the boy. “I’ll take it from here C.K. Thank you for your help.”
As if in one of her dreams, Leslie watched Caelum move to kneel in front of her. He placed his hand over hers where she still held the object in awe.
“Leslie Benson, from the first moment, you commanded my attention…you dominated my thoughts…and you demanded my heart.” Caelum told her, while everyone watched. “We’ve both started a new life, and I want to continue what we started, for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me, goddess?”
“Caelum…”
Leslie continued to watch as he removed the ring from the ornament and placed it on her hand.
“Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year…I don’t care. Just tell me that you want to be my wife.” Caelum said softly.
Leslie felt the first tear slide down her cheek as she looked into his eyes.
“Am I dreaming?” she whispered through her tears.
“No!” Everyone shouted.
Caelum smiled at her and wiped her face. “I’ve already gotten everyone’s permission, including C.K. It’s all up to you…”
Leslie glanced around the room, taking in the faces of all the people she loved and loved her in return. All the people who’d accepted her in a wheelchair, and helped her to become the woman she was today. Then, she looked down into the face of the man she loved with her every breath. He’d come into her life at a time of transition, and supported her through to a nearly complete recovery.
“Caelum…my heaven. I love you with everything that I am. I will marry you any day, any time, and any place, because you have truly changed my life.”
The clapping began, as Leslie cradled Caelum’s face and kissed him soundly. When they separated, Leslie and Caelum simply stared at one another, oblivious to the joyous commotion around them.
“How’d you get C.K. on board?” Leslie asked.
“I had to negotiate.” Caelum glanced over to where the boy stood smiling. “Honestly, he’s going to be one hell of a lawyer.”
******
The next day, Leslie stared out at the clouds through the window. With a smile, she turned to the man beside her.
“First class seats? I wasn’t expecting this…”
she told him.
“Nothing but the best for the future Mrs. Bannaka.”
She looked at her ring. “I still can’t believe that I’m not dreaming.”
“Do you still dream?” Caelum asked.
“I don’t have to as much, because I’m living it.”
He kissed her softly. “So am I…”
Leslie looked at the ring on her hand and smiled broadly.
“This is such a beautiful ring. I can’t believe you let C.K. pick it out.”
Caelum sat back. “That little dude actually walked into the store and asked for the most expensive ring there.”
“That’s my fave, and he has great taste.”
“He does, and he wanted nothing but the best for his Aunt Leslie.”
She looked humbled. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”
“I had everybody’s help, and Bibi told me it was time to manifest what I’ve been waiting for…”
“I love your Bibi.”
He looked at her. “I adore that woman, and after her fall, it really made me truly realize that she’s not going to physically be here forever, and I want her to see me fulfill my dreams and my purpose.”
“What all does that include?”
“Seeing me teaching the children our true history…seeing me fall in love and marry the most beautiful woman in the universe, and hopefully seeing my own children.” Caelum answered.
“That will be so amazing.”
Caelum stroked her cheek. “I think so, too.”
“You know, your proposal totally caught me off guard.”
“I don’t know why. I’ve been telling you from the start, that we’d be together.” Caelum said, touching her lips.
Leslie let her tongue touch his finger, then watched his eyes darken.
“And I wanted to believe you…”
“What stopped you?”
She shrugged and he removed his hand.
“You can tell me.” Caelum urged softly.
“You’re so special.” Leslie told him. “Your family is amazing. You’re brilliant, handsome and strong. I still have trouble believing that you want me…”
He took her hand. “Why wouldn’t I, Leslie?”
“My father abandoned me, and my mother’s in prison.” She stated simply. “When you met me, I was in physical therapy and walking with a cane. I still live with my big sister and her husband…I don’t exactly have my self together.”