by Linda Wright
In spite of her many blessings, Keisha was not a spoiled, arrogant woman. She had always worked hard, tried to be kind to people and remained humble. People usually liked her and she was the classic over-achiever. There was just something about KeKe.
As Keisha got older she lost none of her charm. She went away to college, which saddened not only her family, but her whole community just outside of Chicago. She was received with as much appreciation at college, becoming popular very quickly. One of the people she got along with best was her roommate, Takia. They were both nervous about starting college and they leaned on each other to help them through it. Their friendship continued through their college career, even after they moved into separate dorms and got swallowed up into different majors. Keisha moved into the business school crowd, preparing to join the family business. Takia started out as a nursing major, before becoming an engineering major, but by Keisha’s senior year, Takia had moved over to the business school as well. Keisha graduated at the top of the class and moved back to Chicago to begin work with the family. Takia continued on in her studies. The two friends tried their best to stay in touch.
Keisha was very happy to be back home with her family. She picked up on the work very quickly, got a place of her own, and moved back into the social circle of her community. She was as popular as ever and her family was very proud of her. She had not been back long before she met a newcomer to town named Jason Weathers. Jason had moved into town to help take care of his ailing uncle. One night while out at a party, Keisha and Jason met and the connection was instant. They soon broke away from the party and talked through the night. From that night on they were pretty much inseparable.
At this point Keisha was leading a full, happy life. She was balancing, work, family, friends and Jason very well. As the holidays approached, which was her favorite time of year, she found herself counting her blessings. They were so many she’d usually lose count at some point and have to start over. Then to put the sprinkles on top, one night at an event for Mosby Enterprises in front of all of her family and friends, Jason got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Keisha jumped up and down yelling yes at the top of her lungs. She thanked God for her perfect man, perfect family, and perfect life.
The following week Keisha received some more happy news; Takia was moving to town. It was a very pleasant surprise. She had no idea that Takia was interested in moving to Chicago, but she would be more than happy to welcome her. Apparently Takia had just completed her business degree and would be moving to Chicago to look at the prospects in the job market. Keisha anxiously awaited her arrival.
Within a month Keisha was meeting Takia at O’Hare Airport. They greeted each other eagerly and could barely make it out of the airport for all of the chatter between them. They caught up on the ride to Keisha’s condo. Keisha could not wait to introduce Takia not only to her family, but also Jason. He was waiting for them when they got back to the condo. He rushed out to help them bring in Takia’s bags. As soon as they got settled Keisha formally introduced them. As they sat down in her living room she turned to Takia and said, “Takia, this is my fiancée, Jason. Jason, this is Takia Richards.”
“Fiancee? Oh my god, you’re getting married?”
“Yes, girl! He just asked me a few weeks ago. I wanted to wait til you got here to tell you face to face.” Keisha put up her left hand and showed Takia her beautiful 2 and a half carat, flawless princess cut ring.
“Oh my god, girl! Congratulations!”
Takia jumped up off of the couch and hugged Keisha tightly. They held a big hug for quite some time, until Takia broke away, turning to Jason and saying with a laugh, “Oh, sorry. Hello and congratulations to you too.” Before Jason could say anything Takia was going in for a hug. Keisha watched them embrace and smiled, glad to see them getting along already. Keisha then looked at the clock and realized it was dinner time. She said, “Oh, I’m gonna cook us something to eat.”
Jason looked at Keisha apologetically and said, “Oh, I’m sorry baby. I have to go back and check on Uncle Junior. Tammy went back home today and he’s there by himself. You two go ahead. I’ll get with you all another time.”
“Aw, really? I understand.”
Keisha got up and walked Jason out. She went out to the elevator with him and gave him a hug and kiss. After he got on and the doors closed she turned back around to walk to her condo. For a moment she thought she saw someone standing in her doorway, but there was no one there now so she shrugged it off. She went back into the condo and went to the kitchen to find what she would make to eat. Takia was standing at her bookshelf looking at her pictures. She said, “This is a really nice place, KeKe.”
“Thank you girl.”
“And you have a very nice looking family. And your fiancée seems like a nice guy.”
“He really is. He’s amazing. I’m so lucky.”
“You have it all, girl.”
Keisha laughed and replied, “I don’t know if I have it all, but I do have a lot. I’m truly grateful. What about you? How have things been?”
“They’ve been alright. Just had to work and hustle to finish school, not to mention the student loans. I went back home for a while, but there’s nothing for me there. I figured I’d see what the Windy City had to offer.”
“You’re going to love it here. I always have. But what about your family? You’ve never really talked about them. All this time I’ve only ever really heard you mention your grandma and a sister.”
“Yeah there isn’t much to tell. My grandma died last year and my sister and I don’t really talk. My family isn’t like yours.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. But so long as you’re here my family is your family. I want you to make yourself at home and know that whatever is mines is yours.”
“Thank you so much, Keke. I really appreciate it. I know it seems kind of crazy coming out here with no job and no place to stay, but I just have a feeling that there is something here for me.”
“I have that feeling for you too.”
“Plus there’s you. You’re the closest thing I have to family. I’ve really missed you since you left.”
“Aw, I missed you too girl. Aw, come here.”
Keisha came out of the kitchen and gave Takia another hug. They rocked slowly and held onto each other. After a few moments, Keisha broke away and said, “Alright now, I have to get dinner started. I’m making my famous chicken parmesan with spaghetti, a fresh salad and some homemade garlic cheese bread.”
“Sounds great.”
“It’s usually pretty good, if I do say so myself.”
“I know. I remember when you used to make stuff at school. Plus you do everything well.”
“Oh, stop it. I do alright. Just make yourself comfortable while I get dinner together.”
“Alright girl. I’m gonna go and shower this flight off of me while you do that.”
“Okay. There are towels in the linen closet inside the bathroom. Take your pick of soaps and whatever else is in there. I set up the room to the right of the bathroom for you. You can go on in and set your stuff up.”
“Okay, thanks girl.”
Takia went off to take her shower. By the time she made it back out Keisha was putting the finishing touches on the meal, just taking her garlic cheesy bread out of the oven. She had already set the table. Takia took a seat and watched as Keisha brought the food out. Once she had brought out everything she sat down and said grace over the food before they began to eat. As soon as she had said Amen, Takia launched into the food. Keisha watched with a smile as Takia devoured the food on her plate. Once she had cleaned it she asked for some more. Keisha gladly got up and refilled her plate.
Keisha was barely able to finish her own food before Takia was clearing her second plate. Chuckling a bit, Keisha said, “I’m glad to see you like it.”
“Girl, it is really good. Plus I hadn’t really eaten all day.”
“I see.” Keisha went to get up and clear the
table, but Takia jumped up and picked up their plates. Takia said, “I’ll take care of it. It’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you, Takia. You really don’t have to.”
“It’s my pleasure. Go ahead and sit down.”
“Well, if you insist. I think I’m going to go ahead and take a bath. Do you need me to show you where everything is?”
“Oh, no. I’ll figure it out. You go ahead.”
With that Keisha turned and went to her bathroom to run the bathwater. Once she got it running with her bath salts and a few candles, she went back into her bedroom to take off her jewelry and grab her robe. She walked back into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She pinned up her hair and began to take off her clothes. She turned off the bathwater and stepped into the tub, sitting down and letting the water come up to her neck. She lay back and closed her eyes. After a few minutes of silence, Keisha thought she heard footsteps past the bathroom, in the direction of her bedroom. She told herself it was probably just Takia going into her new room for something. She set up and began to wash herself. She noticed that a lot of the stuff in the bathroom had been moved. She guessed Takia had really helped herself. That was good. She slowly but surely washed herself, before pulling out the stopper with her toes and rising out of the water. She stepped out onto the rug and dried herself off before putting on her robe and heading out into her bedroom.
Once Keisha got into her room, she began her post shower ritual, complete with moisturizing her skin and putting her pajama set on. She wrapped her hair and prepared to go back out and check on Takia. She automatically reached for her engagement ring on her way out. She always kept it sitting on top of her chest right next to the door. She reached into the little holder, but her ring was not there. She looked around it and it was not there either. She searched the area on the floor next to it, but saw nothing. She began to look everywhere, even going back into the bathroom to search. She didn’t find it there either. She decided to go back into the living room, perhaps she had taken it off while cooking and hadn’t put it back on.
Keisha walked into the kitchen and looked on the counters around the sink, but it was not there either. She was beginning to panic and trying to remember the last time she had seen it. She remembered showing it to Takia. She decided to ask Takia if she had seen it. Right as she stepped out of the kitchen she noticed Takia sitting on the couch looking at something shiny on her hand. At closer look she realized it was her engagement ring. She felt a strong sense of relief that it was not lost. She said, “Girl, I was just looking everywhere for that ring. I thought I had lost it.”
Takia said, not taking her eyes off of it, “I’m sorry, girl. I couldn’t resist. It is so gorgeous; I had to try it on.”
“It’s okay, I’m just glad it’s not lost.”
“It is wonderful. How do you do anything, but look at it.”
Keisha laughed and said, “Oh, I do plenty of looking at it. Can I have it back now?”
Takia took another moment looking at it. Keisha felt a bit awkward standing there with her hand out, not to mention the way Takia was looking at the ring. It did not look like she wanted to take it off. After another few moments, however, Takia slowly removed it and placed it into Keisha’s hand. Keisha tried to shake off a queer feeling that she had and replaced the ring back on her finger. There was bit of awkward silence to follow as Keisha tried to figure out what to say. She didn’t know where Takia’s head was. She came around and sat on the couch next to her. She decided to power through the moment and asked, “So what were you thinking in terms of jobs?”
“To be honest, Keke, I don’t even know where to start.”
“You could start with us. Why don’t you come and work for my family’s company? I’m sure we can find a position for you.”
“Really?”
“Sure, we have plenty going on.”
“I don’t know, Keke. You’re too kind. I’m already staying with you; I don’t want to take a job from you too.”
“Girl, don’t worry about it. I’m more than happy to help you out.”
“I really appreciate it, but I think I should find work on my own.”
“Suit yourself, but just know it’s an option.”
“Thank you so much, Keke. For everything. You are so amazing.”
“Oh, don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for. Now, you want to watch a movie?”
“Okay.”
Keisha got up and got the remote. She turned the TV on and began flipping through the channels. After finding nothing really good on, she pulled up her Netflix. They found a movie they both wanted to watch and put it on. Keisha got up and got them some popcorn. Once the movie went off, Takia wanted to watch another, but Keisha was tired and had to get up for work in the morning. She told Takia good night and reminded her that she was welcome to everything in the condo. She leaned in and kissed her on the forehead and headed for her bedroom. Before she made it out of the room she heard Takia say, “I love you, Keke.”
“I love you too, Takia.” Keisha smiled to herself as she headed back for bed. The next morning Keisha woke up to the smell of breakfast. She came into the kitchen to find Takia slaving away. She smiled and said, “Good morning. What’s that you have cooking there?”
“I decided to make my grandma’s homemade biscuit recipe. I found some bacon and eggs in the fridge. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine. I told you, you’re welcome to anything. That smells wonderful.”
“Yeah, this is how my grandma used to wake me up.”
“It’s a great way to get up. I usually just do something quick in the mornings. Especially if I’m heading to the gym before work.”
“You work out before work?”
“A few times a week. The rest of the week I work out after work.”
“Oh, wow, you’re committed. I guess that’s why you have that amazing body.”
“You have a nice figure there yourself.”
“Oh, girl, stop. With my bird legs? And I barely have any hips.”
“Girl, please. You’re fine. There are people who would kill for your figure.”
“You’re so sweet. I’m just about done with breakfast. Go ahead and sit down at the table, I’ll bring it out to you.”
“I can help.”
“No, sit down. This is the least I can do for you letting me stay here. It is really amazing. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“I told you, don’t worry about it. I’m happy to do it.”
“Still though…but go’on and sit down. I got this.”
“Okay.”
Keisha took her seat at the table. She looked at the time to make sure she wouldn’t be late for work. It was her family’s company, but she still made sure to be at work on time. More times than not she was actually there early. She took her job very seriously. Takia brought her out a smoking hot plate of biscuits, eggs, and bacon. It looked and smelled wonderful. She also brought out the orange juice along with some syrup and butter. Keisha could hardly wait to dig in. As soon as she took a bite of the biscuits she was in heaven. They were so good. She barely wanted to put syrup on them. The whole breakfast was divine. She finished rather quickly and got up to start the dishes. Takia protested, but she insisted. After finishing the dishes she went off to her morning ritual. She washed her face and brushed her teeth, unwrapped her hair and combed it into a nice, neat style, moisturized her skin, and pulled together an outfit. By the time she stepped back out of her room, briefcase in hand, she was ready to go.
Keisha walked into the living room and found Takia there dressed as well. She had on a nice pencil skirt with a white blouse and some black pumps to complete the look. Keisha smiled and said, “Wow, you look good, girl. Where you off to?”
“Out on the job hunt. I’m gonna pound the pavement and find something.”
“Oh, okay. I’m scared of you! Remember what I said about a job at Mosby Enterprises. I know you want to go your
own way, but we would love to have you. One meeting with my family and I’m sure you’d be in.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, but I think I’ll see what else is out there first. I actually already setup an interview. I saw a listing online and they said I could come in.”
“Oh, that’s great. Good for you. Well, I have to go. I left a key on the island for you. Make sure you lock up before you go. You need me to drop you somewhere?”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll find my way. I want to do a bit of exploring today.”
“Okay, well good luck. I’ll see you later.”
“Thank you. Bye Keke.”
Keisha gave Takia a kiss on the cheek and headed out for the office. She had a fairly pleasant day at work; mostly meetings. A lot of her family was there that day, including her younger sister Natasha and her younger cousin Sicily. They were still young, wild and free, not taking anything seriously yet. Both had graduated from college a year early and had decided to take the year to enjoy life before taking on responsibility. They weren’t too bad, just loved to have fun. Keisha decided to text Takia and have her come into the office so she could meet them. She figured it would be good for them to get to know each other and hang out while she was over at Jason’s. Takia replied that she would be there as soon as she could.
About an hour later, Takia text that she was down in the lobby. Keisha told her to come on up. Takia walked into the office, visibly nervous. Keisha met her at the elevators and seeing her unease, told a few jokes to try and make her feel better. Takia smiled back in gratitude. Keisha took her around to meet her family members. First was her father, who seemed to take to her immediately. Her father was very charming and could make anybody feel comfortable. Keisha could see Takia relaxing in his presence. Next they went down to her Aunt Tori’s office to peek their head in. In there they ran into Natasha and Sicily who were harassing her for fun. Aunt Tori shook Takia’s hand and then told Keisha to get those two out of her office. They all laughed as they walked out into the hallway. Once the laughing died down Keisha turned to Natasha and Sicily and said, “Hey, this is my friend Takia I was telling you about. Takia, this is my little sister Natasha and my cousin Sicily.”