Her First

by Mckenzie, Diamond

  For the first time since she’d left, he entered the guest room Madison had occupied. Her fragrance still lingered in the room. The sun was beaming through the blinds. The sparkle of the ring he gave Madison caught his attention. It was sitting on the nightstand. I don’t remember her taking it off, he thought.

  He felt a sense of sadness deep within his soul. He picked up the ring and placed it in his pocket. He walked out of the room not sure if he should hold on to the hope that he and Madison would reconcile. I must snap out of this. Things are going to work out. Be positive. Isn’t that what I always tell others? I need to take my own advice.

  Ethan walked to his room and opened his dresser drawer and pulled out an envelope. In the envelope was a receipt for the ring. He tucked the receipt into the same pocket as the ring.

  Madison, I love you and no matter what it takes, I want you back.

  After turning on the alarm, he left the house to run some very important errands.

  ***

  Madison ignored her alarm clock. She hit snooze several times. It annoyed her when it went off for the fourth time.

  “Alright, I’m getting up,” she fussed at the clock. She threw the pillow off the bed before turning the alarm off. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and dragged herself out of bed. She stumbled to the bathroom and turned on the shower.

  “Maybe this will wake me up,” she said as she stretched. She heard her phone ring, but didn’t have the energy to run and answer it. “Whoever it is, I’ll call them back.”

  She stepped into the shower and let the hot water run over body. With her eyes closed, she remembered how Ethan felt in her arms. How special he made her feel. She had never felt this type of bond with any other man.

  When she was sixteen, she thought she was in love, but when she told the guy she was a virgin, he began acting funny. He always made excuses about why he was busy. It hurt her because she was at a point where she was willing to sleep with him and suffer the consequences. Fortunately, he saved her from what would have been a big mistake. From that day forward, she vowed to remain true to herself and save herself for the man who would be her husband.

  Although she had dated throughout high school and college, no one came close to capturing her heart. In a short time, Ethan was able to break down all of the barriers and melt her heart with his kind words and demeanor. Up until the fiasco with Sarah, she was willing to forsake her virginity and give in to Ethan’s needs. For once, she was willing to put someone else’s needs over hers.

  Even with the confusion of the past few weeks, she knew in her heart, it would be difficult to get Ethan out of her system. When Frederick asked her to attend their mother’s birthday dinner, she started to decline. For some strange reason, though, she didn’t.

  She had been in the shower so long; the water was becoming luke warm. Ugh. I guess it’s time I start my day, she thought. She turned the water off and dried off. She went through her closet and chose a red jogging suit. She found her matching tennis shoes and threw on an old baseball cap. It was time for a new hairstyle, and although she hated going to the beauty shop on a Saturday, she had to look her best.

  After calling her beautician and confirming she could be squeezed in, she left the house.

  ***

  “Happy Birthday, Mom,” Ethan said after singing to her on the phone.

  “Thank you, dear,” she replied.

  “I promise not to be late.” He pulled up into the parking lot of Valley View Mall.

  “I’ll hold you to it. You’re bringing that pretty girlfriend of yours aren’t you?” she asked.

  Ethan paused before responding. “She’s coming, but she’s driving her own car.”

  “Is everything okay? I sense some hesitation.”

  “Everything’s fine. We had a disagreement, but we’ll work it out.” He tried to sound confident.

  “I hope so. She’s a special young lady.”

  “Yes, she is. Not to change the subject, but I’m glad the baby issue worked out.”

  “I am too sweetie. I feel sorry for the poor child though.”

  “If I knew who the real father was, I would contact him and let him know he should seek custody,” Ethan said, turning off the ignition.

  “Baby, that’s not your responsibility. Just make sure you don’t make me a grandmother before you’re married. Okay?”

  “Yes, Ma,” Ethan said as he rolled up the windows. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Bye, son.”

  Ethan got out of the car and went to several stores looking for the perfect gift. He finally found what he was looking for. He had the clerk wrap it. He walked out of the mall with a smile on his face.

  Now it’s on to the bakery. I have to get the right dessert for this thing to work.

  ***

  Madison admired her new hairstyle in the mirror. She'd gotten her hair permed. The hair stylist told her it would be easy maintenance

  I hope Ethan likes it.

  Looking in her closet, she pulled out the short black dress she purchased specifically for today’s event. She sprayed her favorite fragrance on before putting on her stockings and dress. She removed the long dangling earrings and replaced them with a pair of pearl earrings her mother had given her for her sixteenth birthday. When she got ready to put the matching pearl necklace around her neck, her hand stopped. She felt the diamond necklace and reminisced on the day Ethan had given it to her. She took a Kleenex and wiped the tears that streamed down her face. She placed the pearl necklace back in its case. She reapplied her makeup and faked a smile while looking in the mirror.

  The doorbell rang. Madison looked at herself one last time. She picked up her shoes and her mini loop handbag she recently purchased from DGP Enterprises before leaving her bedroom.

  “I’m coming!” she yelled as she heard a loud knock on the door.

  When she opened the door, Charlotte stood there looking annoyed. “Girl, what took you so long?” she fussed.

  “I was getting dressed.”

  Charlotte looked at her and stood with her mouth open. She took her hand and ran it through Madison’s hair. “You got a perm.”

  Madison swirled around. “You like it?”

  “Yes, but I thought you didn’t like all those curls.”

  “I wanted to try something different.” She leaned down and slipped on her black sequined sling back three-inch heeled sandals.

  “I’m jealous,” Charlotte pouted as she brushed her hand through her own hair.

  “Girl, please. You know your hair always looks good.”

  “I know,” Charlotte giggled. “I wanted to bring the attention back to myself.”

  “You need to quit.” Madison moved things around as she looked for her keys.

  “I can drive,” Charlotte said.

  “Cool, but I still need to find my keys.”

  “You mean those.” Charlotte pointed to a set of keys on the coffee table.

  “Thanks. I thought I looked there.”

  “If it would have been a snake, it would have bitten you.”

  “Ha ha.”

  “I almost forgot the gift I bought his mom.”

  Madison grabbed a beautiful floral gift bag. After locking up, Madison and Charlotte left her house and headed to Ethan’s parents’ house.

  Chapter 43

  Madison was nervous as Charlotte parked. “Turn around,” she ordered her.

  “I will not,” Charlotte protested.

  “I don’t think I can do this. I’m tired of pretending.”

  Charlotte turned and looked at her before turning off the engine. “Girl, you got issues. You’ve been pretending with everybody for months, so what’s one more day?”

  Charlotte opened the car door. Madison was pissed. “If you weren’t my best friend, I swear I would drop kick you.”

  “Like you did Sarah?” Charlotte laughed as she reached in the back seat and grabbed the gift.

  Madison felt as if she had no choice. She picked up the g
ift bag and got out of the car and followed Charlotte up the walk way.

  “Are you going to stand there or ring the doorbell?” Charlotte asked.

  Madison turned her nose up at her. “Move out the way.” She rang the doorbell, plastered a smile on her face and waited for someone to answer.

  She could hear a man’s voice from the other end. When Ethan opened the door, she felt like running into his arms. Neither moved until Charlotte cleared her throat and said, “Excuse me, but it’s hot out here.” She then nudged Madison inside. “Hi Ethan.”

  “Hi,” he responded.

  “I will leave you two alone. Ethan, please direct me on where I need to take this,” Charlotte said as she held up a gift.

  He pointed towards a room to the right of him. Charlotte headed out of the room, leaving Ethan and Madison standing alone. Neither spoke.

  “Let’s go in here so we can have some privacy,” Ethan stated. She followed him into a spare bedroom and stood as he closed the door. “Have a seat.”

  “I’ll stand,” she insisted.

  “Thank you for coming.”

  “Your mom’s sweet. I hope she likes the gift.” She held up the gift bag.

  “Whatever it is, I know she’ll appreciate it.”

  Ethan’s dimples made Madison want to melt. They stood and stared into one another’s eyes for a brief moment.

  Madison commented, “This is awkward.”

  “Only because you want it to be.”

  “Ethan, you’re the one who lied. Why couldn’t you be upfront with me?” Madison asked.

  “Because I knew you would run.”

  “You left me no choice.” She had one hand on her hip and the other holding the gift bag.

  “You had a choice. You could have trusted me and talked to me about it before leaving me high and dry.”

  “I’m sorry, but hearing the man you’re with is the father of a one-year-old with a woman you can’t stand is enough to push anybody over the edge.”

  “Are you through?”

  “No. I’m just getting started. I almost lost my job because of you not telling me everything about Sarah. If I would have known about Christopher, I could have dealt with the situation better.”

  “For the record, Christopher is not my child.”

  She pretended to clap her hands. “Whoop-di-do.”

  “We’re not getting anywhere, going back and forth on whether or not I could have or should have told you.”

  She folded her arms. “Whose fault is it?”

  He walked closer to her. She stepped back, finding her back up against the wall. With a kind gentle look on his face, Ethan stared into her eyes and said, “I hope you can accept my apology. I love you and I did not set out to deceive you. I found out about the baby after I met you.” He paused. Madison remained quiet, so he continued. “I had planned on telling you everything the same night you left. I didn’t want to risk losing you, but you left me anyway.”

  Madison couldn’t control her emotions. Tears began flowing down her cheeks. What could she say? She was a big emotional cry baby.

  Ethan reached down and wiped her tears away as he had done before. Before she knew it, Ethan was kissing her. She kissed him back. A knock on the door interrupted them.

  “Anybody in there?” Ethan’s father asked as he attempted to open the door.

  Ethan shouted, “Yes, Dad. We’re coming out.”

  He looked at Madison as she walked over to the mirror and wiped her face. He unlocked the door. Frank smiled at them as they walked out.

  “I’m glad you made it, Madison,” Frank commented.

  Madison, embarrassed, replied, “We had to talk and needed some privacy.”

  Frank held his hand up. “No need to explain. I try to stay out of my son’s business.”

  “Is everybody here?” Ethan asked his father.

  “Yes. I was coming in here to get the gift I bought for your mom.”

  “We’ll meet you in the dining room.” Ethan held one hand on Madison’s back. Madison attempted to gain control of the situation. Every since setting foot across the threshold, Ethan had her under his spell again.

  ***

  Ethan knew if his father hadn’t interrupted, he would still be tasting the sweet nectar of Madison’s lips. Although she didn’t verbalize it, he knew she had forgiven him. At least he hoped so.

  When he had opened the door for her and Charlotte and saw her standing there, he could not help but notice how beautiful she looked. The dress she wore accented her shapely legs. She had changed her hairstyle and it was becoming to her. He admitted to himself, she would look beautiful to him no matter how her hair looked.

  A few of his aunts, uncles and cousins, along with Frederick and Charlotte, were in the den when he and Madison walked in. When they entered, Belle walked up to Madison and gave her a hug. “I’m so glad to see you, dear. Thanks for coming.”

  “Now you know I wouldn’t miss seeing you today of all days.” Madison winked. She handed her the gift bag. “This is for you.”

  “You shouldn’t have. But since you did, give it here,” Belle joked.

  They laughed. Ethan was happy to see Madison and his mom smiling.

  “Follow me; I want you to meet some of the family,” Belle said, taking Madison’s hand and walking away with her.

  Ethan watched as his mom made the introductions. It appeared his family was going to like Madison too. Frederick snuck up on him. “Boo.”

  “Man, what’s your problem?” he asked his brother.

  “Are you two back together? You looked quite chummy when you walked in the room.”

  “Not quite. I’m hoping by the end of the day, we will be.”

  Frederick patted him on the back. “Like a wise man once said, ‘keep hope alive.’”

  Ethan walked to where Madison stood and placed his hand around her waist. “I hope you’re not telling her any bad stories about me,” he addressed his Uncle Raymond.

  “If I was a few years younger, I would take this young lady away from you son,” his uncle joked.

  Madison looked into Ethan’s eyes and said, “As handsome as you are, your competition is tight.”

  A huge smile swept across his face. “Move over, uncle. A new kid’s on the block.”

  They continued to laugh and talk for a few minutes. Frank walked in the room and announced, “Ladies and Gents, let’s eat.”

  Everyone walked to the dining room. The long, conference room like table was beautifully decorated and was set to seat twenty.

  “Hey, cousin. Since my family’s not here, I’ll sit next to you,” Joyce said after giving him and Madison a hug.

  “Where’s the family?” Ethan asked.

  “Everybody in my house is sick and I didn’t want to bring them around your folks,” Joyce said as she sat down.

  “I want you to sit next to me,” Ethan leaned down and whispered in Madison’s ear.

  She didn’t object. He held out her chair and waited for her to sit down, before sitting beside her.

  “Where will the kids eat?” Madison asked.

  “We set up a few tables in the kitchen.”

  “Son, I know you’re the baby of the family, but today I would like for you to say the grace,” Frank addressed Ethan.

  Ethan looked and saw the smile on his mom’s face. Frank looked around the room before saying, “Bow your heads please.”

  Everyone held hands as Ethan prayed, “Thank you, Lord, for second chances,” He gently squeezed Madison’s hands and he continued, “and for allowing us to be here to celebrate another year for my mom. We know we’re all blessed to be able to give thanks to you and to take part in this special day. Bless this food we’re about to eat. Amen.”

  “Amens” were heard around the table.

  As everyone piled food on their plates, Ethan watched Madison from the corner of his eye. He could sense she was uncomfortable. “What’s wrong?” he asked her.

  “I’m fine,” she said.
<
br />   He didn’t believe her, but continued to talk and joke with other family members.

  Chapter 44

  Ethan noticed Frank trying to get his attention. “Excuse me,” Ethan said as he stood and walked to where his dad was sitting.

  “I want you to get everybody to come in the den so Belle can start opening her gifts,” Frank said as he pulled back his chair to stand up.

  “We’re moving this party back to the den. It’s time to open up gifts,” Ethan shouted. “Mom, you come with me.”

  He linked his arm with hers. He smiled and winked at Madison and they walked out of the room with everyone following behind.

  When they walked in the room, Frank was standing in the middle by a black leather recliner with a big red bow on top. “Dear, I know you’ve been talking about that old recliner for months. I hope you’re not too disappointed,” he said to Belle, who walked over and hugged and kissed him on the cheek.

  “This is perfect!” she said. “After cooking and cleaning all day, I need something I can put my feet up on.” She sat down in it. The chair reared back and caught her off guard. “Oops,” she said as everyone laughed.

  Ethan watched and waited for everyone to give her their gifts. Madison stood next to Charlotte. He could see them saying something after each gift was opened. Joyce handed Belle another bag. Belle read the card. “This is from Madison.”

  Ethan caught Madison looking at him. She glanced away once he looked her way.

  “Madison, come give me a hug,” Belle said as she held up a beautiful scarf and pendant to go along with it. Madison walked over, hugged her and kissed Belle on the cheek. “Y’all, I swear this is one of the best birthdays in my life.” She beamed as she looked around the room.

  Joyce handed her a small Tiffany’s box. Everybody was quiet as they waited for her to open it. She read the card first. “Hmmm. This one’s from my boys,” Belle said. “What’s this?” She held up a key chain with a key. She looked at Ethan and then at Frederick. “You didn’t?” She stood up from the chair and they watched her walk to the living room window.