Just as I was going to close the door, I heard someone say, “Hold the train! Hold the train!” I knew that voice sound familiar—it was T’eo. He looked very handsome and very different. He had on a dark blue suit with a lilac dress shirt, dark brown dress shoes, and his hair was combed to the back. He was smelling so good. He kissed me on the cheek and said, “Bree, do you know you have a bright red lipstick tattoo on the side of your cheek?”
I laughed and said, “Oh my gosh, I forgot to wipe it off. My Aunt Rita put that there.” I continued, “I am glad you came. How is your family doing?” He smiled and said, “I wasn’t going to pass up on homemade food. I am tired of eating pizza. My family is fine, they were bummed that I couldn’t make it. The price of the ticket was too high and I would have had to come right back to take my finals. I reassured them that I will be there for Christmas.” I then asked, “How is your mother?” He said, “Better than expected. She is doing very well, thanks for asking. She’s moving around and staying busy.” I smiled and said, “That’s always a good thing.”
He put his hands behind his back, playing around as he said, “Well, am I going to stand on your porch or are you going to invite me in?”
I laughed and said, “You are silly. Come on in.”
Summer and my cousins were running down the stairs, my mother smiled at me and said, “Breana, take your friend’s coat and put it in the room.” My daddy walked over and said, “You must be T’eo?” T’eo replied, “Yes, sir. I am T’eo. T’eo Jones.” He shook my daddy’s hand. Daddy said, “It’s nice to finally meet you, T’eo—the right way. Please accept my apology for running up on you at the school. I shouldn’t have assumed so quickly.” T’eo said, “Sir, I accept your apology. If I had a daughter or son, I would have done the same thing.” Daddy smiled and said, “Thank you for understanding. Please, T’eo, make yourself at home.” Summer said, “So you are T’eo? Are you my big sister’s boyfriend? She just got over a loser—I hope you will not break my sister’s heart. If so, you will have to pay the price.” My eyes were huge as I said, “Summer…” Summer said, “Bree, I’m just saying.”
T’eo replied, “Summer, I won’t ever hurt your sister’s feelings.” Summer walked off with her index finger swinging from side to side, with a mean, serious face saying, “You better not.”
My brother Luke introduce himself and said, “Do you like football? If so, please feel free to join us in the family room.”
Before T’eo could answer my brother’s questions, my aunts and uncles, sipping on their drinks, prepared to drill T’eo with a million and one questions. My Aunt Rita said, “Mr. Redbone, looking GQ smooth over there.” She looked him up and down as she sucked her teeth and said, “You’re handsome. You are dressed very nicely, and smell so good. Are you my precious little bug’s boyfriend?”
He looked at me and said, “With respect, Breana and I are just friends. Thank you kindly for your compliments.”
My Aunt Rita sipped a little of her drink again and said, “Breana, you better make this one here yours, because he is a respectful good man.”
My Uncle Sebastian is my daddy’s older brother. He’s chubby and he always talks about school. I feel bad for his children because they cannot bring less than an “A” home. They are always on lockdown and what he does not know is that they sneak out of the house to have a life. Yet he thinks they are better than us. If only he knew what was really going on I believe he would have a heart attack; however, Luke and I keep it to ourselves because my cousins don’t have room to breathe. We feel bad for them. As of right now, they are in my mother’s office reading a book. To me that is crazy. My uncle Sebastian said, “Well, young man, what are your goals and present plans? Where are your family? Where are you from? Do you go to school? What’s your major?”
T’eo looked overwhelmed and very uncomfortable, but he kept a smile on his face. I can only imagine what he was saying to himself right now. All I could think about was, I hope he doesn’t return the favor when I meet his family.
My mother cut him off and said, “Sebastian, why are you interrogating this young man? You are not Breana’s father. Let this young man breathe.” She introduced herself and said, “T’eo, it is such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for helping and staying with Breana when she locked her keys in the car. My family and I truly appreciate it. Please make yourself at home and enjoy yourself.”
T’eo smiled at my mother as he prepared to shake her hand, but my mother gave him a hug instead. He said, “Mrs. Anderson, you’re more than welcome. It wasn’t any trouble at all.” He paused and looked at me and said, “Breana is someone special. She’s such a loving young lady who’s very independent and is going places in life. I hope I am a forever friend in the present and future. I will always be here for Breana if she allows me too.”
I couldn’t help but blush.
My mother agreed and said, “Yes, my daughter is someone special, with a loving heart, and I must say she is going places in life.” She continued, “T’eo, I hope you will be a forever friend. You seem to be a nice loving young man.”
T’eo smiled and said, “Thank you, Mrs. Anderson.”
I was so happy when my mother cut the tension. While my mother and T’eo were talking, my family went on about their business. The men were in the family room screaming at the TV as they watched football. There is something about men and football. I never understood the sport. As they continued watching the game, the ladies were having fun chatting as we put the finishing touches on the food, desserts, and drinks.
***
As Chloe and I were helping prepare dinner. Chloe whispered in my ear, “Damn, Bree, T’eo is fine and handsome, I might add.” I laughed and said, “He’s just a friend.” Chloe said, “Yeah, right, friend my ass. You like him.” I blushed and said, “No, I do not.” Chloe rolled her eyes and said, “You can lie to yourself, but you cannot lie to me, honey.” I looked at Chloe and said, “Whatever.” Chloe washed her hands before she cut and separated the cornbread and said, “I’m just saying he’s a good guy. Cute is a plus, Handsome is a quadruple plus, and respectful! Now T’eo is on a whole other level, which is a good thing because sobbing over Brian’s dumb ass isn’t going to cut it.”
Chloe couldn’t stop talking about T’eo. She cut the cornbread in reasonable squares and started on making the sweet tea as she said, “Girl, your parents like him too! That is a blessing within itself.” I said, “Yeah, but my parents like everybody.” Chloe quickly retorted, her eyes looking like they were about to pop out of her head, “No they don’t! They put up with Brian because you liked him. They like T’eo. Accepting and liking someone has a totally different meaning.” I nodded my head and said, “Yeah, that is true.” Chloe was going to town pouring the sugar in the tea dispenser as she stirred and mixed the sweet tea. I said, “God dang, Chloe, you are going to have us all in a coma.” Chloe said, “This is called that Southern Hospitality Sweet Tea.” She looked at me as she poured in more sugar and added, “You do not know anything about that, Ms. Drinking Pink Rose and Chamomile Lavender Tea.” I looked at her, smirked, and said, “Exactly, the teas I drink are healthy and they are good for you. With all that sugar, good God Almighty! I will make sure I have my phone all set to call 911.” Chloe eyed me as she continued to stir the tea and said, “I bet nobody will be complaining but you.”
T’eo came into the kitchen and asked, “Do you all need help?” My Aunt Rita said, “Damn, look at him, he’s a good man. How old are you baby?” T’eo looked at me as if he didn’t know whether he should answer the question or not. I said, “Thank you, T’eo, but we are fine.” My mother laughed and said, “Rita, I know you are not about to rob the cradle.” My Aunt Rita laughed and said, “Vanessa, I am trying to rock the cradle.” She laughed so hard and said, “T’eo, baby, I am just playing.” We all laughed. Chloe raised her eyebrows, walked towards me and said, “Your aunt isn’t playing, she is trying to take your man.” She then softly bumped into me and said, �
��Seriously, Bree, at least get to know him a little better. He seems like a good guy.”
After the ladies put the finishing touch on our dinner, my mother called the fellas into the dining room to help put the food on the table. We all gathered at the table and we talked about what we were thankful for. It was wonderful to hear everyone was thankful for good health and family. After I made my plate, I sat there for a minute as I watched everyone pass plates here and there, talking to each other, and stuffing their face with a healthy hearty meal (minus Chloe’s killer coma tea). It was so beautiful.
***
Afterward, everyone made themselves a to-go box and helped clean up. Our family and friends were leaving one by one and soon after that everyone had left. As I dried and put up the last silverware, I took off my apron and put it in the laundry room. I was going to walk up the stairs, but I heard a couple of people talking. I walked into the family room and saw T’eo talking to my parents and my brother. I smiled and said, “What are you still doing here?” He smiled back and said, “Do you think I would leave without saying goodbye?” I said, “Right, how silly of me. I see that you are fitting right in.” I walked over and sat on the sofa near my father. I kissed him on the cheek, laid my head on his shoulder and said, “Daddy, you’re the best, and I love you.” He squeezed my shoulder, kissed my hair and said, “I love you too, baby.”
He said, “T’eo, thank you for spending Thanksgiving with us. Know that you are always welcome.”
T’eo said, “You’re welcome. Thank you for having me over. I truly appreciate.” Like always, my family had a ton of questions. My brother asked, “I heard you are in school at Brubaker State University?”
T’eo replied, “I am. A sophomore, majoring in Economics. After undergraduate, my plans to go straight to graduate school to get my Masters. I have $200k in scholarships— might as well make the most of it!”
My mother smiled and said, “Really, that’s amazing! Congratulations on your accomplishments. I see you are a hard worker and have business about yourself.”
T’eo said, “I try. I’m not perfect, but I try to put my best foot forward and take advantage of the time that is given to me.”
My mother said, “I agree. You know, I have my Masters in Economics.”
T’eo said, “Yes, ma’am. Breana told me. That is very impressive.”
My mother smiled and said, “Thank you.”
My brother said, “Funny… I declared my major. It is Economics too.”
My mother and daddy looked at Luke Junior and said at the same time, “So you finally made up your mind?”
My brother said, “Yes, I figured since I am good at business and math, why not stick to what I am good at and make myself better at what I know. I can say this much—it isn’t easy. But I know I can do it. I am up for the challenge.”
T’eo laughed and said, “Breana sees me in the library all the time struggling too. It is a challenge, but look at it this way—we are polishing up what we already know—as you put it, Luke, we are making ourselves better and more resourceful.”
My daddy said, “Nice metaphor!”
Needless to say, we weren’t watching the time, and the conversation lasted a little past midnight. My mother said, “Goodness, T’eo, we apologize for keeping you here for so long.” She added, “Today was a beautiful and blessed day. I couldn’t ask for more.”
T’eo smiled and said, “Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, thank you for your hospitality and welcoming me into your home.”
My daddy stood up, shook T’eo hand and said, “You’re more than welcome. Again, thank you for coming. You are always welcome.”
My mother gave T’eo a hug and said, “Any time. It was our pleasure.”
My brother gave T’eo a dab and said, “T’eo, it was good to meet you. I will be in touch.”
I smiled because I knew my parents liked T’eo, and to be honest, I liked him too. Today, I saw a different T’eo. I said, “Daddy, I am going to walk T’eo to the door.” He smiled and said, “Okay. See you soon, T’eo.”
My daddy looked at my mother, walked over to the old record player, pulled out a Luther Vandross album, blew off the dust, put the needle on the record and said, “We had a wonderful, blessed, yet busy day. Mrs. Anderson, do you have time for one dance?”
If This World Were Mine begin to play.
My daddy put his hand out as he reached for my mother’s hand. She said, “There isn’t any place I would rather be but in your arms.”
My brother said, “Well, that’s my cue to head upstairs.”
As I walked T’eo to the door, I looked at my parents and smiled. They were talking and smiling. Then my mother laid her head on my daddy’s chest and he took the lead.
T’eo said, “Breana, that is true love. Pure love does exist.” I smiled and said, “Yes it does. I know it does because I am looking at it.” We walked on the porch. It was a little nippy, so I said, “I’ll be right back. I have to run upstairs to get a jacket.”
As I was about to open the door, T’eo said as he took off his jacket, “No you don’t, you can wear mine.” I smiled and said, “Thank you.” T’eo helped me put it on and said, “Breana, may I have this dance?”
He held out his hand, I walked up to him and put my hand in his. He softly pulled me close and we dance as the music played.
My daddy put on Luther’s Greatest Hits. Endless Love started to play. T’eo and I danced without saying a word. I laid my head on his chest and let him take the lead. I never experienced such gentleness. I was so used to the rough touch. I wondered why was that when my parents show me what true love is. My mind was racing with so many thoughts on why I settled for less with Brian. My heart was about to fall out of my chest because I realized I really liked T’eo. I settled my mind and enjoyed the dance.
Can I Take You Out Tonight? came on. I looked at T’eo and said with excitement, “This is my song! You know I love me some Luther!” T’eo laughed and said, “I remember.” We danced and danced for hours.
As T’eo and I prepared to say goodbye to each other, he reached for my hand, kissed me on my cheek and said, “Breana, I really enjoyed your family. I had a good time with you tonight. Thank you for inviting me.” I kissed T’eo on the cheek as well and said, “I had a good time too, thank you so much for coming.” As he let go of my hand—I was saying to myself no, do not let go. He smiled and told me, “I will text you when I get home.” I smiled and said, “You better.” I watched him get in his car and I waved as he pulled away.
I walked in the house, looked over at my parents and they were still in each other arms, dancing to Luther’s, So Amazing. I smiled and watched them for about a minute and headed upstairs.
14
Chapter fourteen
When I walked into Psychology class it was strange
because all eyes were on me. I held onto my books tightly as I made my way to sit beside T’eo. There were some of my classmates rolling their eyes. Some of them nodded their head as they cracked a smile, and there were some students who just stared without any emotion on their faces. T’eo whispered in my ear and said, “Bree, do not pay them any attention. They are going to think and say what they want. One thing’s for sure, they can’t say much because they weren’t in your position.” I looked at T’eo and said, “I am not paying them any attention.” I looked around at everyone and said, “They have a voice and know how to use their mouths. If they have something to say I am right here, front and center.” I opened my notes and waited to see who replaced Dr. Wright.
Fifteen minutes passed. The dean opened the door as he walked down the stairs. He was wearing a dark purple suit and black dress shoes. He tucked his white shirt into his pants, cleared his throat, pushed his glasses up and said, “As you all might know, Dr. Wright is under investigation. With that being said, since we are a couple of weeks from finals, I am going to abide by the syllabus and take over his lectures for the time being. Today, we will discuss Chapter Fifteen. What we do not cover,
please note that you will have to read on your own because it will be on your final exam.”
He cleared his throat again, and said, “Does anyone have any questions?
A dude name Torrey raised his hand and said, “You didn’t introduce yourself.”
The dean looked very frustrated as he said, “I am the Dean of the Psychology Department. Do you have any other questions?”
Torrey said, “There’s no need to get upset. I think it is only fair if you introduce yourself that way, we would know what to call you. You still didn’t give us a name. Do you want us to call you Dean of the Psychology Department?”
The Dean answered, “Dean will be fine.”
As the dean looked up, he noticed my face and said, “We all must be very careful what we say and how we say it.”
I squinted my eyes and said, “With all due respect, are you referring your comment to me?” I stood up and said, “If Dr. Wright would have kept his hands to himself and his mouth shut, then…” T’eo cut me off and said, “Breana, it’s not worth it.”
Before I sat back in my chair I said, “Dean, I do not care if you believe me or not. I do not need or seek your approval. The cameras in the library tell the entire story. Also, your comment was...” The dean interrupted me and said, “Ms. Anderson, you need to apologize for your behavior. You are very disrespectful.”
My lips were trembling, I balled my hands into fists because I was angry and said, “I am not apologizing for anything I’ve said. Your comment was unprofessional and most definitely uncalled for.”
The dean looked at me and said with a firm voice, “Calm yourself. I am not going to force you to apologize. However, it would be the right thing to do.”
Unapologetic for My Flaws and All Page 16