Page 22 of Blake University HBCU Chronicles: Archer & Destiny

“You think? I don’t really got anybody to ask how to be romantic with a woman.” He said honestly.

His father wasn’t a good example of that at all.

“We can teach each other… My father always surprises my mom with flowers. I love them, too, but I get them on my birthday and special occasions. I always said when I got in a relationship that I wanted flowers randomly, too. I like the fact that my mom isn’t the only one in their relationship that has to do all the planning when it’s time for them to spend quality time together. My father puts just as much effort in. I think that’s what keeps them well-balanced.” Destiny smiled.

She didn’t want to demand anything from Archer, and didn’t want to be in control of what all he wanted to do for her. She spoke aloud of what she admired from her parents so Archer could know what she was used to seeing. Her parents had set a good example in a two-parent household of black love that lasted for more than one decade. It wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t toxic, either.

“I’m excited.” Archer blurted out lowly, looking right into Destiny’s eyes.

He used the pad of his thumb to wipe some mustard from the corner of her mouth and continued.

“I never been in a real relationship or felt anything like what I feel with you. It’s like…” He looked away at nothing in particular.

Opening up and expressing his true feelings was still something new for him but he felt confident and comfortable enough to do it with destiny.

“You don’t even understand what you do to me…I don’t even understand it but one day I’ll be able to put that shit into words. It’s like you make me feel everything all at once. Peace, want, and wonder…it’s not just the way you move, speak, or touch me…It’s the way you see me like I’m something more thanfine ass Archer…”He chuckled, reciting what he overheard from the women around campus.

“I know you think that this…” he gestured toward her wheelchair.

“Makes you different…but it’s not something I look past. It’s something I look at and still choose you. You’re not less, not even close. You’re strength and softness in the same breath. You’re beautiful exactly how you are. It all draws me in more to you.” He bit into his bottom lip.

Archer reached for her hand gently, his thumb traced slow deliberate circles against her skin. Destiny’s lips parted, her bottom lip trembled as her eyes shimmered. She tried to speak but emotions gripped her tightly. He leaned in closer and brushed his knuckle under her chin, his touch featherlight.

“I see all of you, and I still want all of you. You above all these bitc—hoes—well women…since I know you don’t like me saying mean shit.” He dropped his head and chuckled.

“What?” He looked seriously at Destiny and shrugged his shoulders with a boyish grin gracing his handsome face.

“You above these hoes, baby.” He smirked, making her blush hard.

“Wow, Archer…You make me feel so good. I don’t want to ever stop feeling this way. I don’t want to feel hurt, either. No one’s ever said anything like this to me.” She breathed; her tears fell freely now.

“I’ve always felt like I had to hide parts of myself. Shrink them down to be accepted until I got tired of trying with people. With you, I feel seen, whole, and wanted.”

“You will continue to feel that way with me…I just don’t want to hurt you…don’t want to argue and feel like I’m failing you at some point. I feel like a fuck up most of the time.” He dropped his head, feeling his own emotions get the best of him.

“Archer…we both not perfect. There will be things that I do, that you won’t like…and vice versa. We won’t be perfect but we should always be honest with one another, no matter what. My parents bicker all the time…But I know most of it is out of love. They are each other’s best friends. They pillow talk and experience life together. I don’t want you walking around on eggshells just to please me. I’m scared that I might hurt you as well but I know that I will do my very best not to. We can forgive and be adults that communicate. That’s the key.” She smiled confidently.

Archer nodded his head and pulled her gently into him. He picked each one of her legs up carefully and placed them on either side of him. He leaned forward and Destiny closed her eyes and leaned in, meeting him halfway. Forehead to forehead, they let the silence speak for a moment longer. There was truth in every word that they spoke to one another; it made both of their souls listen and tie in together.

TEN

Archer

Archer laid on his side, one arm beneath the pillow, his other sprawled loosely across Destiny’s waist. Her back was to him, breaths deep and even. Her thick curls were crushed against the pillow and the scent of her skin was sweet and faintly floral from last night’s lotion. He didn’t move, just watched her back rise and fall.

He wanted to take her to his house that was about two hours away from campus but didn’t want to put too much pressure on her just yet to move her around. Being near campus was more convenient for Destiny, so Archer never complained about laying up in her queen size bed that was a little too small for his liking.

“Good morning, I feel you watching me.” Destiny smiled and wiped the crust out of the corners of her eyes.

“You wake up so early.” She giggled lightly.

“Today is the dinner, my dad is inviting the mayor over and I have a plan to force him to tell me where my real biological mother is.” He sighed then kissed the top of her bare back.

Destiny shifted a little, her body was soft and bare against him.

“You want me to go with you?” she asked seriously.

“No, I don’t want to put you in any hostile situation. Things can get ugly and I don’t want you stressing over bullshit concerning them.” Archer released Destiny and sat up.

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