Page 26 of Blake University HBCU Chronicles: Archer & Destiny

Archer stood still, his chest warmed as his heart rate picked up. He wanted to laugh at Destiny cursing and talking that way. She was always sweet, soft, and reserved. It made him feel extra good that his girl was sitting in his car, ready to go to war behind him. It also touched his heart that she saw him for what he was.

“Promise me you’ll walk out if it gets too ugly. I told you that I will help you find your mom. You don’t need them.” She added.

He walked back to the car and leaned down close to her.

“I promise. When I’m done here, I’m taking you to my place. It’s two hours away, but I want you to see it. Whenever you have breaks from school, I want you to come up there with me. I love you, Destiny.” He pecked her lips and eased away from the car.

TWELVE

Archer

Archer stepped into the grand foyer of his father’s estate, the heavy double doors clicking shut behind him. The scent inside was always the same, expensive wood polish, lemon oil, and faint cigar smoke lingering from his father’s meeting.

The marble floor gleamed under the chandelier’s glow, and the air felt thick with history from Archer’s childhood that he didn’t care to remember. This place never felt like home to him.

“Mr. Archer,” A soft voice called from behind him.

Archer turned to see Rosa, the family maid who had known him since he was small. She stood in her crisp uniform, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked tired, but her eyes were always warm and inviting with secret understanding to Archer’s pain.

“Rosa.” Archer nodded respectfully toward her. His voice was even as he looked around.

“Your father is in his study.” She gave him a small, sad smile.

“I know,” Archer replied, stepping forward.

Before he could take another step, the sharp click of heels cut across the foyer.

“Archer.”

Only one person could say his name with so much disdain. Karen. He turned towards her, tall, poised, her pale skin void of the usual tans that she always got. Today, she was dressed elegantly with a deep green silk blouse and pencil tan skirt. Her blonde hair was styled perfectly as always, makeup untouched, even though it was nearing seven p.m. Rosa quickly bowed out of the room nervously, never making eye contact with Karen.

Karen moved towards Archer with a tight smile, her eyes assessed him to gauge the mood he was in.

“Sr. is in a meeting.” She said, her tone clipped.

“I’m aware, Karen.” Archer said. He slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

“This won’t take long.” He added.

“Don’t.” Karen said, stepping closer.

She cut off his pathway so that he couldn’t walk in his father’s direction.

“This meeting is important for him. Don’t interrupt or ruin it for him with one of your many moods.” She rolled her eyes.

“My moods?” Archer raised a brow.

Karen smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle on her blouse.

“Yes. The last thing this family needs is you making a scene while the mayor is in the house.”

He tilted his head as the corner of his mouth twitched.

“I never gave a fuck about what this family needed. What your kids need is a rehab…that’s something this family hides. What you need…” He licked his lips and smiled evilly.

“Would you like me to tell you what the fuck you need, Karen?” His smile continued to play on his lips.

“You don’t know shit about my kids or me.” She snapped.

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