18

Nia stared in the mirror, wishing she wasn’t so skinny. Everyone told her it was a blessing to be able to eat anything she wanted and never gain weight, but she wasn’t so sure she agreed. She wanted to look like a woman, not a little girl.

But after cancer, she’d never really ‘filled out’ as Auntie would say. Thinking of Auntie made her think of Keisha. She’d talked with her for a few minutes that day after her session with Sunny, but they hadn’t had much to say to each other.

Her gaze fell on her desk and the crystal on it. Sunny had given it to her to use while meditating. Better move it. She didn’t want to have to explain to Tanya why she had it or even why she’d seen Sunny that day.

She wasn’t quite sure where Tanya was at the moment. She’d spent most of the day in bed as far as Nia could determine. She’d been in bed when Nia left to go see Sunny, and she was still there when she got back. Then Nia had gone to the library and when she’d returned Tanya was gone. Which was fine with her. That way she wouldn’t have to…the door knob rattled. She quickly slipped the crystal into a drawer.

Tanya walked in, still in her pajamas, carrying a tray from the cafeteria. “Hi.”

“I wondered where you were.”

“Went and got some food.”

“I didn’t know they did take-out.”

“I guess they do when you’re as sick as I am. Been throwing up all day.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that.” Maybe next time, she wouldn’t drink so much. She’d reeked of alcohol when she’d come in. Nia bit her lip, wishing she wasn’t so judgmental. “I’m sorry you feel bad.”

“Where are you going all dressed up?”

“I’d hardly say I’m dressed up, but I have a date.”

“A date? Who’s the lucky man?”

“A guy I met last night.”

“Oooo. Nia’s got a boyfriend.”

“Don’t be silly, it’s only a date.”

“Is he cute?”

Nia grinned. “Yea he sorta is. And I need to get out of here before he thinks I stood him up.” One last look at her braids in the mirror and off she went.

“Have fun,” Tanya called as she walked out.

“Thanks.”

Bart was waiting for her in the lobby. He waved and jogged across the room toward her. “I thought I was being stood up.”

She smiled. “I’m sorry. I was on my way out when my roommate showed up. She’s not feeling well.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

Her first response was to say hangover. Instead she simply said, “Throwing up. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

“Even if I was, it would be worth the wait. You look great. I’ll be praying you don’t get whatever bug she has.”

Her face warmed with pleasure. “Oh, well, thanks. You look great, too.” And he did. His hair wasn’t in a ponytail tonight so it showed off his curls.

“I know I promised you a movie, and we can still do that if you want.”

Oh, here it came. Just like all the other guys she knew. That’s why she didn’t bother dating. Sex wouldn’t be a part of her life until she was married. And since most guys believed dating and sex were the same thing… She sighed. Oh well. “What did you have in mind?” As if she didn’t know.

“I thought we could take a walk instead and get to know each other. Then maybe go get a pizza at the Pizza Barn. Have you eaten there yet?”

“No.”

“It’s up to you, but we really can’t talk in the movie, you know.”

She gave him a suspicious look. “Are you sure that’s what you mean? A walk and pizza? Or is it just a way to get me alone somewhere?”

Understanding dawned in his bright blue eyes. “Oh…I see what you’re thinking. And that’s not what I meant at all. I hate to disappoint you, but I’m saving myself for marriage so not going there.”

She laughed. “I haven’t ever heard a guy say that before.”

“I’m sure you haven’t, but it’s true. I want my wedding night to be special.”

“Really? Are you sure that you’re not just saying that as a way to lure me in?”

He crossed his heart. “I promise I’m telling you the truth.”

She wasn’t sure she believed him, but he seemed sincere. “OK, let’s take a walk, but then I want some pizza. I love pizza, and I haven’t had any in weeks.”

He looped his arm through hers as they walked outside. “So I shared something really personal with you. You know about no sex. How about you share something about yourself that I don’t know? Which is pretty much everything.”

What would he think if she told him about Rachel and Puzzle House? Probably the same as everyone else—that she was weird. “I’m a pretty private person.”

“I’m not, so I can’t say that I understand that perspective. But how can we get to know each other if we don’t get real?”

She barely knew him, but she could tell him something. It was only fair. “OK. I live in Atlanta with my Auntie. My mom dumped me on her before I was a year old, and I’ve been with her ever since.”

“Wow. I’m sorry about that.”

“I’m not. I know I’m much better off with my aunt than my druggie mother. Is that enough sharing?” She tried to keep her tone light but wasn’t sure if she’d succeeded.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad, but I don’t really date casually so I want us to get to know about each other enough to see…see if we’re a possibility.”

A possibility? Wow! This boy was even more serious than she was. And that was saying a lot. “No problem. Here’s something else. I never dated a white boy before.”

“Is that a problem for you?”

“Actually, I’ve never dated any boy before.”

“Why not? You’re so pretty. I’d think you’d have to fight them off with a stick, as my dad likes to say.”

She shrugged. “The boys at my school didn’t want to date. They wanted sex. That wasn’t happening, so I didn’t see a reason to go through the motions.”

“Yea, I know what you mean. I haven’t dated all that much either and nobody seriously.”

“I did have a friend a long time ago. He was white, too.” She didn’t share about her kiss with Brandon Donner. It was too special to talk about. With anyone.

“What happened with him?”

“He died.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. What happened?”

It was the perfect opening to tell him about Puzzle House and her cancer and all that had happened with Rachel. Instead, she focused on Brandon. “He was born with a heart problem.”

“Wow. That’s super sad.”

“It was. I didn’t know him for very long, but he was a special guy.” She smiled. “Too.”

Bart grinned. “By too, do you mean me?”

“That remains to be seen.”

“Oooh. Tough girl.”

By the time she was back in her room, Nia knew that Bart was a really special guy and very sincere about his spiritual walk. And she knew all about his family, his hopes, and his dreams. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d told her that he was not a private person. She had to admit, she liked Bart. A lot. He was funny and fun to be around. But was he a possibility, to use his words?

She wouldn’t go that far but then again, she hadn’t come to college to find a husband. But maybe that was the door God was opening for her now that she’d decided Puzzle House wasn’t a possibility. She could serve Him by being the wife of a preacher. She shook her head at the silly thought. One date, and she was planning her wedding.