chapter 12

Time to Move On

Teary was about to let the cordless phone ring one more time before hanging up when Prodigal picked up the other end.

“Hello, whuzzup witch ya?’ Prodigal said into the phone receiver.

“It’s about time you answered the phone. I want to know if you and Faith are still going with me and Skyler to Chili’s after our Commencement.”

“What’s going on at Chili’s?”

“I told you, yesterday that we were going to go somewhere and celebrate. It’s not every day we march down the aisle to receive our high school diploma. Can you believe it?” Teary hadn’t given him a chance to respond to her initial question.

“Girl, slow down. You’re talking a mile a minute. I can’t be hanging around with you too long 'cause I don’t want to be around dude, you know that.”

Teary was determined to keep things up beat on their graduation night. “Prodigal, we’ve come a long way to get to this day, so please lay your ill feelings for my man aside just for tonight. Shucks, we actually made it, Prodigal.” She laughed out loud and said, “I’m sure glad Faith came into your mixed up, messed up life and saved you.”

“You’re saying it like it’s a joke, but I’m serious when I say I’m glad she did too. There’s not a girl out there who can out do her,” he said rather proudly. “Not even you, Teary Fullalove; now what do you have to say about that?” He teased.

“Boy, please. Whatever! Just answer my question. Are you two going or not?” She asked him while prancing around in her bedroom.

He pushed his bifocals back up against the bridge of his narrow nose while he responded, “Probably, but let me check with Faith. I’ll call you back, but I bet she’s going to say yes.”

“Okay, but if you don’t call me back in a few minutes, I’ll just see you at the Convention Center and you can let me know what you’re going to do then. You’re still riding with your family, right? Or do you need to catch a ride with me?”

“No, I’m cool. The king of the Runsome household is riding with the ladies, Momma, Fantasia and Hope. My royal subjects.” Prodigal laughed.

“Funny, Prodigal. You wish you were somebody’s king. But seriously though, remember to bring everything you’re supposed to have,” Teary emphasized. You know how forgetful you are, especially since you’re so in luv,” she teased.

He rambled off the list of things he was supposed to take with him to the Convention Center. “Let’s see. I have my gown, my tassel, my cap and uh, uh, and that’s it. Right?”

“Yeah, that sounds like everything.”

“And as for being in love, you can’t talk because if anyone’s sprung, it’s you. I haven’t seen you this crazy about anyone since that bum, Langston.” Nothingness traveled between the lines. Prodigal visualized her on the other end with an awkward expression on her face. “Sorry about that, Teary. I didn’t mean to drudge up bad memories. But now as for the present, I can say that Mr. Jenkins, even though I don’t particularly like him, he has your nose so wide open, a train could run straight through it.” Both of them were laughing hard by this time. “But seriously, Teary, thanks for looking out for me. I have everything and I’ll see you this afternoon.”

“Bye, boy. I’ll talk to you later.”

After hanging up the phone, Prodigal leaned back on his bed, thinking about all he and Teary had gone through over the years. He reminisced about the fun times they shared when they were little kids. Pulling her pigtails, riding our bikes to Willow Lake, exchanging blood vows. Those were some good times. But I have Faith and she’s completely different from Teary, and I’m crazy about her. But Teary will always be my special girl. If only she knew just how special she really is to me. I’ve never been able to tell her how I feel. Now here we are, on the verge of being adults. We’re high school seniors preparing to march down the aisle and into our futures—together yet apart. She’s got her life with her new boyfriend and I have Faith. Maybe it’s best this way.

The sound of his mother’s voice startled him, breaking into his private thoughts. “Prodigal, are you getting your things ready? It won’t be long before it’s time for us to leave. You don’t want to be late for your own graduation do you?” Ruth asked from his bedroom doorway.

“Yes, ma’am. I mean, no, ma’am. I don’t want to be late. I’m going to start getting ready shortly.”

After an hour or so of daydreaming, Prodigal called Faith to tell her he would see her at the Convention Center. They talked for a few minutes then he hung and started getting ready. He could hear Fantasia and Hope downstairs shuffling around. It felt like old times with all of them in the house. If only his daddy was here to share this day with them, then the family would be complete.

Ruth looked at the wall clock in the kitchen. She yelled upstairs telling Prodigal it was time to leave. He rushed downstairs with his gown draped over his arm. At that moment, Ruth had to fight back the tears. He looked just like Solumum. Most of the time people told her that Prodigal was the spitting image of her, but not today. Today, however, she saw a replica of Solumun Runsome bolting down the stairs. She managed to smile as Prodigal walked straight into her arms and hugged her, as if he could read her thoughts. Fantasia and Hope interrupted the mother and son moment not a minute too soon because Ruth didn’t know if she could hold her tears back much longer.

“You look so handsome,” Hope told her brother.

“He does, doesn’t he?” Fantasia added, surveying Prodigal from head to toe.

“Well, time to go,” Ruth said. Doing a final check to assure that Prodigal hadn’t forgotten anything, Ruth hurried everyone to the car. They pulled up at the front of the Convention Center and Prodigal jumped out of the car. Ruth proceeded to the parking garage.

Proud parents and boasting relatives were quickly filing into the Broknfield Convention Center. The Runsome and Fullalove families boldly claimed seats front row and center. Ruth was quite proud of all her children. She remembered when Fantasia walked across the same stage as valedictorian of her class.

The program got under way. Prodigal’s chest was bursting with excitement as he looked out at the crowd. He beamed when he saw his family on the front row. A sense of accomplishment and pride consumed him.

The moment had arrived for them to pass out the diplomas, and not a minute too soon for Prodigal. He looked at Teary the same time she was looking back at him. The two of them smiled at each other. Prodigal’s heart fluttered.

Name after name was called. Prodigal clapped as hard as he could when he heard them say, “Teary Fullalove.” Teary held her head high when her name was called and strolled confidently across the stage. She reached out and shook Principal King’s hand, and with her other hand she reached for the piece of paper that symbolized her freedom to move forward to the next stage in her life. The Fullalove clan, including Sara and Aunt Vashti who’d flown in from Seattle the night before, clapped their hands loudly and screamed as Teary pranced across the stage. Aunt Vashti held on to Sara’s little boy, Andrew, while he tried unsuccessfully to ease himself out of her lap.

Teary nervously peeked out in the audience. Her eyes scoped the crowd like a radar screen for Skyler. He has to be here. He promised he would, she thought.

In the back of her mind, she heard Principal King calling the other students’ names - Debra Mason - Faith Meadows - Chelsia Patterson - Prodigal Runsome.

She looked up from her daydream just in time to see Prodigal strolling proudly across the stage. She joined in on the clapping and yelling. She felt especially happy for him, the one person who had been, and was, her dearest and closest friend. She thought of their futures. What would happen to them now? Prodigal and Faith would probably one day get married. She and Skyler had their own plans, too. But what would life hold for their friendship? She couldn’t stand the thought of Prodigal not being part of her life. Even though he didn’t like Skyler, she hoped that it wouldn’t destroy the love and friendship she and Prodigal had for one another. She could make it in life without a lot of things and a lot of people, but Prodigal Runsome wasn’t one of them.

♦

“Teary,” Prodigal said.

“What?” she answered.

“Faith said that Chili’s sounds fine to her.”

“Good, it’s settled. Come on. Let’s get out of these gowns.” Teary took Prodigal by the hand, pulling him along.

Faith stood off to the side and saw Prodigal hand in hand with Teary, leaving the area that had been reserved for the graduates. She couldn’t help but feel somewhat jealous. Instead of seeking her out, as usual, it was always Teary that Prodigal put first. Faith trailed several feet behind them to see where they were going.

Faith continued watching as the two of them turned in their gowns at the designated drop off and proceeded down the corridor leading out of the auditorium.

“Teary, I can’t stay at Chili’s too long. Fantasia has to leave tomorrow, so I really want to spend some time with her.”

“As long as you remember that midnight tonight, I’m going to be eighteen years old,” she squealed and jumped up and down. “Can you believe it? I graduated today and tomorrow I’ll officially become an adult. Can it get any better than that?” She screamed again.

“Hold it down, crazy girl. I know tomorrow is your birthday. We’re going to do something special, just you and me. Teary, all I’m saying is that it won’t be tonight. I have to go to Faith’s house later this evening. Her parents are having her a get together. You know you’re welcome to come. Faith told me that she invited you.”

Faith stood quietly behind a wall at the end of the corridor so they wouldn’t see her. She listened as they talked innocently about the plans they had for later that evening, so she walked off and went to find her parents and relatives. She began to feel stupid for being jealous and distrustful of Prodigal. One day she was going to be Mrs. Prodigal Runsome, so she convinced herself there was nothing for her to be concerned about – nothing at all.

“Prodigal, you’re right. Faith did invite me. But I can’t come tonight. After we leave Chili’s, Skyler and I are going to hang out and celebrate my birthday.”

“That’s cool.” He hesitated before he continued. “Teary, there’s something I want to say and since I don’t know when we’ll have the chance to be alone again, I want to say it now.”

“Prodigal, if it’s about Skyler, don’t worry about me. Things are going to be fine. You’ll see.”

“This has nothing to do with him. This has to do with us. Come on,” Prodigal said grabbing hold of her shoulders and giving her a push into the empty dressing room.

“What are you doing?” she asked, uncertain as to why Prodigal was being so serious.

“Will you be quiet for a minute and listen?” he commanded. He reached inside his pant pocket and pulled out a silver box.

“What is that? Is it something for Faith.” Teary asked.

“No. It’s something for you,” Prodigal interjected, opening the box revealing a sterling silver bracelet with break-away heart charms dangling from it. “Happy birthday, Teary.”

Teary was speechless. She shifted her glistening eyes to the bracelet, pulling it out of its box. Holding it in her hands, she saw the dangling broken hearts. One half of the heart had the initial ‘P’ engraved on it. The other half of the heart had the initial ‘T’ engraved on it.

“Oh, Prodigal, it’s beautiful,” she told him. “I love it.”

Prodigal removed the bracelet from her hands and placed it on her tiny wrist. “Teary, I want you to promise me something, okay?”

“Sure, anything, you know that.” She was puzzled and had no idea what he was about to say.

“Teary.” He paused for a few seconds before going on. “Promise me that we’ll always be here for each other. Promise me that we’ll never let anything or anyone come between our friendship.”

“Is that all you wanted to say? You know nothing can come between us, not ever. That should go without saying.”

“Wait, listen to me, Teary. I’m serious. You’re the only person who knows everything there is about me. You’re the only one who I trust completely. I mean, don’t get me wrong; I care deeply for Faith. I might ask her to marry me one day. And I know you love Skyler, but…”

She interrupted. “Say no more. I’ll always be here for you, always. Do you remember when we were little and we pricked our fingers to pledge our bond of friendship?”

“Yes, I remember.” A smile came across his face as he remembered that afternoon at Willow Lake.

“Well, that bond is still in tact, Prodigal, and I’ll never ever breach it. You’ve never judged me. You’ve never put me down. You’re the one person I can truly be myself around and I love you for that.”

Prodigal was transfixed by what Teary had just said to him. For a moment, nothing and no one else mattered except the two of them.

It was his turn. “No matter where I travel in life, no matter what I do, or who I’m with, you’ll always be my best friend. You’ll always know where I am, and whenever you need me, I promise to come running.”

He pulled her into his arms and embraced her as tight as he could. He wanted to tell her that he not only loved her but that he was in love with her, but he didn’t want to ruin what they had. He inhaled the sweet fragrance of her hair, and gently twirled one of her locks between his fingers.

“Girl, you’re something else,” Prodigal said to her, his gaze fixed on her. “It’s no wonder I love your silly butt. By the way, don’t think just because you’re eighteen and a high school graduate that you’re grown. You still have to answer to me.” He yanked her hair like he used to do when they were kids.

“Boy puhleeze. Don’t you start no mess, or I’ll whip your butt and send you running home to your momma,” she smiled.

“Yeah, right,” he laughed before his face took on a serious look again. “Look at us. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.”

“Yes, it is, Prodigal.” A tear formed in the crest of her eyes.

He reached out and hugged her again, only this time when he pulled back from her, their eyes locked, and he did what he had longed to do for such a long time. He kissed her full on the lips, unable to bridle his passion. Their hot tongues explored the inside of each other’s mouths. His arms embraced her shoulders before traveling to her delicate waist and landing on her thighs. In return, she wrapped her arms easily around his neck, holding on to him, pulling him toward her, never wanting to let him go. She heard his heavy breathing and felt his heart pounding, or was it hers?

He hungered for her. He couldn’t believe he was finally holding the girl he’d loved for all these years in his arms. Her body was soft, yielding to him. He heard himself groan and he became aroused for her and only her. Oblivious to everything but the two of them, he was where he’d always wanted to be, longed to be. He couldn’t resist as he explored the sweetness between her legs.

“Ahhh,” he said as he thrust against her. She put up no resistance, but answered with pleasurable moans of her own. Her hand touched him where he’d dreamed of her touching him and he rose to meet her.

Suddenly, as if someone had prodded him with a hot poker, he pulled back, being careful not to allow himself to think he felt anything but true friendship for her.

She didn’t fully comprehend what had just happened between the two of them or how she felt about it. She told herself it was just a kiss between friends — an innocent kiss. She stole one last look at her best friend before both of them pretended that what had just happened, hadn’t.

“Does seven sound good for you and Faith?” Teary asked, her face still flushed.

“Seven sounds fine.” Prodigal responded, clearing his throat.

They walked out hand in hand, in silence, down the long, winding corridor.

♦

Teary rushed out of the auditorium and darted past her family in search of Skyler. She didn’t see him anywhere, and he had promised her he would be there.

Skyler, where are you? She thought as she ran until she reached the double doors leading to the outside of the huge Convention Center. Just as she reached out to open one of the doors, Skyler yanked it open.

“Skyler, where have you been?” Her eyebrows arched in a frown. She didn’t know if he had lost track of the time or what had occurred.

“Listen, baby. I couldn’t bring myself to come up front so I just stayed in the back of the auditorium until the whole thing was over,” Skyler explained.

“But why?” she asked, not knowing whether to be angry or feel sad. “Look, you knew that today was an important chapter in my life. I wanted to share it with you and see your face when I walked across the stage.” Her voice was high and her body twitched.

“You are sharing it with me. I just didn’t want any confusion. You know your parents don’t like me much. And as for your boy, well let's just say, you know how much he hates me. I just didn’t want to mess up anything for you. I love you too much. I wanted this day to be special for you, girl. You looked good up there, baby. I’m proud of you.”

He drew her close to him, kissed her on the lips while holding her tight and caressing her.

“Please, not here,” she mumbled.

“As you say, madam.” He gestured by bowing his head toward her. “Look, I’ll make it up to you. I promise. Now come on, let me see that pretty smile of yours.” He moved a lock of hair back from her face and rubbed his hands across her cheek. She forced a phony smile. She couldn’t stay mad at him for very long. He had just that kind of affect on her. “Hey, are we still going to Chili’s?” he asked.

“Yes, but first I have to go back inside and let my parents and family fond over me and all that stuff first; you know what I mean.”

“No, I don’t. I’ve never had that. I wish my parents had been alive to fond over me and all.”

She could have crawled up in a corner. She hated it when she made senseless, stupid remarks like she just did.

“I’m sorry. Look, it won’t take me long to say my good-byes to them. Are you going to wait on me or do you want me to meet you there?”

“No, I’ll wait.” He gave her a kiss on her cheek and a tap on her butt. “Now go on and hurry back.”

“Okay.” She giggled, running back into the auditorium.

Back in the auditorium, Prodigal and Faith’s families were busy taking snapshots of the two of them.

“Stand over there by the fountain, Prodigal,” Fantasia said as she took several shots with her digital camera. “Now, the both of you get together and give me one of those, I’m so glad to be out of school kind of poses.” She took more pictures while Faith’s parents captured their share too.

“Hey, you guys, that’s a wrap,” Mrs. Meadows finally announced. “I think we’ve taken enough pictures to fill an entire photo album.”

Fantasia looped her arm inside the arm of her brother’s.” “Faith, mind if I steal your man for just a minute?”

“Sure, take your time with him. He knows where to come when you’re finished,” Faith teased.

“Come on, bro. Let me talk to you for a minute.”

“What’s up sis?” Prodigal said as he waked off arm in arm with his big sister.

“I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You have a promising future ahead of you and a good girl by your side. I know you’re going to do well out in the real world. Daddy would be proud of you too, you know.” The admiration Fantasia felt for her brother was overpowering. Of all people, Fantasia understood how difficult living without their daddy had been for Prodigal. Out of the three of them, she believed he was the one who suffered the worse.

“Thanks, Fantasia,” he said and hugged his sister. “You’ve always believed in me. You’ve never put me down in any way; and I love you for that.”

“I love you too, Prodigal.” They hugged each other before they resumed their conversation.

“What time are we supposed to go over to Faith’s for the cookout?”

“Around eight-thirty.”

“What else do you have going on?”

“Faith and I are going to meet Teary and her boyfriend at Chili’s. We aren’t going to stay very long. I already told Teary that I want to spend some time with you before you leave.”

“Sounds good to me. Now go and say your good-byes to everybody until later. I’m going to take Hope to the mall. She wants to get an outfit for the youth lock-in the church is having next weekend. By the time we finish doing that, you and Faith will probably be heading back from Chili’s.”

“Sounds like a great game plan to me, big sis. I’ll see you later then.” Prodigal turned and headed back inside to search for Faith. But before he could make it any distance, she walked up.

Fantasia leaned over and kissed Faith on her cheek. “I’m proud of you too, but you know that already,” she said, and reached out to give her soon to be sister-in-law a hug and a kiss.

“Thanks, Fantasia. That means a lot to me. I heard that you’re going to be taking your second march across the stage in a few months.”

Fantasia raised her hand in a high five motion and responded, “You got that right, and I can’t wait either. Are you going to be able to come with Prodigal?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.”

“Great. Well, look, don’t let me be the one to hold y’all up. I know you’re supposed to be meeting Teary, so let me get out of here and go find Momma and Hope. I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Okay,” the both of them said.

Faith then turned her attention to Prodigal. “Prodigal, have you seen Teary?” Faith asked.

“Naw. The last I saw of her, she was going to look for Skyler. She’s probably outside with him somewhere.” Just as he finished his sentence, Teary appeared. She gave Prodigal an awkward look. He returned her gaze with an uneasy one of his own. Sensations from their earlier encounter remained fresh in their minds.

“Have you said all of your good-byes?” Teary asked Faith.

“Sure have,” said Faith.

Prodigal nervously answered rubbing his hands across his forehead. “Yeah we’re ready.” He began to look around. “Where’s Skyler?”

Faith noticed that Prodigal was rather fidgety. “Are you all right?” she asked him.

“Sure, just still excited about today, that’s all,” Prodigal replied. He then stole a quick glance in Teary’s direction. She immediately looked away. I’ve got to keep it together. It was just a kiss between friends, nothing more. A chill moved up and down his spine. Got to be cool. “What did you say, Teary?”

“I said, he’s outside waiting on us,” Teary repeated. “Are y’all going to follow us or ride with us?”

“Faith is driving. We’ll follow you,” Prodigal answered.

A white Chevy Malibu was a surprise graduation gift to Faith from her parents. Prodigal disliked the fact that she always had to be the one to drive them from place to place. Before her parents bought her the car, they often let her use their Park Avenue from time to time. Prodigal wasn’t angry with his mother for not being able to buy him a car. He was angry with his father. Why did his daddy have die? Why and how could he just check out on life like he did?

“We’ll see you there then,” Teary said.

“Yeah sure,” Prodigal responded without the least bit of excitement in his voice.

When they arrived at Chili’s, Prodigal excused himself and dashed straight to the back of the restaurant. He went into the recreation area to try his hand at a game of pool. Skyler made his way to the bar and ordered himself a beer.

Teary and Faith had the hostess to seat them at a table in the non-smoking section. The two girls chatted most of the time about their plans for the future now that they had graduated.

“Now that we’re officially free to conquer the world, what’s your next move, Teary?” Faith asked her as she placed the straw to her lips and sipped on her cherry Cola.

“Marriage, but don’t tell anyone yet.” Teary bent over and whispered.

“Did you say marriage? You and Skyler?

“Yes, me and Skyler.”

Faith was shocked to hear her talk about marriage. “When are you two getting married?”

“It’s going to be soon, real soon.”

“Fill me in on everything. How and when did this come about? And don’t leave out any of the juicy details either.”

“Girl, you’re crazy,” Teary remarked, taking a swallow of her diet Cola. “But okay, here’s how it happened. Skyler popped the big question one evening after we returned from seeing a movie. We were at his place listening to music and gulping down tacos. He started out by telling me, ‘We’ve been together for almost a year. Everything is right between us, baby. You know that don’t you?’ I told him, ‘Yeah, of course I do”. I didn’t know exactly where he was going with the conversation.”

“You had no idea what he was talking about?” Faith rested her chin in her hands and leaned in closer.

“Nope, but he looked serious and acted like he was searching for the right words or something. That’s when I started getting a little nervous,” Teary said, squirming in her chair.

“Nervous, why?”

“Because. I thought he was about to break up with or that something bad had happened. I didn’t know what to think.”

“I feel you on that. Keep on.” Faith insisted.

“Then he said, ‘I want you to know that I love you, girl. I think I fell in love with you the first time I laid eyes on you in that mall. I know I don’t have a lot, but you know I’m trying. You know that I do have a lot of love for you.’”

“What did you say? Did you just about fall out or what?” Faith shrieked, taking another gulp from her soda until the swoosh sound was heard, letting her know nothing else was in her glass.

“I didn’t have time to react, because that’s when he said, ‘I want you to marry me, Teary. Tell me you will.’”

“Oh, no,” Faith shrieked, hitting her hands up and down on the wood table.

“Oh, yes, girl. I started boo-hooing and then I said, ‘Yes, I’ll marry you.’” He grabbed my hand and put this on it.” Teary reached inside her purse and pulled out a diamond cluster engagement ring. Faith’s eyes grew as big as marbles.

“No, he did not,” Faith gasped at the sight of the ring.

“Oh yes he did,” Teary countered. “Then he said, ‘Teary, I’ll make you happy. You’ll see.’”

“Why don’t you have it on your finger?"

“Because, I told you. I haven’t told anyone, not even Prodigal. You’re the first one who I’ve confided in.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t told him,” Faith responded, looking over her shoulder in Prodigal’s direction.

“He’s the main one that I don’t want to tell. You of all people know how he is.”

Faith felt a rush of satisfaction at hearing Teary say she and Skyler were going to get married. It removed some of Faith’s insecurity when it came to Teary and Prodigal. Teary being married to Skyler would pave the way for her to have Prodigal completely. No more sharing him with Teary. She exhaled and continued to listen to Teary.

“Dang, Faith. I wish Prodigal and Skyler could get along.”

“Me too, but I don’t see that happening any time soon.” Faith responded.

“Yeah, I know. Anyway, we’ve been looking for an apartment for a few weeks now. I think we’re going to get a townhouse in the same complex where he and his roommate, Johnny, live.”

“When are you going to tell your family?”

“Skyler said he thinks that the best thing would be for us to go ahead and get married before we tell them. I think he’s right.”

“Teary, I don’t know if that’s the best thing to do.” Faith sighed.

The waitress came and refilled each of their glasses. “Are you ready to place your orders or do you want more time,” she asked.

“Yes, we’re ready,” Faith spoke up. The girls ordered a couple of appetizers. They didn’t want much to eat since they all had other plans for later. Teary and Faith waited until the waitress turned and left before resuming their conversation.

“Teary, you know your parents are going to be heartbroken if you don’t tell them.”

“You know for yourself if they find out that we want to get married, they’re going to hit the ceiling. I don’t want to hear the story about the two of us being unequally yoked. I don’t want Daddy to start preaching about Skyler not being in church. So what if Skyler doesn’t go to church. He’s still trying to make a difference in his life.”

“Still, Teary, don’t you think you should at least tell them before you get married?” Faith asked.

“No, I don’t. Like I said, Skyler’s had a really hard life and I don’t want to hear their mouths. I don’t need the drama in my life. I love him just as much as you love Prodigal and that’s all that matters.” Teary hoped that Faith would see her side of it. “I know you understand, don’t you?”

“I know you love him. But I also think that the two of you should make sure that this is what you’re ready to do. You’re so young. Does he even have a steady job yet? I mean one that can support the two of you. What about his education? Is he going to stay in college? What if you get pregnant? There’s just a lot to think about. And I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I hear everything you’re saying, but I can’t worry about being scared, and I’m not too young to know that I love him. Everything has to work out for us. As for getting pregnant, I’m on the pill. But Skyler wants children to have children right away, so I’m not worried about that either. I can’t let him slip through my fingers. He needs me. He doesn't have any one in his life but me. I won’t let him down.”

“And you say you haven’t mentioned any of this to Prodigal?”

Teary hesitated before answering. “No, I haven’t, and please, don’t you breathe a word to him either. I’ll tell him when the time is right.”

“Whatever you say. But he’s going to be crushed when he hears, and you know it. I hope we don’t have to pull the two of them apart when you tell him.”

“I hope not either. Anyway Prodigal has you and he has his own life. I can’t worry about him right now or what he thinks, Faith. I just can’t.”

“Suit yourself, but look, let me ask you this and then I’m through with it.”

“Go ahead. Ask away,” Teary responded.

“Have you prayed about this? You know that’s what you’re supposed to do. You, of all people, should know that neither of us can afford to walk into our future without seeking God, not after all we’ve been taught about him. I mean, we can’t afford to abandon our faith, especially now.”

“Look, I hear what you’re saying but I don’t have to pray about it, Faith. I know Skyler is the one for me. If nobody else can see that, then so be it.”

“Okay, whatever,” Faith said looking down at her Mickey Mouse watch. The waitress brought the two overstuffed appetizer trays and sat them on a table beside them. While she unloaded their order, Faith used it as an excuse to get out of the conversation. She didn’t want to tear her friend down, but she believed Teary was about to make a huge mistake.

“I better go and get Prodigal so we can eat. It won’t be long before it’s time for us to go. But before I do, I just want you to know that I hope you and Skyler will be happy together.”

“Too bad your future husband won’t feel the same way.”

“He just wants the best for you, that’s all. You can’t blame him for that, Teary. And you can’t say too much about Prodigal anyway, because Skyler doesn’t like him either if I might remind you.”

“I think they’re jealous of one another.”

“Yeah, that makes sense, but that’s why I was hoping tonight we could just hang out, enjoy each other and maybe the two of them could begin to get along. But you see how that’s turned out. Your man’s on one side of the restaurant and Skyler’s at the bar.”

“Just give them time,” Faith responded. “Everything will work out.”

♦

Prodigal swallowed the last portion of hot wings. Without mouthing a word, he pounced up from the table like a kitten after a ball of yarn, almost knocking over the almost empty glasses of soda. He politely took hold of Faith’s elbow, and forced her to stand.

“Hey, can’t I at least finish this last mozzarella cheese stick?” Faith asked him. Prodigal didn’t answer her. Instead, he walked around to the other side of the table where Teary sat.

“Look, we have to leave. I told Fantasia we wouldn’t be gone long. You sure you don’t want to come with us?” Prodigal asked.

“I’m sure. I already told you, Skyler and I are going to celebrate tonight, just the two of us. We’re going to hang out here for a little while, and then go do a little something,” Teary said, smiling coyly.

Skyler spoke up with an evil glint in his eye “Anyway, man. My lady and I have a lot to celebrate tonight. We actually have three things, don’t we, baby?” Skyler leaned over the table, propped his elbow on the edge and started to outline Teary’s lips with butterfly kisses. Underneath the table she hit her knee against his as a warning for him to shut up, but he ignored her gesture.

“Tell me about it, man.” Prodigal’s jaw bone flexed, a sign of his pent up anger.

“Let’s see. Where do I start? First, my lady just graduated from high school ,” Skyler stated.

“Yeah, keep on,” Prodigal’s voice conveyed his frustration with Skyler.

“Second, she just turned eighteen,” Skyler continued.

Prodigal stood rigid as a statue Faith didn’t make as sound. She eyed Teary nervously. You worthless punk, Prodigal thought to himself. “And the third?” Prodigal asked.

With a look of revenge plastered across his face and an uplifted eyebrow, Skyler stood up. “Yes, yes, yes. The third, the best out of the three. Da, dah,” Skyler said, trying to imitate the sound of a musical note. “May I present to you the soon to be Mrs. Skyler Jenkins. Right, baby?” He watched Prodigal’s face turn from chocolate brown to beet red before he added insult to injury by kissing Teary passionately.

Faith was stunned. How could Skyler do something like this? Prodigal lunged toward Skyler but Faith managed to grab him before he landed a blow.

“Prodigal, honey. Don’t do this. You should be glad for Teary. The two obviously love each other.” Faith continued.

About the same time, Teary stood up, “Prodigal, don’t. Like Faith said, I love Skyler and he loves me.”

Prodigal couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Married? How could she even think about doing such a stupid thing? He gave Teary an ice cold stare. How could she do something like this without telling me? I’m sick of her messing her life up with one jerk after another. He fumed, “Hey, I don’t know what to say,” Prodigal responded, his jaw flinching in anger even more than before.

“You can start by saying, congratulations,” Skyler said as he stood up and purposely planted another juicy kiss on Teary’s open mouth.

Prodigal shrugged his shoulders, grabbed Faith’s hand and said sarcastically, “Congratulations. See yah, Teary.”

“See yah, Prodigal. Bye Faith,” Teary said sadly. Prodigal hurriedly left the restaurant.

Skyler and Teary watched as the couple exited the restaurant. Skyler smirked, then placed his arm around Teary. “Baby, don’t look so down. You and I have the whole night to be together. Come on, sit back down,” he ordered.

Teary obeyed his instructions in silence. She didn’t want Prodigal to find out like this.

“Tell me something, sweetheart. Would you much rather be with them or with your man?” Skyler asked her in a pleading voice. Teary looked into his searching eyes.

“You know there’s nobody in this world but you that I’d rather be with,” she said. “It’s just that I wasn’t planning on Prodigal finding out about our marriage like this. I wanted to be the one to tell him. God, I wish the two of you could get along.”

“Forget him. Let’s have a toast ―to sharing the rest of our lives together.” They sipped on their drinks while underneath the table Skyler rubbed his hands up and down her thighs. “How about going to the club with me tonight? You’ll be eighteen in about an hour and a half,” he chuckled. “So you can come and see where your fiancé performs.”

“Okay,” she answered hesitantly. “But I hope before we get married that you find something better to do than working at that club. How are we going to get our lives together and do the right thing if you keep working there? I know you make good money, but I still don’t want my husband dancing half-naked in front of a bunch of wild, horny, desperate women. It just isn’t right. What you’re doing is not pleasing to God Skyler. Don’t you agree?”

He evaded her probing question. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll find something else. This is just for now, to help us get an apartment and some of the stuff we’re going to need to start out. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”