I am wearing shades. But the tears are plenty. I don't wipe them away. I am holding our child, Bobby and mine. Alaya snuggles closer, her large eyes taking in everything. The church choir is singing a series of heart rendering songs, and there are cries throughout the church. We are heartbroken. Why did the police take Bobby away from us...so senseless! Oh Lord, whyyyyy?
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After Bobby's graduation, he got a job at Mr. Jones hardware store. Mr. Jones was a longstanding member of our church and was wealthy. Bobby enjoyed his job. He caught on to things quickly and was great with the customers. It wasn't long before he was a supervisor in the outdoor department at just eighteen years old. True to his word, that summer, Bobby asked mama if he could take me to see a movie.
Mama smiled, "I know you eyeing my daughter long time Bobby. Take her to the movies, but no hanky panky business. She is still school age." Mama told him.
"Yes, Aunt June." Bobby responded, respectful.
And just like that, Bobby and I became an item. I was the envy of many girls in the community. Bobby was considered a great catch. He was going to take over the church someday. He wasn't just good looking, he was really, really, smart. Pastor Donald wanted him to go to college, but Bobby refused. He did not want to leave our little community, Dawson. But Pastor Donald and Aunt Peaches just thought he didn't want to leave me. We were in love. Our affection was difficult to hide. I didn't get the chance to date another boy. He wasn't interested in any other girl. By the time Bobby was twenty, he wanted us to get married, but our parents were dead set against it. We were too young, they had said.
As our relationship matured, Bobby started talking more and more about going to University. He wanted to be a Probations Officer. He had this fire in his eyes that needed to be quenched. I was a daycare teacher at the time. Although Bobby would be leaving us, and our small town, I encouraged him to apply. He got into Georgia State University and left the Fall after his twenty fourth birthday.
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A Dark Sun
RomanceValerie loved Bobby. Bobby loved Valerie. Everyone in the community knew it, though the two tried to keep their relations secret. They were childhood friends who grew to be lovers. But they were black. And black people can find themselves in the...
