"Bobby was a beloved partner to Valerie and a loving, gentle father to Alaya..." Elder Right says.
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Bobby loved Alaya. He took fatherhood seriously. And changed her surname from Johnston to Dickens within a year of his return. She was almost two years old when he came into her life, but by the time she was four, he taught her tons of bible stories, how to dream the impossible, how to kick a ball, and how to recognize words. Bobby believed that Alaya should always be steps ahead of her peers. He was so proud of his little princess.
Bobby decided he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and be a minster of religion. He also wanted to do lots of work in the community and partner with justice organizations. He shared his testimony of his Atlanta experiences with the church and it was warmly received. He further shared his stories with the kids in the community, motivating them to strive for greatness. "The color of your skin should never be a barrier to success," Bobby told them. Bobby got a job coaching the football team at our local secondary school. He was also a lay preacher at our church. Things were definitely looking up!
As for Bobby and me, it took us a few months to get back together. Bobby proposed to me at a family church fun day. He gave three-year-old Alaya, a huge poster to hold up saying, "Val, will you marry me?" I was stunned into happiness. I grabbed little Alaya off the ground and her dad ran over, hugging us both, "Of course I will marry you." I said and kissed him. It was a happy day; the only disappointment was that Aunt Peaches wasn't there to celebrate with us.
The new year was upon us, and Bobby will be turning thirty in February. Wow, I will be twenty-eight in September. Bobby and I will get married in June, a few weeks after Alaya's fourth birthday.
The ferocious five were by my bungalow planning a trip to Atlanta during the Spring break. Keisha and Dwayne would be off from University. Roger worked at the public library and would apply for some vacation days. Bobby and I planned to take time off work. The "Atlanta City Adventure" plan was hatched.
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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...
