Life happens, damn that's exactly how Harlee felt in this moment as she watched the bus drive down the
street., as this was not the day to miss the bus as she had a very important interview to get to today.
Harlee looks up to the sky and say "LORD! With her hands clasped together in front of her chest, if you can
hear me please I need this job so I can get my granny out the hood. Amen." Just then another bus pulls up
and it was her favorite driver Booyah. She steps on the bus, she pays her fare and gives booyah his fist bump
and head nod with big ole smile" Thank you booyah you are my saving grace today", with sigh of relief.
Today she had a very important interview for the number one modeling agency in the city of Chicago and the
owner Vincent Blossom was hosting the interviews as he was tired of the same old same old.
Harlee popped in her air pods and turned on her meditating music to calm her nerves as they were getting
the best of her. She was watching the big buildings pass by as she lost herself in the scenery she was always
an outdoor water person, one with natural type of girl. She got lost in the blurs of colors that she almost
missed her stop and she can't afford to miss anything else today she pulls the string and the ding so she
could get off at the aquarium. As she gets off the bus Booyah wishes her luck as he knew she had an
important interview today. Hailee crosses the street to go into the Shedd Aquarium which she felt was kind
of odd for an interview but she was just excited to be invited for an interview alone, as modeling was harder
to break into when you don't have a social media present in this era of modeling and fashion.
What Harlee didn't know was that this wasn't just an interview for a modeling position but a date where
Vance is going to confess his love for her as they were childhood sweethearts who got separated because
Vance's parents got divorced when he and his sister were only 13 and 6 and his mom decided to move him
and his sister Karla to Virginia and they stayed there until he left for Stanford and after he study fine arts
and graduated top of his class with a BS in Fine arts focus Fashion and media he created his baby HER
couture. He's been in the fashion and media industry for only 4 years and he was ready for a fresh look but
he needed to find the one who inspired him to go after his dream. "Harlee De'mon" her parents were French
from France she was born there and her parents moved her to America at the age of 7, after they found out
that her granny wasn't doing so well. There she met Vance and his parents and they grew up together in the
streets of south side Chicago as neighbors, their moms were best friends and inseparable as well. So it broke
Harlee's moms' heart when she found out the her best friend was packing her and the kids to leave for
Virginia. Vance's parents' divorce was a mutual agreement the love had died and there was nothing that they
hadn't tried to keep their marriage together they simply grew apart and wanted to go their separate ways.
Now Harlee wasn't your average built woman, she curvy and had a little pudge but that's what the ad had
asked for again she found it weird for the specifics but her philosophy was if Ashley graham can do it and the
curvy natural models for Rihanna and Lizzo can do it so could she. So as she approaches the door she closes
her eyes and takes a deep breath to try and calm her beating heart as she reminds herself that this is for a job
but also the first time she is seeing the love of her life again for the first time since they were 13. Just then
her alarm goes signaling the start time of the interview and she was panicked as she had to run to the other
side the aquarium to get into hair and makeup.
Vance standing in front of the big tank looking at all the fish swim he was lost in thought of what Harlee
might look like as he hadn't seen her in 15 years. All of sudden his body tingled he smiled and happily sighed
" She's Here." He was trying to visualize what she looked like because he tried to stalk her Ig but there is
nothing to it as she is a fresh starting model trying to get her big break. Vance then began to reminisce on
their childhood and how they were inseparable, attached at the hip. As Harlee was getting dressed and her
makeup done they asked her how she wanted her hair since she had to get into the water she stated how it is
as her curls look better when wet. So when her makeup was done and tested to be water proof they walked
her to the big tank where Vance's knees damn near buckled and brought him the floor. In his mind she is
even more beautiful then I remembered she was confidently standing in front of him with nothing but a
white shear dress that flowed like a cloud when she walked and he was so memorized with her curvy shape
he couldn't get over how much she had filled out now don't get me wrong she started to blossom at 13 but
baby she is a proud flower standing tall. She was a perfect 5'6 curly long hair if straighten it would pass her
butt the most perfect sized bust he had ever seen and he has seen plenty due to the job and no he didn't not
sleep around he was saving himself for her and hoped and prayed she did the same for him and he noticed
that her hip were perfect not to narrow not wide just perfect he didn't get to see her bottom but from the
way her hips are set but he know she is dragging a wagon, no disrespect.
Harlee began to glide across the aquarium floor towards him to shake his hand and to introduce herself to a
man she knew she would never forget, her first love, her last love she hasn't tried to date since him. Vance
Blossom stood at a proud 6'7 thick athletic build, low bald fade with a 1-2 taper in the back, low trimmed
goatee perfect pink lips and let's not forget he was the perfect shade of dark brown with the whitest teeth you
ever seen . When she got close enough to him she smelled the Burberry touch on him strong and she
instantly got weak in the knees and her flower got a little moist. She knew him she knew he would do
everything to impress her. So she broke the ice, Hi Mr. Blossom my name is Harlee De'mon I am here for
the interview and to be your next big model." He then came to and smile and said Hello, Harlee thank you
for coming I hope you don't mind this location I'm trying a new interview process, I must see you in action
for you to be consider as my next model. Her chest tighten just a little because she felt like he didn't
remember her but he did he just didn't want to come off to strong like pulling her close and kissing the life
out of her to make for all the years passed between them, but when she looked into his eyes she saw the
same warm cuddle bear she fell in love with and she knew she had to show him that not only she can be a
great model but she was going to make him remember her before her interview was over. She let go of his
hand but he didn't and she had to grab it back to let him know the sun was about to set and if he wanted the
pictures with the sun just right in the background he had to let go so she could go get in the tank. And he
finally let her hand go an she left with the aquarium team to be taking to the top of the tank to get it and she
knew exactly what spot she needed to swim to get the perfect picture.
There was this one reef towards the middle of the tank that had an half circle broke off and if the sun hits it
just right is give this angelic golden hue and it the most breathtaking moment in the whole aquarium to
catch and Harlee should know as she lived and breathed the aquarium she just loved to be surrounded by
water and the fish are always to beautiful which is another reason why she felt so comfortable in this
photoshoot/ interview. So when she got to the top of the tank the photographer was waiting and she
introduced herself as Serena Monde' and Harlee introduced herself and when she stated her last name it
knocked the wind out the photographer who knew she was the one kept Vance's love and attention but she
was trying to change that as she had fell in love with Vance but he never noticed her. So she told Harlee that
she was following her as their policy was go with the flow of the model that's what made them such a unique
agency. Harlee said ok got her air and was handed a pair of google to protect her eyes from the salt water of
the tank, and slipped into the water.
Serena followed and a dive expert too as they had the air for her to breathe when she need it. Harlee looked
outside through the googles provided and saw that the sun was lining up just perfect to get the picture that
she had always wanted, so she swam and perched herself on the reef and folded her legs underneath herself
as the dress pooled at around her to look like she was floating on a cloud and she picked her hair out for
more of an AFRO water look and placed her hands together like she was praying and by the time she was set
the sun was beaming perfectly off the Hudson river outside pointing through the reef which gave the whole
tank a golden hue and it made her glow. It really bought out the brown and red in her hair, she looked so
peaceful and angelic and soft. It took everyone's breath away and Serena snapped away, Photos from all
angles that Hailee only need one pose and on the other side of the glass a romantic dinner was being set up
but Vance was watching the photos as they came to edit screen and he knew one the love for Harlee never
left and it just grew tenfold he couldn't wait to confess his love for her tonight. Two he knew he had just
found the newest hottest model on the market and he was shocked on why she was never picked up. After
the sun had moved off the water Harlee opened her eyes and motioned for the googles and air and swam to
the top of the tank and the photos didn't stop the photographer caught Harlee at the right swim angles that
she knew Vance would love to see as she saw why Vance was so in love with Harlee she was exquisitely
beautiful and she didn't have any bad angles from what she captured.
As Harlee climbed out the tank she was met with warm towels and was told that they would take her to
shower and to change into another outfit as the interview part was to begin. Serena popped her head out of
the water right as Harlee was leaving with the most jealous of eyes and envy growing in her heart. She knew
she was going to have to confess her love to Vance before Harlee came back for the fake interview part and
she had to move fast who she would lose the love of her life to a nobody. Serena climbed out of the tank as
fast as she could and ran to the shower room closest to the tank that the dive experts use to shower off and
to get dress she took the dress that Harlee was supposed to wear as Vance had picked it for her. She quickly
blow dried her hair and did her signature hair flip that gave her body wave hair a little umph. She looked in
the mirror and hurriedly did her makeup to the best of her ability and put on the heels that went with the
dress and smile with her read lip as she knew Red was Vance's favorite color. What she didn't know was that
Vance had found an outfit more fitting for Harlee and she wasn't an over the top type of gal and truly
appreciated shades of brown. So he had found the perfect sienna brown that he knew would pop against her
skin and the perfect clear strappy heel to finish the look her makeup to be the minimalist as her beauty was
already perfect.
All of a sudden Vance is almost knocked over as he notice Serena walking up to him in a very fast paced
manner, like she had something important to tell him.
"VANCE!
"Serena what's wrong? Are you hurt" Vane looking as her with such concern which made her feel so warm
inside. Serena then smile and no I'm quite alright just I really need to talk to you about something. Can we
sit?" Vance pulled a chair out and motioned for her to sit and he sat next to her, she grab his hands and
looked him deep in her eyes, which kind of made Vance a little uncomfortable because he was nervous on
what Serena had to say to him. Serena gripped his hands and took a deep breathe.
"Vance I don't know how to tell you this but I'll just come out with it......... sigh I love you Vance I have since
you hired me as your photographer, I love how much you care and go out of your way to make sure I eat and
how much sleep I get and you even leave work to come take care of me when I'm sick and during the past
two years I've falling deeper and deeper in love with you and I wanted to tell but I never knew the right time
until now. And I hope you at least somehow feel the same." Serena finished with looking down at her hands
and all Vance could do was stare at her and in his head he is like girl you really waited until I had the love of
my life back in my presence to tell me this.
The silence was deafing, Vance cleared his throat and calmly told Serena that he didn't feel the same. When
she heard that, her heart shattered and her chest got tight. Vance then went on to tell her " Serena I'm sorry
I do not feel the same as my heart belongs to someone already and I have been searching for her for so long.
In another life time I would definitely feel the same but I don't and I don't want this to affect our work, so if
you need to resign then that is fine I will not contest to it and I will sign it Monday morning when I get in the
office. Harlee was walking to the open tank when she heard Serena tell Vance that she loved him and she
just pictured her in his arms and it broke her heart but she had to make him remember her. So she sucked
up her tears and walked into the room softly that they didn't hear her. Vance pulled Serena in for a hug and
kissed her forehead, which knocked the wind out of Harlee like she had lost the battle she got real tight.
Harlee approached and cleared her throat which caused them to split Serena looked at her with hatred tears
in her eyes, as Vance was giving her warm love eyes.
Harlee kindly said I am ready for the interview part, as it was getting late and she had to get back to her
grandmother to made sure she took her nightly meds. Hearing that Vance knew Harlee was taking care of
her granny now and that raised the question on what happened to her parents. 2. he didn't have all night to
make her remember him. Serena said" excuse me can't you see that I'm having a moment with him how rude
of you". Vance said "Serena! The moment was over and that you will not be rude to our newest model",
Harlee and serena's jaws dropped and they both said 'what?!' Vance then walked over to Harlee and said
"yes, I loved what I saw and you gave me exactly what I was looking for, how did you know that the sun did
that"? Harlee giggled and said" you are looking a platinum member at the Shedd Aquarium, I loved this
place ever since I was a little girl I was always begging my parents to bring me here every weekend and we
came almost every other weekend I was here so much I got close with the owner and his family that I'm a
niece to them now. I just love Sealife and anything to do with water. And I love that spot because it always
gives me a recharge so I soak it in."
Vance said " oh it gave you a recharge alright" he pulled up the editors screen and showed her the pictures
on slideshow and he said that "you literarily glowed like you controlled the light". And Serena just stomped
her foot and gave a very frustrated sign and told Vance " I will make you the most Hated man when I'm done
with you". And stormed off. Harlee looked at him and said did "she miss something?", Vance sighed and said
"nothing I just need to find a new Photographer like she is the best in the game", and Harlee said "I got you
boss man you want the top Photographer I got you, I personally know Herschel Quan". Vance eyes popped
out his head and he said" you know thee Herschel Quan?", Harlee looked him dead in his soul and said "yes
I know my own cousin." Vance was like "COUSIN!?", Harlee replied "yes. Cousin, real name Herschel
Johnson we called him Quan Boy growing up". And Then it Clicked for Vance on what Harlee was trying to
do and he couldn't let her beat him to the punch of making her remember, Vance then said "Oh wow I didn't
know you were related to him I've been trying to get a meeting with him but he is always abroad" . She was
back looking at her pictures and she said "I Never thought I would ever get to take a photo like this and it
came out just how I envisioned it." Vance walked up next to her and said "you really have an eye for things
natural and beautiful."
Harlee then look at Vance and said "I know who you are and you know I'm not one to beat around the bush,
Vance Marcelle Blossom from 134th street southside Chicago. I love how you had Karla call me acting like I
put in an application for this position. Hunny you are terrible at hiding secrets from someone who knows
you. So Vance how did you find me?"
Vance shocked and shook that she remembered him and his nickname he couldn't help but laugh and it was
a gut buster. He looked at Harlee and said" what gave it away?" She responded "your eyes for one the love in
them I still remember the warmth it gives me and then two the way you remembered Quan boy as soon as I
said his nickname like sir we all played in the sand box together until you left. How is your mom by the way?
I'm sorry to hear about your dad, I know you and him weren't really close."
Vance responded with "ma dukes is good she's living it up in Palm springs Florida, and it's cool dad was who
he was and that's that. How about you I remember you said you have to get back to granny, what happen
with your parents?" Just then Harlee looked at the time and said "shit it almost granny med time I need to
go but fuck the buses are done running this way". Vance said" hey Honey bug its ok I'll take you home",
Harlee looked at Vance and said "wow you still remember that name and he said how can I not you wrote it
all over my cast to where nobody else could sign it". Harlee said "and Did nobody else needed to sign it, wow
the memories that are coming back. How did you find me?"
"Karla actually found you she was having dinner with a client and heard you singing in the restaurant Lupe's
and she immediately recorded you and called me and told me you were still in Chicago and I made sure to
do everything in my power to find you and when I found out that you were pursing your talents I had to set
something up. So yes I may have stalked you a little bit, to figure out your routine". As they walked to his car
Harlee recognize it as a car that she had been seeing for the past 3 weeks. She turned to him and said "so
that was you! Only the man that I love would drive my favorite car and stalk me with it and make me feel
like I'm going crazy because I'm saving up for one, wow". Vance opened the car door and then got in
apologizing as that was not his intentions he just wanted to know how to plan the perfect grand gesture to
confess his love. Vance drove to Harlee childhood home where her granny was going in the house from
being on the porch to catch that evening breeze.
" Grandma!" Harlee yelled" Baby girl why are you yelling?" "Sorry Grandma but I rushed home to make sure
you took you meds". "Yes, I took my meds love thank you but you don't need to worry about me I wish you
would go live your life honey bug, Grandma will be ok, I know you promised your folks to look after me after
they passed but I don't think they meant give up on your hopes and dreams for me. I know you love to sing
and I know Quan Boy has been trying to get you to be his model go do it Harl you are only 28 you have your
whole life ahead of you, I've already lived mine and I enjoyed my memories and experiences".
whole life ahead of you, I've already lived mine and I enjoyed my memories and experiences". Harlee said
"Well grandma I have someone for you see I don't know if you will remember him but you remember his
sister Karla". Vance then walked carrying Harlee bag that she had forgot in the car and Grandma earl
immediately started shouting "Thank you God!, my mighty God! I knew you was bringing this one back 1 I
knew God you showd me". Granny earl grabbed Vance so tight and said "welcome home baby boy welcome
home" and Vance hugged her back so tight and started crying as she was his grandma growing up. He never
got a chance to meet his own grandmas as both of them passed before his was born.
After the they release from the very warm and tight embrace Grandma Earl grabbed Vance's face and looked
him in the eyes and wiped his tears and smile and nodded her head. And it was like she was telling him with
her eyes that her time was done as he had returned for her Granddaughter. Humph So Vance how has you
been since you came back to Chicago?" Well mama earl I don't live in Chicago," that only was a sucker punch
to Harlee's chest and made her question why was he up here then. Just then Mama Earl asked so why is you
here in the windy city?" Vance looked at Harlee and said" for her I had to find you Harlee so when I got the
call that you were still here in Chicago I had to come see for myself and to win you back if it was the last
thing I did." So Vance what was your plan, come in and make me fall in love with you all over again just to
leave my granny her all alone when you know she's all I got. My parents are gone been gone but you
wouldn't know that because you didn't keep in contact like you said you would when you left me at 13." That
statement alone turned Vance's stomach because he knew that he had hurt Harlee with his last letter after
his dad made him cut ties with Chicago. His mom told him he didn't have to because she knew how in love
he was with Harlee and she knew leaving would break his heart but she had to go it was a part of the divorce
agreement and so his mom packed them up and move them to Virginia to live with his aunt until his mom
got back on her feet.
The gentle squeeze that Grandma earl gave Vance bought him back and he smiled and said " yea Granny I'm
back for good this time, so if you or Harlee need anything do hesitate to call me asap." Grandma Earl smiled
and said well when you put it that way take my grandbaby and go." Grandma!!!! Harlee yelled, Grandma
Earl looked at her and said what?" you're not getting any younger I don't want you to miss out on your life
because of me baby, I know you promised your folks to look after me when they passed but you are only 28
go see the world honey bug, I'll be alright as long as you come visit me from time to time." Granny you know
I can't do that you sometimes you forget to take your meds, who is going to get your groceries or go get your
meds? I don't feel comfortable enough to leave you by yourself." before granny earl could respond Vance
butted in and staid Harlee you are going have to leave her, you really did get the new model position in my
agency and your first show is in Greece next week. If it makes you feel any better I can fly you and mama earl
to Greece and while you work she and I can catch up and explore and Karla will be there so mama earl will
never be alone. How does that sound?" Harlee looked at him with the kindest eyes and said no granny
shouldn't be traveling in her condition." and Mama Earl said hold up now little girl you got modeling job
and you are turning down a job because of my heart girl bye yes Vance that sounds lovely." granny no you
know what your doctor said." Harlee Francie De'mon I know what my doctor said and he stated that as long
I take my meds I am fine to continue living my life and if you don't want to go to Greece then so be it I'll
send you a post card." Francie? Your middle name is Francie wow that's the name I want my daughter to
have Vance said in his head. Alright, alright Granny we'll go but we are going to see your doctor first to
make sure you are well enough to air travel that long. You hear me?" Mama earl laughed and said yes mom I
hear you." Vance looked at Harlee with so much love and admiration because her protective she is of her
granny and he knows that their kids will be well taking care of with a mom like her.
Well this whole conversation has been exhausting Harlee granny is tired and ready to go bed so I bid my
good nights. Mama earl hug Vance real tight one more time and whispered be careful she is very fragile."
Vance leaned back and looked at mama earl and nodded and said yes ma'am." alright Harl I'll see you in
the morning." And then mama earl walks to her room closes the door and gets in her bed.
Harlee then sighs looking at Vance who was already looking at her and said don't think that just because
you're back that I'm going to run away and get married, we grew up we are different now not the same 13
year olds back when. And when were you going to tell me that, that I got the job?" hum after you knock me
out and I woke up in Greece like who do you take me for?" Vance walked and grabbed Harl by the waist and
said baby calm down I would never do anything like that I know that we are different now as adults and I
know that I have to do everything in my power to win your heart again and I will do just that because I
haven't been with anybody because my soul belongs to you and only you and I've kept it that way hell I'm
still a virgin for Pete sake. Harlee chocked on her spit when Vance said that." Harl I love you and I've never
stopped our time apart I always yearned for you and I searched for you never stopped." looking Harlee deep
in her eyes and Harlee staring back she knew in her heart that he meant every word and that he was telling
the truth.
Harlee backed up and said why this long, why now? Vance sighed Harl look when I wasn't getting anything
back from social media the private investigator that I hired, yes I went that far I was desperate I don't stay in
Chicago I live in Texas after I opened the home office here I went and opened an office in Texas far from
here because I assumed you weren't here anymore and that hurt so I threw myself into work and focused on
building the company up to where it is for you I had to tell myself to let go and let God that he will bring us
back together. Harlee looked at Vance's back as he looked out the window at the old block and saw the
trembled breath that he let out and walked up to his back and touched his shoulder and the tension she just
saw melted into her touch. Harlee grabbed his hand and put her face on his back and said Vance believe it or
not but that has been my prayer since you left me 15 years ago. And I'm glad that you're back but if we are
going to give this a chance we must go slow and at a normal pace that we both can agree upon." Vance
grabbed Harlee's hand and turned around and kissed her hand while pulling her close and put his forehead
against Her's and whispered I will court like I've never courted you before and kissed her forehead and
smiled and let her go. Harlee whimpered when Vance let her go as she missed the warmth of him and the
smell of his cologne lingered out. Vance rushed to the door and Harlee followed and he looked at her with a
smile of a kid on Christmas and said be ready tomorrow at 5am I want take you somewhere, Harlee looked
at him crossed her arms and said ok but as long as we are back before 3pm mama earl has a doctor's
appointment." Vance nodded and said yes ma'am good night Harlee and blew her a kiss as he got back in his
all black matte Audi A8 and drove off down 134th street. Harlee sighed and shook her head with a big smile
and said God you do listen! Thank you."
Hate to do this to you but this is the end of this short story. I know I will have questions like will Vance win
Harlee back , is Serena gone for good, what will be the outcome of mama earl's appointment, what happened
to Harlee's parent and so on and so on, but I'm ending it here and will continue it when my writers block is
gone but for now see you later lovers!
