Time Heals

I. the commitment

May 13, 2022 | Evening

Marriage is an investment. That's what they don't tell you.

No, seriously.

Just looking at these floral arrangements alone, I knew I had spent well over my decoration budget. I cursed at the thought of my assistant, Eric, persuading me to go with a well-to-do company.

I should be present.

Instead, my forehead throbbed of all of the errors that I have already seen walking through the door of a human wave pool.

I smiled, when I should've. Gave thanks to those who deserved it. This was supposed to be my 5th year wedding anniversary. The 'you-know-you-ain't-kill-each-other-yet' stage as my father-in-law would like to tell it.

"Ugh, someone has to do something about that bulky look.." I stared at those white Peonies literally taunting me in the face. Again, being present was something that I was doing. I tried hard not to be everywhere else at this moment, especially not with my new-found pathway as a Commercial Real Estate Agent in New York City.

The strongest shock leapt through my body as I felt the familiar grip of my husband, Robert. Or my 'Robbie' that I dubbed him with during our first date.

"Babe, your emotions are showing again" his low whisper rang in my ear while carrying his golden smile for our guest. That's my Robbie. I looked upon my husband. Same as he always was.

When we first met, he was super over dressed. Way skinnier than what he is now and didn't have the confidence to match the looks. But overtime and as we grew together, my man became a centerfold for the standard Black King. He got his hairline right, his deep chocolate skin - like that Trevante Rhodes type - started to be more moisturized, and did he gain weight in all the right places? He never changed, just elevated.

My eyes locked in with him, brown eyed to brown eyed, fighting a bigger and more silent battle than the one in front of us.

"Well, if you would have let me choose the planner like I have suggested then my emotions wouldn't be so apparent" my smirk bounced back, giving all my teeth a show to the room.

Robert turned to me, his back to the crowd but not enough to draw the most attention our way "If you plan on ruining this night for me.." he looked up sternly "This will be the last you see of me"

Ruin this for you?! I'm the one who has to deal with this shit of a show.

"If I ruin this?" I snapped.

"Yes, if you ruin this. You will find something" he adjusted himself, smoothing his finger down his lapel "You always do.."

"No one asked you to do this tonight, I told you this would be a bad idea because we haven't figured us out yet. You allowed your mother to orchestrate this whole thing, knowing that we are not in a good place right now"

"That would be an understatement" he snorted looking back at our unaware, merrily guest.

A short silence followed, nothing but their voices and their plates filled our space.

"When did you get this cold?" I kind of just blurted out.

Robbie looked at me, his eyes turning softer than I have witnessed in these past 5 months. His face never changed though, he parted his lips to speak until the rattling of our table shook the both of us looking up to his Uncle LaVerne.

"Nephew!!" his Texan swag serenaded us "Aw, there go my niecey, gon' and come give yo' Uncle a hug girl!"

I reluctantly pushed my chair back, slowly controlling the slip that came from the chair and floor meshing together. I stood and gave Robbie a quick glance and he just kept his eyes ahead, body too.

I wanted to get this over as quickly as possible. I gripped my floor length pearl evening dress to ensure that this transaction was smooth.

"Aha haa haa, come here girl" Uncle LaVerne grabbed my wrist so fast, I couldn't even process that I was in his arms in less than 3 seconds. His Old Spice cologne stung my nose while he allowed his K&G fabric suit to rub harshly against my cheeks.

"It's nice..to see you too, Uncle..LaVerne" I barely squeezed out a breath

Finally letting go, his toothy smile pranced between me and his nephew.

"Damn, Dayna you look good. You look good girl, aye aye nephew, you did good boy!" he yelled clearly drunk, throwing a dap to Robert, who replied with a weak dap and forced laugh.

"Damn, Verne leave them kids alone and go sitcho' drunk ass down" the baritone of Mr. Wilder's voice rang from behind me.

My father-in-law was intimidating to say the least. He literally stood at 6 '3, him and Robbie were the same complexion. But he looked like he had two or more ancestors directly from the Motherland due to his high cheekbones and wide nose. Like, how the actor Leon look? He looks straight from the motherland but is a Black man through and through. However, let him tell it, all his people are from Mississippi.

"Now gon' tell your sister to come over here so that we can get this toast started" His salt and pepper mustache and beard combination bounced with every word.

"I gotchu, bruh-in-law" LaVerne smiled again and danced off to the live beat of Earth, Wind and Fire impressively played by the hired band.

I gave him a 'Thank you' with my eyes and he just nodded, making his way towards our table to not yell so much over the music.

"Do you mind if I steal her, son?" Mr. Wilder asked politely, putting his hand out already for me to accept.

Robert doesn't say too much but just gives a nod of approval before going back to his plate that I assume he was eating before.

So much for getting my answer.

-

Authors Note:

Okay, so I KNOW this chapter is short but I honestly wanted to set the scene. I knooow I said that every Wednesday is a new chapter but for it be a premiere, and I kinda short changed y'all on the chapter. I have chapter 2 right after this! But we back on schedule! I hope you are enjoying and are beginning to become curious :) 

- Portia Z.