WHEN LOVE WON

Her love was gentle and reassuring. Finding each other was the best thing to happen for them, because it saved their lives. Spirits blended like peanut butter meeting the jelly, or the macaroni and cheese touching the yams.

Spring had arrived early, and both Celie and Shug were excited about beginning their garden. They had been hesitant in the past because they weren't sure how consistent they would be with the upkeep. Finally, Celie convinced Shug that they would help one another with remaining consistent.

The wind was soft, as it blew away the leftover anguish the winter months had brought. The sun warmed not only the environment but the hearts and the moods of the people in it. Folks got a chance to be outside more and take in the beauty around them. Some took the opportunity to go on walks that helped them remain grounded. People became hopeful, as the day became new. 

Celie gathered up everything for the garden, while Shug finished up their breakfast.

" Come on in here and eat, sweetness." Shug swung open the front door calling for Celie.

Celie, immediately, dropped everything she was doing and headed back inside. Shug was bringing out a pitcher of fresh, chilled water when she noticed Celie sitting at the table with a downhearted expression spread across her face. She walked over to her and sat on the edge of the table, squinting her eyes almost like she was trying to read Celie like a book where the words are too small.

" What is it, suga?" Celie questioned with that spark of innocence in her eyes

Shug tilted her head to the side with the endearing sass that makes her, uniquely, who she is. " I don't know. I'm tryna figure that out right now."

You could only hear the birds chirping for a moment, before either of the two women made another peep.

Shug continued her search trying to figure out what was wrong with Celie, if anything. Her expression became relaxed, as she cracked the code. She stood up with a smirk on her face and kissed Celie on her forehead. Then her cheek. Then her nose. She eventually made her way to her lips. Shug cuffed Celie's chin, " That should fix it!"

With a smile as wide as twelve conjoined football fields, Celie's mood shifted. " Wasn't nun wrong with me, I just wanted a kiss from ya." She revealed her secret and giggled. It was like a spell was cast over her, as she was so tickled by her little gimmicks she couldn't gain control of her laughter. She placed her hands over her mouth trying to cover up the remaining chuckles.

Shug, pleasantly shaking her head as light filled her eyes, noticed Celie trying to hide. "AHT! What I been telling you? We let our joy be seen!"

Celie stopped trying to hide her laughter, and for a moment stared at Shug full of gratitude. " I love you." She let the words saturate the air. "As deep as them oceans." She sealed it.

For a moment, Shug closed her eyes tightly. " You's the greatest thing that done came of my life. I love you beyond all them clouds in that sky." Shug eyes became watery. Celie reached over, grabbing Shug's hand for comfort.

" Awww, let's not get all mushy over the food, nie! Don't want it getting cold." Shug kissed Celie's hand and began fixing her plate. 

Everything from fresh fruits, biscuits and gravy, sugary grits, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fried catfish, to freshly squeezed orange juice. Shug believed that full bellies granted space to focus on the spirit. She didn't want Celie to have to cook another meal for some time, considering her previous living conditions. Shug never wanted Celie to feel like work around the house was completely her responsibility. She didn't view her as a servant.

" How was everything, precious?" Shug stacked the plates on the table, as they concluded their meal. Finishing up the last few bites, Celie wiped the remnants of a tasteful breakfast from around her lips.