Match Made

College Daze

The holiday season has passed but Aden and I do not link up. However, he reached out on Valentine's Day weekend, and we went to the movies. This crowded theater is electric and fun.

Tonight, I feel Aden's energy. He is anxious for us to become a couple again. During the movie, he caters to me hand and foot. Suddenly, he whispers, into my ear, "Kelly you're so beautiful."

It's as if I can feel his body trembling. Although I'm still in love with Aden, my mind is so young. He's returned to me full circle as he said he would, but it was through him that I had my first experience with heartbreak and betrayal. My heart is pleading, "Kelly please take him back. We love him so much!" But my mind's screaming, "Don't be weak. This is the guy who threw you away like you were nothing to have sex with other girls after you gave him your virginity. Send this dog on a long walk."

The movie ends and we're now parked in my driveway. My heart hasn't overcome my mind, and vice versa. Almost in desperation he hugs and kisses me good night. Cold and unfeeling I say, "Thanks, Aden. Have a good night." Through a sad look, he smiles and then leaves.

MSU is everything I dreamt it would be and so much more. I find faith and join their gospel choir. I've never had real friends, but now I'm surrounded by friends. Once again, I'm considered one of the pretty girls on campus, so I never lack male attention.

Life is grand, and then Aden calls. He wants to visit. My roommate is home for the weekend, so I give him the okay. I'm in my dorm awaiting his arrival, but he never comes. He called the next day with a legitimate excuse. He is far away in Florida, but my mind and heart are warring again.

My freshman year was stellar. I'm home for the Summer and like clockwork, the moment Aden's feet touch Michigan soil he comes to see me. He's never overbearing or aggressive, but his presence assured me he was still waiting for me to forgive him.

We grabbed a bite to eat and then returned home. Not once did he ever try to have sex with me or even kiss me too much. A Bonafide gentleman. Before he leaves, he says, "I'm trying to graduate sooner than four years so I'm leaving next week and going to summer school, but I wanted to see you. Hopefully, I get to see you during the holidays this year."

Time is a healer, thus my heart's no longer broken. It has even desired a guy or two in college. The holidays pass but I'm content not concerned about Aden and vice versa, I'm sure. Sophomore year ends, and I'm home for the Summer. I'd been home for a week when my mom's phone rang, and it was him.

Giddy I greet, "Hey! You're home?"

Dry he answers, "Yeah."

"Okay. ... Is something wrong?"

"Did your mom tell you I stopped by?"

"Here? Recently? No! ...When'd you come over?"

"Wednesday."

"Wow. She didn't say anything! So, what's up? You want to come over today?"

Releasing a loud sigh he answers, "Kelly I won't be coming back. Your mom told me you're dating someone nice so leave you alone. She said a lot of other stuff that really hurt my feelings, so I'm just going to stay away."

"What? I'm not with anybody! ...Aden, please don't. My mom has issues, you know this. Please don't let her words stop you from visiting me. I look forward to seeing you every Summer. Okay?"

"Let me think about it, okay?"

I sigh, "Mhmm."

"All right. Bye, Kelly."

That call changed my life. Once it ended, I rushed to my mom crying, "Mom, what did you say to him!?"

She sighs, "Kelly, I hated seeing you hurting over that boy. I thought you'd never snap out of your depression. Now you're in college, singing in the choir, dating! You're that positive happy daughter I'm used to seeing. I knew it'd upset you, but I couldn't chance you returning to him and him hurting you again."

As much as I hated what she did, I couldn't be upset with her. When Aden dumped me, I cried every night for an entire year. Desiree was partying, flourishing, meeting new people, and exploring new things. All I did in my senior year was stay in my room until my siblings fell asleep and my mom went to work. Then I'd sit in the family room and cry to love songs all night praying, hoping, and wishing he'd return to me.

Aden's words prove true, and he never calls or visits again. The last time I saw him was on my first date with my daughter's father. The rap group X-Clan had every Black person proud to be called African American. On our first date, I bought a cute black mid-drift shirt and skirt outfit with strapped sandals. Hair freshly done, I do my makeup, and the final touch is my black leather African medallion with the shape of Africa in the middle colored red, black, and green.

My date was so proud to be out with me. Every crowd of men we passed was biting their fists as they lusted for me. I was now a confident 21-year-old young woman. My dad had gotten me a summer job at his auto plant. I was a college junior who'd make over $50K per year once hired. I love Jesus so my skin's glowing. That night I was at my pinnacle.

Eyes straight ahead I notice a group of tall attractive guys. They looked pretty shiny themselves. With a glance, I look at one guy and give a faint smile. He returns a smirk, but I feel eyes, so I turn my head to look and it's Aden. And oh my, he looks like an angel. He's extraordinary. As my heart pounds through my chest, I quickly look away and keep walking forward. Hearing his friend's approval of me soon I hear, "Kelly!"

Glancing at my date as he stared behind us, I heard again, "Kelly!"

But now he's in my ear. Startled, I turned, and Aden was right next to me. Out of breath and frowning, he asks, "Oh you're not going to speak?"

This area is packed. His aggression causes everyone to slow down and observe. I sigh, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to bother you, but hi Aden."

His eyes are now fixed on my date. Cutting them back to me, he nods and then leaves. The two attractive guys with him sense his frustration, so they keep glancing back at me as he storms away.

Now sitting in the restaurant my mind is with Aden. My date exhaling snaps me out of my thoughts. Focused, his way, I smiled. Lips pursed he keeps glancing towards the door then me, so I ask, "Everything okay?"

"Who was that guy? He seemed pretty upset."

"Oh him? He's my ex-boyfriend."

Smirking, he says, "Well I know this will be our only date."

Squinting I ask, "Why do you say that?"

He chuckles, "Because I look nothing like that guy!"

We both burst into laughter. Then I say, "We broke up years ago, so don't feel that way."

Nodding he smiles and we enjoy our evening.