Jeremy #Wattys2016

Chapter 1

"Babe I'm so close to saying those three words." I said trying to cope with these overwhelming emotions.

"Go ahead bug, cuz I've already fallen for you too!"

"I love you, Jeremy......"

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Our genesis came through our love for literature. He wrote and I wrote, but my skills were not yet refined. I saw his art as his mind and soul unapologetically showcasing their unique strength and beauty. Who could this alluring spirit be, with such power to conjure up these strong feelings within me?

Religiously I would read his novels, gradually being charmed by a man whom I've never known beyond an alias. With each word I read, I felt myself being drawn closer to him, almost as if I'd known him for a lifetime. To this day, I believe that the crossing of our paths was orchestrated by a higher being, one enshrouded in brilliance and mystery.

The comments I left proved to be the seeds to our budding relationship as it was through that medium, his heart was claimed as my own. That indelible day he first reached out to me, will forever remain etched in my mental archives; the catalyst for change in my life. It was the one day where I couldn't refuse to see myself as someone worthy of attention. Here was my inspiration; the guy who in my eyes was more of a celebrity than any Adele or Beyoncé, speaking to me so casually. I was in awe. He conversed with such wisdom and grace, that it was as if he'd commune regularly with angels or God Himself.

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"So tell me, who is Jeremy?" I typed excitedly unto my computer screen.

"Well, I am a father firstly, one who fights everyday to take care of his son."

"Wow, that's amazing! What is it like raising a son?"

"When he was just born, I can honestly say that I regretted it." He candidly replied. "I was young and deep down I knew that I got his mother pregnant to prove a point to everyone else. That was selfish of me and I can admit that, but as I grew older and was eventually made to accept myself, I came to realize that Jai is my son and I brought him here. He is now 8 and is the apple of my eyes!"

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His son is the focal point of his life; everything he does is for him. It was so endearing to see a father amidst adversity, taking care of his responsibilities wholeheartedly. Their bond in a sense, was the relationship I wish I had with my father; the man present, yet absent from my life.

Every day we'd speak to eachother, discussing topics ranging from books to philosophy and just life in it's rawness. Our conversations weren't on the level of juveniles; minds like ours existed on another echelon; one very few ascended to. It's because of that deep intellectual connection, he assumed my years on earth were far greater than mere seventeen.
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"Don't be surprised when you see how ugly I am." He shyly said over the phone.

"Jeremy, I'm not that shallow!" I reassured, eagerly waiting for him to send me his picture. "your worth to me, goes far beyond looks."

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As the conversations went on and time went by, I was exposed to a vivid picture of his dark reality.

Jeremy Johnson, black gay male, twenty-seven...

The man who I'd already married in my head, finally gained enough courage to remove his veil for me. The allure radiating from within his masculinity, was stunning to me when I first saw his photographs. The gorgeous ebony skin he possesses, wraps perfectly around his beautifully sculpted body; providing an excellent canvas for the art he has tattooed across his chest. How could a man like this, not see or sense within himself, beauty?

Eventually I'd come to know the answer. It was the culture and society he grew up in that shaped his ideas and beliefs about himself. He comes from a society where skin bleaching is the norm, homosexuality is heinous taboo and narrow mindedness is like a pervasive disease. How could this butterfly held captive, not cease flapping it's wings?

His own family treats him like an outcast; a leper who should suffer until he dies. The way they act towards him came as a surprise to me, even the woman who gave birth to him. The resilience he displays, makes me love him more. After enduring all that life has thrown his way, I'm still suprised that he's able to create such powerful and inspirational pieces. This man truly is a remarkable person; a warrior.

Hi guys I know that it's almost been three weeks since I've last updated this book, but things are now smoothing out in my life so prepare for much more! This chapter is pretty short but it's still part of the the introduction to the story ahead. Look out for the second chapter pretty soon; it's really in that chapter where the story begins. Hope you enjoyed reading it. I aslo wanna give a shout out to all my subscribers especially, all of you who've really been motivating me to do better and write more. Give yourselves a clap👏👏👏😆

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