Soldier of Love

Times Like This

There was a silent pause between Jacob and I as the water crashed against the shore. The sky was a low blue and the sun was nowhere to be found in the September sky. In its place were white, fluffy clouds; clouds that covered the sky high and low. Birds prepared for a flight so they could make their way down South.

Today was September 9th, otherwise known as the first day of sophomore year for Jacob & me. For it to just be the first day, we were both really stressed. The school work wasn't even half of my personal problem, though. It was the people. Jay insisted it'd be a good idea for us to get some fresh air, thus us winding up on the beach.

There was no surprise when we came to find the beach completely empty. I mean, it's September. Fall in Chicago is more like winter without snow. But I couldn't complain about its emptiness. It's nice being able to sit somewhere in a nice and calm area dedicated to me relaxing.

"What are you thinking about?" Jacob asked while lying on his back and looking up at the sky.

"What makes you think I'm thinking about something?" I asked him.

"We've been together for almost four years. I can read you like I book. I know whenever you're quiet it that means you're thinking" Jacob said in a matter-of-factly way. "So, tell me what's up. Is it the work? I know it's a lot, but we'll get through it together."

I shook my head, "No, it's not the work. It's the people."

Jacob quickly sat up and grabbed my shoulders so I would look at him. His eyes pierced mine and the anger was obvious. One thing about Jacob is that he's over protected; over protected of two girls that I'm aware of-myself and his mom, Theresa.

"What happened?" Jacob quickly asked.

I laughed a little at him. Seeing him upset is really cute.

"NOAMI, ANSWER ME." Jacob said shaking me. I shook his hands off me and lay back down on the sand. I stared back up at the sky and tried not to laugh. Guise, seriously, it's hard not to laugh when Jacob acts like this, but it's good to know he cares.

"It's nothing, Jay. Don't worry about it." I mumbled quietly.

"No, tell me." He said scooting closer to me.

To be honest, it's hard not to tell Jacob what's on my mind. We've told each other everything ever since 6th grade. It's been that way. People tell us we have a role model relationship and I agree. Really, we need a bigger title for what we have. Relationship isn't grand enough.

"We all know the kids from Medgar Evers were fake and phony, but since we started going to Chi Arts, they brought a new meaning to it." I said to him.

"What do you mean?" he asked with furrowed eye brows.

"Jay, what I mean is ever since you hit puberty, everyone has been on your jock. The same boys who made fun of you want to be your friend. The same girls who called you ugly and worthless are throwing their selves at you. I'm just afraid that you'll let this go to your head and let something happen that shouldn't." I said without looking at him.

I just couldn't. If I looked at him, tears would have spilled. If tears would have spilled then he would know that what I said was really serious. And I want him to know that it is serious without me hinting that I somewhat have a fear of him cheating. If I fear him cheating, then he'll think I don't trust him. Without trust we've got nothing and I've seen relationships crumble because of insecurities. I do trust Jay, it's those kids I don't trust...just saying.

"Naomi..." Jacob called my name.

But I continued to look up at the sky.

"Naomi, look at me."

I slightly turned my head towards him. He stood up and grabbed my hand, pulling me up towards him. I wiped the sand off my butt and followed him to a rocky, cave like shelter. There were basically boulders and flat rocks holding each other together to form, like I said, shelter.

The shelter was still on the shore, meaning there was still sand everywhere. Other rocks surrounded the shelter along with small trees, stones, and sticks. I assume a fire was made.

Jacob laid on the sand inside and shelter and motioned for me to come over to him. I slowly walked over and he patted his lap. I rolled my eyes and straddled over his waist, while he put his hands on mine. I looked him in his eyes so he wouldn't have to tell me to do it later.

"Babe, you know you have nothing to worry about. I'd never be cool or anything of that nature with people who gave me hell as a kid. No, never. And by doing something that I shouldn't, you mean like cheating? I'd never do that. You see that ring on your finger? I made promises to you and I intend on keeping them. Our first anniversary, seventh grade, I got you a diamond tennis bracelet. What'd it say? I promise. Our second? The ring. Our third? As corny as it was, the tattoos. And here we are working our way up to our fourth year and I've loved every minute. I'd be stupid to waste all of that."

By tattoo he means the matching tattoo's we got. Mine is on my right pinky and it says pinky. His is on his left pinky and it says promise. Get it? Pinky promise.

I lay my head on his chest and smiled. I knew he wasn't going to cheat on me but it's always good to have reinsurance. Like I said, it's not him I'm worried about. It's the Chi Arts kids.

And for those of you who are wondering, Chi Arts is the school Jacob, I & every other kid from Medgar Evers attend. It's a performing arts school and it's short for Chicago High School for the Arts. I major in music, while Jacob is in dance. In our spare time we write for a teen magazine company called True Star.

We've got the best of both worlds.

Sometimes.

"Naomi, do you believe me?" Jacob asked with worry in his voice.

"Yeah, it's those people... that's all. No worries ," I said giving him a weak smile.

"Right..."

I knew that he secretly didn't believe me, but whatever. We'd work past it. We've never fought no had a disagreement. We're strong and I'll be damned if something bad happens between us. You know what I mean? Peer pressure can really get to a person. The boys can pressure him into drugs and the girls could pressure him into sleeping with them.

But I've got to let these thoughts go and understand that nothing bad will happen.

I leaned down and kissed him while playing in his hair. Something else you don't know about Jacob is that he actually likes that...if it's coming from the right person. You see, Jacob doesn't allow just anyone to play in his hair. He hates when random people touch it. But if you're someone he's close to (and there's not many of those) then he doesn't mind. Especially if you're me... not to toot my own horn.

"Are you trying to get something started, Miss Wright?" Jacob asked me, giving me his 'sexy face.'

"I don't know. If I am, is it working, Mr. Perez?" I said, biting my bottom lip.

"Don't start something you can't finish nor handle." He said running his hand up and down my thigh.

"Sweetheart, I've handled you plenty of times."

"That may be true... but the first time you screamed out like a little girl and bit a whole into my pillow!"

"So!" I said slapping his chest. "It was my first time and no one told you to have a monster penis! That thing was and is huge. No one told you to be that huge at the age of 14."

He lifted my shirt over my head, "Oh, stop whining."

I cut my eyes at him and went back to kissing. I swear, I can't put into words what this boy does to me. I love how we have a playful relationship. We know our limits and we understand each other so well. There isn't a moment we don't have fun together and our relationship isn't always about sex. I like that too. But don't get me wrong, the sex is amazing. I know we were 14 when we lost of virginities and that's pretty young, but at least I know for sure I lost it to someone I know I'll be with forever.