"And in the end, we were all just humans, drunk on the idea that love, only love, could heal our brokenness." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Robyn couldn't wait to get home to Barbados to see her family and friends. It had been so long since she last visited because of her rigorous schedule and workaholic nature. She always kept in touch, but it wasn't the same as being on home soil. With her freshly dyed red hair and her man by her side, she couldn't wait to enjoy her mini vacation to relax. Chris was just as excited to go with her to her hometown. He loved hearing the stories she had about growing up there––– the people she mentioned the most being her grandparents Dolly and Bravo. Dolly passed away in 2014 when she was 23 years old, that had to be the second toughest period in her life, but Bravo was still going strong. Robyn told him that Dolly would've been proud she brought home a man like him, and it made him wish he could've had the chance to meet her.
"So I'm gonna be in the hut you were raised in?" Robyn slapped his chest while he laughed loudly.
"Rasshole. Is dat what yuh tink mi life was like livin' on di island? I lived in a fuckin' hut?" He raised his hands. "My bad, Coco. You were raised in a cabana?"
"Really, Christopher?"
"Her name was Robyn, born on the island. With green palm tree leaves in her hair, and a crop top cut down to there. She would whine and do the dutty. And while she was a star, she fell for Chris who always drank at the bar. Across the empty beach, they fucked from nine to three. They were so young, and in love for everyone to see," he paused to stand up pulling Robyn up smiling. "At the Copa, Copacabana" Robyn rolled her eyes but danced along with him matching him step for step.
"That's in Havana, I was born in Barbados you ass."
"They're both still islands," he shrugged smiling. "you got any dreadlock shottas I should be worried about?"
She palmed her face. "Christopher, I'm not going to continue to entertain you."
"What's his name? Pascal?"
Robyn stifled her laugh. "Chris, you are a whole joke."
"I just don't wanna get caught off guard once we get there. I don't want no shottas pulling up on me on like, "Aye bwoy, whatcha doin' wit mi tender ting, huh? I will chop ya damn head off." Then I get hit in the head with a coconut and get shot by the sheriff. Not a good way to die, don't you think?"
She giggled at his attempt at her accent. "Have you been waiting to get these jokes out?"
"Of course, but seriously, I can't wait to be where you grew up. It has to be a great place if you a person like you came out of there."
"Now you want to be sweet?"
"I'll be even sweeter if you let me fuck you under a palm tree."
"Christopher, with de strength of 10 shottas I will hurt you." She loved seeing this side of him. It was like his goofy and fun side came through and replaced the melancholic version. Robyn felt like this was the Chris that used to live before he dealt with all that trauma during his childhood, during the war, and after. That little boy was always inside and was breaking free in the best way possible.
As soon as the couple reached her childhood home, she was greeted at the door by her Mother and closest friends. Soon after, Chris was rushed by them as well, and that familiar sense of family was felt. Much like when he was welcomed with open arms by Barry's family, his girlfriend's family was doing the same. He met her grandfather Bravo, who was excited that Robyn finally brought home a guy he could interrogate. Chris answered all his questions and by the time they were done, he considered him perfect for his granddaughter referring to him as his grandson, assuring him Dolly would have the same sentiments. Next was the three close friends of Robyn she called sisters––– Melissa, Leandra, and Noella. They loved him immediately and scolded Robyn for keeping him away for so long. What melted Chris' heart was that Noella's daughter Majesty seemed to take a liking to him––– hugging him, placing wet kisses on his cheek, and calling him her Uncle. His dark tinted glasses and cane indicating his blindness not being a factor to anyone. At that moment, he felt complete again.
