Page 2 of Mark My Words
“Hmm. I wouldn’t know since you practically went mute about anything Malik from the time he moved away.”
Destiny sighed and shifted, but the move didn’t make the floor any more comfortable sitting between Angelica’s legs.
“Do you want a pillow?”
“Please.”
Angelica lifted the couch cushion next to her and gave it to Destiny. Shifting again to stuff the cushion underneath her, Destiny stretched her back then relaxed against the sofa.
“Better?”
“Much.”
“Okay. Now tell me what happened between you and Malik. You guys were happy and in love, even knowing he was leaving without a clue when he would return.”
Quietness settled in the room as Angelica went back to braiding Destiny’s hair.
Fidgeting with her fingers, Destiny’s thoughts traveled back to the day she received a visit from Malik’s mother, Carole.
It wasa hot day in Augusta, Georgia, and bending over the cornfields to check the vegetable’s health, Destiny heard the brakes from a car that grabbed her attention.
Rising to her five feet six inches in height, Destiny swept her signature braids off her shoulders and treaded through the field, meeting Mrs. Carole Jernigan halfway.
Destiny was twenty-two years old and had settled for attending a local community college in order to continue helping her grandfather with their farm.
“Good morning, Mrs. Jernigan.” Destiny smiled and opened her arms to receive a hug from Mrs. Jernigan.
Accepting Destiny’s greeting, Mrs. Jernigan leaned in, the hug a bit stale as she patted Destiny’s arm, then quickly moved away. “I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I know you and your grandfather are busy with the crops this season, so I’ll get on with it.”
Destiny’s brows furrowed just a bit.
“I know you and my son have been dating since junior high, and I love you and think it’s cute that even after he went off to the military, you two keep in touch. However, I want you to give some thought into letting him go.”
Destiny’s eyes lurched, and she took in a quick breath, her eyes roaming the unblemished woman’s face, gray curls, and thin nose.
“I…don’t understand.”
Mrs. Jernigan sighed. “You see, my Malik is not focused on his priorities. And for him to get ahead, he’ll need to put away thoughts of a life with you.”
More surprise spread over Destiny’s face.
“Did something happen?”
“Not yet but, he’s thinking of letting his time expire this year so he can get back to you. He’s only been on active duty for three years.”
With confusion settling deep in Destiny’s eyes, Mrs. Jernigan made herself more transparent.
“Life is not filled with roses and happily-ever-afters, Destiny. He’s a black man in a world that will make it hard for him to succeed at every turn. I need him to focus on staying in the military. There he’s sure to have a job, make a decent amount of money, and at least have some protection when it comes to being a black man in America. As a civilian, he’ll be easily targeted as someone to fear, and don’t think for a second you’ll be his one and only. You were with him in school long enough to know he catches the eyes of every girl he struts past. So, you’ll be doing both of you a favor by letting him live his life fully without being a distraction.”
Destiny rememberedthe way her gut knotted from Mrs. Jernigan’s words. She’d wanted to refute her claims. Wanted to let her know that Malik wouldn’t give up on his dreams if they were to stay in the military. He wouldn’t cheat on her either, no matter how many girls fawned over him. But that day, Destiny was frozen.
The last thing she wanted was to be a distraction. Instead of verbally responding, Destiny nodded, blinked back tears, and watched as Mrs. Jernigan straightened her church suit jacket, turned, and strolled away.
A week passed when she received a call from Malik, and what she had to say was the heaviest thing on her mind, ever.
“Hello?”Destiny answered.
“I miss you.”
