Carl silently awoke to a weight half on top of him, legs intertwined with his and an arm placed gently around his neck. Turning his head slightly, Carl's nose met a mass of curls and he took a whiff of the lavender that permeated his nostrils.
The body laying on top of him began to stir, causing Carl to tighten his embrace just a bit more before locking eyes with the beautiful woman in his arms.
"Good morning, baby," her voice was hoarse from their activities the night before and Carl couldn't help his body's reaction to it.
"Morning, babe. How'd you sleep?" He began running his fingers up and down her bare back.
"Perfect as always," she kissed his peck before snuggling deeper into him. "Except you let me sleep without my bonnet." She gave him a playful pinch.
Carl huffed a laugh, "Sorry, darlin', you just looked so peaceful."
Zora rolled her eyes and tried to suppress a grin as she traced nonsensical patterns on his chest, "Yeah, yeah. My hair's gonna be all tangled and you know I gotta braid it."
"Well, you don't have to," Carl replied.
"Yes, I do. I wanna meet your parents looking my best and that won't happen if I wear my hair out,"
"In this Georgia humidity," Carl finished with her. He could have almost laughed when she popped her head up to glare at him.
"And just for that…" his girlfriend quickly moved out of his arms, taking the sheet with her to cover her body, before he could register her movement and stop her.
"Oh, c'mon baby," Carl groaned. Zora's only response was to give a sickly sweet laugh and a wink before heading into her boyfriend's in suite bathroom. Carl fondly shook his head as he heard the shower turn on. He stayed in bed for a moment, picturing Zora spraying detangler into her hair and combing it out as she waited for the water to heat up.
When Carl saw the steam start to exit from the open doorway, he eased his way out of bed to meet his girlfriend in the shower. Upon entering the restroom, Carl is met with the image of Zora standing under the water with her eyes closed in serenity. He couldn't help the small grin that appeared on his lips as he pulled the curtain back and his beloved's eyes opened to meet his.
A soft smile showed on her face as she pulled Carl in the shower and into her arms. Carl followed easily, drawing the curtain closed behind him as he wrapped his arms around Zora's neck; hers connected to his waist.
"Don't worry so much," Carl quietly reassured. "They're going to love you."
Zora gave a minute nod in response, "I'll try. But you know me."
He did. Zora worried like it was her job, almost like a coping mechanism. Carl wished she wouldn't but he'll indulge her this one time.
Carl dropped a kiss to Zora's forehead before placing a longer, tender one to her lips, "Well, let's hurry up in here so you can start your hair then."
Zora giggled and gave her boyfriend another kiss to his mouth, "Help me wash my hair?" She squeezed lightly on his waist.
"Of course."
A couple hours later, Carl laid on the couch in his living room as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier played on the television. He was only half paying attention, busy finalizing his and Zora's plans to meet with friends after their brief stay at his family home.
When he heard a door close from the hallway, Carl briefly glanced from his phone and caught a glimpse of his roommate, Duane. Carl gave a small head raise in acknowledgement before returning his attention to his phone.
"Zora ain't here no more?" Based on his tone, Duane was surprised.
Carl huffed before placing his phone down to his chest, "Nope. Said something about me distracting her whenever she does her hair."
Duane made a face that Carl did not appreciate. It was a mixture between disbelief but also expectancy. "Uh, yeah, have y'all met yourselves? I'd think y'all've only been together for two weeks, the way y'all act."
"We are not that bad," Carl weakly defended.
"And from the way you said that, I can see you don't even believe that yourself." Duane chortled.
Okay, so he and Zora like to be around each other all the time-whether it's to study, chill, party, or hang out with friends. Sure, Zora spends more time at Carl's apartment instead of her own. And, possibly, maybe they are grossly affectionate. But they just like to spend time together; there's nothing wrong with that. Also physical touch is their love language, so.
(Carl has no idea what that means but it's what Zora says so who is Carl to say she's wrong?)
Before Carl can bother with a response, his phone rings with his mom's FaceTime ringtone, an audio bite of Will Ferrell saying "You're my boy, blue!"
(His mom's not a boy, obviously, but the sentiment is still the same.)
Carl answered right away, a smile taking over as he took in his mother's face. Her locs currently up in a bun and her face clear of makeup as sweat glazed her dark brown skin, the indication that she just finished a workout.
"Hey, Mom!" Carl exclaimed. He heard Duane stifle a laugh as he moved to their small kitchen area but Carl just ignored him.
"Hey, boo, what are you up to?" a soft look sat on his mother's features, something that occurred every time she spoke to one of her five children.
Carl sighed, "Just getting ready to come see y'all. Zora and I are real excited."
"Your dad and I are too! It'll be great to see her in person and not just from your pictures," Michonne practically gushed. Carl knew she had real wonders about the woman that has made him the happiest she has probably ever seen him. "Your brother and sisters are too."
Carl nodded. He knew. It's all they can seem to ask him about when he talks to them, even Judith with her 15-year-old self "I couldn't care less" attitude. "You got the house ready for us and Dre?"
"Of course, you know I stay ready for you and your brother," Michonne replied. His mom was in a bit of a rut after Andre left for school in Florida two years back. Having two of her babies out of the house in such a short period of time took a toll on her, and Carl was worried for her quite a bit. But, thankfully, she pulled through with the help of his father, himself and his siblings. Of course, there is also the fact that his mom is his mom and pulled through with doing something she knows well: preparation. Living by the notion of staying ready so you don't have to get ready, Michonne keeps her two older boys' rooms spic and span in the event of their dropping by.
"Tell me how your case went? Is it settled?" Carl asked. He giggled at the look of disdain that covered her face as she mentally flashed back to her work week.
His mother spent quite some time ranting about her client, who is in the middle of a major scandal regarding his business ventures and hired Michonne to help him settle his lawsuits. Being one of the best corporate lawyers in the state, Carl's mother is in high demand and she can't help but think she wasted her time picking his case over some of the other ones that towered her request desk.
Eventually, Carl checked the time and realized that he actually has to begin packing his clothes for his visit home if he wants to get there at a reasonable time. Thank goodness it's just about an hour and a half's drive away.
"Alright, Mom, I'mma go," Carl stated.
"Okay," she pouted just a bit. "Make sure you text me Zora's favorite dessert and tell her not to stress so much. She's already halfway there with us."
"Okay, I will," Carl affirmed. "Love you."
"Love you, boo," Michonne ended the call and Carl felt a teensy drop in his mood but it wasn't for long as Zora walked into the apartment with fresh box braids. He sat up as she made her way over to him.
"Hey, baby," Zora grinned and sat on his lap. Her hands went to his neck and his went to her waist as the two gave one another a kiss. "You okay?" She noticed his mood as soon as she walked into the apartment.
"Yeah, just got off the phone with my mom," Carl replied.
Zora's eyebrows raised in understanding as she nodded. She knows Carl gets a bit melancholy after a call with his mother. Some might think it's a little pathetic but she finds it sweet that he misses her so much.
"Oh yeah?" She began stroking her fingers through his hair. "How is she?"
"Good. Got her case settled and is excited to meet you, finally."
Zora tensed a fraction before relaxing at Carl's ministrations up and down her back. He couldn't hold in his chuckle at her expense.
"Hey! I'm nervous, okay, sue me."
"I was nervous about meeting Sonny and your dad," Carl defended. "Just not this nervous. And just for my mom, not even my dad too." He gets on her about it but he finds it endearing.
Zora fixed him with a look, "Carl, you know how you and your mom are. I know her opinion is the one you value the most so she's the one I have to impress."
"That may be the case," It is. "But all you have to be is yourself. That's impressive enough."
Zora nodded, but still looked a little stressed. "Did I tell you I love your hair? Because I do," Carl complimented.
And he does. She put ombré-colored braids into her head, and it contrasted her brown skin beautifully. With little golden hair clips sprinkled throughout, Zora was a sight to see.
"Thanks, sugar," Zora blushed and kissed her man's lips. When she went to pull away, Carl brought her closer and deepened it. After some time Zora reluctantly pulled away.
"C'mon, let's pack up your clothes," she stood and held out her hand. Carl latched on and followed as his girlfriend led the way to his bedroom.
Carl pulled his car into the driveway, next to Andre's Toyota Corolla and turned it off before turning to face his girlfriend. "You ready?"
Zora took a shaky breath before nodding. "We can sit for a second," Carl placated. "It's not a big deal."
"No, no," Zora responded. "I'm just being a baby." She kept going before Carl could refute her statement, "Besides, I see one of your sisters trying to sneak a peek through the blinds."
Carl looked out of his windshield to inspect and, sure enough, a figure he can only assume is Maxine is barely visible over the windowsill. He shook his head fondly, shifted back towards Zora and placed his hands on the back of her head, mindful of the tenderness from her fresh hairstyle as he gently pulled her head forward to place a kiss on her forehead. "Alright, let's go."
As he exited the vehicle, Carl heard the shrill voice of his eight-year-old sister, Maxine, as she shouted his name in excitement. He barely had the door closed before he was nearly tackled to the ground by her. Carl laughed heartily as he squeezed his youngest sister tight enough for her to squeal.
"What's up, squirt?" Carl inquired. He placed Max onto her feet just as Zora sidled her way next to him.
Max ignored his question, instead looking at Zora in wonder, "Is this your girlfriend? She's pretty."
Zora giggled, "Thank you. So are you."
It was a compliment Carl knows Max hears often. She was a near spitting image of their mother, and with skin only a shade lighter than Michonne's, the only indicator of Maxine's mixed heritage is her blue eyes.
"Mom and dad just let you run out here by yourself?"
"No," Judith's voice rang out. "Mom sent me with her. I was just letting y'all reunite or whatever."
With slightly tan skin, looking like their father, and standing at all of 5 foot, 5 inches, Judith looked like she just rolled out of bed. It was 10 in the morning, and knowing Judith, it was most likely true. She gave her oldest brother a quick, but firm, hug before introducing herself and Maxine to Zora. They also gave Zora a hug, which Carl could tell surprised her.
"Let's go in, I look crazy!" Judith exclaimed. "Do you need help with anything, Zora?"
"Yeah, we're good helpers," Max grinned.
Zora smiled affectionately (Max has that effect on people), "If y'all want to you can take in my makeup case?" She opened the backseat of Carl's car and pulled out a small suitcase.
"Wait, an actual suitcase?" Judith gushed. "Can we go through it later? Like just to look? Mom's finally starting to wear Dad down about letting me wear makeup."
Carl snickered, "Good luck with that." Zora elbowed him and he playfully held his arm in response.
"It's Mom and Dad," Judith factualized. No further statement was needed. The man is whipped. "Anyways," Judith glared at Carl as she grabbed Zora's makeup case handle. "Can we?"
"Sure, I don't mind," Zora acquiesced. "Y'all go ahead, I got the rest."
Judith and Max nodded and started their journey back inside of the house, Carl hearing Max complain about Judith being the one to pull the suitcase.
He turned to face his girlfriend, "You got the rest?"
"Oh, please, bub, you know the drill," Zora pecks his lips lovingly. "Besides, you wouldn't let me anyways." She rolled her eyes.
Over their six months of dating Zora has learned when to pick her battles and let Carl be the sometimes overly chivalrous man he learned to be. This is one of those instances where she lets him indulge.
"Now come on!" Zora playfully swatted Carl's butt. "I have parents and two brothers to meet."
Walking into the Grimes Family home, Zora felt an immediate warmth that permeated every inch of the home. A color scheme of brown and orange, a color Carl has mentioned as his mother's favorite, and laughter coming from the kitchen only added to what the family portraits and various memories displayed all around the walls provided.
Carl set their suitcases down and took the backpack off of his back before closing the door, "Home sweet home." He had the sweetest smile on his face and Zora couldn't help but return it as she reached down to squeeze his hand.
"Hey, Mom, we're home!" Carl gently tugged Zora with him towards the kitchen, where a pair of laughs could still be heard dying down. The two walked past the dining area and through the kitchen doorway. As the footsteps approached, Zora saw Mrs. Grimes turn around and gasp in delight at the sight of her eldest child.
Her boyfriend let go of her hand to meet his mother in a tight embrace. The two held it for a few seconds before Mrs. Grimes pulled back to hold Carl's face in her hands, "Oh, boo, you look so good. This girl must be feeding you well." She winked, hinting at a double meaning.
"Mom," Zora had never seen Carl blush so hard before. "Please."
"Oh, hush," Mrs. Grimes laughed. "I was 22 before, Carl." She stepped out of his arms as Carl turned his attention to a younger boy with a skin tone that was a happy medium of Judith's and Max's.
"Hi, I'm Carl's mother, Michonne," she introduced herself and smiled a pretty smile. At age 40, Michonne Grimes looked no older than 35 as she stood in jeans and a cute top, her locs down past her shoulders with a headband holding them back. She pulled Zora into a hug. "I'm so happy to finally meet you. Carl's never been this happy before."
Zora blushed, "Thank you, Mrs. Grimes. He makes me happy too." That was an understatement. Carl understood her like no one else ever had, aimed to make her happy, encouraged her when she was feeling low and gained the approval of her career military man father, which is no easy feat.
"Oh, please," Mrs. Grimes waved. "Call me Mimi. I have a feeling you'll be around for a long time."
Zora certainly hoped so.
Carl, who had been standing by watching the interaction unbeknownst to the pair, regained Zora's attention to introduce her to his youngest brother, RJ. Where Judith and Carl looked like Rick, and Andre and Max looked like Michonne, RJ was a perfect mix of both parents. With his father's nose and his mother's eyes (both in shape and in color), RJ is a real cutie pie. Zora's sure he has all of his seventh grade classmates in a tizzy.
The group exited the kitchen, stopping by the front door for Carl and RJ to gather up the bags, and marched up the stairs, passing Judith and Max in the living room as they did so. Carl and RJ simply deposited the bags outside of the room door as their mother called up towards the attic door. RJ walked down the hallway and entered, what Zora assumed was, his bedroom.
"Rick! Andre! Get down here," Mrs. Grimes-or Mimi, she corrected herself-yelled. She turned to Zora, "He loves to say he can't hear anything when he's up there." Her tone told Zora that she didn't believe it.
Zora giggled, "What're they doing up there?"
"Spring cleaning," Mrs. Grimes-Mimi-chimed. The attic door began easing down. "Carl would've been the one up there with him if he would've gotten here first."
"Hm, almost as if he planned it or something," Andre hissed as he jogged down the stairs.
"Not my fault you didn't think ahead," Carl teased and hugged his 20-year-old brother. Andre is handsome, about the same height as his older brother, with the same coloring as his mother, and his hair in a fade with his waves on display.
"Hey, I'm Andre," he smiles the same smile as his mother and gives Zora a hug. Which, wow, she was not expecting this family to be huggers. Carl should have told her. She returned the embrace in earnest, "Zora."
Andre repeated Judith's earlier sentiment, "Oh, yeah, we know." Carl punched him in the arm when he started to laugh. "Alright, I'm headin' downstairs."
He does so and Zora's attention is brought back over to Carl's mom when she hears the sound of the attic door latching and a prominent southern accent, "Sorry, darlin'. Got caught up."
And there was Mr. Grimes with a sweet grin directed towards his wife as he kissed her cheek. The 44-year-old was a handsome man with graying, curly hair and brilliant blue eyes that matched his eldest and youngest children.
Mrs. Grimes teasingly chided him, and brought his attention to the newcomer of his home.
"And who might this be, Carl?" Mr. Grimes' tone was knowing as he flashed a warm smile in her direction whilst giving his son a big embrace. Zora couldn't see it as Carl was pulling away, but she knew he was rolling his eyes. It's nasty habit that she's trying to get him out of. She'll be damned if their future children go around rolling their eyes at her.
"Zora," her love's face beamed. He reached for her waist, tugging her into his side.
"She's even prettier than her pictures, Rick," Mrs. Grimes gushed. Mr. Grimes looked at his wife adoringly, "Yes, she is."
He also gave Zora a hug, "You can call me Rick."
"I'll try," Zora laughed. "Might take a minute."
"Well, y'all settle in before we go out for lunch later, okay?" It was phrased as a question but Mrs. Grimes' tone procured no arguments.
"Yes ma'am," Zora replied. "We'll be down there soon."
Her boyfriend's mother looked over at Carl, impressed with Zora's manners, before taking her husband's hand to lead him down the stairs. Zora could hear Mr. Grimes' beginnings on Mrs. Grimes' clutter in the attic and her admonishing gasp in response, making Zora laugh to herself as her boyfriend walked her to his childhood bedroom. The two gathered the luggages from the threshold and placed them inside the bedroom by Zora's makeup case. Carl closed the door lightly.
"So this is it, huh?" Zora asked.
Carl sighed, "Yep. What do you think?"
It was exactly how Zora imagined it would be. There were posters for various comic book characters and a shelf with numerous comic books on it. One wall was decorated with sparse family pictures and another was lined with baseball memorabilia, some from MLB but most from Carl's days with the sport. It was very much him.
"I love it," she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."
Carl made a pleased sound and kissed her lips, "I love you, too. Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes," Zora hated to admit it, but Carl was right. She was worrying maybe a bit too much. "I'm excited for how the rest of the trip will go."
Carl squeezed her waist and gave her a peck on the nose, "Let's take that rest, yeah?"
"Yeah."
The couple's time at Carl's family home was growing to a close and Zora found herself feeling a little put out by that fact. She had come to really love and enjoy the company of the Grimes' over this 3 day stay and, almost, didn't want to leave.
(Only almost because she and Carl have now gone 3 days without sex since she was not about to give him any whilst staying at his parents' home when meeting them for the first time. But, damn, she missed him.)
The family had decided to have a final family dinner before Carl and Zora (and Andre) left to join friends for the remainder of their spring breaks. Mimi wanted to take the time for Zora and herself to cook dinner together and speak one-on-one, something Zora would have been petrified about 3 days earlier but is now only at ease with the prospect of.
The rest of the family were off doing their own things throughout the home while the women took this time with one another.
"I'm very happy you two decided to come up for a few days of your break," Mimi stated as she seasoned some meat to put into the oven.
"Me too," Zora replied, adding final touches to her father's famous homemade macaroni recipe. "I was a nervous wreck, to be honest."
She heard Mimi make a curious noise, "How come?"
"I know how close Carl is to all of you," Zora admitted. She made a quick glance to Michonne's eyes, "Especially you. I just wanted to make a good impression."
Zora missed the fond expression that crossed Michonne's features as she completed the macaroni for its placement into the oven. It was silent for a moment as the two women placed their dishes into the oven for cooking.
Mimi placed a soft hand on Zora's hand and applied an affectionate squeeze, "You already did before you got here. And it's even stronger now."
Zora felt a rush of relief at the words. That was all she wanted. All she could do in response was give Mimi a soft, toothless grin.
"Let's sit in the dining room," Mimi suggested. "I want to talk to you about something."
Zora followed her beloved's mother to the dining room and sat across from her.
"So, as I'm sure you know, I am not Carl's biological mother," Michonne started. Zora nodded, unsure where the conversation was going. "I've been in his life since he was 4 and I have always loved him like he was my own. He is my own.
"Rick and I, we went through a lot during those first few years together. We were both young, single parents when we met and, of course, being interracial… It was a lot to handle. And that was the main thing. Being an interracial couple.
"Times have gotten better but there's still people that have a lot to say. I've already talked to Carl about it, and I'm sure your parents have talked to you too, but I just want you to know you can talk to me if it sometimes feels too much. Because most of that heat will fall back on you and Carl will try, but he won't get it. Not fully. You understand?"
Zora nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Thank you."
"Of course," Mimi stood and motioned for an embrace, which Zora happily indulged in.
"Alright, let's go fix this Pineapple Upside Down cake that you just love so much." Mimi's tone was disgusted and Zora burst out.
"Hey! It's good," Zora defended. "A staple to our culture."
"I don't know why," Mimi grumbled and dragged a laughing Zora into the kitchen.
Carl slipped into his parent's open bedroom door while Zora was occupied with Maxine, who suckered his girlfriend into hearing everything about what was happening on Total Dramarama. Carl shook his head as he heard his baby sister's regaling of the mothers having a cute off. Whatever that is.
Carl closed the door behind him-a house rule for Mom and Dad's bedroom: If the door is open, everyone is welcome. If it is closed, stay far away-and was about to alert his parents of his presence when he was stopped by the scene before him.
There, in their in suite bathroom, his Mom and Dad worked their way around one another's night time routine with practiced ease. In companionable silence, the pair scooted for the other's space when necessary and passed materials to one another without much question needing to be raised. Little touches marked each of these, his parents catching each other's eyes every so often, their eyes filled with the love that has been there for as long as Carl can remember.
Carl watched them for a few more moments before clearing his throat for their attention. It got the desired effect, the two gesturing for their son to wait as they finished up. He obliged by sitting on the ottoman at the end of their bed.
The couple eventually made their way to the bed, Carl's father in his pajama bottoms and his mother in her blue robe, her hair wrapped up. The two got comfortable, snuggling up with one another before turning their attention to their eldest.
"Hey," his dad started. "Something eatin' ya?"
"Just wonderin' how y'all like Zora?" If his expression came off as hopeful, that's because it was.
"You got a good one, son," Rick assured, a smile on his face. He looked at his wife beside him, pulling her into his side more, "They're hard to come by."
Michonne kissed her man's shoulder and squeezed him on the knee before turning to her son again, "I agree. Do you think she's the one, boo?"
The thing about Carl was that he always idealized romance. With parents like his, it was quite impossible not to. While Michonne is not his biological mother, she has been in his life since he was four years old. Coming in and enduring what his Dad has said was the peak of his drama with Carl's biological mother-Lori-and having a two year old Andre, as well as her own drama with Mike, Andre's biological father, the two should not have worked as well as they did. As well as they continue to do 16 years and 3 more kids later.
So, yeah, Carl has always had problems with securing a relationship due to having unrealistic expectations for teenage girls. And even for college girls. That is until now.
Until now, when he has Zora who has seen him at his best and his worst, sticking with him through it all. Zora, who made sure he got some sleep because "You can't be a big architect if you fall asleep on the clients, baby." Zora, who pushed him to be better than what he already was because she knew he could do it and believes in him. Zora, who made him laugh and dance and be silly without care. Zora, who was going to be a big time criminal lawyer, kicking ass in the courtrooms. Zora, who loved his brothers and sisters and Mom and Dad. Zora, who they approved of wholeheartedly. Zora.
"Yeah," Carl confirmed. "I know she is."
"We do too."
The next early morning saw Carl's parents bidding the younger couple goodbye as their Uber driver waited to take them to the airport, their bags already in the car. Carl's parents would keep his car with them instead of him racking up money from airport parking.
Zora and Carl received tight hugs from Rick and Michonne and forehead kisses from both as they bid the pair farewell.
"Y'all be safe, okay?" Rick demanded. "Let us know when you get to the airport and when you land."
"They will, baby," Mimi assured. "You've said it five times already."
"Well, you can never be too careful, Chonnie," Rick defended.
"No, no, of course not," she placated but made a face towards the younger couple. They stifled their smiles as best they could. Rick only shook his head, used to Carl and Michonne ganging up on him.
"Alright, y'all go," Michonne gave each of them one last hug and kiss. "I love you both."
"We love y'all too," Carl opened the backseat door for his girlfriend, letting her enter the vehicle first before following afterwards. The couple waved one last time as the driver pulled away from the curb. They continued to watch as the older couple's shapes got smaller and smaller, their arms around one another as they walked back into their family home.
With his parents officially out of view, Carl turned to his love, "Did you have a good time?"
"I had a wonderful time," Zora yawned. "I love them all already."
"I'm glad," Carl grinned. "Go ahead and get some sleep. I'll wake you up when we get there."
Zora nodded, leaned her head against her boyfriend's shoulder and was out within two minutes. Carl gave a delicate smile before kissing her braided head. This weekend went better than he even imagined it to, but now…
Now he had to get the courage to ask her to move in with him.