AN: I know…I have never been gone this long and I am so sorry. I will not abandon this story. Thank you to everyone who reached out. I never stopped writing in my head but writer's block kept every word off the page. Speaking of which…if you are a writer or want to be I have an idea/prompt that the Muse is obsessed with. Please send me a PM or request via review. I would love to see it developed and I think the fandom would too.
This is isn't my best but it's a start.
Spring Break: College Road Trip Edition
Carl leaps out of bed like a child on Christmas morning. He moves through his morning routine with a wide 'Kool Aid' smile. He shakes his head laughing internally reviewing a road trip checklist produced by his textbook 'Type A' girlfriend. He moves down the hallway carrying his oversized leather duffle and a full garment bag to load the car. He packed efficiently knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that Justice would have at least one bag for shoes alone. He checks his phone and realizes how ahead of their departure time he is. He decides to make an effort toward normal. He enters the kitchen and starts a simple breakfast: scrambled eggs, toasted sourdough muffins and sausage patties.
Sophia shuffles down the hallway rubbing her eyes awake, "There's food?" she asks with a yawn.
He shrugs, "I thought a family breakfast would be a good idea." When the only adult in the house still had not joined them Carl makes his way up the hallway and knocks gently at her door. "Aunt Carol…I thought we could have a family breakfast…if you want," he states cautiously. There is no response so he returns to the kitchen.
He makes a plate but before the fork reaches his mouth her voice calls out, "Starting without me?" Carol wrapped in a pink and grey, plaid terry cloth robe teases.
Carl smiles, "Well…who wants rubbery eggs."
"You have a point," she moves toward the stove piling food on her plate. She takes a seat and exhales. After a bite she offers her own olive branch, "Make sure you double check your room and bathroom to make sure you don't leave anything behind."
He nods his head, "I will but I used Justice's checklist so I packed things I know I will not need but she is sure are necessary."
"They are," Sophia and Carol respond in unison before erupting in laughter.
After dropping his girl off at the neighboring school, securing his belongings in his temporary room Carl approaches the orientation location. The group of young, African American men exchange quick, surprised glances with each other. He takes a deep breath and places his hands in the pockets of his flat front, black chinos paired with a white button down shirt and blueberry suede oxford shoes. The Ambassador leads them through the historic campus drawing their attention to significant landmarks, highlighting programs and resources that support the fundamental mission of Morehouse College. One hour later the tour ends in a lecture hall, "Are there any additional questions?" He replies effortlessly to a range of questions regarding class size, financial aid, impacted programs, and graduation rates.
The questions begin to wind to a close when a voice from the side decides to address the elephant in the room, "Look, can we keep it real…who let the white boy in?"
"Exactly…This is why we can't have nice things…Is there a reverse Affirmative Action program?" different voices call out.
The Ambassador opens his mouth to respond but Carl clears his throat and speaks first, "I am fully aware that I am an unwanted guest for some of you. I know if I choose to apply and lucky enough to receive acceptance that I will have to prove that I am not here to do harm…play out some phase. The truth or rather my truth is that I have not decided on my career exactly but I do know I want to be an ally and it seems to me that being close to the day-to-day reality matters."
A few heads nod in consideration of his statement, some roll their eyes and a few grunt their disapproval. The first voice speaks up again, "So you are not a cliché?"
Carl shakes his head and chuckles, "I wish I could say I am not but my boy, Noah, and my girl are both Black. He and I have always been the two nerds in every grade so we decided to stick together and Justice…," he pauses. "She is the smartest, prettiest girl at my school or anywhere else for that matter. I got a shot and…" he shrugs not willing to share more.
The Ambassador seizes the silence to re-direct the discussion. "Look y'all…he is not the first white boy and he will not be the last. Our mission is clear…we are developing men to go out in the world and make a difference. If Hasil wants to be part of that and stays in his lane…so be it," he concludes gesturing with both hands.
The following day the young couple made their way down the interstate to South Carolina. Since they did not have scheduled appointments they wander the campus and engage students still around with general questions regarding programs and campus life. They arrive at Theresa Washington's home late afternoon. The older, brown skin matriarch with the short, immaculate white afro waits on the porch in her weathered rocking chair. She suffered a mild stroke a few years ago and even though she fully recovered physically her ability to filter her thoughts no longer existed.
She stands once the sleek sports car pulls into her driveway. Justice exits first, "Mama T," she greets her grandmother enthusiastically.
"Hey Sweet Girl…come on up here and give me a hug," she responds eagerly. After her bone crushing embrace she pushes the young girl back and gives her a once over. "Hmph…thank goodness the Washington genes are strong. You don't look nothing like that trifling, rolling stone daddy. Now where is this white boy? Raquel said you got his nose wide open."
Justice rolls her eyes and cringes, "Mama T," she implores.
Carl makes his way up the stairs burdened with luggage. He places the bags on the wooden planks and extended his hand, "Nice to meet you ma'am."
Theresa nods, "Manners…pasty as hell but he's a cutie," she replies returning the handshake.
Carl pulls his lips into his teeth to keep from laughing. "Thank you."
"Now before we enjoy our little visit let's get some things straight. You…"she points at Carl, "Keep the one eyed snake in your pants or God as my witness I will slice it off. And you," she points at Justice, "Keep a nickel between your knees-understood?"
Justice wants the ground to swallow her whole, "Yes ma'am," they respond in unison both blushing profusely. The matriarch turns opens the screen door and enters the house. Carl's shoulders are shaking from his silent laughter. This is going to be a blast.
The setting sun provides the perfect backdrop for an evening on the front porch swing. Justice snuggles under Carl's arm. "I am still trying to wrap my mind around the transcript review," Justice re-starts the previous conversation.
"I know…we could probably start college as sophomores. Did you know that was possible?"
"No…I mean I knew passing advanced placement tests allow waiving some pre-requisites but I did not anticipate this kind of impact. What are we going to do? I thought I had more time to figure out graduate school options," she shakes her head.
"You…I just figured out college was an option. I mean…"
"This is too much," she replies.
They rock quietly. "You know what…this isn't too much…not for us…we can do anything together." he offers optimistically.
She turns her head to look at him and he smiles wide. In a moment of pure clarity she returns his smile, "I love you." Her heart does not pound; her hands don't tremble. She has never been this sure of anything in her life.
Carl leans down and kisses her softly. "Good to know but I am confident I love you more," his eyes dance in delight.
Justice straddles his lap placing each of her small hands against his cheeks. "How about if we take forever to see who is right?"
"Good plan. Now, let's go do something totally corny to celebrate the fact that you said I love you first…milkshake with two straws or run through a field of flowers," he suggests with a wink. I am not dreaming…
Over Mama T's signature dinner of smothered chicken and the best potato salad Carl ever placed in his mouth they decide to skip the other schools and head to Washington, D.C. The next morning he follows the directions spouted by his phone GPS while Justice explains the change in plans to her mother. Eight hours later they pull into a hotel for check in. "Welcome to the Best Western, Georgetown. Do you have a reservation?" the attendant greets.
Justice speaks up, "Yes, for Washington." She places her identification and the family credit card on the counter.
"Right…I see…actually we had a cancellation if you are interested in saving some money. It's a single room with double beds," she looks up with a patient smile.
Carl and Justice's head snap toward each other. Their faces share expressions of uncertainty. "Uh…yeah…sure…that's fine," she stutters. Oh my God…I can handle this…right?
After ten stilted minutes the staff member slides two key cards and a parking pass across the counter, "Enjoy your stay."
They ride the elevator in silence to the 5th floor. Once they enter the chic room decorated with dark woods and a color palette of green, rust and yellow earth tones an awkward dance begins. "I'll take the bed closest to the door just in case," Carl breaks the tension first.
Justice nods, "Uhm…we probably should get some food…explore the area a little bit." They leave their half un-packed luggage and head back out breathing a sigh of relief.
Late night
"Keep your voices down…he's in the shower," Justice instructs.
"We are," America and Enid reply in hushed tones. "So, you are sharing a room with your boyfriend? Several states away from any adult supervision," they clarify the obvious.
"Ugh…the lady offered a deal and I got all flustered and we're walking on egg shells and it's all weird," she rambles while waving her hands.
"Are you sleeping together…in the same bed?"
"No…absolutely not; we each have our own bed. I mean am I over thinking this? He's my guy and I love him…I need to get a grip," she takes a deep breath.
"Back the hell up…What did you just say?" America practically shouts.
Justice smiles into the screen, "I do…I love him something awful; like Disney, happy ever after…rainbows and kittens."
Enid opens her mouth and points her finger toward her throat. America whacks her on the shoulder with an open hand, "Awe…leave Princess Tiana alone."
"Listen, I don't have a lot of time," Carl delivers rapidly watching the bathroom door.
"Dude, are you calling me from the bathroom? Are you in the shower? What is wrong with you?" Noah responds with semi-disgust.
"Shut the fuck up…I am having a crisis. We're sharing a room and you have to help me figure out how to handle the morning situation."
"How did you end up in the same room? Never mind…give me a minute," Noah's eyes squint, "I got it…let her have the bathroom first which gives you time to get things back to normal. You probably should sleep on your stomach 'cause…"
"Yeah…I love and respect her but if she pops up in some sexy ass pajamas there is only so much I can take," Carl replies more to himself than to the person on the phone.
"You what? Did you say what I think I heard?"
"I gotta go," he hangs up before his friend can interrogate him further.