so like i just got off work and i got time tonight. so let me like break it down and speak the slow bitches’ language.
this is a fictional story inspired by real tweets. but obviously, it seems you don't know what those words mean. so here are the definitions.
fictional means invented by the imagination. inspired means resulting from inspiration. inspiration means someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something.
so now that we have those out of the way, hopefully you understand that on the night of march 15th, when i saw very real tweets from people not only congratulating but also saying wild and funny things (see below), it inspired (see definition above) me. i also like included like tiktok’s of like
i guess you're the one who doesn't know what's real or fake, because those were very fake tweets made to aid my very fictional story.
tweet link (VERY REAL 😉)
*y'all gotta read this in your valley girl voice* 😭
UP THE PRICE (MY LADY)
michael b. jordan x wunmi m.
PART ONE
next masterlist
cw: sexual content, spanking, jealous!michael
summary: a year after the unfortunate leak, rumors are still flooding around about who michael has locked down. to the public it’s still a mystery that they want to solve, and behind closed doors things are moving exactly how he wanted them to.
notes: i haven't updated in a while. so sorry y'all. i got a new job at the beginning of may and i've been trying to get used to this schedule. i've just been busy a lot more, but enjoy.
October 2026
Wunmi's house looked like a storm had completely wrecked it. Drawers were pulled open, clothes spread all over the place, shoes were kicked off in random directions, and couch cushions had been tossed aside. Even the kitchen had things out of place, which never happened.
Wunmi stood in the middle of the living room with her phone pressed between her ear and shoulder while she dug through yet another bag for what felt like the hundredth time.
“I don’t understand,” she muttered tightly. “I don’t lose things like this.”
On the other end, Michael was quiet for a second, listening to the sound of things shifting and falling in the background.
“Hey, slow down,” he said, calmer than she felt. "You’re tearing the whole place up.”
She let out a sharp exhale, dropping the bag onto the floor before moving to the next thing.
“I already did tear the whole place up,” she shot back, her accent heavily slipping through. “It’s gone, Michael. I’ve looked everywhere.”
He leaned back in his chair on set, phone pressed to his ear, eyes tracking the movement around him. He ignored the faint sound of someone calling for him to be ready in a few minutes.
“It’s not gone, you just misplaced it, baby,” he said steadily.
Wunmi laughed, but there was no humor in it. She yanked open a drawer, rifling through it quickly.
“The one time I take it off and it goes missing,” she said, her voice starting to crack.
Michael’s jaw tightened slightly at that.
“When did you take it off?”
She paused, thinking, her movements slowing for a second.
“The night I washed my hair. I didn’t want it slipping off or getting caught, so I put it—” She stopped, her brows pulling together. “I put it on the counter I think.”
Her hands moved faster again, more frantic now that she was second-guessing herself.
“Wunmi, stop moving for second,” he said firmly.
She didn’t.
“I can’t stop,” she snapped, moving into the living room and dropping to her knees to check under the couch again. “It’s not here.”
He exhaled slowly through his nose, trying to stay patient.
“Aye, listen to me,” he called. "It's fine we'll find it and if we don't—"
Her movements slowed just a little.
“I don’t want another one,” she cut in quickly, sitting back on her heels, her chest rising and falling. “You paid too much money for this one, Michael.”
He shook his head, a small frown forming.
“I don’t care about that.”
“Well, I do,” she said immediately, pushing herself up and started to pace. “And it’s not even just that. You—you really thought about it and took the time to pick it out.”
He rubbed his hand over his mouth, leaning forward slightly.
“And I’ll easily do it again,” he said.
She huffed under her breath, shaking her head like he just wasn’t getting it.
“That’s not the point,” she murmured.
On his end, someone tapped his shoulder lightly. He nodded without looking at them, waving them off for a second.
“Give me a minute.”
He turned his attention fully back to her.
“Alright, listen. You probably left it at my place,” he said.
Wunmi stopped pacing immediately.
“…No, I didn’t.”
“You might’ve,” he pressed. “Think about it. Last time you were here—”
“That was a week ago,” she cut in, frustration creeping back in. “And I didn’t take it off there.”
He paused, tilting his head slightly.
“You sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” she said. “Why would I take it off there and not put it back on?”
He shrugged even though she couldn’t see it.
“I don’t know. You do a lot when you’re over here.”
That earned him a small, irritated huff.
“Michael,” she warned.
He let out a quiet breath, easing back a little.
“Alright, alright. All I’m saying is it’s somewhere. It didn’t just disappear.”
She didn’t respond right away. Instead, she turned slowly, looking over the mess of her home again. The reality of it hit her and her eyes started to burn.
“I don't like not having it on,” she admitted softly.
“Hey, don't do that,” Michael said gently.
She pressed her lips together, blinking a few times as she crouched down again, picking up a pillow just to check under it as if she hadn’t already done that ten times before.
“I just—” she started, her voice wobbling slightly. “You were so thoughtful with it. And now I’ve just lost it and you're being far too calm.”
“Because you're doing enough panicking for the both of us, baby. I'm not going to say it again but you didn't lose it, you just misplaced it." he said.
She didn’t argue, but she didn’t agree either.
“Michael—”
“I’m serious,” he cut in. “You don’t need to stress yourself out like this. It’s not worth it.”
She let out a long breath, some of the tension leaving her shoulders, but not all of it.
On his end, someone called out for him again. He closed his eyes briefly, exhaling.
“I gotta go,” he told her.
Wunmi nodded even though he couldn’t see it, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of a blanket.
“…Okay.”
He didn’t hang up right away.
“You good?” he asked.
She hesitated.
“…I’ll be fine.”
He didn’t fully believe that.
“Stop tearing your house up and take a break. I'll look for it when I get back. And if we can't find it then I'll get you another one,” he spoke lightly.
“Okay,” she said finally, even though it wasn’t fully okay.
“Alright,” he replied.
“…Be careful. I love you,” she added quietly.
“I love you too.”
The call ended and wunmi stood there in the middle of the mess. Her eyes drifted back down to her bare finger. It just felt so wrong.
She swallowed, pressing her lips together before letting out a slow breath. Her gaze moved around the room one more time, then she shook her head slightly, stepping over a pile of clothes as she moved toward the couch. She sank down into it, exhaustion finally catching up to her.
Wunmi sat there for a while, staring at nothing. Her mind tried to retrace every step she’d taken over the last few days. She pressed her lips together, then pushed herself up from the couch with a quiet exhale.
If she wasn’t going to find it right now, then she at least wasn’t going to keep living in the middle of a disaster. So she started with the living room. She picked things up and put them back into place. Every now and then her eyes would flick down to her hand out of habit, but each time it annoyed her.
She cleaned the kitchen next. Then moved to her bedroom. She was haflway through folding her thrown around clothes when her phone rang from somewhere behind her. She paused, listening for a second before turning and spotting it on the bed. She was able to that it was her good friend Danielle Brooks calling her.
Wunmi blinked, then walked over, picking it up and answering as she sat down on the edge of the mattress.
“Hello?”
“Wunmi!” Danielle’s voice came through bright and warm, full of energy. “Girl, where have you been?”
A small smile pulled at Wunmi’s mouth instantly.
“I’ve been around. You're the one that's been busy,” she said lightly, tucking one leg under herself.
“Okay, that’s fair,” Danielle laughed. “But still. I feel like I haven’t seen you seen you in forever.”
“Same,” Wunmi admitted, her voice softening just a little.
“So what you doing today?” Danielle asked.
Wunmi glanced around her half-clean room
“Nothing, really. Just at home,” she said.
“Perfect. That means you can come out to lunch with me,” Danielle replied immediately.
Wunmi huffed out a quiet laugh.
“You didn't even ask me!”
“Why would I? And I'm not taking no for an answer, so don't say it,” Danielle said.
Wunmi shook her head, smiling despite herself. “I wasn’t going to say no.”
“Good, because I already have the reservations made,” Danielle said. “So you're definitely coming?”
Wunmi hesitated for half a second, her thumb brushed lightly over her ring finger without thinking.
“I’ll come,” she said.
“I'll send you the address because I’m already on the way there, so don’t take forever.”
Wunmi laughed softly. “I won’t.”
“Alright, I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Okay.”
The call ended and Wunmi immediately got to work.
She stood in front of her closet for a minute, scanning her options before deciding on something simple. Once she was dressed, she moved to the mirror, smoothing her hands over her outfit, adjusting small things here and there.
Her gaze lifted to her reflection then dropped. Her bare hand came up slightly.
“…It’s fine,” she murmured to herself.
She reached for her shades, sliding them on before grabbing her purse. The sun hit her with a warmth as soon as she stepped outside. She locked her door, adjusted her bag on her shoulder, then headed to her car.
During the entire drive, Wunmi had the music on low playing softly in the background with er fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel.
Eventually she pulled up to the restauraunt. She parked, grabbed her purse, and stepped out, adjusting her shades slightly as she made her way inside. The place was lively but not overwhelming. Soft chatter filled the air, the clink of glasses and silverware blending into the background. She approached the host stand, offering a small smile.
“Hello.”
“Hi,” the hostess greeted warmly. “Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes. I believe it's under Danielle Brooks?”
The hostess nodded immediately, grabbing a menu. “Right this way.”
Wunmi followed her through the restaurant, weaving past tables and people until they reached the patio doors. Danielle sat at one of the tables, sunglasses perched on the top of her face, her posture relaxed as she scrolled through her phone. She looked up just in time, her expression breaking into a wide smile as she stood up.
“Wunmi!”
They closed the distance quickly, wrapping each other in a warm hug.
“Hey,” Wunmi laughed softly against her shoulder.
“Hey, stranger,” Danielle teased, squeezing her a little tighter before pulling back to look at her.
They both took a second, really taking each other in.
“It’s been too long,” Danielle said.
“It has,” Wunmi agreed.
Danielle shook her head, smiling. “You look good.”
“So do you,” Wunmi replied easily.
They both laughed, that easy, familiar energy settling right back into place like no time had passed at all.
“Come on,” Danielle said, gesturing toward the table as they sat back down.
Wunmi slid into her seat, setting her purse down beside her, her shades still on as she leaned back slightly.
Their server approached not too long after they sat down, a polite smile on her face as she glanced between them.
“Hi, ladies. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Danielle didn’t even look at the menu.
“Yeah, I’ll do a margarita,” she said easily, handing it back.
The server nodded, then turned to Wunmi.
“And for you?”
Wunmi glanced down briefly, then back up. “I’ll have a French 75.”
“Perfect. I’ll be right back with those.”
They both murmured a quick thank you before the server stepped away. The second she was out of earshot, Danielle leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the table.
“Okay, now talk to me. What's been going on with you?,” she said, eyes narrowing playfully.
Wunmi smiled, shaking her head a little as she settled back in her chair.
“Just work and life like always,” she said.
Danielle hummed like she halfway believed her, her gaze drifting casually as she listened. Her eyes dropped right to Wunmi’s hands that were resting on the table.
Wunmi didn’t even realize what Danielle was looking at until she felt her reach across the table.
Danielle grabbed her hand, lifting it, her face twisting in confusion.
“Wait, where's your ring?”
Wunmi’s stomach dropped. She let out a slow sigh, her shoulders sinking just a little.
“I lost it.”
Danielle’s head snapped up.
“Already?!” she gasped.
Wunmi let out another breath, this one heavier, her lips pressing together as she looked down at their hands.
“I’ve been looking for it for days, and I don't know where it is,” she admitted, sounding almost hurt.
“Oh, baby…” she murmured, still holding her hand.
“I turned my whole house upside down to look for it. I don't understand how I lost it…” she trailed off.
Danielle squeezed her hand gently.
“What did Michael say?”
Wunmi let out a small, humorless huff.
“He told me to calm down and we'd find it,” she said. “Or he’d just get me another one if we couldn’t.”
Danielle’s brows lifted slightly. “And you didn’t like that.”
“No,” Wunmi said immediately, shaking her head. “I don’t want another one.”
Danielle nodded slowly, understanding settling in her expression.
“Mm, I get it,” she said gently. “I lost mine before.”
Wunmi blinked, looking up at her.
“You did?”
“Mhm,” Danielle nodded. “Thought I was about to pass out when I realized it too. Tore my whole house up just like you.”
Wunmi let out a small breath, something easing in her chest just a little. “Did you find it?”
Danielle smiled. “I did. It was in the most random place too. You're gonna find it, so don't stress yourself out too much.”
Right then, their server returned with their drinks, carefully placing them down in front of them.
“Margarita for you, and a French 75 for you ,” she said, setting Wunmi’s glass down gently. “Are you ladies ready to order?”
Danielle picked up her drink, taking a quick sip before nodding.
“Yes please."
They both grabbed their menus again, scanning over them briefly as they placed their orders. Danielle confidently went first, while Wunmi took a second longer. The server nodded, jotting everything down. Once she walked away again, Danielle leaned back in her chair, lifting her glass slightly.
They clinked their glasses together and fell right back into conversation. They talked about everything. From work to people to random stories. Danielle filled her in on things she had missed, little industry gossip here and there that made Wunmi laugh and shake her head. Wunmi shared her own updates of things she hadn’t realized she needed to talk about until she was saying them out loud.
Time moved quickly and they hardly even noticed. Their food came and went, plates slowly clearing as they kept talking.
Danielle tilted her head slightly, a knowing look on her face.
“So,” she started, dragging the word out just a little. “How’s wedding planning going?”
Wunmi let out a soft laugh immediately, shaking her head as she set her fork down.
"It’s…a lot.”
“I know it is,” Danielle grinned.
“It’s not even the planning itself, it's the timing,” Wunmi continued.
She reached for her glass, taking a small sip before continuing.
“Michael’s been filming, so everything has to work around his schedule. And when he does have time, it’s like we have to squeeze in ten different things at once. It’s just a lot of back and forth. All of the calls and meetings. where we have to make decisions so quick because we don't know when the next free window is,” Wunmi said.
“So do y’all have a date yet?”
Wunmi picked up her glass and took a small sip.
“Not officially, but we've been looking at spring time or maybe early summer,” she said. “But we’ve been looking at spring. Maybe early summer. I really want May, but that's only if everything lines up properly.”
Danielle raised a brow. “Oh, that's soon soon.”
Wunmi gave a small nod, setting her glass back down. her fingers brushed along the stem of her glass. All of it felt too real.
Wunmi smiled faintly, her fingers brushing along the stem of her glass. The idea of it felt real when she said it out loud like that.
Danielle studied her for a second, then asked, “Are y’all planning to go public before then?”
Wunmi shrugged, her expression easy.
“I don’t really care about that right now. It's not at the top of my list,” she said. “Michael said he’d rather wait until after we get married.”
Danielle hummed, like she was considering that, then a small smirk crept onto her face.
“Mm. Maybe he’s just trying to get his last little bit of fun in ebfore everybody really backs off,” she said casually.
Wunmi didn’t even hesitate to say, “I’m not worried about that.”
“Not even a little bit?”
Wunmi shook her head, leaning back into her seat.
“He's already learned his lesson,” she said simply.
That made Danielle laugh.
“Okay, I hear you,” she said, holding her hands up.
Wunmi just gave a small unbothered smile.
They stayed for a little longer just talking. Eventually their plates were cleared and their dreams were long finisehed.
Danielle glanced around, then back at Wunmi.
“You ready?”
Wunmi nodded. “Yeah.”
Danielle lifted her hand slightly, catching their server’s attention as she passed by.
“Whenever you get a chance, can we get the check?”
The server nodded with a polite smile.
“Of course.”
She disappeared for a moment, and Wunmi reached for her purse. It didn't take long for the server to come back. She didn't set anything on the table. Instead she gave the two women a careful look.
“Actually, your check has already been taken care of,” she said.
Wunmi frowned slightly. “By who?”
The server gave a small, knowing smile, then subtly angled her head toward the inside of the restaurant.
“The gentleman over there.”
Both Wunmi and Danielle turned, their gazes following the direction she’d indicated.
Inside, a small group of men sat at a table not too far from the patio doors. It took a second to even figure out which one she meant until they watched as one of the men leaned back slightly, his attention already on them.
His face wasn’t fully clear from where they were. The lighting inside hit at an angle, shadowing part of it, and he had on a hat that didn’t help. Wunmi narrowed her eyes just a little, trying to place him.
They both turned back toward the server.
“Well…tell him thank you,” Danielle said, still sounding unsure.
“Of course,” the server replied before she walked away.
Wunmi and Danielle exchanged a look. Then they both glanced back toward the table, but the moment had already shifted. The man wasn’t as clearly visible anymore, someone else moving in front of him briefly, the angle changing just enough to make it harder to get a good look.
Danielle leaned closer.
“Do you know him?”
“I don’t—” Wunmi started, then stopped, her eyes narrowing again slightly. “I mean, I can’t see him properly.”
They sat there for another moment, trying to piece it together, but neither of them could land on anything. And then the patio door opened. The man from inside stepped out into the sunlight, moving with an easy confidence. As he got closer, the shadows fell away from his face and Wunmi's breath caught.
Her eyes widened almost immediately in recognition. She quickly turned her head toward Danielle, surprise flickering across her face.
“What? Who is that?” Danielle asked under her breath.
Wunmi didn’t answer. She just looked back at the man as he closed the distance to their table.
“Ladies,” he greeted smoothly as he reached the table.
Danielle straightened slightly, already smiling out of politeness.
“Hi,” she said. “Thank you for paying for us. You didn’t have to do that.”
He waved it off with a small shrug.
“It’s nothing. I figured I'd use it as an excuse to come say hello. Hope you don't mind,” he said.
Danielle glanced at Wunmi briefly before looking back at him.
“No, not at all. That was relaly nice of you,” she said.
Wunmi hadn’t said a word. She kept her posture composed, but her gaze had shifted off to the side for a moment, like she needed a second to collect herself before fully engaging. Because standing in front of her was someone she hadn't seen in literal years. And wasn't expecting to see again.
Tyree Lawson had been someone she had been seeing before Michael even came into the picture. They hadn’t ended badly. They just ended. The distance, timing, and their careers pulled them in opposite directions. He got traded, she picked up a new acting job, and their lives moved on.
But she remembered him. And judging by the way he was looking at her now, he remembered her just as well.
His attention shifted fully to her, a slow smile pulling at his mouth.
“Hi.”
Wunmi cleared her throat softly, finally looking at him.
“Hello.”
The formality of it made his brows lift immediately. A small, amused crease formed between them as he tilted his head.
“Why you acting like you don’t know me?”
Danielle’s eyes flicked between them instantly.
Wunmi exhaled quietly, then extended her hand out.
“Hi,” she said a little less stiff.
He reached out and took it, his grip warm. His thumb brushed lightly across the back of her hand.
“How you been?” he asked.
Wunmi gave him a sharp look and he caught the meaning of it immediately. He smirked.
“I’ve been fine,” she said while pulling her hand back. “Very busy, but fine.”
“I see that. You been everywhere lately,” he nodded, leaning back slightly so he could take her in properly. “I didn’t get to tell you before, but I saw Sinners.”
Wunmi’s expression shifted just a little.
“And?” she asked.
“I liked it a lot. You did your thing in that,” he said. "I'm proud of you."
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I appreciate that.”
There was a brief pause before she shifted the focus.
“What are you doing out here? Didn't the season start?” she asked.
He nodded once. “Yeah, it did. I’ve just got some business to handle out here before I head back.”
Wunmi’s brows lifted slightly. “What business?”
“I started a winery.” A small smile tugged at his mouth.
“Congratulations. That's big,” her tone was more warm and animated now.
“Thank you. The grand opening's coming up soon,” he paused. "You should come."
Wunmi looked at him, and for a split second she let whatever was in the air sink into her. She became a little too soft and a little too open.
“I would have to see, but I think it should be fine,” she said.
Danielle sat back in her chair, watching the exchange unfold with quiet interest. Her gaze moved between them. It wasn’t hard to read the situation. There was clearly history there and it hadn't fully gone away.
He was satisfied with that answer.
“I’ll send you the details.”
“Okay,” Wunmi said.
There was another small pause before he glanced between them, stepping back just slightly.
“I won’t hold you any longer,” he added. “Just wanted to say hello.”
Wunmi nodded, pushing her chair back as she stood.
“Yeah, of course.”
She stepped around the table, closing the small distance between them. And they hugged.
This time their contact wasn't awkward. In fact it was easy and familiar. His arms wrapped around her firmly, pulling her in. They slid a little lower than they probably should have.
Wunmi inhaled softly at the contact, her body reacting before her mind could catch up. He’d always been built strong and solid. Her hands rested against him briefly, her fingers pressing lightly against his back. She let out a quiet hum without meaning to.
He dipped his head slightly, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before pulling back, his hands lingering at her waist for just a second longer.
“Good seeing you,” he murmured.
“You too,” she replied.
He gave Danielle a quick nod before turning and heading back inside.
Nobody noticed the the camera lens across the street taking pictures of them.
Wunmi sat back down, adjusting her bag at her side, and Danielle was staring at her hard. Wunmi didn’t meet her eyes right away. She just reached for her shades instead and slid them back up.
“What?” she casually asked.
Danielle leaned back, crossing her arms loosely.
“You might not be worried about Michael with other women, but he should probably be a little worried about you,” she said pointedly.
Wunmi let out a quiet hum, not denying it, but not feeding into it either. She grabbed her purse, standing up.
“You ready?” she asked simply.
Danielle stared at her for a second longer, then shook her head with a small laugh as she stood too.
“Yeah, I'm ready,” she said.
A few days had passed, and the ring still hadn’t turned up.
Wunmi had stopped tearing her house apart, but the absence hadn’t gotten any easier. If anything, it got worse. Every time she reached for things or rested her hand on her lap she was reminded of it not being there.
She was leisurely stretched out across her couch when Michael called, one leg tucked under her, and her sketchbook open beside her with loose pages scattered around it.
“Hey,” she answered, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder as she absentmindedly flipped through one of the pages.
“Hey baby,” Michael’s voice came through low and tired. “You find it yet?”
She let out a small sigh. “…No.”
There was a brief pause on his end.
“It's fine.”
Wunmi frowned slightly, her fingers coming up to rub over her bare ring finger.
“It doesn’t feel fine,” she muttered. “My finger feels weird without it.”
That earned a quiet exhale from him, something close to a soft chuckle.
“You'll be okay. It's not permanent,” he said.
She hummed under breath, shifting a little on the couch.
“So how are you feeling about everything?” sheasked while glancing down at her sketchbook.
“About what?” he asked.
“The wedding,” she said.
There was a small pause.
“I’m good,” he answered. “Why? You not?”
“I am,” she said quickly. “It's just that there’s a lot to keep up with.”
Her hand moved across the page, tracing over one of the rough designs she’d started.
“And don’t forget we have that meeting next week with the planner coming up,” she added.
“Yeah, I remember,” he said.
She sat up a bit to reach for a pencil.
“I’ve been trying to get a head start on my dress too,” she continued. “I started sketching some ideas, but I don't know how I feel about any of them.”
On the other end, Michael was half-listening when his phone buzzed. He pulled it away from his ear just enough to glance down at the notification to see that it was a text from his publicist.
How do you want to handle this?
A twitter link followed.
His brows pulled together as he tapped it. The page loaded and his eyes instantly went to the caption.
Academy nominee Wunmi Mosaku and Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Tyree Lawson seen pretty close at lunch.
Michael blinked once. Then he looked down at the photos. There were multiple pictures of Wunmi and Tyree hugging. His arms wrapped low around her waist and his cheek pressed against hers. There was even a picture where his lips were pressed against her cheek.
Michael was utterly confused and tense all at once.
“Aye, what is this?”
His voice cut her off mid-sentence.
“What are you talking about?”
Instead of answering, he sent the link to her. And at the exact same time, her phone buzzed against her ear. She pulled it away to see that it was a text from her own publicist.
We need to get in front of this.
Her stomach dropped. And as soon as the tweet loaded she felt her whole breath evaporate.
“Oh my God.”
Her eyes widened as she scrolled through the photos, her chest tightening.
On the other end, Michael said nothing he just waited. His silence made her pulse stutter.
“Okay, wait. When I went out with Danielle the other day someone paid for our meal. It was him,” she said quickly. "Then he came over to our table."
“Y’all look pretty close.”
The way he said it was too controlled.
Wunmi exhaled, already feeling that dangerous shift in him.
“Do you remember the guy I told you about that came before you?” she asked.
There was a beat. Then Michael hummed.
She swallowed. “That’s him.”
He remembered the conversation and the way she described how serious it could've been and how much she liked him before things fell apart. And now he was looking at pictures of that same man with his hands on her like that.
“So then what,” Michael said slowly.
Wunmi shifted on the couch, her fingers tightening slightly around her phone.
“It wasn’t like that, baby,” she said. “He just paid for our food and came to say hi. That’s it.”
Michael let out a quiet breath through his nose.
“That don’t look like just saying hi.”
Wunmi frowned, her chest tightening.
“I didn’t know what to do. It caught me off guard,” she said.
He shook his head, even though she couldn’t see it.
“You didn’t know what to do?” he echoed.
She heard the edge in his voice.
“I mean—no,” she said, her tone softening. “I wasn’t expecting to see him. And he just came up—”
“And you hugging him like that?” Michael cut in.
Her lips parted, then pressed together again.
“He did all of that,” she said, quieter now.
“That don’t change what it look like.”
Wunmi exhaled, her shoulders sinking slightly.
“It wasn’t anything. You're making it more than it was,” she insisted.
Michael didn’t respond right away because then he realized something that made this all that much worse.
“And you ain’t have your ring on. Did you at least tell him you were engaged?”
Wunmi froze. She didn't answer right away which made Michael grunt in frustration.
"Oluwunmi…"
“…No,” she admitted softly. Her voice had dropped to a whisper.
Michael let out another low, frustrated grunt, dragging a hand down his face.
“Aight,” he said. "It's cool."
Wunmi sat up straight.
“It’s not—Michael, listen—”
“I said it’s cool,” he repeated.
But it didn’t sound like it was at all.
“I’ll see you later.”
Her brows pulled together immediately. And she went to ask him what he meant by that, but the line had already gone dead. She pulled the phone away from her ear, staring at the screen for a second, confusion settling in just as fast as the panic. He wasn’t supposed to be back for another two days. So really what did he mean?
The rest of the day blurred together.
Her phone stayed in her hand. If she wasn’t on a call, she was answering a text. If she wasn’t answering a text, she was reading something she wished she hadn’t.
Her publicist called her once. Then again. Then a third time, looping her into another call but this time with Michael’s publicist.
Wunmi pressed her lips together, pacing slowly through her living room as she listened, her free hand resting against her forehead.
“It wasn’t like that,” she said for what felt like the tenth time. “He came up to us and I didn’t even know he was there until—”
“We understand that, but perception matters far more than intent right now,” her publicist cut in gently.
Wunmi closed her eyes as she took that statement in because of course it did.
They talked through options of what to do. If she wanted to make a statement and the timing of it, or if she would want to stay silent. By the time that call ended, her head was pounding. And of course, it didn’t stop there.
Danielle called her as well.
“Girl, are you okay?” she asked immediately.
“I’m fine,” Wunmi said, even though she wasn’t.
Danielle sighed. “I didn’t even notice anybody out there taking pictures like that.”
“Me either,” Wunmi muttered, dropping down onto her couch again.
“You talked to Michael?”
“I did and let's just say it didn't go too well. He hung up on me.”
“Okay, well, that's not ideal,” she said slowly.
Wunmi huffed a small, humorless breath. “No, it’s not.”
After that the calls just kept coming. From close friends to family. And they were all asking questions that she didn't really feel like answering. The only person who hadn't was Michael. And not for lack of trying on her part either.
Every time she tried to call him, it went unanswered. Every text was stuck on delivered. She even checked his location at one point, but it was off.
When evening came, her energy was completely drained.
She sat curled up on her couch, her phone resting in her lap as she stared at the screen. The tweet was still circulating, but with more comments and opinions. More people were inserting themselves into something they didn’t understand.
Her thumb hovered over Michael’s name for the fiftieth time that day. She still had nothing from him. Her chest tightened, and she swallowed hard, blinking a few times as that familiar pressure started building behind her eyes. All of this was getting to her.
She slowly moved through her nighttime routine. The house fell still the moment she turned the lights off ready to curl up and hide from the world.
She grabbed her phone one last time, glancing at it, and still nothing. Wunmi let out a quiet breath and set it down on the table. She had started to head to her bedroom when there was a knock on her door.
It was far too late for anyone to just be showing up. So she stood still for second to listen. But then another louder and more insistent knock came.
Her heart picked up slightly as she walked toward the door with cautious steps.
“Who is it?” she called out.
No verbal answer, only another knock.
She hesitated for half a second before unlocking the door and pulling it open. And her breath caught when she saw Michael standing there with a hood pulled over his head and hands tucked into his pockets.
“Michael—” she gasped in relief. “Baby, I am so—”
“Come on,” he cut in firmly. He left no room for disagreeament.
When she didn't move, Michael stared at her harder.
“Let's go,” he repeated, stepping slightly to the side and holding the door open wider.
Her breath hitched. It was something about the look in her eye that made her really not want to argue with him. She simply turned and went to grab her phone and purse off of the table. She walked past him, his presence heavy as she went by.
He stepped out right after her, pulling the door shut and locking it without a word. Wunmi looked back slightly to watch him. He slipped by her to lead the way.
Once he got to the car, Michael pulled the passenger door open for her to get into. She climbed in with her heart beating faster than normal. The door shut and a second later, he was in the driver’s seat, starting the engine.
The silence inside the car was thick during the drive.
Wunmi glanced at him. His hands were tight on the wheel and eyes forward. She opened her mouth then closed it. Whatever she was about to say didn’t feel like it would go right, so she stayed quiet.
The drive only lasted about fifteen minutes, but it felt much longer.
As soon as they pulled into his driveway, he was out of the car almost immediately, coming around to her side and opening her door before she could even reach for it.
She stepped out, watching him carefully. He led the way inside, unlocking the front door and holding it open for her. She stepped into the house, instantly being met with a comfortable familiarity. He closed the door behind them, locking it again before moving past her.
“Where were you when you took it off?” he asked roughly.
Wunmi blinked, trying to keep up.
“I was washing my hair, but that was back at my—”
She could hardly answer before he turned and headed straight for the stairs. Wunmi followed quickly behind him.
“Michael—” She called for him as they swiftly moved up the stairs.
She knew she hadn’t taken her ring off here, so she didn’t argue. At this point, she didn’t have the energy to push back on anything. Not after the day she’d had. So she just followed him into the bathroom and watched him as he immediately got to work.
He moved around the space like a man on a mission, opening drawers, shifting bottles, checking along the edges of the counter and behind things that hadn’t been touched in days. His movements were completely focused yet annoyed.
Wunmi stood in the doorway for a second before stepping in, her arms folding loosely over her chest as she watched him.
“Michael…” she started softly.
He didn’t even look at her. Instead, he crouched down instead, checking along the base of the cabinets, his fingers running along the small spaces.
Wunmi swallowed. Then slowly, she moved further in, kneeling down on the opposite side, her movements much more hesitant. She checked places she knew didn’t make sense. Behind containers and inside small trays and corners that didn’t hold anything. She wasn’t really expecting to find it, but she helped anyway.
The only sounds in the room were the soft shifting of items and Michael’s quiet, frustrated exhales every few minutes. He was getting irritated and she could not only hear it but see it as well. His shoulders were tight and his jaw flexed every time he searched and came up empty-handed.
Enough time passed for the silence between them to stretch and fill the room.
Michael was crouched low near the side of the counter, his fingers reaching into a narrow gap between the cabinet and the wall. His face was scrunched together when he pulled his hand back. And there it was in his fingers. The ring.
Wunmi let out a relieved exhale, “Oh thank God.”
Michael stood up, holding it between his fingers as he wiped it off against the side of his shirt, inspecting it briefly. Then he looked at her.
“Come here.” His voice was steady.
Wunmi carefully pushed herself up and walked over to him. He held his hand out. She reached for it, her fingers slipping into his automatically. He lifted the ring slightly between them, his gaze flicking from it to her.
“You better not lose it again.”
Wunmi’s lips parted slightly, and she nodded, her voice soft, “I won’t.”
He slid it back onto her finger, the cool metal settling into place.
Wunmi exhaled shakily, her shoulders dropping just a little as she looked down at it. Relief flooded her instantly.
Michael’s expression softened as he took her hand again, bringing it up and pressing a kiss to it. Then he stepped closer and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into him. He pushed his lips onto hers and she melted into the kiss almost immediately. Her hands came up to rest agaisnt his chest before sliding up around his neck.
The tension from earlier simmered.
She pulled back just a little, her forehead brushing against his as she looked at him.
“I’m sorry for not really telling you,” she said softly.
“It’s alright. I get it,” he said after a second. “I guess this is my payback.”
Wunmi frowned faintly.
“Payback? For what?”
He looked at her, something protective settling back into his expression.
“I don’t like nobody thinking they can come up and be that comfortable with you,” he said. “Especially not somebody you had something with.”
Her breath caught slightly.
“I didn’t—”
“I know. But I'm saying,” he said firmly. "I'm protective over what's mine."
His hand pressed lightly against her waist.
“And I don’t want you going out without your ring so we don't have this problem again,” he added.
Wunmi nodded slowly, her fingers tightening slightly against him.
“Okay.”
He leaned in again, kissing her slower this time.
Her arms wrapped around him fully now, holding him close as she lifted her hand slightly behind his head. The ring caught the light. She smiled softly against his lips.
“I really did miss it,” she murmured.
Michael let out a quiet breath against her skin, his lips trailing from her jaw down to her neck, pressing a few soft kisses there.
Her eyes fluttered closed, her grip tightening just a little. After a moment, she pulled back slightly, catching her breath.
“What are you doing back already? I thought you weren't coming back for two more days,” she asked.
Michael looked at her for a second, then shrugged lightly.
“I had to come handle my business.”
Wunmi bit her lip, her gaze dropping for a second.
“I really am sorry, Michael,” she said again.
He shook his head, stepping back just enough to look at her fully.
“It’s fine,” he said. “I’m tired.”
He moved past her, already pulling his hoodie off as he headed toward the bedroom.
Wunmi followed, watching him as he stripped down to his boxers.
They both slipped into bed without much more conversation. Wunmi settled in beside him, her hand resting against his chest, her thumb brushing lightly over the ring.
December 2026
Michael had finally wrapped filming for Miami Vice, which meant he was home more, but somehow, that hadn’t made life any less hectic. Now they had wedding stress and awards and press season.
Wunmi had already picked up several nominations. Her name was floating in conversations again. All of the hype was starting to stack on top of everything else.
The wedding planning had been intense. They officially had their date, the venue was picked, and invitations had been sent. That should've made things easier, but it didn't.
Now it was all about the details. They still had to lock a lot of things in while coordinating their schedules around two careers that clearly weren't slowing down. It was a lot.
And Michael had been on her more than usual. He was always touching her or near her. Especially after the whole Tyree thing. Even though they had moved past it, something about it had stuck with him.
They were on the couch with the TV playing something neither of them was fully paying attention to.
Wunmi sat sideways, her legs draped across Michael’s lap and her back resting against the arm of the couch. Her phone was in her hand, thumbs moving as she typed.
Michael’s hand rested on her calf, absentmindedly sliding down to her ankle before coming back up again. His other hand lifted her foot slightly, thumb pressing into the arch, working it gently.
Wunmi exhaled softly at the pressure, not even looking up from her phone.
“Mm,” she hummed.
Michael glanced at her.
“Who you texting?”
“I'm just updating the bridesmaids,” she said while typing.
“About what?”
“The dates that we agreed on for our trips. And the fittings."
Michael shook his head slightly, a quiet breath leaving him.
“This is still so crazy to me,” he muttered.
Wunmi glanced at him briefly, a small smile pulling at her lips.
“What is?”
“The fact that we're getting married.”
“I’m excited,” Wunmi's smile softened.
Michael smiled back at her, then went back to rubbing her foot.
She returned her attention to her phone. And just then a new text came in from an unknown number. Her brows pulled together in confusion as she opened it.
The first message was a picture of an invitation. Then there was a text right under it.
Can’t wait to see you.
Wunmi was utterly confused, until she scrolled up slightly, looked at the number again, then back at the image. That was when it all clicked.
“Oh.”
Michael’s hand paused slightly against her foot.
“What?”
Wunmi’s lips pressed together as she read it again.
“I just got an invitation,” she said.
“To what?”
She hesitated for a second.
“Tyree’s winery opening.”
Michael’s hand stilled completely.
“No.”
It was an immediate rejection that took Wunmi aback.
“You didn’t even let me explain.”
“Didn't have to,” he said as he leaned back against the couch.
Wunmi let out a small breath, sitting up a little.
“He just sent it to me and I don't even have his number,” she added.
“I don’t care. You're not going,” Michael said. His hand dropped from her foot, resting on her leg instead, his fingers tapping once against her skin.
Wunmi frowned, “Baby—”
“You're not going,” he repeated.
She shifted, pulling one of her legs in so she could turn toward him more.
“But I kind of want to go.”
Michael’s eyes snapped to her. “Why?”
Wunmi blinked at his tone, then exhaled.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “It just doesn't feel like a big deal. It's a grand opening, so we'll be in public. And it's not like I'm sneaking off somewhere with him.”
Michael stared at her completely unmoved.
“That’s not the point, baby.”
"Then what is the point?" Wunmi tilted her head slightly.
“I don’t trust him.”
Wunmi’s brows lifted slightly.
“It sounds like you don’t trust me?”
“That's not what I said. I trust you,” he said immediately.
“Then—”
“I don’t trust him,” he repeated, slower this time. “And I don’t like the idea of you going somewhere he invited you to like that.”
Wunmi sighed softly, her shoulders dropping a little.
“It’s not like I have feelings for him. Whatever was there is gone,” she said.
Michael’s gaze stayed on her.
“That doesn’t mean it’s gone for him. Especially after how them pictures looked. Now he's inviting you out. I don't like that,” he said.
“I’d be wearing my ring,” she said quietly.
Michael let out a short breath, shaking his head, “That don’t stop nothing if somebody don’t care.”
Wunmi studied him for a second.
“So what? I just don't go?” she asked softly.
“Not unless I’m there,” he said.
Wunmi leaned back against the couch again, thinking.
“I don’t even know if you can go. You might have press,” she said.
“Then you not going,” he replied without hesitation.
She let out a quiet huff, somewhere between frustration and understanding.
“Michael…”
He reached for her leg again, pulling it back across his lap, his hand sliding up her thigh before settling there.
“I’m serious. I'm not about to have a repeat of that,” he said.
Wunmi looked at him, really looked at him this time, and she saw the tension still in his body. So she decided to concede.
“Okay,” she said after a second.
Michael’s shoulders relaxed a bit, his thumb moving against her leg.
The following weekend came quicker than Wunmi was honestly ready for. Between wedding meetings, awards conversations, and Michael attached to her to her body every second, the days just blurred together. Yet she still found time to get ready for unplanned events.
Music was playing lowly from downstairs while Michael moved around the room getting dressed.
Wunmi sat at her vanity in their bedroom, one leg crossed over the other as she leaned closer to the mirror. She had gotten her hair done a few days ago. It was in soft, full curls that fell around her shoulders. Her makeup was simple, especially since she didn't feel like going through her glam team.
She dabbed lightly beneath one eye when she heard Michael’s footsteps getting closer. A second later, he appeared in the mirror behind her with a hoodie on and cologne loud. He glanced at her reflection immediately.
“I’m about to head out,” he said.
Wunmi hummed softly. “Okay.”
But then his eyes narrowed, because she was clearly getting ready too.
“Where you going?”
Wunmi kept her expression neutral as she reached for her gloss.
“Out.”
Michael leaned one shoulder against the doorway, "Out where?"
"Just out," she shrugged.
His eyes stayed on her through the mirror for another second longer than necessary. He was clearly suspicious and she could feel it. But after a moment, he pushed off the doorway and walked over behind her instead. His hands settled warmly onto her shoulders, thumbs pressing lightly into the muscles there.
Wunmi relaxed under the touch.
“You look pretty,” he murmured.
A small smile pulled at her lips, “Thank you.”
His hands slid down slowly before he leaned down toward her face.
“Wait—” she laughed softly, turning her head slightly. “You’re gonna mess up my lip gloss.”
“I don’t care.”
Before she could protest again, his hand tilted her chin toward him and he kissed her anyway. It was only a soft quick one, but it was annoyingly affectionate.
When they pulled apart, Michael looked entirely too satisfied with himself. His hands lingered on her shoulders a second longer before he straightened back up.
“You got my card?”
“Why would I need your card?”
“Just in case.”
“I’m not going to need it.”
Michael reached over and picked up her purse from the vanity chair anyway, unzipping it and slipping the black card inside.
Wunmi rolled her eyes softly but didn’t argue.
He leaned down one more time, brushing his lips briefly against the top of her head this time.
“Text me when you get where you going.”
“Okay.”
He squeezed her shoulder once before finally heading out of the room.
Wunmi waited until she heard the front door downstairs close, then she exhaled. She walked over to her closet to get her dress for the evening. The dress was all-black, but it hugged her body absolutely perfectly.
She stepped into it carefully, pulling it up slowly, and adjusting it into place. Then she turned toward the mirror to look at herself. And honestly she looked a little too good.
She knew that Michael would hate to see her looking this good and going there. Which was exactly why she hadn't told him where she was going. She knew how her man would react, but she also knew that if she didn't go Tyree would only push harder. He was the kind of man that liked the chase. He only got more interested when someone pulled away.
Wunmi slipped on her heels, then sprayed perfume lightly along her neck and wrists. She grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.
When she made it outside the air was cooler than it had been earlier in the week. Her heels clicked softly against the driveway as she walked toward her car. Once inside, she checked herself quickly in the mirror, then started the engine.
The drive was long enough to give her time to think. Streetlights blurred past as her fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel.
Her thoughts swirled with a mix of Michael and Tyree. All she could really think about is if they got caught again just like how they got caught at the restaraunt. Her hand tightened on the wheel and her ring caught the passing lights immediately. She was just glad that she had it on this time.
The venue was on the other side of town, so she ran into some thick traffic. By the time she finally pulled up it was packed. A line of cars stretched down the block. Dozens of blacked-out vehicles rolled forward one after another as valet attendants moved quickly to get them in and out.
Wunmi slowed as she pulled up, immediately spotting the entrance ahead glowing warm against the night. The building itself was gorgeous with modern architecture, dark wood accents, and huge windows revealing pieces of the event happening inside.
Before she could even fully put the car in park, a valet attendant was already stepping forward and opening her door.
“Good evening, ma’am.”
Wunmi gave him a polite smile as she grabbed her purse and phone.
“Thank you.”
The cool evening air brushing against her skin as she stepped out carefully in her heels. A few heads turned as she straightened up fully, smoothing a hand lightly over her dress before handing over her keys.
“Enjoy your evening,” the valet said.
Wunmi nodded softly before making her way toward the entrance.
As soon as she entered into the venue, the more impressed she became because it was beautiful. The lighting was dim with warm gold tones bouncing off dark interiors and polished surfaces. Music floated through the air low enough for conversation, and the entire place smelled faintly of wood and wine.
Before she could get too lost in the beauty of her surroundings, she remembered something important that she was supposed to do. Wunmi reached into her purse and pulled her phone out knowing she needed to say something before he found out another way.
Her fingers moved quickly over the screen.
I know you’re going to be mad but I’m at Tyree’s event. I’m going to let him know that I’m engaged.
She stared at the message for a quick second, then turned her phone completely off. Beccause she knew the second that he saw it, he was going to call her and she honestly didn't feel like dealing with that right now.
She slipped the phone back into her purse and exhaled slowly, squaring her shoulders before continuing further inside.
A server approached her with a tray of wine glasses.
“Would you like one?”
Wunmi glanced down briefly before taking one carefully by the stem.
“Thank you.”
She took a small sip, eyes moving around the room. A few familiar faces caught her attention here and there. Some even greeted her once they noticed her.
She smiled politely through all of the exchanges, stopping for quick conversations here and there and accepting compliments. She was also being very aware of her surroundings, because if she wasn't things could very well become a problem.
She lifted the wine glass to her lips again, taking another small sip as she continued walking through the venue. She took her time moving through the different rooms.
Every section flowed into the next seamlessly. There were private tasting areas, lounge spaces, and long wooden tables filled with bottles and small plates. The lighting stayed dim and warm throughout the entire building, giving everything this intimate feel.
She found herself near one of the display areas where rows of massive wine barrels lined the wall with engraved plaques beneath them. Wunmi lifted her glass for another sip, leaning slightly to read one of the plaques when a hand slid around her waist. Her body instantly tensed up.
She turned quickly, only to come face to face with Tyree. And he was smiling down at her.
“I’m glad you made it,” he said.
His voice was smooth and easy over the music.
Wunmi recovered quickly, giving him a small smile back.
“This place is gorgeous,” she admitted honestly, glancing around again briefly. “Like really gorgeous.”
Tyree chuckled softly, “Appreciate it.”
She lifted her glass slightly, “And the wine’s good too.”
That made him grin wider.
“Alright now, don’t gas me too much.”
Wunmi laughed softly. But then she remembered his hand that was still resting against her waist. Her eyes flicked downward briefly before she subtly stepped sideways out of his hold. The movement was smooth enough not to make a scene, but still he noticed.
Tyree’s brows pulled together as his eyes moved over her slowly.
“You look real good tonight,” he said.
“Thank you.”
He stepped toward her even more. He lifted his arm like he was about to settle it around her waist once more, but Wunmi moved before he could.
“Watch yourself,” she said lightly.
Tyree paused. Confused amusement spread across his face.
“What? Why you acting like this?” he laughed.
Wunmi didn’t verbally answer. Instead, she lifted her left hand up between them. The ring caught the warm lighting, sparkling beautifully against her skin.
Tyree’s eyes dropped to it and he looked genuinely surprised. But his expression smoothed back over.
“When that happen?” he asked.
Wunmi took another sip of her wine before answering casually, “He proposed in August.”
His brows shot up again.
“August, huh?”
She nodded.
“You ain’t have that on at lunch.”
“I lost it and got in so much trouble because of what happened,” she admitted and pointed lightly at him with her glass. “I should’ve told you then that I was happily engaged. Maybe pictures of us wouldn't have ended up all over the internet,” she said.
He briefly glanced away like he was thinking. Then he looked back at her with a dangerously confident smirk on his face.
“I guess I gotta try harder to get you to come over to the best side," he said.
Irritation immediately flashed across Wunmi's face. It was so fast Tyree almost missed it.
“I’m already on the best side,” she said plainly. “And it can’t get any better than my man.”
Tyree sucked his teeth, unconvinced.
“Yeah okay,” he muttered.
Wunmi stared at him for another second before taking another sip from her glass.
Tyree looked at her ring one more time before nodding once.
“You enjoy yourself." he said. Then his mouth curved up. “I’ll be talking to you soon.”
Wunmi narrowed her eyes at that, but she didn’t respond. She just nodded once and watched him walk away through the crowd.
The second he disappeared, she exhaled quietly.
“…Jesus Christ.”
Her fingers tightened slightly around the stem of the glass. Now she understood exactly why Michael didn’t want her there. Tyree wasn’t outright disrespectful, but he also clearly wasn’t backing down just because she had a ring on.
After that exchange, she stayed there for about another hour or so. She mingled with people and sampled more wine. But the longer she stayed, the more aware she became of the pit forming in her stomach. Eventually she had to go home where she knew Michael was waiting for her.
She handed off her empty wine glass and headed toward the exit, she already knew she was in a whole lot of trouble.
After an entire drive of Wunmi's stomach twisting knots, she finally pulled into Michael's garage. When she parked the car she noticed that Michael's car wasn't there. She hadn't seen it out front either. Relief washed over her.
She grabbed her purse and stepped out of the car, her heels echoing softly through the garage before she headed inside.
The house was completely dark. A little too dark.
Wunmi paused just inside the doorway, listening carefully. A small breath escaped her. The tension in her shoulders loosened.
She locked the door behind her and kept the lights off, moving quietly through the house before heading upstairs. The bedroom was dark too. That eased her nerves even more because it meant he hadn't even stepped foot in the home.
She set her purse down carefully and headed toward the closet, ready to get out of the dress and wash the night off her.
The closet light was dim as she slipped her heels off first with a relieved sigh. Then her jewelry. Then her dress. She wrapped her robe tight around her body and tied it securely at the waist. Her hair fell softly around her shoulders as she pushed the closet door back open and stepped into the bedroom. She casually reached toward the wall and flipped the light on.
Her breath stopped.
Michael was sitting in the corner chair near the window. Legs spread, body leaned back, arms resting on the arm of the chair, and face blank. The light caught him good, and he was just watching her.
Wunmi physically jumped, her hand flying to her chest.
“Oh my God,” she gasped. “You scared me.”
Her heart slammed against her ribs as she stared at him.
There had been absolutely no sign he was home. His car wasn't around, he made no sound, there was absolutely nothing.
Michael didn’t answer. He just looked at her, giving her a completely unreadable look. His silence somehow made her even more nervous.
Wunmi swallowed hard, trying to recover.
“Hi,” she said softly, attempting a small smile as she bit lightly at her lip.
Still nothing.
The room suddenly felt very warm, very quiet.
Wunmi shifted her weight under his stare.
Slowly, Michael lifted two fingers and crooked them toward himself. He had no words for her, only the simple gesture.
Wunmi’s breath hitched and her stomach tightened, but she obeyed. Her bare feet slowly moved across the carpet until she stood directly in front of him between his spread legs.
Michael leaned back in the chair, his hands settling on her thighs, fingers gripping the thick flesh through the soft fabric of her robe.
“Anything you wanna say?” he finally asked calmly.
Wunmi swallowed. Her fingers twisted lightly together at her sides.
“I’d be lying if I said I was sorry,” she admitted quietly.
Michael’s face tightened and he gave a stiff nod.
The room stayed silent for another long second.
“Get on the bed.”
Wunmi’s eyes widened and her stomach dropped. She knew exactly what kind of mood he was in. And there had only been maybe three times where she had gotten herself in enough trouble to see this side of him.
Wunmi's pulse blared in her ears as she turned toward the bed. She climbed onto the mattress slowly, knees first, then hands, positioning herself on all fours with her back arched just enough to present herself to him.
Michael rose from the chair without a sound. His footsteps were heavy as he approached the bed. He placed one hand between her shoulder blades and pressed down firmly, forcing her upper body to lay flat against the cool sheets. Her cheek pressed into the fabric, arms stretching out in front of her.
"Stay down," he commanded, voice low.
A soft whimper escaped her lips, her body trembling under the weight of his palm. She was completely at his mercy.
"You're gonna count each one," Michael said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And I'm not telling you when it stops."
Wunmi braced herself, fingers curling into the sheets, muscles tensing as she waited for the first hit.
He gathered the hem of her robe and pushed it up over her lower back, exposing her completely. His fingers hooked into the thin straps of her panties next, tugging them up hard and wedging the fabric tight between her cheeks like a makeshift thong. The pull made her gasp, the material pinching her skin, leaving her bare and framed for him.
She had no idea what was going to happen. Her nerves were all over the place.
Then it came. A sharp smack landed on her left cheek. The hit stung like fire and jolted her entire body. It caught her so off guard that her mind blanked, and no words came out of her mouth.
Michael grunted disapprovingly. His hands clamped onto both large cheeks, gripping hard enough to make her wince.
"Count."
"One," she whispered shakily.
The next hit came down harder than the first, the force snapping her hips forward an inch across the bed.
"Two," she managed, sucking in a breath.
"Why'd you go when I told you not to?" he demanded, one hand kneading her flesh roughly.
Wunmi drew a shaky breath, her voice soft against the mattress. "I needed to. If I didn't he'd be all over me."
Michael's eyes narrowed as he processed her words. Without warning, he delivered two quick hits— one on each cheek—the slaps echoing through the room.
She whimpered, body jerking with the double sting, heat spreading fast.
"Three...four," she counted while clinging to the sheets.
"You're in so much trouble," Michael growled, his palm hovering for a beat before delivering the fifth smack, firmly across the center of her right cheek. The heat built, layering over the previous stings.
"Five," she counted, hips twitching involuntarily.
"And you're gonna make it up to Daddy," he added, his voice dropping as the sixth hit landed on the left cheek.
Another groan came from her and her thighs pressed together against the growing ache. "Six."
He didn't pause. The seventh hit was quick and the eighth followed just as quickly. Then the ninth and tenth were all rapid-fire, alternating cheeks. Each one made her skin tingle. The sensations twisted into a mix of pain and pleasure that had her toes curling and breath hitching.
She winced with the seventh, whimpered through the eighth, gasped on the ninth, and let out a shaky whine on the tenth. Her entire backside was throbbing and aching, but somehow that made it more intoxicating.
"You had enough?" Michael's hand rested on her warm skin, rubbing slow circles.
Wunmi nodded frantically, her cheek still pressed to the bed, tears at the corners of her eyes from the intensity.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, voice breaking softly.
He hummed a low, skeptical sound rumbling from his chest as he shook his head.
"Nah. I don't think you are yet." His fingers tightened on her hip. "Don't move."
Wunmi stayed where she was with her forehead pressed to the sheets and ass raised high as the door to the closet clicked shut behind him. Her mind raced, trying to figure out what he was grabbing. Her breath came in shallow pants and she squeezed her eyes shut.
Then she heard the low hum starting up from somewhere behind her.
Her eyes flew open and a whimper slipped out, "Michael..."
She felt the cool, buzzing head of the vibrator wand press directly against her clit through the wedged fabric of her panties. Her whole body jumped forward on the bed, a startled yelp escaping her as pleasure shot through her like lightning.
"Hold it," he ordered.
Wunmi reached back with one trembling hand, fingers wrapping around the handle. She held it lightly, the vibrations teased her. Still it was too much.
Without giving her a warning, Michael covered her hand with his and pressed down hard. The wand felt intense against her clit. A deep moan tore from her throat, hips pushed back involuntarily.
His free hand landed a hard smack on her already tender cheeks. He kept going, each sharp spank jiggling her body and mixing with the pleasure of the wand.
She moaned loudly, head dropping to the mattress. She could feel herself dripping wet, slickness coating her inner thighs from earlier and now. The wand hummed against her clit, every pulse matching perfectly with the hits of his palm on her ass.
Wunmi felt herself starting to reach that edge quickly. Her body tensed up, mouth dropping open in a silent gasp. Her free hand clutched the sheets in a death grip while her legs trembled. She clenched and pulsed around nothing.
Michael noticed it right away, his rhythm never faltering.
"You better not come," he warned her.
She shook her head, biting her lip hard to fight it. She knew he wanted her to give him the excuse for more punishment, but holding back felt impossible. The pressure was getting worse with every second.
Her body moved on it's own, and her hand pressed wand harder against her clit.Consistent needy moans fell from her lip as she started to grind against the vibrations. She could feel herself right there, she was so close.
Michale snatched the wand from her grip, the sudden absence making a frustrated sound fall from her lips.
"You don't get to come," he stated flatly, tossing it aside.
Wunmi whimpered as every nerve in her body was screaming for release.
Michael gave her two final smacks to each cheek. Then his palms rubbed slow, drawing a soft sigh from her. Then he grabbed her hips and yanked her back toward him, pulling until her lower body pressed against his.
Wunmi felt his straining through his pants, making her throb even more. She couldn't help but to rub against him in a silent plea to be filled.
"I'm not fucking you tonight," he said firmly as his hand cracked down once more on her ass. He stepped away, leaving her empty and wanting.
Wunmi whimpered, fully collapsing onto the bed. She shifted onto her side.
A while later, Michael slid into bed behind her. He held her close, draping one arm possessively over her waist.
For the next three days, Wunmi was denied orgasm after orgasm by Michael. Every time Tyree called or texted, it put her further into trouble.
The first morning, Michael had her on top of the kitchen counter, vibrator pressed against her clit. She was gasping, thighs shaking, and so close her vision blurred. That was until her phone lit up with a "good morning" text from Tyree. Michael instantly snatched the vibrator away, leaving her desperate whining.
One afternoon, after doing some errands for the wedding, Tyree called her as they were getting intside of the car. She ignored it, but Michael noticed.
He slid his hand between her legs, and pushed his fingers so deep into her. He curled them just right and stroked her so good. She rocked against his palm, moans filling the car as she worked her way up. Then he pulled away. He built her back up, only to deny her again. And again for a third time. Each denial left her more wrrecked than the last.
And after three days of torture, Michael finally decided she'd earned a reward.
They were in bed. Him sat up against the headboard, legs spread wide with kneeling between them. Her lips were wrapped around his thick length as she took him deep down her throat.
Michael groaned as his hand gripped the back of her head, fingers tangled in her hair to guide her further down, hold there, then back up.
She moaned around him, the vibrations pulling more groans from him.
They were so lost in the moment. Her tongue eagerly swirled around him as she sucked him up. And his eyes couldn't move away from the beautiful sight in front of him. That was until her phone broke the moment by ringing so loud on the nightstand.
Almost instinctively, Wunmi tried to lift her head to check, but Michael's grip tightened. He pushed her head firmly back down onto his dick, keeping her mouth full.
He snatched the phone with his free hand, glancing at the screen. Tyree's name flashed across the screen. Instantly, Michael was annoyed. The ringing stopped only to start up again seconds later.
Wunmi took Michael's brief distraction as opportunity, so she slid him out of her mouth with a soft pop and peered at the screen. She was just as frustrated as her fiancé was and couldn't help but to release the most aggravated sound along with a quick roll of her eyes.
"Just decline it," she urged.
He met her eyes. "Nah. Talk to your little boyfriend."
Before she could protest, he swiped to answer and held the phone out to her.
Wunmi's eyes went wide, panic flickering as she stared at him, trying to understand the challenge in his eyes.
"Michael—" she started, but Tyree's voice cut through.
"Wunmi?"
Michael raised an eyebrow expectantly.
She grabbed the phone with shaky fingers, putting it on speaker.
"Hello?" she said timidly, heart pounding as she knelt between his legs.
Tyree's voice came through the phone, "Hey, gorgeous. What you doing?"
Wunmi shot a quick glance at Michael, biting her lip hard.
"Um...just laying in bed," she murmured.
"Cool. I, uh, just wanted to give you a call so we could talk. It's been a while," Tyree easily replied.
"Mhm, it has," she managed, her free hand fidgeted against Michael's thigh.
Tyree started talking about how the football season was going for him, but Michael took that as his chance. He practically manhandled her. His hands gripped her hips and spun her around to face the end of the bed. He shoved her body down so that her face was buried in the sheets and her ass was in the air.
She gasped at the sudden shift in positions.
"You okay?" Tyree asked.
"I'm fine…" Wunmi swallowed. Her voice shaky as she steadied herself. "
Michael gave her ass a light smack. Wunmi bit her lip hard to stifle the gasp.
He gripped her big, round cheeks in both hands, kneading the soft flesh, spreading her wide. One finger slowly trailed through her dripping wetness, parting her folds, and she let out a breathy sigh.
Tyree kept talking through the speaker, "…I really been thinking about a lot lately and I just gotta say…"
But Wunmi barely registered it. She could only focus on the man behind her and his heated touch. Michael's fingers had found her clit, circling it with teasing pressure, then dipped low to her soaked entrance, sliding a little inside before pulling back out.
She fought to stay quiet, body tensing up, but Tyree pressed on, obliviously.
"You still there? Tell me what you up to this weekend?" It was clear he was expecting a response.
Wunmi opened her mouth to answer Tyree's question, but Michael chose that exact moment to slide deep inside her, filling her completely in one smooth thrust. She clamped down around him, stunned to silence.
He pressed one hand firm between her shoulder blades, pinning her chest flush to the bed, and leaned forward until his lips brushed her ear.
"Answer him," he whispered sending shivers down her spine.
"Uh... n-nothing really," she managed to get out.
Michael gave her a few quick love taps to her inner thigh before pulling back up onto his knees. His gaze dropped to where their bodies joined, watching intently as he slid out slowly, then thrust back in deep.
A quiet, breathy moan escaped her lips. Wunmi moved the phone away from her mouth for a second, sucking in air.
Michael started with a few slow strokes to ease them both into the rhythm, letting her feel every thick inch stretching her. He built it gradually until his pace turned consistent, her ass bouncing softly against his pelvis.
Wunmi put the phone on mute just in time to release her moans. With each bounce a needy cry spilled out.
"You should come out this way soon. When are you free?" Tyree's voice came through the speaker.
She barely processed it. Her mind was wiped blank by Michael fucking her so good, hitting that spot over and over. Nothing existed but her man. All she could think about was the grip of his hands on her hips.
Wunmi took the phone off mute just long enough to gasp out, "I don't know when," before putting it right back on as another loud moan tore free.
"...we could hit this spot I know downtown, grab drinks, see where the night goes..."
Michael smacked her ass hard then, the hit echoing.
She blurted out, "Oh baby," followed by a deep, throaty moan that she couldn't hold back.
He kept one hand planted firm on her jiggling cheek to control the pace.
When he drove especially deep, she moaned out a shaky "Okay". Her free hand shot back, grabbing his forearm tight as he kept fucking her.
Michael ramped up the speed and depth, pounding into her harder, chasing that release for both of them.
Wunmi tried to take it all—she really did—arching back to meet him, but it really overwhelmed her.
"Okay, Michael, okay," she gasped as he went a little deeper than necessary, nailing that spot right next to her cervix.
"What you keep saying okay for?" He smacked her ass , growling, "Like, come on."
He pushed his hips forward, bouncing her roughly on him, urging her to move on her own. She did, but only just enough, rolling her hips back hesitantly.
"You want me to stop?" he demanded.
"No," she moaned out desperately. At this point she'd completely forgotten about the phone in her hand.
Just then Tyree's voice came through loud and clear. "...whoever that fiance of yours is ain't watching you right. Imma come get you for real."
Michael's face twisted up into a scowl, annoyance built up in him. He leaned down over her back, roughly thrusting in in deeper.
"Michael—Michael—fuck," Wunmi moaned his name over and over.
"Looks like Daddy's gonna have to put a baby in you so they know this pussy's mine," he growled against her ear.
"It's yours. I promise."
"Take it off mute so he can hear how good i'm fucking you," he ordered.
Her hand shook as she obeyed, pressing the button on the screen.
The second the phone came off mute, Michael picked up his thrusts. Driving into her so quick and rough it made her ass bounce loud off of his pelvis. The sound of her soaked pussy filled the room.
Wunmi moaned into the sheets, her cries muffled against the fabric, but Michael wasn't having it. He gripped her hair tight, yanking her head up until her back arched deeper.
"Who this pussy get wet for?" he demanded.
"You, Daddy," she gasped.
Tyree's voice came out sounding confused. "Wunmi? What the—?"
Both of them ignored him completely.
Michael smacked her ass again. Then snatched the phone from her weakened grip and held it so Tyree could hear every moan and every slick sound of her taking him.
"Tell him not to call you anymore," Michael said, pressing the phone right to her mouth.
She moaned through the words. "Don't call me anymore."
Michael hung up then tossed the phone across the bed to thud against the pillows.
"Good girl," Michael murmured, palm rubbing soothing circles over her tender ass. "You wanna come?"
"Yes, Daddy," she whimpered. Her body was already right there. She needed this.
"You did so good with your punishment," he praised, grinding against her walls.
Wunmi felt herself clenching hard as her stomach tightened. "Can I come? Please?"
"Yeah, come for me," one of his hands slid around to rub her clit.
She crumbled almost immediately. Her orgasm crashed through her. She cried out his name as her walls pulsed around him and she soaked the sheets.
Michael kept going, chasing his own release now, groans turning guttural as pleasure tightened in his gut.
"You gonna let me put a baby in you?" his voice was rough as he thrusted harder.
Wunmi moaned, nodding into the bed.
They'd had plenty of conversations about babies. They agreed to wait until at least after the wedding, but it was clear that tonight his possessiveness had him acting different. And she melted under it.
Michael thrusted a few more times before he finally released inside her. He held there, pushing deep, feeling her pulse around him. He pulled out slowly.
Wunmi collapsed forward, breathing heavy, chest heaving as aftershocks rippled through her.
"Don't go near that man again," he said firmly, hand stroking her back. "Block him."
Wunmi nodded weakly, turning her head to meet his eyes. "Okay, baby. I'm sorry."
Late January 2027
Now, into the new year, their lives were completely overtaken. Every day belonged to somebody else. There was barely any room left for themselves in between it all.
Michael had officially started press for The Thomas Crown Affair, and his schedule had exploded. Interviews, photoshoots, appearances, magazine covers. It felt endless. Most of it was alongside Adria Arjona, which only fueled certain online conversations even more.
Meanwhile, Wunmi was deep in awards season.
The Social Reckoning had become a big conversation piece of the year, and her performance had the people talking. Every week brought another event, another panel, and another rumor about if she would end up nominated again or not.
And through all of that, they were less than four months away from getting married. May was practically right around the corner.
Earlier in the month they had finally sat down with both of their publicists to figure out how exactly they were going to reveal the relationship publicly without it becoming a circus before the wedding. The final decision had been simple. Michael would handle most of it.
Strategically, it made the most sense.
Wunmi’s team wanted all attention during awards season to stay centered on her work, not her relationship. So Michael had agreed to slowly start opening the door publicly while still keeping things vague enough to maintain some control.
He actually preferred it that way. Mostly because he was tired of hiding her.
After over a year of rumors, especially after the leaked audio, Michael was exhausted from pretending. And since she was his fiancée now, he wanted to share that with the world.
Still timing mattered…a lot. Everything had to be controlled carefully. And unfortunately, control was the one thing their schedules weren’t allowing them to have right now.
Most days they weren’t even in the same city.
There had been recent stretches where they only saw each other through FaceTime screens and blurry airport selfies. Sometimes one of them was waking up while the other was heading to sleep.
It irritated both of them more than they admitted. Especially Michael. He had been so clingy with her, and now he barely even got the chance to breathe in her direction.
Their conversations had slowly become reduced to logistics. Things like wedding updates and travel plans. They hardly talked about things of substance. It wasn't intentional though. It was just all they had time for.
One night, Wunmi was sitting in her London hotel suite while Michael was back in New York finishing another round of press. She had kicked her heels off and was curled sideways across the bed, exhaustion written all over her face as she held her phone up during their FaceTime call.
Michael was sitting in the backseat of an SUV, chain sitting against a black thermal shirt, one hand rubbing tiredly over his jaw while traffic lights flashed outside the window behind him.
“You look tired,” Wunmi murmured softly.
Michael looked at her through the screen.
“I am tired.”
She smiled faintly, “Poor baby.”
“I’m serious,” he muttered. “I done answered the same damn questions all day. I’m over it. ‘How was it working together?’ ‘Did y’all have chemistry?’”
"Well, did you?" Wunmi grinned.
"Don't start," Michael gave her a flat look through the screen.
She giggled softly, resting her cheek against the pillow, “I was just asking.”
Michael shook his head, but his expression softened while looking at her. God, he missed her. He always had this thought during the day, along with the constant irritation that she wasn't there..
“When do I see you again?” he asked suddenly.
Wunmi sighed dramatically.
“Um…” She reached for her planner nearby. “I think…after the BAFTAS?” she started slowly, flipping through pages.
Michael stared at her.
“That’s not for another week, babe.”
“I know.”
“A whole week?”
Wunmi laughed softly at his expression.
“You’ll survive.”
Michael looked unconvinced.
“You say that now,” he said. “Then you gon’ start crying the longer we're apart.”
“I do not cry.”
“You absolutely do.”
Wunmi sucked her teeth softly, “Whatever.”
Michael smiled for the first time during the call, the tiredness easing slightly from his face.
The conversation naturally shifted to the wedding. And despite how exhausted they both were, those conversations kept them intertwined.
Everywhere Michael went there were cameras waiting for him. Going form film festival to awards gala to museum benefit to private dinners. Tonight wasn't any different.
The carpet outside the event was packed shoulder to shoulder with photographers and journalists.
Michael stepped out of the SUV with his black suit perfectly tailored to his body. Confidence radiated off of him without him even trying.
He adjusted the cuff of his jacket before looking up with a calm and controlled expression.
His publicist walked beside him briefly while fixing the front of his jacket.
“She approved it,” she murmured quietly.
Michael glanced at her.
“Yeah?”
She nodded.
His mouth twitched slightly.
“Aight,” he nodded.
He moved down the carpet, stopping for photos, greeting people, and shaking hands. As he approached the press line, he relaxed himself.
Interview after interview rolled by. They asked him the typical questions about directing, balancing acting and filmmaking. Michael answered each question like he had prepped for it.
Then he reached one platform in particular.
A Black woman stood there holding the microphone, smiling brightly as he approached.
“Michael B. Jordan!” she grinned. “You look good tonight.”
Michael laughed, “Thank you.”
“Everybody's talking about your film already. But what was it like stepping into directing mode again?” she started.
“It was challenging,” he admitted. “But I think I’m at a point now where I trust myself more creatively. I know how I wanna tell stories now. And honestly, I learned a lot from the last few years. Working with different directors, producing more, it changed how I look at filmmaking.”
The interviewer nodded along.
“And you can tell,” she said. “Especially after the year you had last year. Mr. Oscar winner. How has life changed since then? Because it feels like the world has not stopped talking about you.”
Michael laughed softly.
“It's definitely gotten more chaotic,” he admitted. “But I try to stay grounded and keep moving forward.”
The interviewer tilted her head slightly.
“So what does moving forward look like for you now? More directing? Less acting?”
Michael paused for a second.
“Well…” he started slowly, “where I’m at now in my life and career I'm focused on celebrating my wins. And I got some pretty big ones that I need to make room for.”
A tiny smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth.
"As you should," The interviewer smiled.
“I wanna spend more time focused on my family. So there’s definitely a chance I slow down a little," he said honestly. "My fiancée and I have both been incredibly busy with all that's going on in our careers and now wedding planning. But I've been trying to figure out how to even get to the point of slowing down."
The interviewer looked stunned.
“Wow, um…when—”
Michael stepped back with the biggest smirk trying to break across his face.
“You have good one,” he laughed.
“Michael!”
He pointed at her playfully, “Appreciate you though.”
Then before she could ask another question, he walked off down the carpet looking satisfied with himself. He made his way inside, barely even slowing down as he reached for his phone that was in his pocket. There was only one person he wanted to talk to right now.
He tapped Wunmi’s contact immediately. The phone rang a few times before she answered.
“Hello?”
Her voice was thick with sleep.
Michael’s face melted.
“Hey baby.”
There was rustling on the other end followed by a small sleepy hum.
“What time is it?” she murmured.
Michael smiled to himself as he ducked into a quieter hallway away from the crowd.
He leaned back against the wall, listening to her breathing through the phone.
“I can’t wait for all this to be over,” she admitted sleepily.
Michael chuckled under his breath, “Me too.”
There was a quiet pause before Wunmi spoke again.
“Did you do it?”
Michael’s grin spread, “Yeah.”
He could practically hear her smiling through the phone even though she barely made a sound. Just a quiet little hum.
Michael shook his head fondly.
“That’s it?” he laughed quietly. “That’s all I get?”
“You woke me up,” she mumbled.
“You're supposed to be excited.”
“I am excited. I'm just sleepy, Mike,” she said.
Michael could picture her perfectly. She was probably curled up in a hotel robe, hair wrapped up, and half asleep with the phone pressed against her face. He missed her so much.
“You gon’ be at the honoring next week?” he asked after a moment.
There was a pause. Then Wunmi sighed.
“…Baby. It's next week with the BAFTAs and my team scheduled a bunch of press here,” she reminded him.
“Damn," He briefly closed his eyes. "So when will I see you again?”
“A week and a half maybe,” she said quietly.
Michael dragged a hand over his face dramatically.
“That's so long”
Wunmi laughed tiredly.
“You’ll survive.”
“That’s what you keep saying.”
“Because you will.”
Michael shook his head with a smile.
“Barely.”
There was another comfortable silence between them.
“Imma let you sleep.”
“Okay.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“And I miss you so much.”
Wunmi exhaled softly through the phone.
“I miss you too,” she whispered. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come.”
Michael’s expression softened even more.
“Don’t apologize. I’m just being needy.”
That earned another sleepy laugh from her.
“Very needy.”
“Mhm.”
“I still love you though.”
“You better.”
Wunmi smiled against her pillow.
“Goodnight, Michael.”
“Goodnight, baby.”
end notes: so this was actually a looottt longer, but because tumblr has a limit on how many blocks you can do, i have to break it up into more parts than i was planning. so the next update will be sooner than expected, it'll just be after my american dream update.
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taglist: @lilbitt @lizbehave @andtheniws @tonichildsdaughterduh @cinnamonsonnyangel @shamansha @caramelplug @bananajoeclone
@rolemodelshit @brownskincheyenne @mmbee675 @xeebop@adultinginheels @tlt731
AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.2: Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: part 2 of chapter nine!
When Thanksgiving morning came, Annie slipped from the bed and got dressed as quiet as possible. It was incredibly early and it was still dark except for the faint morning light that was creeping through the windows.
Elijah was dead asleep on the couch with one arm thrown over his head as his chest rose and fell steadily. Annie smiled at the sight, walked over, and pulled the blanket up high on him. He stirred a bit, but didn't wake.
She went to the kitchen, and as quickly as possible, she scribbled a note to Elijah letting him know that she left for the day. After that she quickly started gathering the pies, not realizing that in her rush she had miscounted. She grabbed four of the pies and hurried out the door.
She stepped outside and a few minutes later she was driving through Baltimore. It didn't take long for her to pull up back home. She grabbed the pies from the backseat and headed inside. The door opened and the smell of greens and ham hit her in the face.
Annie followed the smell to the kitchen where she found her grandmother, Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, and Olivia. Clarisse was the first to say something to her the moment she noticed her niece standing in the doorway.
"Look at who decided to come back home."
"Goodmorning," Annie laughed as she set the pies down on the table.
"Mornin', baby," her grandmother said from her place by the stove.
Little baby Olivia let out an excited squeal at the sight of Annie. She was practically bouncing from her spot on her blanket on the floor. Annie melted. She crouched down and kissed Olivia's chubby cheek.
Annie straightened and looked around the busy kitchen.
"What y'all doin'? Need help?"
"No. Your cousin done already messed up the greens," Clarisse shook her head.
"I didn't mess up no damn—" Rosette started muttering under her breath. But before she could finish Mama Nette popped her with a kitchen towel.
"Watch your mouth."
"What I get hit for? I'm too old for that," Rosette rubbed her arm. "And why Annie never get hit?"
"'Cause Annie listens," Mama Nette snorted.
"I listen," Rosette looked offended.
"No you don't."
"I do."
Clarisse and Mama Nette exchanged a look.
"Yeah right, Annie mess up all the time, but y'all don't ever get mad at her," Rosette rolled her eyes.
"Annie ain't never messed up nothin' I taught her," Mama Nette looked genuinely confused by the statement. "That's why she the only one that know all my pie receipes."
A smug smile spread across Annie's face as she bent down and scooped Olivia into her arms. The baby immediately settled against her chest. Annie kissed the top of her little head.
"Can't help that I'm the favorite."
Rosette narrowed her eyes at her, but Annie just looked with that same smug smile as she bounced Olivia gently.
"Shut up."
"Don't be jealous, Rosie," Annie laughed.
"You lucky you holdin' my baby."
The room erupted into laughter. Even Olivia giggled though she didn't understand any of it.
When they settled, Clarisse looked over at Annie, giving her a pointed look, "You not gettin' outta where you was at, Miss Thing."
"She was over at that man's house."
Annie stared at her grandmother in disbelief. The older woman kept right on stirring.
Clarisse slowly nodded as she looked at Annie, "Hm. You been shackin' up?"
Before Annie could even answer, Mama Nette spoke again.
"No," Annie sighed in relief, but then her grandmother continued. "But she want to."
The relief disappeared. Annie sat there feeling completely betrayed.
"I don't know why you keep doin' this to me." Annie sputtered. "There ain't no reason for you to tell everybody my business."
"You ain't got no business," Mama Nette finally looked over. "You wasn't doin' nothin' remember?"
Rosette looked entirely too entertained at Annie getting clipped by their grandmother.
Annie opened her mouth then closed it becasue she truly had nothing to say to defend herself.
"She gonna have to repent extra hard this Sunday for all this lyin' she been doin' recently," Mama Nette shook her head. "That man be having her all twisted up and she know she like it."
Annie rolled her eyes dramatically then she buried her face against Olivia's little shoulder. Olivia just patted Annie's cheek.
A few hours later the cooking was finally almost done. Most of the food was finished and packed up.
Annie stood in the dining room helping wrap a few things while Olivia sat on her hip chewing on the sleeve of her dress. The baby had spent most of the morning attached to her. Any time somebody tried to take her, Olivia would fuss until Annie got her back.
Mama Nette was doing one final count, making sure that they had everything they needed. When she got to the pies and noticed that there were only four she eyed Annie.
"Annette, why you only got four pies here?"
Annie looked at the table only to see that her grandmother was right. There were only four pies on the table. Her eyes immediately became wider.
Rosette's face had a smirk on it, "Looks like the favorite messed up just that quick."
"Where they at and are they done?" Mama Nette folded her arms.
"Yes they're done Mama. I just forgot 'em," then she rushed over to the phone.
She dialed Elijah's number. The phone rang three times before Elijah answered.
"Hello?"
"Oh good. You're up," Annie sighed in relief.
"Bunny, I been up," His sleepy chuckle came through the line. "Why you callin'?"
"I forgot two of the pies. Can you bring them? They should still be on the counter."
"Yeah, I got you."
"Thank you, baby."
"It ain't nothing."
"I'll see you soon."
"See you soon."
After hanging up, Annie helped her family load everything up into the cars. Once everything was put up, the two cars hit the road to Ray's house.
There were a line of cars on the street when they pulled up. The front door opened and family members poured out to help take the dishes inside.
Inside the home Ray had moved everyhting around to make space for everyone. He had put some tables together to make one large table in the middle of the living room. There was also a smaller table for the children and room for the food.
The house was loud with conversation and children playing. Food was already on the table and what they brought only added to it. Everything was just what Annie missed about home. Good food and family. The only thing she felt was missing was Elijah.
Suddenly, Victoria appeared beside her.
"So when he gettin' here?"
"Soon," Annie rolled her eyes, an unintentional habit.
A while later, Annie found herself standing near the window peeking out of it every few seconds. Five-year-old Joyce had attached herself to Annie's legs asking her a million questions. It distracted her enough to not look out the window every five minutes. It wasn't like she was waiting on anyone.
But when a knock hit the door, Annie pulled away from the little girl, giving some random excuse. She hurried to the door, pulled it open, and there Elijah stood with the two forgotten pies in his hand.
He was dressed nice in black slacks, a black button down shirt, and a dark blue wool coat. He even had on polished hard bottom shoes. His look made Annie smile. And it wasn't because he never made the effort to look nice, but Annie knows that Elijah could care less about how he looked. But clearly he had decided to put a little extra effort in today.
Elijah looked into her big, soft, brown eyes and felt the hint of nervousness in him disappear.
"Hey, Bunny," Elijah smiled.
"Hi, baby," she said sweetly.
They leaned into each other so naturally. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. And once they pulled apart Annie was smiling. She was so utterly happy.
"Thank you again for bringing the pies."
"You're welcome."
She looked at him for another second. Then leaned forward and kissed him again. This one lasted a touch longer.
She pulled back and grabbed his hand, "Come on let's get you inside."
She led him inside and the warmth of the family atmosphere surrounded him. The house was loud with conversation that floated from every direction. Laughter was mixed in along with the sounds of children running and playing.
Annie kept hold of his hand as she guided him through the house of people. She could tell that her family was looking, but trying to hold in their comments. They walked until they got to the food table.
"Put them right there," he set the strawberry pies down where she told him.
Annie noticed the way Elijah looked around at everyone. She knew how overwhelming her family could be, and for someone like Elijah she knew it could be a bit much. She squeezed his hand to get his attention.
"If it get too much, you tell me."
"I'll be alright," Elijah looked at her, his face not showing any signs of overstimulation.
"You sure?"
"Mhm."
She studied him for another second then nodded.
Unfortunately she never got the chance to start introducing him around.
"Elijah come here," Mama Nette's voice carried easily through the house. "And Annie go help your uncles with the kids in the kitchen."
Both of them looked over to see the older woman sitting comfortably in a chair in the den.
"Mama—"
"Gone on."
Annie huffed as she stared into the older woman's eyes. And Mama Nette stared right back. Neither woman looked away.
Elijah tugged at Annie's hand, "It's okay, Bunny."
"Fine," Annie looked uncertain, but she sighed. "But I'll be back."
She squeezed his hand one last time before disappearing toward the kitchen.
Elijah watched her go then looked at the older woman who was waiting on him. Mama Nette gestured to the empty chair near her as a way to tell him to sit down. And he obeyed, not wanting to go against her.
The second he sat down he understood why Annie was hesitant to leave him. There were four women and a baby staring at him. They were staring so intensely as if they were trying to see straight through his skin to his bones. He sat back in the chair and gulped.
Mama Nette noticed and the corner of her mouth twitched. She knew Elijah was a strong man, but the Richard women could could break down even the toughest of soldiers.
"Let me introduce everybody to you since they just wanna stare at like you a zoo animal," Mama Nette pointed around the circle. "That's Clarisse, Annie's Aunt. Annie's cousin, Rosette and Rosette's daughter, Olivia. That's Esther, William Junior's wife. And Victoria, my oldest granddaughter."
They all still just stared at him not making any moves to say a thing to him.
"Now go on and introduce yourself," Mama Nette folded her hands in her lap.
Elijah cleared his throat. Suddenly he felt like a boy instead of a twenty-seven year old man.
"Nice to meet y'all. My name's Elijah Moore," the words managed to come out easy.
"And that's your real name?" Victoria tilted her head.
"Last time I checked," Elijah looked over at her.
Mama Nette chuckled at Elijah's audacity. She could tell he wasn't a man to back down easily. And she figured he had to be to deal with Annie.
"Oh, you tryna be Mister Funny Man?" Victoria's eyebrows furrowed, completely taken aback.
"Ain't nothin' funny to me," his answer came quick.
"Good. 'Cause ain't nothin' attractive 'bout a man who can't take nothin' serious."
"I'm takin' this very serious."
That earned him a few approving nods.
"Where you from?" Rosette asked as she balanced Olivia in her lap.
"Clarksdale, Mississippi."
"So you a Delta man?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Do you know where we from?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes ma'am," Elijah rubbed his sweating and slightly shaking palms against his thighs. Something about the intensity of these women was making his anxiety act up.
"You ever been there before?"
"A few times."
"So that means you know what we capable of?"
"I think so," Elijah didn't quite know what Annie's Aunt meant by that, but he remembered the conversation he had with Mama Nette. He didn't think he wanted to get on the bad side of a bunch of Hoodoo women.
"What you do for work?" Victoria asked.
"I work at Ray's garage."
"That what you really wanna do?" Clarisse asked.
The question made Elijah pause becasue nobody had really asked him that before. At least not recently. Usually people asked what he did, but not if that was what he really wanted to do. He looked down for a second before answering as honestly as he could.
"I don't rightly know. I guess I ain't figured out exactly what I want yet. I know I'm good with my hands, so it works out," he shrugged.
"I bet you are," Rosette smirked as her eyes dropped down to his hands.
Elijah cleared his throat and shifted in his seat at her staring. For a half a second he considered hiding them, but then he realized foing that would probably make it worse..
"Got good workin' hands too," Rosette's smirk just deepened.
"Rosette," Clarisse said in warning.
"Sorry, Mama."
The women laughed as Elijah rubbed the back of his neck.
Thankfully, Esther moved the conversation along.
"How long you been in Baltimore?"
"Since April."
"Ain't been here that long and you already got your eyes set on my niece," Clarisse said.
Before he could answer, Victoria spoke.
"How long you plannin' on stayin' in Baltimore?"
"I—"
"Everything okay?" A familiar voice cut through the conversation.
Everybody turned to see Annie standing next to Elijah's chair. She walked up and rested a hand on his shoulder. She looked from the women to Elijah with concern written all over her face.
"Girl ain't nobody doin' nothin' to this man. He alright," Mama Nette as she turned in her chair. "Go back to the kitchen."
"You okay?" Annie ignored the woman and looked at Elijah.
"I'm alright, Bunny," Elijah lightly grabbed her hand and nodded his head.
She still looked suspicious.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Take your ass back on in there."
"If we was gon' hurt him we'd already done it," her Aunt Clarisse said.
Annie huffed dramatically, but she listened. Reluctantly she started walking away. But in the process she let her hand slide from Elijah's shoulder then down his arm. Elijah caught the hand before she could fully walk away.
The women all watched as Elijah lifted it and pressed a kiss to the back of it. He did it as if it was second nature. It was the type of affection that made Annie smile when she finally walked away.
He turned beack to see all eyes were on him again.
"What exactly you want with my cousin?" Rosette tilted her head.
Elijah eyes moved between the women, wanting them to understand how serious he was about their Annie.
"I want everything with her."
The women exchanged glances.
Nobody laughed.
Nobody teased.
"Saying everything is a might big statement. You know that?" One of Clarisse's eyebrows rose in question.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Do you know what all that means when it come to Annie? She ain't no simple woman," Clarisse studied him carefully.
"Yes ma'am I do," Elijah confidently nodded. He already knew first hand how difficult Annie could be, but some would say he was just as bad.
"What about her makes you want her so bad?" Victoria asked.
Elijah took a moment to get his thoughts together, and not because he didn't know, but because he wanted to say it right.
"Truthfully, she saved and she don't even know it. When I got back from overseas I wasn't doing well. There were days I'd wake up angry, couldn't sleep, and didn't want to be around nobody. And you wouldn't know it by looking at me. But when I found her, she lit up something in me. It was like she planted herself in my blood and I ain't have a bad day since," his voice was calm as he spoke.
"I don't want nothin' temporary with her. She don't deserve that. She's the woman I wanna wake up beside every mornin'. I wanna take care of her . I wanna spend the rest of my life fmy life hearin' her talk because she can just go on about stuff she gets excited about. And I always want her excited about something. It's my job to keep her happy and that's what I plan to do."
"I love how she takes care of people whether they ask for it or not. She remembers everything and she loves her family. She always has enough love for everybody. I love how determined she is. She works hard and she has dreams and goals. Hell, I even love how stubborn she is," that makes everyone laugh.
Mama Nette takes a moment to just stare at Elijah. She'd never heard him talk this much. He seemed like a man that didn't say more than he had to. But it looks like that when it comes to her granddaughter, he had a whole lot to say and he needed to say it. That man loved Annie and it was written all over him.
"Ain't never heard anybody talk about her like that before. You must really love her?" Esther asked.
"I'm in love with her," Elijah's answer came out so quick as he looked at her.
Nobody said anything because there wasn't really anything to say. The sincerity in his voice was impossible to miss, and they could feel the love practically floating off of him.
"Annie," Mama Nette's voice floated thorughout the house, and within seconds, hurried footsteps were heard.
Annie appeared looking rather worried. She looked at Elijah, but he showed no signs that there was anything to be worried about. So, she turned her eyes to her grandmother.
"Yes, Mama?"
"Everything ready?"
"…Yes?" Annie blinked confused.
"Everybody let's go on to the table."
Everyone in the house started making their way to the living room. Even Annie, who was still trying to figure out what happened. Elijah followed beside her not giving anything away.
Certain foods had been moved from the food table to the table. Everyone gathered around the white tablecloth covered table. Mama Nette took her place at the head of the table and reached for the hands beside her.
"Everybody close ya eyes and bow ya heads," almost everyone obeyed even the small children.
Elijah was the only one still looking around at the full circle.
Annie briefly opened her eyes to see Elijah with his wide open. She tugged his hand that was in hers.
"Close your eyes."
He closed his eyes and lowered his head just before Mama Nette started praying. As soon as she finished everyone said Amen and let their hands go. They moved to find their seats and the children scrambled to their table.
Elijah automatically reached for Annie's chair and pulled it out. Then he waited until she sat to push it in. She smiled up at him.
"Thank you, baby."
He nodded as he took the seat beside her. And as soon as he settled in his seat he had the feeling of being watched. He looked up to see Ray, Marcus, and an older man looking at him from way down at the other end of the table.
Annie lightly tapped Elijah's arm, pulling him away from the three men's stares. He gave his attention to Annie. She was holding the plate that was in his spot in her hand.
"What you want on you plate?" she asked.
"Whatever you think," Elijah glanced over the spread.
Annie rolled her eyes, but did as told. She scooped some mac and cheese, greens, candied yams, and dressing on his plate. Then she got up to put some meat on the plate for him. She knew that she didn't have to do this because Elijah was perfectly fine doing things for himself, but she felt with all this pressure from her family she would ease his mind a little today.
She sat back down and set Elijah's plate down in front of him. He thanked her and she went to grab her own plate to start putting her food together.
"Annette."
Annie looked up to see her Uncle William staring at him from the other end of the table.
"Yes, sir?"
"How long you been with him?"
Annie's eyes flickered to Elijah before returning to her uncle. William hadn't even verbally acknowledged and now he was talking as if the man wasn't sitting at the table next to her.
"We been together a few months now."
"A few months. Ain't that somethin'," William hummed as he stabbed a piece of turkey with his fork. "Must be serious if you lettin' him come to Thanksgiving."
"Yes sir. If you say so," Annie knew how her oldest uncle could get.
"Since you bringing him to Thanksgiving, I'd say so."
Several people around the table exchanged glances. Across the table Uncle Ray was trying not to grin.
"Ray," William looked at his younger brother.
"Yeah brother?" Ray looked up from his food.
"How long he been working at your shop?"
"Since April," a smirk appeared on Ray's face.
"And how'd he get that job?"
Ray looked at Elijah then back to William, "Annie mostly."
Annie breathed out in frustration. She could feel the irritation rolling off of Elijah and she knew if this kept going he would be in his right to say something.
"Uncle Ray, you know that's not true."
"And is," he shrugged. "You always tryna save somebody."
"Girl woulda brought home a stray dog if Mama let her. Guess she kept up the habit."
Annie's face showed clear irritation as she dropped her fork down.
"Okay, y'all gone stop talking about him like he ain't sittin' right here. He's a good man and comparin' him to a stray dog is disrespectful. I know y'all tryna look out for me, but I don't like how y'all going about it. You can't say you protectin' me 'cause this ain't it. These things y'all sayin' is hurtful. Get to know him before y'all try to make assumptions about him," Annie looked between both of her uncles.
"That's right," Mama Nette muttered. Her sons could be a real piece of work at times.
William sighed and Ray looked down at his plate. Neither man liked being corrected by their niece like that, especially in front of the whole family. But neither one would go against her either.
"Ain't mean no disrespect," her Uncle William looked genuinely pained by the admission.
"Me neither," Ray said right after.
This was the closest thing to an apology that Elijah had ever heard from Ray's mouth, but he didn't care too much about that when he was irritated by the older man. He face was stone cold as he stared at the two men. One of the things he wouldn't ever take was disrespect from two grown men, or at least two supposed grown men.
"I understand that y'all protectin' her and all but anything anybody wanna know about me can be asked directly to me. I'm an honest man and ain't one to just sit and pussyfoot around, but y'all makin' it real hard to act civil. I'm a grown man not a dog."
Then, before anybody could say anything else a loud crash echoed from the children's table. Little Jeremy was staring at the floor in horror while a glass of sweet tea spread across the table and dripped into his lap.
The interruption only lasted a few minutes before everybody settled back into eating. Towels had been brought out and Jeremy had been reassured that nobody was upset with him.
Elijah had managed to avoid being the center of attention again. At least until Mama Nette spoke up from her seat. She had been watching him for most of the meal anyway.
"Elijah, you likin' the food?"
"Yes ma'am. Ain't had food like this in a long time," he glanced down at the crowded plate in front of him.
"Why you ain't?" Victoria looked up from where she was helping Joyce cut her ham into smaller pieces.
"I was overseas for a few years. And before that me and my brother was movin' around so much we couldn't really get no good homecooked food like this."
"You was in the military?" William Jr. asked.
"Since fifty-four."
"You Army?" William Sr. set his fork down.
"Yes sir," Elijah kept his face stone cold.
William nodded thoughtfully. Then he took a sip of sweet tea before asking the next question.
"You hunt?"
Annie looked at her uncle and so did some of the other men at the table.
"Only done it once or twice."
"Mississippi boy only hunted twice?" William raised an eyebrow.
"Yes sir. My daddy wasn't teaching us much of nothing."
"Fair enough," William slowly nodded seeming to understand there was more to that story. "If you shoot good you'll be alright. But we'll see 'bout that."
Elijah looked on confused. And he was about to ask what exactly the man meant by that, but the conversation moved on. The entire focus of the table shifted away from the topic completely. When he looked over at Annie she seemed to be just as confused as he was. But her confusion had some understanding to it.
"Bunny, what he said that for?"
Annie cleared her throat and looked at Elijah, "I think he just invited you to go huntin' with them."
"Why he do that? Seem like he don't like me."
"He only invites the men he respects to hunt with him."
The dining table had been cleared. Leftovers had been wrapped and stacked. Somebody had put the radio on. And the card table was out. The children went back to running through the house despite being told at least fifteen times not to.
Annie sat tucked away in the den with Olivia in her lap. The baby had screamed for her the last ten minutes of dinner, so Annie had no choice but to grab her. And the girl was finally in her arms, she refused to leave.
The baby was currently fight sleep with everything she had. Her tiny eyes kept falling closed before snapping back open every time her head started to fall.
"You so tired, huh?" Annie chuckled softly as Olivia blinked up at her.
The baby just shoved two small fingers into her mouth as an answer. A string of drool followed soon after. Annie grabbed a cloth from beside and wiped the baby's chin. Olivia curled herself against Annie's chest, her other hand fisted the woman's dress.
That was when Elijah appeared beside the couch. He had just gotten out of a conversation about cars that he got roped into by Annie's cousins, Percy and Johnathon. Now he looked relieved to have found Annie again.
He sat down beside her. His eyes moved from her face down to the baby attached to her. Olivia had somehow managed to wedge herself directly into Annie's side.
Annie followed his gaze, "What?"
"Nothin'."
It wasn't nothing because Elijah couldn't stop staring. Annie looked so natural holding a baby, even if the baby was family. It was like every move of hers was instinctive. He had noticed since the dinner table.
And it wasn't just the baby that Annie seemed to shine with. The older children were just as attached. They followed her from room to room, calling for her, wanting her attention. And every single time she'd stop what she was doing and answer them.
The sight of it all made he aware of his thoughts. He found himself wondering what Annie would look like with their children. What their babies would look like. He hoped they would have her pretty brown eyes, and her smile, and her laugh.
"What you thinkin' so hard about?"
"Hm?" Elijah came back to reality, blinking the thoughts away.
Annie shook her head and let out a little puff of a laugh. She had noticed the way Elijah had looked at Olivia and wanted to test some waters.
"You wanna hold her?"
His eyebrows immediately lifted, "I don't know about that, Bunny."
"And why not?" Annie laughed.
"I ain't never really held a baby before," he looked at the baby.
"Seriously?" Annie stared at him.
Elijah nodded.
"Well that's a shame."
He looked down at Olivia and she looked back at him.
"I think you'll be fine. Olivia's easy."
"I don't know."
"Elijah."
He sighed, but she was already moving the baby. And when Olivia noticed she was getting moved out of the comfort of her arms, she made a sound of protest. Her tiny face scrunched up as if she was about to start crying. Annie shushed her as she bounced her lightly in the air.
"Oh hush. You're alright,"
Olivia clearly disagreed. Still, Annie carefully transferred her into Elijah's lap. The second the baby settled there, Elijah completely froze up. His hands hovered around her awkwardly unsure where they were supposed to go.
"Baby, don't look so scared," Annie tried so hard to hold her laughter in.
"I ain't scared," he shot her a look. "What if she fall though?"
"She ain't gone fall, just put your arm around her."
Reluctantly he wrapped one arm around Olivia.
The baby stared up at him. And after several seconds, Olivia decided she was okay with being around this strange man. She yawned and reached out to grab the front of his shirt. She pulled herself up a bit on her legs and laid down on his chest. The other tiny hand that wasn't gripping his shirt, reached around to his arm and softly started patting it.
Annie practically melted at the sight. But when she noticed Elijah's confusion on the movement she spoke up.
"She wants you to pat her back."
Elijah nodded his head in understanding and hesitantly started to pat the baby's back as gently as he could. It didn't take long for her eyes to start closing and soon enough she was asleep.
Annie watched the sight quietly, not able to look away. He was being so careful handling something so small and precious. He looked so sweet with her. It truly made Annie wonder how he would be with their kids. Maybe she wouldn't have to wait too long to find out, if they could—
"Auntie Annie!" She looked up to see the children standing in front of her. "Come play with us!"
"What y'all playing?"
"Hide and seek!"
The children immediately started pulling on her arms to make her stand up. She did and was suddenly being dragged away.
Christmas Night, 1958
Inside Elijah's apartment, the lamps cast a warm glow across the living room. The Christmas tree stood in the corner near the window. It wasn't a big tree like the one Annie has at home, but it was good enough for the both of them. They had picked it out a few weeks earlier after Annie said that he couldn't do Christmas right with no tree.
They were currently sitting on the couch, practically under each other. Annie was curled into his side and Elijah had an arm on the back of the couch behind her. They'd spent most of the evening talking about the day, like how Ray had actually gotten Elijah a gift. And now, with the day being settled, Elijah thought it was time for them to give their gifts to each other.
Annie sat up straight, excited for whatever Elijah was going to give her. Elijah reached on the table and grabbed the box. He put it in her hands and she carefully began to open.
Elijah sat back and watched as her fingers worked the ribbon loose. The anticipation on her face alone made everything worth it.
She pulled the paper away and was met with the same coat she'd been stopping to look at every single time they went to the department store downtown. It was a beautiful cream-colored wool coat that cost far too much.
"You bought me the coat?" Annie asked as she lifted it out of the box.
"You kept lookin' at it, so I figured you wanted it but wouldn't buy it for yourself since it was so expensive."
She pouted, willing herself not to be too emotional.
Then she noticed there was a small box inside. She pulled it out and noticed the way Elijah looked away from her. He had suddenly become very interested in the Christmas tree.
"What's this?"
Elijah didn't respond, just nodded to the box. So she opened it.
Inside sat a simple yet elegant gold bypass ring with two small diamonds.
"Elijah," his name came out barely above a whisper.
"It ain't an engagement ring…yet," he rubbed the back of his neck. "I just wanted yo uto have it."
"Why would you spend this much money on me?" She shook her head.
"Who else I'm supposed to spend it on?" He made a confused face as if she asked the dumbest question in the world. "I wanna take care of you, Bunny. And you need to let me without askin' about how much it cost all the time. That ain't your problem, okay?"
The tone of his voice made her body get warm. Instead of verbally answering him, she just nodded her head in fear that if she did say something it would be something that neither one expected.
Eventually she slid the ring onto her ring finger on her right hand and it was a perfect fit. But of course it was. He probably had sneakily gotten her ring size months ago.
She stared at it for several seconds before giving the kind of smile tha treached her eyes. Then she looked at him with twinkling eyes.
"I got your gift too. It's in the car 'cause I can't bring it up by myself. It's heavy."
"What'd you buy me, woman?" He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"You gotta go get it."
A few minutes later they were outside in the cold. Annie stood beside him in her new coat while he opened her trunk. Inside was a large gift box.
He carried it back into the apartment upstairs and set it down beside the couch.
Annie sat down on the couch and sighed as she looked at the box.
"I got this because Mama told me you didn't know what you really wanted to do, but you like workin' with your hands and fixin' things. So I'd figured you'd like this."
Elijah opened the lid to see a professional mechanic's toolkit. And it wasn't one of the cheap sets either. It was a Proto set. He ran his fingers over the polished metal while she looked on nervously.
"I picked it out myself. I did have to ask around a little for help, but I think I got the right stuff."
"You did just fine, Bunny. I really like it."
"You do?" Relief immediately washed over her face.
"Yeah."
He laughed softly the reached over and pulled her into his lap. Annie squealed at the movement. Elijah pressed a kiss to the side of her head.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, baby."
He smiled and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. When they pulled away Annie stared into his eyes.
"I checked your mail earlier and saw that you got a letter from your brother."
She slid off his lap, walked to the small table in the corner, and grabbed the envelope. She returned back to her spot in his lap.
"You wanna read it?"
"Don't matter," Elijah shrugged.
But Annie knew him well enough by now to know he wanted to hear it.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Carefully, she opened the envelope and pulled out several folded sheets of paper. She dramtically cleared her throat and began reading out loud.
Most of the first page was Stack just talking about anything like the people he'd met and the random arguments he'd gotten into. Though Annie had never met Stack before, she found herself smiling because it felt like she was getting a picture of him through his words. He was clearly different than Elijah. He seemed loud and reckless, but funny and charismatic.
When she got to the next page, she started reading about all the women he'd been with. She slightly lowered the paper and looked at Elijah.
"You got something to say?"
"Nope."
"You judging my brother?"
"I'm not, just seeing if this how you was."
Elijah sucked his teeth, "Woman you know me well enough to know that ain't what I do."
The next page shifted into stories about his gambling ventures and how shook several men for money. He'd become so invested in it, but it seemed to be working out for him.
"I don't think I like your twin too much," Annie shook her head.
"He's fine, just gotta let him settle in and you'll get used to him."
"Don't think I would."
"You would."
She continued reading despite her protests. Halfway through the next page she instinctively took to reading it in her head, but Elijah tried to peek at the words forcing her to go to reading it out loud again.
"How that dream girl doing? You ain't said much beside 'she's real'. If she's so real then tell me something about her. What's her name? What she do? What's she like? If she's worth writing about then you write about her. If she ain't, stop talking about her."
Annie's eyes slowly lifted. Elijah was avoiding looking directly at her, which told her everything.
She finished the rest of the letter which was mostly Stack asking questions about Baltimore and whether Elijah planned on staying there permanently, and work. Then the letter ended.
"Have you been writing about me?" Annie carefully folded the papers together.Elijah finally met her eyes.
"'Course I have. That's my twin. He know everything about me and I know everything about him. This the longest we been apart, and I had to tell him about the woman that's changed my life," the answer came easy for him.
"Can't believe you lasted this long away from him."
"I spent my whole life taking care of him. And I'd do it again. But if being apart from him now meant finding you, then I'd make that trade every time. I love you, Bunny and he should know that."
The emotion hit Annie hard. Her eyes watered as she leaned down a bit to kiss him. When she pulled back, she stayed close enough that their foreheads almost touched. Her eyes searched his and whatever she found there made her smile.
"I love you too."
Annie laughed softly at his expression.
"I'm in love with you."
His eyes lit up and the smile that spread across his face was the most brightest and boyish smile she'd ever seen him have. It was the smile he rarely showed anybody else, besides maybe Stack. Annie realized she'd never seen Elijah look happier than he did right then.
end notes: so question for the people that make it this far...when do y'all think their first time is gonna be? i, of course, know. but i'm curious when y'all think it will be. especially if you've caught all of annie's little hints that maybe's she might be more ready than we think...
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.2: Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: part 2 of chapter nine!
When Thanksgiving morning came, Annie slipped from the bed and got dressed as quiet as possible. It was incredibly early and it was still dark except for the faint morning light that was creeping through the windows.
Elijah was dead asleep on the couch with one arm thrown over his head as his chest rose and fell steadily. Annie smiled at the sight, walked over, and pulled the blanket up high on him. He stirred a bit, but didn't wake.
She went to the kitchen, and as quickly as possible, she scribbled a note to Elijah letting him know that she left for the day. After that she quickly started gathering the pies, not realizing that in her rush she had miscounted. She grabbed four of the pies and hurried out the door.
She stepped outside and a few minutes later she was driving through Baltimore. It didn't take long for her to pull up back home. She grabbed the pies from the backseat and headed inside. The door opened and the smell of greens and ham hit her in the face.
Annie followed the smell to the kitchen where she found her grandmother, Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, and Olivia. Clarisse was the first to say something to her the moment she noticed her niece standing in the doorway.
"Look at who decided to come back home."
"Goodmorning," Annie laughed as she set the pies down on the table.
"Mornin', baby," her grandmother said from her place by the stove.
Little baby Olivia let out an excited squeal at the sight of Annie. She was practically bouncing from her spot on her blanket on the floor. Annie melted. She crouched down and kissed Olivia's chubby cheek.
Annie straightened and looked around the busy kitchen.
"What y'all doin'? Need help?"
"No. Your cousin done already messed up the greens," Clarisse shook her head.
"I didn't mess up no damn—" Rosette started muttering under her breath. But before she could finish Mama Nette popped her with a kitchen towel.
"Watch your mouth."
"What I get hit for? I'm too old for that," Rosette rubbed her arm. "And why Annie never get hit?"
"'Cause Annie listens," Mama Nette snorted.
"I listen," Rosette looked offended.
"No you don't."
"I do."
Clarisse and Mama Nette exchanged a look.
"Yeah right, Annie mess up all the time, but y'all don't ever get mad at her," Rosette rolled her eyes.
"Annie ain't never messed up nothin' I taught her," Mama Nette looked genuinely confused by the statement. "That's why she the only one that know all my pie receipes."
A smug smile spread across Annie's face as she bent down and scooped Olivia into her arms. The baby immediately settled against her chest. Annie kissed the top of her little head.
"Can't help that I'm the favorite."
Rosette narrowed her eyes at her, but Annie just looked with that same smug smile as she bounced Olivia gently.
"Shut up."
"Don't be jealous, Rosie," Annie laughed.
"You lucky you holdin' my baby."
The room erupted into laughter. Even Olivia giggled though she didn't understand any of it.
When they settled, Clarisse looked over at Annie, giving her a pointed look, "You not gettin' outta where you was at, Miss Thing."
"She was over at that man's house."
Annie stared at her grandmother in disbelief. The older woman kept right on stirring.
Clarisse slowly nodded as she looked at Annie, "Hm. You been shackin' up?"
Before Annie could even answer, Mama Nette spoke again.
"No," Annie sighed in relief, but then her grandmother continued. "But she want to."
The relief disappeared. Annie sat there feeling completely betrayed.
"I don't know why you keep doin' this to me." Annie sputtered. "There ain't no reason for you to tell everybody my business."
"You ain't got no business," Mama Nette finally looked over. "You wasn't doin' nothin' remember?"
Rosette looked entirely too entertained at Annie getting clipped by their grandmother.
Annie opened her mouth then closed it becasue she truly had nothing to say to defend herself.
"She gonna have to repent extra hard this Sunday for all this lyin' she been doin' recently," Mama Nette shook her head. "That man be having her all twisted up and she know she like it."
Annie rolled her eyes dramatically then she buried her face against Olivia's little shoulder. Olivia just patted Annie's cheek.
A few hours later the cooking was finally almost done. Most of the food was finished and packed up.
Annie stood in the dining room helping wrap a few things while Olivia sat on her hip chewing on the sleeve of her dress. The baby had spent most of the morning attached to her. Any time somebody tried to take her, Olivia would fuss until Annie got her back.
Mama Nette was doing one final count, making sure that they had everything they needed. When she got to the pies and noticed that there were only four she eyed Annie.
"Annette, why you only got four pies here?"
Annie looked at the table only to see that her grandmother was right. There were only four pies on the table. Her eyes immediately became wider.
Rosette's face had a smirk on it, "Looks like the favorite messed up just that quick."
"Where they at and are they done?" Mama Nette folded her arms.
"Yes they're done Mama. I just forgot 'em," then she rushed over to the phone.
She dialed Elijah's number. The phone rang three times before Elijah answered.
"Hello?"
"Oh good. You're up," Annie sighed in relief.
"Bunny, I been up," His sleepy chuckle came through the line. "Why you callin'?"
"I forgot two of the pies. Can you bring them? They should still be on the counter."
"Yeah, I got you."
"Thank you, baby."
"It ain't nothing."
"I'll see you soon."
"See you soon."
After hanging up, Annie helped her family load everything up into the cars. Once everything was put up, the two cars hit the road to Ray's house.
There were a line of cars on the street when they pulled up. The front door opened and family members poured out to help take the dishes inside.
Inside the home Ray had moved everyhting around to make space for everyone. He had put some tables together to make one large table in the middle of the living room. There was also a smaller table for the children and room for the food.
The house was loud with conversation and children playing. Food was already on the table and what they brought only added to it. Everything was just what Annie missed about home. Good food and family. The only thing she felt was missing was Elijah.
Suddenly, Victoria appeared beside her.
"So when he gettin' here?"
"Soon," Annie rolled her eyes, an unintentional habit.
A while later, Annie found herself standing near the window peeking out of it every few seconds. Five-year-old Joyce had attached herself to Annie's legs asking her a million questions. It distracted her enough to not look out the window every five minutes. It wasn't like she was waiting on anyone.
But when a knock hit the door, Annie pulled away from the little girl, giving some random excuse. She hurried to the door, pulled it open, and there Elijah stood with the two forgotten pies in his hand.
He was dressed nice in black slacks, a black button down shirt, and a dark blue wool coat. He even had on polished hard bottom shoes. His look made Annie smile. And it wasn't because he never made the effort to look nice, but Annie knows that Elijah could care less about how he looked. But clearly he had decided to put a little extra effort in today.
Elijah looked into her big, soft, brown eyes and felt the hint of nervousness in him disappear.
"Hey, Bunny," Elijah smiled.
"Hi, baby," she said sweetly.
They leaned into each other so naturally. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. And once they pulled apart Annie was smiling. She was so utterly happy.
"Thank you again for bringing the pies."
"You're welcome."
She looked at him for another second. Then leaned forward and kissed him again. This one lasted a touch longer.
She pulled back and grabbed his hand, "Come on let's get you inside."
She led him inside and the warmth of the family atmosphere surrounded him. The house was loud with conversation that floated from every direction. Laughter was mixed in along with the sounds of children running and playing.
Annie kept hold of his hand as she guided him through the house of people. She could tell that her family was looking, but trying to hold in their comments. They walked until they got to the food table.
"Put them right there," he set the strawberry pies down where she told him.
Annie noticed the way Elijah looked around at everyone. She knew how overwhelming her family could be, and for someone like Elijah she knew it could be a bit much. She squeezed his hand to get his attention.
"If it get too much, you tell me."
"I'll be alright," Elijah looked at her, his face not showing any signs of overstimulation.
"You sure?"
"Mhm."
She studied him for another second then nodded.
Unfortunately she never got the chance to start introducing him around.
"Elijah come here," Mama Nette's voice carried easily through the house. "And Annie go help your uncles with the kids in the kitchen."
Both of them looked over to see the older woman sitting comfortably in a chair in the den.
"Mama—"
"Gone on."
Annie huffed as she stared into the older woman's eyes. And Mama Nette stared right back. Neither woman looked away.
Elijah tugged at Annie's hand, "It's okay, Bunny."
"Fine," Annie looked uncertain, but she sighed. "But I'll be back."
She squeezed his hand one last time before disappearing toward the kitchen.
Elijah watched her go then looked at the older woman who was waiting on him. Mama Nette gestured to the empty chair near her as a way to tell him to sit down. And he obeyed, not wanting to go against her.
The second he sat down he understood why Annie was hesitant to leave him. There were four women and a baby staring at him. They were staring so intensely as if they were trying to see straight through his skin to his bones. He sat back in the chair and gulped.
Mama Nette noticed and the corner of her mouth twitched. She knew Elijah was a strong man, but the Richard women could could break down even the toughest of soldiers.
"Let me introduce everybody to you since they just wanna stare at like you a zoo animal," Mama Nette pointed around the circle. "That's Clarisse, Annie's Aunt. Annie's cousin, Rosette and Rosette's daughter, Olivia. That's Esther, William Junior's wife. And Victoria, my oldest granddaughter."
They all still just stared at him not making any moves to say a thing to him.
"Now go on and introduce yourself," Mama Nette folded her hands in her lap.
Elijah cleared his throat. Suddenly he felt like a boy instead of a twenty-seven year old man.
"Nice to meet y'all. My name's Elijah Moore," the words managed to come out easy.
"And that's your real name?" Victoria tilted her head.
"Last time I checked," Elijah looked over at her.
Mama Nette chuckled at Elijah's audacity. She could tell he wasn't a man to back down easily. And she figured he had to be to deal with Annie.
"Oh, you tryna be Mister Funny Man?" Victoria's eyebrows furrowed, completely taken aback.
"Ain't nothin' funny to me," his answer came quick.
"Good. 'Cause ain't nothin' attractive 'bout a man who can't take nothin' serious."
"I'm takin' this very serious."
That earned him a few approving nods.
"Where you from?" Rosette asked as she balanced Olivia in her lap.
"Clarksdale, Mississippi."
"So you a Delta man?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Do you know where we from?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes ma'am," Elijah rubbed his sweating and slightly shaking palms against his thighs. Something about the intensity of these women was making his anxiety act up.
"You ever been there before?"
"A few times."
"So that means you know what we capable of?"
"I think so," Elijah didn't quite know what Annie's Aunt meant by that, but he remembered the conversation he had with Mama Nette. He didn't think he wanted to get on the bad side of a bunch of Hoodoo women.
"What you do for work?" Victoria asked.
"I work at Ray's garage."
"That what you really wanna do?" Clarisse asked.
The question made Elijah pause becasue nobody had really asked him that before. At least not recently. Usually people asked what he did, but not if that was what he really wanted to do. He looked down for a second before answering as honestly as he could.
"I don't rightly know. I guess I ain't figured out exactly what I want yet. I know I'm good with my hands, so it works out," he shrugged.
"I bet you are," Rosette smirked as her eyes dropped down to his hands.
Elijah cleared his throat and shifted in his seat at her staring. For a half a second he considered hiding them, but then he realized foing that would probably make it worse..
"Got good workin' hands too," Rosette's smirk just deepened.
"Rosette," Clarisse said in warning.
"Sorry, Mama."
The women laughed as Elijah rubbed the back of his neck.
Thankfully, Esther moved the conversation along.
"How long you been in Baltimore?"
"Since April."
"Ain't been here that long and you already got your eyes set on my niece," Clarisse said.
Before he could answer, Victoria spoke.
"How long you plannin' on stayin' in Baltimore?"
"I—"
"Everything okay?" A familiar voice cut through the conversation.
Everybody turned to see Annie standing next to Elijah's chair. She walked up and rested a hand on his shoulder. She looked from the women to Elijah with concern written all over her face.
"Girl ain't nobody doin' nothin' to this man. He alright," Mama Nette as she turned in her chair. "Go back to the kitchen."
"You okay?" Annie ignored the woman and looked at Elijah.
"I'm alright, Bunny," Elijah lightly grabbed her hand and nodded his head.
She still looked suspicious.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Take your ass back on in there."
"If we was gon' hurt him we'd already done it," her Aunt Clarisse said.
Annie huffed dramatically, but she listened. Reluctantly she started walking away. But in the process she let her hand slide from Elijah's shoulder then down his arm. Elijah caught the hand before she could fully walk away.
The women all watched as Elijah lifted it and pressed a kiss to the back of it. He did it as if it was second nature. It was the type of affection that made Annie smile when she finally walked away.
He turned beack to see all eyes were on him again.
"What exactly you want with my cousin?" Rosette tilted her head.
Elijah eyes moved between the women, wanting them to understand how serious he was about their Annie.
"I want everything with her."
The women exchanged glances.
Nobody laughed.
Nobody teased.
"Saying everything is a might big statement. You know that?" One of Clarisse's eyebrows rose in question.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Do you know what all that means when it come to Annie? She ain't no simple woman," Clarisse studied him carefully.
"Yes ma'am I do," Elijah confidently nodded. He already knew first hand how difficult Annie could be, but some would say he was just as bad.
"What about her makes you want her so bad?" Victoria asked.
Elijah took a moment to get his thoughts together, and not because he didn't know, but because he wanted to say it right.
"Truthfully, she saved and she don't even know it. When I got back from overseas I wasn't doing well. There were days I'd wake up angry, couldn't sleep, and didn't want to be around nobody. And you wouldn't know it by looking at me. But when I found her, she lit up something in me. It was like she planted herself in my blood and I ain't have a bad day since," his voice was calm as he spoke.
"I don't want nothin' temporary with her. She don't deserve that. She's the woman I wanna wake up beside every mornin'. I wanna take care of her . I wanna spend the rest of my life fmy life hearin' her talk because she can just go on about stuff she gets excited about. And I always want her excited about something. It's my job to keep her happy and that's what I plan to do."
"I love how she takes care of people whether they ask for it or not. She remembers everything and she loves her family. She always has enough love for everybody. I love how determined she is. She works hard and she has dreams and goals. Hell, I even love how stubborn she is," that makes everyone laugh.
Mama Nette takes a moment to just stare at Elijah. She'd never heard him talk this much. He seemed like a man that didn't say more than he had to. But it looks like that when it comes to her granddaughter, he had a whole lot to say and he needed to say it. That man loved Annie and it was written all over him.
"Ain't never heard anybody talk about her like that before. You must really love her?" Esther asked.
"I'm in love with her," Elijah's answer came out so quick as he looked at her.
Nobody said anything because there wasn't really anything to say. The sincerity in his voice was impossible to miss, and they could feel the love practically floating off of him.
"Annie," Mama Nette's voice floated thorughout the house, and within seconds, hurried footsteps were heard.
Annie appeared looking rather worried. She looked at Elijah, but he showed no signs that there was anything to be worried about. So, she turned her eyes to her grandmother.
"Yes, Mama?"
"Everything ready?"
"…Yes?" Annie blinked confused.
"Everybody let's go on to the table."
Everyone in the house started making their way to the living room. Even Annie, who was still trying to figure out what happened. Elijah followed beside her not giving anything away.
Certain foods had been moved from the food table to the table. Everyone gathered around the white tablecloth covered table. Mama Nette took her place at the head of the table and reached for the hands beside her.
"Everybody close ya eyes and bow ya heads," almost everyone obeyed even the small children.
Elijah was the only one still looking around at the full circle.
Annie briefly opened her eyes to see Elijah with his wide open. She tugged his hand that was in hers.
"Close your eyes."
He closed his eyes and lowered his head just before Mama Nette started praying. As soon as she finished everyone said Amen and let their hands go. They moved to find their seats and the children scrambled to their table.
Elijah automatically reached for Annie's chair and pulled it out. Then he waited until she sat to push it in. She smiled up at him.
"Thank you, baby."
He nodded as he took the seat beside her. And as soon as he settled in his seat he had the feeling of being watched. He looked up to see Ray, Marcus, and an older man looking at him from way down at the other end of the table.
Annie lightly tapped Elijah's arm, pulling him away from the three men's stares. He gave his attention to Annie. She was holding the plate that was in his spot in her hand.
"What you want on you plate?" she asked.
"Whatever you think," Elijah glanced over the spread.
Annie rolled her eyes, but did as told. She scooped some mac and cheese, greens, candied yams, and dressing on his plate. Then she got up to put some meat on the plate for him. She knew that she didn't have to do this because Elijah was perfectly fine doing things for himself, but she felt with all this pressure from her family she would ease his mind a little today.
She sat back down and set Elijah's plate down in front of him. He thanked her and she went to grab her own plate to start putting her food together.
"Annette."
Annie looked up to see her Uncle William staring at him from the other end of the table.
"Yes, sir?"
"How long you been with him?"
Annie's eyes flickered to Elijah before returning to her uncle. William hadn't even verbally acknowledged and now he was talking as if the man wasn't sitting at the table next to her.
"We been together a few months now."
"A few months. Ain't that somethin'," William hummed as he stabbed a piece of turkey with his fork. "Must be serious if you lettin' him come to Thanksgiving."
"Yes sir. If you say so," Annie knew how her oldest uncle could get.
"Since you bringing him to Thanksgiving, I'd say so."
Several people around the table exchanged glances. Across the table Uncle Ray was trying not to grin.
"Ray," William looked at his younger brother.
"Yeah brother?" Ray looked up from his food.
"How long he been working at your shop?"
"Since April," a smirk appeared on Ray's face.
"And how'd he get that job?"
Ray looked at Elijah then back to William, "Annie mostly."
Annie breathed out in frustration. She could feel the irritation rolling off of Elijah and she knew if this kept going he would be in his right to say something.
"Uncle Ray, you know that's not true."
"And is," he shrugged. "You always tryna save somebody."
"Girl woulda brought home a stray dog if Mama let her. Guess she kept up the habit."
Annie's face showed clear irritation as she dropped her fork down.
"Okay, y'all gone stop talking about him like he ain't sittin' right here. He's a good man and comparin' him to a stray dog is disrespectful. I know y'all tryna look out for me, but I don't like how y'all going about it. You can't say you protectin' me 'cause this ain't it. These things y'all sayin' is hurtful. Get to know him before y'all try to make assumptions about him," Annie looked between both of her uncles.
"That's right," Mama Nette muttered. Her sons could be a real piece of work at times.
William sighed and Ray looked down at his plate. Neither man liked being corrected by their niece like that, especially in front of the whole family. But neither one would go against her either.
"Ain't mean no disrespect," her Uncle William looked genuinely pained by the admission.
"Me neither," Ray said right after.
This was the closest thing to an apology that Elijah had ever heard from Ray's mouth, but he didn't care too much about that when he was irritated by the older man. He face was stone cold as he stared at the two men. One of the things he wouldn't ever take was disrespect from two grown men, or at least two supposed grown men.
"I understand that y'all protectin' her and all but anything anybody wanna know about me can be asked directly to me. I'm an honest man and ain't one to just sit and pussyfoot around, but y'all makin' it real hard to act civil. I'm a grown man not a dog."
Then, before anybody could say anything else a loud crash echoed from the children's table. Little Jeremy was staring at the floor in horror while a glass of sweet tea spread across the table and dripped into his lap.
The interruption only lasted a few minutes before everybody settled back into eating. Towels had been brought out and Jeremy had been reassured that nobody was upset with him.
Elijah had managed to avoid being the center of attention again. At least until Mama Nette spoke up from her seat. She had been watching him for most of the meal anyway.
"Elijah, you likin' the food?"
"Yes ma'am. Ain't had food like this in a long time," he glanced down at the crowded plate in front of him.
"Why you ain't?" Victoria looked up from where she was helping Joyce cut her ham into smaller pieces.
"I was overseas for a few years. And before that me and my brother was movin' around so much we couldn't really get no good homecooked food like this."
"You was in the military?" William Jr. asked.
"Since fifty-four."
"You Army?" William Sr. set his fork down.
"Yes sir," Elijah kept his face stone cold.
William nodded thoughtfully. Then he took a sip of sweet tea before asking the next question.
"You hunt?"
Annie looked at her uncle and so did some of the other men at the table.
"Only done it once or twice."
"Mississippi boy only hunted twice?" William raised an eyebrow.
"Yes sir. My daddy wasn't teaching us much of nothing."
"Fair enough," William slowly nodded seeming to understand there was more to that story. "If you shoot good you'll be alright. But we'll see 'bout that."
Elijah looked on confused. And he was about to ask what exactly the man meant by that, but the conversation moved on. The entire focus of the table shifted away from the topic completely. When he looked over at Annie she seemed to be just as confused as he was. But her confusion had some understanding to it.
"Bunny, what he said that for?"
Annie cleared her throat and looked at Elijah, "I think he just invited you to go huntin' with them."
"Why he do that? Seem like he don't like me."
"He only invites the men he respects to hunt with him."
The dining table had been cleared. Leftovers had been wrapped and stacked. Somebody had put the radio on. And the card table was out. The children went back to running through the house despite being told at least fifteen times not to.
Annie sat tucked away in the den with Olivia in her lap. The baby had screamed for her the last ten minutes of dinner, so Annie had no choice but to grab her. And the girl was finally in her arms, she refused to leave.
The baby was currently fight sleep with everything she had. Her tiny eyes kept falling closed before snapping back open every time her head started to fall.
"You so tired, huh?" Annie chuckled softly as Olivia blinked up at her.
The baby just shoved two small fingers into her mouth as an answer. A string of drool followed soon after. Annie grabbed a cloth from beside and wiped the baby's chin. Olivia curled herself against Annie's chest, her other hand fisted the woman's dress.
That was when Elijah appeared beside the couch. He had just gotten out of a conversation about cars that he got roped into by Annie's cousins, Percy and Johnathon. Now he looked relieved to have found Annie again.
He sat down beside her. His eyes moved from her face down to the baby attached to her. Olivia had somehow managed to wedge herself directly into Annie's side.
Annie followed his gaze, "What?"
"Nothin'."
It wasn't nothing because Elijah couldn't stop staring. Annie looked so natural holding a baby, even if the baby was family. It was like every move of hers was instinctive. He had noticed since the dinner table.
And it wasn't just the baby that Annie seemed to shine with. The older children were just as attached. They followed her from room to room, calling for her, wanting her attention. And every single time she'd stop what she was doing and answer them.
The sight of it all made he aware of his thoughts. He found himself wondering what Annie would look like with their children. What their babies would look like. He hoped they would have her pretty brown eyes, and her smile, and her laugh.
"What you thinkin' so hard about?"
"Hm?" Elijah came back to reality, blinking the thoughts away.
Annie shook her head and let out a little puff of a laugh. She had noticed the way Elijah had looked at Olivia and wanted to test some waters.
"You wanna hold her?"
His eyebrows immediately lifted, "I don't know about that, Bunny."
"And why not?" Annie laughed.
"I ain't never really held a baby before," he looked at the baby.
"Seriously?" Annie stared at him.
Elijah nodded.
"Well that's a shame."
He looked down at Olivia and she looked back at him.
"I think you'll be fine. Olivia's easy."
"I don't know."
"Elijah."
He sighed, but she was already moving the baby. And when Olivia noticed she was getting moved out of the comfort of her arms, she made a sound of protest. Her tiny face scrunched up as if she was about to start crying. Annie shushed her as she bounced her lightly in the air.
"Oh hush. You're alright,"
Olivia clearly disagreed. Still, Annie carefully transferred her into Elijah's lap. The second the baby settled there, Elijah completely froze up. His hands hovered around her awkwardly unsure where they were supposed to go.
"Baby, don't look so scared," Annie tried so hard to hold her laughter in.
"I ain't scared," he shot her a look. "What if she fall though?"
"She ain't gone fall, just put your arm around her."
Reluctantly he wrapped one arm around Olivia.
The baby stared up at him. And after several seconds, Olivia decided she was okay with being around this strange man. She yawned and reached out to grab the front of his shirt. She pulled herself up a bit on her legs and laid down on his chest. The other tiny hand that wasn't gripping his shirt, reached around to his arm and softly started patting it.
Annie practically melted at the sight. But when she noticed Elijah's confusion on the movement she spoke up.
"She wants you to pat her back."
Elijah nodded his head in understanding and hesitantly started to pat the baby's back as gently as he could. It didn't take long for her eyes to start closing and soon enough she was asleep.
Annie watched the sight quietly, not able to look away. He was being so careful handling something so small and precious. He looked so sweet with her. It truly made Annie wonder how he would be with their kids. Maybe she wouldn't have to wait too long to find out, if they could—
"Auntie Annie!" She looked up to see the children standing in front of her. "Come play with us!"
"What y'all playing?"
"Hide and seek!"
The children immediately started pulling on her arms to make her stand up. She did and was suddenly being dragged away.
Christmas Night, 1958
Inside Elijah's apartment, the lamps cast a warm glow across the living room. The Christmas tree stood in the corner near the window. It wasn't a big tree like the one Annie has at home, but it was good enough for the both of them. They had picked it out a few weeks earlier after Annie said that he couldn't do Christmas right with no tree.
They were currently sitting on the couch, practically under each other. Annie was curled into his side and Elijah had an arm on the back of the couch behind her. They'd spent most of the evening talking about the day, like how Ray had actually gotten Elijah a gift. And now, with the day being settled, Elijah thought it was time for them to give their gifts to each other.
Annie sat up straight, excited for whatever Elijah was going to give her. Elijah reached on the table and grabbed the box. He put it in her hands and she carefully began to open.
Elijah sat back and watched as her fingers worked the ribbon loose. The anticipation on her face alone made everything worth it.
She pulled the paper away and was met with the same coat she'd been stopping to look at every single time they went to the department store downtown. It was a beautiful cream-colored wool coat that cost far too much.
"You bought me the coat?" Annie asked as she lifted it out of the box.
"You kept lookin' at it, so I figured you wanted it but wouldn't buy it for yourself since it was so expensive."
She pouted, willing herself not to be too emotional.
Then she noticed there was a small box inside. She pulled it out and noticed the way Elijah looked away from her. He had suddenly become very interested in the Christmas tree.
"What's this?"
Elijah didn't respond, just nodded to the box. So she opened it.
Inside sat a simple yet elegant gold bypass ring with two small diamonds.
"Elijah," his name came out barely above a whisper.
"It ain't an engagement ring…yet," he rubbed the back of his neck. "I just wanted yo uto have it."
"Why would you spend this much money on me?" She shook her head.
"Who else I'm supposed to spend it on?" He made a confused face as if she asked the dumbest question in the world. "I wanna take care of you, Bunny. And you need to let me without askin' about how much it cost all the time. That ain't your problem, okay?"
The tone of his voice made her body get warm. Instead of verbally answering him, she just nodded her head in fear that if she did say something it would be something that neither one expected.
Eventually she slid the ring onto her ring finger on her right hand and it was a perfect fit. But of course it was. He probably had sneakily gotten her ring size months ago.
She stared at it for several seconds before giving the kind of smile tha treached her eyes. Then she looked at him with twinkling eyes.
"I got your gift too. It's in the car 'cause I can't bring it up by myself. It's heavy."
"What'd you buy me, woman?" He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"You gotta go get it."
A few minutes later they were outside in the cold. Annie stood beside him in her new coat while he opened her trunk. Inside was a large gift box.
He carried it back into the apartment upstairs and set it down beside the couch.
Annie sat down on the couch and sighed as she looked at the box.
"I got this because Mama told me you didn't know what you really wanted to do, but you like workin' with your hands and fixin' things. So I'd figured you'd like this."
Elijah opened the lid to see a professional mechanic's toolkit. And it wasn't one of the cheap sets either. It was a Proto set. He ran his fingers over the polished metal while she looked on nervously.
"I picked it out myself. I did have to ask around a little for help, but I think I got the right stuff."
"You did just fine, Bunny. I really like it."
"You do?" Relief immediately washed over her face.
"Yeah."
He laughed softly the reached over and pulled her into his lap. Annie squealed at the movement. Elijah pressed a kiss to the side of her head.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, baby."
He smiled and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. When they pulled away Annie stared into his eyes.
"I checked your mail earlier and saw that you got a letter from your brother."
She slid off his lap, walked to the small table in the corner, and grabbed the envelope. She returned back to her spot in his lap.
"You wanna read it?"
"Don't matter," Elijah shrugged.
But Annie knew him well enough by now to know he wanted to hear it.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Carefully, she opened the envelope and pulled out several folded sheets of paper. She dramtically cleared her throat and began reading out loud.
Most of the first page was Stack just talking about anything like the people he'd met and the random arguments he'd gotten into. Though Annie had never met Stack before, she found herself smiling because it felt like she was getting a picture of him through his words. He was clearly different than Elijah. He seemed loud and reckless, but funny and charismatic.
When she got to the next page, she started reading about all the women he'd been with. She slightly lowered the paper and looked at Elijah.
"You got something to say?"
"Nope."
"You judging my brother?"
"I'm not, just seeing if this how you was."
Elijah sucked his teeth, "Woman you know me well enough to know that ain't what I do."
The next page shifted into stories about his gambling ventures and how shook several men for money. He'd become so invested in it, but it seemed to be working out for him.
"I don't think I like your twin too much," Annie shook her head.
"He's fine, just gotta let him settle in and you'll get used to him."
"Don't think I would."
"You would."
She continued reading despite her protests. Halfway through the next page she instinctively took to reading it in her head, but Elijah tried to peek at the words forcing her to go to reading it out loud again.
"How that dream girl doing? You ain't said much beside 'she's real'. If she's so real then tell me something about her. What's her name? What she do? What's she like? If she's worth writing about then you write about her. If she ain't, stop talking about her."
Annie's eyes slowly lifted. Elijah was avoiding looking directly at her, which told her everything.
She finished the rest of the letter which was mostly Stack asking questions about Baltimore and whether Elijah planned on staying there permanently, and work. Then the letter ended.
"Have you been writing about me?" Annie carefully folded the papers together.Elijah finally met her eyes.
"'Course I have. That's my twin. He know everything about me and I know everything about him. This the longest we been apart, and I had to tell him about the woman that's changed my life," the answer came easy for him.
"Can't believe you lasted this long away from him."
"I spent my whole life taking care of him. And I'd do it again. But if being apart from him now meant finding you, then I'd make that trade every time. I love you, Bunny and he should know that."
The emotion hit Annie hard. Her eyes watered as she leaned down a bit to kiss him. When she pulled back, she stayed close enough that their foreheads almost touched. Her eyes searched his and whatever she found there made her smile.
"I love you too."
Annie laughed softly at his expression.
"I'm in love with you."
His eyes lit up and the smile that spread across his face was the most brightest and boyish smile she'd ever seen him have. It was the smile he rarely showed anybody else, besides maybe Stack. Annie realized she'd never seen Elijah look happier than he did right then.
end notes: so question for the people that make it this far...when do y'all think their first time is gonna be? i, of course, know. but i'm curious when y'all think it will be. especially if you've caught all of annie's little hints that maybe's she might be more ready than we think...
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Mama Nette was cracking me tf up at the beginning. Ummm Smoke spilling his heart out to Annie's family--I absolutely adore that. And I love the love confession at the end. I can't wait for the next chapter!
how is Elijah holding up?! I know he’s waiting until Annie is ready, but I’m sure he’s pent up & ready to release that sexual frustration lol
it’s actually not as bad for him because he’s been holding on for so long he’s used to it. like he hadn’t done anything since the first year in the army. he’s honestly not as bad as she is 😭🫣
AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
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cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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taglist: @shamansha, @rkiiives, @numb1smokeanniestan,@caramelplug @margepimpson @underated345-blog @tnychellee @loveabledovee @kkbeauty86 @syko-jpg @thegreatlibraryofalex @cardi-bre91 @hotebonynearby @shereeluvssinners @transparentphantomface @imqueenmelanin @dollys-world224 @storiesbyasl @blue4everrsworld@katezy2x @og-goddesstrill @cocoagadgetsworld @xeebop @shohimeee @notapradagurl @saralance03 @bad4bey @studentmadeofmelanin @viciously-divine @mmbee675 @luhvelli @wildcardmelaninfreak @lbjgirl2323 @thevelvetwhispers @lizbehave @brownskincheyenne @waitingtobreatheagain @idyllicbarb
I am SO happy that Annie and Smoke have gotten to this place. I was dying at Annie being drunk as a skunk at her birthday party 😂 but I'm glad Smoke held it down for her
AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.2: Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: part 2 of chapter nine!
When Thanksgiving morning came, Annie slipped from the bed and got dressed as quiet as possible. It was incredibly early and it was still dark except for the faint morning light that was creeping through the windows.
Elijah was dead asleep on the couch with one arm thrown over his head as his chest rose and fell steadily. Annie smiled at the sight, walked over, and pulled the blanket up high on him. He stirred a bit, but didn't wake.
She went to the kitchen, and as quickly as possible, she scribbled a note to Elijah letting him know that she left for the day. After that she quickly started gathering the pies, not realizing that in her rush she had miscounted. She grabbed four of the pies and hurried out the door.
She stepped outside and a few minutes later she was driving through Baltimore. It didn't take long for her to pull up back home. She grabbed the pies from the backseat and headed inside. The door opened and the smell of greens and ham hit her in the face.
Annie followed the smell to the kitchen where she found her grandmother, Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, and Olivia. Clarisse was the first to say something to her the moment she noticed her niece standing in the doorway.
"Look at who decided to come back home."
"Goodmorning," Annie laughed as she set the pies down on the table.
"Mornin', baby," her grandmother said from her place by the stove.
Little baby Olivia let out an excited squeal at the sight of Annie. She was practically bouncing from her spot on her blanket on the floor. Annie melted. She crouched down and kissed Olivia's chubby cheek.
Annie straightened and looked around the busy kitchen.
"What y'all doin'? Need help?"
"No. Your cousin done already messed up the greens," Clarisse shook her head.
"I didn't mess up no damn—" Rosette started muttering under her breath. But before she could finish Mama Nette popped her with a kitchen towel.
"Watch your mouth."
"What I get hit for? I'm too old for that," Rosette rubbed her arm. "And why Annie never get hit?"
"'Cause Annie listens," Mama Nette snorted.
"I listen," Rosette looked offended.
"No you don't."
"I do."
Clarisse and Mama Nette exchanged a look.
"Yeah right, Annie mess up all the time, but y'all don't ever get mad at her," Rosette rolled her eyes.
"Annie ain't never messed up nothin' I taught her," Mama Nette looked genuinely confused by the statement. "That's why she the only one that know all my pie receipes."
A smug smile spread across Annie's face as she bent down and scooped Olivia into her arms. The baby immediately settled against her chest. Annie kissed the top of her little head.
"Can't help that I'm the favorite."
Rosette narrowed her eyes at her, but Annie just looked with that same smug smile as she bounced Olivia gently.
"Shut up."
"Don't be jealous, Rosie," Annie laughed.
"You lucky you holdin' my baby."
The room erupted into laughter. Even Olivia giggled though she didn't understand any of it.
When they settled, Clarisse looked over at Annie, giving her a pointed look, "You not gettin' outta where you was at, Miss Thing."
"She was over at that man's house."
Annie stared at her grandmother in disbelief. The older woman kept right on stirring.
Clarisse slowly nodded as she looked at Annie, "Hm. You been shackin' up?"
Before Annie could even answer, Mama Nette spoke again.
"No," Annie sighed in relief, but then her grandmother continued. "But she want to."
The relief disappeared. Annie sat there feeling completely betrayed.
"I don't know why you keep doin' this to me." Annie sputtered. "There ain't no reason for you to tell everybody my business."
"You ain't got no business," Mama Nette finally looked over. "You wasn't doin' nothin' remember?"
Rosette looked entirely too entertained at Annie getting clipped by their grandmother.
Annie opened her mouth then closed it becasue she truly had nothing to say to defend herself.
"She gonna have to repent extra hard this Sunday for all this lyin' she been doin' recently," Mama Nette shook her head. "That man be having her all twisted up and she know she like it."
Annie rolled her eyes dramatically then she buried her face against Olivia's little shoulder. Olivia just patted Annie's cheek.
A few hours later the cooking was finally almost done. Most of the food was finished and packed up.
Annie stood in the dining room helping wrap a few things while Olivia sat on her hip chewing on the sleeve of her dress. The baby had spent most of the morning attached to her. Any time somebody tried to take her, Olivia would fuss until Annie got her back.
Mama Nette was doing one final count, making sure that they had everything they needed. When she got to the pies and noticed that there were only four she eyed Annie.
"Annette, why you only got four pies here?"
Annie looked at the table only to see that her grandmother was right. There were only four pies on the table. Her eyes immediately became wider.
Rosette's face had a smirk on it, "Looks like the favorite messed up just that quick."
"Where they at and are they done?" Mama Nette folded her arms.
"Yes they're done Mama. I just forgot 'em," then she rushed over to the phone.
She dialed Elijah's number. The phone rang three times before Elijah answered.
"Hello?"
"Oh good. You're up," Annie sighed in relief.
"Bunny, I been up," His sleepy chuckle came through the line. "Why you callin'?"
"I forgot two of the pies. Can you bring them? They should still be on the counter."
"Yeah, I got you."
"Thank you, baby."
"It ain't nothing."
"I'll see you soon."
"See you soon."
After hanging up, Annie helped her family load everything up into the cars. Once everything was put up, the two cars hit the road to Ray's house.
There were a line of cars on the street when they pulled up. The front door opened and family members poured out to help take the dishes inside.
Inside the home Ray had moved everyhting around to make space for everyone. He had put some tables together to make one large table in the middle of the living room. There was also a smaller table for the children and room for the food.
The house was loud with conversation and children playing. Food was already on the table and what they brought only added to it. Everything was just what Annie missed about home. Good food and family. The only thing she felt was missing was Elijah.
Suddenly, Victoria appeared beside her.
"So when he gettin' here?"
"Soon," Annie rolled her eyes, an unintentional habit.
A while later, Annie found herself standing near the window peeking out of it every few seconds. Five-year-old Joyce had attached herself to Annie's legs asking her a million questions. It distracted her enough to not look out the window every five minutes. It wasn't like she was waiting on anyone.
But when a knock hit the door, Annie pulled away from the little girl, giving some random excuse. She hurried to the door, pulled it open, and there Elijah stood with the two forgotten pies in his hand.
He was dressed nice in black slacks, a black button down shirt, and a dark blue wool coat. He even had on polished hard bottom shoes. His look made Annie smile. And it wasn't because he never made the effort to look nice, but Annie knows that Elijah could care less about how he looked. But clearly he had decided to put a little extra effort in today.
Elijah looked into her big, soft, brown eyes and felt the hint of nervousness in him disappear.
"Hey, Bunny," Elijah smiled.
"Hi, baby," she said sweetly.
They leaned into each other so naturally. Their lips met in a gentle kiss. And once they pulled apart Annie was smiling. She was so utterly happy.
"Thank you again for bringing the pies."
"You're welcome."
She looked at him for another second. Then leaned forward and kissed him again. This one lasted a touch longer.
She pulled back and grabbed his hand, "Come on let's get you inside."
She led him inside and the warmth of the family atmosphere surrounded him. The house was loud with conversation that floated from every direction. Laughter was mixed in along with the sounds of children running and playing.
Annie kept hold of his hand as she guided him through the house of people. She could tell that her family was looking, but trying to hold in their comments. They walked until they got to the food table.
"Put them right there," he set the strawberry pies down where she told him.
Annie noticed the way Elijah looked around at everyone. She knew how overwhelming her family could be, and for someone like Elijah she knew it could be a bit much. She squeezed his hand to get his attention.
"If it get too much, you tell me."
"I'll be alright," Elijah looked at her, his face not showing any signs of overstimulation.
"You sure?"
"Mhm."
She studied him for another second then nodded.
Unfortunately she never got the chance to start introducing him around.
"Elijah come here," Mama Nette's voice carried easily through the house. "And Annie go help your uncles with the kids in the kitchen."
Both of them looked over to see the older woman sitting comfortably in a chair in the den.
"Mama—"
"Gone on."
Annie huffed as she stared into the older woman's eyes. And Mama Nette stared right back. Neither woman looked away.
Elijah tugged at Annie's hand, "It's okay, Bunny."
"Fine," Annie looked uncertain, but she sighed. "But I'll be back."
She squeezed his hand one last time before disappearing toward the kitchen.
Elijah watched her go then looked at the older woman who was waiting on him. Mama Nette gestured to the empty chair near her as a way to tell him to sit down. And he obeyed, not wanting to go against her.
The second he sat down he understood why Annie was hesitant to leave him. There were four women and a baby staring at him. They were staring so intensely as if they were trying to see straight through his skin to his bones. He sat back in the chair and gulped.
Mama Nette noticed and the corner of her mouth twitched. She knew Elijah was a strong man, but the Richard women could could break down even the toughest of soldiers.
"Let me introduce everybody to you since they just wanna stare at like you a zoo animal," Mama Nette pointed around the circle. "That's Clarisse, Annie's Aunt. Annie's cousin, Rosette and Rosette's daughter, Olivia. That's Esther, William Junior's wife. And Victoria, my oldest granddaughter."
They all still just stared at him not making any moves to say a thing to him.
"Now go on and introduce yourself," Mama Nette folded her hands in her lap.
Elijah cleared his throat. Suddenly he felt like a boy instead of a twenty-seven year old man.
"Nice to meet y'all. My name's Elijah Moore," the words managed to come out easy.
"And that's your real name?" Victoria tilted her head.
"Last time I checked," Elijah looked over at her.
Mama Nette chuckled at Elijah's audacity. She could tell he wasn't a man to back down easily. And she figured he had to be to deal with Annie.
"Oh, you tryna be Mister Funny Man?" Victoria's eyebrows furrowed, completely taken aback.
"Ain't nothin' funny to me," his answer came quick.
"Good. 'Cause ain't nothin' attractive 'bout a man who can't take nothin' serious."
"I'm takin' this very serious."
That earned him a few approving nods.
"Where you from?" Rosette asked as she balanced Olivia in her lap.
"Clarksdale, Mississippi."
"So you a Delta man?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Do you know where we from?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes ma'am," Elijah rubbed his sweating and slightly shaking palms against his thighs. Something about the intensity of these women was making his anxiety act up.
"You ever been there before?"
"A few times."
"So that means you know what we capable of?"
"I think so," Elijah didn't quite know what Annie's Aunt meant by that, but he remembered the conversation he had with Mama Nette. He didn't think he wanted to get on the bad side of a bunch of Hoodoo women.
"What you do for work?" Victoria asked.
"I work at Ray's garage."
"That what you really wanna do?" Clarisse asked.
The question made Elijah pause becasue nobody had really asked him that before. At least not recently. Usually people asked what he did, but not if that was what he really wanted to do. He looked down for a second before answering as honestly as he could.
"I don't rightly know. I guess I ain't figured out exactly what I want yet. I know I'm good with my hands, so it works out," he shrugged.
"I bet you are," Rosette smirked as her eyes dropped down to his hands.
Elijah cleared his throat and shifted in his seat at her staring. For a half a second he considered hiding them, but then he realized foing that would probably make it worse..
"Got good workin' hands too," Rosette's smirk just deepened.
"Rosette," Clarisse said in warning.
"Sorry, Mama."
The women laughed as Elijah rubbed the back of his neck.
Thankfully, Esther moved the conversation along.
"How long you been in Baltimore?"
"Since April."
"Ain't been here that long and you already got your eyes set on my niece," Clarisse said.
Before he could answer, Victoria spoke.
"How long you plannin' on stayin' in Baltimore?"
"I—"
"Everything okay?" A familiar voice cut through the conversation.
Everybody turned to see Annie standing next to Elijah's chair. She walked up and rested a hand on his shoulder. She looked from the women to Elijah with concern written all over her face.
"Girl ain't nobody doin' nothin' to this man. He alright," Mama Nette as she turned in her chair. "Go back to the kitchen."
"You okay?" Annie ignored the woman and looked at Elijah.
"I'm alright, Bunny," Elijah lightly grabbed her hand and nodded his head.
She still looked suspicious.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Take your ass back on in there."
"If we was gon' hurt him we'd already done it," her Aunt Clarisse said.
Annie huffed dramatically, but she listened. Reluctantly she started walking away. But in the process she let her hand slide from Elijah's shoulder then down his arm. Elijah caught the hand before she could fully walk away.
The women all watched as Elijah lifted it and pressed a kiss to the back of it. He did it as if it was second nature. It was the type of affection that made Annie smile when she finally walked away.
He turned beack to see all eyes were on him again.
"What exactly you want with my cousin?" Rosette tilted her head.
Elijah eyes moved between the women, wanting them to understand how serious he was about their Annie.
"I want everything with her."
The women exchanged glances.
Nobody laughed.
Nobody teased.
"Saying everything is a might big statement. You know that?" One of Clarisse's eyebrows rose in question.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Do you know what all that means when it come to Annie? She ain't no simple woman," Clarisse studied him carefully.
"Yes ma'am I do," Elijah confidently nodded. He already knew first hand how difficult Annie could be, but some would say he was just as bad.
"What about her makes you want her so bad?" Victoria asked.
Elijah took a moment to get his thoughts together, and not because he didn't know, but because he wanted to say it right.
"Truthfully, she saved and she don't even know it. When I got back from overseas I wasn't doing well. There were days I'd wake up angry, couldn't sleep, and didn't want to be around nobody. And you wouldn't know it by looking at me. But when I found her, she lit up something in me. It was like she planted herself in my blood and I ain't have a bad day since," his voice was calm as he spoke.
"I don't want nothin' temporary with her. She don't deserve that. She's the woman I wanna wake up beside every mornin'. I wanna take care of her . I wanna spend the rest of my life fmy life hearin' her talk because she can just go on about stuff she gets excited about. And I always want her excited about something. It's my job to keep her happy and that's what I plan to do."
"I love how she takes care of people whether they ask for it or not. She remembers everything and she loves her family. She always has enough love for everybody. I love how determined she is. She works hard and she has dreams and goals. Hell, I even love how stubborn she is," that makes everyone laugh.
Mama Nette takes a moment to just stare at Elijah. She'd never heard him talk this much. He seemed like a man that didn't say more than he had to. But it looks like that when it comes to her granddaughter, he had a whole lot to say and he needed to say it. That man loved Annie and it was written all over him.
"Ain't never heard anybody talk about her like that before. You must really love her?" Esther asked.
"I'm in love with her," Elijah's answer came out so quick as he looked at her.
Nobody said anything because there wasn't really anything to say. The sincerity in his voice was impossible to miss, and they could feel the love practically floating off of him.
"Annie," Mama Nette's voice floated thorughout the house, and within seconds, hurried footsteps were heard.
Annie appeared looking rather worried. She looked at Elijah, but he showed no signs that there was anything to be worried about. So, she turned her eyes to her grandmother.
"Yes, Mama?"
"Everything ready?"
"…Yes?" Annie blinked confused.
"Everybody let's go on to the table."
Everyone in the house started making their way to the living room. Even Annie, who was still trying to figure out what happened. Elijah followed beside her not giving anything away.
Certain foods had been moved from the food table to the table. Everyone gathered around the white tablecloth covered table. Mama Nette took her place at the head of the table and reached for the hands beside her.
"Everybody close ya eyes and bow ya heads," almost everyone obeyed even the small children.
Elijah was the only one still looking around at the full circle.
Annie briefly opened her eyes to see Elijah with his wide open. She tugged his hand that was in hers.
"Close your eyes."
He closed his eyes and lowered his head just before Mama Nette started praying. As soon as she finished everyone said Amen and let their hands go. They moved to find their seats and the children scrambled to their table.
Elijah automatically reached for Annie's chair and pulled it out. Then he waited until she sat to push it in. She smiled up at him.
"Thank you, baby."
He nodded as he took the seat beside her. And as soon as he settled in his seat he had the feeling of being watched. He looked up to see Ray, Marcus, and an older man looking at him from way down at the other end of the table.
Annie lightly tapped Elijah's arm, pulling him away from the three men's stares. He gave his attention to Annie. She was holding the plate that was in his spot in her hand.
"What you want on you plate?" she asked.
"Whatever you think," Elijah glanced over the spread.
Annie rolled her eyes, but did as told. She scooped some mac and cheese, greens, candied yams, and dressing on his plate. Then she got up to put some meat on the plate for him. She knew that she didn't have to do this because Elijah was perfectly fine doing things for himself, but she felt with all this pressure from her family she would ease his mind a little today.
She sat back down and set Elijah's plate down in front of him. He thanked her and she went to grab her own plate to start putting her food together.
"Annette."
Annie looked up to see her Uncle William staring at him from the other end of the table.
"Yes, sir?"
"How long you been with him?"
Annie's eyes flickered to Elijah before returning to her uncle. William hadn't even verbally acknowledged and now he was talking as if the man wasn't sitting at the table next to her.
"We been together a few months now."
"A few months. Ain't that somethin'," William hummed as he stabbed a piece of turkey with his fork. "Must be serious if you lettin' him come to Thanksgiving."
"Yes sir. If you say so," Annie knew how her oldest uncle could get.
"Since you bringing him to Thanksgiving, I'd say so."
Several people around the table exchanged glances. Across the table Uncle Ray was trying not to grin.
"Ray," William looked at his younger brother.
"Yeah brother?" Ray looked up from his food.
"How long he been working at your shop?"
"Since April," a smirk appeared on Ray's face.
"And how'd he get that job?"
Ray looked at Elijah then back to William, "Annie mostly."
Annie breathed out in frustration. She could feel the irritation rolling off of Elijah and she knew if this kept going he would be in his right to say something.
"Uncle Ray, you know that's not true."
"And is," he shrugged. "You always tryna save somebody."
"Girl woulda brought home a stray dog if Mama let her. Guess she kept up the habit."
Annie's face showed clear irritation as she dropped her fork down.
"Okay, y'all gone stop talking about him like he ain't sittin' right here. He's a good man and comparin' him to a stray dog is disrespectful. I know y'all tryna look out for me, but I don't like how y'all going about it. You can't say you protectin' me 'cause this ain't it. These things y'all sayin' is hurtful. Get to know him before y'all try to make assumptions about him," Annie looked between both of her uncles.
"That's right," Mama Nette muttered. Her sons could be a real piece of work at times.
William sighed and Ray looked down at his plate. Neither man liked being corrected by their niece like that, especially in front of the whole family. But neither one would go against her either.
"Ain't mean no disrespect," her Uncle William looked genuinely pained by the admission.
"Me neither," Ray said right after.
This was the closest thing to an apology that Elijah had ever heard from Ray's mouth, but he didn't care too much about that when he was irritated by the older man. He face was stone cold as he stared at the two men. One of the things he wouldn't ever take was disrespect from two grown men, or at least two supposed grown men.
"I understand that y'all protectin' her and all but anything anybody wanna know about me can be asked directly to me. I'm an honest man and ain't one to just sit and pussyfoot around, but y'all makin' it real hard to act civil. I'm a grown man not a dog."
Then, before anybody could say anything else a loud crash echoed from the children's table. Little Jeremy was staring at the floor in horror while a glass of sweet tea spread across the table and dripped into his lap.
The interruption only lasted a few minutes before everybody settled back into eating. Towels had been brought out and Jeremy had been reassured that nobody was upset with him.
Elijah had managed to avoid being the center of attention again. At least until Mama Nette spoke up from her seat. She had been watching him for most of the meal anyway.
"Elijah, you likin' the food?"
"Yes ma'am. Ain't had food like this in a long time," he glanced down at the crowded plate in front of him.
"Why you ain't?" Victoria looked up from where she was helping Joyce cut her ham into smaller pieces.
"I was overseas for a few years. And before that me and my brother was movin' around so much we couldn't really get no good homecooked food like this."
"You was in the military?" William Jr. asked.
"Since fifty-four."
"You Army?" William Sr. set his fork down.
"Yes sir," Elijah kept his face stone cold.
William nodded thoughtfully. Then he took a sip of sweet tea before asking the next question.
"You hunt?"
Annie looked at her uncle and so did some of the other men at the table.
"Only done it once or twice."
"Mississippi boy only hunted twice?" William raised an eyebrow.
"Yes sir. My daddy wasn't teaching us much of nothing."
"Fair enough," William slowly nodded seeming to understand there was more to that story. "If you shoot good you'll be alright. But we'll see 'bout that."
Elijah looked on confused. And he was about to ask what exactly the man meant by that, but the conversation moved on. The entire focus of the table shifted away from the topic completely. When he looked over at Annie she seemed to be just as confused as he was. But her confusion had some understanding to it.
"Bunny, what he said that for?"
Annie cleared her throat and looked at Elijah, "I think he just invited you to go huntin' with them."
"Why he do that? Seem like he don't like me."
"He only invites the men he respects to hunt with him."
The dining table had been cleared. Leftovers had been wrapped and stacked. Somebody had put the radio on. And the card table was out. The children went back to running through the house despite being told at least fifteen times not to.
Annie sat tucked away in the den with Olivia in her lap. The baby had screamed for her the last ten minutes of dinner, so Annie had no choice but to grab her. And the girl was finally in her arms, she refused to leave.
The baby was currently fight sleep with everything she had. Her tiny eyes kept falling closed before snapping back open every time her head started to fall.
"You so tired, huh?" Annie chuckled softly as Olivia blinked up at her.
The baby just shoved two small fingers into her mouth as an answer. A string of drool followed soon after. Annie grabbed a cloth from beside and wiped the baby's chin. Olivia curled herself against Annie's chest, her other hand fisted the woman's dress.
That was when Elijah appeared beside the couch. He had just gotten out of a conversation about cars that he got roped into by Annie's cousins, Percy and Johnathon. Now he looked relieved to have found Annie again.
He sat down beside her. His eyes moved from her face down to the baby attached to her. Olivia had somehow managed to wedge herself directly into Annie's side.
Annie followed his gaze, "What?"
"Nothin'."
It wasn't nothing because Elijah couldn't stop staring. Annie looked so natural holding a baby, even if the baby was family. It was like every move of hers was instinctive. He had noticed since the dinner table.
And it wasn't just the baby that Annie seemed to shine with. The older children were just as attached. They followed her from room to room, calling for her, wanting her attention. And every single time she'd stop what she was doing and answer them.
The sight of it all made he aware of his thoughts. He found himself wondering what Annie would look like with their children. What their babies would look like. He hoped they would have her pretty brown eyes, and her smile, and her laugh.
"What you thinkin' so hard about?"
"Hm?" Elijah came back to reality, blinking the thoughts away.
Annie shook her head and let out a little puff of a laugh. She had noticed the way Elijah had looked at Olivia and wanted to test some waters.
"You wanna hold her?"
His eyebrows immediately lifted, "I don't know about that, Bunny."
"And why not?" Annie laughed.
"I ain't never really held a baby before," he looked at the baby.
"Seriously?" Annie stared at him.
Elijah nodded.
"Well that's a shame."
He looked down at Olivia and she looked back at him.
"I think you'll be fine. Olivia's easy."
"I don't know."
"Elijah."
He sighed, but she was already moving the baby. And when Olivia noticed she was getting moved out of the comfort of her arms, she made a sound of protest. Her tiny face scrunched up as if she was about to start crying. Annie shushed her as she bounced her lightly in the air.
"Oh hush. You're alright,"
Olivia clearly disagreed. Still, Annie carefully transferred her into Elijah's lap. The second the baby settled there, Elijah completely froze up. His hands hovered around her awkwardly unsure where they were supposed to go.
"Baby, don't look so scared," Annie tried so hard to hold her laughter in.
"I ain't scared," he shot her a look. "What if she fall though?"
"She ain't gone fall, just put your arm around her."
Reluctantly he wrapped one arm around Olivia.
The baby stared up at him. And after several seconds, Olivia decided she was okay with being around this strange man. She yawned and reached out to grab the front of his shirt. She pulled herself up a bit on her legs and laid down on his chest. The other tiny hand that wasn't gripping his shirt, reached around to his arm and softly started patting it.
Annie practically melted at the sight. But when she noticed Elijah's confusion on the movement she spoke up.
"She wants you to pat her back."
Elijah nodded his head in understanding and hesitantly started to pat the baby's back as gently as he could. It didn't take long for her eyes to start closing and soon enough she was asleep.
Annie watched the sight quietly, not able to look away. He was being so careful handling something so small and precious. He looked so sweet with her. It truly made Annie wonder how he would be with their kids. Maybe she wouldn't have to wait too long to find out, if they could—
"Auntie Annie!" She looked up to see the children standing in front of her. "Come play with us!"
"What y'all playing?"
"Hide and seek!"
The children immediately started pulling on her arms to make her stand up. She did and was suddenly being dragged away.
Christmas Night, 1958
Inside Elijah's apartment, the lamps cast a warm glow across the living room. The Christmas tree stood in the corner near the window. It wasn't a big tree like the one Annie has at home, but it was good enough for the both of them. They had picked it out a few weeks earlier after Annie said that he couldn't do Christmas right with no tree.
They were currently sitting on the couch, practically under each other. Annie was curled into his side and Elijah had an arm on the back of the couch behind her. They'd spent most of the evening talking about the day, like how Ray had actually gotten Elijah a gift. And now, with the day being settled, Elijah thought it was time for them to give their gifts to each other.
Annie sat up straight, excited for whatever Elijah was going to give her. Elijah reached on the table and grabbed the box. He put it in her hands and she carefully began to open.
Elijah sat back and watched as her fingers worked the ribbon loose. The anticipation on her face alone made everything worth it.
She pulled the paper away and was met with the same coat she'd been stopping to look at every single time they went to the department store downtown. It was a beautiful cream-colored wool coat that cost far too much.
"You bought me the coat?" Annie asked as she lifted it out of the box.
"You kept lookin' at it, so I figured you wanted it but wouldn't buy it for yourself since it was so expensive."
She pouted, willing herself not to be too emotional.
Then she noticed there was a small box inside. She pulled it out and noticed the way Elijah looked away from her. He had suddenly become very interested in the Christmas tree.
"What's this?"
Elijah didn't respond, just nodded to the box. So she opened it.
Inside sat a simple yet elegant gold bypass ring with two small diamonds.
"Elijah," his name came out barely above a whisper.
"It ain't an engagement ring…yet," he rubbed the back of his neck. "I just wanted yo uto have it."
"Why would you spend this much money on me?" She shook her head.
"Who else I'm supposed to spend it on?" He made a confused face as if she asked the dumbest question in the world. "I wanna take care of you, Bunny. And you need to let me without askin' about how much it cost all the time. That ain't your problem, okay?"
The tone of his voice made her body get warm. Instead of verbally answering him, she just nodded her head in fear that if she did say something it would be something that neither one expected.
Eventually she slid the ring onto her ring finger on her right hand and it was a perfect fit. But of course it was. He probably had sneakily gotten her ring size months ago.
She stared at it for several seconds before giving the kind of smile tha treached her eyes. Then she looked at him with twinkling eyes.
"I got your gift too. It's in the car 'cause I can't bring it up by myself. It's heavy."
"What'd you buy me, woman?" He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"You gotta go get it."
A few minutes later they were outside in the cold. Annie stood beside him in her new coat while he opened her trunk. Inside was a large gift box.
He carried it back into the apartment upstairs and set it down beside the couch.
Annie sat down on the couch and sighed as she looked at the box.
"I got this because Mama told me you didn't know what you really wanted to do, but you like workin' with your hands and fixin' things. So I'd figured you'd like this."
Elijah opened the lid to see a professional mechanic's toolkit. And it wasn't one of the cheap sets either. It was a Proto set. He ran his fingers over the polished metal while she looked on nervously.
"I picked it out myself. I did have to ask around a little for help, but I think I got the right stuff."
"You did just fine, Bunny. I really like it."
"You do?" Relief immediately washed over her face.
"Yeah."
He laughed softly the reached over and pulled her into his lap. Annie squealed at the movement. Elijah pressed a kiss to the side of her head.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, baby."
He smiled and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. When they pulled away Annie stared into his eyes.
"I checked your mail earlier and saw that you got a letter from your brother."
She slid off his lap, walked to the small table in the corner, and grabbed the envelope. She returned back to her spot in his lap.
"You wanna read it?"
"Don't matter," Elijah shrugged.
But Annie knew him well enough by now to know he wanted to hear it.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Carefully, she opened the envelope and pulled out several folded sheets of paper. She dramtically cleared her throat and began reading out loud.
Most of the first page was Stack just talking about anything like the people he'd met and the random arguments he'd gotten into. Though Annie had never met Stack before, she found herself smiling because it felt like she was getting a picture of him through his words. He was clearly different than Elijah. He seemed loud and reckless, but funny and charismatic.
When she got to the next page, she started reading about all the women he'd been with. She slightly lowered the paper and looked at Elijah.
"You got something to say?"
"Nope."
"You judging my brother?"
"I'm not, just seeing if this how you was."
Elijah sucked his teeth, "Woman you know me well enough to know that ain't what I do."
The next page shifted into stories about his gambling ventures and how shook several men for money. He'd become so invested in it, but it seemed to be working out for him.
"I don't think I like your twin too much," Annie shook her head.
"He's fine, just gotta let him settle in and you'll get used to him."
"Don't think I would."
"You would."
She continued reading despite her protests. Halfway through the next page she instinctively took to reading it in her head, but Elijah tried to peek at the words forcing her to go to reading it out loud again.
"How that dream girl doing? You ain't said much beside 'she's real'. If she's so real then tell me something about her. What's her name? What she do? What's she like? If she's worth writing about then you write about her. If she ain't, stop talking about her."
Annie's eyes slowly lifted. Elijah was avoiding looking directly at her, which told her everything.
She finished the rest of the letter which was mostly Stack asking questions about Baltimore and whether Elijah planned on staying there permanently, and work. Then the letter ended.
"Have you been writing about me?" Annie carefully folded the papers together.Elijah finally met her eyes.
"'Course I have. That's my twin. He know everything about me and I know everything about him. This the longest we been apart, and I had to tell him about the woman that's changed my life," the answer came easy for him.
"Can't believe you lasted this long away from him."
"I spent my whole life taking care of him. And I'd do it again. But if being apart from him now meant finding you, then I'd make that trade every time. I love you, Bunny and he should know that."
The emotion hit Annie hard. Her eyes watered as she leaned down a bit to kiss him. When she pulled back, she stayed close enough that their foreheads almost touched. Her eyes searched his and whatever she found there made her smile.
"I love you too."
Annie laughed softly at his expression.
"I'm in love with you."
His eyes lit up and the smile that spread across his face was the most brightest and boyish smile she'd ever seen him have. It was the smile he rarely showed anybody else, besides maybe Stack. Annie realized she'd never seen Elijah look happier than he did right then.
end notes: so question for the people that make it this far...when do y'all think their first time is gonna be? i, of course, know. but i'm curious when y'all think it will be. especially if you've caught all of annie's little hints that maybe's she might be more ready than we think...
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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AMERICAN DREAM
soldier!smoke x virginteacher!annie
NINE.1: All You Gotta Do Is Try A Little Tenderness
previous next
cw: none
summary: the military does a lot to a man. for smoke it gives him dreams. dreams of a woman he’s never met a day in his life. all he knows is the sweet sound of her voice and the outline of her body. it’s like his soul is crying for her, but he doesn’t even know where to start looking.
notes: i'm so sorry for taking this long on this update. work was getting me bad. anyways, i went back last chapter so i can remember what age i made annie because for some reason it's not in my notes. so erm when ray said she was 26 last chapter let's just say that it was because he was getting a headstart on saying her age. anyways, on to the story!
September 7th, 1958
The afternoon sun poured through the classroom windows, making everything glow warm and golden.
It was the last lesson of the day and Annie stood at the front of the room with a piece of chalk in her hand, trying her hardest to keep twenty-something restless children focused for just a few more minutes.
It was Friday afternoon. The weekend was only moments away. Their little bodies were practically vibrating with excitement. Every few seconds somebody shifted in their seat.
Annie fought back a smile.
"Y'all can give me five more minutes," she said, tapping the chalk lightly against the board.
A few dramatic groans filled the room.
"Miss Annie," one little girl whined.
"Just a little longer."
And as she continued teaching, she noticed strange things were happening. The children kept exchanging secret little looks and whispers. A few of them kept reaching inside their desks and then quickly pulling their hands back out whenever she looked in their direction.
Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion because something was definitely going on. But before she could investigate, one of the students in the front row suddenly shot their hand into the air.
"Miss Annie!"
Annie stopped writing on the board, "Yes, baby?"
"We got a surprise for you!" The little girl bounced excitedly in her seat.
"A surprise?" she asked.
The child nodded so hard her braids bounced.
Annie looked around the room to see all the children were smiling at her. She was truly confused
"What kinda surprise?" she asked.
The children looked around at each other like they were making sure everyone was ready. Then all at once little hands dove into the openings of their desks. After grabbing what they were reaching for, they stood up. And the room exploded in noise as they all shouted happy birthday.
Annie gasped. Her hand flew to her chest so fast she almost dropped her chalk.
The children held up paper hearts. Some were cut perfectly, others looked like circles more than hearts. A few had glitter and crayon scribbles on. But every single one had something written on it.
"Oh my goodness..." Her voice cracked as she looked around, a little laugh coming out. Her eyes were starting to sting.
Her heart was entirely too full as she took in every little face. This particualr first grade class had only been with her for a month, yet somehow these babies had warmed up to her quickly.
She knew who needed help tying their shoes, who hated number and reading, the ones who always forgot their materials. And apparently they knew her too.
"You surprised me alright," she admitted.
A little girl in the back practically vibrated with excitement, "You really was surprised?!"
"I was very surprised."
The entire room erupted into cheers.
Annie's eyes were soft and full of love as she said, "I love y'all so much."
At that statement it was like she opened the floodgates. The children jumped up from their spots and rushed her. Tiny arms wrapped around any place they could touch. Some of them squeezed so hard Annie nearly lost her balance.
Annie laughed helplessly while trying to hug all of them back.
The kids started screaming about how much they loved her, how they didn't want her to get old, and saying happy birthday over and over.
In the middle of all the chaos, Lillian appeared in the doorway. Apparently, the noise from Annie's classroom had traveled down the hallway.
"Everything okay in here?" she asked.
Annie looked up from the sea of children attached to her. She was holding several of them while others continued waving their paper hearts in the air.
"They just surprised me, that's all."
One little girl turned around proudly.
"We made Miss Annie happy birthday hearts."
Lillian looked on at the most adorable sight in front of her and smiled.
"Alright now, y'all don't squeeze her too hard. She gotta make it to her actual birthday tomorrow," she said finally.
The children took that and started shouting about birthdays, cakes, presents, and ice cream. Lillian shook her head affectionately before stepping back into the hallway.
It took Annie a good while to get her classroom back under control. Every time she managed to get one child back in their seat, another one was popping up to give her one last hug or wave one of their paper hearts at her.
Eventually, after enough promises that she loved every single one of them and that she would absolutely remember their surprise forever, the children finally settled back into their desks.
The room buzzed with leftover excitement as Annie sat on the edge of her desk watching them pack up.
One of the kids stopped packing and turned to her with narrowed eyes, "Miss Annie?"
"Yes?"
"Does being twenty-six mean you're old?" the little boy tilted his head.
Several children gasped and a few looked at her concerned.
"Now why would you ask me something like that?" Annie bit her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"My mama say twenty-five is almost thirty and when you're thirty you get bad knees," the boy shrugged.
"Twenty-six ain't old," she managed to say.
The children seemed relieved.
"So you still young?"
Annie nodded, "Yes. Very young."
Thankfully, the final bell chose that exact moment to ring throughout the building. As they filed toward the door, many of them stopped beside her to give her a goodbye.
The room slowly emptied until the last child finally disappeared through the doorway.
Annie smiled softly before walking back toward her desk.
Usually she'd throw everything into a bag and grade it at home, but not today. Since tomorrow was her birthday, she had no intention of spending any part of the weekend hunched over papers. So, she settled into her chair and got to work.
The next hour passed and the school gradually emptied around her. When she finished, she stretched her arms above her head and groaned softly. She packed everything away, making sure to take extra care of the little paper hearts.
After checking her classroom one last time, Annie switched off the lights and headed outside. The late afternoon air felt warm against her skin. She walked across the parking lot toward her car. The bright yelowl paint practically glowed in the sunlight.
She unlocked the door and loaded her things into the back seat. Then she slid in behind the steering wheel. A moment later she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
The entire ride home was a bit shorter than usual but it put Annie in an even better mood.
When she pulled onto her street, the late afternoon sun was beginning to soften into evening. The neighborhood was alive. Children were still playing outside, people sat on their front stoops, and music was playing from an open window.
Annie eased her yellow car into her usual parking spot along the curb in front of the house. She gathered her purse, her grading bag, her lunch container, and her students' paper hearts before climbing out.
"Hey, Little Annie!"
She looked over and saw Mr. Jenkins and his wife sitting on their stoop across the street.
"Hey, Mr. Jenkins."
"How was work?"
"It was good."
"You ready for your birthday tomorrow?"
Annie smiled wide at the couple, "It seems like everybody's ready."
Mr. Jenkins laughed, " That's 'cause Annette been reminding people about it all week."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
After another minute of chatting, Annie finally headed inside the house. She pushed the front door open, the familiar smell of food greeted her.
"Mama?" Annie called.
"In the kitchen."
Annie followed the sound of her grandmother's voice and sure enough, Mama Nette stood at the stove with an apron tied around her waist. Annie dropped her things on a nearby chair before leaning over and pressing a kiss against her grandmother's cheek.
"Hey, baby."
"Hey."
"How was work?" her grandmother patted
Annie's face lit up.
"The kids did the cutest thing ever," She started digging through her bag. "They made me birthday paper hearts."
She pulled out several of them and spread them across the kitchen table.
Mama Nette turned from the stove long enough to look. A soft smile graced her face. The hearts were covered in drawings and messages.
"Well ain't that just sweet? This class must really love you."
Annie nodded her head as she sat down at the kitchen table. She kicked off one heel th the table and stretched her legs, "I guess they really do. They're really an interesting group. One of them asked me if turning twenty-six meant I was old."
Mama Nette let out a laugh that echoed through the kitchen, "What'd you tell 'em?"
"I told them twenty-six ain't old."
"'Cause it ain't. But it is grown."
"I guess," Annie hummed.
Despite turning twenty-six tomorrow, there were still moments where she felt seventeen or twelve…or seven. There were still times she wanted somebody else to make decisions for her.
The conversation faded and the kitchen grew quiet for a few moments. The only sounds came from the food cooking and the occasional clink of utensils.
Annie leaned back in her chair while Mama Nette stirred a pot. Then, without turning around, she spoke.
"You been spending a lot of time with Elijah lately."
Annie already knew where this conversation was headed. Still, she answered casually.
"Well, we're together now. So…" She trailed off.
"Mhm."
"You know that."
"I know."
Annie eyed the back of her grandmother's head suspiciously, but Mama Nette kept cooking.
"You two together just about every day."
Now that they had finally gotten past their argument and officially started courting, it felt natural. If she wasn't at work, there was a good chance she was with Elijah. If she wasn't with Elijah, she was probably thinking about him. And she knew he was the same way.
Annie shrugged, "I just like seeing him. Is that hard to believe?"
"Mhm."
The hum was getting on Annie's nerves now.
Mama Nette stirred something again.
"You been spending a lot of time at his apartment too."
Annie narrowed her eyes.
Her grandmother never brought up something unless she was headed somewhere with it. Over the past few weeks Annie had splent plenty of time there. She'd be there after work and on weekends. Some Saturdays she'd stay almost the entire day. They would watch television, cook together, talk, listen to records, read, and sometimes she'd fall asleep on his couch. But every single time, she'd always gone home and her grandmother knew that. Which meant she was fishing.
Annie sighed loudly, "For your information, we don't be doing anything."
"I ain't say y'all did."
"You was trying to."
"I wasn't trying to do nothing."
Mama Nette finally glanced over her shoulder with a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
"Well you saying it like I'm doing something."
"Are you?"
"You know I'm not!"
"Mhm," Mama Nette turned back toward the stove.
The sound only made Annie more irritated.
"I'm not doing this with you," Annie immediately started gathering her things. "I'm going upstairs."
Before her grandmother could say anything else, Annie grabbed her bag and headed toward the stairs. She could hear Mama Nette chuckling behind her as she climbed each step.
A grumble came out as she disappeared into her room and shut the door behind her.
The next morning, Annie was pulled from sleep by the sound of a gentle knock against her bedroom door.
She groaned softly and buried her face deeper into her pillow. For a few seconds she debated pretending she hadn't heard it, but then another knock came.
"Come in," she called sleepily.
The door opened slowly and Mama Nette stepped inside carrying a plate in one hand. She had a smile on her face and was humming as soon as she entered the room.
The familiar tune instantly wrapped around Annie. It was a song she'd heard her entire life and it always proved that she was loved.
Annie sat up slowly against her pillows as her grandmother approached the bed.
On the plate sat a large homemade cinnamon roll covered in icing with a single lit candle right in the center. The flame danced softly in the morning light.
Mama Nette sat carefully on the edge of the bed and finished the last few lines of the song.
"Happy birthday, baby."
"Thank you."
Mama Nette held the plate toward her.
"Make a wish."
Annie looked down at the candle.
Somehow she was twenty-six now. It felt strange.
She remembered being a little girl wishing she could hurry up and become grown. Now she was grown. She had a job she loved, friends who loved her, and a man that she was actually falling in love with. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was hers.
Annie closed her eyes and made her wish. Then she leaned forward and blew the candle out. The tiny flame disappeared and Mama smiled at her.
Her grandmother set the plate on the bedside table before standing. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face and she folded her arms.
"I got a surprise downstairs."
"What kind?"
"If I tell you it ain't a surprise," Her grandmother laughed. "So get decent and take your time."
Mama Nette headed toward the door and disappeared down the hall.
The second the door closed Annie reached for the cinnamon roll. The icing was still warm and that first bite made her groan. No bakery had ever made one that tasted better.
She ate it quickly while trying to guess what the surprise could possibly be. When she finished, her curiosityy was eating her alive. She threw on her robe, slipped her feet into house shoes, and hurried out of her room. The smell of breakfast drifted up from downstairs.
Annie gripped the banister and quickly descended the stairs. She followed the faint sounds coming from the dining room.
The second she stepped through the doorway she stopped. Elijah was in the middle of the dining room holding a huge bouquet of flowers in one arm and a beautifully wrapped box in the other. He looked up at the exact moment she entered.
Annie let out the loudest squeal of excitement and before he could even react she was moving across the floor. He had to hold the flowers out so they wouldn't get crushed as she practically launched herself at him.
"Good morning to you too, Bunny."
She wrapped both arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. So tightly he had to adjust the gifts in his hands.
"You're here! You weren't supposed to be here yet!"
"I know."
Annie hugged him even tighter. Her excitement was impossible to contain.
"I thought I wasn't seeing you until later."
Elijah finally shifted the flowers enough to wrap one arm around her waist. His hand settled against her back.
"There was no way I was lettin' your birthday start without seeing you."
Annie's smile grew. Her heart felt so full she thought she might float away.
Elijah looked at her. Despite how she looked with her robe, still rolled hair, and a just woke up face, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful. He pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek before lowering his mouth close to her ear.
"Happy birthday, Bunny." His voice was low, warm, and just for her.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Annie loosened her grip around Elijah's neck and stepped back. She really took a look at the flowers in his hand. The giant bouquet was full of flowers in warm shades of cream, pink, and yellow.
"They're beautiful."
"Even more than you."
Annie sucked her teeth and lightly pushed his arm.
Elijah set the bouquet carefully in the center of the dining room table before placing the gift box directly in front of Annie. Her eyes dropped to it.
"Open it."
Annie looked up, "Right now?"
"You think I wrapped it up for tomorrow?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," she laughed.
Sliding into one of the dining room chairs, Annie carefully pulled the box closer. She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside there were two smaller boxes.
Elijah stood beside her chair with one hand resting against the back of it while the other settled on the edge of the table. He watched her with the kind of attention that made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
Annie reached for the smaller box and carefully opened it. Nestled against the soft velvet fabric was a beautiful pearl necklace. These weren't imitation pearls of costume jewelry, this was the real thing. The creamy white pearls glowed softly in the morning sunlight coming through the dining room windows.
Elijah watched Annie's face as she lifted the necklace up. The wonder in her eyes made the money spent well worth it.
She gently touched it with her fingertips then slowly looked up at him.
"You really bought this for me?"
"Bunny, who else would I buy it for?"
She shook her head in disbelief and looked back down at the necklace. It was far too beautiful and probably far too expensive. She placed the necklace back into the box before setting it down and reaching for the second one.
The second gift was a gorgeous pair of red heels. The color was rich and the leather was smooth. The heel wasn't too high, but it was just high enough.
She turned them around in her hands to admire every angle. They were exactly the kind of shoes she'd stop and admire in a store window but would never actually buy for herself.
Annie looked between the necklace and the shoes then back at him.
"You spent way too much money on me."
"It's your birthday and you're worth it," Elijah shrugged. "Do you like them?"
The warmth in her eyes answered before she could. Annie instantly nodded.
"I love them. Thank you," her voice came out way softer than she intended.
"You're welcome, Bunny."
He leaned down and his lips brushed against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. It made her smile before they even pulled away from each other.
When he did pull back, Annie frowned up at him.
"What?" he looked at her with slightly suspicious eyes.
"That's it? That's the only kiss I get on my birthday?"
His eyebrows rose up as he apologized, "I'm sorry. You want another one."
She nodded very seriously, "I do."
Elija leaned down again, but this kiss lasted a little longer than the last. The kiss still being very surface level, not wanting to go too far in the presence of her grandmother. It was more like a drawn out peck than anything.
When they pulled back for the second time, Annie smiled wide. Then, Elijah pulled out the chair beside Annie and sat down. Mama Nette came in from the kitchen carrying plates, the smell alone made Annie's stomach growl. That cinnamon roll had done little to help her hunger.
The plates were stacked with bacon, eggs, biscuits, grits, and fruit. It was more than enough food to feed three people. Elijah even helped to bring some of the plates into the dining room. Together they set everything on the table, then sat down.
For a while they simply ate with easy conversation flowing every now and then. Mama Nette would ask Elijah about work or Elijah asked Annie about the school. Mama Nette caught them up on the latest news she got from her older friends from all over the block.
After breakfast finally came to an end, Annie gathered up everyone's plates before either of them could stop her.
"Birthday girl ain't supposed to be cleaning," Elijah told her as she stacked dishes in her arms.
"And birthday girl don't want dishes sitting around all morning," Annie shot back.
Mama Nette waved her hand, "Let her do it. She hardheaded."
Annie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop grinning as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned to the dining room with her hands freshly washed. The smile on her face faded away when she noticed Elijah standing up looking as if he was going to leave.
His jacket was in his hand and he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to leave.
"What you doing?"
Elijah looked over at her, "Going to work."
"What?" Annie stopped walking.
"I gotta go in for a little while."
Her face scrunched up and a pout appeared so quick, "But it's my birthday."
The words came out so dramatic that even Mama Nette rolled her eyes from her chair.
Elijah opened his mouth then immediately closed it because Annie's pout somehow got worse.
"Bunny."
"It's my birthday and you're leavin'." She walked across the room and grabbed his hand.
"I'm coming back. I'm only going in for a few hours. A car been givin' one of the boys trouble for some days now."
"So?" Annie let out a huff and narrowed her eyes.
"So I told him I'd help."
"But it's my birthday."
"You done said that four times," Elijah shook his head at how dramatic his woman could be.
He truly loved this woman. The longer they spent together the more she showed him parts of herself she kept hidden ffrom other people. Most people saw the sweet, patient, kind side of Annie. And she was still all of that, but he also got to see the stubborn, dramatic, and spoiled side of Annie. And he loved it.
"'Cause you keep ignorin' the important part of it being my birthday."
He stepped closer and gently squeezed her hand.
"I'll be back before your party."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Annie looked unconvinced.
"Bunny."
She sighed dramatically, "Fine. But I'm still upset."
"I'll make it up to you."
"You better."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then finally her lips. The kisses were so gentle they made Annie forget what she was complaining about in the first place.
Finally, Annie walked him to the front door.
When they got outside, she grabbed his arm.
"You're really leaving me now?"
"Annette."
The use of her first name and not her nickname made Annie concede to him.
"This wasn't long enough."
"I'll see you later, baby. Calm down, okay?"
She sighed and let go of his arm. They stared at each other long enough for Annie to nod and step back.
Annie stood on the stoop and watched as he got in his car and drove away. Only then did she head back inside.
The moment she stepped into the living room Mama Nette looked up from her position on the couch.
"I'm bout sick of you and that man. Glad he had to leave for work or else y'all woulda been annoying me all damn day."
Annie frowned, "Mama, you always being mean to me. It's my birthday, leave us alone."
"Girl gone on."
Annie shook her head and headed upstairs. Once inside her room, she officially started getting ready for the day.
If she was being honest, she wasn't planning on sitting in the house until her party.
She opened her closet and looked through her dresses. After several minutes she finally settled on her favorite yellow one. The bright sunny color made her smile every time she wore it. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before flaring out around her knees when she moved. The fitted bodice highlighted her lush curves beautifully, especially her chest, while the skirt gave her room to move comfortably.
It was feminine, bright, and fun. Which was exactly how she wanted to feel for the day.
She carefully did her hair, applied a little makeup, and added some perfume. Then stepped back from her mirror only to see that she was practically glowing.
Feeling pleased with herself, she headed downstairs to the phone. She wasn't spending the few hours she had before the party alone, especially after Elijah left her. So she called Monica first.
"Monica?"
"Hey birthday girl."
"Are you dressed?"
"Yes, but for what? The party's not till later."
"Not really thinkin' too mucha bout the party right now. I want to be out, so come get me."
"Fine, but you better be ready since you callin' tryin' to make all kinds of demands and things."
"I'm ready. You just come on."
After hanging up with Monica she called the rest of the group to inform them of her spontaneous plans for the day.
Since she had a little time before they arrived, she spent it putting on jewelry and fixing the tiny details.
Every few minutes she checked the clock, then the window, then the clock again. Eventually she heard a car horn outside and she nearly tripped herself by quickly stepping downstairs. She hurried out the front door to the familiar blue car that sat parked along the curb.
Monica was behind the wheel, Michelle sat in the passenger seat, and Lillian was in the back.
The second they spotted Annie coming down the walkway, all three women started hollering. Lillian even whistled out of the window.
Monica leaned halfway out the window.
"Oh you cute girl."
"Real cute," Michelle nodded approvingly.
Annie climbed into the car, and the second the door shut, Monica pulled away from the curb taking them to the direction of Annie's favorite dress shop.
They drove down to Pennsylvania Avenue. The city moving in streaks of color through the car windows as Monica navigated through traffic. The storefronts were getting more clustered and lively.
Eventually, Monica found a parking spot near a row of boutiques and eased the car to a stop. The dress shop was nestled between a salon and a small jewelry store. The windows of the shop were wide, displaying mannequins dressed in everything from elegant evening wear to casual day to day.
All four ladies got out at once, the sound of the car doors slamming blanding into the busy city noise around them. Annie smoothed her dress down as they walked up to the entrance.
The bell above the door chimed when they stepped inside. Cool air hit them, along with the faint smell of fabric, perfume, and polished wood floors.
Instantly, they all split up, taking different areas of the store to cover plenty of ground. Annie slowly wandered between racks of dresses, fingers brushing fabric as she passed. She was just lifting a pale blue dress off the rack when Monica’s voice cut through the aisle.
“So Annie, what you doing after the party?”
Annie’s eyebrows pulled together. “The party probably gone be going on late. I was just gonna go up to sleep after.”
Monica hummed like she didn’t believe her. She continued flipping through dresses without looking up.
“So you really don't have nothing planned,” she asked.
“No. Should I?” Annie frowned.
Monica finally glanced up for half a second, then went right back to the rack.
“I figured you and Elijah was gonna want some alone time.”
Annie blinked, “We saw each other this morning.”
“I’m already tired of talking in circles. You giving it up tonight?” Monica made a small sound, unimpressed.
Annie let out a breath that sounded half disbelief, half embarrassment. She turned away, grabbing another dress off the rack like she suddenly needed something to do with her hands.
“No, I'm still not doing any of that tonight,” she said finally.
Monica’s head tilted slightly. “And why not?”
"Because I don't want to," Annie's grip tightened on the hanger.
“But y'all have been together for a long while now,” Lillian slid in.
Annie shook her head quickly, “It ain't been that long. It's barely been a month since we made it official.”
“Y'all leave her alone. If she says she ain't ready, she ain't ready,” Michelle stepped in calmly.
Monica exhaled through her nose like she was holding back something more blunt. “I’m just saying, Annie been saying she not ready for years.”
“Some people waiting ain't a crime. I waited till I married Tommy,” Michelle cut her eyes at Monica.
“That’s different. You and Tommy been together since y'all were sixteen and got married a few years later. Annie over here almost thirty and still ain’t even rub one out go—”
“Monica,” Annie said sharply. She looked around, lowering her voice even more, “Can we stop talking about this?”
Monica held her gaze for a second, then nodded once, “Alright, I’ll let it go.”
Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
The tension eased just slightly as they all went back to browsing, the moment settling into awkward quiet. Annie tried to focus on the dresses again, brushing through fabrics with slower hands now, her earlier excitement dulled by the conversation.
Across the aisle, Michelle’s voice suddenly lifted.
“Look at what I found.”
All three turned to look at her to see Michelle was holding up a dress from the rack, stepping back so they could see it better.
The dress was gorgeous. It was a rich deep red that caught the eye without being overly flashy. The sleeves stopped just above the elbows, while the skirt flowed outward in a soft swing shape that would move beautifully whenever she walked or danced. The hem hit a few inches above the knee.
But what really caught Annie's attention was the neckline. The curve dipped lower than anything she normally wore. It was just enough to highlight her chest and collarbone.
Michelle grinned at her, "What you think?"
"I think I know exactly what to wear with this," Annie reached out and touched the fabric.
A short while later the dress was purchased, neatly folded into a large shopping bag, and the four women were heading back toward Monica's car. Once everyone climbed inside, Monica started the engine.
Everyone had reached the point where shopping had turned into hunger.
They pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. They'd only been driving a few minutes when Annie spotted realized they were heading down the same street that her uncle's garage was on.
"Can we stop up here for a while?"
All the ladies followed her finger that was pointing up the street to Ray's garage. When they realized where and why she was pointing, Lillian groaned.
"You're gonna see that man in a few hours."
"And it's my birthday," Annie said.
Lillian shook her head, but eventually the women gave in. Mostly because they knew Annie would be insufferable otherwise.
Monica turned into the lot and parked near the front of the garage. Annie got out of the car and was instantly greeted with the sounds of tools clanking and men talking. The smell of oil and grease was prominent in the air. The large doors were wide open, and a few cars filled the different bays.
When she actually stepped inside and people spotted her they greeted her happily. A whistle from somewhere deeper in the garage sounded out as they all wished her happy birthday.
She kept going until she spotted Ray near one of the lifts.
"Uncle Ray!"
Ray looked up and the second he saw her his face lit up, "Well look at my birthday girl."
Annie smiled and walked over. Once she reached him, Ray wrapped her up in a tight hug.
"Happy birthday, Sweet Pea."
"Thank you, Uncle Ray."
When he pulled away he looked her over and his eyebrows rose.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thank you," Then she tilted her head. "You still coming tonight?"
"Of course I'm coming," Ray looked offended.
"I was just asking," she laughed
"I'm getting there right when it starts. I gotta make sure the shop gets closed up right. Clara should already be over at the house helping you grandmother and them set everything up."
Annie nodded as her eyes drifted around without meaning too. After several seconds Annie casually asked, "So...where's Elijah?"
Ray's face went stoic at the mention of his employee, "He in the back taking a break.
She tried to keep her face neutral, "Okay, I'll go talk to him for a little while. I'll see you later."
"Alright, Sweet Pea."
She turned and headed toward the back of the garage where the small break room was tucked away behind the amin work area. The further she walked, the quieter it became. She reached the doorway then carefully peeked inside.
Elijah was sitting at a small table against the wall, leaning back in his chair while eating a sandwich and drinking from a bottle of soda. His work shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms and there were faint grease stains across his shirt from the day. He looked tired from working since leaving her house earlier that morning.
He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. His entire face changed and his eyebrows shot up.
"Bunny?"
"Hi."
For a moment he just stared at her because he genuinely hadn't expected to see her until later that night. A slight slow smile spread across his face.
"Now what you doin' here?" He set his sandwich down and wiped his hands with a rag before holding one hand out toward her. "C'mere."
Annie didn't need to be told twice. She walked across the room and slipped her hand into his. His fingers immediately closed around hers.
"I thought you would be out having some birthday fun before your party."
"I am."
"Mm," He squeezed her hand. "Then why you down here botherin' hardworking people?"
Annie laughed.
"Me and the girls were just passing by. They're out there waitin' in the car."
Elijah's eyes slowly traveled over her, lingering on the way the dress perfectly cinched her waist before flowing over the curve of her hips. The skirt of it flared out around her knees, and his gaze found its way back to her face.
"You look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Elijah kept holding her hand. Neither one seemed particularly interested in letting go. And for a few moments they simply looked at each other in a comfortable silence.
Then Annie glanced down to the chair, and more specifically Elijah's lap. Her eyes flicked back up to him then down again.
Elijah followed her gaze and quickly understood what she wanting.
Annie smoothed her hands over the front of her dress almost like she was prepapring herself to sit.
"Hold on. I don't want to ruin your pretty birthday dress."
Before she could argue, he leaned over and grabbed an old clean towel from the table beside him. He unfolded and spread it across his lap.
"Alright, come on."
Annie's smile brightened.
It was such a little thing, but it was exactly the kind of thing Elijah always did. He was always trying to take care of her even in situations where she didn't think it mattered.
She smoothed her dress one more time before easing down on his lap.
Elijah adjusted himself to make sure she was comfortable. His arm hovered behind her to keep her steady while trying not to touch her.
But Annie noticed and she didn't quite like it.
"You know you can touch me, right?"
"Can't. My hands too dirty."
Annie rolled her eyes and settled against him anyway.
"What were y'all doin' on this side of town anyway?" He finally asked.
"We were goin' shopping."
"Y'all always shoppin'. What you was lookin' for?"
"The dress for my party."
"You ain't wearing this one?" His eyebrows lifted.
"This ain't no party dress, Elijah."
"Could've fooled me."
"Well it ain't"
He hummed.
His eyes slowly moved over her for the third time. He was taking her all in, from the weight of her body in his lap to the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Elijah slightly shifted his legs as he tried to think about anything other than what it would feel like to have her sit on him in other ways.
Annie felt herself getting warm from his stare.
"Stop looking at me like that."
He cleared his throat as he looked away.
"So what dress you get?"
"A pretty red one that I can wear with my new birthday gifts."
Annie reached over and unconciously straightened the collar of his work shirt.
Elijah watched her do it. His heart doing funny flips in his chest.
"I can't wait to see it."
Annie felt her cheeks warm as butterflies exploded in her stomach. After another few minutes she glanced toward the door.
"I should probably go. My friends are waitin' for me."
Elijah sighed.
"Elijah."
"Bunny."
Eventually she stood and he stood right after her. They walked back through the garage together with Elijah staying close behind her.
The closer they got to the front, her smile grew. When they reached Monica's car, Annie felt refreshed and happy. She was practically glowing.
Elijah opened the car door for her. Annie smiled up at him before climbing inside.
The other three women looked at him with smirks on their faces.
"Hey Elijah," they practically called at the same time.
"Afternoon ladies," He looked back at Annie. "I'll see you tonight."
She nodded.
Then Elijah leaned into the car, only planning to give her one quick kiss as a goodbye. heir lips met softly, but when he started pulling away, Annie grabbed his shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him again, holding it a little longer this time.
Elijah let out the tiniest chuckle against her lips before returning the kiss. Annie looked entirely too pleased with herself when they separated.
"See you tonight, Bunny," Elijah shook his head, then shut he door.
Monica cranked the engine and the second the car started moving she looked at Annie in the mirror, "Ain't ready yet my ass."
After leaving the garage, the four women went and got lunch. They spent nearly two hours sitting in a little restaurant laughing and talking. Once they were finished eating, they headed back to Annie's neighborhood for the party.
People were moving around everywhere when they pulled up in front of the house. Her uncle Marcus was carrying a table with Christian helping him. Marcus's girlfriend was arranging decorations on one of the tables. People moved in and out of the house carrying things.
Ever since she was a little girl every year was the same. Her birthday had always been some type of celebration. Sometimes it would only be family, sometimes, family and friends, and even a few times, like this year, the whole neighborhood would come together.
The second Annie climbed out of the car, she heard the calls from several people.
"The birthday girl finally decided to come help?"
Annie laughed as she moved to help someone with a box of things.
For the next couple of hours she worked right alongside everybody else, helping to put things together. She carried things back and forth until her feet started hurting. Eventually her grandmother sent her on to get ready for the night.
She spent time getting ready. She first ran herself a bath, the warm water helped soothe her aching feet after she had been running around all afternoon and morning. Afterward, she dried off and got dressed.
The red dress fit her perfectly. It hugged her waist before flaring outward. The color made her skin glow.
Once she finished getting dressed she proceeded to do her makeup lightly. Then she touched up her hair, making sure her curls fell just right. She put on her new pearl necklace and the matching earrings. Then she slipped into the newly gifted red heels.
She looked absolutely radiant.
The party had just started, so she could hear the sound of music drifted through her bedroom window.
As she headed down the stairs she found Mama Nette standing in the hallway waiting.
The older woman turned and looked her up and down. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head.
"Now look at you little Miss hot thing."
Annie chuckled and wrapped her arms around the older woman. Her grandmother hugged her back tightly. They pulled back and headed for the front door, where the music was louder.
When Annie stepped outside, the street exploded with dozens of cheers and voices screaming happy birthday. The entire street was packed from corner to corner with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and even people she didn't quite know that well.
Annie was just smiling at all of the praise. She waved, thanking everyone as she started down the stoop stairs.
And waiting at he bottom of the stairs was her man. His hand extended out to her, eyes locked on her. Annie bit her lip to hold back the even larger smile that was threatening to take over her face.
"Thank you, baby."
She placed her hand in his and he helped her down, making sure her heels didn't catch on anything. He held on even as her feet touched the sidewalk.
His eyes traveled over the pearls, the dress, the heels, then back to her face.
"Good Lord woman. You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen in my life."
Her face softened.
"You like it?"
"Woman don't you ever ask me nothing like that," he genuinely looked offended.
Before she could respond, Elijah leaned in and their lips met. When they pulled back from each other, Annie squeezed his hand.
"I gotta go speak to people."
He nodded so she started to walk away, but he followed.
Annie spent half an hour making her way through the crowd. Every few feet somebody stopped her to talk. When she was finished with one conversation, someone else wanted to start another.
The entire time Elijah stayed close by with one hand tucked into his pocket while the other occasionally rested against the small of her back whenever things got a little too crowded.
Annie introduced him to so many people she couldn't even keep track. Each introduction did something to Elijah. They made his chest puff up in pride. Even though his face didn't show it, his body language proved that he loved every part of it.
At one point they stopped by a group from church and the ladies were fussing over Annie's dress. Then they started fussing over Elijah and the two of them. They started talking about how they hadn't seen much of the two in the last few weeks. Elijah let Annie do most of the talking, not wanting to say the wrong thing to the older women. He never cared about what the peopl of the church said when it concerned him and Annie, but Annie always had the right words to settle anything that did come up.
Just like how she managed to smoothly change the topic when one of the women brough up marriage and children. The women had no boundaries. Eventually they escaped before the ladies could get any more ideas.
As they went back to wandering through the crowd, Annie spotted her grandmother sitting in a shaded area underneath a big tree. Several older men and women from the neighborhood sat around her in chairs.
Elijah followed her toward the table. As they approached the area, Mama Nette calmed her laughing and waved them closer.
"Good, y'all made y'all way over here. Come here Annie."
That tone made Annie instantly suspicious.
The older woman reached beside her chair and grabbed a cup. It was filled a little over halfway with a clear liquid. And by the way the smell hit her, Annie knew wha it was.
"Mama, I don't want that." Annie's face scrunched up.
"You better take this cup 'cause I ain't raise you to be no pussy cat."
Annie reluctantly accepted the cup and with the ligquid being so close the smell got even stronger. Her head jerked back as the scent practically smacked her in the face.
"It stinks."
The old folks laughed hard.
"Well, it ain't supposed to smell pretty. That's how you know it's that good shine," The older woman turned toward Elijah. "You make sure she drinks all that."
Elijah looked down at the cup then back at Annie. His eyebrows slowly lifted as he realized how strong it probably was. At that moment, he understood Annie's reaction.
Mama Nette lifted her own cup.
"You want some?" Mama Nette lifted her cup.
Elijah shook his head, "No ma'am."
"You sure?"
"Yes ma'am."
The entire table laughed at the look on his face. He looked like a man that wanted no parts of whatever she had given Annie.
Annie took the tiniest sip imaginable, and her entire face twisted up at the taste. She stuck her tongue out in disgust. She looked absolutely horrified.
"How y'all even drinking this mess?"
Mama Nette waved her hand.
"How 'bout you just keep on drinking."
Annie stared at her grandmother for a bit, then turned to Elijah. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away knowing that if they stayed any longer she would be two cups deep.
The party went on as the sun disappeared, leaving the street lit only by porch lights, strings of hanging bulbs, and the occasional headlights from cars parked along the curb.
Any children that were there had been rounded up and sent home. Now it was just the adults. People were dancing and laughing joyfully in the middle of the street.
At some point her friends had managed to corner her near the food tables during one of the moments where her and Elijah were separated. Their conversation quickly turned into a drinking competition. They forced her to finish the cup of mooshine, and then gave another cup of something else.
And now, hours later, Annie was definitely feeling it. Her body was warm and everything seemed funnier than normal. She felt absolutely wonderful.
Elijah noticed this change in her a while ago and hadn't left her side. One of his hands remained firmly planted against the middle of her back as they moved through the crowd. He wanted to make sure she was steady in those pretty new heels of hers.
Annie took a sip from another cup of liquor and Elijah looked over at her.
"Bunny."
She looked at him so innocently, "Hm?"
"You need to slow down."
"What for? I'm fine."
"I'm serious. That stuff's strong," Elijah didn't look too convinced.
"I promise that I'm alright."
But before he could say anything else, the song ended and rolled over into the next one. The crowd cheered as the singer started performing My Babe by Little Walter.
Annie's face lit up and before Elijah knew what was happening, she grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward the middle of the street.
"Bunny—"
"I wanna dance, Elijah."
The crowd parted enough to let them through. Annie stopped them right in the middle of the moving crowd. She wrapped her arms around Elijah's neck pulling him close to her.
The movement caught Elijah slightly off guard. He knew she'd had a good amount to drink but he didn't think she'd had enough to make her this loose. So instead of wrapping his arms around her, he hesitated. And of course Annie noticed.
Her eyes narrowed as she grabbed both of his hands and pulled back from him.
"You don't wanna dance with me?"
The confusion in her voice made Elijah's eyebrows rise.
"I ain't say that," He genuinely looked surprised. "I wanna do whatever you wanna do."
"Then why ain't you touchin' me?" She tilted her head. "You scared or somethin'?"
"Naw, I ain't scared," Elijah grumbled.
"Then what is it?"
"Tonight just a little different is all," Elijah glanced down at the cup in her hand then back up at her. "You been drinkin' a lot and you not actin' like yourself."
Annie stared at him for a second, then lifted her cup in the air for emphasis, "All 'cause of this?"
Elijah looked at her and nodded.
Without warning she tipped her head back and finished the rest. She made a face as the good bit of the liquid that was left burned on it's way down. She handed the now empty cup off to a random man that was walking past.
Annie turned back to Elijah with her arms out, "See, no more drink. I'm just fine."
Then she stepped forward and reached for his hands. She guided them to her waist, and pressed them firmly against her. She moved close until there was no space left between them. She smiled triumphantly at their position.
The singer's voice drifted through the air and the crowd moved around them. People were dancing smoothly to the music. But all Elijah saw was her. Happiness was written all over her face and stamped into her body.
He finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around her properly. One hand settled against the middle of her back and the other rested at her waist. A slight smile graced his face as they started to sway to the beat of the song.
The music rolled from one song to the next as they stayed in each other's embrace. And for a while Annie had been dancing and singing along normally to the songs. She laughed whenever Elijah spun her around, waved at people passing by, and stopped every now and then to hug somebody who wanted to tell her happy birthday. But as the night wore on, Elijah could see the moonshine catching up to her.
Her movements became slower, her words became fewer, and every time Elijah looked into her eyes they were glassier than before. She was more affectionate and clingy. Whenever they danced she seemed determined to stay as close to him as possible. Every time he tried to give her some space she'd somehow end up right back against him.
She would giggle at things that weren't particularly funny. Then she started staring at him for long stretches of time.
Elijah rubbed his hand up and down her back, "Bunny?"
"Hm?" she had the happiest little smile on her face.
"You wanna sit down for a while?"
Annie blinked at him clearly trying to process the question.
"What?"
"I asked if you wanna sit down for a little?"
She tilted her head, "...Maybe."
Before he could convince her to take a break, a familiar voice called out. Elijah turned to see Michelle, Tommy, and Lillian approaching them. Michelle had two small plastic cups in her hand.
"We about to take some shots. You want one?"
Annie nodded immediately. Her head going a little too enthusiastically, "Mmhm."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. The look on his face practically screamed 'hell no'. Before Annie could grab it, Elijah reached over took the cup himself.
"She don't need anymore."
Annie frowned.
"I can drink it."
"Bunny."
"I can."
Tommy shook his head as he watched Annie sway where she stood.
Annie reached around Elijah and managed to grab the cup from his hands. And to her surprise no one stopped her.
Elijah was still eyeing her, "I don't think you should drink anymore, tonight."
"I think I should."
The stubbornness in her voice sounded exactly like sober Annie. The difference was sober Annie usually stood upright while arguing. Drunk Annie was currently leaning halfway into him.
Elijah sighed.
Michelle handed another cup to Lillian and the women gathered together. All three of them lifted their cups. They cheersed as they clinked their cups together. Then they drank them. Annie squeezed her eyes shut at the taste.
Elijah rubbed a hand down his face. At least she hadn't gotten another full cup.
A few seconds later Tommy checked his watch, then wrapped an arm around Michelle's shoulders.
"We finna head out."
Michelle nodded.
Elijah looked over and nodded his head at Lillian, "How they getting home?"
"CJ driving her and Monica in Monica's car."
Elijah nodded, "Alright."
Everybody said their goodbyes and last happy birthdays. Then they headed toward their cars.
The party continued on around them. Someone had started another card game near one of the tables. A group of older women were singing loudly from their folding chairs.
But Annie was officially beyond drunk now. And that was emphasized by the way she was standing there staring directly at his face for no reason.
"Bunny, why you looking at me like that?"
"You just so pretty," Annie smiled dreamily. "You got real pretty eyes."
"See that's enough we sitting down," she didn't argue when he grabbed her hand which worried him just a bit because Annie always argued. Instead she just smiled and followed him willingly while he guided her toward the outer edges of the party.
Elijah led them back over to the large tree that her grandmother was sitting under. He helped her down into an empty chair next to the older woman.
The party was starting to thin out considerably. A few people were still dancing, sitting around, talking, and playing cards, but most of the people were gone for the night.
Annie practically melted into Elijah the second she sat down. Her head leaned against his side and one of her hands gripped tightly onto the fabric of his shirt. Elijah put an arm around her shoulders to steady her. Annie hummed happily.
Mama Nette watched the pair over the rim of her cup. She shook her head at how drunk the younger woman was.
"It'd probably be best if she head on upstairs," she stated after taking a sip from her cup.
Elijah looked down at Annie to see she was struggling to stay awake. Every few seconds she would blink slower and slower. Then she'd catch herself. He gently pushed some fallen hair back from her face.
"Bunny, I'm gonna take you upstairs so you can get in bed."
Annie stared at him.
"Okay."
The response came so easily Elijah knew she was exhausted. She let him help her up., and he steadied her when she wobbled on her feet.
She giggled at herself just then, "I almost fell."
"I see."
He put an arm around her waist and she clung to him instantly. He led her toward the house which was luckily only a few feet away.
Some people nearby called out variations of goodnight and happy birthday as they passed by. Annie waved and thanked them lazily as she gripped Elijah's shirt.
They traveled up the stoop stairs one at a time. Which was a challenge in itself. Once inside the house was far more quiet than outside, and for that Elijah was grateful. The trip upstairs took even longer than the one to get into the house. She stumbled every few steps and would grab his arms to stablize herself.
By the time they reached her bedroom she was yawning and dragging her feet. Elijah opened the door and led her inside. He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and steadied her shoulders as she swayed. Elijah crouched in front of her, keeping a hand on her thigh.
"Where your pajamas at?"
Annie pointed vaguely toward her dresser, "In there."
"Which drawer?"
"The middle one."
He opened it and was welcomed with the sight of several neatly folded nightgowns. He didn't linger too long and grabbed one. When he turned back around Annie was rubbing her eyes.
"Bunny, is it okay if I help you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
He crouched in front of her and carefully unbuckled her heels. He set them neatly beside the bed. Then he removed her pearl necklace and earrings, setting them onto her dresser so she wouldn't miss them.
Elijah stood awkwardly.
"Can I unzip your dress?"
Annie nodded, "You can, but close your eyes."
"Alright."
Annie seemed satisifed as he shut his eyes.
Using only touch, he carefully found the zipper and lowered it.
Annie concentrated very hard on helping herself get out of the dress. Which mostly consisted of getting tangled for a minute.
When they got her party dress off, he helped her get the nightgown over her head. The process took longer than it should have because Annie kept getting distracted.
"You can open 'em now."
Elijah opened his eyes.
Annie was sitting there in her nightgown looking entirely pleased with herself.
He shook his head.
Then helped her get onto the bed properly and underneath the covers. Within seconds, she looked halfway asleep. She let out a sigh as he pulled the blanket even farther up on her.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was the best. Especially with you here."
Elijah sat beside the bed, "I'm glad."
"Thank you," she smiled sleepily.
"You ain't gotta thank me."
"I do."
Elijah chuckled, "Even drunk you so hardheaded. "
Annie smiled proudly.
A few seconds passed. Then she opened one eye.
"Baby?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I have a kiss?"
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away she looked absolutely content. Within seconds her eyes drifted closed again.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Mhm."
It was barely a response because she was already asleep.
Elijah stood quietly, looked at her one last time, then slipped from the room.
October 31st, 1958
The group of children hurried down the sidewalk with their candy bags bouncing against their legs.
"Thank you, Miss Annie!"
"Happy Halloween, y'all! Be careful going down these streets!"
Annie waved at them until they were out of sight.
The whole neighborhood was alive tonight. Children ran up and down the sidewalks and jack-o'-lanterns glowed from stoops. Somewhere down the street somebody had a radio playing old blues music.
While outside was lively, inside was just as loud. Every few seconds Elijah and Annie heard laughter drift through the open window. It was one of Mama Nette's many card game nights, and everyone was ready to gamble their money. Annie could hear her grandmother cursing someone as the sounds of smacks hit the table.
Elijah sat beside her on the stoop with his elbows rested on his knees as he watched her. Which was something he had been doing all night. And every time Annie turned around she found him looking at her.
"What?"
"Nothin'."
"You keep starin' at me."
"'Cause you pretty," he shrugged.
"Boy," Annie rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
Heat crept onto her cheeks anyway. She turned away before he could see how much she liked hearing it.
The candy bowl sat in her lap and she absentmindedly sorted through it while they waited for the next group of trick-or-treaters.
After a few moments Elijah spoke again.
"You really good with kids, you know that?"
"I just really like 'em," Annie looked over and smiled at him.
"I can tell. That's probably what make you such a good teacher, huh?"
Annie looked down at the candy bowl for a moment to think, "Maybe."
"Why'd you wanna become a teacher anyway?"
"I don't know. I think I always liked helping people," she leaned back a bit while fiddling with the candy pieces. "When I was little I thought about being a nurse. But then I thought about all the blood I would have to see."
She immediately made a face while Elijah let out a soft smile.
"I can handle scraped knees and little cuts. But anything else I'd rather not. No, thank you," her eyes passed over the busy street. "Besides, everybody always told me I was good with kids. I guess teaching just made sense. I like watchin' 'em learn things."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, "When they finally understand somethin' they been struggling with, it makes me happy."
Elijah found himself smiling a bit more too. That sounded exactly like Annie. She always found joy in helping somebody else, wanting everyone around to be happy, and giving pieces of herself away. After a few moments he nodded.
"I get it," his eyes drifted to the street with a far away look in his eye. "I always felt like I needed to take of somebody. Growing up it was really just me and Stack. And Stack was always gettin' into somethin'. There wasn't nobody that was gone take care of us. My mama died after she had us and my pops wasn't worth a damn. He did a lotta messed up shit to us. More Stack than me. He drank too much, gambled, and was a mean son of a bitch."
Annie immediately grew quiet. She hadn't known any of this. She knew bits and pieces about Elijah's life, but there were still huge parts of his life that she'd never heard. Like the things that happened before he joined the military.
"He'd always tell us we wasn't men. Which was some funny thing to say to a couple of boys. There were times we ain't know where our next meal was coming from. We were doin' whatever we could to survive. And as we got older it got worse. That's part of why we joined the army. We thought if we learned how to survive nobody could ever make us feel helpless again."
Elijah looked at her. Like really looked at her. The streetlamp illuminated her face, her large round brown eyes glowed with softness. She had compassion and understanding all over her face. Nobody had ever looked at him the way Annie did. Most people were either scared or full of pity knowing their background. But she looked at him as just Elijah.
Then Annie quietly asked, "Did it work?"
Elijah stared at her. The question caught him slightly off guard.
He thought about the nightmares, the injuries, the men he'd lost, and the years he'd spent feeling empty. But the more he thought the more it led him to the present of sitting on this stoop, feeling more at peace than he had in years.
A slow smile appeared, "A little."
Annie smiled back. Then another group of children appeared. She passed out the candy and told the children how cute they looked.
Another group of trick-or-treaters came and went before the conversation picked back up.
Annie settled back into her spot on the stoop, pulling her cardigan a little tighter around herself against the cool October air.
Elijah glanced over at her.
"I know we mentioned it, but you really do want kids?"
"Of course I do."
"I don't know. Some women say they want kids then end up changin' they mind."
Annie shook her head, "No. I defintely want babies. I always thought about being somebody's mama someday."
"And only three?"
"Yes," She huffed dramatically. "My grandmother had six children. I don't think I got six babies in me. Carrying a baby is a lot on the body. Your feet swell, back aches, and you just uncomfortable all the time. Then you gotta push the little sucka out."
"Well, you know twins run in my family," Elijah said it so casually.
Annie slowly turned her head to him, "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just sayin'."
"Sayin' what?"
"What if you have twins," He continued. "What if we have kids and the first time you pop out two babies at once?"
Annie looked at the street like she was genuinely considering it.
"I guess I'd cry."
"Why?"
"Because that's just too much," Annie thought for a second. "But I think I would still want to have another, so maybe four."
"Good."
Annie furrowed her brows and tilted her head.
"You awfully invested in this 'what-if' family."
"'Cause it's my family."
One of Annie's eyebrows slowly lifted.
"And what makes you so sure I'm havin' kids with you?"
Elijah turned to look at her with the driest most unimpressed look on his face. It was so serious it made her laugh. He was looking at her as if she had just asked the dumbest question he'd ever heard.
"Stop playin' with me, Annette."
Annie let out a few more chuckles then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, baby."
He narrowed his eyes, "You should be."
She laughed again.
A comfortable silence settled between them. The sounds of Halloween filled the silence.
Annie looked out at the glowing jack-o'-lanterns across the street. Then softly said, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Elijah looked down at her to see a small smile on her face. And despite himself, he smiled too, "Yeah, we will."
The next group of trick-or-treaters came up the walkway before either of them could say anything else. It was a little boy with his younger sister who was too shy to do anything other than hide behind his leg.
"Well look at y'all!"
The boy grinned up at Annie while holding out both of their bags. Annie crouched down and handed them each a handful of candy.
"Y'all be safe now."
The little ghost nodded seriously, "Yes ma'am!"
Annie nearly melted right there on the stoop.
The children hurried away, their parents calling after them from the sidewalk. Once they disappeared down the street, Annie sat back down beside Elijah.
The candy bowl was getting noticeably lighter and the night was growing colder too. Most of the younger kids had started to head home. Soon it would just be teenagers trying to squeeze out a few extra pieces of candy.
"Thanksgiving coming up. You got any plans?"
Elijah glanced over. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.
"Never really had a reason to. I usually work or stay home."
"On Thanksgiving?" Annie frowned. "You can't do that."
"Why not? Been doing it for years."
"Well not this year. 'Cause you got plans now."
"Oh I do?"
"Yes sir. I'm invitin' you over for Thanksgiving," she looked at him with such seriousness. "We usually go back home, but this year everybody's comin' here."
Elijah was quiet at the statement. He didn't know how to take it. He wasn't necessarily nervous to meet the rest of Annie's family, he just didn't know what to expect.
Annie noticed Elijah's silence, and even though she was used to the quiet from him there seemed to be something else in it. She instantly recgonized what it was.
"You'll be fine, baby. I promise. My family can be a bit opinionated and ask too many questions, but they're good people. And think about it this way, Mama likes you. So they got no choice but to respect that."
"Yeah, we'll see."
Elijah looked back out to the street while trying not to think about all the reasons why Annie's family wouldn't like him.
The Week of Thanksgiving, 1958
Annie had spent the entirety of Tuesday morning being passed between family members. The second she'd walked into Ray's house she'd been grabbed into three different hugs before she'd even gotten through the front door good.
Now she was tucked away in the den with all of her girl cousins.
The television was on low in the background, a baby blanket was spread over one couch, shopping bags in the corner, and half-finished cups of tea on side tables. The room smelled faintly like baby powder and perfume.
Annie sat curled into the corner of one of the larger couches with eight-month-old Olivia balanced happily in her lap.
Olivia tried to reach for Annie's necklace, but she gently caught the baby's hand. Olivia giggled at the face Annie made. The sound made everyone smile.
Rosette, Annie's youngest girl cousin and Olivia's mother, shook her head from her spot across the room, "All these babies love Annie so much, they forget they got a mama."
Olivia immediately proved the point by stretching both arms toward Annie's face and squealed.
Victoria, Annie's oldest girl cousin, looked over from where she was stretched across an armchair, "It's 'cause she spoil 'em."
"I do not," Annie gasped.
"You absolutely do."
Annie rolled her eyes.
Olivia had somehow managed to grab a fistful of her curls. Annie carefully untangled the tiny fingers.
"Y'all are mean."
"No. You just hate us being honest," Victoria smirked.
Annie stuck her tongue out.
Victoria looked at her and shook her head, "Twenty-six years old and still act eight."
Victoria had always been this way with Annie. Being almost five years older than her, Victoria spent most of their childhood watching out for her younger cousin. She always joked about how Annie was her first baby long before she even had jeremy.
Annie learned so many things because of Victoria. She learned how to braid hair, learned how to do her makeup, learned how to drive, and learned what she did know about boys because of her.
Most of the things Annie knew about being a grown woman had come from sitting at Victoria's feet growing up. Which was exactly why she always listened when Victoria spoke.
"Anyways, I heard some things about you, Annette," Rosette's voice was teasing. "Mama Nette told Mama that you seeing somebody. When exactly were you plannin' on tellin' us?"
Annie sighed so dramatically before saying, "I was waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Victoria spoke up.
Annie opened her mouth then immediately closed it because she didn't actually know.
The women laughed at her facial expression. Even Olivia started laughing despite having absolutely no idea what was happening. Annie kissed the baby's chubby cheek.
"So when we meeting him?" Rosette asked.
"Thursday," Annie absentmindedly bounced Olivia.
The room got quieter as every woman exchanged a look.
"On Thanksgiving?" Esther, her cousin William Jr's wife, asked.
Annie nodded.
"Sounds like it's getting pretty serious," Thelma, her cousin Johnathon's fiancée, said in agreement.
"I guess," Annie shrugged her shoudlers.
"What does 'I guess' mean?" Victoria stared at her.
Annie sighed.
For the next twenty minutes she found herself answering question after question. Like how old was he, what did he do, was. henice, and was he handsome. The women were like sharks who smelled spilled blood.
Eventually Esther tilted her head, ready to ask the question that nobody else seemed to want to ask, "So, have you lost your virginity yet?"
It was quiet except for the sounds of Annie choking. The quietness lingered until Annie finally mumbled, "No."
Victoria spoke in a soft voice, "That's perfectly fine. You do that when you ready, ain't no rush."
Annie relaxed slightly as she stared down at Olivia, "I think...I think I want to."
That surprised even her. The words had come out before she'd really thought about them.
Annie rubbed Olivia's tiny back.
"I don't know," she laughed nervously. "It's weird."
"How?" Rosette asked gently.
"It's like…" Annie searched for the words. "I feel a way I never felt before. I'm comfortable now, but I still don't know how ready I am."
Rosette smiled.
"Then don't worry about it. When we meet him we'll let you know," Rosette smiled. "We'll figure him out."
Olivia yawned against Annie's chest. She smiled and kissed her forehead.
The rest of the afernoon went on with them all talking and laughing like they normally do when they all got together. Every now and then, one of the children would run into the room to ask a question or because they needed something.
After hours of family time, Annie felt worn out and ready to head home. They all said their brief goodbyes and headed their separate ways.
When Annie got back home, the noise of family didn't settle. In fact it only stayed with her.
Her Aunt Clarisse, Rosette, Olivia, and Rosette's husband Lance, were staying at her home. Though it wasn't that many extra people, Annie and Mama Nette were used to it being just the two of them. Now, the house was filled with constant noise of footsteps and a baby.
Annie stood in the foyer for a second as everyone moved around her. It was then that she decided that she didn't want to be there.
She headed up the stairs to her room. It seemed to be the only place that hadn't been overtaken by family. The silence that followed with the door closing made Annie sigh. She loved her family, but she needed a little break.
Annie walked over to her dresser and started pulling things out like a nightgown, three dresses, her hair scarf, a toothbrush, and a few other things. It was just enough for the night, and maybe another. She shoved it all into a small bag.
She went back downstairs, trying to speed past her nosey family members. But it was just her luck that she ran right into her grandmother. The older woman got one good look at the bag and made a humming sound.
"You not gone be late are you?"
"No ma'am. I promise," Annie kissed her grandmother's cheek.
She gripped her bag tight and headed out the door before anyone else could stop her.
By the time she pulled up to Elijah's apartment building, the sun was starting to set. She headed to the door and knocked only twice. A few seconds later the door opened, and Elijah stood there looking genuinely confused.
"Bunny? What you doing here?"
Annie held up the bag.
"It's too many people at my house and I figured you wouldn't mind me stayin' for a while."
Annie stepped inside as soon as he moved aside.
"No I don't," he said as he shut the door behind her.
Elijah took the bag from her shoulder and carried to the bedroom.
Annie felt herself relax at how quiet the apartment was.
When he came back, she was stretched across his couch with her shoes kicked off and head rested against the cushion. He sat beside her with one arm stretched across the back of the couch. She sat up and scooted as close as possible.
"How's your family doing Bunny? I'm sure you missed them."
Annie started telling him everything about her family. All the old things and the new ones. Like how big the children have gotten, or the new jobs and houses her cousins have, or how her Aunt Clarisse's shop is doing back home.
Every few minutes Elijah would hum, nod, or ask a question, but mostly he listened. Which was one of Annie's favorite things about him. He always listened, and hours later he could repeat the entire conversation back to her.
Eventually Annie's voice softened, and the nonstop faded away. The exhaustion of the day finally caught up to her. He wrapped an arm around her, thumb gently rubbing her arm.
The rest of the evening passed with the television taking place of their conversation. The apartment had beco e warm and quiet as the hours passed by.
Eventually Annie glanced toward the clock, and realized how late it had gotten.
"It's so late. I need to get ready for bed," Annie stood and smoothed down her skirt. "I'll be right back."
Elijah nodded, "Okay."
She grabbed her bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
The second the door shut she leaned against it and sighed. Her nerves were slowly starting to catch up with her. This was just Elijah. Yet somehow she still felt shy.
Annie took her shower and the warm water helped to ease her mind. After her shower she went through the rest of her routine, brushing her teeth, wrapping her hair, putting on lotion, then changing into her nightgown.
When she left the bathroom, Elijah was standing near the bedroom door digging through his dresser. He looked up when he heard the door open.
His eyes traveled over her for only a second before settling back on her face. Annie looked away as he stared at her. The floor suddenly seemed very interesting.
"You're gorgeous, you know that?"
The compliment sent heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Thank you," her voice came out much smaller than intended.
Elijah crossed the room, reaching her in a few strides. His hands settled against her waist and he shook his head.
"You ain't gotta thank me for tellin' the truth."
The blush on her face only deepened.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up," he kissed her forehead then stepped away.
"O-Okay," Annie nodded.
He disappeared into the bathroom. And a few moments later she heard the shower start.
Annie wandered her way back out to the couch. There was a certain feeling in the apartment now, and she didn't know what to make of it. Her head was spinning with so many things, so when the phone rang, she jumped.
Her eyebrows furrowed trying to place who would be calling Elijah this late. The ringing continued as she glanced toward the bathroom. Finally, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a brief pause.
"Annie."
Annie blinked, completely taken aback, "Mama?"
Annette Richard's voice came through clear as day.
"Who else gon' be callin' this man's house this time of night?"
"What you doin' callin' over here?"
"I forgot to remind you not to forget about the pies. And you better off makin' 'em over there since the kitchen gon' be packed the next few days. I think two of each should be good enough."
"Yes ma'am."
The bathroom door opened behind her. Annie looked up and immediately forgot whatever her grandmother had been talking about. Every thought in her head completely disappeared.
Elijah had stepped out while brushing his teeth. He had on a pair of dark pajama pants that hung low on his hips, and no shirt, just bare skin.
Despite noticing her staring, Elijah said nothing. Instead he nodded his head toward the phone in question.
"Who that?"
Annie said nothing, just stared.
Elijah frowned, "Bunny?"
Still nothing.
Her grandmother's voice came through the receiver.
"Annette?"
Annie snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"You heard me?"
"Yes ma'am."
She absolutely had not been listening.
"You be careful. And come back the same way you left. Understand me?"
"Mama!"
"I love you. Goodnight."
Then the line went dead.
Elijah still stood by the bathroom doorway waiting on an answer.
"Who was on the phone?"
Annie's eyes darted everywhere except toward him.
"Stop lookin' at me," the words came out much harsher than she really wanted them to. t
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in slight shock, "Sorry."
The apology was so quick that Annie instantly felt bad. She rubbed her forehead.
"No, it ain't you, baby," she rubbed her forehead. "It was just my grandmother on the phone. SHe was reminding me about making the pies for Thanksgiving."
Elijah nodded slowly. He was still trying to figure out what had her acting so strange all of a sudden.
Annie looked away again. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. The image of Elijah right in fornt of her was doing nothing good to her mind. She chose to fold her arms.
"I'm just tired, that's all," she took a pause. "I think I'm ready for bed."
Elijah studied her for a long moment. It was long enough that Annie started feeling nervous.
"I don't want you uncomfortable, so you can have the bedroom and I'll just sleep on the couch."
Annie's shoulders relaxed. She was a mix of relieved and guilty.
"You don't gotta do that."
"I don't mind. I want you comfortable."
Annie looked down at her bare feet, focusing on the way the soft cotton of her nightgown brushed against her calves.
"Okay, thank you," she nodded once.
"You're welcome," Elijah simply dipped his head.
Annie faced toward the bedroom ready to escape. She needed space to feel all these feelings she had. She only made it a few steps when fingers lightly wrapped around her arm. She turned around only to find herself standing much closer to Elijah than she had been previously.
A tiny sound escaped her as her eyes widened.
"You was just gonna go to bed? You ain't forgettin' somethin'?" Elijah looked amused.
She swallowed hard.
The man was so close she could smell the soap he used. She could feel the warmth coming off him. Her thoughts were becoming less and less useful by the second.
"I—"
Elijah patiently waited with one eyebrow raised.
Annie finally managed a weak, "Goodnight, Elijah."
A 'tsk' sound quickly left out of his mouth, "Bunny. That ain't a real goodnight."
Her face heated up all over again.
He looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. As if she was something worth being careful with. And in his eyes she always would be.
Before she could say anything, Elijah's hand slowly came up. His fingers found her chin with a gentle touch as he tilted her face up so she couldn't look at anything but him.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.
He leaned down. His lips met hers softly at first, testing to see how far he could go. The kiss was warm and slow, lips barely pressing. When he realized that she wasn't pulling away, Elijah pressed in deeper. His tongue reached out in question.
Annie hesitated for a split second. Her heart was beating so loud so could've sworn he could hear it. Once she pulled herself together, her lips parted just enough for. his tongue to slid in against hers.
The kiss quickened after that. What had started as something gentle and soft had turned into something that could be named as hunger. Their mouths moved together in a way that made her knees weak.
Elijah's hands went to her waist, then slid slightly lower to the thickness of her hips and pulled her flush against him. She could feel his body heat through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
Annie accidentally moaned into his mouth. The sound was swallowed up by the way he kissed her so completely. Her hands came up to grip the back of his head and pulled him closer. She was desperate to taste more of him, and to feel him.
Elijah grunted in answer. His grip tghtening on her body before his hands roamed her softness like her was trying to memorize every dip and curve.
Eventually he pulled back just enough to break the kiss. His forehead rested against hers for a moment. Then he tilted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, then another just beneath her jaw, then another against the side of her neck.
Annie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body at the feeling.
Elijah's voice came out rough when he finally spoke against her throat, "I love you, Annie."
Her eyes went wide. This wasn't exactly shocking. She'd known this for a while. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, they way he talked to her. The way he professed himself in front of the schoolhouse. Annie just knew. But still, hearing the words out loud was different. Her chest tightened and her fingers twitched against his scalp.
He gave her one more soft and sweet peck on the lips, then stepped back to give her air.
"Goodnight, Annie," his voice came out low and rough.
Before she could think to say it back, he pressed a brief kiss to her forehead then stepped away.
Annie stood there trying to collect herself.
"Get some sleep," Elijah nodded toward the bedroom. "Get some sleep."
"O-Okay," she nodded.
Annie turned and hurried into the bedroom before she embarrassed herself any further. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving an overwhelming silence.
She climbed beneath the blankets and pulled them all the way up to her chin. Then stared at the ceiling, willing for her eyes to close. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then twenty. Yet sleep never came. She rolled onto one side, the other, and then onto her back again.
The room wasn't unfamiliar. She'd spent plenty of time in Elijah's apartment. But tonight everything was different.
Maybe because this was the first time she was spending the night. Maybe because Thanksgiving was so soon and her entire family was waiting to meet him. Or maybe it was the way he felt, shirtless pressed against—
Annie buried her face in a pillow, wishing for the thoughts of had happened only moments before fogged up her head.
Because for all her years of saying she wasn't ready, and the confusion, and worrying, and overthinking, she was beginning to realize that she was very very much in love with Elijah Moore.
Annie woke up a tad bit earlier than she normally did. And for a moment she forgot where she was. She stared up at the the unfamiliar ceiling until it all came back to her. She was in Elijah's apartment.
The fact that she had barely slept because her mind would not stop replaying everything from the night before. And thinking about it made her stomach flutter.
After another minute of hiding beneath the covers, she forced herself out of bed. The apartment was quiet as she padded into the bathroom and got ready for the day.
When she finished, she had on one of the dresses she brought and took down her hair. It was a bit chilly, but she didn't mind it.
She moved to the kitchen and immediately go to work. After digging through Elijah's cabinets and refrigerator, she managed to piece something together for breakfast.
Annie hummed under her breath while she worked. She was standing over the stove when she heard heavy footsteps and a yawn behind her.
"Mornin'," his voice was rough with sleep.
Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist. A smile spread across her face as Elijah buried his face against the side of her head. His chest was warm against her back. And for every reason, Annie found it all so very distracting.
"Good mornin'," Annie bit her lip.
She turned her head slightly, looking at him over her shoulder clearly waiting.
"You waitin' on somethin'?" A smirk tugged at his mouth.
Annie just quickly lifted her eyebrows up.
He chuckled then leaned down and gave her a good, somewhat quick, peck on the lips. It wasn't quite enough to satisfy her, but it would do for the time being. Especially since Elijah hadn't gotten ready for the day yet.
"What got you up this early?"
Annie turned back toward the stove.
"I don't quite know," Annie turned back to the stove. "I do have to make the pies today."
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"Not really," Annie shrugged.
As she spoke she glanced over her shoulder at him. Her eyes landed on his hair and her brows furrowed. Annie tilted her head.
"When the last time you got your hair done?"
"What's wrong with it?" His hand immediately went to his head.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with it," she laughed.
"You makin' it sound like it is."
"It just needs a little attention is all," Annie smiled at him sweetly. "Maybe you'll let me practice on you. I think it'll look nice."
"I guess I'll let you long as you don't have me out here lookin' crazy."
They talked more while breakfast finished cooking. A few minutes later they were sitting across from each other at the small kitchen table.
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows. The apartment felt cozy and comfortable like they'd been doing this for years.
"We need to do more for that bedroom. It's sad in there."
"Well, it's enough for me," Elijah looked up from his food.
"It ain't for me," Annie pointed her fork at him. "It's only a bed, a dresser, and one picture. That ain't enough. It should feel like more. Don't you like what I did in the living room?"
"I do Bunny."
"So let me do I wat I do. I'll get some nice curtains, a rug, maybe even a chair. It'll look so good when I'm finished."
Elijah shook his head before spooning more food into his mouth, "You can do whatever you want."
A dangerous smile slowly spread across her face.
Breakfast went on with the conversation going from decorations to church to school to Christmas. They had an easy rhythm going that never let up.
When hey finished, Annie stood up ready to get the day going. She had a productive day ahead of her and needed to get an early start.
Elijah disappeared to get dressed while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. It didn't take him long. A few minutes later he reappeared dressed for the day. They gathered their things and headed downstairs.
The morning air was cool. It made Annie tuck her hands into her dress pockets while she waited for Elijah to unlock the car.
Once he got it, he opened the passenger door for her and she got in the car with a smile. He shut the door behind her and headed to the driver's side. The engine was started and the radio played softly.
He drove them to the grocery store, so Annie would be able to pick up the things that she needed. The store was already a bit busy by the time they arrived. The parking lot was half full when Elijah pulled in.
Annie looked around and sighed, "All this last minute shoppin' people doin'."
"And you one of 'em," Elijah grabbed a cart from the front of the store.
"Well, I have a reason."
"Bunny, you coulda brought what you needed over," he pushed the cart toward her.
"Oh, you just shut up."
Elijah simply chuckled at his woman.
The second they stepped inside, Annie moved with a purpose leading them around. The first stop was produce, then dairy, then baking supplies. They eventually had to go back to the produce area because Annie forgot something. The entire trip consisted of Annie bouncing from one aisle to the next while Elijah pushed the growing cart behind her.
Annie not only got the supplies for the pies, she also got some simple things just to have in Elijah's kitchen. She had ingredients for soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items. It was all things she knew were simple enough for him to make.
Eventually they found themselves in the beauty aisle. Annie examined every bottle and jar, deciding to just stick with her tried and true Murray's pomade and Madam C.J. Walker's vegetable shampoo. She also grabbed a comb and some clips.
The trip ended up taking nearly forty-five minutes. By the time they reached the checkout line, the cart was completely full.
Annie reached into her purse for her money as the cashier began totaling everything up on the register. Elijah saw that and became instantly annoyed.
"Bunny."
She ignored him and started to count the bills she pulled out.
Elijah's hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking the money out of her hand.
"Give me my money, Elijah."
"No," Elijah pulled his hand away as Annie tried to reach for it. "Bunny, you know you ain't paying for nothin' while I'm standin' right here."
Annie crossed her arms, a slight pout on her face.
Elijah handed her back her money and pulled out his wallet, "Put that damn money away, woman."
The deep warning in his voice left Annie no room to argue. She just sighed dramatically and did as told.
Elijah paid for the items and loaded the bags back into the cart. They headed to the car, put everything in, and headed back to Elijah's.
When they got back to his place, they both carried everything upstairs. The kitchen counters quickly filled with groceries. Annie immediately got to work with organizing it all. She left the pie ingredients and hair care on the counter, but put everything else away in its proper spots.
After everything was properly put away, Annie gathered up the hair products and turned to face Elijah. She had a little smirk on her face.
"Can you go get me a towel please?"
Elijah narrowed his eyes but did as he was told. A few seconds later he came back holding a clean towel over his shoulder.
"Thank you. Now take your shirt off so it doesn't get wet," one of his eyebrows lifted.
The look she gave him afterward made a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Elijah…" Annie immediately rolled her eyes.
"I ain't say nothin'."
Still smiling, Elijah grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.
The years of army life and physical labor had done his body good. Even despite the scars that she could see. He was solid with broad shoulders and strong arms. And, sure, he didn't necessarily have to take his shirt off for her to wash his hair, but it seemed after the view last night Annie wanted more.
"Come here," Annie quickly reached for the towel.
She ignored his growing grin, wrapping the towel around his bare shoulders and pushed him toward he sink. The kitchen quickly filled with the sound of running water.
"Bend down for me."
"Yes ma'am," The teasing in his voice made her shake her head.
Elijah bent over the sink while Annie carefully wet his hair. Her fingers moved through the thick curls, making sure every section was soaked.
Annie glanced down when she noticed that Elijah's eyes were closed, "You alright?"
"Yeah, this just feels good."
A smile tugged at her lips. She poured shampoo into her hand and began working it through his hair. Her fingers scratched lightly against his scalp.
Elijah let out a low hum.
Annie continued scrubbing and eventually it was time to rinse the soap away. She wrapped the towel around his head and gently rubbed away the excess water.
"Alright, go sit in. the living room."
"Yes ma'am."
He stood and walked away.
A few minutes later Annie entered the living room carrying the comb, pomade, and clips. He had urned the television on and it was playing with the volume lowered.
Elijah sat on the floor in front of the couch.
Annie settled behind him and pulled him back until he was fit comfortably between her legs. She began combing through his damp hair. The process would take some time and patience because it looked like Elijah did't care to take good care of his hair for awhile.
Annie carefully parted the first section, using a little pomade to help. Then she began braiding. She went slow and steady to get used to it. The first braid came out slightly crooked and thick. It made her frown.
She got back to work and the next braid came out a bit straighter. Her hands were starting to find a rhythm and all the braids were getting better as time went on.
The repetitive motions were gradually lulling Elijah to sleep. Every few minutes his head would dip forward and Annie would gently catch it. Eventually he keptdoing it, so she guided it sideways until it rested against her thigh.
While Annie continued braiding, every so often Elijah absentmindly rubbed her calf where it rested beside him. He even pressed a quick kiss to her leg.
The afternoon slipped by. And before either of them knew it, all eight braids were finished.
Annie sat back to inspect her work.
They weren't perfect by far. A few parts weren't exactly straight. One braid was slightly thicker than the rest. Still she thinks she's proud.
Still, she felt proud.
She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of his head. The movement startled him awake.
"You're done baby," she smiled.
Elijah blinked several times before slowly standing. He stretched his arms over his head and headed toward the bathroom.
Annie followed behind him nervously.
He stood in front of the mirror examining the braids from every angle. Turning his head left to right.
"What do you think?" Annie folded her arms.
He kept looking. And the longer he stayed silent, the more worried she became.
"It's not good? I can take i down," she sighed.
Elijah looked at her through the mirror. A light smile hit her face.
"Bunny, you did good."
"Really? You ain't just saying that?"
"No I mean it."
He turned his head again and a laugh escaped him this time.
"You know what?" he stared at himself in the mirror. "I really do look like my brother now."
"Not like it's a bad thing, y'all are twins," Annie giggled.
"Naw, it ain't."
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
The reflection looking back at them made something warm settle in his chest. Elijah squeezed her hand then lifted it to kiss it.
"I just might have to keep you around, Ms. Richard," he said quietly.
Annie rolled her eyes despite the smile on her face.
"I got work to do," she told him softly.
He leaned down and stole one more quick kiss, "Go on then."
Annie laughed and lightly pushed at his chest. Then turned and headed to the kitchen while Elijah remained standing there watching her go. And truth be told, he liked seeing her take over his space. Whenever she was over, the place always felt less empty.
He leaned against the doorway while Annie got to work. The ingredients covered the counters. She had subtly started to rearragne the kitchen to her liking. She was moving around the area like it was hers alone.
She went from pulling bowls down, to peeling sweet potatoes, to mixing different ingredients together. Elijah stood beside the counter watching her work.
"You need somethin'?" Annie asked without looking up as she rolled out the pie crust.
He watched her hands work and concentration settled across her face. She started to hum as she poured ingredients into the bowl. The apartment was starting to smell better with every minute that went by.
At one point Elijah wandered back into the living room and turned on the television. But ten minutes later he was back in the kitchen.
"Why you come back in here botherin' me?" Annie looked over at him.
"It smell good in here."
"Don't be gettin' in my way, Elijah," she rolled her eyes.
Time went by and the sun had started to set. The apartment was growing darker so Annie switched on the kitchen and continued working.
Annie poured up the pie fillings for all six pies then put three of them into the oven.
It took a few hours, but eventually the pies were finished. She carefully placed all six pies on the counter and stepped back looking on in satisfaction.
Suddenly, a yawn escaped her. The long day was catching up to her and she was noticeably tired now.
Luckily, she had cleaned while she worked so there was nothing she needed to do. She made her way to the bedroom to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth while Elijah checked the locks on the door.
When she finished, she met back up with him in the small little hallway that led to the bedroom. Elijah leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Bunny."
"Goodnight, Elijah," Annie smiled softly.
"Sleep good tonight," He brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
"You too."
end notes: ugh i feel like this is nothing but filler, but you know what we're moving along. this chapter is actually two parts. second part coming tomorrow and i mean that fr!
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hey guys 🫣 sorry if it feels like i disappeared! work been beating my ass and I been enjoying being young and turnt this summer 😭!
but i have a lot of things coming out very soon! starting with the next update for american dream. that should come out this weekend, and you could hold me to that. and up the price following after.
and hopefully the new stuff will be out before the summer ends. i won’t post a coming soon cause that’s too much pressure (but i thought about it). if y’all reallllyyy want to see one i’ll give it up!
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