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  Since Moniqa learned he was a pre-med major, a tendril of jealously took root in her inner being. It sprouted and grew. She swore one day Jeremiah would become hers. She was clad stylishly in a pair of blue jeans, a tan Shetland sweater with ankle high brown leather boots and brown bomber leather jacket in anticipation of the frigid Chicago weather.

  Jeremiah and Melissa were not oblivious to the mean stares Moniqa threw their way. Still, they were determined to enjoy their quickly dwindling minutes.

  “I wish I could stay here in Atlanta with you.” Melissa sighed, brushing a piece of lint off Jeremiah’s navy, pea jacket. She wore blue jeans, a red and white sweatshirt, with a green ornament embroidered on the front, red Nike gym shoes and a pea coat. Her jacket matched Jeremiah’s. Her face glowed whereas Moniqa’s glowered. Her hair was pulled behind a green headband.

  “Hmm, me too,” Jeremiah murmured stroking her hand. He felt regretful they wouldn’t be able to spend their first major holiday as a couple together. “We’ll share other holidays.” They continued to talk in low tones.

  “What’s up, pretty lady?”

  Moniqa looked up. Rodgers stood before her. “Nothing much,” she replied sourly. He was dressed warmly for a winter climate.

  Moniqa eyed-balled him and shook her head. . “Where are you headed?”

  “Home to the Big Apple and you?”

  “Chicago.”

  “You never called me,” Rodgers commented as he slid into the empty seat beside Moniqa. He peered at her, Moniqa feverously stared at Melissa and Jeremiah.

  “What did you say?” she asked absently.

  He shook his head in disgust. “I asked why didn’t you call me?”

  Moniqa rolled her eyes and closed her magazine, laying it on the empty chair to her left. “Obviously I was busy… Duh.”

  “You know you’re the talk of the dormitory don’t you?” Rodgers resided on the floor below Jeremiah’s. “We’ve started a pool on how long it would take before J succumbs to your charms. But seeing him with your sister…” His eyes darted to Melissa. “I’d say you don’t have a prayer. Still, I have to give you props for being persistent.”

  Moniqa felt humiliated. Her face reddened. “Hell, you guys must really be bored or hard up if you’re concerned about what I’m doing.” She bristled with anger.

  Rodgers burst out laughing. “Come on. Surely you see the humor in the situation. Most guys feel that Jeremiah should just bone the both of you.”

  Melissa and Jeremiah, as if sensing they were the topic of discussion, looked their way.

  Moniqa’s chin jutted up defensively. She held her palm up at Rodgers, and said, “Save it.” She stalked away from Rodgers and sat down in the seat next to Bobo who’d noticed Moniqa and Rodger’s exchange.

  Moniqa, seething with anger, balled her fists and shoved them into her pockets. Her hand closed upon on a piece of paper. Rodgers had slipped his card into her jacket pocket. She watched him saunter from the area with a wry look on his face. He waved goodbye to her. She glared at him.

  “Who was that?” Bobo asked innocently, trying to mask a smile.

  “No one. No one at all,” Moniqa replied, miffed. She pulled her compact out of her purse and began daubing pressed powder on her face. Then she pulled a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses out of the bag and slipped them on her face.

  The flight to Chicago was announced over the PA system. Bobo and Moniqa collected their luggage and headed toward the gate.

  Jeremiah picked up Melissa’s bag. They strolled hand in hand to the gate. He leaned down and kissed her. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

  “I’m going to miss you,” Melissa said breathlessly. She stood on her toes and whispered in his ear. “Don’t forget to call me.”

  The cousins boarded the plane. Melissa took one last look at Jeremiah and waved. He returned to his illegally parked car and everyone began the journey home.

  * * *

  Six hours later, a sleek, black Mercedes-Benz limousine deposited Melissa, Moniqa, and Bobo in front of Vanessa’s house. The 4000 square foot house looked festive from the outside, blinking lights were strewn across pine trees. A beautiful crèche sat on the snow under the bay windows.

  Vanessa opened the door, dressed in a blue and gold paisley hostess outfit and with matching slippers. She clasped her hands together and smiled. As Moniqa entered the house, Vanessa pecked her cheek then squeezed Melissa and Bobo’s arms. “I know this sounds incredible coming from me, but I missed all of you. That includes you, Bernard.”

  Vanessa led everyone to the parlor where an eight-foot scotch pine sat in a corner of the room opposite the black, baby grand piano. Jazz renditions of Christmas carols sounded from the stereo. The tree was beautifully and lavishly decorated with hundreds of gold and white ornaments stamped with a red letter A. Thousands of twinkling, white miniature light.

  More than a few gifts lay beneath the scented branches. Bobo’s parents stood as the cousins entered the room, Trina took him into her arms and hugged him, teary eyes. “I missed you son,” she whispered. David patted him on the back.

  Nancy wrapped Melissa in her arms. “I missed my girl. How is Nana’s baby?”

  “I guess it’s unanimous.” Vanessa smiled as she sat on the settee beside Moniqa. “We missed you all. Next year you’ll have to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Waiting until the end of the year to see you is too hard on us older folks.”

  Moniqa rolled her eyes, irritated. Vanessa was laying it on a bit thick which was usually an indication she wanted something.

  “How was the flight?” Vanessa asked smiling as she turned to Moniqa.

  “Fine,” Moniqa replied tersely.

  Vanessa pointed to the sideboard. “I assume you all are hungry. Help yourself.”

  An array of ham, beef and turkey sandwiches, along with an assortment of desserts, pies, cakes, and an eggnog punch awaited their consumption.

  Bobo rubbed his hands together, and said cheerfully, “Don’t mind if I do.” He was the first in line, and picked up a china plate, stacking it with food.

  After everyone had eaten, Trina and David decided to leave for home. David asked Nancy if she needed a ride and she took him up on his offer.

  Nate’s portrait hung majestically over the mantle, and it was obvious that Nancy felt a sudden longing for her son. Melissa’s eyes were also fixed on her father’s face, experiencing the same feelings as Nancy. She walked over to her grandmother and hugged her. “I’ll come see you tomorrow, Nana.” They walked outside to the car together.

  When Melissa returned indoors, Vanessa and Moniqa appeared to be in the midst of a deep conversation. Not wanting to disturb them, Melissa sped up the staircase to her bedroom and telephoned Jeremiah.

  Vanessa bent down in front of the fireplace and started a fire. “How are things going at Spelman? Was your first semester everything you expected?”

  “It’s going okay…” Moniqa replied evasively.

  “How are your grades? Should I expect them in the mail soon?” Vanessa paused, and then resumed poking at the fire with an andiron.

  Moniqa’s voice rose shrilly. “They’re okay, Mommy. Everything is fine.”

  “Hmmm…” Vanessa stared at her. “You don’t sound like everything is fine. I can tell something is bothering you. Tell Mommy what’s wrong.” She rose and walked back to the couch to sit next to Moniqa.

  “Nothing other than Melissa,” Moniqa replied, breathing heavily, as her chest rose and fell in indignation.

  “What has she done now?” Vanessa sighed as she pushed a hairpin back into her head. She comfortably tucked her knees beneath her body.

  “Only snared the most popular guy on the entire Morehouse campus.” Moniqa complained miserably. “He won’t give me the time of day. Mommy, it’s not fair.”

  “Moniqa, there are plenty of men on that campus. Surely you could set your sight on a man who isn’t interested in your sister?” Vanessa leaned into Moniqa and patted her a
rm.

  Moniqa jerked away. “I want Jeremiah. He’s pre-med. He’s the star quarterback and runs track. It’s not fair that Melissa has him. He’s mine and I am going to have him someday.”

  Vanessa looked uneasily at her daughter. The expression on her face said it all. A glimmer of guilt filled her heart then faded. Her expression hardened. “Tell Mommy all about it.”

  * * *

  The next morning Melissa awakened early and sneaked out of the house. She knew hours would elapse before Vanessa and Moniqa arose. She locked the door behind her and hoped Vanessa’s chauffeur had kept the Toyota in running condition. It purred like a kitten. Thanks Jake. She made a mental note to put some money in an envelope for him.

  Melissa drove carefully on Lake Shore Drive as light snow fell. Thirty minutes later, she squeezed into a parking spot a few blocks from Nancy’s building.

  The aroma of Denver omelets caused her stomach to growl as she walked to Nancy’s apartment. Her mouth salivated. Nancy opened the door and drew Melissa into her arms. “I really missed you, honey.”

  Melissa inhaled the fresh scent of Victoria’s Secret shower gel emanating from Nancy’s body. “I missed you too, Nana.”

  “Come on in the kitchen. The omelets should be ready in a minute. I had a feeling you’d come first thing this morning. You’re still my early bird.” She smiled fondly at Melissa.

  Nancy turned over the turkey bacon in the other skillet as Melissa removed two plates from the cabinet and silverware from the drawer. Nancy fixed their plates while Melissa poured coffee into cups. They sat and devoured the appetizing meal. When they had finished breakfast, Melissa rinsed the plates and placed them into the dishwasher. They walked into the living room and taking their coffee cups with them.

  “What’s going on with you, Mel?” Nancy asked after she’d sat on the butter-colored leather sofa.”

  “Nana, everything is going great with me. I’m pretty sure my grades are good.” She sipped her coffee. “I believe I’ve gotten mostly A’s and a couple of B’s. I’m still not sure what I want to major in but I really like my media communications class. When I go back to school, I have an appointment with my advisor and I am thinking about pursuing journalism or communications.”

  “It sounds like you have your future planned,” Nancy said as she sat her coffee mug atop the table. “You are positively glowing. Need I ask about your love life?” Nancy’s left eyebrow arched upward as she glanced at Melissa.

  A blush stained Melissa’s cheeks. Her hands shook slightly as she placed her cup on the table. “My love life is all I could have hoped for and more,” she replied dramatically.

  “Hmm.” Nancy smiled at her granddaughter. “Ah, sweet youth. How are things with you and Moniqa? Do you regret not going to Spelman with her?”

  “Not one bit,” Melissa declared. “Connie is like a sister to me. We get along great.” Her nose crinkled. “She’s a little messy though.”

  Nancy laughed. “You were never one to tolerate mess gracefully.”

  “Moniqa, on the other hand, has made my life difficult. I know that sounds hard to believe since she’s at another university altogether. But she has her ways.”

  “How in heavens name can she do that?” Nancy opened the mini blinds on the patio door.

  “I don’t really know, Nana. She’s very jealous of my relationship with Jeremiah. Moniqa acts like I’m in the spotlight or something, I don’t know…”

  “Whatever you do, child, don’t let Moniqa steal your happiness. She has to learn, apparently the hard way, that she can’t always have her way. It’s unfortunate you are the chosen one to teach her that lesson.” Nancy’s voice rose urgently. “Don’t cave in and give way to her.”

  “Jeremiah says the same thing.” Melissa smiled. “Nana I think I’m in love?”

  “You aren’t having relations or anything?” Nancy probed. “It would best all for all if you aren’t. But if you feel those urges, then I am sure the clinic on campus has something that can be prescribed.”

  Melissa burst out laughing. “No, Nana, we aren’t doing anything. Now why don’t you tell me what’s happening with my favorite grandmother?“

  Chapter Ten

  Melissa and Bobo went Christmas shopping the following week. Moniqa’s neck seemed to have a permanent bend from talking on the telephone non-stop with her high school girlfriends. The highlight of their conversations was comparing notes on college life. Moniqa, not having a significant other as did many of her friends, lied and said she was dating a guy who lived in New York. She boasted that he was loaded and had great career potential. Moniqa racked up huge credit card bills when she purchased new outfits for herself and gifts for family members.

  Two inches of snow blanketed Chicago December 25th, painting the day a white Christmas. Vanessa planned dinner for 3:00 pm. Gifts would be exchanged before the meal.

  The cook was busy in the kitchen preparing a sumptuous holiday feast. The scent of roasted turkey wafted up the staircase. Vanessa and Moniqa were still asleep and Melissa lay on her bed, talking to Jeremiah, wishing they were together. They planned to exchange gifts when she returned next weekend.

  Vanessa’s parents arrived at 1:45. The other relatives followed shortly after. Patricia, clad in a red pantsuit, extolled how lovely the house was decorated. China, trimmed with gold and red linen place settings, sat atop the huge blond Scandinavian dining room table. The family gathered in the parlor to open gifts as Monsieur Pierre finished the meal.

  Bobo looked festive wearing a Santa cap on his head. Moniqa told him he needed to remove it. He looked ridiculous. Bobo asked if she had a touch of scroogeness, and told her how she needed to mind her business and get a life. When the presents were unwrapped, the room resembled a small boutique filled with designer clothing, purses, watches, shoes, perfume, and compact disc players.

  Vanessa’s parents flipped opened the checkbook and presented their children with $1,000 each, advising them to buy whatever their heart’s desired. Nancy modestly gave the cousins $500.

  Everyone partook in the bountiful meal, their stomachs strained to bursting. Bobo devoured two entire sweet potatoes pies alone. A thirty-pound turkey, pork and beef roasts, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied yams, collard greens, green beans, mashed potatoes, along with several cakes and pies made up the holiday menu. The family barely put a dent in the food and most would be taken home with them in Tupperware and bags prepared by the maid.

  Bobo and Melissa decided to go to the movies while Moniqa planned to visit with friends.

  The adult’s eyes were heavy-lidded. Edward, as always, leaned back and snored lightly as the Dallas and Detroit football game played on the television set.

  * * *

  Vanessa made hotel reservations at the Hyatt Hotel to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The family held up their glasses of Dom Perignon in acknowledgment of 1981 as the bandleader counted down to midnight.

  After the New Year was duly ushered in, Melissa sneaked into her room to call Jeremiah, vowing she’d spend next year’s holidays with her love by any means necessary.

  Bobo danced the night away with his old girlfriend, Sabrina. Moniqa asked the bandleader to play the Electric Slide so she and her posse could do their thing on the dance floor.

  Everyone had a fine time dining on lobster tails. Valerie became tipsy. Her low-cut, gold lame gown dipping dangerously low as she leaned over to flirt with the man at the table next to theirs.

  * * *

  The following week, the cousins were back at O’Hare airport headed to Atlanta. As they debarked the plane, walking through the tunnel to gate, Melissa’s eyes roamed the area, hoping to catch sight of Jeremiah. He didn’t disappoint her as they walked quickly toward each other and hugged. Moniqa rolled her eyes disgustedly as Bobo looked on amused.

  ”We meet again.” Rodgers smiled as he caught sight of Moniqa. He walked in rhythm with her as they strode to the crowded baggage claim area. “I hope you thought of me during y
our vacation. You were on my mind,” he whispered into her ear.

  “Boy, please,” she said, scanning the revolving belt for her luggage. As she tried to pull them off, Rodgers bent down and removed them for her.

  Bobo retrieved his bags, and Jeremiah spotted Melissa’s. Rodger’s asked Moniqa if she’d like a ride to Spelman. She didn’t feel like watching Jeremiah and Melissa “suck face” as Bobo called it, and decided to take Rodgers up on his offer.

  Chapter Eleven

  The school semester passed quickly following the Christmas break. Moniqa returned home for spring break. Melissa and Bobo decided to stay in Atlanta.

  Melissa and Jeremiah spent almost every waking moment together as their relationship deepened. He took her home to meet his parents and siblings. Bobo and Connie had begun spending an inordinate amount of time together. Melissa had her fingers crossed that her picky cousin had finally met his match.

  She and Jeremiah sat in his dorm room on the bed and watched television as they made plans for the summer.

  “You know I’ll be here,” Jeremiah said as he ran his fingers through Melissa’s hair. “I have football camp and may take another science class. Maybe I’ll look for a part-time job at the Underground mall. I’m not a trust fund baby like you,” he teased.

  She leaned her head back and laughed at the antics on the screen. The Atlanta weather was hot and humid. Moniqa (change to Melissa) wore a pair of white cotton shorts with a sleeveless white cotton top. Her body was tanned, and her hair lightened from the sunlight. She sat up and pulled her sneakers and socks off her feet. ”It’s hot in here,” she complained.

  Jeremiah sprung off the bed and turned on the fan that sat atop his desk. “Is that better?” He leered at her. “If not, feel free to remove more clothing.”

  “Down, Rover.” She pushed him on the bed.

  He pulled her on top of him and kissed her soundly. They came up for air a few minutes later.

  “I’m working on staying here for the summer. For some ungodly reason, Mommy is giving me a hard time. Usually she barely notices me. Since Christmas, she’s been all up in my business. I know the drill and divulge as little as possible.”