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“I broke up with Jurea long before I even dated and broke up with Nadra, I’m with Jade now.”
“So, you are seriously giving up avocado for Mariam?” my mom asked almost as if she couldn’t believe her ears. I felt a shudder at the thought of Jade barely breathing in my arms. A good thing Rilwan was there, I almost punched the doctor when she didn’t wake up right away. My mom’s cough brings me back to the present.
“Yes, and it would please you, Mom, to know that I’m also selling my motorcycles,” I state casually.
My mom’s face breaks up into a wide smile. She’s been pleading with me to get rid of all my motorcycles, but I refused, telling her I’ll always ride. Weeks ago, Jade and I were talking when I told her I would be getting on any of my motorcycles again soon. She casually sits next to me and says, “Be sure to let me know when you do, so I can start looking for a new boyfriend sooner than planned because I won’t date you if you ride that thing again.” I initially laughed and thought she was joking but she kept quiet and let me have my moment.
I then say, “Jade, I’m the last man you’ll ever date.”
Her reply was, “Luckily, for us both, each one of us is allowed to have choices and I’m telling you right now. I’ll go on a date with the first guy that asks me out the very day you get back on that thingy that gives you a crazy thrill.” She’d sheepishly smiled “Who knows maybe whoever he is will get lucky on our first date. I just might be overly eager to please him.” Her words that day made me feel like a metaphorical raging bull in a China shop with an imaginary guy as a red China plate. I knew she meant every word.
She can be very assertive, and I know when she is that way. I can’t win against her will.
“I’ll be sure to let you know when you made me commit murder and rest assured, I’ll get away with it.” I’d replied.
“Very funny.” She’d replied.
As she cuddled next to me in her sleep later that night, I realized what I needed to do. No way was I ever going to give Jade up but avocado and collection of motorcycles had to go.
“You will sell all your motorcycles?” my dad asked in a condescending yet shocking tone.
“Yes, I already found a buyer for two.” My mom starts muttering praises to God, but my dad's reaction is harder to decipher.
“It’s good you are giving up your motorcycles, you know you can’t ever marry Mariam, if you marry her your head will not wear the crown, by the way, isn’t she too young for you.” I chuckled. I know his strategy. He’s twelve years older than my mom, yet he’s trying to frown at Jade and me, our age gap is ten years.
“If Mariam is too young for me, then I guess Mom is too young for you, Dad,” I reply stating the obvious. I’m not falling for that mind game.
“Don’t be rude, your mother and I courted properly.”
I laugh.
“What do you think I’m doing with Mariam?”
“Did you not hear me say the crown may not be yours if you choose Mariam.” He exasperates.
“I don’t need the crown. It’s a want and Mariam is a need; in case you haven’t noticed. I’m doing fine without the crown.”
My dad sighs, and my mom is shocked. I’m grinning. I know I’ve shocked them but I’m letting them know now of my stance with Jade. The sooner they know the better because in truth I will give up the crown for her in a heartbeat only I’m not giving it up. I don’t want it to begin with. Raheem can wear the crown.
Though it shocked me as well when I first realized that, however, it’s the truth. I can do without the crown but a life without Jade is one I can’t do. The best three words request I ever made was “Sit with me” I didn’t realize how my life would change with that request.
I know Jade is convinced we are just dating and at some point. I’m going to break up with her and marry someone my family believes is better for the crown but what she doesn’t know is I’ve already chosen her.
I didn’t know it then, but I’d chosen her from the first day she walked into my room and spent a few minutes making me laugh and giving me hope. The reality of me choosing Jade wasn’t clear to me back then. It’s crystal clear now.
After my morning bombshell of informing my parents Jade and I are involved. I could tell my dad wasn’t happy about the news, it was no surprise when he showed up in my office later in the day. I expected it. He casually sits as we both try to pretend like it’s the norm.
“So, the genie is out of the bottle,” he says.
“Dad, what are you talking about.” I know what he’s talking about, I want him to spell it out.
“Mariam, you are dating Mariam. Guess, that’s the reason I haven’t seen pictures of you with your usual women. No more soiling your royal oath,” he states like I’ve ever cared. Raheem is the one that keeps a low profile but behind the scenes, he’s worse than I am. I honestly believe he knows he’ll be the one wearing the crown, not me.
“Guess so.”
“You’ve been smart not to put her out there, that’s a good thing. When you do marry Nadra or the right woman of the right pedigree, you can keep her as a mistress. A win-win for all parties involved.” I had to do a double take to make sure I heard my dad right about Jade being my mistress. I wanted to laugh out loud, but I tapered my laugh and chuckled. He doesn’t know Jade. So, I turn the narrative.
“Is that what you do, Dad? Marry Mom and have a mistress?” I ask like maybe this is some information I’m only privy to as an adult male.
