by D. Camille
“So I should have waited until your father came back, your mother got out of prison, your physical therapy was done, and you had your own place?” he asked, lifting a brow.
Leslie gave him a look. “You know what I’m saying.”
“Well, I’m saying that none of that mattered to me. What mattered is the woman I see when I look into your eyes…the woman I feel when I become one with her…and the woman I hear whisper my name in her sleep.”
She smiled. “Do I really whisper your name?”
He nodded slowly.
“What else do I say?”
“You say that you love me…”
“I do…”
Caelum leaned his face down to hers. “And that’s all that matters…”
Lifting her face, Leslie offered her mouth to him and he accepted her offering. Afterward, they spent the rest of the flight in each other’s arms. Leslie fell in love with the black-owned Bed and Breakfast they checked into for their stay.
In their room, she looked around in awe.
“Caelum, this is so beautiful.”
“I thought you would appreciate it.” He said, putting their bags aside.
“This room is actually named after Zora Neale Hurston.”
He walked over to her, then looked around. “This is very nice…”
Leslie looked up at him. “And romantic…”
“You like to be romanced, right?” He whispered.
“Yes, I’ve found that I really do.”
Caelum lifted her into his arms. “Well, goddess, I’m going to spend the next week romancing you here in D.C., then I’m going to spend the rest of my life romancing you wherever we are.”
“I like that.”
He carried her over to the bed and gently laid her down, before joining her.
“Welcome to Washington, D.C.”
“The city your ancestor created…” Leslie said in amazement.
Caelum laid back. “Do you know the entire story?”
“No, but I’d love to hear it.” She said, resting against his body.
“George Washington had hired a Frenchman to design the capital. Benjamin was made a part of the planning committee at Thomas Jefferson’s request. A year into the project, the Frenchman left the job, taking all the plans with him.”
Leslie listened closely as he continued.
“Benjamin was able to reproduce the plans from memory in two days. The entire design of the capital.”
“Two days, the entire city?”
“Yes, Benjamin was an incredibly brilliant man, who was self-taught in his vast knowledge of things.”
She nodded. “Wow…he had to have been.”
“He was also a very brave man. He wrote a public letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1791 challenging slavery.”
“What did it say?” Leslie questioned.
“He basically called him out, saying that if he, as he described himself, a man of African race, in that color that is natural to them of the deepest dye…could accomplish the incredible things that he had done, how could blacks be the inferior race? Benjamin saw himself as proof of what a free black man could attain.”
“That’s a great point.” Leslie agreed.
“He also pointed out Jefferson’s hypocrisy in the governmental doctrine, stating that all men were created equal and that they were endowed by their creator to certain unalienable rights... life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, the same men who had written and supported this doctrine had counteracted their god’s mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence a numerous part of Benjamin’s brethren, under groaning captivity and cruel oppression…and that they, meaning Jefferson and his cohorts, should be found guilty of that most criminal act, which they professedly detested in others, with respect to themselves.”
“He said that to Thomas Jefferson?”
“In writing.”
“He bossed up, for real.”
Caelum smiled. “Yeah he did, and most of our people don’t even know who he was or what he did.”
“I honestly didn’t know all of this.”
“We have so much history and it saddens me that we don’t teach our children better about who we are. We allow them to learn only what the oppressors want them to know. That’s why I was so drawn to the Bantu Academy. It feels like home to me.” Caelum explained.
“I know how you feel. Bantu Academy is special. Just like you…”
“I’m no Benjamin Banneker, though. He was able to make astronomical calculations and even predicted a solar eclipse. I only teach history.” Caelum replied.
“I bet you could make astronomical calculations if you wanted to…your parents teach astronomy, remember?”
“But, they had to go to school to learn that. Benjamin taught himself.”
“That is pretty amazing, right there.”
Caelum rubbed her back. “Our people are amazing.”
“I can’t wait for our Black History program.” Leslie said excitedly. “It’s far more than my mind even imagined.”
“It has turned into something, that’s for sure.” Caelum agreed.
“The kids are going to love it!”
“I think the adults will enjoy it as well.”
Leslie smiled. “I’ve learned so much from you.”
“I can’t wait to see your portraits. I’m getting more anxious every day.”
“Only a few more weeks…”
He nodded. “Everyone is on board and ready to go.”
“When we return after this break, the time is going to fly.” Leslie told him with a sigh.
“So let’s enjoy this time.”
Caelum took Leslie out and showed her the attractions of D.C. pointing out specific history to his family. In addition to sightseeing, he took her to some of his favorite places for lunch and dinner. They met up with some of his former friends and colleagues, then settled back into the Inn late that night.
Back in the room, Caelum took her into his arms and kissed her slowly.
“Did you enjoy today?” he asked.
With her arms around his neck, Leslie nodded. “Yes, I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed every minute.”
“Would you like to enjoy the rest of the night?”
“Hmmm….” She rubbed against his body. “What did you have in mind Mr. Bannaka?”
Caelum began to kiss her neck.
“A shower…then a bed.”
“I have no objections to that, whatsoever,”
He began to slowly undress her in the middle of the room, and Leslie offered no resistance. In fact, she helped him along the way, until she stood naked before him.
“You take my breath away, every time I look at you.” Caelum breathed, and Leslie began reaching for his clothing to remove it.
“I can say the same. You’re the most handsome man, I’ve ever seen.”
Caelum gave her a look. “Laying it on thick tonight?”
She stopped. “You are Caelum. I even told Sydney that you were better looking than Curt.”’
He frowned. “Thanks.”
“Listen, I thought Curt Kendall was the finest man on earth when I met him. I told you I was a little jealous of Sydney…” Leslie pointed out.
“There’s no need for you to be jealous of her anymore.” Caelum said firmly.
She finished undressing him, and looked him over. “Oh, I agree…because this…” Leslie’s hands began their exploring.
“Let’s make it to the shower first,” Caelum suggested. “Then you can explore all you like.”
Leslie began walking toward the bathroom. “You can, too.”
Caelum watched her naked ass and followed quickly. Catching her from behind, he kissed her bare shoulder.
“I’m wondering if I should be concerned with this infatuation you have with your brother-in-law?”
Leslie laughed softly, then sobered. “I was a young girl confined to a wheelchair, and Curt was the first man who showed that he cared about me.”
She t
urned in his arms. “And you’re the first man, who’s shown that he truly loves me as a woman…”
“I worship you as the goddess you are, Leslie.”
Leslie wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly, feeling his love and strength.
“You’d better turn that water on, or we’re not taking a shower for a long time,” she said, against his chest.
Caelum moved over to the shower and started the warm water. He helped her inside then joined her, before pulling the curtain into place.
Looking down at Leslie with the water at his back, Caelum held her gaze for a minute, then began to taste her lips. His hands moved across her warm naked flesh, stopping at her butt cheeks. He squeezed them, then lifted her from her feet.
“Wrap those strong legs around me.” Caelum whispered and she obeyed.
With her arms and legs holding on to Caelum, Leslie looked into his eyes and saw what he wanted.
“Now?” she asked sultrily.
“Yes.”
She continued to stare at him.
“No protection?” Leslie lifted a brow.
“None.”
Leslie began to gently suck on his full lips.
“You want to make a baby?” she asked into his mouth.
“That’s why I brought you home…” Caelum replied kissing her hotly. “I want to begin our next phase right here…right now. Do you want it?”
Leslie brought a hand up to his face, and looked into his eyes.
“Yes, I want all of you, Caelum.”
With one movement, he joined them together, flesh to flesh, and they both watched the pleasure appear in the other’s eyes.
“Do you know how much I love you?” Caelum asked, while stroking her body.
Catching her breath for a minute, Leslie answered, “Yes, but you can still show me…”
He turned her against the shower wall and did just that.
Chapter 11
The day of the Black History program, Leslie’s nerves were on edge as she peeked out at the auditorium that was filled to capacity. She jumped when a hand slid around her waist and rested on her stomach.
“Relax, goddess.” Caelum said in her ear. “It’s going to be perfect.”
She turned to see him dressed like black divinity. “There are so many people here.”
He smiled. “That’s a good thing.”
“Is everyone ready?” she questioned.
Caelum nodded looking her over in the yellow costume. “Yes. Are you ready, Oshun?”
“I need the power of Ra today.”
“Then you have it…” He kissed her softly.
“Thank you.”
They both turned as they were joined by Khai and Malik.
“You two look amazing!” Khai told them, as they hugged.
“So do you Goddess Ma’at and the god Imhotep!” Leslie replied.
Tariq and Asha arrived, then Leslie turned to greet them.
“Asha, you make such a beautiful Queen Tiye.” Leslie said, looking at her costume.
Asha struck a regal pose. “Thank you, goddess. You all look amazing too.”
Tariq stepped into his role. “Alright my black people. Let’s get this program started.”
“The king has arrived.” Caelum announced, looking at Malik.
“You know it.” Tariq replied.
He took on his duties, and began getting everyone in place. When they were ready, Leslie watched proudly as Caelum walked out onto the stage and the crowd quieted at his presence.
“Thank you all for coming out to Bantu Academy’s Black History Program – From Gods and Goddesses to Kings and Queens.” His deep voice reverberated throughout the auditorium.
Raising his hands into the air, he continued. “Our story begins with me…Eye Am Ra.”
The room went completely black for effect and silence went through the crowd. Caelum continued his story.
“From the dark void, I brought a bright light.”
A spotlight hit Caelum, illuminating his presence on the stage.
“I created a fertile land, where my children, darkened by my light, would create life for themselves.” Drums began to play in the background, in a native beat as a picture of a spinning earth displayed behind him on a large screen.
“I needed to prepare them for this world, so I called upon the goddesses.”
Caelum put a hand out pointing to his left.
“My children needed truth…” Caelum announced and the light on him went out.
All attention turned to a new spotlight where an ethereal looking woman stood.
“I am the Goddess Ma’at. My name means truth, and I bestow upon the children a way to know themselves. I give them my Laws to attain their purpose for coming into existence…the enjoyment of life.”
The show on the screen continued behind her, now showing photos of Africa, the Nile and the land, while the drumbeat played on.
Caelum appeared next to Khai and she bowed her head to him. “I have happily given all that I have to offer, God of the Sun.”
He smiled down at her. “Thank you Goddess. My children will know their truth, but only, if they choose to know it.”
“Yes, Great Ra…”
The goddess leaves the light and Caelum stands alone. He stretches out an arm to the right.
“Truth is not enough for my children. They also need love…”
Again the light went out on him and now focused on Leslie standing in a spotlight.
“I am the Goddess Oshun. I am the goddess of pleasure, love, fertility and beauty. I happily give the children all of these gifts for their happiness.” She spoke clearly.
The screen displayed black couples, and families, involved in various activities. Caelum stepped into the light behind her.
“Thank you Goddess. My children now have love, beauty and pleasure, but only, if they choose to accept it.” Caelum announced.
“Yes, Great Ra…”
She leaves the light and Caelum stands alone again.
“I gave my children the blessings of the rising sun, to connect with me every day. My heat and light warm them, and feed them. I control their seasons and harvests. I guide and direct them with my movements across the heavens. I call their land, Khemet…meaning The Black Land.”
He raises both strong arms to the sky, then shouts, “I…made…them…great!”
The music stopped and Caelum’s spot light went out. The house lights came up, and the stage revealed a set of a palace in ancient Khemet with pyramids in the distance. Asha sat on a throne, with a crown on her head.
“I am Queen Tiye. I was the queen of Egypt during the 18th dynasty. I was the wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, mother of Akhenaten, and grandmother of both Tutankhamun and Ankhsenamun.”
She stood regally to her feet.
“I held enormous influence at the courts and communicated directly with the rulers of foreign nations. My husband’s reign was luxurious, and Egypt was the most powerful and richest nation in the region, if not the world.”
She pointed to the screen now showing the beauty of the ancient land.
“My dynasty came from the greatness of the ones before us, and paved the way for the ones who followed…”
Asha walked across the stage, then stopped and looked longingly back at the set. As she disappeared, Malik appeared, and the screen changed to another period in time.
“I am Imhotep. My name means “He Who Comes in Peace.” I served as vizier, sage, architect, astrologer, and chief minister to Djoser, the second king of Egypt’s third dynasty. I was the architect of the step pyramid in the city of Memphis. As the reining genius of the time, I held many titles, including First After the King of Upper Egypt.”
Malik walked over to the screen which was now displaying ancient medical artifacts.
“I practiced medicine, and wrote on the subject over two thousand years before Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine, was even born. I am the author of the Egyptian medical text, which contain
s almost 100 anatomical terms and describes 48 injuries and their treatment.”
A scene of the step pyramid appears behind him.
“The great temples and administrative buildings, palaces and tombs…the pyramids and statues that defined the Egyptian landscape all began with my vision of the step pyramid. Visitors to Egypt, saw these creations and brought back reports to their own countries, such as Greece, when they built upon what I’d imagined…”
Malik looked at the projection of the pyramids, then walked off stage.
“From Gods and Goddesses to Kings and Queens…” Caelum said, returning to center stage. “I have created them all.”
He stopped and everything behind him, faded to black.
“The Black Land…the beginnings of our strength, wisdom, and knowledge. Where life was created and defined. Where truth dwelled…”
Khai came out to stand by his side.
“Along with love and beauty….” Caelum continued.
Leslie entered from the other side, and took her place beside him.
“Where beautiful Queens sat on thrones…”
Asha retuned and took a place next to Leslie.
“And the minds of men created legacies for those to come…”
Malik came out and stood next to Khai, then the screen began to flash the portraits done by Leslie’s students. They all stood watching and could hear the children’s excitement as their picture was shown., and their names were announced. Young black faces in crowns with proud black voices, seeing themselves as their ancestors, and visioning their futures.
After the last drawing was displayed, the crowd stood to their feet and applauded the work of their students. Caelum stepped forward and looked out at the faces of his people.
Raising his arms, he held them out toward the crowd.
“I sit among the stars and rest in the heavens. Eye Am Ra…and this is OUR story.”
On a loud drumbeat, the auditorium went completely dark. When the lights came back up the stage was empty and the crowd went wild.
******
“Now you know that you two are forever in charge of the Black History program.” Ms. Adams told Leslie and Caelum behind the stage. “That was amazing and so moving.”
They both smiled. “Thank you.”
“Now you can get ready for a beautiful wedding.”
