Cross Climax II

by Tiana Laveen

  “Thank you, Stephen. I’d like to pick up where Sandra left off. The last I heard, you two had moved in together. Please share what’s transpired during the two years since,” Tiana urged.

  “Well,” Stephen cracked his gum, “Sandra moved into my house. To tell you the truth, it feels like she should’ve been there the whole time. I thought I’d have a hard time adjusting.

  I’m not used to living with anyone, but it was a very easy transition. I love Sandra.” Stephen looked at her longingly.

  Sandra turned away, like a schoolgirl, blushing. “This woman’s someone I know I’ll be with for the rest of my life. Statements like that used to scare me, but not anymore. I’m back full time with the Falcons. Sandra’s practice at the new location is great.

  We’re doing really well,” Stephen smiled, showing fresh veneers.

  “Sandra, tell me how this relationship has impacted you,”

  Tiana asked.

  “Tiana, Stephen was my wake-up call. I had been running from the past with my stepfather.

  Stephen’s words after the first time we made love, though harsh, forced me to take a long, hard look at myself. I continued to go to therapy for a while, and that motivated me to start a local support group for adult women that were molested as children. There are so many of us.

  I have a special guest come and speak once a month to the group. We go out to eat, have book club meetings, and just fellowship. It’s very healing and uplifting,” Sandra explained.

  “It’s great that you’ve turned your pain into healing for others.

  What does the future hold for you and Stephen?” Tiana asked.

  Sandra looked at Stephen. He looked back at her and smiled sweetly.

  “Our motto initially was ‘take it one day at a time.’ We still keep to that somewhat, but we do have plans. Stephen asked me to marry him a couple of weeks ago,” Sandra smiled. “He set up our bedroom with tiny cakes, Christmas decor, and gospel music.

  I had no idea what was happening. Then he got on one knee and proposed, butt naked.” Stephen laughed. “He said the small cakes, candy canes, and wreaths represented his being auctioned off at the church at Christmastime, when I won the date. It was so adorable and thoughtful. Funny, too!” Sandra laughed.

  “Congratulations,” Tiana said with a wide smile. “That was very creative and humorous.

  When’s the wedding date?”

  “We’re still working that out. It’ll be in the next twelve months,” Sandra grinned.

  “I never thought I’d get married,” Stephen said. “After watching my parents, the thought of marriage scared me. I’m willing to take the chance with her, though.” Stephen looked at Sandra longingly. Tiana started to feel as if she was watching something she shouldn’t be. The way he looked at her had sex written all over it. It was obvious that they had strong sexual chemistry, and it couldn’t be tamed, not even for an interview.

  “When Sandra told me what happened between her and her stepfather, I wanted to kill him,” Stephen blurted. His tone became suddenly serious. “I grew up kind of sheltered. Things like that didn’t happen, or at least, we never talked about it.

  When I became an adult, of course, I heard of stuff like that, but I had never known anyone it happened to. I love her so much.

  The thought of someone she trusted doing that to her makes me sick,” Stephen admitted.

  “Sexual abuse is often swept under the rug. It appears to me that Sandra wanted to sweep it under the rug, but you forced her to confront it. For that, she’s thankful. She’s obviously also helped other women who have endured this. Sandra’s a survivor,”

  Tiana stressed.

  “Yes, she is,” Stephen agreed. “That’s one of the many reasons I love her.” Stephen scooted his chair closer to her, cradling her arm.

  “I was curious, have either of you experienced any discrimination due to your relationship?

  There was no mention of it in your story, but I’m curious,”

  Tiana asked as she took the cap off of her ink pen.

  “Unless there’s something Sandra hasn’t told me, I haven’t had anything happen. Every now and again, we may get a long stare, but I’ve never been disrespected. People are more interested in the fact that I play in the NFL rather than the color of the woman I’m involved with,” he smiled. “I had one friend who called her ‘Chocolate’ one time, but that’s the only time I remember anyone close to me mentioning our racial difference.

  It’s not something that I even think about. I really do forget that she’s Black.”

  “That’s true,” Sandra agreed. “I fully understand that racism’s alive, but Stephen and I have been fortunate to not have any overt situations take place thus far. I think the circles we hang in know better,” she clarified. Tiana nodded.

  “I think that about covers it. Is there anything else you’d like to share?” Tiana asked as she closed her notebook.

  “Would you be willing to come to the wedding?” Stephen asked. Tiana stole a glance at the humongous, borderline gaudy engagement ring on Sandra’s finger.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Sandra, you have to lift weights to raise your hand, I’m sure,” Tiana joked. Sandra burst out laughing.

  “Stephen goes overboard with almost everything he does, but I’m not one to complain!” she winked at Tiana as she got up from her chair. Stephen looked at Sandra’s blouse and whispered in her ear as they left the office, leaving Tiana there to laugh heartedly.

  Tiana stood up, stretched, and made a trip to the restroom. On her way out, she saw the backs of Monica and Antonio. They appeared to be having a heated discussion. Tiana looked at their body movements. She saw Antonio holding Monica’s wrist as he spoke to her. She couldn’t make out what he was saying, but it was obvious he was quite angry. She went back to her office and sat down with a cup of hot tea.

  * * *

  “Mia and Aaron, please report to Conference Room C.”

  Tiana jotted some notes and saw a shadow by the door. A hard, steady knock ensued.

  “Please come in,” she said. Aaron opened the door, allowing Mia to walk in before him. Mia took her seat quickly, crossing her long legs while Aaron sat close to her, almost in a protective manner.

  “Hello. Thank you for joining me today,” Tiana said. She watched as Aaron adjusted his pant legs. He looked serious.

  Tiana, now able to see him up close and personal, was able to understand Mia’s attraction and trepidation at the same time. His mere presence was intimidating. He exuded masculinity.

  “Thank you for inviting us,” Mia said, brandishing a pleasant smile.

  “Are you having a good time so far?” Tiana asked as she poured a pack of Splenda into her tea.

  “Yes, we are. Aaron and I walked around the facility and played some pool. I’m horrible at pool,” Mia laughed. “We’re planning on going swimming later,” Mia added.

  “Great. I want you to enjoy yourselves. So,” Tiana clasped her hands together, “what have you been up to the past couple of years?” Aaron wasn’t making eye contact. Instead, he focused on other areas of the room in avoidance.

  “Aaron, is something wrong?” Tiana asked. He looked up at her. His icy blue eyes hit her like a brisk breeze from the arctic.

  Tiana had never seen such light blue eyes before. They were absolutely awe-striking. Something in them, however, spoke of horrible secrets, some of which had yet to be uncovered. Aaron rubbed his knee and looked at Tiana.

  “To be perfectly honest, Mrs. Laveen, I had reservations about comin’ here. Mia talked me into it, but I don’t wanna be here. The reason is we have very private lives. I don’t want other people involved in what we do or where we live. I love my wife and family very much. I have to protect ’em. Mia and I have three children together now, three boys. I also have a daughter from a previous relationship, so I have four. Mia and my kids need protection, and they depend on me to keep ’em safe,” Aaron said dryly.

  “I understa
nd,” Tiana said, holding her hands together.

  “No, I don’t think you do,” Aaron said defensively. “Let me start by tellin’ you what’s happened that has threatened that protection, Mrs. Laveen. My ex became jealous when she found out I was married. Mind you, she’s married to someone else, but that didn’t matter. She also found out that Mia’s Black. She went back to the Nazi group I was with and told ’em everything.”

  Aaron punched his palm as he made his points. “She told ’em where the fuck we lived. She told ’em where I worked. She told it all. It was an act of revenge. I had to tell her where I lived because I was takin’ our daughter away for visits. I asked her to not tell anyone, and she didn’t until she realized I was married to Mia. She didn’t care that Mia was pregnant at the time, knowin’

  that they were comin’ to Vermont to kill me and my entire family. I told her Mia was pregnant, hopin’ that would stop her from blabbin’ her mouth, but she didn’t give a shit. That only made her more jealous,” Aaron’s voice escalated.

  “Aaron, stop yelling,” Mia said sternly. “You act like it’s Tiana’s fault that all this happened.” Mia crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

  “Mia, I’m gonna tell Tiana everything she wants to know because our bein’ an interracial couple’s the least of our issues.

  This is s’posed to be some sort of support group and festival of sorts for interracial couples, and there’s an ugly truth behind all this bullshit!” Aaron said.

  “These mother fuckers grabbed me after work. They described my house, described my wife, and told me they were gonna fuck her blind, then stab her and the baby she was carryin’

  to death. They had been right outside my home, watchin’ my wife takin’ care of our children.

  They told me they were gonna take my, and I quote,

  ‘disgusting half-Nigger zebra kids down to the river and drown ’em.” Aaron bit his bottom lip in anger. Mia put her trembling hand on his arm.

  “Aaron, what happened?” Tiana asked, almost afraid to speak.

  “What happened with what? To the guys that came for battle?”

  Aaron smiled wickedly.

  “Yes,” Tiana responded.

  “Let’s just say they won’t be returnin’ to bother me or my family.” Tiana was visibly shaken. She had no idea where to go with the interview. Mia interceded.

  “Tiana, I know how Aaron comes across,” Mia said dryly.

  “He can be a bit scary. I believe what my husband’s saying is that due to our relationship, he feels like he has to fight zombies all night. He has this high-tech security system at the new house we moved into. He refuses to bring his daughter to the house or give the government his real address. They only have his work address. Aaron already mistrusted the government, but now it’s much worse,” Mia said sincerely.

  “Mia, are you ever afraid of Aaron?” Tiana asked, looking directly into Aaron’s piercing eyes.

  “No, not at all. I know he’d never hurt our children or me.

  He’s very gentle. He believes in country and family,” Mia smiled sweetly.

  “Why would she be afraid of me?” Aaron asked with an edge to his tone. “Are you tryin’ to say that I’m abusive?” his voice rose.

  “You’re obviously very angry, Aaron, and sometimes we can accidentally take those feelings out on the people we love most,”

  Tiana explained.

  “You’re damn right I’m angry. I was part of an ideology that hurts and hates the woman I love and the children I’ve created.

  I’m angry at myself. I’m angry about the constant death threats.

  I’m angry that the two tattoos I have remainin’ are a bitch to remove. If they’re seen, they’ll cause me to put my wife and children in harm’s way. Mia wants to teach school again in a few years after the boys are pre-school aged and beyond. I have fears about that. I don’t want her alone. I’m afraid that someone will find her and hurt her. I don’t like livin’ like this.

  As long as I have my daughter, I’ll always have to give information on my whereabouts, and that leaves me vulnerable, otherwise, this would be much easier,” he explained.

  “Aaron, have you killed anyone since your release from prison?” Tiana asked.

  “You must think I’m fuckin’ stupid?” he laughed. “What is it with folks like you askin’ questions like this? You need to move on to the next topic,” Aaron’s eyebrows furrowed.

  “I’m asking because…,” Tiana continued.

  “Move on or we’re on the next plane outta here!” he shouted.

  Tiana put her head down and directed her energies towards Mia.

  “Tiana, I’ve spoken to my husband about his behavior regarding these matters. He simply can’t help it. The things that Aaron has seen and endured cause him to be this way. I apologize for his behavior.” Mia shot Aaron an angry look. He turned away.

  “It’s not your fault, Tiana.” Aaron said in a low voice. “I’m sorry for how I’ve handled this interview. Please understand from my vantage point why I don’t want our business published,”

  he said calmly. “I know we’re here to talk about our relationship.

  I know that our story’s unique, downright strange in some ways.

  I understand the fascination. At the old house, once word got out, a few reporters came to our door offerin’ lots of money to get our story. There’s some KKK guy in Georgia with a similar situation. He left the KKK and married a Black woman, and he’s bein’ harassed, too. Unfortunately, my Nazi past affects our freedom, and because this is all my fault, I feel very protective of my wife and kids. I can’t afford for our private lives to be broadcast, even if it’s for a greater cause, such as this.” Tiana watched as Aaron’s eyes seemed to calm down.

  “Aaron, Nazi past aside, tell me how you feel about your wife.” Aaron lit up. He smiled and folded his hands in his lap.

  Then he looked at her, starting from her eyes and working his way down to her lips.

  “I love her more than I love myself,” he answered. “She saved me. I see her as my wife, the mother of my children, my soul mate.” He smiled at Mia. “She’s so good – her heart.

  She’s nurturin’ and supportive. She’s exactly what I needed.”

  Mia’s eyes watered.

  “OK, Mia, everyone’s going to want to know, so I have to ask. How’s your sex life?” Tiana laughed. Mia giggled while Aaron turned away and smiled. “With three children in the house, it must be difficult to make time for it. I must admit, you and Aaron had some of the steamiest, most beautiful sexual chemistry I’ve heard of. It’s as if you’re two opposite worlds colliding explosively,” Tiana said, taking another drink of her tea.

  “We make the time,” Mia laughed. “Aaron’s the best lover I’ve ever had, and I’m not just saying that. He’s very good in bed. Despite how rough he acts, he’s very sensual,” Mia smiled.

  “Aaron, are you blushing?” Tiana teased. He laughed.

  “Yeah, I think I am. I mean, this isn’t somethin’ I really discuss with other people. I like to keep her happy, and she keeps me satisfied too. We do it a lot despite the children bein’

  in the house,” Aaron smirked. “I have to admit, I’ve been with a lot of women. None of ’em were Black, obviously. I tried for a while to pick up differences, sexually and physically. Her skin’s darker, her hair texture’s thicker, she smells the same, tastes the same, feels the same, actually, better. Mia’s a sweetie, but a freak in the bed.” Mia punched him in the shoulder and laughed.

  Tiana giggled.

  “Well, you are!” he said as he chuckled. “I know there’s this stereotype that Black women are wild in bed, and since I’ve only been with one, I really can’t say, but fortunately for me, Mia lives up to the stereotype.” Mia pinched him and laughed.

  “Ouch!” Aaron snickered.

  “Aaron and Mia, would you like more children?” Tiana asked as she turned the page in her notebook.

  “Aaron does. My body’s had en
ough,” Mia smirked.

  “I always wanted a big family,” Aaron said. “I’m happy with what we have. We’re blessed. Three boys born back-to-back-to-back is really a handful. All their personalities are different.

  Jeremiah’s the oldest. He’s very close to Mia. He’s a mama’s boy through and through. Lazarus is the intelligent and sneaky one. We have to be very careful about what we say around him because he’ll repeat it. Micah’s the class clown. He’s very young, obviously, but extremely silly. He makes everyone laugh.

  Jeremiah and Lazarus look almost like they could be twins.

  They both have black, curly hair and my blue eyes. Micah looks more like Mia except he has hair like mine, straight and dark brown. All three of ’em are beautiful.” Aaron lit up as he reflected on his children. Mia reached into her purse and took out photos, passing them to Tiana. Tiana thumbed through them.

  “They’re gorgeous!” she exclaimed.

  “Thank you,” Mia said proudly.

  “Mia, I don’t know much about your family. How do they feel about your being married to someone like Aaron?” Tiana asked.

  “They’re not very happy about it. I really don’t think it’s because he’s White. It’s because of his past. The bottom line is I can’t help who I fell in love with. I know who he really is. I know his heart. Under that tough exterior’s a man who loves me dearly and treats me like gold.

  I understand their concern, but I have to make my own decisions, and I chose to follow my heart,” Mia said, smiling.

  “Aaron, I’m glad that you came. I think your story will help a lot of people,” Tiana added.

  “I’ll change your names so that your anonymity will be maintained.”

  “Thank you,” he said as he stood up and shook Tiana’s hand.

  She gave Mia a hug and watched as the two left, hand in hand.

  Tiana stretched and waited for her last couple.

  * * *

  “Denise and Jaivin, please report to Conference Room C.”

  Tiana promptly heard a knock at her office door.

  “Come in,” she said as she watched the door slowly open.