by Kaley Marsh
Claudia kept staring at her ring during the 25 minute ride to Max’s parents’ home. “I can’t believe you planned all this…I can’t believe you spent all this money all at once.” Max glances at Claudia then back to the road, then to Claudia. “Hey! What is that supposed to mean?” They both laugh. Claudia runs her hand through the back of Max’s hair. “Thank you Baby. I appreciate all of it…I really do.” Max squeezes Claudia’s right knee with his right hand.
Both families welcomed the newly engaged couple with open arms, as soon as they entered the Charleston home. When Max met with Cyril, Cyril’s frozen look turned into a smile and he embraced the young man. Just before he released Max, Cyril whispered; “Don’t forget our deal. No less than 9 month engagement.” Max steps back, looks at Cyril directly, shakes his hand fervently and tells him; “Yes Sir…Yes!...I haven’t forgotten.”
A week passes since the engagement and celebration between families. Claudia called Candace and Angela that night while celebrating at Max’s parents. They both congratulated her. Candace immediately offered to help with planning the wedding, and Angela ensured that this was what Claudia wanted and was truly happy. Despite the positive feedback from two of her best friends, Claudia was still burdened with feelings of lost since her relationship with Anika had been restored.
Claudia decides to reach out to Anika. “Please call me Anika…maybe we can share coffee…I would really like to talk to you.” Claudia says on Anika’s voice mail. Claudia called Anika every other day before she heard from her. When they finally connected, Anika agrees to meet Claudia for coffee. “So, how are you doing Anika?...I missed you.” Claudia shares with Anika. Anika remains cold. “I am fine.” Claudia clears her throat. She realizes that this reunion was going to be more difficult than she expected. “Um, I wanted to share some news with you.” Claudia tells Anika. “Um, I know that you think Max…” Anika cuts her Claudia off. “I know Claude…” Anika says with a softened tone. “Angela told me…She wanted me to call you and congratulate you…I wasn’t sure you would want to hear from me…I wasn’t sure how I felt.” Anika says sadly. “Thank you for reaching out to me…Thank you for being the bigger person.” Anika continues. “I took forever to get back to you because I was thinking about the whole thing…I am happy for you Claude…Honestly.” Anika tells her best friend. “I have age old notions about crossing color lines where love is concerned but I realize that Max loves you and wants to honor you, not use you. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”
Claudia’s face lit up as she listened to her friend. “Oh Anika, it’s okay…I forgive you.” Claudia says as tears well up in her eyes. “I couldn’t do this without you…There would be a huge void if you didn’t take this journey with me...Thank you for all you’ve said…Can we be friends again?” Claudia’s voice trembles. “Most definitely!...I have missed you so much.” Anika responds with tears falling down her cheek. The two young women stand and embrace tightly. Their relationship was healed, and Anika took the 10 month journey, together with Candace and Angela, to Claudia’s and Max’s wedding.
On a clear blue Saturday afternoon the following June - 10 months to the date that Max made the deal with Cyril – Claudia and Max married at a luxurious garden on the property of a Jeffries family friend, 15 miles outside Columbia, South Carolina. Claudia wore a flowing lace trimmed gown with short sleeves, and satin teal trimmings at her waist which matched Anika, Angela and Candace’s teal pencil bridesmaid dresses. Max dressed in an all-white suit, complete with cowboy boots to display his individual sense of humor. Claudia now celebrated Max’s unorthodox humor. She found it complimented her sometimes rigid formality. The two were immensely in-love and their effervescent smiles were testament to this. Their family and friends also joyously rallied around the couple. Their love changed hearts, and brought two unsuspecting families together as they portrayed a transparent image of love, beyond lines forged by history and often perpetuated by society.
