Present Day

Eli took a break from the telling of his story, not because he was tired or thirsty but because of the part, he was about to tell Raine and her friends. During the telling of the story, one by one came out to listen until his wife joined them and helped him with their love story. She revealed things that no one outside her family knew. It felt right to tell the girls what really happened, he had a feeling they too needed advice besides Raine.
He turned to his right where his wife sat on the porch swing with his daughter, patiently waiting for him to continue. What he was about to say, she didn't even know about. This was the only secret he kept from her. Everything worked out in their favor but he still felt guilty about that night. 

"Baby? What's wrong?" she asked aloud. Automatically a smile bloomed on his face, the same way it did back when they were teens and every day with her by his side. "I love you, J," he returned. 

"I know that, silly. I love you too. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Rising to his feet, he moved across the deck and crouched before her. "No, my love. Listen carefully. I. Love. You. Since I was sixteen I knew you were special and that somehow I would have you in my life. We fell in love at a time where it was either about color or money but we stayed true to each other and had so much faith in each other that it rivaled most marriages. It's because of that, we are here today. Married, three great kids, a family that keeps on expanding, successful businesses, and pure happiness. If I never... If I... didn't do what I did..."

It clicked for Janine when she saw how vulnerable her husband became, he was struggling to tell her what was on his mind and it pertained to one of the worst nights of their lives.

"What did they do, Eli?" she asked in a whisper. Her heart was racing too fast, that night was one night she wanted to forget but it was the night that molded their future, their present. Placing his head on her lap, he took a deep breath and told her everything.

                                                                           *******

1988
Carlisle Mansion

Eli knew right away he was out of his league when the cab he took to this affluent neighborhood stopped at the address Janine gave him. Standing on the curb, he didn't press the intercom nor look around the neighborhood with interest, he simply stood beside the lamp post trying to calm his nerves. 
When Janine approached him that morning with so much excitement in her eyes and voice, he didn't have the heart to tell her that something was up. She was gushing about how her mother was actually listening to her and complimented her instead of criticizing her. He heard enough about Cora Carlisle to dislike the woman but Janine longed for the type of mother/child relationship he had with his mother and what she knew other kids had. Having her mother be interested in her relationship and in her likes was a dream come through for her. Coming to this dinner was all because he loved her immensely. At seventeen, he knew what was love and he had it with Janine. After tonight, all he wanted is to have a worry-free, drama-free relationship with his woman. 
Running his fingers through his wild brown hair and prayed to the gods above that something goes right for them, this time. Stepping forward he pressed the intercom button and was instantly answered by a cold polite voice. 

"Carlisle Residence. How may I help you?"

"I'm Eli Johnson. A guest of Miss Janine Carlisle for tonight's dinner," Eli responded with a roll of his eyes. Those were the exact words J told him to say, he jokingly said that she was trying to make him sound posh, he regretted when a frown marred her face. She only wanted him to be accepted by her folks and he was making an ass of himself. 

"To me and the world you are perfect but I know my parents will look for the tiniest thing to pass judgment on," she returned when he apologized. After that little scene, he listened intently to her on what to look out for and the topics they may raise.

"Mr. Johnson. Welcome. Please proceed."

The loud buzz of the security gate sounded and in he entered, walking up the path, then the stairs towards the now opening door. A dark-skinned man probably in his forties, stood beside the door in a stiff grey suit, welcoming him inside. No smile was on his face and his dark eyes were questioning as they tracked his every step.

"You must be Anthony. Janine mentioned you in our talks. I'm Eli," he said offering his hand to the butler. The man eyed Eli's hand closely, he didn't make an effort to accept his greeting, nor did the man say a word. Feeling foolish and slighted, Eli gave the man a sharp nod and stood to the side awaiting his instructions, he didn't even let the rich interior of the home feed into his curiosity, that will open a jar of worms, right there. "Miss Carlisle will be down soon. Please have a seat in the formal waiting room," the butler said motioning to his left. 

"Thank you," Eli said lowly already feeling uneasy. Stepping into the expertly designed waiting room that was obviously meant to show how wealthy the family was, Eli felt extremely shabby in his second-hand suit and borrowed dress shoes. A fire was burning, the flames danced in the ornate fireplace with the shining mantle that housed family photos. Wanting to take a look at her parents and siblings he rushed to it and took in his fill. He didn't dare touch the crystal frames but something unnerved him when he viewed each photo. In four of the photos, Janine was in, she was either hidden behind her mother or sitting down in a god-awful pants suit that drastically aged her. There was no brightness to her smile nor that happy light she had in her eyes whenever they were together, she was simply there. "Damn it, J. No wonder you want things to be right," he muttered to himself.

The obnoxious clearing of a throat brought him out of his musings. Standing in the doorway in impeccable dinner suits were none other than Janine's father and a gentleman who was probably his friend. Pasting a congenial smile on his face, holding his head high, Eli strode over to the men with all the confidence he possessed and offered them a handshake. 

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Carlisle. I'm Eli...."

"Johnson. Yes, I know. You may not know him but this is Blake Norman of Norman Productions," the older gentleman said watching his outstretched hand with a sneer and simply walking past him. His friend, Blake Norman did the same but with a condescending chuckle. Eli knew this was Trevor's father right away, that little uneasiness he felt got bigger not only by that but by the butler appearing at the entrance and sliding the pocket doors shut. The snap of the doors reverberated loud in his ears, stiffly he lowered his hand and turned to the men who were now sitting in armchairs, serving themselves cognac and eyeing him with so much high-handedness. 

"Any siblings, boy?" Blake asked rocking back into his seat.

"Yes, sir. Four younger ones."

"Your parents. They are divorced aren't they?"  Reginald Carlisle was the one to ask the question this time.

"Yes, sir."

"Your mother works really hard to not only care for five kids all in school but a mortgage to pay, bills, groceries, insurance so many things just to keep a roof over your head," he continued.

"Yes she does but..."

"Must be hard for her," Blake interrupted.

Eli didn't answer, he opted to gauge each man, sensing something wrong was about to happen. Looking over his shoulder, he silently wished for Janine to come bursting through those doors and let them get over the awkward dinner. 

"She isn't coming," Reginald said coldly. His comment made Eli's brows furrow in confusion. "Your acceptance of this dinner invitation showed how bold you are to not only show your face in a place you can never afford but the arrogance to think you can press this so-called relationship you have with Janine in my face. It was probably easy to get her, she has always been so naive and very foolish in her ways of thinking."

"With all due respect sir, please don't speak of my woman that way," Eli said through clenched teeth.

"Your woman? YOUR woman? Here that Blake, he thinks the girl is his. Boy, you have much to learn," Reginald said rising to his feet. Eli didn't see it coming all he felt was a pain in his jaw then a sharp knee to his stomach. He bit back a cry of pain when Janine's father grabbed him by his hair and threw him to the carpeted floor. On his hands and knees, he eyed the overly shined shoes of the man pace before him. 

"You will leave my daughter alone, indefinitely. Find someone more of your class and let her follow the plans we made for her. What the fuck do you know about taking care of a girl in her class? Her fucking shoes are probably how much your whore of a mother makes."

"Don't you dare talk about my mother that way." Before Eli can rise to his feet, a sharp kick to his stomach stopped him, taking a wheezing deep breath, he coughed holding his stomach withering in pain on the floor. "Thank you, Blake. As I was saying. Knowing you won't take this lightly, my friend and I came up with an incentive to keep you away from her. A very lucrative one. One hundred thousand dollars to break up with her tonight, telling her you no longer see you two working out and that differences were too much. Also that she's better off with Trevor." 

"NO! NEVER!" Eli yelled fighting to get up. Another punch was landed to his stomach but this time, Trevor's father held him upright to face the cold calculating face of Reginald Carlisle. 

"I see your type nearly every day with big dreams and low credit come into my banks asking for loans, unable to feed yourselves and the dozen trash babies you have with a slut from out of town. You won't be leeching off my daughter in the future you little shit. My money isn't worthy enough to be soiled by your hands."

"That hundred grand ain't yours?" Eli said with a smug grin.

"Trust me, it wasn't my money I was using to pay you off. Her mother had the check signed the moment Janine came bouncing home with the news of you accepting the invite. This was all too easy," the man said chuckling.

"I'm not leaving her. No amount of money can add up to what she really is worth. Not even both of y'all riches combine. I will sure as hell tell her what you did to me, let her know how fucked up you really are. She's happy, can't you see that?" Eli contested.

"She'll be happy with a rich black husband, her own mansion, and doing what she's told. That will be the kind of happy, she will have. Not a made-up one with you," Blake said twisting his arm behind his back.

"Who's going to be her husband? Your son? The egotistical abusive asshole? He hurts Janine, she will never agree to that," Eli yelled, trying to get out of the man's hold. Another punch landed in his stomach this time from Reginald.

"Enough. Never thought the ultimatum will have to be used. Refuse what we offer and the chief of police will receive a very frantic call from my wife stating our young sweet black daughter was raped by a  white man fitting your description at her school. The chief will be very sympathetic not because of him also being black but he had a very bad experience with you people." Reginald said all this with a smug smile. How can a father be so cruel?

"Imagine what will happen to your scholarship. Your family. Your poor mother," Blake added. Eli was frozen in shock, glaring at Janine's father. Though Blake brought up valid points, he was thinking of Janine and how that will affect her mentally and emotionally. The kids will be relentless in school, they will hurt her, her parents will be on her harder than before, with their notoriety, a false accusation will reach the media. Janine doesn't deserve that, he loved her so much, he rather sees her without him than suffer all that turmoil. Tears fell as he thought of the scenarios that may play out if he refuses their offer but if he does accept, they will tell her that he was paid off. He can assure that the men who were awfully cold-hearted will do that. 
Blake released him, stumbling till he can stand on his own, Eli stayed silent. 

"You have five minutes to decide," Reginald said.

"Please don't let her go with Trevor. Please. I'm begging you," Eli pleaded.

"You are in no way to make any bargains."

He stayed silent, fixing his now disheveled suit with his head hung low. The decision he made, he placed his faith in the love he shared with Janine and silently asked her for forgiveness in what he was about to do. This will crush her but it's the only way to protect her to a point. They will meet again. He hopes. 

"I'll do it," he said hoarsely.

"Wise choice..."

"I'm not taking the money. I-I will... I will break... break up with her," he forced himself to say. His hands shook upon saying those words, his heart ached at the thought of leaving her, his Janine, his queen. 

"Good choice. Clean yourself up, I'll send her in quickly. We have a dinner to attend, after all," Reginald said fixing his immaculate appearance. Eli didn't answer, he gingerly fixed his suit and listened as the men left. 

"Fuck," Eli gasped aloud rubbing the pain in his chest away. He was about to break the heart of the only woman he will ever love heart. He felt like a dick and a coward. He promised her everything would have been alright but he failed. Hastily he wiped the tears away that fell on his cheeks when he heard the doors open once again. Standing upright and clearing his throat, he turned to her after she excitedly called out his name. The bright smile on her face died immediately.

"What happened? Baby, are you alright? Who did this to you?" she demanded. His warrior queen. The fire was already blazing in her eyes, ready to defend and protect him, the same way he will do the same for her.

"Got into a little scuffle on the subway. I'm okay, baby. Hey, let me look at you. Gorgeous as always J," he complimented, loving the navy blue flared cocktail dress on her. Janine gave him a small smile but kept her gaze intently on him. Eli couldn't look her in the eye. He couldn't find the strength to do what he had to do. 

"Janine..."

"Eli, what's wrong?" she asked stepping closer to him but he stepped away. Janine froze, confused by his actions and behavior. 

"I love you so much, Janine Carlisle. I want nothing better than to finish high school with you and make our mark on the world together but that won't be possible..."

"Eli?" she whispered sensing where he was taking things.

"Y-you and I... Y-you and I... I'm so sorry J," he said trying his hardest not to break down. 

Janine didn't move, she can hear her heart shatter into a million pieces as she held the mournful gaze of the man she loved so much. Tears that she won't reach up and dry fell openly on her face. She couldn't think clearly, the only thing she was able to process was the fact that she was being dumped by the man who held her heart. 

"Please tell me you're joking, Eli. Please, tell me," she cried.

"Diff... differences between us... I mean...." Eli couldn't focus on the words, all he wanted was to pull her into his arms and run away with her but that damn logical side of him was still thinking clearly. Not caring how much longer he had with her, he did pull her into his arms and held onto her as she cried into his chest. "This isn't goodbye," he said softly in her ear.

"Then why does it feel that way. What did they do? Tell me, Eli. Tell me. You are not leaving me. It's you and I remember? Us. Just us. Please, Eli."

Her muffled cries were loud to his ears, each sob stabbed at his heart, she held onto him tighter and tighter not wanting to let go. Taking in her scent, the feel of her body, his mind, and thoughts were becoming clouded with the grief of being away from her. A heavy hand was felt on his shoulder, Janine's yells of protest registered to him along with two strong pairs of arms pulling his own arms away from her. "Let me go. Eli! Eli! Mother, stop it!"

"NO! NO! Not Yet! Please, give me some more time. Please!" he begged her father.  Frantically he searched for her, the butler and her mother were pulling her out the door with his name on her lips. The two men pulled him out the door next with his effortless struggles and called out to her. They placed both Eli and Janine a few feet apart, restrained, voices hoarse from screaming, wet faces by tears of frustration and anger. The night wasn't supposed to be like this. 

"Please! Let me go. Please. Daddy, please. I will do anything you ask of me, just let me be with him. I love him. Please," Janine cried. On her knees, begging her father she prayed he had some inkling of love for her as he stood watched over the scene he created. From the look on his face, Eli knew he won't give his daughter what she wanted. Eli turned his gaze back to her, the lost, broken look on her face will forevermore be on his mind. Fighting the men who were holding him back, he was able to land a kick on one of them, surprising the other whose hold got loose. Eli's focus was on Janine alone, scrambling on his hands and knees he was nearly there when a heavy body slammed onto him, stopping his movements. "I love you." His gaze didn't waver from hers as she silently cried, watching him being manhandled. Pulling him towards the exit, he never once stopped looking at her. Her screams registered in his heart, the pain on her face before she doubled over crying out to him. Eli didn't care that he was crying, he was leaving her behind. Before he can say something to her, he was spun around on the top of the stairs then pushed harshly down, tumbling head over heels before landing on the paved path. Pain coursed through his body, shaking his head to get rid of the dizziness, he slowly got to his feet. 

"Eli! Are you okay? Baby? Are you okay?" Looking up he saw her banging on the door, looking through the glass that was on the top part of the door. Forgetting the lancing pain on his side, he scrambled up the stairs and took peace in seeing her through the glass. The wide teary smile on her face eased his aching his battered heart but he saw the pain in her eyes, knowing it was the same in his.

"I'll wait for you. I promise. I'll wait," he shouted hoping she can hear him. 

He saw when she opened her mouth to speak then she was pulled away. The door swung open to reveal Reginald Carlisle. "Stay away from my daughter, you remember our deal," he said calmly. Giving him a nod of his head, Eli stumbled down the stairs, constantly looking over his shoulder as he made out of Carlisle's residence. Walking away from the place, he stood looking at the well-lit mansion, so beautifully made yet filled with so much cruelty.

 "I'm sorry, my love."

                                                                       ***********

Present Day

Everyone stayed in shocked silence. They all couldn't believe what the two went through, yet they were still strong in love. Janine's hand trembled as she cupped her husband's face and placed a soft kiss on his lips. The two held each other for a while, whispering words of love to each other as the truth that was revealed sank in. 
Eli rose to his feet and lifted his wife into his arms to claim her seat. "What happened next, mommy?" Shaye asked her mother while shuffling closer to her father. 

Janine held her husband's gaze. "They revealed to me why they actually invited Blake Norman to the dinner," she said sadly. Eli brushed his fingers along the contours of her face, tracing the laugh lines around her luscious lips and the small wrinkles by her eyes on her make up free face. They had their great moments growing together along with the fights that made them stronger as a couple. Janine never told him this part of that disastrous night, maybe just like him, she was looking out for both of them. Placing a soft kiss on her lips, he gave permission to continue the story.

                                                                    *********

1988
Carlisle Mansion

"Stop your blubbering," Cora yelled.

On her knees before her parents, Janine ignored her mother's order and cried for the damage done to Eli and their relationship. She knew the bruise on his jaw and his wrinkled suit wasn't some scuffle on his way here. Bile formed in her throat upon the sick realization that her father and his equally cruel friend attacked a mere teenager. Her mother successfully played with her heart and mind, foolishly Janine placed everything on her shoulders from what happened tonight. She shouldn't have believed the woman but how could she not. It was her MOTHER! For that one moment, she felt that motherly love but it was just all in her head. It was all her fault. 

"What did I ever do to you? I'm your daughter. Why can't you just treat me as good as Janice?"

"Don't make me answer that. There have been enough hysterics for one night. Reginald, make this quick," Cora huffed and strutted out the waiting room. Head low, Janine didn't dare look her father in the eye, whatever punishment that was coming her way, she will take it willingly. 

"I knew you were a disgrace to this family the moment you were born. I somewhat blame your mother for her family's bad genetics. Overweight and dark as burnt toast. I think we did you a favor with that white trash, he probably wanted the experience of a black girl to cross it off his list. You won't amount to anything on your own and it's time you learn that. Trevor told us of your wanton display at St. Lawrence with your unkempt hairstyles and inappropriate school uniform. Are you satisfied? You've embarrassed our family enough. Being a common black slut to a fucking white pauper. Are you happy now? Are you pleased with what you've done?" her father shouted.

Janine slowly raised her head, tears silently rolling down her face with her eyes boldly on her father's.
"I'll willingly do it all over again with a smile on my face," she said strongly.

She knew what was coming and prepared her mind and body for it. Her cheek heated immediately with the stinging contact of her father's hand against her face. Breathing through the pain as she looked over her left shoulder, Janine slowly returned her attention back to her father. That was his version of discipline, her older siblings were spared some of his punishments but that was all due to them putting the blame on her. Janine the outcast. The scapegoat. Why was she surprised upon the clarity of him pummeling Eli to get his point across? She was tired of it all. Tired of wanting their acceptance and love, the logical side of her was planning rapidly but that dying little girl inside of her was screaming out for them to love her. She blankly stared at the man as he ranted about the embarrassment and shame she brought upon his family. 

"..... The contracts are already drawn up. On your twenty-first birthday, you will marry Trevor...."

That part she definitely heard.

"Over my dead body!" she yelled. That earned her another slap. 

Blake Norman left the confines of his armchair and stepped beside her father. "He isn't getting a damn prize in a future wife but you will do. My boy is destined for great things at Norman Productions, you will simply be the showcase for him as a family man. Maybe you can do something good for your life and give him an heir to keep the family business booming. Don't worry you will be kept in the lap of luxury as long as you do as we say."

Janine didn't respond to Blake's plan for her life, she simply kept her defiant gaze on him before slowly turning to her father.

"And you. What are you getting out of this splendid deal? " she asked boldly.

She can see how little his restraint was, Reginald expects perfect obedience from all of his kids, his first two did as he was told but not her. Not the black sheep of the family. Janine was far from doing as they say to gain their love. Tonight's display showed her their love will never come. All she had to do was bid her time and stay under their radar. This place was no longer nor was it ever her home.

"Shares in the company and access to people who actually ruled the country," her father answered. Classic Reginald, always looking out for himself and the power he can have as a wealthy black man.
Janine shook her head slightly and placed her attention away from the men before her.

"You're done here. Go to your room, a tray will be sent up to you."

"Yes, father," she gritted out through her clenched jaw.  Rising to her feet, she stood with her shoulders back and eyed them both before leaving the room. After making two steps, tears burned her reddened eyes, the night was filled with so much emotional pain, she wondered if she can make it up the stairs to her room.

"Miss Janine, do you need anything for the night?"

Anger flared in her upon hearing the voice of the man she once trusted and looked up to. "You knew, didn't you?" She spat angrily at him when she looked over her shoulder. There he was, standing primly at the center of the foyer, his suit neat as ever, evidence of what he partook in wasn't seen. His impassive face did her in, she confided in him all her thoughts and everything about Eli.

"He isn't the right one for you, Miss Janine. I believe Master Trevor will be...."

"Because he's black. Trevor is right for me because he's black and already rich. Isn't that what you really mean, Anthony?" She interrupted.

The man sighed and looked at Janine with the most pitiful look on his face. "You're young and don't understand the world as yet. What you see as love is merely lust. You don't know what that boy has in his mind. Anyone can use you as a stepping stone and fake their affections, your parents are simply helping you grow. Imagine the slander the family's name will endure. I'm only looking out for your best interest," Anthony said in the most condescending tone. Nearly everyone believes she couldn't think for herself, that she was slow in every aspect. Thanks to them she can differentiate what was right and what was wrong in the world.

Her family was racist, snobby, bullies, and extremely selfish. 

"You just worded everything your employers are doing," she said. Those being her last words, she walked past the dining room where dinner was being served, the doors were wide open allowing her to see her mother and, no surprise, Trevor chatting with each other. Shaking her head at the ploy her parents executed, Janine quickened her steps to her room and locked herself in. For good measure, she barricaded herself in and put her plan to paper.

St. Lawrence student body found themselves in the midst of a gossip mill. Eli and Janine's absence sparked a lot of controversies and two well-known students were leading it all. Word has it that the new couple ran away with each other unable to face reality. Another was Eli losing his scholarship due to his unfair attack on Trevor. One rumor floating around stemmed from Arlene and her friends that Janine was hiding in embarrassment from their altercation. No one really knows the truth but the teaching staff was somewhat aware of both students' absence. They will admit that they found it odd both Eli and Janine requested their classwork for the week to be emailed to them due to certain reasons. 
The Dean was worried but she was assured by both students' parents that they were simply sick. She didn't ask each parent about the other because she knew of the tension around the interracial relationship. The teachers all knew about the couple and were silently rooting them on, the two were deemed exceptional students and they vowed to help them any way they can.

Eli and Janine had no idea the other was missing school. For him, Eli couldn't focus on schoolwork nor could he face anyone at school. He missed Janine fiercely and feared if he sees her in the hallway at school, he will forget all about her father's threat and do something completely irrational. Returning home that night, his mother said nothing even though she saw his bruised jaw and untidy clothes. He kept silent on the situation for two days before he told her. Eli told her everything which resulted in so many emotions and words from his mother. At the back of his mind, he thought this will be a setback to his mother accepting Janine but it all faded away when she asked of her. He told her the truth, he told her how they saw their daughter and the plans they had for her. She was trapped in her own home. While confiding in her, Eli was thinking of a plan to have Janine back in his arms once more. This time he won't be letting her go. 
He spent his week working on construction sites and learning what he can from Randy, plus doing repairs at home. The manual labor and the loud sounds from the job sites drowned his pain and distracted the doubts. He believed in the love he shared with Janine, this wasn't the end for them. Though his plans will take some time, all he had to build on was faith and trust in the woman he loved.

Janine's week was filled with doubts, anger, relief, and a new sense of self. The day after the disastrous dinner plans, her mother demanded to see her. She obliged the woman who had nothing good to say as usual and kept talking of her future. Janine stayed quiet the entire hour and made one statement before she left her mother's sitting room.

"I don't think I will be able to go to school with bruises on my face, mother."

"Of course, you can't. Think of the questions that will be raised. You shall stay home until they fade away. I will simply inform them of your absence. Now go," Cora said dismissing her. A small smile was on her face when she made her way back to her room. That day was spent putting her plan in motion. She was scared to do the first step but it was her choice. A diary was started to document her decision and what took place to lead her to what she was about to do. Janine believed it will help her, seeing as she had no true friend to confide in. She only had herself.

The next three days she was the perfect daughter, her older siblings visited home and she was able to relive the pain of that night thanks to her father regaling his obedient kids of their little sister's screw up. 
It was mid-week when she felt even more confident with her plan when she saw everything coming together. Only one person knew of her plans and she was surprised when the woman supported her wholly. Promises were made between them and Janine made it a duty to keep those promises. She was tempted to contact Eli but she had to do this on her own, his silence didn't worry her. She knew he was probably protecting her like he always does and always will. What she was about to do, he can't have any part of it. It must be her plans only. The day before her plan finally goes into action, it was a Thursday. On those days her mother always has her friends over for brunch and gossip, idly over breakfast she mentioned going to Freddie's shop to get new respectable uniforms made. Her mother immediately agreed and gave her advice on which she should relay to her tailor. Covering up her bruised cheeks well, she dressed modestly and went on her errand. The outfit was simple and to her mother's standards, she was sure to please her mother as to not bring any suspicion. 

Instead of Freddie's storefront, Janine made her way to Althea's home with everything she will need for the next day. Pressing the buzzer with her friend's name on it, she was granted entry immediately. Althea lived on the third floor of a historical rental building, situated in a middle-class area of New York with its own courtyard and eclectic neighbors, it was a place Janine knew she will fit in. Reaching the designated apartment, Althea was already waiting for her outside of the elevators. The hug she received, eased all the tension and worries she accumulated the past few days. "Thank you. Thank you for helping me," she sobbed into the woman's shoulder.

"I'm simply paying it forward. Come. Ice cream helps with what you went through. We can talk it over while we pig out."

Janine giggled at the woman's enthusiasm and followed her in.

                                                                             **********

"Again. Are you sure about this? You know my parents..."

"I can handle myself if they do find out. Now that we have your room set up, all your important documents, our stories are perfect for the what-ifs, the issue of school, financials. We are all set," Althea said.

Taking a deep breath, Janine rose from her seat and began to pace. Wrapping her arms around her waist as a comforting hug, she longed for Eli so much. She was doing this not only for them but for her. There will be repercussions to her actions and that's where her doubt in her plan lays. 

"School won't be the same. Word will get out that I left home. My parents will do everything in their power to get me back home. They may even attack Eli and his family, I don't want anyone to hurt," she said worriedly.

"I understand your fears, sweetie and I also understand why you wish to leave home. It's not an easy decision. A lot of teens do it every day in order to be safe or simply rebellion. Why are you leaving everything behind? Not only your grand home but the rich lifestyle, you're practically giving u a life most kids your age will love."

"I'm leaving my home to protect myself and to find my own path. Also, I'm following my heart," she said with her head held high.

"I may not have gotten help in escaping my drunk and abusive mother but I'm here to help you any way you can. Some may call me out to be a bad influence or bad role model for helping a minor leave home but I don't care. Freddie and I got a look at what really happened in that ivory castle. You have people in your corner. Remember that."

The two stayed in silence enjoying the sounds of the outside coming through the double doors from the balcony. Janine reclaimed her seat and turned to Althea. "Do you miss her?" she asked.

"Every day. I still wish that she will call and apologize for everything she has ever done for me. Tell me that she loves me. No matter what happens they will always be our mothers and we will always want their approval and love. It's how we're biologically made up. Having your mother's love somewhat makes you whole."

Pulling up her legs to her chest, Janine looked around her future home, she reminded herself once more why she was leaving home at the age of seventeen. This was for the best.

                                                             *******

Janine picked at her meal, feeling nervous and anxious throughout the entire family dinner. This time the dinner welcomed Blake and Trevor to their table. She couldn't stomach to look at the boy who is practically her future husband. He wore a stupid smirk on his face and kept wanting her attention. She ignored him and forced herself to eat the 'healthy' meal her mother had the chef create separately for her.

"Janine. Don't you have something to say to Trevor? It will be nice if you two can actually have a meal together with eye to eye contact," her mother voiced. The comment that was on her tongue will cause a lot of drama and she had no time for that tonight. 

"It's nice to see you, Trevor," she answered, reverting to the docile submissive daughter her parents wanted.

"We all missed you at school. Any idea as to when you will be back. Talk has started that you and that boy ran away together," he said with a mocking laugh. 

Her father gave a scoff of disgust while her mother voiced how preposterous that will be. Janine was holding back her curious nature, wanting to ask about Eli. From Trevor's little information, he too hasn't been at school all week, which changes her plans slightly. 
"She'll be back at school on Monday and back to her old self," Cora added sending her a meaningful look. She returned a firm nod and refocused on her meal. The talk moved from simple company investments to the degrading of people below them. Trevor was the more vocal of the four with her father coming in second. 
After dinner, they all settled in the sitting room having fake conversations but Janine felt mighty uncomfortable with Trevor beside her. He kept touching her thigh inappropriately and began whispering insulting and very sexual things in her ear with a smile on his face. She didn't give in, she kept her face impassive while moving his hand away no matter how many times he did it. His touch and presence were unwelcomed, Janine believes no other man's touch will feel right besides Eli's. He was the one she will love, the only one she will marry. A smile touched her lips thinking of the purchase she made on her way back home the day before. She couldn't wait to see him again.

"Well, look at that, you've finally accepted it all," she heard her father say. That's when she realized she was actually smiling at whatever Trevor was saying. Going along with what was happening she made herself not cringe and leaned into Trevor. 

"We're going to have so much fun," Trevor said into her ear, squeezing her thigh with a hand that was too close to her feminine area.

"Yes, we are," Janine said but it wasn't her and him she was pertaining to.

After a long two hours tending to the Normans, the Carlisles called it a night. Janine locked herself in her room and packed her backpack with whatever valuables she couldn't live without. Left in her opulent room was everything she couldn't really get used to. The flashy jewelry, the fashionable clothes that were never her style, shoes that were meant for the catwalk and not the streets of Manhattan, make-up in which she never got around to like, and decor only her mother approved of. Nothing in that room showed who she really was. She will always be thankful for the roof over her head, the clothing, and the food that was given to her but she had to leave. The abuse and forceful upbringing weren't what she asked for nor can handle anymore. It was time to make her own path. 

Making sure everything was pristine, Janine decided to take a little nap to pass the time, it was still early hours to the household and she practically knew the house staff's schedule. 

Three hours later found Janine sitting on her bed, backpack on her back, and her head wrapped in a black headscarf. Her simple outfit of jeans, trainers, a dark sweater along a new jacket she recently purchased was enough to let her pass as another kid on the street. The letter she wrote to her mother was propped up on her pillow, she knew her parents' retaliation when they are notified that she's missing. Everything was planned and she was ready for the outcome. Rising to her feet, she gave her room one last look and easily opened her room door. 

The floor her room was situated on was known as the children's area. All three of the Carlisle children grew up on this floor, held by nannies after nightmares, fed their night bottles as kids by maids, and supervised by said maids upon dressing themselves. Their parents never came down to say good night or have a chat, it was all said either in the sitting room or their office. 
Taking the front stairs, Janine noiselessly went down the winding staircase the way her mother said young ladies should walk. Reaching the foyer, she looked around at the darkened rooms and halls, knowing how everything was positioned, memories, though not nice ones assaulted her. Oh, how she wished she was feeling sad by leaving but she wasn't. She wasn't sad at all. 
Listening for any roaming maids or butler, she walked to the front door and unlocked all three deadbolts and chains, and slid out the small opening she made for herself. Using her house key, she made a quick succession of locking the deadbolt and rushing down the stairs with her heart pounding in her chest. The last part wasn't that tricky because she calculated what she had to do next.... the security gates were the only security her father egotistically had installed. He believed they lived in the safest and richest neighborhood of New York. House alarms, 24/7 security personnel were a waste of time and money for the man.
Placing her house key in the mailbox and tightening the straps of her backpack, she walked along the iron wrought fence until she reached the old tree she used to play under when she was younger. She still remembered how to scale the tree, placing her feet at the little knots formed over the years then pushing herself to the concrete pillar that connected the iron fence around her family's property. Sitting on the pillar she can see clearly the empty streets with the bright street lights. Taking a deep breath, she jumped, landing on her feet and bouncing lightly to steady her posture.
Keeping her head down, she walked down her street and turned the corner, mindful of anyone following her or happened to look outside their windows during the nights of insomnia. 

Three blocks.

Three blocks she walked away from her childhood home with a pocket knife in one hand and a small can of mase in the other, hidden in the pockets of her jacket. Turning the last corner, she saw the familiar car of Freddie and Althea, staying under the covering of a building she waited for five minutes before she can see the woman leaving the car checking her watch also. Janine walked out of the covering, still looking over her shoulder as she approached Althea. 

"Right on time. Let's get out of here. Don't want the cops to catch us out here."

With her friend's arm around her shoulders, some of the tension and fear of being caught dissipated. Climbing into the backseat, Freddie turned from the driver's seat and handed her a hot drink, he knew she will need it. 

"Alright, little princess?" he asked in a very brotherly tone. In the dark confines of the car, she knew his eyes held worry for her. Althea was made to tell him their plans only tonight, he will worry over every little detail and stress himself out.

"I am now. Thank you, both of you," Janine said wholeheartedly.

"No big, I've always wanted to 'kidnap' a little sister," he joked. 

Shaking her head, she allowed herself to relax into the plush seat of the car and enjoyed the drive to her new home. 

                                                     ********

 The next day was practically the weekend and Eli was practically ordered to take the day home and rest by Randy. Still in the throes of sleep, shouting from his mother woke him up along with his little sisters' cries. His brother Eric's shouts of 'She's not here' shot a spike of alarm in him. Bolting up from his bed, he quickly glanced at the clock at his bedside then ran up the stairs that opened up to the kitchen's hallway.

"Mom? Eric? What's going on?" he shouted searching for them only to be approached by uniformed officers. Taking note of the room, his brother Eric was standing before his mother while she shielded the little ones.  Two officers were standing in front of them with their hands on their guns, one was looking around in spots he was allowed to go and another was standing near the door, surveying everything.

"Are you Eli Johnson?" the officer by the door asked.

"Yes. Can someone tell me what's going on?" he asked not moving from his spot.

"I'm Officer Daniels. I have a warrant here to search your home for a missing person in an ongoing case," the man said in a bored tone.

"Missing person? Here? Who are you looking for? What do we have to do with your case?"

Daniels looked between Eli and his mother before talking. "Is there somewhere we can talk privately?"

Eli frowned. 

"You can look for whoever you're looking for after we talk. At least stop scaring my brothers and sisters," he pleaded. The man eyed his colleagues who backed away and stood in the corner of the sitting room. 

"I will have to ask your family to stay where they are until we are done speaking," Daniels stated.

"Mom?" Eli said aloud in a questionable tone. She warily gave him a nod and corraled the kids on the sofas putting on their cartoons. Eli led the officer to the kitchen and sat down at the table. Officer Daniels didn't say a word until he felt it was right. His eyes kept searching the room probably looking for their missing person. The clock showed it was nearing eleven in the morning, it has been a while since he slept in. 

"Can you tell me where have you been early hours of this morning?" the officer began.

Raising an eyebrow,  Eli relaxed and answered the man honestly. "Dreaming of graduating and getting married to my high school sweetheart."

"So you were at home?"

"Yes, sir. I was at home, in my bed under thick blankets dreaming about my life."

Officer Daniels sat up in his chair and pinned Eli with a cold stare, the teenager blankly returned his stare wanting to go back to sleep but he was curious as to why cops were in his house. Not until the man before him came outright with his questioning.

"When was the last time you have seen Janine Carlisle?"

"Excuse me!" Eli shouted. Thoughts of Janine being hurt or somewhere out in New York scared and alone bombarded his mind. Why was she missing? Did someone kidnap her as leverage to her parents? What happened to his Janine?

"Answer the question, kid."

"Last Friday night at her home," he answered in a dazed tone. 

"At her home?"

"Yes. I was invited to a family dinner but..."

"But..." Officer Daniels pressed.

Finally looking at the cop after his curiosity was satisfied, he told the man what happened that night. The version he also told his mother. "It was a dinner invite from her parents, a way to show and tell me that I wasn't good enough for their daughter. Also, we were ..... we had to call an end to our relationship."

"So you mean to tell me, you haven't made contact with Miss Carlisle since last Friday?"

"No sir. I've been busy with work all week with my godfather."

"I see. Do you know any of her friends?" Daniels asked.

"No, sir."

"Was Janine your only girlfriend? Any exes who will want to hurt her?"

"Were there evidence at her home that says she was attacked there?" Eli countered, trying to understand what was happening. His Janine was smart and always thought things through. She wouldn't simply go missing, plus was it past 24hrs since she was missing?

"I can't discuss the case..."

"Janine lives on the upper side of New York, the rich folk side. Is this case even in your jurisdiction? Is it past twenty-four hours since she's missing and am I the only one being questioned? Who actually placed me on the person of interest list? Janine isn't here. You can have a look around if you like. She isn't here," Eli calmly stated. Outside he was calm, inside he was worried and anxious about her whereabouts.

"We are simply following protocols. You don't seem upset that your ex-girlfriend is missing."

"Oh I am but I don't believe she's missing," was all he said. The officer eyed him for a moment, searching for something but couldn't seem to find it, huffing in annoyance, the man left the table and returned to his colleagues. Eli stayed in the kitchen and wondered about Janine's true location and what happened after that night. He knew he wouldn't get a call or email from her because of her folks but for her to be missing, that worried him. Where could she be?
He didn't know how long he sat there but he was long enough for the cops to do their search, question his family, and leave empty-handed.

"Sweetheart, why don't you go take a shower and head back to bed? I'm sure wherever she is...."

"She's safe. Something happened and she left. I know she did. She's stronger than they think she is. I know my Janine. She's up to something, I know she is," he said vehemently, cutting off his mother.

Emily sat in the chair opposite her son and gave him a gentle smile. His trust in the girl was one of a mature mind, any other teenager may have buckled under what they went through but he stood by the girl's side all these months. "You think whatever happened when you left made her leave?"

"Yes."

"Okay, son, I'll keep an eye out for her if she drops by," Emily said with a smile

What else can she do than support her son? He stood up for her, lied about what really happened at that house, and was currently holding out hope and bearing patience to whatever she planned without him. He loved Janine so much that he asked permission to renovate the basement. His own temporary space, he called it, for whenever she visits. Randy and a few men he worked with have been helping him with the construction, she even helped with upgrading his furniture anyway she can. It's the least she can do for her son. He held the position as head of the household for so long, it was time he was blessed in the right possible way. 

"Thanks, mom. You're the best."

                                                                            *******

School the next week was crazy, the first three days cops from the nearby precinct pulled each student Janine had classes with and the teachers that taught her into questioning. They even called in Eli when word got around that he was back in school. For his second questioning, the officer seemed more bored than concerned about Janine's whereabouts. That's when he truly confirms his thoughts that she simply left home and her parents wanted her back but why? 
On the other hand, Trevor was giving him a wide berth which he didn't care about.
The entire school week was energy-draining for him, he knew he had to focus on his studies but his mind was on her.  The stares and whispers were getting to him though, for a school that catered for the smartest of minds and give top-class education, their imaginations are very dull. Apparently, he killed Janine and hid her somewhere out of state, oh, he kidnapped her so she won't go back to Trevor and the best one was currently him having Janine in his trailer home pregnant and has been blackmailing her parents. 
Eli found them all amusing but he was too tired to laugh. 

Two weeks he hasn't heard from her, a week that the cops showed up at his house with the news that she was missing. He no longer found the strength to go to work nor do the little renovations around the house. Eli simply missed her. That day he woke feeling so out of sorts, he skipped breakfast and watched cartoons with Eamon and the girls. He simply wanted to be alone with his thoughts. The dark clouds in his mind were trying to make him believe that Janine gave up on him, on them. In his heart, he knew that wasn't true but he couldn't stop the thoughts. Needing to clear his head, he made his way to a nearby park he loved to simply sit and enjoy. 
The cheerful laughter and families strolling about didn't lift his mood, finding his favorite bench, he sat at the same spot he did when he brought her there. Looking down on the wooden slabs, he smiled when he saw their initials carved into the bench. Janine suggested that they do one cheesy thing to make their high school relationship and that's what they did. Carved J+E =4ever with a heart around it. She commented on their little masterpiece, saying that they sent their relationship status to the universe, which meant no one can break them. Eli laughed at her silliness but at the back of his mind, he prayed it will be true. 
Covering their initials with his hand, he opted to spend some time at their spot and try to clear his mind. 

                                                                        ******

"You haven't been sleeping well." Hearing her voice after such a long time made his heartache. He swore he can feel her warmth, her touch but he wouldn't jinx it. She was there in his dreams, she was with him.

"No. I miss you so much, J."

"I'm sorry but I had to do it." The remorse was in her voice and all he wanted was to hear her laugh or that teasing voice she did whenever she made something for him.

What he thought was a dream turned out to be real when he felt her small warm hands over his and her body pressed against him. Jolting from the little doze he found himself in, he looked to his right and was frozen to the spot in shock. His Janine was right here. "J? Baby, you're alright," he said aloud before wrapping his arms around her. She did the same also, tightening her hold on him till heart-wrenching sobs escaped her. He too couldn't help it, silent tears ran down his face at the fact that she was here with him. She didn't forget about them. She still loved him. 

"I love you. I love you so much, Janine," he said aloud as he cupped her face in his hands. Drying her tears, he noted the dark circles beneath her eyes but that shine of happiness filled them. 

"I love you too. I'm sorry that you were pulled into this. I know they would have included you in one of their schemes but they didn't expect me to walk into the station stating that I was safe and left my home of my own free will.  I couldn't stay there knowing what they did to you. Are you alright though?" The worry in her eyes as she began assessing his face and touching his chest looking for any sign of pain from him made him laugh and cry at the same time. Kissing her lips firmly, he silenced her concerned muttering which changed into a long content sigh. 

"Enough about me. What about you? Where are you staying? Are you really okay? What about school? Did you drop out? J, please tell me you didn't," he said against her lips. It was her turn to silence him with a desperate kiss of her own. 

"I'm fine, baby. Trust me. School tuition is fully paid, they always pay for the entire high school career so I'm good. I'm staying a couple of blocks away from here, it's a good way from school but I learned the route. I saw you one day when I was learning them. I wanted to call out to you but I had to wait until I end all ties with my parents. Your route to school and mine, cross paths, we can go to school together, we don't have to wait till we see each other at lunch. Moneywise, I'll make do. All that matters is the fact that we're together. We're free, baby."

Eli liked the sound of that. They can be together without any interference. He pulled her back in his arms not wanting to let her go. She was his present and his future, his life. 

"Eli?"

"Yes, my love," he answered. 

Janine gently pulled out of his hold and took one of his hands in hers. "While I was planning to leave home and hiding out that entire week, my mind was on you, my soul missed yours and my heart ached to be near yours. We went through things no one should ever go through but I know it's far from finished. A black girl loving a white boy, disgusting to some but to us, it's beautiful. A beautiful union. I promised myself that I will do this when the dust has settled."

He watched on as she got to her feet, took a deep breath then lower herself to one knee. His brows shot up in surprise, Janine chuckled nervously as she pulled out a simple black leather box. "I love you and I will never stop. Eli Johnson, this ring is my promise to you. A promise of never giving you up. Loving you no matter what. Caring for you and give my heart to you. Also, a promise of forever. Will you be my boyfriend and future husband?" The reverence in her voice made everything sacred. How can he deny her the answer she longed for? How can he ever deny her anything? She was his queen and will always be his. He will give her the world.

"Of course, I will," he answered, chuckling when she slid her ring on his finger. A ring he will never lose or take off. The white gold band was simple minus the dark engraving of TAKEN on it. Janine just branded him for life and he didn't mind. 

Rising to his feet, he pulled her up and claimed her full lips, taking in her scent and loving her curvy body against his. His girlfriend and future wife, he can live with that. 

"My gorgeous queen. All mine."

She surely was.