Free Fall Black In Love 1: When Henry Met Millie by D. Camille Page B

not a bad thing Honey. It’s a good thing.” Irma smiled wickedly. “A very good thing.”
      “Promise me you’ll be responsible. Most girls expect the guys to do it, but you’ll be the one taking care of a baby.” Irma released her hand.
      Millie nodded. Although Irma could be a pain, Millie could always count on her to tell her the truth and she appreciated that. Irma was not ashamed of her ‘experience’ and took care of her business at school, work and home. Millie admired her for that.
      The women hit the field in the last inning of a scoreless game. At Millie’s next bat, she could hear the crowd behind her cheering her on. Taking a deep breath, she stepped up to the plate. In her mind, she heard Henry’s voice in her ear… relax and watch the ball .
      Lifting her bat, she focused on the ball. When she swung and heard the crack, she froze as the entire crowd went silent. When it landed over the fence, the bleachers erupted. Millie screamed as she began to run around the bases. Pointing at the crowd as she crossed each one, she jumped on home plate and her teammates surrounded her, making her disappear in the huddle.
      When she emerged, the fans cheered and she walked over to the bleachers removing her cap. She gave her bow then looked up at Henry and smiled as he clapped for her. Putting a hand to her lips, she sent him a kiss. He smiled down at her as Bill watched from the other side.
      The team headed to the locker room laughing and screaming. The bleachers started to clear as a celebration party for the team was planned back at the college. Henry waited since he would drive Millie to the party. The school had decided to give the girls a party regardless of a win, to thank them for their hard work.
    Bill approached and Henry looked up. “Hey Henry.”
      “Bill.”
      “You waiting for Honey?” Bill asked.
    Henry nodded. “Yep.”
    Bill smirked. “I guess I’ll see you at the party then.”
      “I’ll be there,” Henry responded.
      Henry watched Bill walk away and continued to wait for Millie. Fifteen minutes later, she emerged and he held out his arms to her which she walked into and placed head against his chest.
      “Congratulations Millie! I’m so proud of you.” Henry hugged her tightly.
    She glanced up at him. “I guess the practice did help,” Millie admitted waiting for him to kiss her.
      “I told you,” he bragged then stepped back distractedly looking at his watch. “We should go.”
    Millie watched him closely. “You were late for the game.”
    Henry lowered his head. “I know. I’m sorry.”
      “Come on Honey! The star needs to show up at the party.” Her teammates called heading to the parking lot.
      “Let’s go. You don’t want to miss your party,” Henry told her and she agreed slowly.
      He took her hand and led her quietly to where he’d parked. For the life of her, Millie felt that something was off. Henry wasn’t acting like Henry. She pulled away as they reached the vehicle and turned to him.
      “What is it?” she demanded.
    He looked confused. “What is what?”
      “What are you hiding? You’re acting strange and you were late for the game!” She accused.
      “How am I acting strange Millie? We’ve seen each other for all of five minutes.”
      Millie folded her arms. “You tell me you don’t want to see me because I need to focus, then you show up acting like I’m a stranger or something!”
    Henry opened the car door. “Don’t do this Millie. Let’s go to your party.”
      Fuming Millie climbed inside and stared out of the window while he climbed in the other side. Henry placed the key in the ignition and paused.
      “Millie, we’ll talk later.” Henry promised.
    He reached into the back seat and produced a large bouquet of flowers. “These are for you.”
      Millie looked over as he handed her the bouquet of roses. She put them to her nose and inhaled the sweet fragrance. “Thank you Henry.”