Free Precious Stones by Darrien Lee Page B

kitchen for now. We should be eating shortly.”
    Michael smiled and gave his teenage cousin a loving hug. “You look all grown up now. Have I been gone that long?”
    Arhmelia twirled around and said, “I do look good, don’t I?”
    â€œYou do, and if I catch any knuckleheaded boys talking to you, there’s going to be hell to pay.”
    Arhmelia giggled.
    â€œI bet you’re anxious about leaving for college next year, huh?”
    â€œYes, and I can’t wait,” she answered as she put the wine bottles on ice and began placing the utensils on the table.
    â€œIs Spelman still your first choice?” Michael asked.
    â€œOf course,” she answered. “Momma would freak if I didn’t at least have it as one of my top choices.”
    He laughed and said, “Well, it is her alma mater.”
    â€œI know but an all girls’ college? I don’t know about that.”
    Michael gave her a kiss on the forehead and said, “I understand, but you’ll be fine. Besides, Morehouse is right down the street, and there’s Georgia Tech, Emory, and so many more colleges in the area. Spelman has a rich history, and it’s an excellent school.”
    Arhmelia finished setting the table and said, “I guess, but enough about me. How are you doing?”
    Michael took a deep breath and picked up the tray, and together they walked toward the kitchen.
    â€œI’m good,” he answered as he sat the tray on the countertop.
    â€œYou look good, considering everything you’ve been through. I was so worried about you,” she admitted, her voice cracking as she held back her tears.
    He hugged her and said, “That’s so sweet, Arhmelia. I thought about you guys all the time. That’s the only thing that got me through it.”
    Arhmelia stepped out of his embrace and wiped away a stray tear.
    â€œWhat is that look for?” he asked as he sampled the icing on a red velvet cake.
    â€œDid the thought of anyone else help you with your ordeal?” she asked.
    â€œOkay, who are you talking about?”
    â€œListen, Michael, I know things with you and Keilah ended kind of crazy. I felt bad for both of you, because I love you and I really like her, so I went to see her.”
    â€œYou saw Keilah? When?”
    â€œA few months ago. I wanted to see how she was and if she had forgiven you.”
    He folded his arms and asked, “Is that so?”
    â€œI hope you’re not mad.”
    â€œI could never be mad at you, Arhmelia, even though I don’t agree with you going to see Keilah. I really hurt her. What I did was unforgivable.”
    Arhmelia took Michael by the hands and said, “I know you hurt her, but everyone deserves a chance for forgiveness.”
    He thought about how mature his cousin had become. He picked up the centerpiece of red, orange and yellow flowers and made his way into the dining room where he placed it in the center of the table.
    â€œWell, are you going to tell me what you guys talked about?”
    â€œShe really didn’t want to talk about you or what happened between you guys, but she does seem very happy. She showed me a picture of her daughter.”
    That comment immediately got Michael’s attention. “Daughter? She has a daughter?”
    â€œYes, and she’s so pretty, Michael,” Arhmelia admitted.
    Michael turned and looked out the window at the Randolphs’ backyard. “How old is she?” he asked curiously.
    â€œI think she said she’s a year old. She sure is cute. She looks like a Gerber baby,” Arhmelia told him, referring to the babies used in the Gerber baby food commercials.
    Michael quickly went into deep thought and did the math in his head. There was a strong possibility that he could be the father of Keilah’s child. Yes, they had used protection, but nothing was 100 percent effective. Now that he knew she had given birth to a daughter, he