Autumn's Five Seasons

Chapter 1

Lem and I were the best of friends growing up. We both lived on the same block in Brooklyn and our mothers were best friends too. Thank God we liked each other because we were forced to do everything together.

Lem’s parents were originally from South Carolina and always dreamed of moving to New York City and raising a family. When they found out they were expecting Lem, plans were quickly made to move to the “Big Apple.”

Lem’s grandmother continuously complained about the move, she said, “I won’t talk to you anymore if you go” but their plans never changed.

“Oh momma, you’ll talk to me. You know Melvin got a good job waiting for him there.” Melissa said, kissing her on the forehead, as her mother continued.

“I mean it, Melissa. I’ll never forgive you if you take my grandchild away from me.” She yelled, “Most people pack up and leave big cities when they have children! Why do you always have to be so contrary, Melissa? Huh? Answer me!”

Lem’s mother, Melissa, smirked and said, “Because you know what they say about making it there and I want my baby to be able to make it anywhere momma.”

That’s why Lem was born and raised a resident of Brooklyn, New York. He and his parents moved onto my block in Bedford Stuyvesant before Lem was born. They lived in the brownstone directly across the street from my family. That’s actually how our families became so tight.

One day, my mother noticed his mom and crossed the street to talk. Mom said, “I hate to bother people, but I noticed you have this sweet little girl next to you and another one on the way. You look like you’re ready to pop. If you do and you need help, I’m right across the street.”

Melissa said, “That about to pop business would be funny if it wasn’t true, but I’m due any second so I may take you up on that offer. This little lady is Gail and we hope the popper is a boy named Lem.”

Our mothers were inseparable ever since. They also relived the ready to pop joke one year later when Lem’s mom was pregnant with his brother, Lamar. It showed up again another year later when my mom became pregnant with me.

From the time I was born, Lem and I were always together. We were always friends and became just as inseparable as our mothers. Through our adolescent years, Lem continued to be my best friend, but we began to develop a crush on each other.

We acted more like we were dating, even though we weren’t. I started acting jealous when he would talk to other girls. He noticed and started treating me like I was special. Lem always acted like the perfect gentleman that would never leave my side. That is, at least until the night of the fire.

I remember looking outside of my window, staring at Lem.

He was screaming and crying. He was standing in front of my house with his brother, sister and uncle. They were all hysterical.

I’ve thought about that night a lot because that’s the night I lost him. I always wondered about my best friend and wanted to know if he ever thought about me. That was the last time I saw Lem until we were adults.

Chapter 2

It was almost the end of Sunday mass, when Father Collin made an announcement. He said, “The church needs volunteers to help out with various tasks. Please contact the rectory office if you’re interested in assisting.” He continued, “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen. The mass has ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

A man seated in the front of the church jumped up, as if in a hurry. He exited his pew and stepped into the aisle headed towards the doors. That’s when I saw him; it was Lem.

From the moment Lem walked back in my life it should have been obvious that he was trouble. His very essence was like music to my senses. His strides were accompanied by music in my mind. Lem’s approach was like an unbelievably sexy musical. I couldn’t believe it was him. Lem’s rapture was immediately captivating. Had I been aware of anything other than his poetic body flow, especially being in church, I might have deemed this ravenous feeling a sacrilege and condemned it from the start.

Lem walked pass me, but not before making eye contact and displaying a faint smile.

I quickly thought what was that? That’s it! Did he recognize me? And what happened to the music? I wanted to run after him or at least watch him leave, but I refused to turn my head. I didn’t want to seem desperate.

It didn’t take long for the church to call the volunteers. I received my phone call quickly within two weeks. I was told a meeting was arranged in the church basement for the following month.

A small group of twelve assembled. It included Lem and Father Collin. The rest of the volunteers were women.

Father Collin said, “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming. The first thing I want to do is get you into groups of two. So, pair up and I’ll take the left over person.”

Lem stood up and the crowd anxiously stared to see where he was going.

I thought, There’s that music again, so rhythmic and inviting. I have to say something to him.

A lady yelled, from the back of the room, “Over here, sugar!”

I glanced backwards in disbelief. When I turned back around the music came to a scratchy halt, as if it were back in the day and a DJ just messed up the jam at a party, Lem was standing right in front of me. Slowly, his sexy theme song started in my head again. Apparently, it was one of those songs that rubbed you right at any speed. I was trying hard not to sway back and forth the way I do at a party when I want to dance with a guy. It was a difficult job, but I managed.

He asked, “Would you like to be my partner?”

I blurted, “Yes” way too fast, “Well, sure, if you want.”

Lem stated, “Yes, I want” as he smiled and sat down next to me.

Father Collin continued, “Your partner is the one you will work with the most. If one of you is not present for future meetings, the other will inform you of what was discussed.”

Lem leaned over and whispered, “I always thought we’d become an official couple, Autumn.”

I smiled and thought, he remembers me, then said, “I didn’t think you remembered.”

“Of course, how could I forget my best friend?”

“Nice.”

Father Collin glared at us as he continued, but I couldn’t stop smiling.

Lem leaned in again saying, “And that name. I remember that unique story you told me over and over about your parents love. Then you’d laugh at me and say mine wasn’t special.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. You know how kids can be.”

Lem said, “It didn’t bother me.”

I replied, “Good because the truth is, I always loved your name and its simplicity.”

Father Collin stared directly at us both, although he was talking to the group, when he said, “Everyone, please refrain from talking until I’m finished. It won’t be much longer. Come to the front and pick what you’ll be doing from the jar and then you can go, but before you leave, exchange numbers.”