2001 is a year that Chloe will never forget. So many things had happened within six months time!! She was a Special Education High School teacher, had two kids who were growing up fast, a grandmother whom she adored, living the single life and was loving it. Then, came DeVante'.But that wasn't all. August 25, 2001 was that day singer Aaliyah died in an airplane crash on her way back to the states from the Bahamas. She had just finished making the video for her new song, "Rock The Boat". Chloe and DeVante' sat in his car in awe that night as the radio dj announced the tragic news. This girl was at the prime of her life, had a great future in the music business, was a beautiful young black sister and now her life is over!!
It was then, Chloe decided that nothing mattered when it came to her living her life. God had blessed her with 34 years, some were bad, but she made it through all the bullshit in her life so far. She was feeling really grateful for all the things she had in her life. She was especially grateful that it finally looked as if God had sent her a man who could and would love her for who she was and one who listened to her every thought. It didn't matter that he was 13 years younger than she and that everybody was against their relationship. All she cared about was living her life. Working at the school, taking care of her two teen-agers, making sure they had the fliest gear, driving her red GrandAm and loving DeVante'.
Not only had the tragic news about Aaliyah affected her, but now, her grandmother was sick. At first, everyone just shrugged it off because everyone knew Ms.Flossie Singleton NEVER got sick enough to go the hospital. She was 92 and had the endurance of a 21 year old. Chloe was always amazed at how she struggled to keep up with her grandmother whenever they would walk through Wal-Mart!! The thought of ever losing her grandmother would just be devastating!! Ms. Flossie was the REAL matriarch of the Singleton family. Everyone of her grandchildren, great-grand, and great-great grand depended on her. She made sure of that. She would often stress how much she wanted them all to grow up, but in reality, she loved being needed. As Chloe walked into the house after DeVante' left that early morning, she could hear her grandmother calling her name. "Chloe. Is that you?' her grandmother asked.
"Yeah, grandma, it's me." Chloe responded.
"It's past three in the morning. You'd better be careful about being out so late with a man you don't know anything about. Especially a Memphis man." her grandmother warned.
Chloe smiled and shook her head. "Okay, grandma, okay. He's cool though. He's not like most men. We had a good time tonight and I think we'll being seeing a lot more of each other."
There was silence from her grandmother's bedroom. She had spoken and that was gospel. Ms. Flossie always warned her grand daughter of "city slickers". These were men who came from any city that was bigger than West Memphis or Jonesboro, AR.
"They'll take you off and kill you and nobody won't know where you at!" she would say. I don't think she ever had significant proof or knew of anyone personally this had happened to.
Chloe walked to the couch to rest. It had been a long, good night. She really liked DeVante', but it meant absolutely nothing. She was having a good time. As she pondered about her current situation, her daughter Bethany walked into the room.
"Mama, you had a good time?" she asked
"Yes, baby, Mama had a really good time. Did you hear about Aaliyah?"
Bethany dropped her head, "Yeah, I was sitting here watching MTV when they ran it across the screen. I can't believe it."
"It's kinda hard to deal with, but God knows best." Chloe assured her daughter.
Bethany was 15 years old and very mature for her age. She always had been.
Chloe remembered when she first found out she was pregnant with Bethany. At first, she was elated, then sad, then excited, then mad, then overjoyed all in one. She had prayed to God for a little baby girl. Chloe was an only child,which is another thing she and DeVante' had in common, and wanted someone to love. She knew she would be an excellent mother to her first born. She would make sure that Bethany would have all the things she had and more. Her prayers were answered in March of 1986 when her beautiful baby girl entered into the world. Nothing could or would ever compare to that experience. Bethany was her companion, her "road-dog", her best friend, her life. Trey, her son, was the joy of her life, too. He was born in 1991 in February. He came into the world being spoiled by her mother and grandmother. Anything that had to be done concerning Trey, they took care of it. She loved her children equally and was very proud of them. They both were A/B students and had been on the Honor Roll at school on many occasions. Yep, Chloe's life was together. Although she didnt have it all, she had enough to make her happy.
As Chloe and Bethany continued to talk, the phone rang. Who could be calling this time of morning. It was around 4 a.m. Chloe looked down at the caller ID. It was DeVante'! Oh, how sweet, Chloe thought, he's thinking about me. She smiled as she answered the phone.
"Hello"
"Hey, it's me, DeVante'" he replied.
"Yeah, I know. I have caller ID." Chloe laughed. He was so naive at times.
" I just called to talk to you before I get home. I'm still on the highway. I was thinking about you and the good time we had. Did you enjoy yourself?"
Chloe was impressed with this young tenderoni. He had more manners than the last four guys she had dated. Really.
"Yes, I had a wonderful time. You are a very sweet person." Chloe said.
" Thank you, I try to be. So, what did you enjoy about tonight, if I may ask?" Devante' said, fishing for compliments.
"Well, I really enjoyed the way you were enjoying yourself. I think you're cute and it's really cute how innocent you are. I have to remember you're 21."
"Why do you have to remember that? Is it because I'm more mature that guys my age or something? What about the sex? Did you enjoy that?"
" Oh, very much so. I've never had sex with a younger man. It was an experience, but you were the perfect gentleman, thank you" Chloe blushed as she thought about how he had made love to her a few hours earlier. " I just hope I was everything you needed me to be"
" Man, what? I really enjoyed it. I think I'm going to love having sex with you. Not to be disrespectful or anything, but I am hoping it happens again."
Chloe thought for awhile and smiled. This young man was very much into her and she was him; regardless of how much she didn't want to admit it. He made her felt unlike any other man she had ever known and he was only 21 years old. Throwing caution to the wind, and thinking she would only have this one chance she responded.
"I would love to see you again, Devante'. Just tell me when and we'll set up something.
This was on a Saturday night, early Sunday morning. Monday, the two of them talked all night. Tuesday, Devante was in Arkansas, ready to continue his pursuit of happiness with this older woman. This was a whirlwind affair in which neither party knew what he outcome would be and didn't care for that matter. All they knew is how the felt at that present moment. Devante was digging on her and Chloe was infatuated with him. That is all.
