Forbidden (Completed) EDITING - Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Omniscient
"Congratulations, Baby!" Erica said as she wrapped her arms around Demarcus.
"Thank you, babe." He kissed her cheek.
Demarcus completed the degree he had set out to complete before he dropped out. He now has his bachelor's degree in Business Administration. The journey before he met the love of his life had been a tough one. With Erica by his side encouraging him that he could do this even before they became an item stuck with him.
Erica also guided his decision to cut all ties with Senator Richardson. She kept having these dreams and or visions that were eerie. Something she had never experienced. Rightfully so, he quit and six weeks after. Senator Richardson's location of operations had been raided and everyone involved had been taken in.
Including Senator Richardson.
The past year for Demarcus and Erica had been nothing short of extraordinary. They have officially been together for a year and a few months. Of course not counting the beginning of their love affair when Erica was still married. The two of them never expected their relationship could get any better and it did.
That summer in London was a turning point for their relationship. Being in a new world, created old problems. They learned things about each other that they were unaware of that might could cause future problems.
They worked through it. Not to mention the sex in London hit a little different.
Erica enjoyed this year off. It's what she needed. She had planned on finding another teaching job in the states after London but honestly she didn't feel like it. A year off wouldn't hurt her finances in the least. Due to the alimony and her own savings.
Being in London and teaching black students from different countries. Them being exempt from learning about American black history in depth like she had taught them. Opened her eyes. The most wonderful thing of it all. She had been offered to return for another three months this summer.
"Congratulations, D!" Briana said.
"Thanks, Bri Bri!" He brought her in for a hug.
The best part of the last year was Erica being able to spend a lot of time with Briana as she took a gap year. They are the perfect non traditional family.
"D, so where are we going to eat?" Briana asked as all three of them walked to the car.
"I'm letting your mother decide."
"Me? Today is about you." Erica declined that responsibility politely.
"No it's about the both of us." He held her hand. "We're celebrating two things today."
"What's the second thing?" Erica raised an eyebrow as they stopped.
Erica wasn't paying attention to her daughter who had whipped out her phone and started recording whatever was about to take place.
Demarcus turned to Erica holding her hands. Staring in her eyes inventively making sure that every he said she knew that he meant it.
"I'm bad at this but.... one thing I know is I love you. Now I don't want you to get all nervous this isn't proposal. But I am asking you to be my partner. You are more than my girlfriend. I needed a title fitting without the whole marriage aspect of things. I just want you to know I'm gonna be here for you even if at some point you feel it's not working anymore and God forbid that happening." He laughed. "So will you be my partner till whenever you get tired of me?"
Erica giggled. This was in his true fashion.
"Yes, I will."
"Aww, yay!" Briana cheered. "Kiss! Kiss!"
Erica shot her daughter a look. But quickly turned her head back to her love— I mean now partner and kissed him.
"Did you two set me up?" Erica directed her eyes toward the both of them.
"Kinda sorta. D asked me for your hand and also cousin Tammy. He knew we were the council he had to prove his case to. To deem him worthy of our queen. Then we planned when... but knowing you're a bit nosey we chose a day when you wouldn't expect it." Briana said as she moved closer with her phone to get a selfie of all of them together.
Erica nodded. "I see. And I'm not nosey."
"You're not nosey but you can't get nothing past you though." Demarcus chimed in.
"I just like to be aware, that's all." She retorted.
"I'm not going to argue with it." Demarcus surrendered his hands.
"Thank you."
Erica clicked the unlock button on her key ring. Walking to the driver's side but Demarcus stopping her.
"Gimmie the keys. I'm driving."
"Okay." Erica gave him the keys willingly. It kinda turned her on a bit. She would save it for the celebration later with just them two.
"So, mom where are we going to eat?" Briana put her rested her chin on the back of Erica's seat.
"You guys I don't know and at this point I don't care. I'm pretty sure you two don't care either as long as you're eating. Considering how every time you eat you act like you haven't eaten in days."
Briana and Demarcus traded a look through through the rearview mirror that read: Did she just come for us?"
"Don't worry Bri, I'll pick. I know a nice spot with good food that won't be as crowded as everywhere with the graduation being over." Demarcus said.
"What am I going to do with you two?" Erica shook her head.
"Good question." Demarcus said as he pulled out of the parking spot with one hand on the steering wheel, the seat half way back.
"Demarcus, this why I don't let you drive my car. You know how I like my seat!"
"Bae, relax. I'll bring it back up."
"Mom, don't forget I have that dress fitting for Dad's wedding on Thursday." Briana checked the calendar on her phone.
Erica rolled her eyes hard. Demarcus laughed silently.
"I know. I'm aware."
Demarcus reached over the center console for Erica's hand. He held it just because. He'd often think back to that first day they met in class. Then it was just a crush and that's he imagined it to be.
He'd never thought they'd go from teacher and student to lovers and now partners. Their love was out on front street now.
He doesn't care what people say or have said. This was the first time he was absolutely sure anything in his life. He was going to bet on this.
No hiding or it being a secret. Their love is free and Forbidden no more.
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