Chapter 16: Christmas Wish

 

Jason stretched and yawned loudly. He reached for his phone on his new night table and pressed the power button to see the time. It was 5:33 am. Perfect time to get up and prepare breakfast for himself and Carli, and get ready to meet her. He was taking her to see their future home and he was excited about it. It would be like an adventure for both of them.

He got out of bed, did his 200 sit-up and 200 push-ups, the normal way, and then read a passage of scripture supplied to him by the app his mentor uncle Pat sent to him. Recently the app was helping him study the life of Abraham. After reading today's text, he sat on the floor and thought about it. He didn't think he would be strong enough to give up anyone he loved, much less his only son. 

He read Genesis 22 verses 1 to 19 again and thanked God he wasn't in Abraham's position. He didn't know what he would do. He couldn't even fathom losing Carli. He prayed, thanking God that Christ was the ultimate sacrifice and that Abraham from the Bible didn't have to sacrifice his son, and that he, Jason, would never know the penalty of his own sin. 

He stretched and got up from the floor and placed his Bible in a shoe box and tucked it under his bed. Quickly, he went in the bathroom to relieve himself, then washed his hands while looking in the mirror. He needed a shave, his beard was no longer a dark shadow on his face, it was growing up. He wondered if Carli would mind if he decided to grow his beard out and have it shaped up instead of the clean shaven look she was used to. He would definitely look like his dad if he did that. 

He smiled as he thought of her. He would ask her and listen to her response. Either way he thought he would look decent. He washed his face and brushed his teeth carefully and thoughtfully. Afterwards, he entered the kitchenette and began preparing breakfast. 

He liked to cook. He didn't always have the time to do it, but now that he was on holiday he wanted to impress Carli with his culinary skills. So far, she had cooked for him several times, he wanted to return the favor and woo her. He had a tin of corned beef and he had flour. When he left his cousin's house he had picked up a few things from her wholesale on credit. He had Omie's order with him as well. He told Poochie to put that on his tab. He would pay his cousin the week he came back from Montego Bay which would be two weeks time. 

He was going to make some fried dumplings and also do some cooked up corned beef. Something easy to prepare considering his time constraints. He took out a half pound of flour, and sieved it. He was making the dough in his granny's big ceramic bowl. 

He added a teaspoon of baking powder, quarter teaspoon of salt, and then added a little butter about a half teaspoon and used his fingers to integrate the butter into the flour. When the flour looked like bread crumbs he sprinkled some black pepper powder and a little bit of all-purpose seasoning in and continued to gently mix the flour with his fingers. 

He needed to offset the flavor of the pepper. He went to the sink and filled one of his cups with water and mixed some sugar in it. Then he used the sweetened water to wet the flour to make the dough.

This was not the typical way it was done. He knew Jamaicans wouldn't normally put pepper in the dumpling dough but because of his love for pepper he tried it one day and realised it tasted good to him. He used less pepper for this batch because he was doing it for Carli and wasn't sure how she would feel about it. He was glad that she had an adventurous streak so he hoped she would like it. Skillfully, his hands mixed and kneaded the flour while he added water to make the dough the right consistency he wanted. He had no paper towel so he decided to cover his granny's bowl with a plate and allow the dough to rest for five minutes. 

When the five minutes had passed, Jason removed a frying pan he bought two months ago from the cupboard and placed it on his stove. He had attached his stove to the gas valve of a small gas cylinder he had bought months ago, before he moved in, but hadn't used. He turned the knobs to check if gas was going to the burners. The burners lit and showed blue flames.

Great. He thought. Everything is working. 

He turned off three burners, left one on and placed his frying pan on it, and carefully poured in some cooking oil. He gently pressed his thumb into the centre of the dough to test it. It was ready. Jason broke off pieces of the dough with his hands and gently worked them with his fingers and palms to make each piece round. He got about twelve pieces.  The stove was on medium heat, he turned the flame down to low and quickly put in four pieces. These four were larger than the other eight he made and were for him.

He used a spoon to gently turn the dumplings so they wouldn't burn on any side. He quickly took out a platter and deposited the four that were now nice and crispy and slightly golden brown. He carefully placed five in this time and watched them. He heard the phone ring. He turned the flame down even lower and went to answer the phone. 

"Hello," he said.

"Hello, my baby," Carli greeted him.

Jason smiled. "Hey baby," he said. His voice softened now that he knew it was her.

He heard her giggle. 

Jason went and stood before the stove he put his phone on hands free and perched it on the table he was using as a kitchen counter. He used the spoon to turn his dumplings. "What's up sweet baby?" he asked his eyes carefully watching the browning process of the dough. 

"I wanted to find out if we're still going to see your mentor?" Carli asked.

Jason nodded subconsciously. "Yes, we are. I was going to call to ask you to pack a dress or a blouse and skirt with you. But for where I'm taking you first wear jeans and a t-shirt. You can change at my house."

"Okay," Carli said. She realized he sounded different. "What are you doing?" she asked.

Jason quickly removed the dumplings with his spoon and carefully dropped the last three. He would give Carli any amount she wanted but he enjoyed large dumplings.

"Oh, I'm actually making breakfast," he said smiling.

"Really?" Any for me?" Carli asked.

"Yes," Jason said. "It's actually for both of us."

"Mmh, sounds good! What are you cooking?"

"Corned beef and some fried dumplings." 

"Fried dumplings?!", she exclaimed. "My favorite thing to eat on a Sunday morning." Carli was excited. "I would usually have them with ackee and salt fish but corned beef sounds good too. You really doing this for us ... me?"

Jason chuckled. He turned the dumplings. "Yes, my sweet baby, for you and me," he said.

Carli blew him multiple kisses. Jason laughed softly. He took his spoon and carefully removed the three dumplings and placed them on the platter. He turned off the stove. 

"You slept okay, baby?" he asked.

"Yeah I did, but I dreamed about you," she said. 

"Mmh? What did you dream about?"

"Not sure if I wanna say," she said.

"Why not?" he asked chuckling. He was curious now.

"Well, you're cooking. I don't want burnt dumplings," she said chuckling.

Jason took another platter and covered the dumplings. He took up his phone, went into the bedroom and sat on the bed. 

"It's okay. I'm actually done with the dumplings I only have the corned beef to cook up. You can tell me sweet baby. Remember, you're not supposed to hold anything back from you," he admonished her gently.

Carli giggled. "If you promise not to try to fulfill any of what I'm gonna tell you now, when we're together wherever you're taking me, or at your apartment later," she said.

"I promise," he said smiling. He needed to know now.

"I dreamt of our wedding day. I had on this beautiful, white dress and we were saying our vows. Then the dream shifted and suddenly I was in a room with you, there were candles lit and you were, you know kissing me all over my body, and you kissed me in very sensitive places," Carli giggled. "Then we made love, slow and passionate love."

Jason loved hearing about her fantasies. They always made him hot. He hoped they would be able to fulfill this one very soon. "What do you mean by sensitive places?" he asked. He had an idea but he wanted her to say it. He wanted her to be bold to say what she was feeling or thinking. 

"You went down on me," Carli said laughing softly.

"I kissed your sweet kitty?" Jason asked his voice deep and gruff.

Carli blushed. "Yes," she said biting her lower lip. When he spoke about her body part like that she felt flushed and hot all over.

Jason chuckled softly. "Okay," he said, "my beautiful, sweet baby. I am looking forward to it. I meant every word I said Friday night. I wanna taste your sweetness again. And I can hardly wait to take you in my arms and make passionate love to you."

He heard Carli sigh. "I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed doing it to you too. It was the biggest turn on I've ever experienced," Carli said her voice airy and sensual.

Jason smiled. "I'm glad. I wasn't sure if you would do it."

"I wanted to. I've always been curious," she replied.

"So, what is your conclusion on the matter? Do you like it?" he asked, feeling aroused.

He heard Carli make a sexy guttural sound.

"Yes, I like it. It was my pleasure. I love your taste. You're like a sweet sugar cane joint in my mouth," she said softly.

Jason closed his eyes. This was the conversation they were supposed to have on Friday night but couldn't. 

"So where are you taking me? Are you whisking me away somewhere to marry me secretly?" Carli teased. Her voice was sensual. He could hear her breathing become shallow.

Jason chuckled softly. "Please, don't tempt me," he said. 

"Baby, are you touching yourself?" he asked her. 

She chuckled. "No, but I'm getting undressed to go bathe, just here thinking about you," she said. 

He bit his lower lip. He remembered how beautiful she looked on his bed. He grunted and swallowed hard. 

"Okay, my sweet baby, when you shower think of me. I need to finish breakfast so I can come for you in time. Okay?" he said. His voice was raspy.

"Okay, baby," she said. He loved hearing her voice. He could tell she was smiling.

Jason hung up. He stretched out on the bed. From the moment he met Carli at her aunt's house those weeks before, he felt the chemistry between them. He knew she would be the one to shake things up in his life. He loved it.

****

Marsha was going home. After the disastrous fight with Jason and he took her home, she felt gutted. Then her mom and dad had railed on her for being irresponsible and selfish. After Jason had handled her harshly, her parents' disapproval in the same day was more than she could bear. She had gone up to her room and bawled her eyes out. A few days later she asked if she could go and spend some time with Fallon, her best friend. Her dad had flat out refused but her mom agreed to let her go. It took some convincing but her mom got her dad to agree and she spent a week at Fallon's house. 

Trying to cheer her up, Fallon would drag her to several parties. There was one party she went to where she met this guy. He was one of the servers at the party. The party hired topless male servers and he was one of them. He wasn't as tall as Jason but he had a well built physique and he had a spring in his walk like an athlete would. He smiled at her when he handed her rum and coke in a small plastic cup. She didn't feel like doing anything, but because of Fallon she went to the party, and while among those happy, carefree and drunk people she drank something to numb her pain. 

In spite of what happened she did care for Jason. She was disappointed that he would never fall in love with her, but now she just wanted to apologize. She had time to think it over. If she was always being aggressive and crazy around him, he wouldn't like that. She would probably find any guy who acted that way around her annoying too. And yes, she had to accept the fact that if she really cared about him she would let him be. He was his own man, she couldn't make him fall in love with her. She had called to apologize but he blocked her number. That realization cut her to the core. She had destroyed her friendship with him and now she was hurting.

She had gone to the makeshift bar they had set up for the party to drink something more heavy. She ordered a Hennessy. She had only tasted it once, but she would chase it with some soda or maybe not. 

Who the hell cares anyway? She thought. She was feeling sorry for herself. She put the bottle to her mouth and gulped some down. She coughed. The liquid burned her throat a little. They were at a house. She even knew the girl. It was Fallon's cousin's girlfriend's house. Marsha sipped some more then corked the bottle. She went towards the staircase. She needed to lay down. She felt tired.

She held on to the stair rails and staggered up them with the bottle of Hennessy in her right hand. She vaguely remembered there was a bedroom off to the left at the top of the stairs. She turned left and knocked on the first door she came up on. She knocked again, but no one answered. She turned the handle and the door opened. The room was dark but she could make out from the hall light that no one was inside. She staggered in and threw herself on the bed. She released the bottle of Hennessy from her hand and it rolled on the floor.

Later in the night she felt someone tugging at her blouse. She felt tired and didn't want to open her eyes, but when she felt hands sit her up, bend her over and unhook her bra, she opened her eyes. The door was closed, the room was dark and a stranger was undressing her. She screamed and the man swore and slapped her across her face. 

"Shut up!" he whispered harshly.

Marsha started to cry softly. Maybe she deserved this. She was a horrible daughter and not a great friend. Maybe she deserved what was going to happen to her now. He was about to pull up her skirt when she snapped out of her thoughts and screamed even louder. 

No! She couldn't allow this! She heard voices at the door. She cried out. "Please! Please help me! Please! Help!" she screamed. 

There was a commotion outside and the door burst open. The light was flipped on for her to see the young man who had smiled at her earlier rushing into the room. He and two other guys rushed towards the man who was accosting her. The man let her go in shock and stood up. 

Marsha looked back at her would be rapist and realized she had no clue who he was. She screamed again when she realized that he was a much older gentleman. The young server doubled his fist and punched the man in the gut and he fell to the ground. Marsha quickly reached for her blouse and put it on. She folded her bra in her hands. She was shaking now. She had on her blouse but still felt naked. She wrapped her arms across her chest. She was still groggy from the alcohol.

The other young men who came in, grabbed the man up and took him down the stairs. Her hero called after them, "Make sure to call the police. We don't want him loose on the road."

Marsha felt weak. Her mind was racing. The server sat beside her. He was still shirtless. She got a whiff of his cologne. He smelt really good, but she was still scared. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. His voice had a nice, velvety timbre.

His broad chest and cologne made her feel strange. She was feeling confused. Did she really have time to be attracted to him after what had nearly happened to her?

She looked away from him feeling self conscious. He noticed her body language and decided it would be best he left the room. He didn't want her to be afraid of him.

"I'm sorry. I guess this must be awkward for you. I'll leave you then. Okay? I'll tell your friend you're up here. She was looking for you," he said.

He stood up to leave and was walking towards the door when she spoke up. "Can you stay please, until she comes for me? It's just that you ... you're not wearing a shirt and it's distracting," Marsha said looking at him. She saw that he was looking at her now, intently gazing at her from head to toe. She felt her body respond. She blushed and turned her head away from him. 

"Okay, let me get my shirt. It's just on the outside," he said. He had been in the bathroom across the hall when he heard the screaming. He was getting dressed to leave. 

He disappeared for a minute then came back into the room. He was wearing a cream and blue colored polo shirt and a pair of blue jeans and blue sneakers. Previously, he was shirtless and wearing very tight black pants. She had observed that the pants showed off his strong, well built thighs and wondered if he was an athlete. When he came closer she turned her body fully towards him. 

He smiled kindly at her. "Will you tell me your name?" he asked her.

She cleared her throat. "Mar ... Marsha," she answered stammering. What was this? She chided herself.

"I'm Matthew," he said smiling at her. He extended his hand to her and she took it. His warm hand clasped hers and she felt chills run up her spine. She blushed again remembering how his strong, muscular arms looked before he put on the shirt.

He sat on the bed beside her. They were both facing the door. He said no words. He just sat beside her, but his presence was reassuring. When Fallon came upstairs she was distraught. 

"Marsha, are you okay?" Fallon asked throwing her arms around her. "Oh my god! I'm so glad you're okay!

She turned to Matthew. "Thanks so much for helping my friend," she said. She took out her purse and counted out some money. Marsha felt cringy. Matthew stood up and backed away from the bed. 

"No, no," he said, "that's not necessary. I wanted to help." 

He looked at Marsha. Marsha looked at him. She could see that his gaze rested on her bosom. Marsha suddenly remembered that she had not put on her bra and the blouse was a deep V neck. He could see her ample cleavage. She blushed. The curves of her breasts were also obvious through the soft fabric of her blouse. She felt heat rising from her loins, up her breasts to her face. 

His eyes were beautiful: dark brown but expressive. She could tell he was very appreciative of what he saw. His lips quirked up into a slight smile. Marsha couldn't help but notice that his lips were full and looked very soft. His beard was nicely shaped up and complemented his jawline. He had clear, light brown skin, like the color of mocha. She also noticed that his low cut hair was curly with waves. Her gaze drifted to his broad shoulders and chest, though covered up now, she recalled the strength his shirt hid.

Her eyes floated up to stare into his eyes. Marsha felt flustered when she realized that he was aware she was assessing him, and he was amused. His left eyebrow raised, he watched her taking him in. His eyes bored into her. They seemed to challenge her. His gaze drifted from her face down to her breasts where it lingered a little then slowly moved over her down to her smooth, dark brown thighs. Her mouth suddenly felt dry. She licked her lips and looked away from him. 

"Marsha." She heard him call her name. There was a way he said it that seemed to caress her senses and made her feel tingly all over. She stared at him. His gaze softened as he smiled at her. 

"It was nice meeting you," he said. He had a sexy smile. He held her gaze for what seemed an eternity then his eyes dropped to her bosom again. Marsha felt her nipples harden. She folded her arms over her breasts. 

Why am I feeling this sensitive? She wondered. Noticing her body's response to him and her reaction to it, he reluctantly averted his eyes. He cleared his throat and sobered up. The sexy smile melted away from his face. For some reason Marsha felt disappointed that his smile was gone.

She nodded. She was speechless. Not even Jason made her feel like this when he was around her. Matthew nodded, his lips curling into a slight smile. He walked towards the door, opened it and stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind him.

Marsha let out pent up air. Was she holding her breath? She didn't notice, she mused to herself.

Fallon sat beside her and placed the money she was offering Matthew back into her purse. "Marsha, you okay?" she asked.

Marsha nodded. "Yes, I am okay thanks to him," she replied. She stared at the closed door.

It was 6 am. The next day after the incident. Marsha slept over at Fallon's house. Her best friend was taking her home now. Her parents bought her a second hand vehicle and she was doing a good job taking care of it so far. As she drove, Fallon glanced over at her friend periodically. "Marsha, babe, you okay?" she asked.

Marsha was watching the road. She sighed. "Yeah. I think so," she said.

"What's on your mind?" Fallon asked.

"The guy. The server ... Matthew. I can't stop thinking about him," Marsha answered her friend.

Fallon looked over at her friend quickly then paid attention to the traffic before her. She chuckled. "He is cute. I will say that," she said smirking.

Marsha laughed softly. "Yeah, he is," she agreed. 

"So you want his number or something?" Fallon asked.

Marsha thought about it. Old Marsha would say: 'Yes please, I gotta have him!' But after what happened with Jason and how her behavior made him estranged from her, she couldn't risk another rejection. Pursuing this guy was probably not a good idea. She needed to chill.

She smiled at her friend. "Nah. It's fine," she said.

"You sure?" Fallon eyed her, surprised. "I could always ask Christina to give me the name and number of the company he works for and get info from there?

Marsha stared before her. "No," she said shaking her head, "You don't need to. I'm not interested. Just thinking how good it was he came to help me; he and the other guys. That is all."

"I don't believe you," Fallon responded. Her eyes were still on the road. "I'm sure you're grateful he was there to help you, but I saw the way you were looking at him. I'll let it go though because I know you're going through something now. But if you continue to pine away for him I'm getting the company's number and getting in contact with him."

Marsha looked at her, "You wouldn't?"

"You know I would."

Marsha sighed and stared on the road.

****

She was beautiful. Matthew mused to himself. She looked high maintenance based on her clothing and makeup, but he could plainly see that she was naturally beautiful. He wanted to get to know her more. As he prepared to leave his apartment to go to work at the jewelry store, he wondered if he would see her again. He hoped so. He felt something electrifying between them. He could tell she felt it too, and he wanted to explore what it meant.

****

Jason came for Carli at around 6:50 am. As she walked through the gate to come towards the vehicle she smiled at him. She was beautiful. Jason felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled back at her. She was carrying a shopping bag with a change of clothes in it.

He opened the passenger side door for her and she slid inside. She dropped the bag between her legs, leaned towards him and planted a kiss on his cheek. He looked at her, just stared at her for a few seconds. Carli smiled at him. 

"What?" she asked amused.

Nothing, just happy you're mine," he said. 

Carli touched his face and smiled. "Me too," she said.

He pressed his foot on the gas pedal and they were off. 

"Are you driving on the highway?" Carli asked him.

"Nah, we're taking the scenic route," he said smiling at her.

"Okay."

Jason turned on the car stereo and asked Carli to switch between FM bands for him. They didn't find anything suitable. He told Carli to reach for his bag on the seat behind them. He told her to pull out his iPad. She pressed the power button and swiped up. He told her the passcode and she was able to get in. He told her to look for a file called 'Music-external'. He had downloaded 40 songs directly to his iPad. He then told her to look for a USB cord. She found it. He told her to put her hands on the car steering and hold it steady. She was nervous but did what he told her. Jason eased his foot off the gas slightly as he divided his attention between setting up the music and driving. He attached the USB cord to the iPad and then plugged it into his car's USB port. The welcome screen came up with instructions. He followed them and within a minute they were listening to some R&B songs. He placed the iPad on the dashboard's phone mount and took over the steering from Carli. 

"Nicely done," he said smiling at her.

She giggled. "Thank God for that. I was very nervous," she said.

"Well yes. Thank you God as well," he said briefly looking up at the sky. 

He brought tea in a metal thermos and the food in plastic containers that were placed in an insulated food delivery bag.

"Where did you get the bag from?" she asked.

"A friend of a friend," he said.

He pressed harder on the gas pedal to increase their speed. 

They were doing 70 kilometres per hour when they stopped in Morant Bay and bought some gas to top up. Carli went inside the service station to use the bathroom. When she came out Jason told her to wait in the car, he was going to pee as well. When he came outside she saw that he had also bought some donuts and a one gallon bottled water for them. He got in the car and they drove off. As they were nearing the community the road incline became steeper. They were driving up a hill.  Carli looked over at the beauty of the trees. She was amazed to see that she was looking at three tops over a precipice. They were going to Spring Garden. She had never heard of the community before, but according to Jason it was growing in popularity. 

As they drove along the roadway she noticed the lovely houses and the lush greenery. She leaned forward while looking at the scenery. She looked at Jason, "How did you find this place?" she asked.

Jason smiled at her. "My dad owns land here," he said, "Wait. I'm taking you someplace special." They drove through the Stanton Road community to get to the Spring Garden community. Carli loved the beauty of the hillside. They drove past the Spring Garden Primary and the Church of God Prophecy building. Carli smiled. This was a beautiful place. 

They drove a few more meters then turned down a road. The road was not really a road. It was more like a track with some stones. Jason slowed the car down to manoeuvre over it. The vehicle moved to a crawl and stopped in front of an unfinished house. He shut off the engine and turned towards her. He took her hand and kissed it. He looked at her tenderly. 

"Let's go inside," he said. 

He opened his car door then raced around her side to open her door for her. Carli got out of the car and looked at him with a quizzical look on her face. Jason smiled at her. He took her left hand and clasped it in his, then carefully led her up the path and opened the newly installed front door for her. 

She entered the house and looked around. While the outside was unpainted, the inside was painted a rich orange shade. There was no furniture in the front room which would be the living room. It was a large room with fancy windows already installed. There was however a smaller but decent sized room off to the right that held a table and chairs. It would be the kitchen/dining area. Jason pulled her into the kitchen. The counter was already installed with a granite top.

"Have a seat," he said, "I'll be right back." 

Jason ran outside and retrieved their breakfast from the car seat. Quickly, he stepped inside and entered the kitchen to see Carli rubbing her fingers on the granite finish of the counter. 

"Okay, tell me what's going on? Although I think I know," she said looking up as he entered the room.

"This is my house. Unfinished; a work in progress, but it's mine. I own it and when we're married we'll live here," he said. He placed the thermos and insulated bag on the dining table and came over to her. He placed his arms around her waist.

"Do you like it here?" he asked her. 

Carli rested her head on his chest. "Yes, I love it here," she said. "The scenery is beautiful, and the house looks great so far. I love the color of the walls." She circled her arms around his waist. 

Jason rested his face on her head. He was happy. 

"I Love you sweet baby," he said.

"I love you too, honey," she replied.

"I want us to live in my apartment for the first two years after we're married. That will give me enough time to finish it up, acquire more furniture and other amenities to make the place comfortable for us."

He put her at arms length so he could look into her eyes. "What do you think?"

"Is the bathroom ready?" she asked. 

"No, not yet. Some fixtures have been put in, but we have no toilet and we're not connected to the water main yet. I've applied for a meter however. They said about next week, they'll be here. Omie's gonna stay over that week to make sure someone is here when they come. We can get water from the kitchen pipes when we're connected. I'm thinking of adding another bathroom too," he said. 

Carli left his embrace and went into the hallway. "What's back there?" she asked. 

Jason took her hand and led her to the master bedroom. "This will be our bedroom," he told her.

Cali looked at the empty space. She could imagine it. He painted this room in a cool lavender shade. It looked freshly done. She looked up at him. "The paint job looks fresh," she said, half asked. 

Jason chuckled. "Yeah, I repainted it," he said, "It was the orange color, but I thought of your love for lavender and wanted to do something to make you feel at home." 

Carli walked further into the room. She looked around, her mind fashioning the perfect bedroom for them. Jason watched her. She looked happy. She turned around and walked towards him. Her eyes lit up. "I love it. Wish we could move in right after we're married. I don't mind living in an unfinished space. You have most of the things needed already, just the bathroom."

She put her arms around him. "I can help. I can get a job and we can pool our funds together and get this place ready by a year's time."

His left eyebrow raised, Jason listened to her. "You would do that? Defer university to work and help me build this?" he asked her. 

"Yes, of course. Won't it be ours. Mine as well?" she asked.

"Yes. As soon as it's done and we're married, I'm putting your name on the title," he said. 

Carli jumped up. Jason caught her and laughed happily. He spun her around. 

"We're a team," she said. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you." She lowered her head and kissed him on the lips. He still held her in his arms. With one hand he supported her weight with the other he guided her legs to wrap around his hips while he kissed her. She circled her arms around his neck. Tenderly, his mouth captured her lips, suckling and teasing her with his kisses. 

He tore his lips from hers momentarily and said, 'Sweet baby, I have missed your lips on mine." He groaned and hungrily kissed her again. Slowly, he moved his mouth across her cheek to caress her soft neck, pulling and suckling gently. She moaned and called his name. 

"I love you baby. I wish you could have me now," she breathed. 

He heard her longing. 

Could he? Could he have her just this once? He had an air bed stored in the unfinished bedroom space. He could pump it up, lay it on the floor in the master bedroom and make sweet love to her. They were alone, no one to disturb them and he longed to feel her. To have her like that was his greatest desire. He would be gentle with her and make sure to satisfy her first, then tenderly take what he needed from her. He sighed. No. Not yet. They needed to wait just a little bit longer.

Carli kissed him and daintily slipped her tongue into his mouth. She moaned softly. Skillfully, she showed him how much she wanted him. Jason's grip tightened around her as desire built up within him. Lifting her head, Carli looked into his eyes and touched his face. "Jason, I want you," she said, "I need you. Please push your hard, sweet sugar cane into me." 

She bit her lower lip then told him what she wanted: "Bend me over and plunge it deep inside me like you say you want to. Give me your sweet loving. I wanna have your baby." Bending her head she kissed him again. 

Jason groaned. Her words were turning him on. He pulled his face away from hers. 

"Carli, baby, you know we can't," he said. He cupped her buttocks as she wrapped her legs around his hips. He squeezed her bottom. He really wanted to give her what she wanted; what he wanted. Carli leaned her torso back. She held on to his shirt while wrapping her legs more tightly around him. Her crotch was pressed up to his.

"Jason take me, please. I'm yours. I want your hard, strong dick inside me," she groaned.

Jason wrapped his arms around her waist. He hoisted her closer to his chest and pressed her up against the wall. He used his body to brace her on it. He cupped her bosom and squeezed possessively. "Are these mine?" he asked her. 

Carli sighed with longing. "Yes baby. All of me belongs to you. Take what's yours," she said, looking into his eyes.

"Baby, if I do this, if we do this, there won't be any turning back. I won't be able to live without you," he said holding her gaze. 

"We'll become one flesh. I'll be yours always. I don't think I'll be able to be away from your sweet body for too long. I'm gonna want you to move in with me," he breathed. His gaze burned into her.

"I love you sweet, Carli," he said touching her face. "I won't be able to be without you if we go all the way. My heart can't bear it."

Carli gazed into his eyes. She saw that he was telling the truth. There was a vulnerability she never saw before. In his gaze, she saw a weakness for her that he had been masking. She felt like she was looking deep into him. Carli closed her eyes. She loved him. She wanted their love to be pure and beautiful with no regrets. She wanted his relationship with God to be intact. She also wanted to honor God. But being alone with him in this house, thinking about their future and what could be, was such a turn on. She sighed. 

There was another level to making love that Carli was aware of. They would become one in flesh but maybe they would also be connected on a deeper level. She would move in with him in a heart beat, but she wanted them to be husband and wife first.

Carli took a deep breath and released the air slowly. She bent her head forward and rested her forehead on his. 

"I love you honey," she said. She closed her eyes and placed light, soft kisses on his lips. Reluctantly, she withdrew her lips from his and looked into his eyes. "I'll wait for you, even if it hurts. I'm sorry, baby. I shouldn't put you in this position."

Jason's breathing was shallow. He closed his eyes. He released her as she sought to place her feet on the floor and step away from him.

"It's okay, baby," he sighed. He opened his arms to her. She walked into his embrace. He cradled her, bent his torso forward and kissed her head. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you," she said softly.

They had breakfast in the kitchen. Carli felt ferocious. She took six of the smaller dumplings while Jason took his four large ones plus two more. He had brought some paper plates and paper cups from his apartment. He made sure to give her more of the corned beef. He wanted her to be full since they would be spending most of the morning on the road. 

He watched as she ate and smiled because it was obvious she liked the dumplings and how he cooked the corned beef. 

"Is it good?" he asked her.

Carli nodded enthusiastically. "I can taste pepper in the dumplings. I've never had that before, but it tastes so good. Dumplings have this creamy flavor," she said.

"I infused butter in the flour," he said.

Carli nodded. She knew about the technique but never tried it before. "Would you show me how you do it with the butter?" she asked him.

Jason sipped his tea. "Sure. Not a problem. When I get back from Mobay two weeks time, remind me and you can come over and I'll show you," he said.

Carli smiled. "Thanks. I also like the corned beef, you grated carrots in it?" she asked.

He nodded. "Mhm."

"I love everything, baby," she said. She leaned forward, her lips puckered up, indicating she wanted to kiss him. Jason chuckled, leaned forward and received her kisses. 

When they were done eating he went into his car and retrieved the bottled water he had bought at the gas station in Morant Bay and a pack of hand wipes. He poured some of the water in her empty cup and also in his. He handed a wipe to her. Their fingers touched as she took it from him. She stared at him, her eyes showed the passion burning inside her. 

Jason looked at her. She was wearing a snug pair of black jeans and a baby blue colored close fitted blouse that accentuated the curve of her bosom. Her feet were shod in a pair of black flip flops. Jason smiled at her with appreciation. 

"You're really beautiful, especially today," he said.

"Thank you," she said smiling at him shyly.

"I forgot to give you something," Carli said.

"Oh? What's that?" he asked.

"I baked a cake for you." She stood up and stretched.

"Really?"

"Mhm," she said.

"It's in the fridge. When you take me home I'll get it for you. I just put on some icing yesterday," she said moving around the table to go to him. She sat in his lap and looked at him.

"What sort of cake is it?" he asked. He brushed a loose lock of hair away from her left eye.

"Black Forrest. Is that okay? You don't seem like a Christmas cake kind of guy."

Jason chuckled as he looked at her. She was so beautiful. 

"Yes, sweet baby, Black Forrest is quite fine. I like chocolate. And yes, I do eat Christmas cake, not too much rum though," he said.

"Okay. That's good 'cause I don't like too much rum in my Christmas cake either," she said. 

She bent forward and rested her head on his neck. "I love you," she said. 

He turned his head slightly to look at her. "I love you," he whispered. 

There was something he needed to know. "Did you mean what you said about having a baby?" he asked. He was still holding her close to him.

"Yes. I've always wanted a baby. When I was growing up I used to pester my parents for a little brother or sister," she said. She lifted her head and looked at him. 

"And you wouldn't have minded if we made a baby now?" he asked almost in disbelief. 

Carli lovingly smiled and kissed his face. Starting from his eyelids, to his forehead, to his full lips she trailed gentle kisses to show her affection for him, then she looked into his eyes. "I love you, to me we're already one. If we made love and I got pregnant I would be nervous but not afraid. I've always wanted a baby and I would love to have kids with you. I know you're a good man and you would do all you can to provide for us," she said.

Jason felt like his heart would burst with the love he had for her. How did I get so lucky? He mused. He wished he could make a baby with her right now, but he knew that would be irresponsible. The best thing he could do is prepare himself. "What if we had kids three years from now? Would you be okay with that?" he asked rubbing his hand on her back.

She nodded. "I think so, barring any weird circumstances," she said.

"What about career? Maybe you would have a particular ambition or something like that?"

She shook her head. "My relationship with you is my first priority. To be honest I didn't want to attend university here. I wanted to stay in Manchester and pursue something more technical like graphic design or web page design," she replied.

"Would you consider doing your baking full time, like a career or job?" he asked.

"I'm glad I came here so I could meet you. It's been the best thing," she said resting her forehead on his.

"As for baking as a career, you know, I probably would consider it. When I was younger I said I would be a baker or chef but it didn't work out," she leaned back, took her hand and slowly ran her fingers through his hair. It was black and curly.

"Why didn't you pursue it?" he asked. He loved her touch. Her fingers on his scalp were very soothing. He pulled her up to his chest so she could rest more comfortably on him. She was still caressing his scalp. Jason closed his eyes savoring her touch. Carli saw that he closed his eyes. 

"Do you like what I'm doing?" she asked him.

"In my hair?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.

"Yes, I like it," he said, his eyes still closed. He leaned back in the chair.

"My mom convinced me I would be wasting my time," she answered his earlier question.

"You are a great cook, Carli. I can't wait to taste the cake you baked for me," he opened his eyes and planted a kiss on her forehead, he leaned back.

"It's not too late to fulfill that dream. I'm willing to support you. I'll send you to culinary school if you want to go," he said.

"Really? Baby, that would be good, but that's expensive. You're on a scholarship now, you wouldn't be able to afford it," she said.

Jason smiled at her. It was time he told her everything.

He wrapped his arms around her waist. "There's something I wanna tell you," he said.

She smiled at him. "Okay. Go ahead." She lovingly caressed his scalp.

"Ever since I was eighteen I've been doing things to secure my future. I have several investments, mostly in real estate. I started in stocks first, but then graduated to real estate with uncle Pat's guidance," he said.

Carli was surprised but happy. She used her other hand to touch his face. "I would expect nothing less from you," she said smiling at him.

He cleared his throat. "The apartment complex I'm staying in, I'm actually a part owner." He watched Carli carefully to observe her reaction.

With brows raised, Carli looked at him with fresh eyes.  "Really?" she asked.

Jason nodded. "Yes," he said. 

"Also I need to tell ... remember the housing development I asked your aunt to investigate?"  he asked

Carli nodded. "Yeah?"

"I was also supposed to invest in it but as you've heard, it's a shady situation," he said.

Carli was impressed. "Okay. Okay baby," she said smiling. "How much is your portfolio worth now?" she asked.

Jason brushed the fingers of his right hand across Carli's right cheek. "I have $367,000 in stocks. $20,900,250 in real estate value between myself, Omie and his dad, about $480,300 rent revenue from that is mine personally. Money in one of my savings is now $1,009,300," he said. "Also my cousin just gave $800,000 back to me of the principal I invested in her business. I'm saving a little over $500,000 from it and the rest I'm gonna spend. I'm taking a little under $200,000 with me down to Montego Bay, and I'm giving you $25,000." He cupped her face. "It's in the car. I was waiting to give it to you when I bring you home later, but I'll give it to you now if you want," he said. His hazel eyes looked at her with love.

Carli leaned forward and kissed his lips slowly. They both closed their eyes as their lips met and locked in an erotic dance for several seconds. She reluctantly ended their kiss and rested her head on his shoulder. "Whenever you want to give it to me is okay with me," she said. There was a quality in her voice he found interesting. Jason placed his thumb and index finger under her chin and lifted her face so he could see her eyes. He saw her longing for him and knew her words also held a sensual meaning. He laughed softly, "Okay. Will do," he said. He gently squeezed and caressed her thighs. 

"I know we both want this. I want nothing more than to bend you over and give it to you. I may even get a little rough. You don't understand what you're doing to me Carli," he said. He put his hands on her hips, lifting her gently, he shifted her body further down his lap, away from his chest. He took her hand and placed it on his crotch and cupped it over him. 

She sighed. Though he was wearing a pair of blue jeans, Carli could feel his arousal. He felt so hard and thick. Just what I need. She thought. She closed her eyes and squeezed him a little. Jason grunted. "Baby, I love your touch," he said, "You make me so weak." 

"I'm inexperienced, but I'm willing to give you everything, and do anything to satisfy you. I'm weak for you too," she said, "I wanna know the rough side of you, whenever you're ready to show that side to me, I'm ready."

"Would you get married right after your birthday?" he asked her. Carli smiled at him. Her birthday was the 26th of June. She didn't mind.

"Sure. I don't have a problem with that," she increased the pressure on his crotch. Jason bit his lower lip and groaned. He grabbed her hand and kissed the palm of it. 

"Naughty girl," he growled. 

The deep guttural tone made Carli shiver. She bit her lip and looked at him. "Only for you, my baby," she whispered seductively. 

Jason shook his head as if to clear his mind. If they were going to get back in time to meet his mentor, they needed to leave now. If they stayed longer he would surely ravish her. "I think we should go now," he said looking into her eyes. His body didn't want to move but his mind was screaming 'danger move now!' Carli reluctantly got up from his lap. 

"I think I need to pee," she said. 

"That's fine I can take you somewhere to relieve yourself," he said smiling at her. He removed his phone from the right back pocket of his jeans and dialed a number: "Miss Icy, it's Jason. How yuh do? Yuh good? Yes. I need a small favor from you. Yeah, I have a friend with me that needs to use the bathroom. Uh... number one. Mhm, yes. Thanks so much." Jason hung up the phone smiling. 

He turned to Carli. "Let's go," he said.

They went through the front door and Jason led her down a path that turned down a small winding road. They stopped at a house with wooden front steps. He called out, "Miss Icy hooeey!"

Miss Icilda Walker came to the front door and smiled. "Jayson, yuh deh yah?!" 

Jason climbed the steps, came up to her and gave her a big hug. The older woman laughed. She looked over at Carli and smiled. "Who? Is wifey this?" she asked. 

Jason nodded. "Yes, she is," he said smiling. He motioned for Carli to come forward. Carli climbed the porch and smiled back at Miss Icy. "Hello my dear. How are you?" Miss Icy greeted her. 

"I'm fine thanks," Carli said. 

"Okay. You want to use the bathroom?" Miss Icy queried.

Carli nodded. "Yes please," she said.

Miss Icy went into the house and waited for Carli to follow. She led her to a bathroom off to the right of the house across from a bedroom. Carli went inside closed the door, pulled down her pants and underwear and urinated. When she was done she tore off a small piece of the toilet paper she saw on the wrack. She flushed and got dressed. As she washed her hands she looked around at the bathroom. 

They had a glass shower enclosure that had beautiful flower designs on the sliding door. She looked down at the tiles. They were white with beautiful purple and blue intricate designs on them. As she looked into the mirror she noticed that it took up a quarter of the wall space before the faucet. She liked the look. She wondered what hers and Jason's bathroom would look like when it was done. She flashed her hands over the sink and turned to open the door. The door was hard wood and beautifully varnished. It looked heavy. She turned the knob and went into the living room to see Miss Icy and Jason talking.

"... Lloyd has gone to the farm. He was asking about your place, if you need any help to complete it." Carli heard Miss Icy saying to Jason. 

Carli went to Jason's side. He pulled her to him. "Yeh man. If he has the time he can help. I would do my best to compensate him. He looked down at Carli and planted a light kiss on her forehead. "I'm gonna pee, okay," he said to her.

Carli nodded. 

Jason looked over at Miss Icy. "Gonna use the bathroom."

Miss Icy smiled and nodded. He walked down the hall and entered the bathroom. Miss Icy smiled at Carli. "It's nice to meet you Carli," she said. "Since Jason moved into this neighborhood I was telling my son and husband that he would probably move in a wife soon. Jayson just looks like that type of young man. I'm glad I was right," she beamed at her.

Carli smiled at her. "I'm glad to meet you too. And thank you so much for allowing us to use your restroom. You are very kind," Carli said.

Miss Icy's smile broadened. "Not a problem. We're happy to help Bello's son. That man has done so much for the community in terms of helping with construction of some of the houses you see around here, the painting and even the grill work. He even put money together to help pave and fill up a part of the road. He was supposed to do some paving work around this side but funds are low for him. Jason has however said as soon as his house is done he would take over from his dad," she said.

Carli was happy to hear it. She was more than willing to help Jason with that project as well. It was a nice area and judging from Miss Icy's behavior she had a feeling her neighbours were kind, friendly people. 

Jason stepped out of the bathroom and returned to them. He was wiping his hand with a small rag. He placed it in the left back pocket of his jeans and put his arms around Carli. "Ready?" he asked her.

She nodded. Jason looked at Miss Icy. "Miss Icy, thanks so much," he said, "It's always a blessing when we meet."

Miss Icy smiled and patted Jason's arm. "Always a pleasure to help a friend," she said smiling. 

She walked them to the door and waved good bye to them. 

As they walked up the hill. Carli was curious. "Is this where you're dad is from?"

Jason smiled at her. "No, he came here because there was some big construction taking place around the other side of that hill," he said pointing to the hilly terrain above them. 

"He was here for several weeks during that time and was driving through Spring Garden to get to work when he realised he liked it around here. Plus, with the different government projects rolling through, it would be an opportunity to purchase land as an investment. So he found a plot of land, bought it and cleared it. When I heard about it I was curious. I convinced him to bring me down here. When I looked around and saw how peaceful it was, I told him I would pay any amount to have a piece of the land. He agreed saying I could watch his interest for him. The land beside our house also belongs to my dad. I just bought a piece of it to build," he told her. They were nearing their house. Jason went before her and opened the door. He allowed her to go inside first then entered the house, locking the front door behind him. 

Carli was learning so much about Jason and his dad. She was very impressed with them. She looked at him in admiration. Jason saw the look in her eyes. "What?" What is it?" he asked amused.

"I'm very impressed. Jason, are you sure you want me? You're what some ladies would call a catch. I'm not sure I deserve you," she said ruefully, "I have no assets, no money or inheritance. I'm just me."

Jason was packing up their stuff to go. He placed the plates, cups and forks in the insulated bag and tightened the cover of the thermos. They had a little tea left over but the dumplings and corned beef were finished. He rested everything on the table and came to her. He touched her face. Jason looked into her eyes as she looked up at him.

"My beautiful, sweet baby," he said. "You are more than enough for me. Everything I own will belong to you soon and I can't wait to share it with you. From what you've said today about working to help me build this place, I am even more happy to have you in my life. Not many girls would be willing to make that sort of sacrifice. You deserve everything I have to give and more, and I'm gonna make sure you have everything you need."

Jason bent his head and captured her lips passionately. He closed his eyes and allowed his feelings to take over. He opened his mouth slightly and hungrily kissed her lips. He gripped her closer to him and slipped his tongue inside her mouth. He heard her groan. His hands roamed down to her bottom and squeezed them possessively. He grunted and groaned his need for her. 

"Carli baby, you're so nice and thick from behind," he told her. He squeezed her bottom harder. "I really wanna give it to you. I wanna feel your fluffy butt on my thighs while I'm making love to you." He heard her moan his name. He hungrily claimed her lips again while groaning deeply. She was making soft whimpering noises that were pushing him over the edge. 

God forgive him he would have her today. He couldn't wait any longer. He was kissing her like that for close to a minute when he heard the phone ring. Jason was pulling the buckle of her belt and opening the button of her pants. Carli was moaning his name and reaching for his belt buckle as well. The call ended but then the phone rang again. Jason reluctantly stepped back from Carli. He raised his index finger to indicate that she should give him a minute. Carli went over to a wall in the kitchen and leaned on it. Her legs were trembling. He reached into the right back pocket of his jeans and retrieved the phone. He looked at the screen and realized that his mentor was calling him. He couldn't decline his call. He closed his eyes and sighed. He answered the call. 

"Hi uncle Pat," he answered. "Yes, we're still coming by. Yeah, we'll be able to make the 11 o'clock service. Yes. Okay. See you later."

He went over to Carli and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, that was my mentor uncle Pat. I could not refuse his call," he said. Carli smiled sadly and nodded. "We should go," she said. 

He touched her face. "Baby I'm sorry," he said.

"It's probably for the best, if he hadn't called I would be bent over and taking that big dick," she said reaching out her hand to cup him gently. "I'm gonna have you very soon Jason Singh, married or not, if you keep kissing me like that I won't hold back," she warned him. 

Jason chuckled. "I know. I think we should go now," he said. Carli moved her hand away from his crotch and took a deep breath then released it. They gathered their waste from the dining table and brought them to the car. He deposited the bag with everything in the back seat. He gave Carli the thermos to hold in her lap. He looked over at her and smiled. 

"I almost had you today," he said shaking his head. 

"And I almost had you," she said. She rubbed her hand on his thigh then squeezed. He held her hand and kissed it briefly then released it. Carli smiled back at him. She didn't think she could love anyone else like this. Jason turned the key in the ignition and started the engine. He put the car in reverse and carefully backed it away from the walkway. Manoeuvring the car away from the house, he turned and eased the car into drive. He pressed his foot on the gas pedal and drove back in the direction they came.

**** 

Sharon was packing for her and Carlos. They would be staying at her sister's house until after Boxing Day. With Christmas being five days away she was excited to be reunited with her daughter and see her big sister. She listened to Sandra's concern about Marcus being missing. She was worried too, especially for San San, if something were to happen to her husband Sandra would have a mini melt down. While Sharon had gotten a little experience in the game called love before she married Carlos, Sandra remained a virgin until she married Marcus. She loved Carlos very much but she wasn't sure she would fall apart if something were to happen to him. But she knew that Sandra would fall apart if something were to happen to Marcus.

As the older sibling she was supposed to be the sober child but she was the opposite, maybe because she had lived with their eccentric aunt for awhile when she was attending primary school. Her parents, the Fosters were really poor at that time, but then their fortunes had changed over night when their dad got some inheritance from an uncle who had no children. But before that happened, Sandra lived with her aunty so she could attend school in St. Catherine. Her aunt was a romantic and very whimsical. Sharon figured that's why Sandra fell for Marcus so quickly and rushed to get married. Fortunately, it worked out for them but it doesn't always go that smoothly. 

She wondered how she would talk to Carli about love and getting married. Carli was always head strong and not really the soft, girly type. Her relationship with Matthew was expected. They were friends from the early days of high school and Sharon actually liked the young man. She was upset when she heard he had gotten Carli's best friend pregnant, now she was hearing he wasn't the father. Quite a confusing turn of events. But the fact that he had sex with Simone was enough for her to say he was a bad apple. Carli took the bad news quite well. She was glad her daughter was more of a pragmatist like her. 

They would get into Kingston by about 1 or 2 in the afternoon. She was excited to see her baby. Sandra had told her that Carli was not the same Carli she had dropped off at university but refused to explain what she meant. She only said she would see for herself. She was a little perplexed about what Sandra meant, but none the less she was looking forward to the reunion.

****

When Marsha walked into the house her dad had already gone to visit a few friends to return at around 1 o'clock. Her mom on the other hand was prepping food for dinner. She stepped into the kitchen and said 'hello'. Her mom looked up and smiled at her. Marsha went over to her and her mother opened her arms to hug her. Marsha stepped into her mom's embrace and placed her head on her shoulder. 

She and Fallon decided they would say nothing of what had happened to her. Since she had not been raped it would be best to just let it go. Monica placed her daughter at arms length and looked at her. "You okay? You're trembling like a leaf?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm okay mommy, maybe I'm coming down with the flu or something," Marsha said.

Monica placed the back of her hand on her child's forehead. "You do feel a bit warm," she noted. 

Marsha nodded. "I'll just go lay down," she said 

"Dad's gone to see his old friend Mr. Brown?" Marsha asked.

Monica nodded. "Yeah. You know him. He'll be back soon," she said. She picked up a knife from the knife rack and started cutting up some spring onion as seasoning for dinner. 

"What are cooking mommy," Marsha asked. 

"Oxtail, mashed potatoes, and rice and peas," her mother replied.

Marsha smiled. She always enjoyed her mom's cooking. "Okay, can I help?" she asked.

Monica looked at her surprised. Marsha had never expressed an interest in helping in the kitchen. Since the incident with Jason she seemed different, much more humbler. 

Monica nodded. "Sure, you can wash and peel the potatoes," she answered.

Marsha took her bags with her clothes and toiletries into her bedroom and dropped them on the floor. She removed her phone from a small compartment in her duffle bag. She glanced at the time on her phone. It was now 8:30 am. She changed into something more casual, deciding to wear a t-shirt and a pair of pink jeans shorts. She hadn't worn these in awhile because they weren't the close fitted type that she usually liked. Her mom had bought them for her. Now, she was thinking of changing her wardrobe completely.

She reentered the kitchen and began helping her mom prepare dinner.

****

Carlos helped Sharon pack their bags and suitcases into the trunk of the car and then they were off. He was also excited to see his daughter and spend time with her. Sandra told them that she wasn't the same Carli that she was a bit different. He figured she was trying to tell them that Carli had a boyfriend. It was inevitable. Carli was growing up. She wasn't a kid anymore and it was about time his wife accepted that. He stopped at a gas station and filled the car tank.

They would take the highway so they could cut down on travel time into Kingston. He knew that Sharon didn't do well on long drives she would usually get antsy and start complaining about everything. He was glad the newly constructed highway was open. That would give him peace of mind and quiet.

****

On their way back to Kingston, Jason decided to drive on the newly built St. Thomas highway. He was loving the smooth surface of the road. He leaned back in his car seat and used one hand to steer the car.  There were only a few cars in front of him and they were a far distance from him.

Carli watched him drive. She could tell he was enjoying himself. She rested her hand on his thigh and squeezed gently. Jason looked over at her and smiled. He didn't move her hand and she decided to let it rest on him for the rest of the journey.

They arrived in Kingston at around 10 o'clock. He took a short cut to get to Paradise Flats and was able to make it to the apartments in fifteen minutes. Jason parked the car, got out of the vehicle and stretched a little. 

"Would you teach me to drive?" Carli blurted out.

She was thinking of asking him from the moment her aunt sold him the car but wasn't sure if the timing was right. Now that he had shown her so much of himself, she wanted to be more integrated into his life and goals, maybe pursue her own more boldly.

He looked at her. "Sure. I will. After I come back from Mobay. After the project is done, I'll teach you. No problem," he said.

Carli felt happy. She went to his side and embraced him. He hugged her back briefly. "We gotta get going," he said. Carli opened her passenger side of the vehicle and took out the bag with the clothes she would wear to church. She closed the car door. Jason removed the insulated bag from the back seat of the car. He took out the plastic containers and scraped the leftovers into the paper plates and cups. He handed the bag to Carli and walked outside of the apartment complex to a garbage skip that was a few metres away. He threw the plates and cups with their contents into the skip. When he came back Carli was standing by the car. She was also holding the thermos, the bottled water and the box of donuts. They hadn't eaten any of the donuts yet. He used his car keys and made sure the doors were locked and armed the vehicle.

He took the thermos and bottled water from her because they were heavier and led the way up to his apartment and opened the door. He allowed her to enter first then went inside and locked the door. Jason laid the thermos and bottled water in the sink. He took the box of donuts and the insulated bag from her and placed them on his small table in the kitchen. Carli placed her bag on his bed. She went into the bathroom and squeezed a little toothpaste onto her finger and rubbed it on her teeth and tongue. She rinsed her mouth out with water then gargled her throat with mouth wash. Jason came up behind her and placed his arms around her waist. 

She leaned back on him and put her hands on his. They looked at each other in the mirror. She smiled at him and he smiled back at her. "I love you, sweet baby," he said softly. He nuzzled her neck playfully. She giggled and turned around and kissed him. She planted a firm kiss on his lips and pulled away from him to enter the bedroom. Jason locked the door behind her. He was out after ten minutes. She looked at him curiously.

He laughed. "Oh I had to do a number two," he said.

Carli laughed. "Okay," she said. 

He went into the kitchen and removed Omie's order from the cupboards. He put the rice and sugar in a plastic bag to conceal them. "I'll be back. I'm just giving these to Omie," he said.

Carli nodded. Jason opened the door, stepped outside and closed it.

She undressed quickly and put on a nice pink and white formal blouse and a black skirt. She would still wear the flip flops however, they looked fancy enough. They were black with white studs on the straps. She had painted her toe nails in a glossy pink color. She hoped she looked appropriate enough. She folded her jeans and blouse, and put them in the bag. She sat on the bed and waited for him. 

 She got up and went into the kitchen to retrieve the donuts. Who knows we might get hungry while visiting his mentor. She thought

After five minutes had passed he came back and stood by the doorway. 

"You ready?" he asked. He looked at her. She looked lovely. 

"Yeah, sure," she said. She walked towards him with the donuts in tow. "No, that's alright we can have those when we get back," he said. Carli nodded and returned them to the kitchen and went to him.

"Okay. Let's go." He reached for her hand and led her out to the car. They drove off quickly.

****

They got there just in time to hear the sermon. It was about Matthew Chapter 5, the section Christians call the beatitudes. Afterwards, Jason walked over to uncle Pat and shook his hand. Carli came up behind him. Jason introduced her to uncle Pat who graciously took her hand and smiled kindly at her. 

"Good to finally meet you Carli," uncle Pat said smiling at her.

Carli nodded and smiled shyly. "Great to meet you as well," she said.

"Have you guys already eaten?" uncle Pat asked them.

Jason nodded. "Yeah, we have," he answered. 

Uncle Pat turned towards the front door of the church and gestured for them to follow him outside to the parking lot. Jason showed him his new car and explained how Carli's aunt had sold it to him. Uncle Pat listened but he focused his gaze on Carli, watching her body language as Jason spoke. He could see that she was looking at him with admiration. He also detected by her body language, that she was very attracted to his young charge. He would explore that a little more.

He invited them to spend a few minutes at his home, to which Jason agreed. Patrick led the way in his vehicle and Jason drove behind in him. When they arrived at his house. Uncle Pat opened the door and entered. He looked around to see Carli enter behind him first then Jason. He smiled at them.

"Have a seat," he said, "Please feel comfortable."

He went into the kitchen and brought back three cool glasses of water on a tray. He offered Carli the option to pick first, then he placed the tray in front of Jason. Jason picked up a glass and uncle Pat took the remaining one. He rested the tray on the coffee table.

Carli sipped her water. She was nervous. Uncle Pat seemed like a nice gentleman but she knew his opinion of her mattered to Jason. She wanted to make a good impression. Uncle Pat sat on the couch opposite to where the young couple were sitting. He smiled at Carli first then looked at Jason. 

He addressed him directly: "Have you been having sex?" 

Carli almost spat out her water. Oh gosh! He needs to know that too? She managed to swallow but coughed nervously. Uncle Pat looked at her then looked at Jason's concerned expression as he gazed at her. Jason rubbed her back comforting her. She looked at him. He smiled reassuringly at her. He was used to this kind of grilling from uncle Pat but she wasn't. He would try to protect her from it as much as possible. Patrick saw the tender look Jason gave Carli and decided to soften his approach a little.

"Carli," uncle Pat began, "Forgive me for being so direct. I am very fond of Jason. So when he says he's bringing a young lady for me to meet I want to make sure he's making the right choice."

Carli took a deep breath and swallowed. She placed her glass on the small table before her. "How long have you been dating him?" he asked.

"We've been dating for a little over three months now," Jason answered him.

Uncle Pat looked at Jason. He looked back at Carli. "And you like him?"

"We're in love," Jason said. Uncle Pat turned his attention to Jason. He stared at him his eyes squinting as he focused on him. Since he wanted to cover for her he wouldn't hold back then. Jason was used to his grilling.

"So have you guys had sex?" he asked him. Uncle Pat's gaze bored into Jason. Jason had never resisted his mentor before nor had he ever been defiant, but when it came to Carli he would defend their relationship even if it meant pissing off uncle Pat. He was grateful for everything his mentor had done, but if he had to choose he would choose Carli in a heart beat. 

"No, we have not yet had sex," he answered uncle Pat. "We're saving it for marriage."

Uncle Pat observed the steely gaze in Jason's eyes. So it's a war he wants then. Okay. Uncle Pat thought. We'll see how he holds up to the pressure. Uncle Pat sipped his water then placed the glass on a coaster on the table. 

"Tell me something Jason, have guys kissed?" uncle Pat asked, his gaze boring into his young mentee.

Jason squared his shoulders. "Yes. We have kissed on several occasions, even today," he said.

"And has anything else happened? Maybe you guys haven't gone all the way, but maybe you've engaged in touching, caressing ecetera?"

Jason was getting angry. Uncle Pat would never ask him these questions if another person were in the room. He was always sensitive about these things. What was he trying to do now? He was gonna shut it down to spare Carli embarrassment. "Uncle Pat," he said motioning his head towards Carli who had her head down looking on the floor and her arms braced on the sofa. Jason stared at him pleading with him to stop. 

Patrick looked at Carli. He saw Jason's intense stare. He sighed. Okay I will spare her. He thought. He cleared his throat and spoke softly to Carli: "Carli, my dear. I apologize if I have caused you any embarrassment. I just want the best for Jason, and you too, though I've just met you. The Christian life is a hard one, though rewarding, it is hard. We can't do what folks on the outside do. We can't have premarital sex, we have to wait until marriage."

Jason reached out and squeezed Carli's hand. She looked up at him and he saw that her eyes were watering. He didn't care anymore. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Carli, it's okay. Go wait in the car," he said.

Carli nodded. Jason gave her the car keys. He stood up and pulled her to her feet. Uncle Pat stood up confused. Jason led Carli to the front door, opened it for her and closed it behind her. He heard the car alarm disarm and the car door slam. He came back into the living room and stood before his mentor.

"You have been like a father figure to me since I was sixteen year old," he said, "I am grateful for every single thing you have done for me. For all you've thought me about God and faith, and I will honor the lessons I've learned from you but I am disappointed in your behaviour today. Yes, I have come dangerously close to having sex with her, but we have not, God has been holding us from doing that, and I am so thankful for his mercy. I know you're skeptical of my relationship but I love her and she is the one I'm going to marry. I wanted to tell you that I have asked her to marry me and she accepted. 

"I am weak, very weak but I love her and if I fall and give in to temptation so be it. This love I have for her is real. She loves me with a love I have never experienced before. It's sweet and innocent. She's so open to me. She isn't afraid to show me she cares. The best part is she just recommitted her life to Christ. That was the next thing I wanted to tell you on our visit here, but the way you have been acting I don't know what to say now. It has been hard but I want to save sex for marriage I would have appreciated some advice instead of this brow beating."

Uncle Pat sat down on the couch. He gestured for Jason to sit opposite him. "I'm glad to hear she's recommitted. That would mean she was a Christian and back slid?" uncle Pat asked.

She expressed an interest in Christ at the church she attended while growing up. She had accepted Christ and wanted to be baptized but her mom told the pastor she didn't think Carli was ready.  She thought she was too young to be baptized."

Uncle Pat shook his head. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, "Could you please ask her to come inside briefly. I want to apologize." 

Jason looked at his watch. It was 12:45 pm. He needed to take Carli back home by 1 or 2 o'clock the latest. 

"Going somewhere?" uncle Pat asked. 

"I'm taking Carli home after this. Her parents are coming in from Manchester," Jason said.

"Oh I see," he said, "Please let me speak to her." 

Jason nodded. "Okay."

Jason opened the front door and went out to her. Carli was sitting in the car. He looked in on her and realized that her face was stained with tears. He reached for the car door handle and pulled it open. He extended his hand out to her. She looked up at him and wiped her face. She took his hand and he pulled her out of the car. He held her close and rocked her in his arms. 

"I am so sorry. If I knew he was going to behave like this I wouldn't have brought you here," he said softly.

"I told you I don't deserve you," she said her voice trembling. "I'm not even a true believer yet."

"Carli baby." He lifted her face up and looked into her eyes. "You are everything I want and more. Everything. He's my mentor but he can't live my life for me. God has given you to me and I'm not letting you go. And you are a believer. God has already chosen you. It's just a matter of growth and I can help with that," he said. 

"He wants to talk to you." Jason cupped her face.

He saw her reluctance. "Baby, Carli. It's okay. I will be right there with you. He promised to apologize. Please let's go inside and after today I promise, you won't have to see him again if you don't want to. Please, do it for me."

Carli looked at him. Uncle Pat means a lot to him, she mused. Okay I will try. She took a deep breath and nodded her agreement. Clasping her hand in his arm, Jason brought her inside to a smiling uncle Pat who apologized and congratulated her on her recommitment to Christ. He also told them he would pray for them that God would keep them pure until marriage. Afterwards, Jason walked Carli back to the car. He took her to his place first where they finished drinking the bottled water and ate the donuts. After they finished eating he pulled her in the bed with him and snuggled up to her. He nuzzled her neck. Carli relaxed in his arms as he stroked her back. 

"You're all I ever wanted baby. Please don't doubt that," he said to her. Carli smiled. She touched his face. "I love you," she said. Jason leaned forward and kissed her lips briefly. He smiled at her. "I love you too," he said. 

Carli was feeling tired so he allowed her to take a nap. He lay on the bed and watched as she slept. She was even more beautiful with her face relaxed in sleep. She looked so innocent and perfect. Carli's phone rang in her pocket. He tried to retrieve it without waking her up. She stirred but didn't wake. Jason sat up and looked at her phone screen. It was a number he hadn't seen before. It wasn't Matthew's, Carli had saved it under his name. 

It could be her parents. He thought. If that was the case, what would he say? He decided to decline the call. Carli can answer when she wakes up. He turned the phone off. He placed it underneath her pillow and lay down watching her.

Carli woke up to see Jason sleeping beside her. She touched her jeans pocket to take out her phone but realized it wasn't there. She wondered where it was. She didn't want to wake him but she needed to know the time. Gently, she touched his arm and squeezed. That didn't wake him. She patted his arm with more vigor. He stirred, opened his eyes and looked at her. He smiled sleepily. She smiled back. 

"Sorry to wake you, but do you know where my phone is?" she asked him. 

Jason opened his mouth and yawned quietly he put his hand under the pillow she lay on and handed the phone to her. She pressed the power button to see the time. Jason stretched. "I turned it off," he said. 

Carli pressed the power button harder and the phone turned on. It was 2:40 in the afternoon.

"There was a call from a number I didn't know. It wasn't Matthew," he said.

Carli searched the call log. It wasn't a number she knew either. She had a funny feeling. "I'll call it back," she said.

Carli called the number and was surprised to hear her mother on the other side of the line. 

"Carli, where are you?" Sharon said. "Your father and I are at your aunt's. She said you were out with a friend. We thought you would be back by now."

Carli sighed. "I'll be right there mommy." Carli hung up the call. 

"It was my mom calling. Good thing you didn't answer," she said.

Jason nodded. "Okay. Let's take you home," he said.

They were at her aunt's house in ten minutes. Jason drove a little faster than usual to get to her there. 

When they arrived her aunt was outside looking out for them. She came up to the car. Jason parked and Carli stepped out of the vehicle. Jason took the twenty-five grand out of the glove compartment and handed it to Carli as he stepped out of the vehicle and locked the car door. She tucked it in her pocket.

"Your mom is her usual cheerful self," aunt Sandra said to her sarcastically. Carli nodded. She knew it meant the evening would be a long one. 

Aunt Sandra looked at her. "You sure you wanna introduce Jason to them today?"

Carli nodded. "Yes. I'm sure," she said.

Sandra nodded. "Okay," she said. She looked over at Jason. "Her mom is the one that's a bit difficult to deal with. She still sees Carli as a baby, but if Carli can stand her ground. All will be well."

Jason nodded. He pulled Carli into his embrace. "If you want to do this another time I understand," he said. 

"No, it's fine," she said, "They need to know about you sooner or later." She squeezed his hand. "Come with me." 

She held Jason's hand as she opened the front door and entered the house. They heard laughing. They were in the living room. Jason could feel Carli trembling. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, she looked at him and smiled. She squared her shoulders and entered the living room with him, their hands still clasped together.

Out of the corner of his eye Carlos saw movement. He looked up to see Carli walking in with a young man, holding hands. Sharon followed his eyes and saw Carli with the young man. The smile she had on her face faded away. They were being entertained by Carli's cousin Lissa. Lissa looked up too and saw the two hands clasped together. Her expression showed her feeling of awkwardness.

The room was silent. Sandra came up behind the two young people and decided to break the ice. "Sis, Carlos , this is Jason, Carli's new friend." Carlos nodded at him cautiously but Sharon still gazed at them blankly. Jason released Carli's hand, but still stood near her. Sharon blinked. She nodded towards Jason. 

"Jason ,this is Carli's mom, Sharon and her dad, Carlos," aunt Sandra said.

Sandra stepped into the room and touched her sister on her arm. "Jason goes to UWI as well," she said.

"What are you studying?" Carlos asked. 

"Economics as a major with minors in Accounting and Business," Jason said.

Carlos nodded. Those were solid courses. He thought to himself.

Sharon cleared her throat. "So why did you take so long to come back?" Sharon asked her daughter. "Where were you?"

Carli looked over at Jason. He smiled at her. She remembered how he stood up to his mentor for her. She could do the same. She loved him. "Jason took me to church and then we spent time talking to his mentor," Carli said. She wouldn't tell them the whole truth.

Sharon was surprised. "Church?"

"Yes mommy, we went to church, his church then I met his mentor and we spoke for a little bit," Carli replied.

Sharon leaned forward in the grey couch. She stood up and left the room. Carlos watched her leave. He stood up and stepped towards Jason. He stood in front of him and looked him up and down. He was a few inches taller than him and more muscular but he could tell the young man was nervous. He extended his hand to Jason. Jason looked over at Carli who smiled back and nodded. Jason took his hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you Jason. What's your last name?"

Jason cleared his throat. "It's Singh," Jason answered. Carlos squeezed Jason's hand while he shook it. "Nice to meet you," he repeated. He released his hand then turned to his daughter and moved to her for a hug. Carli hugged her daddy and he embraced her tightly. Jason saw the genuine love between father and daughter and felt his heart warm. He could see that she was more like her dad than her mom and he was grateful.

Lissa released a sigh. She looked at her mother who chuckled softly. "Now we have to convince 'battle axe momma' to let her daughter go a little," Lissa whispered relieved.

Sandra nodded. She stood by the festively decorated Christmas tree. Maybe they needed one of those Christmas miracles people always talk about for that to happen, she mused. She was also concerned that she still hadn't heard from her husband. She was getting really worried now. She sighed. She had never been to Thailand before but if she needed to, she would go there to find him and bring him home.

Carlos invited Jason to sit on the couch with him. They had settled into a conversation about sports: basketball, football and track and field. It was awkward at first but Jason saw that Carlos was making an effort so he also tried to relax and engage in the conversation. After about an hour of talking, the two were fairly comfortable with each other and enjoyed the discussion they were having. Carli was happy to see it. Sandra and Lissa went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. She decided to go search for her mother. 

She went upstairs and found her mother seated in the guest bedroom. She knocked on the door. Sharon turned around to see her daughter standing at the doorway. "Can I come in?" Carli asked. Sharon nodded.

Carli stepped into the room and sat on the bed beside her mother. "Mommy, I'm sorry to spring this on you but I really like Jason a lot," she said. She would hold off on saying love for now.

"He's a student at university as well?" Sharon asked.

"Yes mommy. You heard aunt Sandra say that," Carli replied.

Sharon nodded. "Okay. Sounds good. So what's his ambition?" she asked

"He wants to own his own business one day, but he's planning to work for one of the industry leaders in construction. He's really good at what he does. He has the skill of painting and there are other things he can do. He's really good with his hands and he's smart. He got really good grades on his courses this semester. He's in his final year, so he'll be out in no time," Carli answered.

"How old is he?" Sharon asked.

"He's twenty-one," Carli replied.

"I see," Sharon said. She sighed. "Listen, I came up here to tell you something. Something really important," she said.

"Oh? What's that?" Carli asked.

"You're gonna be a big sister," Sharon said eyeing her daughter's reaction.

"Uh? What?"

Sharon nodded. "Yup. I am pregnant," she said.

"Really?" Carli was surprised and happy. She hugged her mother who hugged her back briefly. 

"Wow!" Cali said in shock, "This is great news. So are you okay? The baby?"

"Yeah I am. I didn't expect you to bring a stranger to our family gathering, but it's cool," Sharon said.

Carli sighed. "Jason has visited the house more than once, mommy. As a matter of fact, he painted the living room you were sitting in earlier, both the walls and ceiling. He also painted the kitchen."

Sharon was surprised to hear that. Earlier today she had complimented Sandra on the color of the walls and the smooth finish in the living room. She hadn't seen the kitchen yet, but now that Carl mentioned it, she would take a look when she went down stairs. She had asked for the name of the professional who did the job. She was surprised to hear it was this Jason guy. 

"So he's been to this house multiple times?" Sharon asked. 

"Yes mommy. Aunty hired him and he came and did his job. Before that he and I were friends. So when he came here to work I got to know him better. He's a really good guy," Carli answered.

Sharon got up, left Carli in the room and hurried down stairs. Carli was perplexed by her action but thought nothing of it. After about a minute she heard shouting downstairs. 

Carli ran down stairs and into the kitchen to see Sharon accusing Sandra of not monitoring her daughter and failing to protect her from bad influences. Carli couldn't believe it. Carlos was now trying to calm her mother down telling her to remember she couldn't be under stress because of the baby. Jason walked up to the kitchen doorway when he heard him say that. He looked over at Carli with a quizzical look. She nodded. He stopped just inside the doorway and touched Carli's arm. Carli went out to the foyer with him. "I think I better leave. This argument is about me and I don't want to cause a rift between your mom and aunt Sandra." 

Carli nodded. "Yeah, you should go and I'm coming with you," she said.

"No baby, please stay. I like your dad and I think he's warming up to me. I would rather have at least one parent liking me than have none like me," Jason said ruefully.

Carli sighed. She agreed, "Okay," she said. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. Jason bent forward and planted a kiss on her cheek. He left closing the door quietly behind him.

Carli went up to her room and closed the door. She knelt down by her bed and prayed:

Lord, hi. It's me again.

It's really hard Lord 

Today we almost lost control of ourselves in a way that you wouldn't like,

but you kept us from doing anything. 

Thank you.

Lord you know I love Jason

He is all I could want in a man

I want my parents to like him

Please Lord intervene.

Help my mother to see that Jason really loves me 

And he's the perfect person for me

In your name I pray.

Amen.

Carli turned on the room light and fished through her drawer for a night gown. She undressed and put on her night gown, turned off the room light and climbed into bed. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Five days later ...

Jason was working in Montego Bay. He would text her but never call. Sometimes she called but he never answered. It was Christmas day. Her parents were still here at her aunt's house but ever since the argument everyone walked around on eggshells. 

Carli barely spoke to her mother. Sharon tried to bully her into talking to her, telling her that she was her mother and she should show respect, but Carli would just look at her and walk away. Now on Christmas day, she hadn't heard from Jason and it was 10:30 am. Her mother had been rude and disrespectful. She feared that Jason was having second thoughts about their relationship. She sent him a 'Merry Christmas' greeting but never heard from him.

His cake was still in the fridge. In the fracas, she had forgotten to give it to him. Carli was angry and frustrated. What should she do? She needed to show Jason that her love for him was real. Maybe she should go to him. Why not? She thought. It was time she grew up and did things on her own. Jason had given her the money. She could use it to go to him. She just needed to know where to look. She knew how to get to Paradise Flats she just needed to know how she would get there. She would call an Uber. Using the app, Carli made the transaction and packed a few things in her suitcase. She also took her school backpack and emptied her books on the bed. She packed what she needed and went downstairs.

She saw her aunt. She greeted her and told her she would be gone for a day or two. Sandra looked at her dismayed. "Carli, please reconsider," her aunt pleaded. "Things are tense with your mom as it is."

"I've made up my mind," she said, "I'm going to see Jason."

"Going where?" Sharon said coming down the stairs.

"I'm going to see Jason," Carli said defiantly.

"Wharrah?!" Sharon said in shock. "Stop this foolishness right now. Right, right now! Weh yuh a guh?"

"I have to. I need to know if he's okay or not. He hasn't been answering my phone calls and he barely messages me now. I need to know if he feels the same way or not," Carli said, her voice rising as she felt emotional.

Sharon reached out and slapped her daughter. Carli held her face. She was even more determined now.

"Yuh know weh mi nuh like wid unnu Jamaican parents," Carli said angrily, "Unuh nuh listen unuh just beat and slap and don't reason wid we the kids. I am fed up of it. Mommy, I am nineteen years old. I tell you I have a boyfriend you wouldn't even sit down and talk to him. Try to get to know him. You just get up and walk away. Now is my turn to walk away. Yah fi guh kill mi cause me a leave fi si him."

Sharon grabbed Carli's arm. Carli flashed her hand off and rushed through the door. The ride had come. Carli jumped in the car and locked the door. She told the driver to go. The car drove off while Sharon tried to open the door. She ran back inside and upstairs to wake up Carlos.

"This is your fault!" she shouted at Sandra as she came back down with Carlos close behind her. Sandra decided to remain calm. Her losing her cool wouldn't help the situation.

"Where did she say she was going?" he asked Sandra.

"She's going to see Jason, so she's going to Montego Bay," Sandra said.

"We didn't give her any money Carlos, how is she going to pay for the taxi and the trip down there?" Sharon asked. She was distraught. Carlos saw her behaviour and guided her into the living room to sit down.

He saw Sandra coming behind them. "Do you have the young man's number?" he asked her.

Sandra nodded. "Let me go get my cellphone," she said.

Sandra hurried into her room for her phone and gave Carlos the number. Carlos ran upstairs for his phone then came down into the living room where the two women were waiting. He dialed the number and called.

****

It was Christmas day! Jason was glad to see it come but he had mixed emotions. He was doing a good job helping his dad and had gotten $300,000 as a start but he was still unhappy. He missed Carli. The phone signal was poor where he was working and sometimes it was difficult to get a call in or out. He had seen missed calls from Carli several times but when he tried to call her back it would say the line was busy.

He decided he would come home at least for one day to spend Christmas with her. He wasn't sure how her parents would feel about that, but he didn't care, he needed to see her, even for a few minutes. He was driving through the Bog Walk Gorge when his cellphone started to ring. He eased off his buttocks and retrieved the phone. He answered and put the phone on hands free. He placed it on the car phone mount before him.

"Hello," he answered.

"Jason," the voice said, "This is Carli's dad. Good morning."

"Good morning," Jason replied. He wondered if Carli's mom had a change of heart towards him. 

"We need your help," He heard Carlos say. He noted the distress in Carlos's voice. 

"Okay. Sure. What do you need?"

"Carli has run away. Well, she's coming to see you," Carlos said.

What? Carli's run away? Coming to see me? He slowed the car down. After he drove over the bridge, he looked for a soft shoulder to park the car on. He put the car in 'park' and picked up the phone and turned off hands free. He put the phone to his ear.

"Did you say she ran away to see me?" Jason asked astonished.

"Yes," Carlos replied. "Please, if she comes down there please bring her back."

Jason's mind was racing. "But I'm not in Montego Bay. I'm currently in St. Catherine. It's Christmas. I wanted to spend the day with Carli, so I decided to come back to spend time with her," he said.

"So you're not in Montego Bay?" Carlos asked.

"No. I'm not," Jason said. "Let me call you back." Jason hung up. He dialed her number. Carli picked up the call after the fifth ring.

"Jason!" she said sounding excited.

"Carli, baby, where are you?" Jason asked his heart beating fast. 

"I'm in a taxi headed over to see Omie. I was going to ask him to give me directions to where you were in Montego Bay. I was calling you and not getting you. I texted several times and you didn't respond. I thought you didn't want to see me again, but I said I need to see you. I want to show you that I don't care what my mom thinks, I want you."

Jason sighed. He shook his head. "You crazy baby. I'm coming home to see you. I'm in St. Catherine now. I want to spend Christmas with you," he said. "Okay. Still head over to Omie's. I'm coming to get you."

"Okay," she said.

Jason hung up. He called Carlos back. "Mr. James," Jason said, "I was able to get to Carli. She's going over to a friend of mine. I'm gonna pick her up and bring her back home. I however beg for your indulgence. I really love your daughter and I want to marry her. Please allow me to spend a few hours with her before I bring her home. Please."

Carlos sighed. "Okay. Bring her back by 6:30 this evening," he said.

"Thank you sir. Bye," Jason said smiling.

He hung up. He started the car and raced to be with his Carli. 

When he arrived at Paradise Flats, he saw Carli and Omie sitting just outside Omie's apartment. Carli got up and ran towards him. Jason parked the car. He locked the door, armed the vehicle and ran to her. He scooped her up in his arms and lifted her in the air. Gently, he lowered her to his face and kissed her passionately. 

Carli closed her eyes and whispered his name. Omie watched them kiss. He grinned. Old boy's gonna get sumn tonight, he mused. He cleared his throat loudly. Jason looked over at him and smiled. "Thanks for keeping her company, bro," Jason said to his long time friend.

Omie laughed. "Yeh man. Take good care of her," Omie said. He did a back and forth motion with his arm. Jason laughed. He knew what he meant. Yeah, he would take very good care of her. He looked at Carli again. He smiled at her. Wrapping her legs around his waist Jason carried her up the stairs to his apartment. 

He heard Omie calling to him: "Bro bro, her stuff is down here with me!"

"Me will colleck it later!" Jason shouted back. Right now he had one thing on his mind.

He opened the door and released her so she could stand on the floor while he locked the door. Jason lifted her in his arms again and kissed her passionately. He gently laid her on the bed. He stood upright and looked down at her in his bed. She was so beautiful. She watched him, her eyes filled with desire. Jason removed his shirt and came to her. He took her hands and run her fingers across his arm muscles and chest. Carli moaned. He felt so strong and powerful. She was weak for him. He cupped her face. 

"I'm yours baby," he said, "do with me what you want."

Carli touched his face. She playfully pushed him and he lay back on the bed. She climbed on top of him. Straddling him, she kissed him slowly. She wanted to savour the moment. Jason squeezed her buttocks and looked into her eyes. "I love you," he said.

"I love you," she said. She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly. Jason's hands slipped under her blouse to caress her bare flesh. He unhooked her bra. He lifted her blouse over her head and removed her bra. He lifted himself and suckled her breasts. He took his time. He wasn't going to rush their lovemaking. 

She was wearing a skirt. He reached under and hooked his finger in the waist of her panties and pulled them down. She lay back on the bed and allowed him to remove her panties and skirt. He lovingly kissed her belly, her hips, her thighs. 

He heard her moan softly as anticipation was building in her. He came back up to her breasts and suckled and pulled each one. His hands caressed and squeezed her thighs and bottom. He parted her legs and used his thumb to skillfully massage her most sensitive spot. She was moaning a little louder now. 

He lay down before her and gently used his tongue to pleasure her. He gripped her hips and began licking and suckling her sweet folds. She was moaning his name. Jason groaned. She was getting so wet. He wanted to be inside her, but he would satisfy her first. She tasted so good. He would go all the way with her. She was willing to risk it all for him. He needed to show her how much he wanted her. And how much he loved her. 

Under his patient and careful lovemaking, Carli's love bloomed and she understood the beauty of a man's touch.