Youngin' Blues: The Story of Reed and RaKeem by Mercy B Page B

At best, was how she wanted to be seen by the most prominent man to ever walk the campus.
    She could hear the familiar voice of the one and only RaKeem as he conversed with Mr. Roger, the school’s dean. It was highly unlikely to see the dean in discussion with the students, but RaKeem was of a different caliber. He didn’t even attend the University of Pennsylvania, but he was able to access things and people that were nearly impossible for the attendees. He was simply that guy.
    Their conversation came to a halt when she reached their vicinity. Danity could feel their eyes boring hole into her frame. With her head held high, she treaded. It was a daunting task for her not to look, or better stare. Even a feet or two away, she could smell the luscious cologne penetrate the air.
    What seemed to be forever as Danity walked by was only a few seconds in reality. She exhaled once she’d passed the men, finally able to breathe properly. Just as her breathing normalized, she heard footsteps behind her. Desperately wanting to turn, she held her ground and continued her stride. The potent cologne attacked her nostrils once more, giving her the inclination that the stars were aligning and tonight was her lucky night.
    Before she was able to get much further, she was pulled backwards, and spent around. Had it been any other gremlin, Danity would’ve had a few choice words, but this was no ordinary guy. This was Keem.
     
    “You know; you shouldn’t be walking at this time of night by your lonesome. There’s all different kinds of insane predators waiting to have their chance with a woman as beautiful as yourself.” He rubbed his hands in front of one another.
    Danity’s heart stopped, momentarily. It left her to touch herself, wondering if she was dreaming or in some fantasy world. Sure as the night was amongst her, she was in tune with reality. Words caught in her throat, she couldn’t get as much as a sound out.
    “I’m RaKeem. RaKeem Jones.” Keem extended his hand, and Danity found the strength to join hers and his. Shaking, he stepped back out of her personal space. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep a safe distance and see to it that you get home.” He insisted. “If you don’t mind.”
    “I… Uh…” Danity stuttered. “I’m Danity.” She added.
    “Nice to meet you Danity. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Where do you live?” Keem asked.
    “I live in Gregory House.” Danity was a bit mushed that RaKeem hadn’t remembered her. She saw him nearly every day on his way to and from his girlfriend, Reed’s, dormitory. They’d even shared a brief elevator ride once before.
    “Oh yeah?” he seemed to be in deep thought.
    “Yes.”
    “Aight. Well, I wouldn’t want you walking all the way over there alone. I was headed that way, anyway. You can walk with me.” Keem switched up.
    “Oh, now I can walk with you?” Danity asked, sarcastically.
    “Yeah. Under one condition.” He smiled.
    Danity clenched her chest, hoping that she could save her heart from jumping out. RaKeem was so magnifying. His crisp white denim, blue jean shirt, and gold chain meshed so well together. Danity had witnessed him in the most sophisticated and the most thugged out attired. He handled both so well. She adored a man that could switch up.
     
    “What’s that?” Danity nearly whispered. Staring at her feet, shifting her weight from one to the other, she waited for his response.
    “Put your number in my phone.” his request was simple, and she was trying to avoid the temptation –being that she was well aware of the relationship that he was heavily involved in.
    “I don’t know.”
    “What’s there not to know, Danity.” He countered –quick on his toes. He wasn’t going to give her the chance to decline. Especially being that she actually wanted to take him up on the offer. Shit, who didn’t.
    “Aren’t you…”
    “If I wanted to talk about my engagements and other affairs, I would’ve mentioned