Babysitting and getting my first black man
I met my first boyfriend in high school and we had been dating for about a year and a half. His name was Matt. He was the quiet loner type and he had a mysterious quality about him I was drawn to. We met shortly after I transferred to the school in grade 12. Neither of us went to college after we graduated with the thought we would work and save money to go.
Matt focused a lot of his attention on me. Like any girl, I was appreciative of the gift of his attention. Matt was a tall guy, stocky with dark hair and eyes. Like any couple in high school we had lots of drama and it continued after graduation.
So here we were, eighteen years old and trying to join the adult world. I had still not found a 'real' job and had to resort to babysitting for any income.
Matt was more possessive and jealous than ever. If I even talked to my male friends from school or someone looked at me he would lose his mind. Naturally this lead to many more fights, arguments and mini breakups (day or two) before we'd make up.
After one extremely nasty fight over something stupid we broke up. I was adamant that this time was for good because it had become exhausting dealing with his crap every day. For about a week I completely ignored him went out of my way to laugh and smile whenever I saw him to get under his skin and make think I was unaffected by our breakup.
I saw him coming down the hall at the mall and turned quickly in the other direction. I bumped in to a guy named Osa who was in my science class when I was in high school. We had never really talked before but I needed an escape from Matt immediately. So I started a conversation with him.
Going out of my way to smile and show what a good time I was having talking to Osa, until Matt walked passed us with a big scowl on his face.
Osa was considerably taller than I was. He was six feet tall and played on the football team. My 5'5 inch frame was dwarfed beside him. His dark skin, brown eyes and huge smile were friendly and inviting. I recall wondering why I hadn't really noticed him before.
The next day I was sitting in the mall food court about to eat lunch when I looked up to see Osa standing there smiling at me.
"May I join you Grace?" Osa asked politely.
"Sure you can." I responded, more than happy for the company.
He sat down quickly and our conversation flowed naturally. He was very charming and made me feel like the only girl in the world when I was near him. It was Friday and we were both ready for the weekend.
"Do you want to hang out sometime?" He asked nervously
"Yes, I would like that" escaped my lips quickly.
Osa flashed his big smile in relief. "What about tomorrow then?"
"I have to babysit for a family friend on Saturdays." I pouted
He pulled out a piece of paper and wrote his phone number on it for me. "You can call me if you get bored then." He said as he handed me the piece of torn paper.
Saturday at noon, I arrived at my babysitting job and the parents pretty much ran out the door like usual. These two kids were wild and ran around like maniacs until bedtime at 8 o'clock. After a long exhausting day, it was finally time for them to sleep. I relaxed on the couch in the basement pondering if what I made was worth the grief of dealing with these kids every week.
I sat watching the television for a bit, flicking channels trying to find something to watch. I decided I would call Osa and talk to him instead.
The phone rang for what seemed like an eternity before his voice answered. "Hello"
"Hi, um...is this Osa?" I asked nervously.
"Yeah Grace, it's me!" his voice excitedly.
We talked about how much more expectations people had for us now that had graduated. We gossiped about the past and the hellions I was babysitting. I was so comfortable talking with him. He had a natural way of putting me at ease and it was enchanting. I could have talked to him all night.
"So, what time are you done sitting? Maybe we can hang out after." He asked.
"I know these parents, they won't be home until late!" I responded with a defeated voice. "I will probably end up sleeping here like usual."
I could hear him sigh and couldn't help but wonder if his smile was gone.
Before I knew it I heard myself ask, "Would you like to come hang out with me for a bit?"
His response was immediate. "YES! What is the address?"
I had butterflies waiting for him to show up and it seemed to be taking forever. Finally there was a knock on the door and I opened it. Immediately, I was greeted with that big smile of his. Stepping to the side I invited him in. After grabbing a couple pops from the fridge we headed down to the basement to the recreation room.
Osa was very direct and got straight to the point. "Are you still dating Matt? What is the deal with you guys anyway?"
I went in to a crazy explanation that was translated by Osa to say that I was single.
"Yes, I'm single." I responded after hearing his interpretation.
He smiled, "Why that answer was so hard?"
I shrugged "I dated him a long time, so I guess I am still getting used to the idea of being single."
We were sitting on the big couch and he was sitting on the line between two cushions. He was flicking through the channels as we talked. Of all the movies to stop on, he decided we should watch Jaws. I've never been a chicken but fish and I aren't the best of friends to this day. I'm especially not a fan of the ones capable of eating me.
Osa's arm was stretch out towards me on the back of the couch. I remember him looking right in to my soul as he asked me to sit closer to him. Without hesitation I moved in beside him and his arm came down around my shoulder.
