The First Encounter

Manny P.O.V

My name is Manuel Antonio Rodriguez. I was born November 8th, 1973 on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. To parents Gloria and Alfredo. I’m the youngest of eight siblings. Five sisters, and two brothers. Growing up in the countryside of the island with my family was awesome. My parents worked in the city. And that’s where we attended school.

We lived on my grandparent’s homestead in a 4 bedroom home. One of the many houses out here on the land. My Papau and Memau had nine kids, including my dad. We grew most of our own food. Lots of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. We also raised chickens, cows, goats, sheep, turkeys, pigs, and rabbits. That we butchered for food.

My Papau also taught me how to hunt and fish. I enjoy hunting the most. It just felt, I don’t know..? Natural to me. He showed me how to use a wooden bow & arrow first. Then various knives, axes, machetes, and finally guns. I was excellent at all types of weaponry. It was second nature.

We sold the land and moved to Chicago’s Humboldt Park area in March of 1984. Living in the big city was very different from the island's countryside. I miss the country life. And if I can. I'd love to live like that again.

We don’t have lots of animals anymore. My Memau kept some chickens though. As she loves fresh eggs. We can’t hunt anymore. But still fish in the Humboldt Park Lagoon or at Lake Michigan. Our schools are closer. Everything's a short walk away. We no longer grow our food nor have to butcher any animals. And the weather's different, colder. It.. took awhile to get used to.

I graduated from Roberto Clemente high school in 1991. And decided to join the Marines that summer. Now after nearly 6 years. I’m back home. I’m eating at my Tios’ (Spanish for Uncle) restaurant. I'm enjoying a jibarito meal. (Jibarito is a steak sandwich with grilled onions, cheese, mayo, lettuce and tomato. Between 2 flattened and fried plantains served with traditional rice and beans. Extremely delicious!)

It's cozy in here. Some random telenovela is on the TV. Soft Samba music playing in the background. I've been back for about a month now. Just enjoying my family and spending time catching up with everyone.

I bought myself a nice 4 bedroom/ 3 and a half bath home. A new 1998 royal blue Cadillac Deville. My cousin Victor encouraged me to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle. He says it’ll help in getting the ladies to notice me. ME?! Oh, the ladies notice me. I’m a caramel colored, towering 6′7" tall, ripped 275 pound GOD of a man! Believe me, they notice me, bro. I just ain't found, The One, yet.

It's April now, Easter Sunday. The weather is warming up. But still windy as usual. It ain’t called the Windy City for nothing. My face has major stubble. And I'm sporting a bald fade. I’m really looking forward to my hair growing back. I had to keep it cut while in the Marines.

“So what are you planning on doing with yourself. Now that you’re back, sobrino (nephew)?” My uncle wonders.

“Honestly, I just want to settle down Unc. Being single sucks! I want what you and aunt Marie have. A marriage and solid foundation. I want some little Mannys' running around.” I honestly confess.

Aunt Marie looks up from the register, a big smile on her face. She comes over to kiss her hubby.

“Awww gracias (thanks) Manny!” She gushes.

He seems surprised though. “Really?! Already?” I nod.

“Well, just know that it ain’t gonna happen overnight. It takes years of trust, loyalty, honesty, sacrifice, respect and unconditional love. To have a great marriage work out, you understand?” He testifies, encouragingly.

He then turns and taps Marie on her ass. As she walks by. She scoffs at him and smirks, shaking her head. He is cooking orders behind the counter while we talk. And a few older customers verbally agree with him. I guess having experienced it first hand. I agree also, wanting to find out truly what it's like.

“Entiendo Tio.” (I understand Uncle.) I confess with a smile.

I miss my uncle. He and his wife Marie, began by selling plates of food to pay bills. They raised enough money with the family’s support. To open up their own restaurant.

He could retire if he wants to. But he loves cooking too much. My Papau, his father. Told me when I was younger to invest in my future. So I did. Before I joined the Marines. I bought several shares in various companies. That earn lots of income. So I have a good nest egg to rest on. But just for something to do. I'm considering applying for the head security guard position. At my old high school starting in August.

I'm sitting here lost in thought, eating my sandwich. When suddenly I feel this pulling sensation in my lower abdomen. It's growing stronger by the moment! What can this be? Next thing, I hear this beautiful voice right next to me say...

“Hey Papa. My Grammy wants to order your delicious rotisserie chicken meal again.” The lovely voice orders.

“Coming right up!” My uncle utters gladly. He turns and calls out her order.

I turn slightly to see this young, fine ass black chick sitting right next to me. And yoooo! She smells GOOOOD! Like that freshly harvested lavender and spicy ginger root. That my Memau used to grow in her garden back home. And it's turning me on like a motherfucker!

She giggles and its a sensual sound that makes my dick jump! I feel something stir somewhere deep within me. And I faintly hear the word ‘Mate!’ I frown, confused. The fuck?

She tenderly bites her juicy bottom lip. While she swings her legs casually. She watches excitedly over the counter. While my Tio prepares her meal. I guess she caught me looking her way. She turns to me cheerfully, and greets. “Hi!” She smiles and it brightens up her face. And my day as well.

“Hello.” A smirk eases on my face. Her smell is intoxicating and makes my mouth water. I breathe her in and shiver involuntarily. 'Mmm, I wonder if she tastes as good as she smells.' Cause I’m fuckin starving! And I'd love to take a bite of her. I uncontrollably lick my lips.

Her eyes are the color of molten caramel outlined in dark blue. I've never seen anything like it before. She's wearing a short yellow summer dress. Covered in white daisies and black flip-flops with a plastic daisy on it. Her thick, curly dark hair was parted down the middle in a zigzag pattern. Put into two low ponytails tied in yellow ribbons. Damn she's cute! I'm checking her out. I'd guess she can’t tell cause I have my shades on.

She looks curiously at my sandwich. I eye it, then her and ask. “Have you ever had a jibarito before?”

She frowns a bit, tilts her head to the side. “A what?”

“A jibarito, that’s what this is.”

She shakes her head, her perfectly arched eyebrows raised, curiously. “No, I’ve never seen or heard of that before in my life!” She exclaims, amused.

So I explain what it is. Then flirt a bit, by lowering my voice. “Would you like a bite?” ‘I’d like a bite of her!’ I hear a voice rasp.

She looks a little surprised as her eyes widen. She blinks, grinning. “Sure!”

I hand it over to her. But instead of taking the sandwich from me. She opens her mouth and takes a bite! When her juicy, soft, plump lips touch my fingers. As she takes her bite. It feels like I'm struck by lightning!⚡⚡⚡

*CRACKLE* ’Grrrr! ‘MATE!’... 👀WTH?!!!

I lightly shiver involuntarily. Feel goosebumps erupt on my skin. And my hair stands on end! I'm in a daze. I shake my head to try and dispel this weird feeling. It's not a bad feeling at all, quite pleasurable. Just a little bit... overwhelming.

“Mmm, that was delicious!” She moans blissfully. “And it's called a, jibarito?” She breathes it out slowly.

“Uhh.. Yeah, you said it right. Would you like me to buy you one?” I ask. After blinking hard a few times.

“Really?!” She grins, excited. She’s got dimples... Damn, she's hot!

“Yeah, I don’t mind.”

“Sure, I’d love one!” She replies, shy as fuck. I smirk, licking my lips. 'Though, I wish I can lick her instead.' I hear that voice again.

“Ok, one jibarito meal coming up!” My uncle laughs happily. “Is it to go?”

“Yes, Papa. Thank you!” She calls him Papa. Because that’s the name of his restaurant. Not because he is her father or anything. They are not related. 'Yet!' An arrogant thought pops in my mind.

“So how’s your grandmother doing?” My Tio asks her.

“She’s much better now that she’s out of the hospital,” She replies. “The doctor says she has something called diabetes. I don’t know what it is yet. But it doesn’t sound good.”

She seems sad. Her head lowers, she sighs and pouts. Damn, how is she cute even when sad. I don’t want to see her like this. it makes my chest ache. I'll try to cheer her up.

“So what are you doing today?” I wonder out loud. On some real shit. I want to know if she's single.

She gazes over at me warily, “I gotta finish washing clothes and cleaning up. Find something to cook for dinner. And do my homework.” She utters nonchalantly. I need to know more about her. Especially if she’s single. And why the hell I feel like that when she touches me?!

“That’s quite a ‘To Do’ list for such a pretty girl.” I flirt. She blushes! And smiles at me shyly. I'm shocked. I actually see her blush. I chuckle. Damn, I have her blushing hard as fuck. She stutters shyly.

“I help my Grammy to take care of my little brothers and my sister.”

“Oh I see. Well, I’m sure she appreciates you a lot. Doesn’t she?” I turn towards her, giving her my full attention. I have this overwhelming urge to scoop her up. Wrap her legs around me, and bury my nose in her neck! I feel like I need to touch her. My fingers are itching for her!

She quickly nods, nervously. “Yup, I don’t mind.” She shrugs. “Because I love and appreciate my Grammy!”

I ask her more about herself. Extremely interested in getting to know her. I find out she’s Chicago born and raised. Lives with her Grandma and her 5 younger siblings. She’s the oldest. She’s 15 years old and a Scorpio like me. Which means she’s a super freak!

Hell yeah.. major turn-on. Her birthday is a day after mine! Fuck yes, we can definitely share our b-day parties! If she’s up for it. She can share a whole lot more like.. My home.. My bed.. My last name..! Fuuuck she smells good..! I need her.. NOW!

I lower my voice for only her ears to hear. “Hey, are you single?” Stunned she nods shyly, whispering. “Yes.. I am.” YES! I mentally cheer, triumphantly.

'MINE!' I hear this unknown voice inside me proclaim.

“Here you go girl. One half chicken meal and One jibarito meal.” My uncle hands her the bag.

“I’ll pay for it Tio.” I offer, dismissively. Still staring at her intensely.

Hearing this, her head snaps my way. She's shocked as fuck! And out of nowhere, she hugs me!

⚡CRACKLE⚡ ‘SHIVERS’... Grrrr! ‘MATE!’

It’s that feeling again! WTF! I look down at her. She frowns suspiciously at my chest. Then beams at me.

“OMG! Thank you so much Mister. I greatly appreciate it!” She happily grins at me. Wait, what, Mister?

I'm dizzy as fuck. I just nod awkwardly gazing down at her. I feel like I almost busted a nut when she hugs me. She grabs her bag, and turns to leave. While I try to get myself together.

“Hey!” I call after her someone near the door tells her I'm calling for her. She stops and turns around. She shyly answers. “Yes?”

“What’s your name?” I inquire. “Oh!” She beams. “I’m Keya. And again thank you so much!” She smiles, gratefully.

“Keya..” That’s a sexy ass name. “Cool.” I nod. “I’m Manny.” She nods. And she's blushing again, fucking gorgeous!

“I gotta go, My Grammy is really hungry, goodbye!” She grins, waves, and leaves.

Keya... What a beautiful name. I feel a huge smirk creep across my face. My Keya! It’s her. I know she’s The One. The one I’ve been longing for. That’s wifey right there. Hell Yeah! My Little Chocolate Princess..!

“Are you okay?” My Tio eyes me curiously.

Hell Naw, I’m not okay with just a touch. This girl can render me temporarily paralyzed! And.. Oh, Fuck is my dick hard Too?! WOW! She’s Mine! MINE! I want to go after her. And ask her out right now. But if I get up. This whole damn countertop will go with me!

I have NEVER had any woman make me feel the way she just did... Holy shit.. I think I’m in love! I glance down at the stool she just sat in. And notice how wet it is. I wipe my hand across the moisture there. And bring it to my nose. It's a heavenly scent. Fuck she smells good! I had her soaking for me!? 'MINE!' I hear yet again. That deep voice rattles around in my mind.

Still shaken up a little. I answer him, “Uh yeah Tio. I’m alright.” I peer towards the door. Where My Keya just left. My Uncle points out, nervously. “I think she may be a little too young for you, Manny. You may have to wait on that one.” The fuck! I frown at him, pissed. And snap! “No Tio. She’s Mine! And I don’t want to wait!” I smirk mischievously. She’s All Mine!