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Mama, how did you and my daddy meet?” he asks, the way he would ask for a lollipop: a simple, casual conversation. For most people. Never taking his eyes from his show, like it’s nothing.
“Well...” I put my book aside and look down at him, tucked into my arms, his eyes still glued to the screen. I’m not exactly sure what I should say. He’s asked vague questions before, but this is the first direct one. I take that fortifying breath I need to go through with this, letting it settle in me. I knew this was coming, but it’s sooner than I expected. But then again…guess not. I should probably be surprised it wasn’t sooner.
One day he’s a baby, and now here I am. He wants to know who he comes from. Which also happens to be the most painful time in my life. I draw it out as long as I can before he turns his big, deep brown eyes to me, full of questions. I look into those dark pools, and I’m filled with past and present fears. They are the eyes of the man he wants to know about, who was my living, breathing nightmare, haunting me night and day for so many years. I’ll try, for him.
“I was a girl who liked a guy, but was too shy to tell him. Your Aunty Shay wasn’t shy, though. She solved the problem for me.”
“What did she do, Mama?”
I think back, a faint smile on my lips. I continue the story, editing out the not-for-kids parts. “She was dating a guy who was friends with him. She walked right up to him, at the diner everyone went to after school...”
“Hey, my sister likes you. When are you going to go on a date with her?”
I was mortified.
He took a peek around her, and I heard him say, ”Isn’t she a little young for you to be handing off to me?”
“Don’t be such a wuss. She’s seventeen and a senior.”
“Like I said, I don’t want to go to jail.”
“Keep your junk in your pants, and you won’t.”
“You’re talking to the wrong guy.”
“Do you need another look?”
“Let me get one more—see if she’s worth potentially losing my freedom.”
She shifts to the side to give him a better look, holding out her hand towards me then moving back, blocking his view. “Keep it in your pants for a couple more months. There’ll be no time served.”
“I didn’t date high school girls when I was in high school.”
“She’s going to be the fucking exception to your rule. My sister’s hot.”
“She’s cute.”
“The offer’s going once, going twice...take another fucking look before you miss your chance. I’m going to have Trigg all over your ass,” she threatens.
“Shay, we both know Trigg doesn’t give a shit if I take your sister out. But since you’re so desperate to foist your little sis off on me, I’ll do it, because I like you more than any of the other girls he’s messed around with. Plus, she’s cute. But you owe me one.”
“Whatever. Gimme your phone. By the way, don’t be an asshole like Trigg; try to be somewhat on time.”
“Don’t tell me how to do a date, and I won’t tell you about your screwed-up relationship with my roommate.” Sneering at him, she walks back to our table, flipping him off.
He laughs. “Remember, you’re my favorite, Shay.”
I’m embarrassed and pissed. “You made me seem like a desperate freak that couldn’t get a date if she tried. The only reason he’s going to go out with me is because you threatened him!”
“You’ll thank me. This could be the beginning of a beautiful, two-week relationship. What more could you ask for? You’re welcome.”
She was right about the beauty, but not about its staying power. It lasted way past two weeks, but not nearly long enough for either of us.
Now
“Jackson, we can’t wait. Your mom’s waiting on us at your grandpa’s.”
“Please, Daddy, please. We can’t leave him alone. He’s my best friend.”
