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The woman shakes her head. I’m already guessing who she is, but she introduces herself anyway, “I’m Ana Prescott, Eric’s mom. He talks a lot about your class.”
“Thank you, Eric!” The boy smiles at the sound of my words, now timid. “I have been eager to meet you. I’ve been working with Sandra for a year now, and now I’m working with Brody!”
“Ow, are you the pregnant singer?” She asks, tenting her hands.
I’m shocked. “Did Sandra tell you that?” She nods before apologizing that she has to take a call, cell phone to her ear.
I’m glad she walked away because I have no idea what would have come out of my mouth if she hadn’t. I’m livid and furious that Sandra would tell a stranger my personal business like that.
Curse words are pouring through my mind, but I force myself to take deep breaths and put a smile on my face.
I shove any anger to the side as the parents bid their goodbyes and congratulations on the TV appearance and upcoming tour.
But it reminds me of Brody’s earlier words the other day and it makes me wonder if Sandra is truly my best friend or not.
Chapter Twelve
BRODY
Ana,Eric,andIare at the mall.
It’s Thursday afternoon and the shopping mall is already packed with teens, young couples, and families all around, most eating at the food court or in line for the movies.
We were among them just two hours ago, a dysfunctional family, his mom, him and I, but still a family, nonetheless.
Now we’re on our way out. Eric still has the leftovers of his popcorn in his hand. Ana looks at him and yells for the boy not to stray too far, but I have no idea why, since he hasn’t left our side.
“Did you like the movie, champ?” I ask, patting him in the head.
But Eric dodges me, making my heart ache. “Call meEric, dad! No nicknames!” he pleads.
“Not too long ago you used to smile with pride when I called you ‘champ’!” I complain, lightly.
“But I don’t like it anymore,” he says, dead serious.
“Leave him be, Brody!” Now it’s Ana who pleads, taking pity on the boy. “He’s growing up. It’s out of our control now.”
“No, it’s not,” I say without a hint of hesitation, obviously joking, but still not happy about the situation. “I’ll always call him what I like.”
Eric looks at me with fearful doubt in his eyes. “Please, don’t, dad.”
And Ana lightly slaps me on the back of the head. “Stop it, he’ll take you seriously!”
Ana and I do this with Eric at least once a month; we go out with him, talk, joke, play. This way he feels loved by both, and not divided between us like in a game of tug-of-war.
It’s the last time I’ll be seeing him for the next two months because I’m going with Lily on her tour with Sweets Tyler, so I’ve got to make it count.
“Wanna go to the arcade, champ…” I clear my throat, “Um, Eric?” I ask, mimicking a joystick.
He shakes his head. “Not now. I just want to go home and draw.”
“Draw about the movie?” Ana asks.
He nods happily at her.
“Then I guess I’m taking you home…” I say, feeling for my keys in my pocket.
“Where do you have to be after this?” Ana asks.
