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“No.” Jay said, “I want to try the teacups.”
Grinning because the boy was finally talking to him and not just grunting, Tazeem excitedly said, “To the teacups it is.”
As they walked there, Chess pulled him behind so that they could talk privately while their son walked ahead. She said, “You see what Jay’s doing, right?”
“I’m not blind or dumb.” Tazeem chuckled. “Of course I see it.”
“Then why are you playing along.” She offered. “If you’re afraid of getting his bad, little behind, I’ll do it for you.”
“Nah, that’s okay.” Tazeem said, “He’s not playing me. He’s testing me.”
Chess frowned in confusion. “Playing you - testing you. Tomato - tomayto. I see no difference.”
“He’s just trying to see if I’ll stick around even if he’s bad.” Tazeem explained, “I did the same thing with my granddad when I was put into his care after the parents ditched me. And I did it because I was afraid of getting attached then being abandoned again.”
Immediately guilt flashed in Chess’s eyes. Her tone was much softer as she said, “Jay’s situation is different. He’s never been abandoned.”
“Technically, yes.” Tazeem offered. “But me not being in his life before this might seem like abandonment to a child like him. He’s just trying to make sure that I’m here to stay. And I’m okay with that. I can handle it.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Tazeem proposed, “Just let him get it out of his system.”
Grumpily, Chess asked, “What if he kills us while he’s in the process of getting it out of his system?”
“He won’t kill us.” Tazeem grinned. “He’s a kid. What’s the worst he could do?”
“Hmm!” She mumbled under her breath, “You don’t know this kid.”
True to form, sulky Jay emerged the moment they got to the teacups.
“Nah!” Jay shook his head and made a face. “There are too many little kids here. I want something a little more grown up.”
“Boy, if you don’t stop.” Chess kissed her teeth. “Get into that teacup right n-”
“He doesn’t have to,” Tazeem cut in. Bending so he was at Jay’s height, he smiled, “You can ride whatever you want. Since the teacups are out, what do you want to try?”
“Dunno.” Jay smirked. “Maybe the tunnel?”
Chess exploded. “You little-”
“Chelsea.” Tazeem stopped her before she could cuss their son out. “If Jay wants to try the tunnel, then we should try it.”
She looked like she wanted to protest. But when Tazeem and Jay started walking towards the tunnel, she grumpily followed in their heels.
“Ugh! It looks so scary in there,” Jay announced when they got to the tunnel. “Maybe we should do the rollercoaster instead.”
Tazeem immediately stepped in front of Jay protectively because Chess’s furious expression made it clear that she was seriously considering smacking their son into next year.
“I’m not doing this with you two,” Chess declared. “Let’s split.”
Tazeem’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“I won’t waste my Saturday doing whatever nonsense you two think you’re doing.” She ordered, “You two go your own way. I’ll go mine. Let’s meet at the gates at four.”
And without even waiting for them to express their opinion, she turned on her heels and peaced out.
Now that his mother was gone, Jay had nothing holding him back. He was free to be as horrendous as he wanted. And he was truly horrendous. He wanted to get on a ride, but once the ride was paid for, he was too scared, or too tired, or not that interested in riding it. He was hungry but once the food was ordered and paid for he didn’t want it. It had too many tomatoes. He hated mayo. Ketchup made him dizzy (?).
