I T ' S A B O Y
1339 Words
“Look at him, Justin, he’s so cute.”
“Don’t call my son cute, he’s handsome.”
“He’s my son too, Justin, and I think he’s cute, and handsome. I can’t believe he’s actually here. My dad would be very happy.”
“No, your dad is very happy. I’m sure he’s looking down smiling right now.”
“Yeah, you’re right, babe.”
“Hey, I gotta go pick Emma up from work. Do you need anything while I’m out?”
“I’m fine. Wait, no, we need rolling papers.”
“Way ahead of you. Be back shortly.”
Emma worked at a convenient store not far from our house. She’s been there for three weeks and hated it since the first day. Karen, she has a job as a cook for a restaurant right down the street from Emma’s workplace.
After picking Emma up, we swung by to pay Karen a visit. Poor girl looked exhausted. She glanced over and saw us, signaling us to meet her around back. She bust out the door while lighting a joint at the same time.
“How’s y’all day? That’s great. Let me tell you about mine. First, this lady claims her steak was too tough. Then this guy starts to complain about how his grilled ham and cheese sandwich was missing the ham. Complaints on top of complaints, and I didn’t even make the food that they received, but I’m the one catching the blame.”
“It’s cause you’re new, cousin.”
“Right. At least the boss man know it wasn’t me screwing up in there. Only reason I haven’t left this place yet. How was your day, Emma?”
“Similar. Mam, you gave me too much change. Mam, you didn’t give me enough change. Emma, come off cash register and mop the floors. Emma, can you take out the trash? That place is driving me nuts.”
They laughed.
“How’s my little cousin, Justin, you sick of being a dad yet?”
“Little man’s cool. He doesn’t cry as much, just eats and sleeps his day away.”
“Give him time. After a while, you won’t be able to shut him up.”
“That’s where you come in, Auntie Emma.”
“No thanks. Babies are gross and noisy.”
“Well, you guys, I have another hour before I’m free. Peace out.”
“Later alligator.”
We made it home safely. From the outside, I heard little Jimmy crying. I entered to see Stacey changing his diaper and shushing him. I chuckled.
“Uh-oh, brother. And it begins.”
“Wow. He got a set of lungs on him, don’t he?”
“They always do. I’ll be in my room if you need me.”
I walked over and gave Stacey a hand. Once we cleaned him up and clothed him, silence. I was sort of scared to hold him in fear I’d drop or crush his tiny body. I guess all new parents has to overcome that minor fear. We put him in the crib then went into the living room to roll up and smoke.
“You know, this is almost how I pictured it. You and me, in our own place with a little one to complete it all.”
“Me too. If I’m to be honest, before meeting you, I never seriously thought about having a family of my own.”
“Yeah, why not?”
“I don’t know. My mom and I was always moving, and my dad were out of the picture. I guess, in some way, I didn’t think I was mentally prepared for it, so I pushed it to the back.”
“And now?”
“Now, I feel like I can do anything and will to keep you and my son safe.”
“Aww. That’s sweet.”
“Yeah, yeah. I mean it though. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect you both. Besides, I gave your dad my word.”
“I’ve been thinking about him a lot recently. What they did for us before they went on that mission, it was like they were expecting to die.”
“They knew the risk they were taking was high. They didn’t plan on getting killed but they knew it was possible.”
“But I just don’t get it. What did they accomplish when they went out there? Other than getting themselves kidnapped and blown up, what was the point?”
“Your guess is good as mine, bae. I just wish we could’ve met Mr. Hampton before they left. Maybe things would’ve went differently.”
“Yeah, maybe. It’s ok, though, we’re here together with a little one of our own, and I know he’ll protect us all.”
“Especially the baby, considering we named him after your dad.”
“Right. Pass the lighter.”
She fired up her joint as I continued to roll another. Emma enters the living room and sits in the floor between Stacey and me.
“So, when are you 2 getting married?”
“Good question, Emma. I’ll let your brother answer that one.”
“Um, I don’t know, sis.”
“Well, y’all have a baby now so it’s time that you lock it down, brother. Put a ring on it.”
“You are making very good points, Emma.”
“She’s putting me on the spot, that’s what she’s doing.”
They laughed as we passed the joint around. Time passed and my phone started to ring. s**t, it’s Karen.
“I’m on the way, cuz, right around the corner.”
“Hurry your ass up, please. I’m ready to get home and smoke.”
On the way to pick her up, my phone rang again. It’s my mom.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing much, son, how’s my grandbaby?”
“He’s good. He was sleep when I left the house.”
“Oh ok. Listen, I’ll be over to visit this weekend so don’t make any plans.”
“I can’t make plans if I wanted to, ma, you know I got responsibilities now.”
She laughed.
“Well, it’s good to see your mind is in the right place. See you soon.”
“Yes mam. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
‘Click’
I pulled up on Karen who was standing in the front fussing with this guy and woman. I parked and got out the car to get a better understanding of what’s going on.
“No, that’s bullshit. You grabbed my ass, sir, there’s a difference between bumping into somebody and grabbing their ass when you walk by.”
“You grab my cousin’s ass, sir? Apologize before things get out of control.”
“She’s crazy. You’re crazy if you think I’m going to apologize.”
I lifted my shirt, revealing the pistol I kept with me at all times.
“I said apologize and go on about your day.”
“Ok. Ok. I’m sorry I grabbed your ass, lady. Ain’t no need for all that, man, chill out.”
“Now get out of here, creep.”
We got in the car, laughing.
“I see you ain’t got a problem with making friends?”
“What can I say? I guess I just have that effect on people.”
We pulled off. On the way home, I noticed a black van following behind us. I turned one way it turned that way. I turned another way, it followed. I decided to make a detour before going straight home. Karen noticed it as well.
“Justin, we have company.”
“I’m watching.”
It turned off onto a street as we kept straight, heading right for the house. I wonder who that could’ve been? We tied our loose ends before we left. I’ll remain prepared, but I’m not letting this get to me at the moment.
- Writer
