Page 86 of Until Forever

Three months later…

I stand and rub my hands down my Black Panther t-shirt. It’s my birthday, and I’m finally going to be eight. My mommy has already decorated, and everything looks amazeballs, but the face painting lady isn’t here yet.

Someone knocks on the door, and I get excited that she might finally be here. But I know not to answer it, especially after those bad men took me from the ballpark. So I go into my parents’ room, only I don’t see them. Then giggling comes from their bathroom, and their shadows dance under the door.

I shake my head and knock.

“Shh,” Mommy whispers, then she laughs again.

Dad whispers something, but I can’t make it out.

“Yes, baby.” She’s still laughing, but her voice is weird.

“I think the face painting lady is at the door,” I say.

Neither of them answers me, but it sounds like something falls to the floor.

“I know you guys are kissing. Can’t you do that later? It’s my birthday.”

They’re always kissing, even though they think I don’t notice. How can I not? They do it in the kitchen, on the porch, in the car, at the grocery store—just everywhere. That’s why, when I grow up, I won’t be wanting to do it that much. How can they even breathe like that?

“How does he know?” Dad asks in a hushed voice.

“O-okay, sweetie. I’m coming?”

Dad whispers something else, then Mommy says, “Stop it.”

The door opens, and I try to look inside, but she blocks me while fixing her clothes on her shoulder.

“I like your dress. It’s going to be perfect for today.” I smile.

“Oh really, I’m glad you like it. Come on, let’s answer the door. Everyone should be arriving soon anyway.” She puts an arm around me, and we exit her room.

I was right.

When we open the door, there’s a lady with her face made up like Shuri. My eyes get big, and I grab her hand, immediately pulling her inside.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I say.

The woman grins at me. “Sounds like someone’s ready to have fun.”

“Yes. And we have to get ready before my friends get here. And I want you to make me look like theInfinity WarBlack Panther.”

She glances at Mommy and the two shrug.

“You heard the man,” Mommy says with her eyebrows raised.

“Where should I set up, sir?”

“Follow me.” I wave and lead her to the backyard. “What’s your name?”

She chuckles, and I frown because I don’t know what’s funny.

“Courtney.”

“Nice to meet you, Courtney. I’m Jasper, but everybody calls me JJ.”

We make it outside and over to the table my dad put up for her. In the other corner of the yard is the bouncy house, and soon Dad will be making hot dogs on the grill.

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