Page 58 of Off the Charts
The crowd was clearingout little by little, so we cleaned in increments so it wouldn’t be too much when everyone left. We sang happy birthday, and he was opening a few of his gifts. People had really shown him so much love. I couldn’t believe my baby was really ten. Before I knew it, he was going to be on the way to college. Mama was holding the phone so close to her face that I didn’t know if she was taking a selfie or recording. Valen hit the record button for her and threw Mama a wink when she told her thank you.
“Aight, Zy. That one from me,” Vayce folded his arms across his chest.
Zion unwrapped the velvet box and I was tuned in because Vayce still hadn’t told me what he got him. Zion removed the top and took off running around the room. Everybody was laughing.
“His Georgetown jersey and it’s signed?”
“No way bro!” One of his friends peeked into the box and his eyes widened too. “Wow!’
Vayce laughed when he ran and jumped on him. So overwhelmed with emotion, he burst into tears. Vayce lifted him, giving him a big hug.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Vayce!”
“You’re welcome, Zy. Glad you like it, man.” He placed him on his feet when he calmed down then grabbed his phone from his pocket. Vayce swiped through it. “Oh, I got one more thing for you,” he turned the screen to face Zy who frowned as his eyes moved over the words.
“LA and Boston tickets?” He squealed.
“Courtside. For you, your mom, and I. AI won’t be there of course, but we’ll both get to see our current favorites.”
I smiled as they hugged again. Jade hit my arm. “I know that’s right. Got you a good man sista.”
“And do!”
As Zion and Vayce rambled about the tickets, there was a deep clearing of the throat that gained all of our attention. When I looked over, my blood boiled because he’d missed over three hours of the party but came only to say he did. What added fuel to the fire was the fact that he dragged Victor in here with him. Vayce placed his hand on the small of my back as if he could feel the steam rising. I took a deep breath reminding myself that this was not the time.
Solomon’s absence had been in the back of my mind all day, but I don’t think Zion realized he was missing because he barely showed any emotion seeing him. He would usually take off running the same way he’d just done for his gifts, but he walked as if he had all the time in the world.
“Hi Dad. Hi Uncle Victor,” he waved.
A sour taste filled my mouth hearing that uncle shit.
“What’s up son! Happy birthday!” He lowered himself to be at Zion’s height and handed over a gift. “I got you something. Probably not as flashy as that guy there, but it’s something,” Solomon cut his eyes at Vayce, who removed his hand from my back. It was my turn to grab his hand and give it a light squeeze.
“Thanks,” Zion peeked in the bag. “I’m grateful, but I stopped liking Ninja Turtles when I turned eight.”
“Oh.” Embarrassment filled him as his cheeks flushed red as he looked around the room. His eyes landed on me before giving me the nastiest eyeroll known to man. You would’ve thought I was the one that got caught cheating. “Well son, it seems like a lot has changed. Hasn’t it? I will have to get you another gift.”
“Okay,” he turned toward me with sadness in his puppy dog eyes. I wanted war now, but I was trying to calm down and not express that in front of Zion.
Squatting in front of him, I placed my hands on his shoulders. “Baby, how about we finish the gifts later and you and your friends go finish those cupcakes on the table. I know. I know. I said no earlier, but I don’t want those to go to waste. Then y’all can play the VR before we wrap up and I’ll even play a round with you. How’s that sound?”
“Yes! Can we play the mummy game?” Happiness filled his eyes again.
“Whatever you want, Zy.”
He smiled. “Okay and how many cupcakes can I eat? Is three more too many?”
“Not when it’s your day,” I pinched his cheek, making him giggle. “Go ahead. I’ll be there soon.”
The boys took off running toward the gym area and the parents followed behind them. A few other of the grown-ups read the room and exited too, leaving nothing but family, Victor, and his bitch.
“The party was at four, Solomon. Not sure if that expensive watch of yours ticks correctly,” Mama fussed the second we were alone.
“Hello to you too Mama Brenda,” he quipped.
“Don’t mama me nothing,” she seethed. “You never put a ring on my daughter’s finger, sorry joker you.” She looked him up and down as she walked out but not before turning to his man.“Victor,” Mama scoffed then chuckled. “Boy, I can’t wait for the truth to prevail.” You could see the color drain from his face.
“Jersei Monroe, I’m going to watch the children. My new son, you behave.”
