Page 9 of Off the Charts
“Mom!”
“Okay. Okay,” I laughed. “Seriously Zion. There’s nothing in the world that you have to hide from me. What you have going on, I would like to know about it. I understand you’re growing up and there may be some things you aren’t comfortable telling me anymore, but I am here. I’m so sorry for shutting you out. You matter. Your emotions matter. I know the separation has been hard on you, but your father and I are trying to come together for you. A lot has changed, but my love for you never will.”
“I know, Mom.”
I stared at him for a minute then nodded. “Okay. Thankfully you only have to spend one day in in-school suspension, and they won’t put it on your chart.”
Zy released a breath of relief. “Great. I didn’t want a record.”
I smiled. His maturity always shocked me. Most things kids didn’t give a fuck about, Zion did. “Doctor Griff worked it out. Also, Mr. Denver is going to start having conversations with you if you are comfortable with it.”
He smiled. “I would love that. He is cool.”
And fine.I thought.
Reaching over, I pinched his cheek. “Maybe you can tell him the things you’re afraid to tell me, although my feelings may be hurt, I will understand because at least you are getting it out of you.”
“Yes ma’am. I promise to tell you more.”
“I will hold you to that.” I closed my sunroof. “It’s a lot going on, so if you want to stay home with me for the summer, you can do that too.”
“Oh no. I have been looking forward to spending time with Granny and Tee Tee Jade for months. I still want to go.”
I was hoping he’d change his mind, but it was like this every time. For the past three years, Zion would spend six weeks with my mom and sister. He didn’t know it yet, but they would be in DC this year. He was the only grandchild, so he was spoiled rotten. Each summer, the three of them travel somewhere different and leave me without an invitation so I can get a break. I didn’t necessarily need one, but during his time away Solomon and I would usually spend it together. This summer will be different, and I wasn’t looking forward to it. While I was having separation anxiety, he’d be having the time of his life.
I made a fake sad face making him giggle. “Well, okay. It didn’t hurt to ask. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“I won’t, but I will, mom.” He reassured.
Laughing, I grabbed my keys. “But before we get out, did you win?”
Zion’s frown literally turned upside down. He slowly nodded. “Mama, I don’t know what came over me, but I beat him bad. I pushed his head against the lockers and kept hitting him. I couldn’t hear or see, but I know for sure he has big knots on him. My knuckles still hurt,” he shook his head. “It’s good to know I can fight, but I’d rather be a lover, Mama.” He fanned his hand.
I was trying not to laugh, but I couldn’t hold it because he was so serious. Not only was he my best friend, but Zy was also the best secret keeper I knew. Leaning over the seat, I whispered as if we weren’t the only two in the car.
“Rumor has it, your mama ain’t ever lost a fight. Your daddy might be different, I don’t know. You will have to ask him, but you get the fighting from me and the loving from him.” Zy giggled. “Come on kid. Let’s go inside.”
We exited the car with Zion leading the way. I could see the excitement filling him as he raced up the flight of stairs toward the front door. In his head, his parents weren’t together, but we were still cordial, and I wanted to keep it that way because in reality, this shit was quite the opposite.
Solomon was not happy with the child support case. Even I was appalled at the amounts they approved monthly. If I didn’t want to, I didn’t have to work because that money was guaranteed and enough. At first, I wasn’t going to file, but I can count on one hand how many times he has seen his son since we have separated. As I started up the stairs, the door flew open, and Solomon stepped out pulling his shirt over his head before closing the door behind him. My eyes squinted.
“Dad!”
“Hey, son,” he scooped Zion up in his arms. “How’s my little man?”
“I’m a big kid, Dad and I’m—” he looked over his shoulder at me as if he was asking for permission to say anything. I nodded, folding my arms across my chest. “I’m okay. I got in trouble today at school.”
“Trouble?” His eyes flickered to me before they rolled back to Zy. “What kind of trouble?”
“I got to fighting Dad,” Zy’s head dropped. He wasn’t used to being disciplined, especially by Solomon. The only time we had to correct him was about simple shit like keeping his room clean or talking too loud on the game.
“What? Why the hell did you f?—”
“Solomon,” I warned for what would be the first and final time.
He deeply exhaled. “What happened?”
“He said something about Mom, and I lost it.”
