Loved By You

Eight-nine

Maja

After hearing how Dem felt I decided a mom-son day was much needed. "My mom is coming to get the twins and D should be here soon to pick up Sami," I called out.

"Okay," Angelo called. "So what are you doing today?" I asked as I walked back into our shared room. "Tae, Rod, Omar, Haseem, and I are going to Top Golf." He said as he looked up at me from where he was changing Teddy. I snorted. "What?" He asked.

"Last time Tae and Rod went there they started betting each other," I said shaking my head. "Next thing I know Tae came to my birthday party in a cheerleader uniform and Rod was wearing a latex catsuit with ears and a tail," I said.

I turned and looked at Angelo when I heard him laughing. "Angelo—" "Baby you know I'm going to have to—" "Don't you dare," I said pointing at him. "Just one bet." He pleaded.

"You know what it's guys day you have fun just don't lose any money and don't start any fights," I said. "Same goes to you." He said. "What?" I asked. "Don't start any fights." He said picking Teddy up kissing his cheek. "I never start any fights," I countered

He gave me a look. "Wha—I—oh shut up," I said. "No fighting." He said slapping my ass. "Hey watch it!" I said swatting his hand away. "What if someone starts with me, you expect me—" "All I said was don't start any. Especially with a man because I know your mouth—you're ruthless and I don't want to have kill someone." He said.

I smiled. "See look at you smiling." He said as he walked over to me poking my forehead. "I can't help it that I have a way with words," I said with a shrug. "You know what—I'm dropping you off." He said pointing at me. I threw my head back laughing. "Mama, what time are we leaving?" Dem asked as he came in climbing on our bed. He smiled poking Nicky who reached out for him.

"Dem tell your dad I'm nice," I said. "Umm—well you did yell at Aiden and his mom." He said. "That little gremlin bit you and they tried to punish you for punching him because of it. They're lucky that's all I did." I said. "But you didn't have to call her kid a dog," Angelo said. I shook my head.

"I didn't say that. I didn't say that. I said if her kid wants to bite people like a dog my child has the right to defend himself." I said as Dem laughed. "You know what it's clear you two can't appreciate my amazing word usage," I said with a huff as I walked into the bathroom. I heard Dem's laughter grow. "You know we live with the two most dramatic people," Angelo said. "Oh, shut up!" I called back making them both holler with laughter.

--

"1, 2, 3, Go!" The announcer yelled before the boys took off through the obstacle course. Dem along with four other boys were racing each other. "GO DEM!!!" I called cheering him on as he sped through a tunnel. He rounded the corner hitting the monkey bars blasting through them. I was screaming as he lapped the four other boys. "Yes!!! You better let them know who you are!!" I screamed getting a few unsavory looks from other parents.

He jumped over the small hurdles before climbing up a wooden wall. I started jumping up and down because he was so close to winning. He hit the last leg of the course before he blew through the finish line. He looked around before he saw me, and he raced over to me jumping up and down. "I did it! I did it!" He yelled.

"I know Bubba. You did so good." I sang as I hugged him. He was called back over to take pictures in the winner's circle. I walked overtaking a couple of pictures of my own as he held his trophy and medals up. "Excuse me." I turned to see two women.

A black woman and a white one. "Yes?" I asked. Dem came and stood in front of me protectively as he eyed the two women. I chuckled messing with his curls. "Relax, bubba," I said. "We get that you're excited your brot—" "Son." I corrected her. It wasn't uncommon for people to assume Dem was my brother, so I let the comment slide.