Checkmate

20

   For the last and what felt like the hundredth time, my fingers crack as I finish the last twist. My shoulders slump as move my head from side to side. Wash day ain't no joke. I chose the easiest hairstyle to keep my hair untangled and in a perfect pattern. The only downside was how long it always took, but now as I looked over the well-moisturized twists, I smiled at a job well done.

I put away all my products and washed my greasy hands and face before grabbing my phone and keys off the dresser on my way downstairs.

"Let's go, baby. Reggie's waiting on you," I said while Sam picked up his bag.

Sam has been invited to a sleepover at his friend, Reggie's house. Since they were also working on a project together, Reggie's mother agreed to have Sam over for the rest of the weekend and on Monday morning she'd take him to school.

As I drove to our destination, I used that time to go over our rules.

"Remember, what do you do when you are at someone else's house?"

"I stay where they tell me to. I don't go in the rooms. I don't touch anything and I try to be helpful."

"And always say please and thank you when you need and get something," I say and see him nod in the rear-view mirror.

"Yeah, that too."

"Good."

When we reached the house, I wait for him as he grabs his bag and hopped out of the car onto the sidewalk.

I walked him to the door and rang the bell, now waiting for them to answer.

When the door opened, Owen, Reggie's father, stood before us.

"Hey, Kim. How've you been?" he greets me with a grin.

I return the smile.

"All good. You guys are saving my life by keeping him this weekend."

I pull Sam into my side as Owen shrugs, "No problem. Things have been different now that we have the baby, so it helps for Reggie to have a friend home."

I nod and eye his grease-stained hands and chuckled.

"Got some car trouble?"

He smiled and shakes his head.

"Nah, I was just fixing the garage door. Hasn't been able to go down completely for a few days now."

I mouth a pensive oh and he nods before focusing his attention on Sam.

"What's up, bud? Reggie is waiting for you in the back."

"Thanks, Mr. Fisher. Mommy, can I go?" he asked, gazing up at me.

"Of course. First, my goodbye kiss."

I bend down and he kissed my cheek before walking into the house.

Owen guided him in and Brandie's voice came from the corner before she came into view.

"Kimberly! So good to see you. It's been a while," she said while hugging me.

"Don't worry about it. Babies are time-consuming. How is she?"

Brandie exaggerates a sigh as she smiles.

"She's great. Enjoying keeping us awake. Right, babe?" she nudged her husband.

"Yup. She's teething."

"Ouch, already? That's always a tough time."

"Tell me about it," she said, with a chuckle.

   The Fishers were a very nice family. I first met Brandie at the hospital since our sons have the same pediatrician. Owen is a mechanic while Brandie is a veterinarian. She's way shorter than me and is of fair complexion with short coiled hair and a dimpled smile. Roman is tall and slime with porcelain skin. His shaggy hairstyle and nicely shaved stubble made him recognizable from a mile away.