Toni
"Okay, what's next on the list?" I held a packet in my hand as we looked through Tommy's stuff for school.
"Umm...desk lamp, mattress topper, shower shoes, sheets, blankets, emergency light, shoe organizer, towels, washcloths."
"Yep, we got all that. What about supplies?" Tommy looked through his book bag.
"Everything's here." I handed the paper to Janet.
"I'm so proud of you, man." I hugged him.
"Thanks, mama."
"Remember, it's a new year. All the stuff from last year, leave it there. It's a new you. A new Tommy."
"I got you." I patted his back.
"I'm so sad I won't be able to go with you." said Janet.
"You're due any day, mom. We can't risk the baby."
Janet pouted.
"But this is a major life event. I don't like missing those."
"Mom, there's going to be more."
"There better be." She poked his chest. He hugged her. I took a quick picture. It was too cute to miss. Tommy had his arm wrapped around Janet as she laid on his shoulder. It's amazing how things switch around.
"Mom, stop crying." Janet wiped her eyes.
"I just can't believe you're all so grown up. What am I going to do?"
"It's okay, mom. We're not leaving forever."
"I know. I'm just...so overcome, right now." We laughed at Janet being extra. She was so dramatic.
"Tristan! Stop it!" Taylor and TJ came into the living room. "Mama J...what's wrong?" Taylor came over and pushed Tommy to hug Janet.
"Ummm...excuse me?" Taylor looks at Tommy.
"What?"
"My mother."
"That's cute." She turned back to Janet. "What's wrong? What did the dummy do?"
"I'm fine, sweetie. Just a little emotional right now."
"Good, cause I'll smack him if he does something." Tommy laughed.
"Ha! Yeah, right. TJ, get your girl."
"That ain't my business."
"You switching up? For real?" TJ held up his hands.
"Ha!" Taylor copied Tommy.
"Ohhhh...you think you're funny? You're a comedian now."
"Not as funny as you look in those old man pants. Walking around looking like Sanford and Son." She
hummed the theme song. I held back laughter.
"Oh really, you shouldn't talk with those Cliff Huxtable glasses you got on."
"That's fine. I'll rather have Cliff Huxtable's glasses than JJ's arms." She clapped. "Dynomite." Janet busted out laughing.
"Mom!"
"Sorry, sweetie, but you do have some skinny arms."
"You know what, that's okay. You still walking around with Penny's ponytail." Janet stopped laughing.
"Don't start with me. I'm not the one to joke with."
"Sounds scary to me."
"Fine, Toni get my phone. I need to see my photo gallery.
"Never mind, I'm good."
"That's what I thought. Stay in lane." Taylor laughed.
"Anyway, Taylor, what were you about to say?"
"Tristan kept kicking my ankle."
