From Struggles to Victory

"... and then one day when you're all grown up and married, you'll be a mommy. Not 'til then though, okay?"

"Okay, mama.."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

That was twelve years ago.. Conversations between me and my mother couldn't have been any simpler. Now, however, I sit in my two bedroom apartment on a Sunday afternoon with my son Noah. I can't complain though, despite my mother's constant nag about bettering myself and letting her adopt my child while I make something of my life, the universe is actually treating us well.

Just as I finished tying Noeys vans, I heard the door knob turn and someone come in. Before I could even look at the kid he was out his bedroom door and into the kitchen.

"Nina!" He yelped jumping into her arms with excitement. He was always ecstatic to see his Godmother - my best friend and cousin.

"Noah King!" She yelled back as she spun him around.. "Where's you're crazy mama?"

"Cleaning my toys.." I heard him say a bit shamefully

"Don't you think you should go help her?"

"But.."

"C'mon hurry, or else we can't go to the special place!"

"Yay! Okay!" He came in running and nearly toppled over his own two feet.

"Hey, Chris" I greeted, her name is Christina but since we were kid's it's always been 'Chris and Bre'..

"Bre, why aren't you dressed?" she scolded.

"We woke up late and I got called into work."

"What? No way you can't we've been planning this forever and Noah's so excited!" She whined..

"Chris, I'm trying.. Plus where's Brandon anyway?" Brandon is her long-time boyfriend, sweetest guy ever and would do anything for Noey but I still couldn't seem to be that fond of him.. I know if anything were to happen to me, the two would raise my son in a heart beat which is why I respect and tolerated him..

"He's driving separate, he got held up at work. What car are we taking? Yours?" She questioned.

"Yeah, I don't feel like messing with the car seat."

"Well hurry and get ready I'm gonna strap Noah in."

I busily dressed as fast as I could. I had already showered and everything I just had to slip on clothes and do something with my hair. I quickly slipped on a pair or skinnies, a baseball T, and a pair of Chucks. For dressing fast, I must say I looked pretty okay; casual.

"Nina?" Noah mused as we pulled out of the car port.

"Yes, baby?"

"Trillions!" He said with a smile on his face. Trillions is an inside statement between Chris and I meaning 'I love you'.

"Trillions of Chickens in the Middle, Kid." I could see her expression change sweetly. I couldn't help but smile to myself. I loved the relationship that had developed between them since before he was born three years ago. She was quiet for a moment. Maybe a moment too long.

Focusing on the road I asked, "What's wrong?"

More silence."Chris."

"Oh.. hu?" She asked distantly

"You okay?"

"Oh, yeah.. just thinking." She answered with a smile

"About?" I questioned knowing there was something more she wanted to say..