It was hot that day, like summer days should usually be—hot. Since Ma was "frugal" -- as she liked to call it.
if you asked me? She was cheap. That's neither here nor there though
She didn't want to pay to fix the air conditioner, but boy I knew she was regretting it. I could tell by the sweat dripping down her caramel skin and plopping on these fancy brown leather seats. That's all fancy is ever good for anyway—- to look good and not be practical. At least it wasn't sunny or else I swear you'd smell bacon.
Ma had a thing for aesthetics, more than she did functionality. One of the reasons why she was holding so dearly to this old Mercedes Benz. She had gotten it from some relative for the low. I just wished they had at least gotten the ac fixed.
I didn't say nothing to her about it though. We was already in a rough patch. Besides I was fine. Sort've. Main thing I didn't like was being glued to the seat by my own sweat. I had already gotten tired of wiping it with this old napkin from this mornings breakfast. We ate some dinner with faux leather red and blue seats. They wasn't the most comfortable either but at least they didn't operate like a second stove.
"You fine, honey?" Ma asked, She looked at me before quickly glancing back at the road.
"Yeah, I'm alright," I lied, the heat was starting to get to me. I looked in the rearview towards Jayden. His face held agitation. My best guess was he wasn't feeling the heat either.
Jayden returned my gaze. He rested his head on the headrest letting a sigh escaped his lips.
There's a secret within every household. Privacy is a secret in itself; no one actually knows what's happening until you tell them. Each house we passed, I thought of a ridiculous secret.
A old couple who ran a major underground drug selling business (and the man mowing their lawn owed them big time for the countless unpaid drugs) lived in the nice red house.
A cannibal who kidnaps young children since their flesh is nice and young lived in the brownish house.
"Now our house isn't too far from here" ma cooed stopping my train of thought.
We were deep in the woods it seemed like. The trees towered over the Mercedes like clouds. The roads seemed to spiral out farther and farther away from civilization. We pulled up into a neighborhood that had one of them fancy signs in front of it. Each housed had their own allure to it.
We pulled up to a ok house that looked kinda out of place compared to the other ones. It did look like a house right out the 70s but not to much where you'd think it was very expensive. Just a regular family home that ain't get the memo I guess.
-
About 2ish hours later we finally settled in. The house was still somewhat empty cause the rest of our furniture was still on the way. Ma did manage to make sure we all had our beds and a table to eat at though.
Ma wanted us to freshing up before we came to the table for dinner. So naturally, it took me about 30 minutes. That water pressure? Talk about love.
We were having tacos for dinner that night, my absolute favorite by the way. You would've thought I was bird man the way I rubbed my hands walking down the steps.
Something was off though. I could tell by how Ma was sitting. Her posture stiff, her hands pressed together and that look she gave when something troubled her to say.
"I bet you guys want to know why we moved" ma started grabbing a taco shell and placing it on her plate. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I started fixing my plate.
"Wassup?" I responded, filling my taco shell with meat. I usually made me a bowl first but with new beginnings I decided to shake it up a little, just a little.
"Well your father and I aren't on the best terms" she sighed, pausing briefly. I knew if I looked at her face I'd start feeling some type of way. Now wasn't the time though. I had tacos to devour, tastes to savor and most importantly seconds to make.
"I ... Well he wanted to let you guys know that he still loves you"
"Do you love him?" Jayden questioned, his eyes staring firm at her. I was still fixated on my tacos.
Why would she bring taco night into this mess?
It was silent for a moment. I didn't like that. Nope, not at all. "Of course she does they're married! This is just a little break that's all" I interjected before biting some of my taco. The meat spilling out the bottom of the shell.
Now was not the time. I didn't want my comfort meal to be ruined by the thought of my parents not being in love anymore. That was such a vibe killer if you ask me.
Ma shot me a worried look, my heart stopped. I had to brace for it.
"We're getting a divorce laya"
I felt my throat grow tight. She only ever called me laya whenever she was serious.
Jayden quickly stood up "no, you told us before that he was going to meet us down here! you told us that everything was going to be fine y-" he couldn't finish, it was like the words decided to not come out. I didn't want to look at him. I just stared at my half eaten taco.
"Jayden honey" I saw Ma tried calming him, she went to reach for him. He pushed her away leaving the kitchen. His plate sat lonely on the table.
I wanted to go after him but nothing was separating me from this table. I was starving, we had just left damn near everything behind. I needed this. Plus, He didn't even know dad like I knew him. He didn't see what I saw.
"Can you past the sour cream?" I asked. The room still quiet. I looked up to realize I was alone. I felt like the brown cupboards were gonna open up and suck me in.
Everything was changing.
But at least I have my tacos.
