Luck or Fate?

Broadway and Seventh

It's the Thursday after the barbecue party, and after getting ready and walking into the kitchen, I see the same dark storm clouds over the city. It's strange, the weather. It's dark and stormy one day, but the rest of the week is warm and sunny. I guess with winter coming, nature is trying to adjust to the new schedule.

I make waffles with maple syrup for breakfast and set the steaming plate on the table. "Henry? Breakfast!" I call to him.

He comes out of his room texting on his phone. He sits down and continues to focus on the screen.

"Uh, Henry?" I ask, puzzled. "Do you want me to serve you a waffle?"

"Um, sure Mom. Thanks." He says, still staring at his phone.

I place a waffle on his plate. "Syrup?"

His nods his head, but doesn't say anything. I drizzle maple syrup on his waffle, and then mine.

I don't know whether to try to start conversation or start eating. What's up with him? I think. He's never like this. Then I think of something that fills me with dread. What if he's becoming more distant because he's a teenager? Maybe he's realizing that hanging out with his mom isn't cool.

I cut into my waffle and take a bite. After I swallow, I say, "So, Henry. Did you sleep well?"

He looks up and replies, "Yes, Mom. Thanks." Then, he looks down at his phone again.

Well, that's a little bit better. I tell myself. I decide to continue talking.

"It's cloudy again. Do you have your umbrella with you in case it rains?"

He smiles and says, " Yes, Mom."

I can't take it anymore. I take a deep breath and ask, "Henry, is there something you want to tell me?"

He finishes a text and finally sets down his phone. "Mom, can I go out this weekend?"

"Yes, of course. With who?" I say, taking another bite.

"Claire. She wants to go see a movie."

I slowly smile. "Wait, you were texting Claire?"

"Yeah. I was just finalizing the details." He says, taking a bite of his waffle.

"Oh, you got me worried there."

"What? What did I do?" He asks, looking worried.

"It's nothing." I say, taking a sip of milk.

"Mom, please tell me. I don't ever want to worry you." He says, looking into my eyes.

I smile. "Alright. It's silly, but...I thought you were distancing yourself from me because, well, you're a teenager. It's not "cool" to hang out with your mom, right?"

"What are you talking about, Mom? I love you and I love hanging out with you. You're one of my best friends." He gets up and hugs me. I hug him back, and then look into his eyes.

"I love you, Henry. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Don't ever think that again, okay?"

"Okay."

----

After we finish eating, I drive Henry to school where he sits in the passenger seat and talks with me about Killian.

"So, this guy, Killian, he's the guy, right?" he asks.

I laugh at his emphasis. "What do you mean?"