The Matrimony

7// I'm Benjy

Diana

Benjy's meeting Alejandro today. I'm fucking scared. What if he doesn't like him?. I mean I know Alejandro isn't Benjy's real dad or whatever but I would definitely want them to get along considering the fact they may spend the rest of their lives with each other.

But what if Alejandro doesn't like Benjy?. I know for a fact he's mad at me even though he won't say it, but he's not gonna extend that anger to Benjy.

Right?

"Momma, I'm ready", Benjy squealed.

I take in his outfit. With his navy blue button up shirt and black Levi's, it's obvious he wants to make a really good impression, but my heart hurts for my little guy.
What if Alejandro just dismisses his efforts?, well he'll have to deal with me.

"Momma! "

"Yes baby, let's go", I ushered him out of the apartment and we made our way to the garage. We got into the car and drove off.

It took us barely 15 minutes before we stopped infront of Benjy's favorite ice cream spot. He and I would come here any time Michael got drunk and I thought it unsafe for Benjy to be around him. The few times I could sneak him out at least. This place had shielded Benjy from several nights of traumatizing encounters with his deadbeat, drunk father. It greatly helped that the place closed quite late into the night.

We got out and made our way inside. As we stepped in I looked around the well decorated room for Alejandro. I saw him in a secluded booth and I led Benjy. As we approached him, he stood up.

"Diana", he said and gave me a peck on the cheek.

I was stunned to say the say the least. Not only had he referred to me by my given name, he displayed an act of affection. Well, fuck. I'm really done for now. I looked into his eyes with a tiny sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, his feelings for me were still alive. Until...

"For the boys sake"

Only then did I realize that Benjy was already seated and I was still in Lala Land. And only then did I realize that, he did it to make Benjy think we had an amiable relationship. To make him think that we had a certain degree of affection for each other. It hurt to think he didn't mean anything by the action, but I heart swelled knowing that he considered Benjy's feelings. I quickly nodded and took a seat.

"What would you like baby?", I asked him when the waitress came over

" Extra large chocolate milk shake ", he beamed

The waitress wrote down his order and turned to Alejandro, " And for you sir?"

"I'll have coffee flavored ice cream with shaved chocolate toppings"

Then she turned to me, "Ma'am? "

"Oh I'm not ordering. You can go", I said

" You're not ordering?, why?", Alejandro asked

"I can't stay long. Davy's getting released today and I have to go pick him up. It's a 2 hour drive to the state penitentiary. If I don't leave now, I may not get there in time".

"Ok"

"Baby, momma's gonna go pick uncle Davy up OK?, be a good boy to your uncle Alejandro alright. He's gonna drop you off at your aunt Stelly's house when you're done OK? "

"Ok momma, bye I love you"

"Love you too", I stood up to walk out and to my surprise, so did Alejandro. I looked at him in confusion. He seemed to understand my odd stare because he replied not a moment later.