Moving Forward

Chapter 26: Harry Johnson

I had arrived a bit earlier than expected and was met at the door by Chris's mother.

"Hello cradle robber," She said stirring what looked like hot chocolate in flannel pajamas. However, I never been more afraid of someone in my life. I smiled widely as I greeted her, "Hi Ms....hi."

She nodded, "It's Patterson and hello Harry, right?"

I nodded back before she motioned for me to enter the house. I could feel the obvious tension she had towards me as she shut the door. I turned to look back at her and I caught her glaring into my neck. She was very intimidating as she walked towards the living room and I just knew she wanted me to follow. We sat down on the couch being a few inches apart with a movie playing on the big screen on top of the fireplace. There were snacks laid out across the table and I finally noticed that her pj's were footie pajamas. Even in that she still looked scary as she continued to stare me down. She leaned over slowly to place the cup on the table. I swallowed loosening the collar on my shirt as I looked around for my boyfriend.

"What do you want from Chris?" she asked gaining my attention.

"Excuse me?" I asked back.

"You obviously think my son could give you some type of fulfillment," She stated, "So, what do you want from him?"

I could see where Chris gets his bluntness from because his mom was on it. I knew if she was anything like her son, honesty would be the only thing that will get me out alive. I turned my body towards her and answered, "I just want him Ms. Patterson. Nothing more."

"So, you are saying that a 26-year-old man wants an 18-year-old just for their personality?" she rhetorically asked rolling her eyes before coming closer to me, "Listen Harry. I am only a concerned mother. Chris is 18 and yes he is of legal age but that doesn't mean that he is capable of being in a relationship you are looking for."

"Well, I would have to disagree with you."

"Oh really?" She let out a laugh, "So you think you know my son better than I do?"

"Not to offend you but your son has been seeing me for a few months now and barely talks about your relationship."

I knew by the way she stopped blinking that I had put another foot in my mouth. She sucked her teeth and said, "Oh is that it now? You just think we have a bad relationship?"

"No," I answered, "Honestly, he barely talks about you. I think I know more about his grandmother than I do you. So, it's not I think. It's what he has shown me."

The fear of her being Chris's mother had subsided somehow and now I was speaking to her like she was an adult. I don't feel like I was being disrespectful. I was just telling her the truth about how Chris presented their relationship to me. On the other hand, I felt like I should apologize...until she said, "You aren't scared of me?"

A short paused connected us as she smiled, "I like you."

I turned up one of my eyebrows as she laughed, "Now don't get me wrong, I'm not very fond of you and my son together. But Chris doesn't trust very easily this I know. Plus, you are the first to call me out on my not so perfect parenting skills."

"Oh, I didn't mean to- "

"No, it's fine. I know our relationship isn't what most people consider tight. However, the time I do spend with him, I cherish a lot. And his grandmother was that person I ran to all the time and when she died he was already ready to stay at home alone. He was already showing signs that he was very mature and I'm not surprised he is with someone older."

We shared a short laugh before she continued, "Like I said I'm not sold on your relationship. I don't like the young and old dynamic. However, I will be able to grow to like it if you treat Chris like he wants to be treated and don't disappoint him. I will find you and hurt you."