The Colors of Us

twenty two

The soft chatter of the morning news and silverware clacking against plates surrounded me. I had my arms rested along the back of my booth seat, attentively watching my mom interact with Braxton. She'd ordered a light breakfast for herself, which she hadn't eaten much of, because she was focused on Braxton's meal. She was making sure his eggs didn't touch his hash browns, his waffle was cut to the perfect size, and that he was pleased.

It was taking me back to the days where that was me on the side of her while my father sat where I was. Every time we went out to eat she would arrange my food to my liking and make sure I couldn't choke on anything. It would sometimes drive my dad crazy because she would then forget that she was hungry. Most of her focus was on whether I liked my meal or not. Years later, and she was still doing it.

"Mama your food is going to be cold any minute now."

She looked over at me. "I'm sorry, I just like to make sure he's good."

"I know and he is." I set my eyes on Braxton who swayed a little from his feet swinging back and forth under the table. "He has syrup all on the corners of his mouth."

"He has an appetite out of this world. He'll eat anybody out of a house and a home." she shook her head, forking her hash browns.

"Don't all growing boys? I know I could back then."

"Back then? You finished that food as soon as the waiter sat it in front of you. That appetite is the same."

I chuckled, "I'm an athlete so I'm excused."

"Yeah, sure." she smiled at me. Her smile lingered before she rested her hand under her chin. "I'm grateful to be able to sit in front of you like this again. It really warms my heart."

"So am I. We got a second chance."

"By God's will." she pointed up. "Now I was being a little nosey yesterday and heard you say you have a girlfriend. I also heard that it was Korin."