Echo's British Man

Chapter 2

The next day -

I'm planning on hanging out with Harlee, Tyler and obviously Emery this afternoon. We're going to the park that has a skate/bike park, along with a sandbox, jungle gym, swings, two slides and a merry-go-round. I'm not sure if we're doing anything else, but we'll figure that out later. 

"Echo, Monday afternoon mum and I are meeting the judge to renew our fostering license," mama tells me as she softly knocks on my bedroom door, gaining my attention from my homework. 

Glancing up from my chemistry work, and I nod; "Okay mama. Are there any kids you've been talked to by Carlos?" 

Carlos is the social worker that mum and mama work with. 

"No baby, mum and I are mostly open about any child. Are you okay with us doing this?" 

Tilting my head to the side curiously; "No, why would I?" 

"Because you live here, too," she comments, entering the room to sit on the bed in front of my spread out homework. "We want you and Emery comfortable."

"Don't worry about us, mama, we'll be fine."

"We're always going to worry about the two of you, as you're our babies," she smiles. "Have you decided on what you're doing after graduation?" 

Biting my lower lip, worried now how they'll react to my semi-decision; "Um, I'm going to use some money from my birth mum's parents to buy a house for Emery and me whereever I attend college."

My birth maternal grandparents left me $150,000,000 in their will when they died two years ago; and mum and mama placed that money in a savings account for me when I received it. 

She raises both eyebrows at me; "Have you heard from any colleges yet?" 

"Yeah," I softly say.

"Echo, what colleges have accepted you?"

"Um, Michigan State University, University of Manchester, and University of Chicago," I meekly admit.

"Okay, wow, um, tomorrow the three of us are sitting down to discuss this," she seriously says with a faint smile. "Is there one you're leaning towards more?"

"I've been researching each one more, and I'm really liking MSU's nursing program."

"What's going on in here?" mum asks, interrupting us.

"Our son's university choices," mama replies with a smile. "He's been accepted into Michigan State University, University of Manchester and University of Chicago." 

Mum's jaw drops in shock; "Holy moly, Echo, that's great! We're so proud of you, son!" 

"Thanks mum," I murmur with tinted cheeks. 

"Papa, yook!" Emery giggles loudly, rushing into the room to show me his new package of underwear. 

"Let me see, baby," I reply, smiling brightly at him; he has a package of underwear of 'Superman' themed boxers. 

"Those are awesome, Emery!" I happily say; I gave mum money to buy these for him, as a motivation to use the toilet. 

He hums in response, thrusting the package of five underwear into my hands with a toothy grin; 
"Open pease?" 

Taking the package, I open it knowing he wants to wear a fresh pair even though he has on a pair of underwear already. Handing him the pair, he pointed too, he asks for help changing into them, which I do after taking him to use the toilet and to wash his hands once he's finished. Leaving the bathroom, Emery and I enter my bedroom, so I can grab my wallet, keys and cell, in order for us to leave, once I pack Emery's bag for the day. 

"Ready to go, bubs?" I ask Emery.

"Whewe we go?" he asks, grabbing my hand.

"The park with uncle Harlee and uncle Tyler."

"Unc Hawee and unc Ty?"

"Yes bubs, we're going to see them," I assure him as we enter the living room where mum and mama are watching a movie on the couch. "We're leaving now," I tell them as I help Emery into his spring coat before putting on mine. 

"Have fun and love you both," mum and mama tell us. 

"Love you, too," I say.

"Yove you," Emery replies the same time as me; while he throws them both air kisses, which they return. 

"Bye," I tell them as I shut the door behind us. 

Buckling Emery into his seat before buckling myself into the driver's seat, I drive us the park that Harlee and Tyler live within walking distance too. When we arrive, both of my friends are there already. Climbing out, I don't have a chance to unbuckle Emery, as Harlee is already doing this. 

"Hey," I greet them, as I take Emery's backpack from my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 16th birthday present from my mum's.

"Hey," they greet in return before saying their 'hello's' to Emery. 

"Papa, I pay?" he asks from his perch on Harlee's arm.

"Yes Emery, you can play," I allow, since that's why we're here. 

"Tanks!" he squeals, dragging Harlee and Tyler behind him, the three of us laughing at his eagerness. 

"Dudes, I have to leave in an hour and a half," Tyler says with a smirk. "I have a date with Tonya."

"Cool," I tell him; happy that he's got a date with someone he really likes.