TO LAST A LIFETIME

OFON!

Gennie

I was searching my closet for the perfect dress to wear, something simple and free, I wanted to feel the soft wind on me throughout the evening.

Ofon came bustling into the room. I looked up from my drawer at him, he was with two shirts in his hands, red and blue. He smiled when he got closer. I folded my arms, looking at him.

"When would you ever learn manners? You don't just bash into a lady's room!" I scolded.

"Oh! I'm sorry I forgot to knock, but between these two... "

"Go out and knock!" I said.

"Come on, don't be grouchy!" He low toned.

"Either you do as I say, or you leave my room!"

He dramatically moved, but backwardly towards the now opened door and knocked.

"Your royal Majesty would you be kind enough to let me in?"

I laughed at his gestures and he came running in.
"Like I said, which one would be perfect, the red or blue?"

"You're old enough to start picking your clothes!"

"I know, but I'm afraid kids in the park would make fun of me if I don't look good!"

"We're not going to the park, Ofon!" I said.

"We're not?" Disappointment washed over his little face, his expectant face dropped.

"Except you don't want to see a movie!" My brows lifted, lighting up his face

"Movies? That's way cooler! So which one?" He leaped in joy.

"Blue!" After I gave the two shirts a deep look.

"Thanks, M'lady!" He left. I laughed. He was actually my favorite person.

Ofon came out in a blue shirt and shorts and a blue baseball cap with his toy in hand. I sighed.

"Ofon you're too big to be going out with your toys, and why do you need that cap?"

"I'm afraid your mom would take the truck! I'm taller with a cap on."

"I've met someone that's super-tall but he doesn't wear caps. Return the truck!" I reasoned.

He came back without the truck and cap.

I started the ignition of my mom's car. And we sped off, leaving Aunt Julie and Mom on the front lawn.

"We'll stop for icecream later right?" Ofon asked but much of a reminder when we hit the main road.

"It wouldn't be a complete treat without the icecream!"

"You're the coolest cousin in the entire world!"

I laughed, rolling my eyes. Something about his flattery that made my head swell.

Ofon had no one to take him out, his mom simply didn't have time to or the extra money to. Poor kid, kids needed to be spoilt with fun as much as possible.

"Can I ask you something?"

I slid him a glance.

"What?"

"You're not going to get mad?"

"I can't promise!" I lifted my shoulders in a shrug.

"Then I better shut up, I want the icecream and movie!"

He suddenly went silent, I was now curious about what he wanted to ask. Ofon could be mouthy at times and I was always afraid of answering some of his questions.

"Just ask, even if I'm mad I won't cancel on you, I know how disappointing that could be!"

Of course, I did.

"Is it true you'll be having a baby?"

That hit me! That was the last question I had expected from him. When he met my eyes he added.

"I heard my mom and your mom talked about it earlier."

"It's rude to eavesdrop on elders!" Was my reply.

"I wasn't eavesdropping, they said it while I was in the kitchen with them. I knew you'll get mad!"

I drove on silently, Ofon was lost in thoughts. When I parked in front of the large cinema with people outside taking photos and hanging out. Ofon was staring out too, overwhelmed. I tabbed at his shoulder, he looked at me.

"Close your mouth, we don't want flies in it."

He smiled at me, unfastening his seatbelt. He was stuck, I bent over to help him.

"Ofon what kinda mom do you think I'd be?"

I saw the smirk on his little face. "A cool one!"

"Really? thanks!" I smiled.

"That's not all," my smiles instantly faded as he continued, "a cool mom, a grumpy one, a grouchy one, a super sarcastic one, and a big baby one!" He laughed high and I got down.

Is that how I was? Grouchy? Was I? I don't think so.

"And a pouty one!" He added, taking my hand.

I quickly cleared the pout on my face, then bend towards him and said.

"All of those make an excellent Mom!"

"No! It makes a nasty one, take it from me!"

~
I was already exhausted after the movie, if I didn't promise Ofon the icecream treat I would've headed straight home, but not with Ofon reminding me of Pa'creamé his favorite ice cream shop.

I was yawning the entire time as he placed his order. I ordered doughnuts and burgers, takeout for Mom and Aunt Julie.

"Are we staying here to eat the ice cream?" Ofon asked.

"What do you want?" I yawned.

"The comfort of our house where I can do some silly things with the ice cream!"

I laughed, so did the waiter.

"You're the silliest boy!"

"I know!" He laughed.

It was almost Seven o'clock when we returned. Ofon took out the bags, I followed, sloshing my steps. I went straight to my room.

I turned on the shower, the warm water fell on my skin, unknotting some muscles and relaxing them. I came out of the shower.

I changed into something comfy and went down for dinner.

"How was the movie?" Aunt Julie asked Ofon.

"It was great, Gennie's got the pictures on her phone!" He bragged happily.

"Really? Let me see them."

Aunt Julie smiled proudly as she saw the pictures, Ofon by her side, they looked so alike. I wanted a son, to look at him with pride in my eyes just the way Aunt Julie did. To share some silly jokes and laughter.

"Please post this on your Instagram?" Ofon pleaded.

"I don't take ugly faces to my Instagram!" I stuck out my tongue.

"I'm not ugly, am I mom?" He bemoaned.

"Of course not, she'll post it, I'll make her!" Aunt Julie chuckled.

What they didn't know was the I had posted them the very minutes I took them, they were just adorable.

We had small talks after dinner, I was back in my talkative mode, they laughed when I shared some of my experiences in New York. Aunt Julie told me about Tony, her boyfriend.

"But I don't think I'd marry him, he's got two kids which I'm cool with, but what bothers me is my son, I don't think he likes Ofon." She'd added.

I was happy my family had accepted the pregnancy and life was beginning to get better than I had imagined.

~