just like
family now. Edward and I love him as if he were our own son.”
Miss Thang glanced at her husband as if for confirmation, then smiled at
Avery. Guess she thought this was a compliment. Humph. She could have
Avery for all I care.
“Heeeyyy Momma.” Knew ‘fore I turned around that the voice belonged
to my baby boy. Ev’rybody’s always getting on my case, sayin’ that me and
Lester spoils him. He’s just in a bad way is all. Ev’rybody falls on hard times
at some point or another. My baby just needs a little help right now. I don’t
mind helping him. He’s a good boy.
Lester, Stephen and I opted not to sit at the table with Avery and his snooty
in-laws, but instead sat at a table to ourselves. It was a pretty nice turnout.
Lots of people movin’ around talking quietly to each other.
“Baby, where you been? I been worried sick about you, boy!” It hurt my
heart to have to scold my baby like that.
“Just been busy, momma. I didn’t mean to stay away so long.” My sweet boy
leaned over and kissed my cheek. Every mother needs herself a boy like mine.
We’d all been sitting around having a good time when Stephen excused
himself saying he had to go to the bathroom. The next thing I knew Avery
was over near Stephen roughin’ up
my baby. Stephen was yellin’ and cussin.’ Humph! That was just like Avery
to be causing a scene. I marched right over there and slapped his face. I don’t
care how old he gets, I’ll always be his mother.
“What in the world is wrong with you?” I’d seen angry looks before, but
never one like the look he gave me when I got up in his face and pushed him
away from my Stephen. That look held
so much hatred, it left my soul quakin’. He said something about catching
Stephen stealing some
money. Avery was lying through his teeth. My baby don’t steal. He has a job.
Thankyouverymuch! That was Avery just lying and stirring up trouble.
Alicia made her way over to where the commotion was taking place, visibly
upset. Avery got to her quickly, reassuring her that ev’rythang was all right.
He asked her to clear the hall and send everyone home. I slowly shook my
head thinkin,’ welcome to the family, missy!
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