Her Decision

JD

Flashback

Wow - I thought to myself. It was my last first day of high school. I was so excited to be a senior. This was going to be my year. I promised my mom that I would work hard at my grades this year, but really my focus was basketball. I had to be better than everyone else. I had more to lose. My mom worked 2 jobs to support us and never once complained. I got angry all the time and cursed the Goddess for taking my dad away from us. He was supposed to be here. Attending all of my games and buying popcorn with pickles for my mom because she was the love of his life and he spoiled her. That all changed 2 years ago. My dad had gotten hit by a drunk driver and it changed his life forever. He lost his memory and didn’t remember anything about his past life. He apologized over and over to my mom and I for leaving us, but told us he couldn’t live a life that he didn’t know anymore.

He didn’t care that he broke my mom’s heart and abandoned a son that needed his dad. I shook off the heavy emotions I was feeling and decided to get dressed. I threw on my varsity basketball jersey with some dark true religion jeans and Jordan 11’s. I sprayed on some of my Sauvage cologne and headed to the kitchen. My mom was already there humming and making my favorite breakfast: strawberry pancakes with bacon and grits. I went to sneak and surprise her, but she got the one up on me and spun around as she snapped photos of me. “Ma! Why do you need so many pictures?” she laughed. I began to model for her and I said “how could you ever forget this handsome face?” My mom said “the same way you forgot your good luck earring!” I could hear her laughter as I dashed upstairs to get my good luck charm.

That earring was the only thing I had left of my dad. It was too hard to keep his things in the house after he left, so my mom and I packed everything up and locked it in our back shed. Sometimes I catch my mom out there when she’s had a really long day, but I still can’t bring myself to go through his things. I checked myself out in the mirror one more time and made sure my waves are still on point before I joined my mom downstairs again. We both fix our lunches for the day and then we headed out. My mom took the day off so she could see me on my first day, but I knew she had other errands to run. It’s rare that she has an off day from both jobs so I figured I should tell her about my surprise.

“Ma I have something to tell you and you can’t get upset” - I began. “ Son if you tell me you got someone pregnant when I’ve been putting condoms under your sink since 7th grade, we are going to have a problem!” What? Gideon began to roar with laughter in my head. I ignored him and looked at my mom like the crazy person she was. “Ma I am not having s*x and if I was you would know because you keep tabs on me so hard.” I complained. I knew she wouldn’t respond to that comment so I kept going before I found my lips on the floor of the car. I explained to her that I had taken the liberty of booking a massage, mani, pedi, and shopping excursion just for her.

With unshed tears, she turned to me and thanked me. “You love me just how your father did. I miss him so much.” I swallowed the pit of emotion that was gathering in my throat and put on my strong face. “We take care of each other remember? I’ll always be here for you ma.” I gave her a quick hug and got out of the car before we both gave in to our emotions. We can never leave her side. We must protect her and keep her safe no matter what - Gideon barked at me. I knew he was right although I’d never admit to it out loud. My mom was the best and she deserved so much more out of this life. I was determined to give that to her and then some. I was thinking about these things when I saw her. Graphic tee, biker shorts, fresh Ones. “Hey!” “Hey pretty lady!” She adjusted her backpack and kept walking.

I know she heard me so why was she ignoring me? I gave a loud whistle and she finally stopped to turn around ready to bite my head off for disrespecting her. “You didn’t hear me calling you?” I asked her confidently. Most girls like confidence. Right? She replied by telling me that her name was Amber Henry and not pretty lady. Before I could gain control, Gideon came to surface and told her that her name sounded like the name of his future wife. This guy! I thought she’d freak out, but she beamed her megawatt smile at me. “Well you know my name, but I don’t know yours. How’s that gonna work if we’re supposed to be getting married?” Not only was she gorgeous, but she was funny too? Wow. I laughed and told her my name was Jamar. Jamar DeLeon, but everyone here called me JD.