22. Noree Marcell
Ever since Ozy and I kissed at the studio, we hadn’t really talked about it. Not because there wasn’t anything to say, but because I think both of us knew there was way too much to say.
So, we kept it professional.
I took King to school, sat in on his swim lessons and tutoring sessions, and handled whatever else was on that little packed schedule of his. Anytime Ozy and I crossed paths around the house; there was always this little look between us that lasted a second too long.
But that kiss had been on my mind constantly!
Now it was King’s birthday, which landed on a Saturday, so instead of soccer, his uncle was throwing him a big party. Since there was no soccer for me to take him to, I could’ve used the day to go see my own baby.
And even though every bone in my body wanted to be at my mama’s house holding her, I promised King I’d be here. He asked me himself.
I got him up out the bed and walked him into the bathroom, half asleep with his hair standing all over the place and set him up on his little stool in front of the sink.
“Face first, sir.” I turned on the faucet, wet his face rag, and then handed it to him.
He began to wash his face with the cold water, which was slowly waking him up.
Once he was done, he handed it back to me, and I sat it down so I could get into character while he reached for his toothpaste and toothbrush.
I started singing.
“Happy birrrrthday to you…”
I gave it everything I had, and I even threw in a couple of dance moves. A quick one-two step and a spin. King was cracking up with the toothbrush still in his mouth, toothpaste all down his chin.
“Wow, Miss Noree! You sound great!”
“Aww, thank you, sweetie. I really appreciate that. Are you excited about your birthday party? All of your friends are going to be here, and I heard your girlfriend Abigail is coming.”
He smiled so big, then finished up with his teeth and rinsed his mouth out. He turned all the way around to face me and hopped off the stool.
“Yes! I’m excited because you’re here.”
I put my hand on my chest.
“Aww. You trying to make me cry early in the morning, aren’t you?”
“Miss Noree. I really like you.” He looked down at his feet, then back up. “And honestly, can I tell you a secret?”
I pretended to look all around the bathroom, checking over both my shoulders like somebody might be listening. Then I stepped in closer and crouched down in front of him, so we were eye to eye.
“Of course. What’s your secret, birthday boy?”
“I want you to be my new auntie.”
My whole face changed. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged one shoulder up.
“Well, Auntie Ginger…she doesn’t seem sincere.”
I blinked at him.
“Sincere. That’s a big word. What do you know about that?”
“Well, she’s kind of fake, and she doesn’t seem like… real to me.”
I looked at him for a long second.
“So, I’m sincere?”
“Yes. You are.”
I put my hand up for a high-five, and he smacked it as hard as he could.
“Well, thank you for that. I think you’re sincere too, Kingy.”
“So, are you going to be my new auntie?”
Did he see something? You and Ozy? Is he picking up on something you thought you were hiding? Or is he just being a kid, saying whatever comes to his mind?
I laughed and stood up straight, brushing my hands off on my leggings.
“Listen, little boy, let’s get you downstairs because your Uncle Marcus cooked up a big feast for breakfast. And I can’t wait for you to see what he’s made for your party. Lots of cupcakes, treats, cookies, and things like that.”
His eyes got wide as saucers, and he took off out of his bathroom and bedroom before I could even finish.
I laughed, then started to follow behind him, but decided I wanted to call my mom instead, so I closed his bedroom door.
I sat on the edge of the bed as the FaceTime call began to ring, and I waited for her to answer.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hey, Ma. How’s Oaklynn doing?”
“Girl, she’s fine.” I could hear a cartoon going in the background, per usual. “She’s over here playing with her toys and watching TV. I’ll probably take her to the park a little bit later on today so she can swing on the swings.”
My eyes got hot so fast I had to blink up at the ceiling.
“Okay, yeah, that’ll be fun. She loves going to the park.” My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat. “I miss my baby, Ma. I really wanted to see her today. I’ll try to make it once I leave King’s party.”
“Take your time. She’s good over here.”
If I don’t make it to y’all today, I’ll just come see her tomorrow.”
“That’s fine.” Then ma got quiet a second. “You good? Everything okay?”
I let out a long breath and pressed my fingers into my eyes.
“Yeah. I just…” I stared up at the ceiling fan going around. “It’s nothing ma.”
“Miss Noree!” King burst through his room door.
“Hold on, Ma, one second.”
“Come on, Miss Noree! Come down to breakfast!”
He grabbed my hand and started pulling me with his whole-body weight. I laughed and let him drag me.
“Ma, let me call you back later, but if ya’ll go to the park, send pics!”