1
ERISS JACKSON
“Mama, why her eye like that?”
My head swiveled to the young child. Her mother and I met eyes, and her shoulders hiked up to her ears.
“Sorry,” she mouthed, tugging the little girl in the other direction.
Pushing the shopping cart, I continued to sift through boys’ clothes for my five-year-old son, Ermias. He stayed the night at my parents’ house so I could have some time to myself, per their request. Ermias was my heart, and I loved every moment with him. My parents, especially my father, felt like I needed some time to do things for myself, but here I was inRoss, looking for clothes for him instead of myself. That’s how it always ends up.
Ermias rarely liked leaving me. He was mylittle helper, so he called himself. He felt like my condition called for him to be by my side 24/7. He was such a sweet kid. If he were with me and heard what that little girl had said, he would have balled his little fist up and, in his squeaky little voice, would have said whatever five-year-olds say when they’re upset at someone.
It didn’t bother me. I was used to the stares from kids and even some adults. I was born with monocular vision. I still did normal things such as drive and work. I just relied on one eyefor vision. Some days, I wore dark shades so I wouldn’t get the sympathy looks or the pointing from the little ones. I wanted to shop peacefully, just like everyone else.
Grabbing a few short sets for Ermias, I wandered to the laundry detergent and picked up a box ofGain. Leaving the aisle, my phone vibrated in my back pocket. I stopped and picked it out of my pocket to see my best friend, Mahlia Graham, calling me.
“Hey Mahlia,” I answered with the phone to my ear.
“Hey Sunshine! I see you’re out near the shopping center. Where’s my nephew?” she asked, popping her gum.
I giggled. “You’re always checking my lo. Ermias is with his grandparents. Where are you at?”
She sighed. “Stuck at work for now.”
Mahlia was an emergency medical responder who worked long hours, while I was one of three receptionists at an orthodontist’s office. I was off on weekends, and Mahlia got stuck working most weekends. We were either on a call or FaceTime to keep up with one another because obviously our lives didn’t align.
“Any craziness today?” I asked. Mahlia had stories for days while working as an EMT.
“Shhh! It’s been a lil’ quiet so far. Don’t speak the craziness up. Mr. Jerry from the west side might fake a heart attack and have us rush out for nothing. It’s like he wants to die or something, Eriss. He fakes a heart attack every other week, and nothing is wrong with him.”
I chuckled. I knew exactly who she was talking about. Mr. Jerry was a hot mess and well-known in Heartville. You could always catch him bopping home from church with a forty in his hand.
“I called you because my people are having a family reunion next weekend, and I’m off. I haven’t been able to make onesince I started this job. I want you and Ermias to come,” Mahlia announced.
“Where is it?” I asked, mentally checking if anything was going on with me and Ermias next weekend.
“My cousin’s backyard in Love Grove. You and nephew can ride with me. I’ll book our hotel rooms too.”
“Oh, it’s an overnight stay?” I questioned. “Sorry,” I told a man when I realized I was in his way. I began to slowly move my cart as I headed to the book section.
“Yeeees, is that a problem?”
“No, no, it’s not. I want to make sure I have everything Ermias might need for the weekend. You know I like to be prepared, Mahlia,” I answered her. In the book section, my eyes roamed over the books until one caught my eye. “Have I met this cousin?”
“Girl, no. Zyro keeps to himself. He owns an auto shop, and he does well for himself. His house is huge, and he is big on family, so we have our family reunions there every year.”
“That’s an interesting name,” I mumbled, placing the book in my cart. It was time for me to check out. I’d be in this store for another hour just looking around and picking up items I didn’t need. I had to stop myself before going to the toy section. Ermias had way too many toys.
“His mama’s name is Zena.” Mahliah chuckled. “His brother Zyleek is the street nigga with three kids and three baby mamas. He might try to holler at you, friend.”
I scoffed. “I’m not trying to be his fourth.” We laughed in unison.
“I don’t blame you. Now Zyro…he doesn’t have any kids. You and he might…” her voice trailed off.
“No, Mahlia, don’t. If you try to play matchmaker, I will leave. You know I’m not ready to date again,” I warned her sternly.
“Okay. Okay.” Mahlia sighed. “I just want you to be happy and in love again, E. You deserve it.”
