"Why would you say that I'm seeing someone?" She asked quietly.
He looked sheepish and ducked his head.
"I heard you talking to grams."
Her eyes flashed.
"David Jeremiah Foster, how many times have I warned you about eavesdropping?"
"I was just passing..." His voice petered off at the incensed look on her face.
"Okay, I wanted to know if something was wrong." His tone was defensive. "You're always saying that I'm the man of the family and that I should look out for you."
Her anger dissolved.
"I did say that didn't I?" Her voice was hollow. "That was irresponsible of me. You're an eight year old kid who shouldn't have to be looking out for an adult." Reaching over, she took his hands. "What I'm going through has nothing to do with you. Adults go through their thing, it happens. It doesn't take away from the fact that I love you best and always will."
"And I don't want you to think that you have to be responsible for me. My job is to be responsible for me."
"Is it about him?"
"Who?"
He hesitated a second.
"The man who fathered me."
It broke her in pieces that at his age, he had to say that, to term it that way.
"No." She told him firmly. "Your father wasn't man enough to deal with being a dad. It's wrong, but it's what it is. I've always tried to be honest with you, never letting you think or believe that life is one big bed of roses. There're thorns and hardships,but one thing I can promise you is that I'm here and I always will be."
"I aim to be the best mother to you because I'm your mom and I love you so much." She lifted his hands and pressed them against her cheek. "Do you believe that?"
He nodded and for the first time, he did not mind the emotion. He loved her too and thought she was the coolest mom a guy could ever hope for. He was mostly embarrassed that the guys at school think she's hot, but he didn't mind that either. He just did not want to see her unhappy.
"I am okay with not having a dad."
"Oh honey." She sighed and closed her eyes briefly. "That should not be the case. Are we cool?"
He smiled at her attempt to sound like a kid.
"Yes." He moved in and snuggled against her. "I know what to do. All I have to do is get the stuff ready for the project."
"Sure you don't want my help? I was a whiz in science."
He shook his head.
"The last time you helped, you almost burned the kitchen down." He danced away with a laugh when she lunged for him.
"Ungrateful much." She growled, grateful to see that he was his normal self again. Vowing not to allow her inner turmoil to touch him, she advanced with her hands raised as if she was going to attack him. He ran screaming from the room, with her behind him.
She caught him at the foot of the stairs and tickled him mercilessly, until they were both on the floor in gales of laughter.
"Okay, enough. We need to get ourselves ready for tomorrow." She rose and hauled him up with her.
"Mom?"
"Yes?" She turned to look at him as she was about to ascend the stairs.
