THE LYIN’ KING

by Vertell Reno'Diva Simato

  I rest my cheek in the palms of my hands, as if I was going to feel what was written there. I smiled and shook my head. Could it be? I thought to myself. Could this be how it feels to fall in love?

  I finished out the rest of my shift in such a good mood. I head to the break room to clock out. My girl Shelly was there, and so was Tanya.

  “Sage, I'm going to catch some breakfast you want some?”

  No girl, I'm good. I have to pick Thias up from daycare and take him to school.”

  “Damn! I keep forgetting! I wonder if I would be this thoughtless still when I have children.” she said jokingly.

  “Probably so!” I responded laughing. “I'm just kidding. It changes when you become a mother. It's almost like instinct. You just don't want to do the things you used to.” I explained thinking back on how Thias has changed me as a person.

  “Girl bye! With all that! You think I’d let having kids stop me from doing me?” exclaimed Tanya. Shelly and I both looked at each other, and almost in perfect harmony we replied

  “Of course YOU wouldn't Tanya.” This girl is an absolute mess. Five kids and four baby daddies? Something should have stopped her from doing everybody else. I laughed to myself; but let me not be judgmental. She clearly has other issues. I grabbed my coat from the locker room, and headed out the door to the elevator.

  “I’ll see you Sunday night Shelly!”

  “No you won't!!! I won't be back until Monday night! Hahaha!!”

  “Oh, I see you girl. I'm about to enjoy these next three days off myself!” I laughed stepping onto the elevator.

  I stood there pushing the button to the ground floor feeling a bit tired; but happy that I'm going to be able to rest for the next three days. I wonder what Arsen is planning for Valentine's Day. I don't think anything can top our first date. Even if it wasn’t anything extravagant, I would still want to just be in his presence. What do you get a man for Valentine’s Day? I haven't had a Valentine in years. I’m not even sure if I'll have the extra money to get him anything. I can't come empty handed. I wonder if it would be lame of me to paint him a picture. I have to find something to do; I only have 2 days to plan really. The elevator stops and the doors open. I walked towards the door past corporate professionals that were coming into work. Some looking as though they wanted to turn around and walk out the building with me. I got to thinking how I don't want to work for someone else for the rest of my life. How great it would be to wake up and do something that I love and still be able to provide for Thias with no worries. I opened the double doors headed outside and the warmness of the morning sun hit my face. The air was a little cool, but it was light and flowing. I closed my eyes burying my hands down in the pockets of my coat, taking in a deep breath. In that instance, I could literally feel the weight of the world lifting off my shoulders and the universe saying to me; it was all going to be alright. Just then, my phone rang….Silk. That was the ringtone I had chosen for him, “More” was the song; only after that first date of course.

  “Hello?”

  “What are you thinking about?” he said.

  “Huh? Nothing. What you mean?” I said extremely confused.

  “Your eyes were closed.” he replied. How did he? I looked toward the street and there it was, that red car; waiting on me as if it were a horse and chariot.

  “Oh I see, you’ve come to give me a ride?”

  “Well what kind of man would I be if I allowed my woman and son to walk in this weather?”

  “Your woman? And son?” I asked.

  “Wishful thinking, Sage. God said claim it, right?”

  “That he did, Arsen.” I replied hanging up the phone and walking toward the car. He leans over to open the door. I sit down and reach to give him a hug. “Thank you. I really appreciate this.” He smiled and began driving.

  “I know you might be a little tired today, so I wanted to take little man to school. Maybe after you get some rest and Thias gets out of school, we can all go to Skyzone this evening. I think he would like to jump around in there for a while. What you think?” Look at him, being so thoughtful towards my child too. He can't be real. Most men would meet a woman and just focus on getting in her pants, not even thinking of her child. He’s so different; it's something about him. “Yes, Thias would love that! I would like to surprise him though. We haven't done anything like that in a while.”

  We pull up to Thias daycare and I get out to get him. He didn't have his school clothes on as usual. So I rushed him to the bathroom to change his clothes.

  “Mommy, I don't like sleeping on that mat. It makes my neck hurt when I wake up.” he complained.

  “Ok sweetie. I will ask your teacher to let you sleep on two mats instead of one. It should make a difference, ok?”

  “Ok mama.”

  I zipped up his jacket and we head outside. Thias notices Arsen’s car and he lit up! He dropped my hand and ran towards the car where Arsen stepped out to open the back door. They shook hands and Arsen helped him into the car putting his seatbelt on. “You ready for school little man?”

  “Not really! My back hurts! And I didn't sleep good last night.” He complained again. Arsen and I get into the front seat. “Well, why is that?” he asked.

  Before Thias could continue on with his tangent I interrupted, “Those mats that they sleep on at daycare aren't really meant for a full night's sleep, you know?”

  “Well is he allowed to bring his own mat?”

  “I'm pretty sure he is. I've looked into it before but they were way out of my budget.” I replied trying to hide the embarrassment of not being able to get my son everything he needs.

  “Oh ok.”

  Thias and Arsen continue on with their conversation of the all the black inventors that didn't get their fair share of recognition. Thias’s class is discussing black history month. We pull into the school's parking lot. We made it there early since we didn't have to take the bus. The administrator was out opening the doors for children being dropped off. Arsen pulls up to the door, and the teacher opens Thias door.

  “See you later Pumpkin. Have a good day baby.”

  “See you this afternoon little man!”

  “Cool! You’re picking me up Arsen?!” Thias exclaimed with excitement. Not even acknowledging the fact that I had said goodbye.

  “Yes I'll be here!”

  “Yes!!!!!” Thias shouts with a fist pump.

  “See you later mama!!!”

  I smiled as I watched him run into the school doors toward the cafeteria. We continue towards the stop sign. I only live 15 minutes from Thias’s school, but I was still debating on whether or not I should let him take me all the way home. At this point, I think it's safe to say that I trust him. Ah, what the hell. I continued to give him directions to my apartment.

  “So you are finally going to let me take you home, huh?” I laughed at him.

  “Yes I believe I am. I think I can safely rule out you being a serial killer at this point.” We both laughed. “I'm glad I can make you laugh!”

  “Yeah, you do. You actually have a pretty cool sense of humor.”

  “Ummm hmmm, I know. Turn right on the next street my apartment building is on the left.” He makes the turn and pulls up in front of my apartment building. I began looking down at my hands, fiddling with my keys.

  “So um, again I really appreciate you picking us up this morning. I am definitely tired.”

  “No problem, love. Gets some rest, I'll see you this afternoon, ok?” he assures me as he leans in kissing my forehead. Those lips, I would love to see what they feel like everywhere else.

  “I'll be at work if you need me.”

  “Ok Arsen, thank you.”

  He watched me open my door before he pulled off. I watched him drive away before actually going inside. I threw my keys on the counter and headed to the shower. That water felt so good. I was feeling like Thias myself. I dried off and walked into my room with the towel around me. Putting my phone on the charger and placing i
t on the nightstand, I sat down on the bed and realized that no one was here but me. I didn't bother looking for clothes. I slid under the comforter and before I knew it my eyes grew heavy, until I could no longer fight it.

  “Give me some more, more, more…...” The phone was ringing. I could vaguely hear that verse playing over and over. At first I thought I was dreaming. I just fell asleep it seemed. It couldn't possibly be time to go get Thias now. I hear the song again, this time much louder than the first as I was coming out of my slumber. I grabbed the phone snatching it off the nightstand.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey love, how’d you sleep?”

  “I don't know, I was still sleeping. What time is it?”

  “It's 2 O’clock. I was on my way to come get you. Thias gets out of school at 2:45 right?” “Oh yeah he does. Ok I'm getting up now. Thanks for waking me up.”

  “It’s ok. I’ll be there in 20 minutes ok?”

  “Sure, I’ll be ready.”

  I jumped out of bed, grabbing my jeans and a tee shirt. Nothing too spectacular, since we’ll be jumping around all evening. Thias is going to love this. After brushing my teeth and rinsing my face, I began to put on my clothes. There was a knock at the door. “It seems like he is always on time.” I joked to myself. Walking down the hallway I attempt to put each sock on between strides. Opening the door, I see Arsen standing there with a Walmart bag.

  “Come in, I just have to get my shoes and my jacket.” He smiles walking past me, placing the bag on my dining room table. “What’s that?” I asked.

  “It’s for Thias.” he replied. I walk over to the table to be nosey. He lifts a box and turned it around for me to read it. It was a sleeping mat; one with way more cushion than the ones they sleep on at daycare. “Oh wow, you got this for him? I mean, thank you Arsen. You didn't have to do that. How much do I owe you?” I asked, hoping he wouldn't give me a price, being as though I had absolutely no money on me.

  “Owe me?” he questioned. “Baby girl it's time to go, get your shoes!” he replied. “But….” I began.

  “But nothing. We don't need him standing outside waiting on us.” I smiled and went to put my shoes on and grabbed my jacket. I appreciate him, I really do. I didn't have to ask. He just did it. He doesn't owe it to me to be this nice. I can't help but to feel like it's more to him. We headed out the door to the car. He, of course opened my door. By the time he had gotten in the car I remembered that I left my cellphone; but I didn't say anything. Everyone that I wanted to talk to would be with me anyway.

  We continued on to Thias’s school. I asked him about work and how he was feeling. He seemed a bit tired. I asked him questions about gifts he’s received in the past; just to get an idea of what I should do for tomorrow. He was very vague. Almost as if he knew why I was asking and didn't want me to get anything. I have to do something really nice for him; he’s so thoughtful and sweet. He deserves something amazing for Valentine's Day.

  “You know I don't expect anything from you, right?” he asked.

  “That doesn't mean you don't deserve it.” I replied removing my seatbelt as we were pulling into the parking lot. Thias began skipping towards the car. I got out opening the door and strapping him in the seat belt.

  “Hey mama! Hey Arsen!”

  “What’s going on little man? How was school?”

  “Ahh, it was ok. We had a Valentine's Day party.”

  “Well that’s nice Pumpkin” I replied. “Well Arsen has a surprise for you.”

  “COOL!!! What is it Arsen??” he was so excited.

  “We will be there in about 30 minutes and you’ll see.”

  “Aww man! I can't wait!!! I know it's going to be cool!!!”

  We all laughed, Arsen turned the radio up as we made it to the highway. When we finally pulled up to SkyZone, Thias was ecstatic. He was out of his seatbelt before we found a parking space. Arsen finally parked and we all headed inside. It was pretty packed to be 3:30 in the afternoon. Nonetheless, I was excited too; almost as excited as Thias. I haven’t taken him on an outing in so long; I almost forgot what it was like to see him this excited. While Arsen is at the desk getting tickets, I began taking Thias’s shoes off so he can get ready to jump around. Arsen walks back towards us.

  "Sage, you want to go to the snack bar and get something to eat? I know he’s probably hungry." he asked handing me a couple of twenty dollar bills.

  "Ok, is there something you want?" He looks down at Thias. “What you want to eat little man?"

  "Pizza!!!" Arsen looked back at me.

  "Pizza." He replied. I smiled at both of them.

  "Ok, I’ll get Pizza." I headed towards the snack bar. No one was in line so I stood at the counter looking at the menu. "How can I help you?" the cashier asked as she was walking towards the counter. "I think I’ll just get a large cheese pizza, with two medium drinks." Thinking Thias and I would just share a drink. He doesn’t drink much soda anyway; neither do I. "You can make that a family meal and get a large bag of chips." she said pitching me on her sales techniques.

  "Ok that sounds fine."

  "That will be $27.76" I hand her both twenties. She rings it up and hands me the change. I stuffed it down in my pockets and turned to lean against the counter with my back facing her. I spotted Arsen and Thias running and jumping around the trampolines. Thias was laughing so hard he could barely jump. Every time Arsen caught up with him, he would throw him up in the air. Thias loved that. They looked like they were really father and son. My baby was so happy. He was really enjoying himself. I have to do something nice for Arsen tomorrow, he really deserves it. "Ma’am....Ma’am?" I could hear the cashier trying to get my attention. I had been in a daze watching my son and my friend....my man. What? We are supposed to claim it right?

  "Here are your cups, which bag of chips you want?" I looked over at the bags. I didn’t know which kind Arsen would eat; probably, barbeque. All black people love barbecue, I know me and Thias do anyway.

  "Barbecue, is fine." She grabs the bag of chips and hands them to me. "Your pizza should be done in about 20 minutes." "Ok, thanks hun." I replied. I found an empty, clean table and sat our stuff down. I looked up to see Arsen and Thias running towards me with their shoes in their hand.

  "Here you go mama!!!" Thias shouts handing me his shoes. Arsen places his under the table.

  "You want to go jump with him love?" he asked.

  "Oh nooooo! I’ll just watch you guys! The pizza will be ready in 20 minutes." He leans over the table and kisses my forehead. Those lips!

  "Ok, we will be back! Come on little man!!!"

  “Ok Daddy!” Thias yelled with a smile on his face. I looked at Arsen to see if he was uncomfortable. He was smiling. I'm not asking him to play daddy, hell we not even together. What made Thias say that? We will definitely have to talk about this. They both take off running back towards the trampolines. I loved seeing the two interact with each other though. He’s so good with him. I don't know where this is going or what this all means, but I really do hope it last forever. Tonight was great, tomorrow is going to be even better.

  Chapter 6: Would You Be Mine?

  "Happy Valentine’s Day mama." Thias says as he walks into the bathroom holding a red heart shaped card." Awww! Thank you baby!" I sat down on the lid of the toilet to read it.

  "Dear Mama, You are sooo beautiful and the sweetest mama I know, I luv you so very much. Happy Velentine’s Day!" I looked at him and smiled. "Thank you baby! Did you see what mama got you?"

  "Yep! Chocolate!!!! Can I take it to school Mama?"

  As much as I wanted to say no, I decided to let him get away with it today because of this super sweet card he had just given me.

  "Just a few, not the whole bag ok?"

  "Yay!! Thanks Mama!!"

  "Ok hurry up so we can go to the bus stop!!"

  I slid on my sweatpants with the matching sweat shirt that had PINK written down the sides and my sneakers. Thias grabs his book bag and we head out the door.
As I’m locking the door Thias runs down the stairs and instead of going toward the bus stop he turns to the left. I began walking down the steps calling his name. "Thias? Where are you....?” As soon as I reached the bottom of the steps, I notice Arsen parked to the left. Thias was already in the car. Arsen was standing at the passenger door waiting for me. I walked over to him and gave him a hug.

  "You don't have to do this every day you know?" He kissed my forehead and leaned towards my ear. "As long as I’m breathing I will always make sure you and Thias are ok." I could literally feel his words running through my eardrums and stroking my heart strings like an echo, making my legs extremely weak. I leaned back looking him in his beautiful hazel eyes.

  "I hope you never stop breathing." I whispered. He took his eyes off me for a second, as if he knew something I didn’t. Taking my hand to guide me into the car he said,

  "I will try my best not too." He closed the door and got in the car. "You ready Thias?" he asked.

  "Sure am!!!" "Here you go mama." I looked back at Thias and he had flowers and three balloons, with one of the biggest white teddy bears I had ever seen in my life.

  "Oh my goodness!!!!" I covered my mouth, I hadn't even noticed all of this when I got in the car. "This is for me??"

  "Duh! Mama! Don't you like it?" I was speechless.

  "Sage, do you like it?" Arsen asked. I looked over at him and without saying a word I threw my arms around his neck.

  "I absolutely love it. You are amazing!" I spoke softly into his neck, trying to keep myself from crying. I could still feel a couple of teardrops fall down my cheek onto his neck. "Thank you so much!" I took the flowers from Thias as Arsen began to drive out the parking lot. I was overwhelmed it was all so beautiful.

  "Have you found someone to watch Thias tonight?" he asked.

  "Yeah, Shelly said she was going to watch him for me."

  "Ok, well I have to work for a little while today. So I'll see you later on when it's time to pick Thias up from school." I nodded and continued to admire the flowers, smelling them and smiling to myself. When we pulled in front of the school, the administrator opened the back door for Thias. "See you guy’s later." he said getting out the car. We both waved at him and watched him run into the school.