Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2013 11:52:49 -0700 (PDT)
From: James Stephens <btmbuck4blkbear@yahoo.com>
Subject: Leo and James Part 12

Chapter 12 -- Meeting the Mom

Leo's calmness about introducing his mom to me was soothing. He obvious was
confident that we would get along. I dressed nicely for the occasion while
which pleased Leo.

"Damn, looking good! Mama's going to like that. She loves handsome young
white men."

"So it's in the genes huh? So what should I call your mom? Don't think I'm
ready for mama yet."

"And probably never will be. Her last name is Washington from her fucked up
husband after she divorced from my dad. But she still goes by Patterson --
Mrs. Patterson. And by the way, she's never married a white man. She likes
the brother for the long haul. Just remember that." He kissed me before we
left out. "Love you."

That was definitely food for thought. Before I could respond we grabbed our
coats and headed to the west side where she owned a 2 flat building with an
English basement. It was in good shape but needed a few repairs, which
later I would be assigned to that task.

We walked in and immediately Leo have her a peck on the cheek.

"Hey old bird. You're looking good" he said to her lovingly.

"Hello son. And you're full of shit. So who's the white boy?" she said with
a hint of suspicion.

"Don't start ma. This is my friend James. James, this my dear mother whom I
do not wish to claim at all times."

Before we shook hands she told Leo what a bastard he was. I enjoyed their
playful bantering. Leo's mom was a big woman with a beautiful smile. She
deeply resembled her son.

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Patterson."

"Likewise James. Come into the kitchen for dinner."

"Mother, you cooked dinner?" Leo said surprised.

"No, the dinner you're about to cook."

"If you weren't my mother ..." Leo retorted.

"You wouldn't be here shithead. You know where everything is baby. Come sit
down James, make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?
Beer, pop, water?"

"I'll take a beer."

"Well use the two legs and arms God gave you. Get it yourself James. It's
in the refrigerator." I was embarrassed but at the same time really liking
this woman. It wasn't difficult to tell who was in charge around here.

"Yes ma'am."

While Leo cooked and I drank the three of us conversed without the
uncomfortable moments of silence that can be typical when people meet each
other for the first time. Not here. I told Leo's mom about my family and
she was not hesitant to tell me Leo's childhood.

We sat and ate fried chicken, greens, and cornbread that Leo rustled up to
perfection.

"Baby boy, I know where you didn'tget to know how to cook" said
Mrs. Patterson laughing.

"Mama, I don't how I got so big. If I depended on you for cooking I'd be a
runway model."

"Shit.  You were a big baby -- that's why you were my last."

Speaking of big baby, how's Ronald?"

Ronald was Leo's older brother with whom he didn't have much to do.

"Doing fine. He's got another child on the way."

"He needs to stop producing t hose retarded children."

His Mom laughed. "They certainly are different. How's you boy doing?  I
haven't heard from him lately."

"I'll call him to let him know you're asking about him. His mama is so damn
irresponsible about that."

"So how is Ann doing?" I just realized that I didn't know her name until
now.

"Trifling as usual" responded Leo.

"And you knew it back then. Why you chose to get with that girl is beyond
me."

"Can we talk about something else mama?"

Mrs.  Patterson laughed. "Go right ahead and talk about something else, as
long as you clean up this mess you made. I'm going to nap."

"I've done enough today. James, make yourself at home and clean up this
mess." Leo said,

His Mom laughed. "You sure know how to treat a guest. I taught you so
well."

"James, would you mind helping me clean up?" Leo said sarcastically.

"Not at all." I said.

"Shit.  You don't have a damn choice." We had a good laugh and I was really
feeling good about becoming part of Leo's family.

"Well young men, I'm going to nap for a few. James, it was nice meeting
you. Come back anytime."

Mrs.  Patterson went to her bedroom while I finished up cleaning. She
obviously was not the best house keeper so I gave the kitchen a thorough
cleaning while Leo and I talked. His mom was in poor health and not able to
stand for very long but did have a niece that lived close by that took care
of her.

I was obvious our relationship took another step up that day. Leo's mom was
a wonderful person who welcomed me into her home. I truly felt honored and
fortunate.