Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2013 11:52:49 -0700 (PDT) From: James Stephens 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.