I walk into the house and the familiar smell of chinese take out and Jackson’s mac-n-cheese greeted me at the door. I could hear both of them singing along to Katy Perry. I dropped my stuff and went to the kitchen. I leaned on the door frame as I watched them sing and dance. Jackson spotted me first and came running to me.

"B! Momma B," he exclaimed, and ran into my arms. I scooped him up and hugged him tight, him calling me Momma B or B always changed from day to day. Tina smiled and walked over and kissed me. I immediately tensed up knowing that my lips were unclean. She glanced at me sideways, knowing something was up. I shook my head and she left it alone for the time being, but it was killing me.

We ate our dinner and Jackson talked about school. He loved school and loved learning. We were certain we found him a suitable tutor. His name was Angus Partridge and we met him at Jackson’s afterschool class. He was one of the teachers and a musician. We had talked to him about having him tutor Jackson on school work and teaching him how to play an instrument.

"And my teacher says she wants me in big kids class!"

"That’s right buddy, my little Einstein."

"Ma," he said and shrugged Tina off when she kissed his cheek.

After Tina and I cleaned up, we joined Jackson in the living room. Tina and him watched a movie, while I got my computer out. I had to finish my research since I could no longer count on Nadia. They laughed and I smiled, and after a while Tina’s light breathing and Jackson’s little snores could be heard. I shut my computer off and picked Jackson up. He curled up in my arms as I carried him to his room. I placed him in his bed and tucked him in.

Tina was so beautiful when she slept, I stood in the entryway to the living room and I just stared at her. I almost didn’t want to wake her, but I walked over and knelt down. I nudged her face with my nose. She moved slightly and I did it again and her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.