"Mama," the youth said, poking his head around a corner, watching his mother playing a small piano she had brought with them from Florida. "Who was that man we saw today at the school?"
Daddy always said
These are the 88 keys to pain
And daddy always said
Rinse down the hurt before it stains
But daddy never said that after this not much remains
If only he told her to play her life instead of shame
Kimberly sighed to herself. She had hoped that JT, her son, wouldn't ask her about that tonight. The boy was too observant for his own good sometimes, but, luckily, as forgetful as his father sometimes. She turned towards the doorway, smiling, slid a little bit down the piano bench, and patted it next to her. "Sit down, sweety. Let me tell you a story."
JT smiled, and walked into the room. His mother rarely played piano during the day like this, and only when she was thinking about something difficult. Like when she told him that they were moving from Florida to California. He sat next to her, and looked up to her.
"Do you remember when I told you how I named you?" Kimberly asked.
JT nodded. This wasn't exactly what he was expecting. "You named me after two of your friends. Jason and Tommy," he said, pointing to heart shaped locket she wore. He knew inside were pictures of his namesakes.
Kimberly nodded. "Well, that was Tommy. I didn't know he was in this area, and I was really surprised to see him."
"Then, why did you look so upset?"
"Because..." Should she tell the boy about his father? Kimberly sighed to herself again. She knew this day would be coming sooner or later. "Honey, you know how you've always wanted to know who your father was?" The boy nodded, the look of confusion disappearing into one of surprise and interest. "Well..."
The phone rang. Kimberly swore to herself, which brought a chuckle from JT. She glared at him, for just a moment, and both fell into a fit of giggles. She reached over, grabbing the phone from off of the table next to the piano. The caller ID had said CYBERCAFE. She had seen the building driving around town a few times, but had never stopped.
"Hart Residence. Kimberly speaking."
"Ms. Hart? My name is Hayley. I'm a friend of Tommy's," Kimberly knew she had just gone as white as the proverbial sheet. "He needs your help."
(end)
