Tire Swing- Kimya Dawson

Chapter 5:

Mediation. For my peace of mind. To lower my anxiety. Well, it's what my sister recommended. After last night, I needed it. I couldn't sleep. Before I got out of bed, I screamed into my pillow. I cross my ankles over each other, seated on the floor, and eyes closed. I'm ready for my timer to sound off. For thirty minutes, I set it. "Om," I hum out.

I'm better off at the gym where there's music. Where's that YouTube meditation I saved? I tap on the screen to find it; I drop it on my lap and square my shoulders. Closing my eyes, I squeeze them. Steven, his face pops into my head. The way he smiles to get his way. His eyes would go dark when he was seducing. How he was thrusting himself into that bitch. I clench my jaw. I open and close my mouth. Only five minutes have passed. Okay, I'm over this.

I take in one more deep breath. I rub the back of my neck and stand up slowly. I need a massage.  Today's Joe's birthday party at mom and dad's house. His gift is in my room, wrapped and in a decorative birthday bag. After my shower, I made myself a sandwich before putting my pants on. I see my phone ringing on the counter; I swipe left to answer. "Hello?" I answer with a muffled mouth. I press the speaker phone icon, laying it on the counter.

"Mom said to come pick you up. Are you ready?" Rick asks.

"Give me thirty minutes." I wipe the debris off my hands and palms on a paper towel. The time read 3:13 pm. It didn't take a long time to get dressed, buttoning up my blue sleeved shirt, I wore my black booties. Grabbing his gift, I headed out the door. Rick was out front, blasting his playlist from his car speakers. "Hey!" I enter his car, closing the door and putting on my seatbelt.

"What's up?" He responds. "I invited my friend, Denise."

"Denise?" I raise my eyebrows. "new girlfriend?"

"Maybe," he shrugs, turning a corner.

"Aww."

"Shut up." I giggle, adjusting my blouse.

"Also, I invited David."

"Who's David?"

"One of my friends. That wants to meet you?" He halts at each word.

"Why?" I frown. His mouth's in a straight line, turning a corner. "Rick."

"Don't get mad, okay?"

"It depends what you're gonna tell me."

"Mom asked, well demanded, me to set you up with one of my friends."

"Oh, Lord." I place my hand on my head, shaking it. "Why can't she leave this alone?"

"I know, but mom feels you should start dating again."

"This is ridiculous. I'm fine. I enjoy being single. I told her that."

"I told her that, she insisted. She even asked Nina." I sigh, pursed out my lips. "Just see where it goes. He's not gonna propose or anything. Maybe you'll like him."

"I guess." The rest of the drive remains unspoken. The sound of Rick's playlist was loud enough to distract my thoughts away. Kids from 4 to 7 were running around, chasing each other in the backyard when we arrived. I Carefully lifted Joey's gift to my chest as I exit Rick's car. The yard was big enough for the children to play. A young boy with curly hair and a colorful party hat sees me and waves happily. I smile and wave back as I close the passenger door. 

Ricky's heading inside the house. I walk toward the table of food and place the cupcakes down slowly. "Sis!" a loud voice rings in my ear. My sister Nina calls. Wavy hair, sunglasses, and a wide smile on her face. I laugh as we hug each other tightly. She almost picks me from the ground.

"So glad you could make it."

"Of course! He's my nephew. I feel bad, missing his last birthday."

"No need to. You were out of town. He will always love his favorite aunt."

"I love your sundress." I point at her long, dark green dress.

"Thank you. Love your jeans," she compliments.

"Thanks. Where is he?" She points to the boy running around with chocolate on his mouth and chin, and a gold crown on his head.

When he saw us, he ran faster, going straight for my legs and hugged tightly, "auntie!"

"Happy birthday, sweetie! How old are you now?" He holds up five fingers while giving me a toothy grin. I kneel to him, lifting him over my shoulders. Nina protests to be careful because he ate plenty of snacks."Where's my present?" Joey asks.

I giggle. "It's on the table." I place him down gently. Kissing his chubby cheek, he runs back to his friends.

"Where's mom and dad?"

"Inside. Mom is still cooking. Dad is having his political conversations inside." I nod, heading to the table of food and grabbing a plate. The laughter of the children filled my ears. I sat on a plastic chair, enjoying the summer breeze. Nina sits next to me with a plate of food in her hands as well.

"How have you been?" She asks me.

"I've been ok." I grin.

"How have you really been?" She questions again with a tilt of her head curiously. How I cried so much over the phone, retelling what I witnessed of Steven's infidelity, and her calming me down and advising me to move forward. To be honest, I am ok.

"I am, really. How are you?" I revert to her, taking a spoonful of salad into my mouth.

"I'm blessed. My son is healthy. Josh is good. How's the knee?"

"Getting much better. Physical therapy is twice a month now."

"Mom's worried." She scoops some food in her mouth.

"She's always worried, she's mom," I speak with my mouth full.

"Are you mad?" she asks.

"Why would I be mad?"

"Mom, trying to set you up with someone. Asking us to ask our friends."

"I'm not mad, I understand. However, I think it should be my choice of when and who I want to date."

"Ok." I see Ricky handshaking a guy. I assume it's his friend. I check out his backside and shoulder frame. He's wearing dark blue jeans, a black short-sleeve shirt. He had a low fade haircut. Hmm, he looks decent. Rick points over his shoulder. When he turns around, he spots us. I get a good look at his handsome face. I wave, he waves back. Mom comes out from the house, she hugs him. Oh, goodness, here we go.