Krystina
I would like to say that I was completely prepared for the strange looks and stares that Stephen and I garnered when we walked into the classroom.
But I wasn't.
Here's the thing. As an African American woman, living in America obviously, I'm no stranger to racism, prejudice, or preconceived notions.
I happen to live in an area that has become increasingly gentrified, and filled with Caucasians.
These aforementioned Caucasians have, maybe one or ten times, given me off looks when I, a black woman, single handedly drop of my obviously biracial child.
Now, here I stand, thicker than a snicker in my high waisted jeans and t-shirt, standing beside my Caucasian baby daddy.
And although I'm taken slightly aback by some of the looks, I won't let that stop me from flaunting my super fine, super rich, super white baby daddy in front of these super shook individuals.
So, I pick up my head, move Stephen even closer to me, and continue walking to the classroom where the presentation and conferences will take place.
Just as we walk in, Rachael Gladwell and her husband, Clay, make to greet us.
"Krystina, darling." She says as way of greeting. She tries but fails to hide the look of disdain that crosses her features when she notices my attire.
It's a preschool parent-teacher conference Rachael, not a soiree. There's no need to come dressed to the nines and covered in pearls.
"Rachael." I reply, instead.
Her gaze moves from me to Stephen. "Hello, I don't think we've ever met. I make it my personal mission to be on a first name basis with all parents, and I definitely don't know yours. I'm Rachel Gladwell, my son's name is Carmichael." She says extending her hand.
Stephen glances at me first, before shaking her proffered hand and introducing himself. "I'm Stephen Sims. Bryan's father."
Duh.
"Oh, how lovely!" She exclaims. "I was starting to worry about Bryan and all the father-son activities he's been missing out on." She says, causing both mine and Stephs eyebrows to raise. She ignores the expressions. "It's just, young boys, especially black ones, really need their fathers in their lives to help steer them on the right path."
"Uh uhn." I chuckle dryly, looking her up and down. "Well my, our, son is doing just fine. Nothing at all that you need to concern yourself with Karen. I mean Rachel." I say politely, trying to resist the urge to tear her a new one.
With another glare in her direction, I take Stephen's arm and lead him to the other side of the room.
"I cannot believe she just said that to us." Stephen says once we're alone.
"I can. She's always been like that. Extremely condescending with an occasional dose of racism and delusion." I turn towards him. "Not to sound brash, but if things like this are shocking to you, you're going to have to get some thicker skin. You have a black son. Commentary like that is going to be the least of your worries."
Conversation lulls when Ms. Nicholson, the owner and founder, enters the room with the other teachers.
They do a brief presentation showcasing the day to day activities that the children partake in, before separating the parents according to the age of their child.
From there, the one on one conferences begin.
Brandy, Bryans main teacher, tries her best to not look curiously at Stephen. While I wouldn't say we're friends, we are close enough that I don't feel disrespected at her curious looks. And because she's been nothing but great to me in the past, I decide to put her out of her misery.
"Brandy, this is Stephen, Bryan's dad. Stephen, this is Bry's teacher Brandy, or Ms. Price. I can see the look on your face that you're trying to hide." I laugh. "To answer your unasked question, yes, this is new."
"Oh, thank God!" She exclaims dramatically throwing her head back and causing her curly hair to move with her. "I saw you walk in earlier and I was like 'Krys got a man?', 'Is that her man?'. But I didn't wanna be rude, so I thought better of asking you." She says, sending me into a fit of laughter.
"Well, he's not my man, yet. But he's trying to be." I tell her, trying to hide my smirk at the look Stephen shoots me.
She notices the look too, and in a matter of second we're both doubled over with laughter.
"Whoo. Okay." She says when she's finally calmed down . Let's get started. "
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These conferences are a quarterly occurrence, so for me, they're not all that interesting. For Stephen on the other hand, this is a novel experience. He's never been to a parent teacher meeting, and it showed.
Our slot was for 15 minutes. Because of Stephens annoying and endearing questions, we ended up staying for 35 minutes, much to the chagrin of the other parents waiting.
"So, what do you want to do for the rest of the evening?" Stephen asks me as we settle into the car and head back to my place.
"I was thinking that maybe the three of us could go out tonight. Maybe Chuck-E-Cheese or something like you said?"
"I've never been to Chuck-E-Cheese. Has he been there before? Does he like it?" He asks as he eased the car into the street .
"First, the fact that you've never been to Chuck-E-Cheese is extremely sad and very disheartening. I mean, did you even have a childhood? Second, Bryan has been there probably 30 times. He always has a good time there." I tell him.
"Well hey, better late than never. I'm a grown man, nearing thirty, and I'm going to Chuck-E-Cheese for the first time in my life. I'm actually looking forward to it." He chuckles.
"And I actually think you're going to enjoy it. You can be a real big kid when you want to be Steph. I think tonight is going to be one of those times."
Boy, I had no idea.
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Please put the pitchforks down ladies and gents.
I cannot begin to even describe how freaking busy I've been this school year.
Lol, I hate it. I really really hate it.
But it needs to be done.
Spring break is in a few days, and I'm making no promises, but I really want to try to at least write a few more chapters so I can at least start updating in a more timely fashion.
In other news, I'm going to start a new story this summer. I hope to finish Precious Secret before June.
The story Heiress would therefore come out sometime in June or July. Make sure you add it to your reading list.
Its going to be very different from Previous Secret. Whereas Krys and Steph are kind of "goody goody" wholesome characters who mostly stay out of trouble, the same can't really be said for Heiress.
50 votes for the next chapter, so I know people are still reading/interested.
Thank You. Love you.