I walked back in the house and looked at my mom, Papa Gates and Ms. Suzy who was now in the house.

“Zachary James you get over here right now. “

Zacky Jr. walked over to me (slowly I might add) and stood in front of me with his head down.

“You listen to me and you listen good…You do not and  I repeat do not talk to a adult like that do you understand me? That man is your father whether you like if or not and you will not and better not ever talk to him like that again.”

“You don’t have to worry bout that Mom.”

“Why?” I asked looking at my son knowing he’s just like his father and was going to say something sarcastic and in a smart ass tone so I was just bracing myself for whatever came out of his mouth. Hell now I know what my mother felt like with me but a least I was sixteen but he’s only seven and is already the biggest smartass I knew.

“Because I don’t wanna see or talk to that man ever. I hate him!!!”

“Don’t say that Zacky that’s our daddy.” Zoë said as she walked over to him and put her tiny hand on his tiny shoulder.

“No Zo real daddy’s don’t leave; they stay and take care of their families. He doesn’t give a damn about us or mommy.”

That was it…I had had it with my son’s damn mouth….wait did I just curse…shit well I’m grown I can do that he’s only seven. ….

I grabbed Zoë and told my mother and Suzy to take her outside and play so I could “talk” to my son.

I grabbed him lightly by the arms and made him look at me.

“If I hear one more curse word out of you little green eyed boy….You won’t be able to sit for a month do you understand me?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Now you hear me when I say this…”

“I’m listening.” Damn he is so much like his father I something wanna smack him or shake him….

“You do not hate your father, because if you really did you would hate Zoë and also yourself because you two are a part of him and you are just like your father. I know you’re mad at him right now and I don’t blame you, and I won’t force you to talk to him or see him until you’re ready, but you can not stop your sister from seeing him. Zoë loves your daddy and she wants to see and talk to him so you’re going to have to deal with that, and when you’re ready I’m sure him will understand. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Now…you have to apologize to Brian?”

“Who’s that?”

“The man you kick.”

“My son.” We both said as the same time then looked at each other.

“He kicked Brian?”

“Right in the... you know.”

“Oh Lord….well your son was true to his word. What’d he do?”

“He pushed my mom.”

“Well you don’t have to worry Zacky I’ll get him good for that one.”

“Good.” Zacky said and looked at me and then back at Papa Gates.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Brian’s daddy and I was really good friends with your grandfather before he passed away. You mom and Aunt Starla are like my daughters and they had been getting beat up by Brian since they where kids.”

“So he’s like your brother mom?”

“Yes and he’s one of your dad’s best friends.”

“How many does he have?”

“Five.”

“Oh….”

“So Zacky you can call me Papa Gates.”

“Okay.”

“And if you ever need anything and if the guys and your dad doesn’t act right you call me and I’ll get it taken care of okay?”

“Yes sir.”

“I’m going to call Brian and tell him to come apologize to your mother.”

“Um…Papa Gates?”

“Yes Zacky?”

“Can you tell that man to come over because my sister wants to meet him?”

“Sure.” Papa Gates looked at him a smile and then called Brian.

“Zacky?”

“Mommy from now on will you call me ZJ?” I frowned at first and then nodded as I grabbed him and pulled him into a big hug. There was a knock on the door and then Brian and Zack Sr. walked into the kitchen.
ZJ looked up at them then moved back way from me a little.

“Dude please don’t kick me again.” Brian said as he started to back up a little toward the living opening.

“I’m not.”

“You promise? Because my voice is finally starting to go back to the octave it was before you kicked me.” Brian said as we all laughed a little.

“I’m sorry Mr. Brian….”

“It’s okay kiddo. You warned me and I didn’t listen so I got what I deserved, and if you want to you can call me Uncle Brian or Haner.”

“Okay and you can call me ZJ.”

“I thought your name is Zacky?”

“You’re not too bright are you Uncle Brian?” My son asked with a duh look on his face.

“Did you just call me stupid? Did he just call me stupid?” Brian asked as he looked from Zack Sr. to me and then back and my son.

“I didn’t call you stupid….I’m just saying you maybe a little slower than others. ZJ stand’s for Zack Junior Uncle Brian.”

“I love kid already. You know you’re a smart ass… damn….sorry, I’m sorry Jay. You’re a smart A like your dad here.” He said as he pointed to a very quite Zack Senior.

“I’m nothing like him.” ZJ said with anger and hatred in his voice and eyes.