CJ studied Matthew for minute, until Tyler got her attention. “Mom, Raissa is trying to get your attention!” CJ looked over and the girl did some kind of signal. CJ did the same back while Tyler jumped up, said “YESSSS!” and pumped his fist. Matthew looked very confused when CJ turned back around. She smiled, “We are going to eat our lunch here. You are welcome to join us.” She looked at Matthew like she could see all of his secrets, he felt drawn to this woman for reasons he did not know. “Sure, if you have enough.” Matthew answered.
“Sweet!” Tyler exclaimed and started pulling Matthew’s hand, “You can sit by me. We’re going to eat at the picnic tables.” He was very excited. Matthew smiled, he liked this family, even if he still did not understand how they were related, maybe he would find the courage to ask CJ about it during lunch.
The girl and the little boy had everything ready when Matthew, CJ, and Tyler walked up. The dog was tied to one of the table’s legs; it was even bigger up close. CJ looked at the girl and the little boy, “This is Matthew; he is going to eat with us.” Then she looked at Matthew, “This is Raissa and Jayce Luke, Tyler’s aunt and brother.” Raissa said, “Hello, nice to meet you.” Matthew had never seen a family like this. Who were these people?
Matthew got over his shock and managed to respond, “You too.” CJ smiled at him like she knew exactly what he was thinking. Then it hit him, her smile. That was what reminded him of his mom. The way CJ smiled, it looked nothing like his mom’s smile, but it was genuine, sincere, and put him at ease, the way he used to feel when his mom would smile at him.
Matthew snapped out of his daydream when Tyler took his hand, “Time for the blessing.” Everyone was bowing their heads, so Matthew followed suit. “Thank you Lord for this food. And for the beautiful day at the park. And for new friends. Amen.” Raissa looked up after praying and smiled at Matthew, “The squirt found you again, huh? You must have really bad luck.” She laughed as Tyler threw a grape at her. Matthew looked to CJ to break up the fight, but she was just smiling at them. As Tyler rose to sit next to Raissa so she could help him open a bag of chips Matthew saw it. They teased each other, but there was love. Love that he hadn’t seen since his mom died.
Matthew had a good time at lunch, but it made him ache for his mom, the only family he ever had. CJ had not said much during lunch, interjecting only when necessary. It was clear she was comfortable with him being there even though she had just met him. Matthew still felt like she could see through him somehow. But lunch was ending and he had no more time to speculate, Raissa was packing up the leftovers and CJ was cleaning Jayce Luc’s face and hands. Tyler was the only one not busy, and when Matthew looked down, Tyler was ready, as always, with a question, “Will you teach me to draw?”
