Free Rent Me By The Hour by Leslie Harmison

time I jump up cheering joyfully. Of course Jordan’s team win their championship game and my son received the MVP award. The whole team, parents, and coaches are meeting up at Incredible World to celebrate, but I have to take Jocelyn to her cheer competition.
     
    We had to drive to Houston since the competition will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. When we arrive the parking lots are packed. I find a tight spot and managed to squeeze my truck right in. When I bought my truck, it was very hard to maneuver at first, but eventually I got the hang of it.
     
    The exuberant atmosphere is very chaotic. In every inch of the building you can see the girls very giddy with their pom-poms shaking, cartwheel flipping, and loud cheering. Jocelyn sees Stephanie and they join their other cheer mates. Cynthia walks up to me and gives me a hug.
     
    She ruffles Jordan’s hair and he smiles at her, “How was your game bubba?”
     
    “ It was good.”
     
    “ Did y’all win?”
     
    “ Yes ma’am.”
     
    Cynthia winks at Jordan, “I should have known better to ask if you guys won huh?”
     
    His mouth slants to the side as he turns his Gameboy on. He usually goes to Victoria’s house on Saturdays so he can play with Patrick, but since Matt and Victoria will be busy getting stuff done ready for their party on Sunday, Jordan had to tag along with me.
     
    “Has Victoria called you?”
     
    “Yes. She wanted me to bring an ice chest.”
     
    Cynthia’s raises her eyebrows shaking her head, “Victoria. Victoria.
     
    “I know what she is doing.” I giggle. My two best friends have been trying to set me up on dates numerous times. I’ve actually went on a couple of them, but it never lead to anything else. I just haven’t found anyone who gives me butterflies.
     
    “She is determined to hook you up with someone.”
     
    I look at her surprised, “You do the same thing too.”
     
    Jordan looks up as he eavesdrops into our conversation. He wants to know who this guy Cynthia and I are talking about. I softly elbow her to change the subject. I do not like talking about other men in front of my kids because I feel it’s very disrespectful for them and their deceased father.
     
    Stephanie and Jocelyn’s team is called on the intercom to get prepared because they will be up next. This is exciting for Cynthia and me. Our daughter’s team has won three years in a row. Jordan sits by us playing on his Gameboy wishing he was fishing right now. Last time he fished with his Uncle Matt, Uncle Rick, and Patrick, he caught a thirty-five pound redfish and he was very proud of himself and so was I.
     
    As the girls take their cues on the floor, we yell encouraging words to the whole team. Jocelyn spots me and winks. That’s how we show our terms of endearment to each other. They start their routine while spectators and judges watch diligently.
     
    After their performance, the crowds cheer loud because they did an excellent job. So happy for our girls, Cynthia and I hug excitedly. It was not a surprise when the judge announces that their team won first place. The team jumps up and down happy they won for the fourth time. When the girls arrived to our seats, I jump up and squeeze Jocelyn while Cynthia does the same to Stephanie. We talk for a while then say their goodbyes. Jocelyn’s team is also having a celebration party, but since we didn’t attend Jordan’s, we will not be attending Jocelyn’s. It’s just not fair and my kids are very understanding about how I feel about treating them fairly.
     
    We grab a bite to eat and head home. The moment we open the door, Mufasa and Mulan rush outside to use the bathroom. While I’m climbing upstairs, Jordan grabs on to me and I trip. Jocelyn tries to crawl up the stairs and squirms over me. Jordan and she lollygag on their knees up the stairs. We’re just so tired. When we accomplished battling the stairs, we go in our rooms to change in our home clothes. The three of