Baki and Becky

During this last month the two-year-old I babysit has started calling me by my name. Except it's not quite right yet. It sounds more like Backy. It's especially sweet when he starts to say Mommy but then has to make an effort just to say Backy. He's trying and it's precious. His mom even said that he asks about me when I'm not around. Adorable! The six-month-old is still working on getting any noise out at all, so I'll give her some time.

My name change reminds me of a funny story I haven't shared yet. Back in June we hosted a delegation of political cartoonists for work. One of the delegates was named Abdelbaki. And he was called Baki for short. We were fast friends and he lovingly referred to us as brother and sister since we were Becky and Baki. About a month ago, over a month after the project ended, he called me up while I was at work.

The funny thing and the most endearing part is that Baki hardly speaks a word of English. So our conversation lasted about a minute and went something like this:

Becky: "IIE, this is Becky."

Baki: "Hi, Becky?"

Becky: "Yes, this is Becky."

Baki: "Oh hello! Oh! It's me Baki! You remember me?!"

Becky: "Oh Baki! Hello! Yes of course I remember you! How are you?"

Baki: "Uh...I don't speak good English."

Becky: "That's okay. How are you?"

Baki: "Uh...I just wanted to call you."

Becky: "Oh okay. I'm glad you called. How are you?"

Baki: "Uh...sorry I don't speak good English."

Becky: "(tried something in French)"

Baki: "Uh...I...don't speak good English." (haha and I can't really speak French)

Becky: "Okay, well that's okay. I'm glad you called. Thank you for calling."

Baki: "Uh...I can't speak English."

Becky: "That's okay. Thanks for calling."

Baki: "Okay."

Becky: "Bye, Baki. Take care!"

Baki: "Okay. Bye, Becky."

I will miss my Algerian brother. The end.

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