The Wright One

JUSTIN

I don’t know who the fuck this guy Cole is, but he needs to back off. I swear he just keeps showing up wherever we are. I think Caden tells his son and then he tells his dad and then boom, he’s there. I just want the dude to go away. He has this I am the best dad in the world routine. I am not buying it. He can not be as great as he makes himself out to be. Plus he seems to want to hang around Hannah more than anything. That just pisses me off. Don’t ask me why, but it does.

Today I have taken Caden out to get his school stuff. He is having a blast. I got him new everything and I let him pick out pretty much anything that he wanted. He picked out his shoes, clothes and backpack. He wanted a lunch pail too, so we got that. I’m not sure how Hannah does lunches, but I have that covered too. I don’t want Hannah to have to stress about it and I want Caden to look his best. And let me tell you, my boy has style. I took care of all the supplies too. Pencils, color pencils, binders, all that junk that they only use half the time, but I got it.

“Anything else you need buddy?”

“I think the school said I am supposed to have headphones too. Can we get those?” He seems a little nervous to ask. I am sure things were tight growing up with just his mom, but I’m here now and I will fix that shit.

“Yeah, sure. What kind do you need?” I started leading him to the electronics department.

“I like those ones that go over your ears. The earbuds fall out sometimes.”

“You got it buddy.”

“Hey, dad, can I ask you a question?” I love that he just went straight to calling me dad and it wasn’t a big ordeal. He likes me being his dad and that makes me really fucking happy.

“Anything buddy.”

“How come you and mom aren’t together?”

I didn’t really expect that. I thought maybe Hannah would have already told him that I am an idiot and she couldn’t stand me. So this threw me a little. I am going to be as honest with him as possible. “It was my fault. I did something stupid and your mom got upset. She had every right to be upset. I’m not sure she will ever forgive me for that.”

“But what if she did? Do you think that you guys could get back together?”

I stop and get down on his level. “Buddy, if there is ever a chance that your mom and I can get back together, then I will be more than happy to do that. Right now we want to focus on being the best parents for you. It’s a lot to deal with. Your mom is used to doing this all alone, but now she has me and it’s different. We have to give your mom time to handle me being back in her life. You understand?”

He looks a little sad. “Yeah, I understand. I just don’t really like that Cole guy. He seems to talk to mom a lot.” Now it makes sense. Well, you and me both, buddy.

“Well, your mom is a smart woman, she isn’t going to fall for someone that is going to be bad.” At least I hope not. I mean she fell for me and I am an idiot.

He shrugs. “I like Brodie, but even he says that his dad is weird sometimes. His mom doesn’t like him. He said that he didn’t used to see him so much but since he met mom he sees him all the time.” I am starting to see his angle, he is using his kid to get closer to Hannah.

I nod. “I see. Well, how about we arrange a place to have some family time where Cole can’t show up? How does that sound?”

Caden’s eyes light up. “Really, where?”

“Well, my family has a dinner once a month as a family. I was thinking that you and your mom could come. It is next weekend.”

“Will I get to meet the rest of your family?” He seems excited about it. I am sure with only knowing his one grandma his whole life it is an exciting prospect to meet more of his family.

“Yep, all your aunts and uncles. Plus your grandma and grandpa. They are all super excited to meet you.” They all are. As soon as they found out about Caden it was all they could talk about. They are very eager to meet their new family member.

He hugs me. He doesn’t do it much but when he does I know he means it. “I would really like that.” He also seems to like the word really, but I think it is about all the changes that he is going through. Like it is trying to make sure it is all really happening.

I hugged him back. “Now don’t get your hopes up too much. There aren’t any other kids yet, but that doesn’t mean that your uncles aren’t a bunch of big kids anyway. Plus your Aunt Jasmine is crazy.”

He laughs as he pulls back from me. “Thanks Dad.”

I started leading us to the electronic department again. “Hey, buddy, do you have a computer at home?”

“No, my mom does, she lets me use it sometimes. Grandma has one too, but she doesn’t let me use hers.” I never did like that woman. Even less now. Especially hearing about how they kicked Hannah out after she got pregnant. I probably would have known about Caden sooner if it wasn’t for them.

“Well, I was talking to Aunt Isabelle and she said that computers are really big in classes now. She said it would be a good idea for you to have one at home. So what do you think?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

He shrugs. “I don’t really need one. I usually finish all my work at school. If I have something that I need to finish, I can use mom’s computer.” Damn he is smart just like his mom. I am sure she was always ahead of her homework too. She was so damn smart. I hate that someone so smart has been reduced to what she has.

“How about I just get you one anyway? That way you can have all your work right in front of you. I know you have to be super smart like your mom, but sometimes things get busy. Like if you do sports or clubs or something. It would be easier to get your school work if you get sick. It would just be easier.” We haven’t talked about little league yet so I will be prepared just in case.

“Are you sure Dad? That is a lot of money. You already bought so much.” Oh, I see where this is going, things with his mom were always tight and he doesn’t want me spending money I don’t have.

“Don’t worry buddy, I got it covered. I won’t break the bank. Besides, your mom needs a little less to worry about.”

“Do you like mom?”

“Yeah, of course I do.” Who wouldn’t like Hannah? She is damn perfect.

“I mean really like mom?” He looks nervous.

I smile a little. “It’s been a long time since your mom and I were really close. At one point I liked your mom very much. But things change over time. I think I would need to get to know your mom a little more now. But I like what I have seen so far.”

“I know it is probably a long shot, but do you think you could fall in love with mom?” I am starting to seriously wonder if Hannah has had these questions. Is it just me? Do I get all the questions?

“Do you ask your mom this stuff?”

He shrugs. “Yeah, she said she doesn’t think you could ever love her.”

“Well, I think that is because of the stupid thing I did. I think that I could love your mom, maybe, if things happen that way. But right now we just want to focus on loving you and being the best parents that we possibly can for you. You understand right?”

“Yeah, I’m just really glad to have a dad now.”

I can’t help but smile. “I will always be your dad buddy. No matter what happens.” I don’t know who hopes that we will be together more, me or him. I would really love to win Hannah back, but I don’t think she will ever feel the same about me again.