Breath Of Life

“I just don’t understand how you could date the woman who nearly ended your life.”

“Did she shoot me?”

“No, but she was the reason you were there.”

“I was parked on that street, Allie. You think they wouldn’t have hit me up?”

“If you’d left at a different time they never would’ve noticed you.”

Her words are a punch to the gut. “Do you have any clue how selfish you sound right now? You know damn well what would’ve happened if she’d been walking out there alone. Are you so petty you’d wish her ill? Why? In your heart, you know we never would’ve made it. The stop and start routine was tired. We both deserve better.”

“I love you, Oliver. Maybe you never loved me, but I put my heart and soul into our relationship. I’ve been waiting for you to grow up for years, and now I have to see you give everything I deserve to some random woman?”

“She’s not a random woman. She literally saved my life, and she’s not going anywhere if I can help it, so you need to get used to her. I’ll continue to respect your wishes for now and have her keep her distance, but that’s only going to last for long. I’m sorry you feel like I short changed you. I’m not the man I was. The accident changed me, fortunately for the better. It grew me up hella fast. I needed the wake-up call to snap me out of the sleep walking I’d been doing. I’m sorry it didn’t work out in our favor.”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “Right?” She sniffs.

“We have to keep it together for Rolly, Al. We’ve got sixteen more years. I know how important a good relationship between parents is.” I cringe at the thought of my father. “Believe me.”

“I’m ready, Dad.” Rolly’s voice ends our conversation as he comes out dragging his bag behind me.

“You sure, little dude?”

“Uh huh. Mommy packed my clothes, and I got to pick out what I wanted to have wif me for night night time.”

“I can’t wait to see what you picked.” I ruffle his soft hair. “You ready to go?”

“Yep. Bye, Mommy.”

She bends and kisses his cheek. “Be good for Daddy while you’re gone.”

“I will.”

He gives her a toothy grin, and I can see the charm in him already. Pride floods me. That’s my boy. His personality is making itself known more and more every day. I’ve heard people say time flies when you have a child, but there’s nothing like experiencing it firsthand. In a few more months I’ll have a four-year-old on my hands. Another year and I’ll be taking him to kindergarten instead of daycare. It’s mind boggling.

“We’ll see you in a few days, Allie.” I grab the bag and take Rolly’s hand. We’re splitting time equally. She gets him half the time and every other holiday. For all of our bickering, she never tried to keep him away from me. I’m grateful for that. I’ve seen some real horror stories where child custody is concerned. The more space we put between Allie and me, the better I feel.

“How was your day at pre-school, buddy?”

“Really good. We learned all about the color red, Daddy. Did you know it was a primary color?”

“No, what’s that?”

“A color that can’t be made. Red, blue, and yellow are primary.”

“That’s awesome, buddy. You are one smart dude.”

“Just like you.”

I’m awed by his belief in me. “I try, my man, I try. Are you ready to hang out with Quinn this weekend?”

“Quinny,” he cheers.

I laugh. “We’ll all be going to the zoo tomorrow. Tonight is just for us.”

“Yay. Can we see the monkeys at the zoo?”

“We can see whatever you want to.” I open up the car and watch as he climbs up and buckles himself in. Not long ago I had to do it for him. I study the round face that’s losing its circumference and slimming. It won’t be much longer before he’s a little person instead of a toddler. My gut clenches. I’m not ready for my little boy to be growing up so swiftly. I throw the bag on the bench beside him, close the door, and move to the driver’s seat. I turn on the classic rock station as I make my way toward one of our favorite restaurants.