Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 25

CHAPTER 26

Finally clean and looking somewhat human, I head to the kitchen. To find Jerry scarfing down some cereal and a banana. “What’s your deal, worried your food will be stolen?”

“I got a text from coach this morning, telling me I have a short but intense practice before school today. Since I slept in late I’ve got to jet,” he said gulping down the milk and placing his dishes in the sink. “Oh. Crap.”

“Now what,” startled by his sudden outburst?

“Ummm…can I borrow the jeep? I had planned to go home last night, but you know…” Jerry stopped, probably because he didn’t want to drag me back to last nights events.

“That should be okay. Do you know where my Dad went?” I ask as I get up to find my keys.

“He took a call as he was making his breakfast. Do you need to ask him first? I could always call an Uber if it doesn’t work for you,” Jerry quickly pulled out his phone in response.

“Don’t worry about it Bro. Just drive somewhat carefully. If you get a ticket we’ll deal. You better head out. Coach will be harder on you if you are late,” throwing my keys to him and pretty much ushering him out the door.

“Thanks du…” all Jerry got out before the door was slammed behind him.

‘He will thank me later.’ I’ve only been late to an early morning practice once; because, once was enough torture to last me a lifetime. ‘Cereal sounds good. Cereal it is.’ I grab a bowl and the cereal from the shelf and sit my butt down to enjoy my breakfast.

…

Dad somberly walked into the kitchen, phone in hand. He didn’t look so good, “Dad? What’s going on?”

“Nothing for you to worry about Son,” Dad said walking past the kitchen into the living room.

“You are kind of terrible at deals, if you go back on your word the next morning. We agreed to talk about everything. This divorce is not only happening between you and Mom; I am apart of it,” I sighed and headed into the living room, while sitting on same couch from last night’s occasion.

“You are right,” Dad rubbed the back of his neck, “I apologize Son. I just didn’t want a repeat of last night,” gesturing to where I was sitting. “Okay. I got a call from our lawyer. He received the finalized report from the police early this morning; he rushed them a bit. He says with this report it will allow me to gain full custody,” Dad stopped speaking and looked at me.

I tried to hide my true reaction but I failed. Sadness and relief is probably what Dad saw. “Don’t get me wrong I am happy that I won’t be an object to be fought over. I just…I’m…”

“I know Son. I know,” Dad raked his fingers through his hair.

“Continue Dad.”

“Okay. Well he mentioned you will be the deciding factor of visitation rights. Since you are older, you may decide for yourself. He did specify that if you change your mind in the future, and want to switch to a new agreement you can. So to put it simply, your choice is not life sentencing,” trying to be clear and precise with his words.

I get it. I now understand why Dad didn’t want to discuss this with me. I have to decide on my future with my mom. Me. “I’m not sure. I know one hundred and ten percent I want to live with you. At this moment, the thought of running into Mom…that woman…what do I call her?”

“She is and will always be your mom. Just call her Mom. Until you figure out what you want to call her,” Dad answered me blantly.

“Okay. Mom. The thought of running into her at this moment makes me annoyed. So I assume for the time being I would rather no visitation, but I don’t know if I want it indefinitely,” Knowing right now, I would probably walk away if my mom came anywhere around me; meaning I answered correctly.

“Sounds good Son. I’ll let the lawyer know. Once you turn eighteen, things will change anyways. You will be a legal adult and you could just choose to not see her without making it legal. But Son, it is almost school time. You heading out? Don’t forget the project.” Dad paused and grinned, “I feel accomplished now; Jerry specifically told me to remind you, and I just did,” he gave himself a pat on the back.

“Right… about that Dad. I let Jerry borrow the jeep. He had to get to school quickly, and it was my fault he didn’t make it home yesterday.” I totally forgot to mention Jerry and the jeep earlier.

“Oh. Okay. Next time let him borrow my truck. Since your jeep is in your name, and you haven’t had your license long…just next time my truck.” Dad grabbed his keys and headed towards the door. “I’ll get the truck going. Grab your stuff and let’s get going.”

“No problem,” running through the house to grab everything, including the project; ‘Jerry would kill me if I forgot it.’ Then I was out the door and into the truck.