Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 24

CHAPTER 25

Echoing nothingness…I can’t hear anything. My vision is blurry, but also clear. I was like a ghost watching my body stand in front of me.

“………..” Jerry standing beside me, “……..Du….de….?”

What was happening? Dad was sitting on the opposite couch with his head in his hands. Jerry was motioning to my Dad to get his attention back on me. Now Dad was looking at me, a look of panic was glued on his face. Dad was shaking…me…I could feel it, but more like an after shock. Then somehow I was sitting on the couch. Dad was pulling out his phone and was urgently calling someone. Jerry was pacing in front of me. Mentally I was stretching out a hand and stopping Jerry, but my arms didn’t move. My vision was beginning to blur and I felt like closing my eyes… should probably go to my room…laying down would be nice…

…

Opening my eyes, I am blasted with brilliant ceiling light. Moving my head slowly looking around, I see a Jerry asleep in a seated position on the table, and Dad was sitting on the floor next to the couch I was currently laying on. Blinking and looking around I finally realize I am still in the living room. ‘What happened in this living room was just an awful dream right? It didn’t actually happen?‘ Wow, my limbs are burning; I twitch trying to move my stiff shoulder muscles.

Dad jumped at my movement, “Son? Are you okay?”

Jerry had also sat up startling and rushed towards the back of the couch, “Yeah you good Bro? You almost gave me a heart attack collapsing in front of me. You suddenly were standing, and then wanted to lay down in the air!?!”

“Yes, thankfully Jerry was by you; he caught you mostly and placed you on the couch. Are you feeling alright? Doctor Mark came by and said, due to emotional stress and shock you fainted,” Dad was gripping my hand.

‘I fainted? Emotional stress…shock?’ “What are you talking about? Why would I be emotionally stressed?” Completely confused at what Dad and Jerry were saying.

Jerry and Dad exchanged worried glances. “Son, your mom was just here and she…” Dad finally answered me.

It wasn’t a nightmare. It actually happened. I actually said those words to her; I thought it was just something I dreamt up. No, it actually happened…

…

Opening my eyes, I realize I am in my bedroom. Last night was crazy. First my mom tried to forcibly make me stay with her and ruin my dad’s life in the process. Now, realizing our exchange of words were real, I feel empty. Like my mom was actually gone; I felt partly hollow now. My dad’s terrified and worried expression is still drilled into my brain; I never want to see that expression again. Also after realizing I was okay, Jerry went to the guest room to finish the project himself and let me rest; Jerry is awesome like that.

“Son? How are you doing?” Dad was standing in the door frame.

“I’m better. What aboout you?” I sat up in bed, my muscles were not as sore as last night.

Dad came into the room and sat on the bed, “…are you really good? You scared me half to death when you fainted. I was already shocked from your mother’s selfishness, to then meet your collapsing body.”

Dad looked haggard. As I really look at my dad, I see the worry lines in his face. Since the start of the divorce process, Dad hasn’t aged well. Unexpectedly Dad grabs my shoulder and then brings me into a big bear hug. “Dad…”

Still squeezing, “I know you can’t, but I hope you can not be stressed about anything. I really do hope you can just forget what happened last night and focus on your swimming and school. Do you think it’s a possibility?”

“Dad…I…ugh…” Dad probably didnt notice he was sufficating me.

“Oh sorry,” Dad said letting go of me, “I guess I don’t know my own strength,” then sarcastically showing off his muscles.

“Haha, sure Dad. But I don’t know if your request is possible. To be honest, I feel partly hollow. Will this emptiness ever go away?”

“Son. I too feel the hollowness. I assume overtime that hole will be filled with something new. Our hearts will heal and become whole overtime.” Dad began the statement confidently, but as he continued it wavered to uncertainty.

“Well…I will try. Because knowing Coach, if I am not giving practice my everything he is going to kill me. I think it will be best if you tell me everything that happens; because, I think it would be better for me to not be surprised anymore.” Looking up into my Dad’s face, trying to believe my own words.

“Okay Son. Well, we should start the day. Jerry is still asleep in the guest room. He stayed up late finishing the project. I helped as best as I could; Highschool science was a while ago for me. I’ll make sure to write you a note for your teacher. But let’s get going,” Dad stood up from the bed and stop just before the door, “and you might want to shower before school; you look awful.”

“Thanks,” rolling my eyes and swinging my legs off the bed. “But Dad…”

Dad paused in the hall and came back into veiw, “Yeah?”

“You too. Don’t stress too much. I also want my dad to focus on what makes him happy. All things will work out in the end. Also, let’s be up front with what we are dealing with. Let’s not be stereotypical guys and keep it bottled up. I will promise to tell you what’s up with me, but you have to do the same. Deal?” Giving Dad the ‘no crap’ stare.

“Sure thing Son.” Dad said smiling, “You’ve grown into a great young man. Thank you Son,” Dad left and continued down the hall.

Getting up and walking to the bathroom, I look myself in the mirror; for once, Dad was not lying to me; I looked awful. Laughing to myself, I begin my shower.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 23

CHAPTER 24

It is currently Thursday; only a few days have passed since my last talk with you all. Nothing exciting has happened for me or report, mostly school, practice, school, etc. I guess the only new thing is Coach has been “happier” at practices, now that he has help with Lily and the lower lanes. When I say “happy” I mean he is happy while we are unhappy; more personal time with Coach means harder practices for us. At least our big meet is about two weeks away. We do have a meet with another school coming this Wednesday, whereas our final meet, of the season, is two Thursdays from today. Jenny and Brit have been really great for Coach; as we get closer, it has been nice to have Coach’s complete attention.

Since our barbeque, this will be the first Thursday that Mom will not be picking me up to go somewhere. I haven’t been noticing the absence of Mom, but today it catches my attention as Jerry and I head to the Jeep; we have a Science project due tomorrow. Finishing touches only left.

“You just missed your street dude,” Jerry quizzically said as we drove by another street. “You good?”

“Yeah. Thanks Bro. Just lots on my mind,” quickly coming back to reality. “Just, this is the first official Thursday where I won’t be seeing my mom. It hasn’t been bothering me, but it is today,” I say flipping a U-turn at the next crossing.

“Yeah. It is weird. I’ve grown accustomed to your overbearing…ummm…your mom being how she is,” coughing realizing what he had said. “Sorry dude. I didn’t mean…”

“No worries. I am bugged it is not my choice to have an opinion about her; she decided for me, by disowning me. Just something I am going to have to get used to,” finally turning onto my street, after a few wrong turns finally home. We had to park on the street because there were two cop cars in my normal spot. “I wonder if there have been more robberies?”

Getting closer to the door, “Is there a woman shouting inside?” Jerry asked as we approached the door.

“What?!” I put the key in and open the door to a horrifying site. My mother’s back was towards me, while two officers were across the room holding…down…Dad! “What is going on?” I yell into the chaos.

Silence. My mother’s body tenses in front of me; Dad’s face shows concern, and the officers regard my presence. Jerry begins to slink away; I wish he would stay.

“Stay where you are young man,” one of the officers called to Jerry, who was almost away, “we will need a witness.”

Wish granted. A little more controlled, I ask again “What is going on?” Mom’s shoulders tense again. She must have done something she should feel guilty about; since she has yet to turn and look at me.

“We were called about a parent kidnaping their son from their spouse. We are currently holding, I assuming, your kidnapper away from their distressed spouse. Please, young man, stay back, and we will deal with him legally. You are safe now,” the same police officer who had stopped Jerry was speaking to me now, but it sounded more like noise. Complete utter nonsense….

“What are you talking about? Is this her doing,” I point at, the still faceless Mom standing in front of me, “whatever nonsense she spewed about my dad is all false. I personally decided to live with my dad during their divorce. I decided to live with the parent who respects me,” as I spoke I pushed by my mom, not looking at her, and then standing beside Dad, I turn towards her.

Mom was fuming, but also nervous. I expect she didn’t want me to be present for this gathering because she knew I would call her on her lies. “Officers, please release my dad; he has done nothing wrong.” Jerry had also came into the house, but he stood off to side, but on my side of the living room.

The officers let go of my dad’s arms and help him to a standing position again. Turning to Jerry, the officer previously asked, “Look only at me, is what he said true?”

“Yes, officer. What he said is the truth. I have all knowledge of what has happened between this family,” Jerry said confidently, but then looking down turning red at his statement of knowing all our secrets. However, he lifts his head again, keeping his head high.

I give him a slight nod to let him know, ‘Thank you bro.’

“Thank you. We apologize for actions towards you, Mr. Matthews,” the officers offered their hands to my dad; my dad accepted their hands and apology easily. “Whereas for you Madame, you need to come to the station with us. Lying to an officer is a legal offense,” they went towards Mom, grabbing her arms to escort her out of the house.

I was shocked. I really shouldn’t be. I shouldn’t be surprised at what my mom is capable of. I stood with Dad watching Mom be dragged away from us.

“We will be filing a report. Don’t quote me on this, but after the report is finalized you should be able to use it to gain full custody,” the younger officer chimed into the conversation.

Mom stopped suddenly, throwing the the younger officer off balance, causing him to almost fall. She forcibly turned around to look me in the eyes, “You will never be anybody. When your life is dull and you need help, I will not be the one to help you. We are through.”

Silence rang through the house. I was not about to let her have the last word, “You will no longer be anyone to me. When you get to a point in ‘your’ life that seems meaningless and lifeless don’t come looking for me. Because you have become a stranger to your own son,” I turn my back on a now complete stranger.

As it became silent once again, the younger cop regained his balanced and dragged that woman out of our house for the last time.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 22

CHAPTER 23

Normally I would skip over Sunday, but after church today we have an afternoon practice planned. Usually we don’t have practice on a Sunday, but since the big meet is coming
up Coach wants us to practice as much as possible.

Anyways church. Church is another aspect of my life I haven’t discussed yet. My family has always gone to our small town church. I say small because the congragation is only about fifty people. I know a generous percentage of the attendees.

‘Your Dad is a famous person; why a small church?’ Is something you might wonder. But we have never thought about leaving to find a bigger church, because this church has lots of memories for my dad. He started his career here; he started as a member of the church band. So our train of thought is, why mess with something that is perfectly fine. I guess I mention this, because the idea of changing churches was always my mom’s idea. Which doesn’t matter anymore.

Since Dad is a big name artist now, he can only occasionally be a guest performer. Which he totally understands; the pastor doesn’t want people to only come to church because of the music. Still Dad always wants to join in if possible; today must be one of those days.

If you, personally, attend a small church you understand the unspoken rule of seats: unless you are a newcomer you know whose seat is whose. Saying that I’ll quickly tell you where everyone is. The guys were sitting in the two rows behind me with their families. Jenny and Mrs. Bailey were in their normal second row spot. Brit was off to my left with her parents. Coach was sitting in the back with Lily; Lily was singing along to Grandpa Matthews.

As the congregation continued to sing, I scanned the singing faces around me. I was looking for her; she would occasionally be standing next to me. Even though she had disowned me and was going to divorce my dad, I still hoped she would come to church. No where to be seen; I turn my attention back to the band.

…

“Okay before we start practice I have some news,” Coach quieted us as we stretched. “I want to open with some of the details and facts of the situation. First, I have two new co assistants. Their jobs will be unpaid; the school budget can not supply more money for their efforts. Though I’ve already discussed it with the principal and has agreed on giving them an offical title so they can use it towards a college letter,” Coach paused to make sure we understood that we must regard the new assistants with respect.

We all nodded.

“Good. I’ll introduce them now. Come on out,” Coach yelled towards the office.

Three famillar faces exited the office: Jenny, Brit, and Lily. Lily ran from the office to my side, as the lifeguard blew his whistle at her. Coach acknowledged the lifeguard’s command and quickly explained the rules to Lily. Lily nodded but was still a little shaken from the loud whistle blowing; she quickly stepped up to my side grabbing onto my hand. As Jenny and Brit finally approached the team stretching area, we all gave them a round of applause.

“They will be helping in some aspects of the team. However, not too much because I don’t want to put too much pressure on them; because, I know studies will get harder as the school years continue. They will also be helping me with Lily; I cannot financially afford a babysitter for a whole season. Anyways, let us respect these young ladies and accept them,” Coach started the clapping again.

As the clapping dwindle away, “Alright, let’s go,” I shouted out to the teammates. Leading Lily behind my lane, “Everyone, again follow Llily’s command,” as an example Lily shouted ‘GO!’ and off I went into the pool.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 21

CHAPTER 22

I have skipped my mental breakdown for you all. To summarize, it consisted of me trying to figure out how much Jenny and Brit had heard; about Jenny’s situation, about my parent’s, or about my shame for my mom… I guess I had been staring at them for the first thirty minutes which came off too weird; Jerry told me I looked creepy and I needed to stop. So instead, I just decided to enjoy the evening. Coach and Lily had arrived before Jenny and Brit. Lily was dancing in the living room; Coach was helping Dad with the barbequing outside, but always glancing towards Lily. Jenny and Brit were sitting on the couch watching, while complimenting Lily’s twirls. The guys had taken up residence in the kitchen, snacking on all the chips Dad had gotten.

“Don’t eat too much of that. You won’t have enough room for the meat,” trying to seem like I have self control; even though I could totally be stuffing my face, especially after the workout I did this morning.

“Okay mom…” Ken blurted but then went silent, probably remembering that is a touchy word in this household.

Matthew and Jerry took care of it, with a few good smacks to his back.

“Ouch,” Ken yelped.

“Don’t be killing our breaststoker until after the big meet,” Coach had come inside for some tongs.

“No problem Coach. Just giving him a nice massage,” Jerry said as he clapped on Ken’s back.

“Sure. Not my house. Not my rules. Take care of it George,” and Coach went back outside to help my Dad.

“See its not just us. Coach also said to let you ‘live until the big meet‘. Meaning after the swim meet you are free to die,” Matthew laughed directly at Ken, Jerry and I just added to the laughter. As our laughter died down we heard ‘Let It Go’; Lily must have been watching a movie on a phone. I looked towards the living room, Lily was singing and dancing along. Jenny and Brit were sneaking away, towards the kitchen.

“So what’s up with the little girl,” Brit questioned while grabbing some chips, “we were not officially introduced?”

“Oh that is Coach’s daughter, Lily. Initially, George was her favorite, but Grandpa Matthews stole her heart away,” Ken answered adding more info than needed.

“Wow. I assumed as much, but she is so sweet that I am surprised she is not more like your coach,” Brit looked back at the small body dancing and singing. “And George…how do you feel about the rejection?” Brit held up an invisible microphone in my direction.

“I’m good. Seeing her in my Dad’s arms made me happy. However, I do miss my little cheerleader,” laughing out the last part.

At that Lily came gleefully yelling towards me, “Geooorrrge!“

I squatted down to her eye level not knowing what to expect. She jumped and clasped onto my neck; I almost fell over, but I stood with her in my embraced.

Lily, arms still around my neck, looked towards Jenny and Brit, “Uncle George is mine. You can’t take him from me!”

The guys erupted with laughter; Jenny and Brit also chuckled, “Don’t worry little Lily, these two,” Ken thumbed at Jenny and Brit, “would never take Uncle George from you. He is all yours.”

The guys once again burst into a laughing fit. Lily had accepted Ken’s response and snuggled her head back down into my shoulder. Just for a split second, I thought Jenny and Brit’s expressions changed, but it was gone quicker than it was there. I must have been mistaken.

“Okay guys,” Dad yelled in the slider door, “meat is done! Come eat!”

I glanced through the glass windows and saw the marvelous spread of various side dishes, and various meats: ribs, steak, bacon wrapped chicken, brisket, etc. ‘We are going to eat well tonight!’

“Let’s go!” I said as Lily and I were there first through the slider door.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 20

CHAPTER 21

You know when someone calls you on something and you know that they are right, but you hate their guts at that very moment…Coach was right as always. I didn’t give my all; and I had enough fuel in my system to do more when I finally finished. I wanted to do another round to make up for my mistake but Coach, who had been on the phone the entire round, would not let me.

Coach’s exact words, “No. You messed up by not giving it your all. I want you to have to live with that little extra amount of energy. I design sets for you with a purpose. Like in a race, if you touch the wall and you still have more to give, you didn’t swim it correctly. Just like how you are feeling now. Your done today. Go shower and enjoy your day,” Coach hung up after his last words.

‘Crap.’ I do feel that way. I went all that distance but only to feel awful after finishing, and not because of sore muscles. I had showered and was eating a small lunch at the table when Dad came in.

Grabbing an apple, Dad sat next to me, “So, do you feel it? Did I do a great job? I really did enjoy pushing you and watching you put in the effort. You are one talented young man.”

“Thanks Dad. And yes, I am definitely feeling it. Be prepared for cooking a lot of meat tonight, but I did like having you around for the workout. Especially that one round, I was trying to make you proud. Good job Coach Matthews,” giving Dad a soft punch to the shoulder.

“Maybe I should switch careers. Maybe today, I have found my new calling…?” Dad made that iconic thinking face.

“Don’t quit your day job just yet. I’m looking forward to your new album,” cleaning up my plate and heading to the stairs.

“Fine. Don’t worry, Son. You will be mentioned in a song,” Dad said with a large smile.

Dad’s hooting and hollering followed me up the stairs.

…

The guys showed up around two in the afternoon. I know they were expecting my mom to rush them when they came through the door, instead they were shocked when she wasn’t there. “Is today not a mom day?” Jerry asked for the three of them.

Dad had thankfully walked away. “I’ll explain, but let’s go to my room.”

Ken and Matthew’s expressions made me laugh; they were desperately worried. “It’s never good when you have to explain in your room,” Ken murmured as we headed upstairs.

In our normal positions, I begin the long explanation, “My parents are divorcing. Maybe I should say my mom is demanding a divorce and my dad is agreeing. I won’t go too deep into their personal reasons, but Mom told me it as because Dad didn’t show her enough respect.”

“Are you okay with it?” Matthew was shocked and now sitting; he had sat up from the floor as I spoke.

“Yeah. That day my mom wanted to spend time with me, she threw a crazy party expecting me to mingle and make connections. She was sadly mistaken; I slept most of it in a corner. Then we had the wonderful talk of ‘her divorcing dad’ and ‘I need new friends’.”

That statement caught Jerry, “What!?! I though your mom liked us?”

I hated that I had to say my next words, “I didn’t know if she did or did not like you. I thought she liked you but wanted me to expand my friend circle, but clearly after that talk she thought you all were pulling me down. I’m saying what she said, not my own thoughts,” I added making sure that they knew I did not share my mom’s ideas.

They were silent for a minute. “No worries bro. We don’t worry about you. You would have, long ago, told us off if you shared her ideas. It’s just, at least for me, difficult to hear this from a lady I always though of as my second mom,” Jerry hunched over in his chair.

Ken and Matthew nodded in agreement. It was silent for a moment. “Did your mom comment on your dream of swimming too?” Ken sputtered in to break that silence.

“Yeah. She told me exactly what she thought about my decisions. That I would be seen as ‘worthless’ in her eyes. Also, if I did not choose to live with her she would to quote, ‘I will no longer see you as my son’.” That last part still stung; just like the day she said it to me. I can’t believe she sees me that way.

“Wow. Your mom is…wow,” Ken couldn’t complete his thought; which is amazing because he never shuts up.

“What do you mean live with her?” Matthew chimmed in.

“Oh yeah, Mom had told my dad that I had decided to live with her. ‘That I choose’. Which is complete nonsense; I would never choose to live with a parent who would never accept me as I am,” laying down on the bed and staring up at the ceiling; I relived that moment with my mom. Speaking at the ceiling, “After pretty much walking away from my mom and losing her as a parent, I came home to a completely drunk Dad. The house looked like a tornado came through. He was broken,” those words stung more.

“Bro,” Jerry said as he came to the bed. Ken and Matthew followed pursuit. Instead of just chilling with me they instead dog piled me. Matthew, Ken, then Jerry; I guess this was their way of comforting me.

“Dudes! Get off,” I muffle out into Matthew’s leg.

“Instead of a hug! This is way better, “Jerry sang out as he was enjoying being on top of the pile.

I have to ignore them until they believe the dog pile has done it’s job.

“Okay he should be good now. Let’s assume our positions,” Jerry yelled.

I don’t know if they could have gotten off any faster. They were off and back to their original positions; however, a smidge farther from me. “You guys are lucky Coach killed me earlier or I would return the favor.”

“What was the deciding factor? What made this all suddenly happen?” Jerry asked scooting a bit closer.

“Right. Yeah, Mom actually wanted to use Jenny’s incident to further my dad’s career. Dad found out about her plan and thankfully stopped it in time,” feeling ashamed for being that woman’s son.

“Dude…I don’t know what to say. I…I really don’t…” Matthew said completely shocked at what my mom could have possibly done.

Understanding how they are feeling; I too had been completely shocked when my dad told me. “Don’t worry about it. I felt like you guys when my Dad told me yesterday,” looking each of my friends in the face; they all shared an expression, disbelief. “I am ashamed to be related to my mom. Thankfully Dad and I are nothing like her.”

Suddenly Jenny and Brit burst through my door with Dad following in behind them. “There you guys are. More people,” Dad gestured to Jenny and Brit, “have come. Let’s all head to the kitchen and start the barbecuing.” Dad turned and left. Jenny and Brit followed pursuit. Ken and Matthew slapped me on the shoulders just before they left.

Jerry sat on the bed next to me and swung his arm over my shoulders, “You good dude?”

“Yeah, but how much did they hear?”