YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL. dave grohl (2)

002

"Spider-man! Oh my God, mom it comes with webs too!" Charlie said tearing away the wrapping paper of his gifts on Christmas morning. Look, that's all the kid likes so I had to give him something. He opened each present one by one and every time he saw what it was I feared he'd hate it, but thankfully he seemed to love them all. Thank goodness.

"You sure you like it?" I asked holding him in my lap. Charlie gave me that Charlie Lennon look of his and nodded.

"Yes, mom. I love it." He said before giving me his famous hug. I knew Dave wanted him back for Christmas at around 12:30 but I honestly didn't want him there. What if Dave tops what I did? And Charlie definitely loves him more than me and Jennifer. Selfish, I know.

"Do you like Jennifer?" I asked my own kid. I know it was crazy and not something I should put on my son but I couldn't help it. I just couldn't. We all have bad parenting moments, okay?

"I guess. Mom she's nice, okay? She doesn't yell at me ever."

"That's just great," I rolled my eyes, "what about Dad and Jennifer do they get along?" I asked still pushing the guilty thoughts in my head away.

"Actually, not really. They've been fighting a lot... I think dad has a side chick or something." Charlie casually said making my stomach drop. This is what I meant when I said he acted so grown. It was hilarious but I didn't want him going around saying things like that.

"Charlie Lennon do not say those words!" I said pointing at him with my eyebrows raised.

"What? They aren't bad words. Besides, it's the truth, I think." Charlie made me laugh harder than anyone else I knew. Even Dave and he used to make me laugh all the time.

"You really are one of a kind, Charlie." I said before he went back to opening up his presents and playing with all his action figures. When the phone began ringing I picked it up with a sigh. Who could possibly need something on Christmas? Oh I know, David and his perfect wife.

"Hello?"

"Dani, hey, is it possible that I could have Charlie a bit earlier today? It's Jennifer and I's anniversary and we're having a party later. Sort of a anniversary/christmas party and I don't want Charlie to only get a couple hours. I don't want him to have little time with me." Fucking hell. Of course he had to brag to me about his anniversary. Did he want me to do fucking cartwheels or something?

"Uh, yeah. Sure, whatever. You're coming to get him?" I asked feeling like I wanted to cry for whatever reason. Why wasn't I as good as Dave?

"Yeah. I don't mean to make this weird but you can come if you want. I think Krist and Shelli will be there. Maybe even Pat and all them." Dave said. Hearing their names just brought back some beautiful memories. It was always hard to go out with my friends, since all my friends were Dave's friends and vice versa. It had been awhile since I'd seen all of them.

"Yeah, sure." I stupidly said feeling excited to see Krist and all them again. How could I do that?! Why would I go to my exe's anniversary party? Was I fucking mental?

"Really? Okay, cool. Well, I'll come get Charlie in a couple minutes and the party starts at 4... and it's fancy." Dave shyly noted making me giggle a little bit.

"Oh, is that your way of saying 'don't wear a t shirt and jeans, Dani' isn't it." I laughed making him laugh as well. It was nice making him laugh again.

"Pretty much." Dave answered, "that is what you were planning on wearing I assume. Not that you don't pull it off..." He said. I felt like it was 1989 again. But it was far past that. How could he make me feel so good inside? Still? After 4 years of us being separated?

"Okay, I'll try my hardest. Bye Dave."

"Okay, Mr. Lennon. Dads coming to get you so go upstairs and get dressed, please." I said to him as he was unboxing one of his toys. Charlie obviously didn't want to get up but he knew that he had to get dressed. It was kind of weird having a kid that didn't argue... other parents think it would be a dream come true but it's just weird.

Charlie walked down the stairs, this time he didn't have his pajamas on, thankfully. I didn't know why I agreed to come to an anniversary for my ex boyfriend... it was gonna be hell, "what's wrong?" He asked me noticing my daze.

"I made like a big mistake," I said with a sigh, "I have to go to a party. For your dad and Jennifer." I wanted to throw up at the idea that I agreed to this.

"What?! Mom why would you do that?" He said. Having a kid that understood pretty much everything was so fucking cool.

"Well some of my old friends are gonna be there!" I defended myself, "Don't act like it's the end of the world, Charlie. I'm already dreading it." I groaned.

"Woah," he shook his head with disappointment, "good luck, mom."

"Oh, shut up Mr. Perfect." I said with a laugh as Charlie looked out the window to see Dave pull up in his nice fancy ass car. I looked thoroughly at it to see if Jennifer was there and luckily she wasn't. I didn't want that witch here at my house.

"Dads here!" Charlie began running out the front door, and I followed him to get a word with Dave before they left.

"Hey." I casually said to him as he opened the door for Charlie.

"What's up?"

"Um, Dave. I think you know me pretty well. And well I know you well too. If you don't want me coming I swear it won't hurt my feelings. I just feel like there's no place for me to be there." I whispered not wanting Charlie to say anything about what I said inside. I didn't think he would, but he is still a kid and they always have loose lips.

"What? Dani, it's okay. I mean understand where you're coming from. But Krist is gonna be there, and some of our friends. It's really fine, I'm actually happy you're gonna go." Dave smiled sitting in the drivers seat.

"Okay," I smiled brightly back, "well, I'll see you later, Dave. Bye Charlie!" I called to the back seat.

"Bye, mom. I love you!" He called back.

"I love you more."

Fuck my life.