Even When (Ricky + Nini)

chapter 3 - distance makes the heart grow

[a/n : title is from Emily King's song 'Distance']

"Mommy! Wake up! It's the first day of school!" Joel pinched her cheeks until his mom woke up.

"Morning, buddy... you're excited for school, huh?" Nini was trying to gather all the strength she could muster, but Joel was already dressed in his favorite overalls, yellow shirt, and mismatched socks. "Did you get dressed by yourself?"

"Bobby helped!" He giggled. Nini could listen to him giggle all day.

"Well you guys did a great job!" Nini ruffled his hair and got out of bed. "I'm gonna go in the shower, you stay with Bob and read a book or play for a while okay?"

"Ok! Don't take too long, mommy! It's the first day of school!"

"I know, pal." Nini said smiling. Nini thought she would have a hard time making him go, but now she might have to deal with the fact that he's ready. He doesn't need her anymore.

She sent Rick a quick text to remind him to call before hopping in the shower.
__________

Nini pulled up in front of the school building, and dialed Ricky's number.

"Okay, so we're gonna call your dad, and then I'll take you to your classroom. After that I'm gonna go home, and you're gonna be with your friends and teachers, okay?"

Joel nodded. But Nini could tell his level of confidence had decreased since they got here.

"And you know what's gonna happen after ?"

"Mommy will pick me up and we will get ice cream!"

"That's right buddy.." Nini said trying Ricky again. He wasn't picking up and she kept going to voicemail. Nini checked the time, it's the middle of the day where he is, he should be awake.

"Where's daddy?"

"I'm sorry, buddy. He's not picking up. Something probably came up." Nini sighed. "We'll try calling him again later, okay?"

"Nooo! I want daddy now!!" Joel started crying and flailing around in his carseat. "You promised!!"

"I know, baby. I'm sorry." Nini said trying to calm him down. "But we gotta go, now. Your friends and teachers are waiting. We'll call daddy later.."

"No. I don't wanna go in. I'm scared. I want daddy."

"But you were so excited this morning, remember?" Nini picked him up from his seat. "Just be brave for me, okay? Daddy can't be here right now, but I am."

"I don't want you. I want daddy!" Ouch. Nini tried to not let it get to her. She knew he was just really disappointed about Ricky. She tried a different approach. "How about for today, just for today, because it's your first day.. I'll be right here waiting for you, okay?"

"You won't leave?"

"No. I'll be right outside your classroom. Is that okay?"

Joel nodded. Nini wiped his tears and carried him inside. She sent another quick text to Ricky : call me asap.
________________

Nini was supposed to have a quick meeting with Greyson while Joel was at school, but it looks like she would have to reschedule. She texted him, hopefully not sounding unprofessional. To her surprise, he insisted on still having the meeting today after school, and that if need be, she could bring Joel with her.

"Mommy!" The three year old came out of his classroom and ran straight into her arms. "Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!"

"Were you good today? did you have fun?"