Anonymous Caretakers - Aaron Hotchner

02. 5 whole miles

Samantha looked around the classroom filled with adults. The parent-committee meeting was about to start, in which they discussed all sorts of things about the school. This month's theme was the charity run. A few minutes in, the mom of Bethany J. and Diana's mom started arguing about the length of the route. They were the definition of soccer moms, and both had a great urge to be the 'best mom,' whatever that's supposed to mean.
"Guys, I have an idea," Samantha interrupted. They shut up. Being the only female not being a mom had its perks.
"How about we make multiple runs? By age or something. And if you want you can go further, but you don't have to."
The idea was successful, and so her six-year-old Nathan only had to run a mile. But he'll probably want to run further. Samantha didn't like to brag, but he was the fasted kid in his class.

The next day, outside the school, Samantha was met by two hyper boys with the fundraiser flyers in their hands.

"Hey there friends, you two look happy!" They grinned. "Yes, we're gonna do the run, right Jack? All five miles!" She bit her lip. "Sweetie, five miles is a long run, even for you guys. You have to train for that." Nathan sighed.
"But Samantha," he whined, "we totally can do this. Please?" She looked into the puppy eyes of the two and couldn't say no.
"Fine. Let's go play some sports I guess. Your parents have to sign the participation sheet though, Jack."

That afternoon, she spent hours practicing with the boys, all while teaching them how to take care of themselves when hurt or tired. It was a long day, and soon she regretted her promise to do this three times a week.

-

"Daddy, daddy you're home!" Aaron chuckled when he heard his son yell his name. He loved his happy smile.
"Guess what I'm gonna do?" He waved with a flyer.
"I'm gonna do the charity run!" Jack handed Aaron the flyer.
"You're gonna run a mile? Good job, buddy." But he shook his head.
"Nooo, daddy. I'm gonna run five. Just like Nate." Aaron couldn't help but frown.
"Five? That's a lot." Jack waved his concerns away.
"It's cool. Nathan's aunt is gonna help us prepare. Hey, did you know she was the soccer champion back at school? I think I wanna join a soccer team too." Aaron tried to interrupt his son, but he didn't get a chance.

"What's bitching?" His eyes widened at the inappropriate word. "Jackie, that's a very bad word, who taught you that?" Aaron already knew the answer.
"A man was upset that we were laughing and yelling while playing, and Aunt Samantha told him to stop bitching, because if he wanted peace, he shouldn't go to a park on a sunny day."

"Well, ehm... It's a very criminal word you see? You can use it in multiple ways, but I think she meant whining. Please never ever say it."

He then listened to his son ramble on about the day including 'Aunt Sam' shooting the ball into a tree and trying to throw it out with some other guy's baseball. Of course, he would've been there to help Jack as well, if it weren't for work. But the way Jack talked about this woman gave him a nagging feeling. He acted as if she was the greatest person in the world. Not like he was jealous or something, absolutely not. Never.

Jack fell asleep early today, so Aaron opened a bottle of wine. He found himself staring at yesterday's messages. Her profile picture was blocked. Not that he cared, he told himself.

After he sat down, Aaron decided to ask the woman something very important.

[You:] Why did I have to explain to my son what bitching meant?

[Sam:] You know why, I'm sure he told you

[Sam:] I assume you're gonna cheer for him, right? During the run. He's so excited

[You:] If I can, I will.

[Sam:] That's no yes. Hey, have you ever considered joining the party committee?

Aaron sighed. The way she tried to include him in school activities was irritating. He just didn't have the time.

[you:] Party-committee?

[Sam:] Yeah, like prom committee but make it toddler.

[you:] They're not toddlers.

[Sam:] You know what I mean, don't play all smart.

[you:] I'll consider it.

[Sam:] That's the spirit.

[Sam:] I bet Jack will love it.

[Sam:] Also you owe me 80 dollars

[Sam:] Excuse me?

[Sam:] Oh yeah, didn't Jackie tell you? He broke the glass of a vending machine with the football. I'm gonna go to bed. Goodnight, Jack's father.