Changing Seasons

Fifteen

****

Brad and Brooke were setting the table, Rocco helped them. 

"Nice of you to help, Krist," Brad mumbled.

Kali didn't help either, but whatever, Krist thought to himself. "Hey Rocco, wash your hands," he told his son.

"Already did, Dad," he said in a sing-song voice.

"Mom, do you need me to do anything?" Krist asked, knowing everything was done already.

"No, hon, just get Rocco plated up and settled," she replied, snapping a photo of their spread.

He grabbed Rocco's little plastic Paw Patrol plate, pointing to various foods, "You want potatoes? You want yams, you want stuffing?"

"I hate that," Rocco responded to everything.

"Bro, do you even know what that is?" After Rocco told him he hated green bean casserole.

"No," Rocco shook his head.

"Then how do you know you hate it if you don't even know what it is?" He asked.

Rocco shrugged, "'I dunno."

Krist shook his head, "Just sit down," he told him. He plated his son, setting it down and taking a seat beside him.

"Thanks, bro," Rocco replied.

Krist laughed, snapping a photo of his son and sending it to Atira. His family joined him at the table, passing around various dishes and serving themselves.

"Everything looks so good, Mom!" Kali gushed.

"Yes, it looks fantastic, Linda," Brooke told her.

"I don't like it!" Rocco chimed in.

"You haven't even tried it," Krist gave him a stern look, "Just take a bite before you say you don't like it."

"I want pie," Rocco pouted, folding his arms across his chest as he slumped in his chair, "I don't want this."

This was a huge peeve of Krist's. Whenever they went to his mom's house, Rocco would pout over what dinner was to weasel his way into getting snacks, treats, and sweets without eating actual food. He tried to stay patient, but man, was it trying. Krist leaned down, trying to keep his voice down, "If you don't even try your dinner, I'm telling you now, you aren't having dessert." Rocco glared, pushing his plate away.

"Rocco, can you try your dinner for Grandpa?" Bill asked calmly.

Rocco sulked, "Fine." Krist sighed, watching his son eat his meal, "I like it, grandpa!"

"Good boy!" Bill beamed, turning to Krist, "Kids," he chuckled.

****

After dinner, Krist, Kali, and Patrick took care of the leftovers and dishes while Linda sat in the living room with Brooke and Brad, Rocco cuddled up on her lap. Bill entered the kitchen, "Krist, can I have a word with you? Outside?"

He grimaced, dreading what he had to say. The two stepped out onto the deck. Bill gestured for Krist to have a seat.

"What's up?" Krist asked.

"I know we have never been on good terms," he began. Krist nodded, "I just wanted to let you know how proud your mom and I are of you. You have really turned into a responsible man and great father. I want to give you something," he reached into his front pocket and handed him an envelope, "just so things can be a little easier for you."

Krist opened it slowly. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was a check for twenty-thousand dollars. "Bill," he looked up, trying not to become emotional, he debated on handing it back, "You...really didn't have to do this. I mean, I appreciate it, I really do, but...that's a lot of money."