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Rocco was exhausted from the day's activities but was dragging his feet about bedtime. He wanted to hang out with his dad and Atira. Krist told him firmly he needed to sleep because he had school the next day. Rocco cried and crumpled to the floor in a tantrum.
Atira had suggested Jacques sleep in Rocco's room. His eyes lit up, "Okay!" he replied, enthusiastically running to his room. She carried the cat into Rocco's bedroom, gently setting him on the little boy's bed.
"Do you want a bedtime story?" Krist asked, holding up I'm Programmed To Love You.
"Yes, but I want her to read it." Rocco pointed to Atira.
Krist held back a smile and handed the book to his girlfriend. "Here you go, son stealer," he joked. He tucked Rocco in and kissed the top of his head, leaving Atira to read Rocco's story.
He then took his place on the balcony with a cold Hefeweizen. He texted Jeordie and Cami, letting them know Atira enjoyed herself. Cami replied that she thought Atira was great, adding, "Like, I ACTUALLY like her, not just pretend like her bc she's your girlfriend, and I have to, lol."
Atira stepped out on the balcony, closing the sliding door behind her. Krist rose to embrace her, kissing her deeply. He had been waiting all day for that.
"Rocco is asleep?"He asked. Atira sat and nodded, pleased with herself. Krist looked at her incredulously, "Man, you are fucking amazing. Usually, when Rocco gets cranky, he fights me for like an hour."
"It's nothing. Kids always act better for new people." She smiled.
"Thank you, baby. I owe you." Krist replied.
"What are you going to give me?" She asked flirtatiously.
Krist took the last swig of his beer, "Whatever you want."
"Well then," Atira smirked and rose to her feet. Krist took the hint and followed her to the bedroom.
They hadn't had much time alone since she returned, and he had been craving her fiercely. He took his time, making sure they were both satisfied completely.
As they were lying in bed in the post-orgasmic glow, Atira looked at him. "You are such a good dad to Rocco. That's pretty sexy".
Krist kissed her, "I do my best. I'm the only parent he has".
"You never told me what exactly happened with Rocco's mom."
Krist's chest tightened, "Not much to say," he told her flatly. "She walked out of the picture."Atira gave him a questioning look. He sighed, "You really want to know?"
"If you don't mind telling me."
He sat, "Give me a minute, and I will. I need to smoke."
Atira opened her mouth to speak and then closed it as he disappeared from the room.
Krist stepped onto the balcony, closing the sliding glass door behind him. He opened the container he kept out there and grabbed his pipe, still half full.
He hated talking about what Karla had done. He avoided the conversation whenever it came up because he had difficulty keeping his feelings in.
Krist hit his weed pipe, holding the smoke in until his lungs burned, exhaling with a cough. He felt less anxious and returned to the bedroom.
"Krist," Atira began, "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
He coughed again. "It's okay, I'll tell you."
YOU ARE READING
Changing Seasons
General FictionKrist Samson, a recovering meth addict, has come a long way on his road to rehabilitation. Yet as his past creeps back into his life, he must fight to keep it from destroying the world he has built around him for him and his son, Rocco. With Atira...
