All That She Needs

Part 23 : Aiden

I suddenly realized with shame that it had been a long time since I'd been to Kayden's game. Or Chloe's ballet performance. A year, maybe more. Asha had reminded me plenty, both when I was home and through text. Kayden and Chloe had too. But I just... didn't make the time. The guilt was eating at me even more because I always made time for Vanessa. I spent almost all my free time with her. The reminders from Asha and the kids had stopped at some point, though I couldn't remember when. They must have given up, knowing they'd only be disappointed.

It hit me harder when I visited this morning and saw Kayden in his basketball uniform instead of the regular school uniform. I asked him, "Is there practice this morning? Isn't it usually after school?"

With clear disdain, he replied, "No, Dad. I have a game this morning. State competition. The school gave me a pass."

I felt a surge of excitement. I wanted to be there for him. "What time? I want to come."

He scoffed, brushing past me. "Don't bother, Dad. I don't even remember the last time you came to my game. But don't worry, Mom will be there."

That hurts. So much. But then I had to remind myself that they hurt even more. They were the ones being abandoned and as the one who did that to them, I had no right to feel this hurt. I really had a lot of work cut out for me.

And then Chloe. I had to ask her, even though I knew my guilt was just going to mount even higher because I knew. I knew that I neglected her as well. "Did I miss a lot with you too?"

My little angel gave me the sweetest smile, the understanding kind, and her answer was, "It's okay Dad. I know you were busy."

That stabbed me right in the heart.

I really was a piece of shit. I didn't deserve my family.

I needed to make up for the time I had lost with them. I had to make it my priority. I needed to get their trust back, and their respect, for a chance to be in their lives again.

So, I gathered up my courage, braced myself for another insult, another heartbreak, and asked Asha what time Kayden's game would be and where. Her answer was, "You must be sure that you will come, Aiden. You always broke your promises in the past. I don't want Kayden to be hopeful only to be broken once again. This is the game of his life. There will be scouts out there and he had been practicing like crazy. I don't want you to ruin it."

In the end, Asha gave me the information. And so, here I was, perched on the bleachers with Asha on my left, not even saying a word to me. She wasn't particularly happy that I was here. She probably thought that this is just a pointless attempt at redemption which I was going to fucked it up again. She would be surprised when she finally realized that I wasn't going anywhere. From now on, my life would revolve around one thing: getting my family back. I was even ready to give up the CEO position if that's what it took.

I spotted Kayden on the court, his tall frame blending in with his teammates during warm-ups. He looked focused, serious—he knew this was more than just another game. The whistle blew, and Coach Thompson called the team in for a quick huddle. I watched as they leaned in, listening closely. Kayden stood there, nodding along, taking it all in. He was the point guard, the leader, and it showed. You could feel the energy shift in him when the game was about to start. He was laser-focused and ready.

As the ball was tossed into the air, my heart raced a little, too. The opposing team came out strong, but I could tell Kayden was quicker. He darted across the court, dribbling with ease, looking for openings like he could see everything happening a few steps ahead. And then, just like that, he passed the ball to a boy named Marcus, who was wide open near the three-point line. The ball sailed through the air—swish! The crowd erupted in cheers, and I found myself clapping and cheering right along with them.

Kayden sprinted back on defense. You could see the determination in the way he moved—blocking passes, forcing turnovers. He was in control, calling plays, directing traffic. His teammates trusted him, and it was clear why. Every time the ball was in his hands, the game seemed to move at his pace.

As the game wore on, the score stayed close, and the tension in the gym ramped up with every minute. I could feel the pressure, and I wasn't even on the court. With just a few minutes left, they were down by two. Coach called a timeout, and the team huddled again. I leaned forward in my seat, trying to catch a glimpse of Kayden. Even from a distance, I could see the fire in his eyes.

When the whistle blew, Kayden took the ball and dribbled up the court. His teammates set screens, creating an opening. He dodged defenders, moving like he was in total control with every second ticking down. With 10 seconds left, he cut to the left, found an opening, and took the shot.

Everything seemed to slow down. The ball flew through the air, the whole gym holding its breath. It hit the backboard, bounced off the rim, and then—finally—dropped through the net. The place exploded in cheers, and I jumped up along with everyone else. They were ahead by one point.

The other team tried to make something happen in the final seconds, but Kayden and his teammates shut them down. When the buzzer went off, the gym erupted. They'd won. The team swarmed Kayden, patting him on the back, celebrating their victory. I couldn't stop smiling. He'd done it.

My son was amazing on the field. Another guilt course through me as I didn't know how he came to be so good at this. Asha waved at Kayden, and he waved back, his smile bright. I couldn't help but wonder if that smile was meant for me too.

"I'm going to the office now," Asha said, fishing her phone from her bag and checking the screen. Someone named Liam had texted: "I can't find you. Why aren't you in the office? Not gonna do anything, I promise. Just want to see you for a second."

Then I noticed her smile—a giddy, amused one, like she was happy reading that message. I couldn't stop myself from asking, "Who's Liam?"

Asha looked up. "A friend." She quickly dropped the phone back into her purse.

"A friend?" I repeated, suspicion bleeding into my voice.

Asha's annoyance was clear. "Yes. A friend. And it's none of your business." She started to walk away. "I'm going now."

No goodbye. No "see you soon." She just left.

Who the fuck was Liam?

That text ruined my concentration the whole day.

Liam. Why was he looking for my wife? And how did he know she wasn't in her office? Was this guy working for her? I couldn't recall anyone named Liam that we knew, but then again, I'd been losing touch with everything about her for months. A lot could have happened during that time.

Did she cheat on me while giving me the third degree over Vanessa? That wasn't fair, was it?

But Asha wouldn't do that. Not my Asha. She loved me. Right?

Fuck.