Short Stories

Dating With Kids, The Tale of Romance After Age Thirty

Christian

Now, I kinda felt like my life was seriously going downhill a bit. I mean, I was 29 years old, I had a pre-teen son, I was coach of his middle school basketball team, the woman I truly cared for left me for her ex boyfriend, my ex bestfriend and they were engaged. So yeah. My life since college has not looked up much.

"Chuck Wilson." I called, tossing a red and blue basketball jersey at the 12 year old, who walked towards the small group of 12-14 year old boys who were putting their jerseys on. "Ryan Vernette." I tossed him his. "Blake Sheldon." I smirked at my son, who glared and stuck his tongue out at me playfully. "Mackenzie Klaire." Klaire? That name sounded familiar.. "Alright. Now don't forget to try them on. That will be it for practice today. And check the door for practice times."

A few of them said bye before ditching, which was totally expected.

"Uh, coach Sheldon?" I flipped around and saw Mac.

"Heya Mackattack, what's up?" He looked nervous.

"M-my mom's running a little late. I was wondering if I could wait with you.."

"Yeah, sure, no problem! That'd be fine, but I'm gonna put you to work, you got that?" He nodded, "Great. So grab that sack and follow me."

I grabbed the large stack of orange safety cones and walked towards the equipment closet. Mack followed me with the ball bag.

"Mackenzie?" A woman called from outside in the gym. Mac peeked his head out and I followed his lead, my head poking out above his.

"Mom!" He shouted, walking over to the dark haired woman and hugged her.

"Hey Mackers, how was practice?" She replied, smiling back at him and ruffling his hair.

"I was awesome. I got my jersey! I also made mid-center!"

"Wow! That is awesome. I like you could do it." She turned towards me, looking apologetic, "I'm sorry, coach. I promise it won't ha-" I interrupted her.

"Alexa?"

There was a sudden realization on her face, "Christian?" She then looked down at Mac, "Mackenzie, why don't you go change into your clothes while I talk to coach Sheldon?"

"Sure mom." He ran towards the bathroom, leaving the two of us alone.

As soon as the door shut, Alexa turned on me, a smirk on her face, " I'm surprised they trust you with twelve year olds."

"Yeah yeah, I know. However, the kids love me, the parents love me. Oh, I'm a huge hit with the faculty members. And we do win nine out of ten games we play." I returned the smirk, my confidence settling in. She put her fists on her waist and glared at me.

"Last time I saw you, you were dating Coleman's sister and the biggest douchebag on the planet. I see that's still very much true."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Last time I saw you, you didn't have a kid and you weren't a redhead."

"It's dark auburn, not red, dumbass."

"This sees like an extremely pointless conversation. But it is nice to see you... well, somewhat."

"Dad? Are you still here? I'm terribly sorry it took so long. Barry's mom gave me a Klondike bar." Blake walked in, looking around frantically until his eyes settled on the both of us. Then he started walking backwards towards the door and out again, "My bad.."

"Come in here Blake, we were just talking. This is Mackenzie's mom."

"Nice to meet you.. Uh, did I interrupt some crazy super ninja face off? 'Cause I can leave.."