No Letting Go II

16

A few weeks had gone by and the kids have somewhat adjusted to their new environment and schools and Aaliyah is adjusting to not working anymore. She's sticking to her word and taking a much needed break to give the kiddos attention. Colin and the Texans are two games into the regular season and both were convincing wins.

The boys have already been put to bed for the night, and Riley walks into her parents room to ask if she can go to the football game tomorrow. They were both in bed, Aaliyah with her nose on a book and Colin with his eyes glued to his tablet, getting prepared for the game that's in a few days.

Aaliyah looks up as she hears footsteps in the room. "Hey Ry. Everything okay."

"Mhhm." She says then gets in bed and lays between them. She snuggles up to Aaliyah and Aaliyah giggles. It's obvious she wants something. "I love you mommy."

"I love you too baby."

"She wants something." Colin says with his eyes still on the tablet, then he looks at them. "What is it?"

"Why does it have to be that I want something. Maybe I just wanna come show my wonderful parents how much I love them."

Aaliyah and Colin look at each other, then look back at her. "Yeah right." They both say.

"Forreal bear. What you need?" Colin asks.

"Permission to go to the football game on tomorrow?"

"That's it?" Aaliyah asks.

"Yeah..."

"Colin..."

"Hmmmmm...sure why not. Maybe I can come with you..check out the team."

"Oooo I'm sure the boys would love to go. Maybe we all should.."

"Woah there. Let's slow down here for a sec."

"You don't want us at the game?" Colin asks.

"I mean, it's not that I don't want you there...y'all just cause too much attention, even when y'all aren't around. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, what's it like to be Colin and Aaliyah's daughter...and I'm just like it's the same as being any other kid with a set of parents...like." They both chuckle at her. "Y'all think this is funny."

"How bout we go and be super lowkey. You won't even notice we're there."

"I guess. It's just a fact that I have to live with."

"I know growing up with parents in the spotlight hasn't been easy for you.." Aaliyah starts off.

"It's okay mommy. I'm grateful for you both. If it wasn't for your jobs, we probably would have all the nice things we have, or you wouldn't have been able to give back to your kids and the other charities we give back to."

Colin smiles. "So is that a yes to us getting to come to the game?"

"Yes papa."

"Cool. Well you should get some sleep, bear."

"Yeah, because we all know you hate getting up in the mornings." Aaliyah says.