A Second Chance

My little basketball star

So I forgot about the boys birthday and a couple others things I wanted to write about, so this chapter will be a "Thinking back" type thing. Hope you don't mind!

***

September 7th.

Michael was at school and Grayson was napping.  She sat on the couch in silence. 
Jessica has been depressed since the boys left for school.  She hated them being gone, the house seemed so empty without them.

She laid there thinking back over the last few months.

***

April 27th.  The boys last basketball game.

"Look at my little basketball star!" Jessica kisses Grayson after she dresses him.

"Are you ready to see your big brothers play?  Hm?  Daddy would be so proud of them!  Especially Mikey who is only a freshman but gets to play with the big guys!"

Jessica went downstairs and saw all three of them eating breakfast in their uniforms.

"Aw!" He pouts and touches her chest.

"This is your last game together!  I'm not ready for this.."

"It's okay, mom.  Hey, look at Gray in his basketball gear!  Lookin good, buddy!" Sam smiles.

Grayson smiles and kicks his legs and moves his arms.

Jessica giggles and kisses his head then takes in his sweet baby scent.

"You boys ready?"

"Yep!  Let's go!"

***

Their family and Sarah all came to watch the boys last game.

"Woo! GO BOYS!!" Jessica shouts, then sits down and sighs.

"Sam would be so proud! Look at them."

"They're great!" Dorothy smiles.

"Thanks." Jessica smiles softly.

"Last year Sam was coaching the boys team.. He loved it so much... Michael's last game was the day before Sam got really sick.

Michael was upset and Sam went after him... Then I talked to him and.. It was the only time he really broke down."

"Really?" A sad look appeared on Dorothy's face.

"Yeah.. He asked why this was happening and he told me he was sorry."

"Sorry?"

"For leaving me and for not going to the doctor sooner."

"That's so sad."

"I know.. Mom I miss him so much." Jessica looks at Dorothy with sadness in her eyes.

"I know, baby." Dorothy wraps her arm around her and pulls her close.

Grayson reaches up for Dorothy and smiles.

"Hi cutie!  You are always so happy, aren't you?"

Jessica looks down and smiles at him on her lap.