A Second Chance

Red Cardinal

Danny sat in his office just staring straight into space for about ten minutes before a woman walked in.

"Dr. Huston, is everything alright?"

"Yeah.. I um.. I'll be right there, I have to call my wife."

"Okay.."

Danny quickly called the house and Jessica picked up.

"Hello?"

"Jessie!"

"Danny?  What's wrong, babe?"Jessica could tell by his voice that something was wrong.

"My mom just called me."

"Are you serious?  What did she say?"

"That she wanted to speak with me.. I told her I couldn't do this now.
Jess.."

Jessica could hear the hurt in Danny's voice become stronger.

"Baby, are you okay?  Do you want me to go over there?"

"No.. No, just spend time with Grayson.  Take him to the park like you planned.. I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

Danny nods and says, "Yeah.. I need to get back to work.. It's just so weird.  That's the first time in fifteen years I've heard her voice.  I don't know what to feel.. I want to scream at her and ask her why they did it, why they did that to their grandson, because that's what hurts the most... But then again.. She's my mom, Jess.
Hearing her voice was so good in a way.
I don't know how to feel. You're a parent and you know that when your child hurts, it hurts the parent ten times more."

"I know, Danny.."

Danny sighs and says, "Alright, well I better get back to work.  I just needed to talk to you."

"Danny, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be.  It's okay.. I'll see you later.  You guys be careful."

"You too.. I love you!"

"I love you too."

"Dat daddy?!" Danny hears Grayson shout.

"Yeah, baby." Jessica smiles at him.

"I talk to him!" Grayson kicks his legs and reaches for the phone as he sits in his highchair.

"Gray wants to say hi." Jessica hands him the phone.

"Hey buddy!"

"Hi daddy!"

"Whatcha doin?"

"Eating! What you doin, daddy?"

"I'm working. I miss you."

"I miss you too! Lub you, Dada!"

"I love you more, Grayson!"

"Bye bye!"

"Bye, bud."

Hearing Grayson and Jessica's voice made Danny feel a little better.
Jessica took Grayson to the park and pushed him in the swings.

"I flying mommy!!"

"Yes you are, baby!" Jessica giggles.