Is a Dream Just a Dream?

Yours Mine and Ours

"And is it your contention Mr. Buckingham that you'd like to petition the court for full custodianship of Bryce Allan Buckingham?" patting Bryce's shoulder I look the judge square in the eye "It is your honor" looking toward the defendant's table, the judge scoffs at the obvious absence of Kristen and her attorney "Mrs. Buckingham has refused all summons and failed to appear to all of the hearings set forth to whit. I therefore render a summary judgment in your favor Mr. Buckingham and I hereby terminate all maternal rights Kristen Buckingham has in the disputed custody of Bryce Allan Buckingham. In other words he's all yours" At the tender age of seventy I'm now a single father of one half of a set of twins. My lawyer is working on getting Derrick placed with me permanently as well, but Kristen is fighting that. Another slap in the face to our son. She'd rather have his brother than him.

Bryce has changed in the weeks since he moved in with Stevie and I. He's going to school at the performing arts annex instead of a traditional high school, so he can work on his culinary courses. He's exceedingly polite to Stevie, which is abnormal for him. He's never rude toward her but they've always had a much more casual interaction than my other two. I'm mortified each morning to find his breakfast dishes washed and in the draining board, and all of his dirty clothes in the hamper and not on the floor in the bathroom or his bedroom.

Stevie's housekeeper comes once a week for a thorough cleaning, but she usually does her own laundry and dishes. Imagine my surprise to find my son sorting and washing darks and lights in the wash room without me yelling at him to do it. He's also much more withdrawn than normal, his headphones seemingly seared to his ears in all his free time. He facetimes Melanie two times a day, and goes out with her on weekends but otherwise he stays home. He's even got straight A's.

Am I a bad father for being excited by his newly found responsible behavior, even if I think it's a red flag for his personality? I choose to let it ride for now we can deal with the far reaching implications at a later date. My phone calls to the police have been for naught. I can't PROVE that Kristen destroyed my car, even though they agree with me that she's the culprit. Because I want to avoid further property damage I spring for a few cameras on the exterior of Stevie's house which she hates but understands the necessity of.

"You want to stop for a burger?" Bryce pulls his earphones off and shrugs "If you want" another red flag my son can always eat. He's as skinny as a fence post but he can eat his weight in fast food in a day "Bryce...buddy I know this isn't easy for you, but don't be afraid to talk to me if you're upset. I'm upset by all of this and I'm an old man" he gives me a small half smile then looks away. Maybe he can talk to Stevie...

We settle for a hotdog at the cart outside of the courthouse then head back to Stevie's place. Our house hunting in Beverly Hills is going so-so. Stevie has very particular tastes, all I require is a space for a studio and a bed. As soon as we get home Bryce sprints up the stairs kissing Stevie's cheek as he passes her on the stairs "Bryce honey you're chef jackets are back from the cleaners I put them on your bed!" I hear more footfalls and he runs back downstairs. He gives her another peck on the cheek "Thanks mom" then runs to his room.

"Will sent me a video from his first lecture at USC. I fell asleep" Snorting Stevie grabs a bottle of white wine opening and pouring us both a glass "You should tell him you were part of the generation that turned on tuned in and dropped out...especially college" I don't regret leaving higher education for music one bit. I can read and write, except music, and I've been more than successful. But I think I can understand why my parents were so upset when I did leave, if any of the boys quit school I'd be over the bend angry at them.

"I can't wait to see him and Derrick this weekend, you double checked with the dealership right?" wrapping my arms around Stevie's waist I kiss her neck "mmhmm it should be here Saturday night" she grins impishly always excited to give gifts and see people react. Since Kristen insisted on taking Will to school and making a big show of being a competent mother for a change I didn't get the opportunity to help move my son into his dorm. He's been too busy of weekends to take the train home, but he's got a rare free weekend and rather than spending it drinking until he vomits or chasing girls on campus he's decided to come home to see his brothers and Stevie and I.