Falling From It Again

Fifty 2

It's a lonnnng one!

TONY's POINT OF VIEW

"So, I have some good news." Cai said as she smiled. We were all having dinner and thankfully, she broke the silence.

"What's that, sweetheart?" I asked her.

"Well, I made it. I'm the lead in the schools fall play. However, I'm gonna need help with this role...if....I accept it." She said as she looked at me.

"Congratulations, baby girl! Acting. Wow. What made you do this?" Cheryl asked her.

"Demetrius' idea." She said as she nodded her head. "So, I did it and I got it." She added.

"Oh...nice." Cheryl said as she shifted in her seat.

"Well, your Mother and I will be very happy to help you learn your lines or anything else of that matter." I told her.

"Thanks." She said as she smiled really big.

Next, I noticed that Ciyle was silent. Too silent. He must be upset.

"What's wrong, son?" I asked Ciyle as I then pushed my plate away to give him my full attention.

"You guys are always so worried about Cai. I'm invisible." He said as he shrugged his shoulders.

Can I ever catch a break? There's always something after something with these children. Well, it could be worse. Cheryl could be cheating on me but she would never, ever....never again do me like that. Knowing that makes me feel better about coming home and dealing with these two. 

"Ciyle. You're not invisible." I said as I put my hand over my face. "Cai doesn't even get that much attention. If she does, it's because she's gotten into some trouble. You better be happy that you aren't getting the type of attention from us that will get you an ass whopping." I told him.

"This conversation isn't helping, honey. Listen to the boy a little bit more, please." Cheryl told me.

"You're right. Okay, listen son- if your Mother and I have made you feel invisible? It's your fault." I told him straight up.

"Baby..." Cheryl said as she looked at me.

"He comes home. Goes straight to his room. Well, they both....go straight to their room, close the doors and they do what they usually do. I should be the one who feels the most invisible in this house." I said as I looked around the table. "Nobody asks Dad how he's doing. I don't get hugs...or kisses...." I said as I looked at Cheryl. "Unless I ask for them." I added.

Maybe it was my built up anger coming out just now. I've been holding it it for a while now.

————————

"Tony, what was that? He was trying to talk to you about how he felt and you just-..." she said but I cut her off. We were now in the bedroom getting ready for bed.

"Yeah, I know what I said. It's the truth- they've gotta stop doing that. We don't have family time anymore and Ciyle being 10...he's just not active anymore. Basketball is over. So, now all he does is ask for more video games and to keep his hair cut- line fresh. Like...I need to get that boy into doing something. "I feel invisible" no...you're not invisible. His ass just has barely been getting into any trouble and that's good...right?" I asked her as I took off my shirt.