The Choice

Chapter 1

"How was school today?" I ask Chloe and Leon, as they buckle themselves in their carseats.

"Great!" Leon says, giving me a short answer like usual.

"Are we going to dad's tonight?" Chloe asks.

"That's tomorrow," I say.

I pull out of the school's parking lot, and I make my way home.

"What's for dinner tonight?" Leon asks.

"Spaghetti," I smile, turning into the driveway.

"My favorite!" Chloe says, unbuckling.

"I wanted pizza," Leon says, frowning.

"I made you pizza last night. We can't have pizza every night," I laugh.

I unlock the door, and the children follow me inside.

"Go put your book bags in your rooms. Do either of you have homework?" I ask them.

"I do," Leon says, at the same time Chloe says, "I don't."

"Bring your homework in here after you put your book bag away," I say.

I make my way into the kitchen to begin making dinner.

Leon having homework is pretty typical. Since they started first grade this year, they were separated. They were separated on the basis that Chloe is more advanced than Leon. I enjoy that they are separated though, because it gives them a chance to express themselves, without having to be compared.

Leon hops onto the barstool, and he places his homework on the island.

"What is it tonight?" I ask, leaning on the island.

"Spelling," he says, sighing a little.

"Well, let me know if you need any help. I'll be right here cooking, like usual," I say.

I pour the noodles into the pot of water, and I put some ground beef in a pan.

"Can dad come over for dinner?" Chloe asks, walking into the kitchen.

"You can call and ask him," I say, handing her my phone.

"Thanks mommy!" Chloe smiles.

I kiss her cheek, and she runs off to call her dad.

__

"Did I spell that right?" Leon asks.

I look at his paper.

"You're missing an s, but it's close!" I say, trying to reassure him.

Leon struggles with spelling, and it always gets to him. He's sensitive like me.

"Dad's here!" Chloe says, looking out the window.

I see headlights pulling in the driveway, and sure enough, they belong to Ricky.

"We'll finish after dinner," I tell Leon, who is anxiously looking at the door.

He hops off the barstool, and they greet Ricky when he opens the door. He hugs them both, picking them up in the process. He puts them down, and they follow him into the kitchen.

"Hi," I smile, hugging him.

"What's for dinner?" he smirks, rubbing his hands together.

"Spaghetti," I laugh.

"Chlo's favorite," Ricky says, smiling at her.

Ricky and I have the best relationship. We're very close, but with no feelings. He's actually become like my best friend, and he is a great father to Chloe and Leon.

Ricky makes himself and Leon a plate, while I make mine and Chloe's.

"Can we eat in the living room tonight?" Leon asks.

"Yeah, please mommy?" Chloe begs.

"Fine, but please be careful," I say.

Ricky and I sit down on the couch, while Leon and Chloe plop down in the floor, right in front of the TV.

I turn on PJ Masks, and we eat in silence.

__

"Can we talk?" Ricky whispers.

"Your dad and I are gonna go talk in the kitchen. You two finish eating," I tell Chloe and Leon.

I doubt they even notice us get up, considering their eyes are glued to the TV. Ricky follows me into the kitchen, and we put our dishes in the sink.

"What's up?" I ask him.

"I'm dating again," Ricky says.

"What's her name?" I smile.

"Wendy," he says, grinning a little.

"That's a cute name. She's not like Gretchen right?" I ask.

"No way! The complete opposite."

Gretchen is Ricky's ex girlfriend, and let's just say that relationship was not great.

"When can I meet her?" I ask.

"Well, we just started dating, but soon. I just wanted to let you know. She won't be meeting the kids anytime soon though," he says.

Gretchen was introduced to the kids way too early, and that did not turn out great.

"I'm happy for you, and I hope it works," I say, squeezing his arm.

"When are you gonna start dating again?" Ricky chuckles.

"I'm still not ready," I sigh.

"It's been two years. Come on Jo," Ricky says.

"I just don't want to. Not since Ezra," I say, not wanting to talk about it.

"I'm sorry," Ricky frowns, knowing he hit a sore spot.

"That's alright," I smile.

"I should probably head home. I'll see you tomorrow right?" he asks.

"I'll drop them off with you after school," I say.

He gives me a hug, and he says goodbye to the kids.

"Alright you two, bath time. Who's first tonight?" I ask.

"Chloe's first tonight," Leon says.

"Mom, when can we see Auntie Paige again?" Chloe asks.

"Auntie Paige will be here tomorrow, with Uncle Luke and Uncle Chase. You'll be at your dad's though, but I promise I'll try to make it possible for you to see them," I say. 

"I miss my uncles," Leon frowns. 

"I know, but you'll see them soon," I say, pinching his cheek. 

__

I tuck Chloe into bed, and then I tuck Leon into his. They are still sharing a room, because they haven't wanted to have their own, so I haven't brought the idea up. I kiss them both on the cheek, and I make my way over to the bookshelf.

"What story do you want tonight?" I ask, Leon.

They take turns picking out stories every night, and since Chloe picked last night, it's now Leon's turn. 

"The Little Engine That Could," Leon smiles.

I smile as I take the book off the bookshelf. Leon picks this one almost every time. It's his favorite. I begin to read the story, and by the time I'm halfway through, both of my angels are asleep. I tiptoe silently out of their room, leaving the door cracked open. 

I make my way into the kitchen, and I start to clean up the mess from dinner. After I'm finished, I grab a quick shower, and I head into bed.