When It's Over

13

Mya sat at the table eating her breakfast, her eyes glued to her tablet screen as Carlos watched a basketball game.

He'd gotten his Saturday off but knew he had to return to training bright and early tomorrow morning.

He sat raking his brain for ideas to surprise his wife so that she could return to being his number one supporter.

If these past two weeks had taught him anything, it was how easy it was to forget what was important in his life.

He was still upset about the fact that Jewel didn't want another kid with him. But at the same time he understood his wife. She felt as if most of the responsibility fell on her while he was away.

He wanted to suggest that she leave her job, but he knew better than to go down that road. She'd moved around with him when they'd first gotten married, putting her life on hold before attending university.

Then after graduation, Jeston had been a surprise to them both and Jewel had remained at home in order to take care of their son. But after she'd decided that she wanted to start her own business and Jeston was old enough to cope on his own, Carlos suggested they try for another child and Mya came about.

Deep down, Carlos knew he pushed for Mya because Ryan had resurfaced and pushed his wife to seek her own independence outside of their marriage. He'd went even further and helped her establish her business plan and introduced her to the right people.

It was why Carlos at times questioned Mya's paternity. Had Jewel stepped out on him with Ryan? Had she been unfaithful at any point?

He didn't know and he didn't trust the man that couldn't seem to stay away.

"Daddy, I'm finished!"

Mya yelled from the kitchen as Carlos got to his feet and cleared the plate and glass from in front of her.

"Your mom said that you can't be on your tablet all day."

He informed her as she pouted her lower lip.

"But there's nothing else to do. Can I go to Aunt Jasmine's or Aunt Kim's? Or can they come over?"

Carlos didn't think that was a good idea, considering both women most likely knew what was going on in his marriage.

"What's wrong with daddy?"

"You're more interested in Jeston and basketball. You never play with me."

Her words stung as Carlos shook his head.

"My that's not true."

She stared at him, her eyebrows arched. In that moment she looked exactly like her mother.

"Name one dance recital you've been to?"

She questioned and Carlos searched his brain for an answer but came up empty handed.

"Daddy was busy. Daddy works hard so that you can dance for as long as you like."

Mya hopped down from the chair.

"Mummy works as well and she attends all my recitals."

Her words felt like a slap to his face, bringing to the forefront his failure as her father.

"My, I didn't know that's how you felt."

He stooped down in front of her.

"Daddy's not perfect and I want to be better for you, Jeston and mummy."

Her dark brown orbs pierced through his as she studied him.

"You hurt mummy. You don't want her to be friends with her friend and that's not nice daddy. Mummy only has us and Aunty Kim and Jasmine. She doesn't have anyone else."