When It's Over

16

The crowd went wild, lights hovered over the stands as Jeston jumped to his feet, screaming as Carlos shot the ball into the hoop.

Mya was glued to Jewel's side, her daughter had never been a fan of huge crowds and seeing as they were Santiago's, the cameras couldn't get enough of them.

"That's my boy."

Liza said proudly to the left of Jewel.

It had been two weeks since she'd overcame an obstacle she'd really thought was the end for their marriage. But here Jewel was, standing in the front row of a basketball court with her kids, watching her husband do what he does best.

Adrenaline pumped through the crowd as cheers and applause filled the room, with fifty seconds left to spare, Carlos and Shawn tagged team, scoring the winning goal. Putting the Los Angeles Eagles in the NBA Finals.

Carlos ran towards them, his hands wrapping around Jewel's waist as his lips found hers. Jewel drank her husband in, flashes attacking them from every side.

He hoisted Mya onto his waist and hugged Jeston along with his mom.

This was what Jewel knew she needed, her husband. She'd almost lost sight of that in the mess of it all.

As much as she missed Ryan's friendship, she knew she did what was best for her marriage. They couldn't survive another hit.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I have to go do interviews. I love you."

"I love you too."

She responded as she took Mya from his grasp and watched her husband walk away.

"Mya let's go talk to the cheerleaders about their flexibility. That could help you in ballet."

Liza offered as she took Mya from Jewel.

Jewel knew what the woman was doing as she winked in her direction.

Her fifteen year old had went from sleeping in her bed two weeks ago, to giving her the cold shoulder.

Over the past two weeks, Jeston had barely said two full sentences to her. He demanded she not come to his practice or his games anymore and opted for his grandmother and father to show instead.

Jewel was grateful that Liza extended her stay, but she could see that her mother in law was ready to return to her own home, but Jeston's need for her to be there instead of Jewel kept her at their residence.

It stung because Jewel had been to every practice and game in the past. She didn't get why her son decided that he no longer wanted her involved in his life.

"Want to go get some snacks or even autographs?"

Jeston shook his head.

"I'm good."

He said as he sat on the chair, staring at the court.

Jewel sat beside Jeston.

"Jes, why do I feel like you're pushing me away? What did I do?"

She questioned as he looked away from her.

"It's nothing."

His tone was flat and Jewel knew it was something.

"It is something and as your mother I'd like to know what I did to deserve the cold shoulder?"

She demanded.

It was the only way she could get her son to speak to her, by playing the parent card.

"You dated my coach."