Checkmate

7

  

   It was a huge relief to watch them bond. Colton was a nervous wreck and unsure of himself but Sam was quick to get familiar and wasted no time before putting on Avatar the Last Airbender. After a lengthy explanation, they sat in silence until he fell asleep next to him.

   To see him be so gentle as he laid him down and tucked him in made me almost forget the man he used to be. Sam had always been his weakness. With him, he was tender and kind. I got to experience that side of him on many occasions. The difference was, for me, it never lasted.

Currently in the kitchen, finishing my granola bar, his heavy footsteps caused my head to shoot up. He stood on the opposite side of the island; watching me not saying a word.

"Thank you for tonight," he finally said, as I threw away the wrapper.

Swallowing what I had in my mouth, I nodded, "You're welcome."

A few more seconds went by before he cleared his throat and straightened his posture.

This can't be good.

"I'd like to spend more time with him, get to know him better, give him a chance to know me too. Have him at my place next weekend. I'll send you the adr-"

"Wow wow wow wow! Slow down for a second. He's not going to your house."

He stared at me trying to register what I'd just said. Did he really think it would be that simple? Just pop back into our lives after years of absence and what, we're just supposed to go by his rules?

"Why wouldn't he? I'm his father."

"And I'm his mother. Six years changes people, Colton. You're not the same person and I want to know more about you before allowing him to be alone with you."

"This is out of line. I'm still me, just better. You're only doing this because you feel left out."

"I allowed you to see him, didn't I? I'm not saying that you can't spend time together. I'm saying that for now, when it happens I have to be there,"

Disdain contorted his features as he glared at me. I knew that expression way too well. Shifting my focus to his hands, I noticed how clenched his fists were. If he indeed changed, my dishes should be fine.

"I see how this is. So what, should we take this to court?"

I let out a small, hysterical chuckle and shook my head in disbelief, "You don't want to involve the court in this."

"Of course, you wouldn't want that. For now, you pull the strings... you're ... you're in control. You like that. Well just know this," he paused and walked towards me, "I won't be a part of your petty games. If you stand between me and my son, I'll have no problems dragging you to court."

"And what will you say, that the mother of your child, who took care of him for six years is suddenly unfit to play that role? As you can see, we did quite great in your absence. That alone proves my point. I did something you never could and never will. I was there from day one. You missed out on more than half of his life."

"I would've been there if it wasn't for you!"

"How is this my fault, Colton?!"

"You kicked me out!" he growled, and I flinched.

   He turned away from me, his knuckle firmly against his mouth, seemingly trying to keep his anger at bay, " I was at my lowest point and you kicked me out. I had nowhere to go and you knew it. For years all I wanted was to be there for Sam, but you were able to steal him from me once before. I wanted to be ready when you try to patronize me. I've had my life together for a while now, but with you standing in the way, I knew being clean wouldn't be enough. Wouldn't you know it, I was right. But I will not give up on him."