Page 27 of Baby for the Professor
She gazed at me as if to decide whether I meant what I said, and then she nodded. "Would you like to spend the next weekend with us? Saturday or Sunday. Saturday might be better because my parents usually have activities, so I'm alone with Aiden most of the time."
"Sounds good. Can I take you guys out, and where would he like to go?"
Sabrina's eyes sparkled. "Let me ask him. I'll let you know soon."
"Okay." I pulled her to me and stamped a kiss on her cheek before getting into the car.
On my way home, my mind kept returning to Aiden and Sabrina. For the first time in my life, I felt lonely. How could I live by myself from now on, knowing a part of me was elsewhere?
The ironic thing is, I'd actually grown up with a single mom. My parents divorced when I was about Aiden's age, and my dad moved to a different state shortly after. We kept in touch at first, but not after he started another family. My mom didn't remarry until I was in high school. I was happy most of the time. The lack of a father figure in my life didn't cause that many problems because my mom was a strong woman. But still, there were times I wished my dad hadn't left us. Namely, during sporting days back in junior high, where parents paired up with kids while competing in silly sports like sack races and egg-and-spoon races. My mom never missed an event. Sometimes her boyfriend would join us, too, but it didn’t feel the same as having my own dad there.
Recalling those days gave me an idea. I should take Aiden to play tennis this Saturday. I texted Sabrina the suggestion as soon as I turned off the engine of my car. She responded right away.Fantastic idea. He would love it.
I was so full of energy I took the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator to get to my apartment on the third floor. I barely got into my unit when my phone rang. I knew without checking it was my mom, who had the habit of calling me every Saturday. I'd missed her earlier call.
"Hey, mom," I answered it as I opened the door.
"Jackson," Mom said, her voice cheerful. "Were you on a date?"
I chuckled. Mom hadn't been subtle about her eagerness to see me hooked up despite my lack of enthusiasm. Well. It was about time to surprise her.
"Yes, Mom."
She squealed. "Really? Wait. You're not saying to humor me, are you?"
"No!" I laughed. "Mom. You're the one who keeps pushing me, and now it's happening, but you don't even believe it."
"I know. You can't blame me, son. I've waited so long and started to think it would never happen!"
"It is really happening, Mom. Although I don't know if we're dating or not."
"What do you mean?"
"You see, it's a long story." I was eager to tell Mom everything, but at the same time, I didn't know how to begin.
"Take your time," Mom said. "Mark is watching a sports program and it's still too early for me to go to bed."
"Okay, then you might want to sit down for this."
"I already am."
So I told her, from the night I met Sabrina five years ago to our reencounter and then my putting Aiden to bed less than an hour ago.
Mom had been quiet on the other end of the line, except for occasional gasps. When I finished, I heard her blow her nose and I asked, "Are you okay, Mom?"
"I am," she said, her voice emotional. "Oh God, Jackson. What an incredible story. You didn't make it up, did you?"
I chuckled. "I didn't, Mom. I'm not good at making up stories."
"Do you have a picture of Aiden and Sabrina? I would like to see them."
"As a matter of fact, I do. She has just sent me some. I’ll forward them to you after we end the call."
"Great! Now what are you planning to do about them?"
"That's a good question, Mom. I don't have a plan yet. It's still too much for me to process. But I know I want to be part of their lives."
"Yes, do that!”
