Another week has flown by. I remember a time when I felt like the weeks dragged on. DJ and I had a great routine, but it was the same thing every day. Work and school, then homework, showers, and bed was pretty much our routine. We did things from time to time like watch a movie or a show but, in reality, life was quite dull until Trystan came along. Now we're always doing something, the three of us, and simple things like dinner seem like a bigger deal. Before, DJ and I would have dinner together, but it was always quiet. It was like pulling teeth to get him to talk, but to see him so animated with Trystan over baseball, wrestling, or whatever else they’re discussing is awesome. The funny thing is they even convinced me to watch professional baseball with them so they could teach me more about the game.
It's really early, but we need to get out the door for our little fishing trip. Trystan has been looking forward to this all week long. I had to laugh when Trystan told DJ that's what we were doing this weekend because my son is just like me. He told Trystan he was down as long as Trystan touched the fish. He shook his head and laughed.
"You two ready." Trystan comes into the living room where DJ is playing a game on his phone, and I'm tidying up.
“YUP!," DJ shouts like the guy from one of our TV show, Storage Wars.
"Well, let's roll then. Those fish aren't going to catch themselves." He holds open the door for us.
It's a little bit of a drive, but we arrive at this spot that Trystan tells us is great for fishing even if you don't have a boat. They have piers and docks from where you can cast your line.
When we step out of the truck, I take a long, deep breath of clean crisp air. I love the fresh air which is so different from the big city. We all help grab some of the gear Trystan has provided and take the short walk out to the area of the lake he wants to fish. "We could go sit on a pier and fish, but it's not as nice."
"Where are we going?" DJ asks.
"There's an area a friend of mine told me about that is very quiet and not many people use. I've fished from here once or twice."
"Cool." We continue to follow Trystan along the way until we get to this opening on the lake. The view is absolutely stunning. You can see the entire huge lake from here. It's a warm morning, and the trees around us provide the perfect shade. You can see nothing but water and trees for miles. There's a boat out on the water in the distance, but he's so far out we'll be no bother to him. Trystan pulls opens two tackle boxes and starts talking about fishing with DJ. I'm only half listening because I'm too taken in by the interaction that's actually taking place between them. My son looks at him with pure awe. He adores Trystan, and it's clear that Trystan adores DJ. The two of them stand back and Trystan shows DJ how to cast his line. The lure goes flying through the air and into the water. DJ's eyes light up with excitement.
"That was so cool."
"Now, take the rod and hold on tight. Don't let go," he warns DJ.
With a huge grin, he takes the rod and holds onto it, staring out at the water and waiting to feel the pull. "What happens if I feel it move?"
"Yank back on it hard and fast and start reeling it in." The excitement on his face is amazing.
"Okay, sugar. Here's yours." He hands me a rod with the line cast as well, and then he sends his out.
"This seems like it can get boring if you don't catch anything," DJ states, making me nervous he’s going to get bored after five minutes of fishing.
Trystan shrugs. "It depends. If you're out here alone then you're right—it can get boring, but when you're out here with people you love then life is good."
I ruffle my fingers through DJ's hair, and I'm about to say something when there's a tug on his line. He yanks it back and starts to reel it in, but whatever he caught is putting up a good fight. He pulls harder, but he's struggling, so Trystan puts down his rod to help DJ out. Trystan pulls back and tells DJ to reel it in. Unfortunately, when the hook comes back it’s empty. Whatever was on it got away.
"Oh man. I lost it."
Trystan chuckles, "It happens, kid. Just throw it back out like I showed you." It takes him a few tries, but he's finally happy with where it landed and we all get quiet.
We're all staring out at the water, taking in the sight, when DJ breaks the silence. "Did you mean what you said?"
Trystan looks over. "About what?"
DJ suddenly becomes quite shy. "Loving us?"
He nods. "I did, and your mom and I have been talking about the next step for us, but we need to be sure everyone is ready."
"Ready for what?" he asks, not sure where Trystan is going with this.
"Well, how would you feel about Trystan moving in with us?"
"That would be cool. He's there most of the time anyway, and he helps me with baseball. Will you coach again next season?"
"Only if you’re playing," Trystan teases.
"Of course. I want to be the best pitcher of all times." DJ pats his chest. There's a tug on my line, ending our conversation. I'm glad we were able to discuss this because despite the fact that Trystan and I have only been together a little over a month, I really do love him and hope we'll be together for a long time. "Pull, Mom!" DJ shouts. I pull back real hard on the line and begin reeling it in, but it's putting up a fight. Trystan offers to help, but I want to do it by myself.
"I got it." I continue yanking back on the rod, trying to get this bad boy in. I want to show them I can do this. It takes me a good few minutes, but I finally get it. Unfortunately, it's a tiny little thing that makes the two of them crack up laughing.
"You fought so hard like it was going to be this huge fish, and it's a tiny thing." DJ bends over laughing.
Trystan taps him on the arm. "Stop laughing at your mother."
But there's humor in his words. "Okay, funny boys...I'm going to stand back and watch you two. Let's see how you do."
They both reel their lines in and cast them out. They're now in competition mode to see who can catch a fish first. Trystan gets a pull on his line, but when he reels it in he only has some seaweed, so he gets his lure out there quickly before DJ can manage to catch anything.
It seems to be taking a while for either of them to get a bite. DJ keeps trying to cast his line in different areas, hoping he'll get something. He's a smart kid as he keeps watching what Trystan does so he can learn what to do. He lets the line sit and then slowly reels in a very short distance to make the lure move in the water. DJ doesn't realize it but Trystan is watching him with a smile on his face. He's pleased that DJ is catching on. "Mom, I'm getting hungry," DJ says without ever taking his eye off his line.
"Okay, bud, there's food in the cooler for us. Why don't you take a break and grab a sandwich."
"I can't or Trystan will win."
I laugh, "Okay, the competition is paused for an early lunch break. We've been out here for a while now." They both reel their lines in and take a seat on the rock next to me to grab a quick bite, and quick it is. The two of them devour their sandwiches in record time and then follow it up with some chips and water.
"Ready?" DJ asks him.
"You bet." They both jump up and toss their lures into the water. Trystan has been filling us in on the types of fish out here. Catfish and largemouth bass are the most popular catches. This time they both get a quick tug on their line and it's a race to see who can pull it in quicker. They work their line to beat the other to getting their catch in, and they both pull a fish up at the same time. I'm impressed too because they each caught a nice size fish.
"Dude, we caught some bass," Trystan shouts as the two fish flop around on the ground. “We have to hurry and get them back in the water.”
"What we can't keep them?"
"Nah, I'm not a fan of eating bass."
"Hold up your lines, quick. I want a picture." I snap a quick picture, and Trystan tosses them into the water.
"That was so cool. Can we try again?" DJ jumps up and down excitedly.
"Sure, let’s go again."
We've been sitting here for another hour without a bite. DJ is starting to get bored, so we agree to wrap it up. Trystan promised Vincent he would stop by and check out the boys’ progress at Daisy's house today. Both Colton and Ethan are there with their dads working on her yard as part of their punishment for making fun of Landon.
When we get back to the truck, DJ thanks Trystan for taking us fishing and asks if we can go again. Trystan happily agrees. Trystan looks thrilled that DJ enjoyed himself. "I had fun, but next time you two can go and I'll stay home."
"What's wrong, Mom? Didn’t catch anything?" DJ teases.
“I caught a little something.” I wink at DJ who bursts into laughter over my joke.
When we pull up to Daisy's a short time later, the boys are hard at it in the yard. Trystan stops the truck, and we all climb out. Vincent tells the boys to take a water break. It's only mid-May, but it's a really warm day. "Coach." The boys come over with their water. "Look." Ethan points to the front lawn that looks so much better, and it's not even done yet.
"You boys are doing a good job."
"Thanks. Our dads are trimming their hedges too. We're going to take all the yard waste and get rid of it when we're done."
"That's awesome, Ethan. Doesn't it feel good to do something positive for someone?"
He nods. "Yeah, I guess it does. Landon tried to come out and help, but Dad sent him back inside."
Trystan shrugs. "That's up to your dad. If he feels that's what’s best, then you have to respect it."
Colton finally says, "Coach, I'm sorry I was a jerk. It really isn't cool."
"What made you change your mind? Are you sorry because you got in trouble?"
"Nah, my dad took all my stuff away and now we know what it feels like to have what Landon has. It sucks to not have my games or a phone." He shrugs. "It made me realize how lucky I am."
"That was the point." His father puts his arm around him. "Hi, I'm Nick." He holds his hand out to Trystan.
"Hi, I’m Trystan, and this is Stella and DJ."
"Sorry I haven't been around, but I work for the county so my hours can be crazy."
"I understand. Thanks for being here with him today."
"No problem. I think Vincent and I both learned our boys need us to be around a little more right now. They're at a tough age."
I notice DJ looks at the ground. I think this father/son stuff is hitting a little too close to home for him. "Well, we should let you boys get back to work," I announce, trying to remove DJ from this situation.
"Absolutely," Trystan agrees. "Good work boys. Keep it up."
The three of us take off back to my house, and when we get there DJ goes straight to his room. Trystan looks concerned. "Did I miss something?"
I sigh and pull Trystan to the couch. "I think that little father/son moment back at Daisy's messed him up a bit."
"Shit. I wasn't thinking."
I shake my head. "I wasn't either."
"Can I go talk to him?"
"Be my guest. Good luck, puberty is hitting hard."
He laughs, "I've been there."
I let out a slow, steady breath before I knock on the door lightly. "DJ, it's Trystan. Can I come in?"
It takes him a minute, but he finally says, "Come in." From the sound of his voice, I bet he's been crying.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He shrugs, but says nothing. "Is it because you miss your dad?" I can see he's fighting back his tears, and it near breaks me. "You know it's okay to cry, right. I mean, I know you’re a boy and you probably think you have to be strong, but the strong cry too.
"I guess I'm sad and frustrated."
"Why frustrated?" I ask him.
"Because they have so much, and they don't even realize it. They sat there talking about how they had their electronics and phones taken away. They have no idea what it's like. Try having your dad taken away," he shouts, surprising me. He shakes his head. "That's why I defended Landon. I get it. I know what it feels like to lose something so important and have to start over. I came here with my clothes and two boxes of my most important things." He buries his face in his hands. "I didn't get to bring my dad with me. He's in New York and I'll never get to see him again, and they're acting like not having their phones for a week is the end of the world."
I wrap my arms around him. "I know I can never replace your dad, and I won't pretend that I can. You'll always miss him and he'll always have a special place in your heart, but that emotional scar makes you so much stronger than kids like Ethan and Colton. You've learned a life lesson they may not learn for years to come. The world needs kids like you to help kids like Landon. I know this probably doesn't make you feel better, but it was your dad's time." I rub his back. "You know, I'm not a religious man, but I believe that our lives are planned out for us and we were all put on this earth for a reason. Mine, I now know, was to be there for you and your mom. Yours right now is to be there for Landon and maybe, even at the right time and in the right way, to teach Colton and Ethan a lesson."
He sniffles. "You think so?"
I nod. "I do. Life is so hard but you have to make the best of it, and your mom is right. You can't use your hurt as a crutch, but you can use it to teach others."
He wipes his eyes. "Thanks, Trystan."
"You're welcome. Now what should we do for the rest of the day?"
He shrugs. "I don't know. I'm kind of hungry."
"Well, it smells like Mom is cooking. Why don't we go see what she's making?"
"Okay."
He jumps up from the bed, and we make our way to the kitchen. When we get out there the fear on Stella's face is evident. "Are you okay, buddy?"
"Yeah, I am now." He hugs his mom. "What's for dinner?"
"I'm making your favorite—mac and cheese with chicken nuggets."
"Sweet. Thanks, Mom." He hugs her again.
"No problem, bud. Why don't you go shower while I finish it and then we can play a game or something after dinner." He agrees and runs off to do as he was asked. "Is he really okay?"
"Yeah. I think he is. He was angry at the boys and he misses his dad, but I think he'll be fine. He needed to vent and get it out. I told him it was okay to cry and be sad, and that's what he did."
"I heard him yelling and, I have to admit, it was hard not to go running in there."
"I'm sure it was but, honestly, I think he got more out and I think I earned some trust. I want him to know he can come to me if he needs to, especially as he's getting older and going through all those wonderful growing pains in the coming years."
"God, I'm not sure I'm ready for all that."
I laugh, "Well, you better get ready, sugar. It's coming, ready or not."
She goes back to finishing dinner. I love blue box mac and cheese, and she knows it. She made two boxes with a huge pile of nuggets. I make small side salads to make our meal a little healthier, and by the time we're done DJ is back and ready to eat. I'm thankful he looks so much better now that he's had a few minutes to himself to calm down. The dinner conversation is light, and we plan to spend the evening playing Uno and relaxing.