Charlotte
My heart is exploding with happiness as I sit on Devin’s bed and watch him pack. His dream is coming true and I couldn’t be prouder of him.
“What?” he asks, looking up at me smiling.
“I’m proud of you,” I say smiling back.
“It’s just the first step Mama, I got a long way to go,” he says, folding a t shirt and putting it into his suitcase.
I roll my eyes.
“Take it one day at a time baby. You’re allowed to celebrate milestones.”
“I know, I just don’t want it to be premature. I wanna make sure that I’m good enough,” he says with seriousness in his voice.
I nod, agreeing with him.
“I’m gonna miss you,” I say, handing him a pile of t shirts.
He takes them and puts them into the suitcase too.
“I know. Luckily I won’t be too far.”
“You nervous?” I ask, eyeing him.
“A little, yeah. I mean, I have Louie State as backup but...this is the dream, ya know?”
He has a vulnerability in his voice and I see my little boy standing in front of me, instead of the man.
I get up from the bed and walk over to give him a hug.
“Remember me when you're pouring sports drinks all down your face for commercials,” I say seriously.
Devin laughs and rolls his eyes.
“Mama, stop.”
My baby boy was drafted to the Houston Lonestars. It has me thinking back to eighteen years ago and how excited I was for Gabriel. That excitement quickly faded though, when I realized him being drafted, meant there was no room for a family.
I keep the smile on my face. This time, I can be happy and enjoy it for Devin.
He got the call last night and is supposed to report for training camp in two days. He was a second round draft pick and we are going out tonight to celebrate, shutting down the pub for a big celebration.
Our small town celebrates big victories and considering Gabriel was the last one drafted, it's been a long time and the town is booming.
A lot of people have probably had their assumptions about my kids, but no one ever makes it known. The similarities between Devin and Gabriel are too strong for anyone to think otherwise. Luckily, Gabriel’s parents moved to Florida shortly after him and Savannah graduated high school. By the time I had the twins, they were long gone. The similarities between Devin and his father wouldn't have slipped past them, so I'm grateful for their move.
“Y’all ready to celebrate this stud tonight?” says Bella from the doorway, breaking my thoughts.
I smile and nod.
“Lets go Daniels crew!”
***
“Good luck, baby. You're gonna rock it. Keep your head on straight and treat everyone--”
“Like I would want them to treat you and Bella. I know Mama,” he says, kissing my cheek.
Bella and I drove over in my truck while Devin drove his. I bought the kids another truck for their graduation with my first big paycheck at Double Play Sports, like I promised, and it felt good to give them something all on my own.
The drive from home to Houston is only a 3 and a half hour drive, but we made it in 3. I'm dropping Bella at Louie State on the way back and going to drive her truck over at some point next week, with Caryann. My emotions are all over the place, saying goodbye to both my babies in one day.
I wrap my arms around Devin's waist and bury my face in his chest. I won't cry. I won't cry.
“Take care of yourself, Dev. I'll see you in a couple months for family day.”
He nods, and his gaze is torn between the nervous little boy I raised and the prideful man he's become. I smile and touch his cheek and he winks.
“I'll remember the little people, don’t worry Mama.”
I roll my eyes and smack his arm as he laughs. He shuts the door to the truck, and waves as he walks into the training facility. I watch him leave and I feel like a part of my heart is going with him.
“I'm gonna miss that smartass,” Bella says from behind me.
I give her a look and she laughs. I motion for her to get in my truck and we make our way to Louie State.
She's needed at school early for softball training and I flashback to the ride I took with my dad. Meeting the softball coach, getting excited for the upcoming season, being able to play for the tigers; it was such a memorable experience. It was always my dream to put on that purple and gold and now my daughter will be living that dream.
We arrive at Louisiana State a couple hours later and pull up outside the dorms. Bella and I are bringing boxes up to her room from the truck.
“Need a hand?” asks a voice from behind me, as I'm pulling out some of the last boxes from the truck.
“Oh! Hi, thank you, that would be great,” I say, smiling at the young man.
He smiles back and grabs the box from my hands, brushing my chest in the process. I put my hands on my hips as Bella comes back to the truck, interrupting my scolding. The boy smiles at her and she smiles back.
“I’m Davey,” he says smiling at us. “You guys twins? Freshman?” he asks.
“Oh no,” Bella says quickly. “This is my mother.”
Davey does a double take and shakes his head.
“Oh boy. I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't mean to...my apologies,” he says, burying his head in shame.
“I would suggest you keep your hands to yourself, Davey. You're gonna get yourself into trouble.”
“Yes ma'am, I'll uh...I got the rest of the boxes. I'm really sorry,” he says, bowing his head and running off towards the dorms.
I laugh and roll my eyes.
“What was that about?” Bella asks me.
“He nonchalantly copped a feel as he grabbed a box. Do I really have to leave you here with all these horndogs?” I say, bringing her in for a hug.
She laughs and squeezes me back.
“I'll be fine Mama.”
“I know ya will baby girl, I know ya will. Remember what I told you. Keep your heart soft, but your--”
“Calluses hard. I got it Mama,” she says winking.
I nod and instinctively a tear trickles down my face. Dammit, I'm only human.
“Mama…” Bella says, her eyes starting to water.
“Don't, baby girl,” I say holding back a sob. “I cannot wait to watch you kick some ass this season. Show them what a Daniels girl can do, huh?” I say smiling, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
She smiles back and nods.
“And please, for the love of the Lord, do not bring home this Davey kid,” I laugh and so does she.
I grab the last box out of the back of the truck and she takes it from me, waving as I pull away. I feel the other part of my heart staying here and the tears crash over me. It's been the three of us for so long, I'm not sure how I will survive by myself. What is going to be left of me, if I don’t have my babies?