Stepdad

TWELVE

Colson: is that really what you are so afraid of?

Colson: that's why you don't wanna be with me?

Allie: well, that and i don't wanna be a rebound or a second option.

Colson: you're neither of those things and i don't mind that you have a child.

Allie: you don't?

Colson: no. why would i? i have a child of my own. a daughter named casie.

Allie: i didn't know that.

Allie: i bet she's beautiful.

Colson: she is the most beautiful girl i have ever seen.

Colson: i bet your son looks just like you. when can i meet him?

Allie: i can bring him over tomorrow. rook wants to see him anyway.

Colson: rook knows about this?

Allie: yes. why do you think i didn't have time to hang out with him?

Colson: all this time i wondered why you were acting so weird and it's all because of something small.

Allie: i figured you would run away.

Colson: why would you think that?

Allie: because ryker's father ran away when i told him i was pregnant. he left us to go chase a silly football dream.

Colson: he's a piece of shit then and ryker deserves so much better.

Colson: you both do.

Allie: it's hard to have to raise a toddler on your own. if it wasn't for my mom, i wouldn't be able to see you and rook.

Colson: you know if you call us and ask for help, rook and i will come and hang out with the little dude while you nap.

Allie: lol he's a handful. he's into everything. he's like a tiny terrorist.

Colson: we can handle it. we handled casie.

Allie: you make it sound so simple.

Colson: i have been a father for 11 years.

Allie: wow. im proud that you can handle that with the job you have.

Colson: sometimes she comes with me on tour.

Allie: when will i get to meet her?

Colson: she comes to see me every other week. so next week?

Allie: okay. i will take that friday off and come see her.

Colson: does this mean you will give me a chance?

Allie: i will give you a CHANCE. it won't be rushed though.

Allie: you gotta work for it.

Colson: yes, ma'am.

Allie: but first i want you to explain why you like me so much.

Colson: you aren't spoiled like most girls i know.

Colson: you don't start unnecessary arguments and you're easy to talk to and get along with.

Colson: i get good vibes from you.

Colson: why do you like me so much?

That was the question allie was afraid to answer. She didn't want to tell him how she really felt until she was sure he wasn't going anywhere. She couldn't let herself, or her son, get involved with someone temporary.

She quit responding, her head too fuzzy to answer such a question. She didn't want to say something she wasn't sure she meant and get his hopes up. She would wait until he met her son to see how that would go.