Sticks & Stones.

12

I watched the movers load up the last of my belongings—it was mainly clothes and personal items I didn't want to leave in Mateo's possession like family photos and other miscellaneous shit. I thought it'd be best to keep the kids' rooms the same for Mateo's weekends. I didn't want them to feel even more out of place; the kids needed some sense of familiarity. "Thank you." I smiled at the three movers and handed each of them a $100 bill.

I turned to the house and saw Mateo standing in the doorway, looking as sad as a lost puppy. I could've laughed at his pathetic attempt at gaining more sympathy out of me.

I walked inside and brushed past him, continuing a fast stride to our old bedroom. "So that's it?" Mateo followed behind me. "Not even a second thought, huh?" He snapped. I was already filling up a suitcase with my shoes by the time he finished his tangent.

"Jesus Christ, do you ever stop?" I snapped. "It's the same bullshit with you. Fuck up, sob story, fuck up, sob story. You're a grown man, Teo. When are you going to hold yourself accountable?"

"You don't think I hold myself accountable?" Teo retorted. "Gio, I know I'm to blame for all of this." He motioned around the empty room—his features softened, almost like he actually was sorry for how things were now. "Just help me figure out what to say to the kids, Gio."

I was silent.

"Please."

As triumphant as it felt to finally get from under Mateo's thumb, I still wasn't happy with the outcome. Our children were still in the middle of our split and I was still forced to come up with a good enough answer as to why both of their daddies weren't able to live under the same roof anymore or why family dinners would now be missing one person now. This was a win for me but a loss for my family. I couldn't celebrate it, even if I tried.

"Yummy, right?" I smiled at Milo as he chewed into a rather large cookie—I normally wasn't a fan of the kids having sweets but I figured I'd cater to whatever desire they had. Whether it was bake big ass cookies or eat bowls of sugary ice cream.

Today was the day of the big shift.

I did have to put my ill feelings aside to explain the situation to the kids, including Liv. I owed them that.

After glancing over at Lani, I sighed. My solemn expression didn't last long as she licked her chocolate coated lips; it only made the mess on her face worse. "What's going on? Did something bad happen?" Alivia gave us a concerned look as her eyes bounced between a silent Mateo and I. She hadn't touched her dessert.

"Are you sad?" Milo added, curiously staring at me.

"Sad? Why are you sad?" Lani interjected.

"Babies, I'm fine," I forced a chuckle. "Your daddy and I are okay but we need to talk to you all." I was serious now and turned towards Mateo; I set my hand over his. I'd read an article that said it was important to reassure your kids that you still love both them and the other parent when explaining separation. This gesture was their reassurance.

"Kids," Mateo started and sent a gentle smile to our family. "Your dad and I won't be living in the same house anymore." He said bluntly.

"Are we moving?" Milo quickly said.

"Yes. With me." I responded. "Daddy and I just need some time apart so you'll be staying with me and you can visit him whenever you guys want." I reached over and caressed his cheek. Liv sat like a deer caught in headlights—stunned and hurt while Lani tried to understand what we were explaining. My poor girls.

"Why?" Lani cried. "I want to stay with both." Her eyes quickly watered. Teo gestured her over and she obliged, quickly climbing into his lap. "Please." Our daughter whimpered.