We Shine

Connect

Connect

It is like six in the morning. I am having some alone time. We all need our alone time.

It's nice and quiet. Everyone is asleep. Today is my day off and I just know that when the whole house is home it's crazy.

So it's nice to relax a bit before the chaos.

"Dad?" Well that's a change of plans.

"What's wrong? Xav did something happen?" I immediately ask my third born.

He shakes his head, "I just want to talk to you."

I pull back the chair next to me, inviting him to take a seat.

"You know how we all had that talk yesterday? About being doctors?"

I nod.

"I don't think I want to be a doctor like Seph, Cel and Lee."

I chuckle softly, "Xavams, you don't have to choose your career now. You aren't even 11. You don't have to be a doctor, do what you like—"

"I want to play football." He blushes.

I for one, am shocked, considering he out of all his siblings bash football the most.

"You can do whatever you want, but it's hard work."

More truth slowly unravels, "I've been lying to you and Mom."

"Xav you know how we feel about lying. What happened?"

He waves his hands defensively, "It's not that bad, I just tell you guys that I hang out with JJ or go to the library after school and lose track of time that's why I'm always late coming to the pick up spot. I've been on the football team."

I stare at him in awe. Months. He's kept this for months. Football is the only team Joseph won't join. Xav had the perfect plan. He had to have used his own allowance to pay for this too.

"Why are you telling me now?"

"I need your help. We are losing really badly! I'm wide receiver. You played wide receiver. Do you see what I'm getting at?"

I smile, shaking my head humorously. I rub his head, "Go wake up your brother. Go get dressed and meet me by the car. Don't wake up your Mom or your sisters."

I grab find my football and it's deflated and patchy. It simply won't do.

I have one other. Marq's.

I've never used it. I guess it's its time to shine. I place it in the box with my other football equipment.

"Dad I'm tired!" Joseph glares at me.

"Get in. Put your seatbelts on. Seph we are helping your brother, suck it up."

"Why does it have to be at 6:30 on a Saturday? I thought we were going to church!"

"Seph, I'm working tonight. So I'm Leaving church early. The hint there was tonight. I will buy you the bat if you cooperate right now."

"Really?" His blue eyes light up.

"No." I laugh and start up the engine.

I drive down to the local high school.

"Joseph, Xav is on the football team and we are helping him. This will help you too on the basketball court mister point guard."

We start with two laps around the field.

Both of these kids are fast.

As they run I set the ladders and cones.