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Tomas

Life was complicated for Tomas Nelson, not that it ever was easy but he could use a break. Maybe a nice vacation in the Caribbean, he could use the sun and Judah would love the beach. Speaking of the kid, he was late to picking him up. Again. He really tried to be on time but he couldn't leave his artist in the middle of the rehearsal. He did what he had to, he hoped Judah would understand.

Walking up Schafer Street was a special kind of hell; the memory of when he used to live here with a wife and a son still lingered fresh. That and he knew Janet, his ex-wife and superstar was going to be on his case about being late to pick up their son. But still he mustered up some courage and knocked on the door. 

"You're late." Janet answered curtly when she opened the door.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry." Tomas said not wanting to hear Janet's reproach. "I got caught up at work."

"That's hardly surprising." Janet said opening the door wider as a silent gesture for Tomas.

"Is he still awake?" Tomas asked glancing up the staircase. "I know it's kind of late."

"I don't know." Janet said. "He thought you weren't coming."

"I'm sorry, I was-" Tomas tried to explain.

"You got caught up at work. I've heard this before." Janet said, having heard this same excuse so many times before, it was easy to finish Tomas's sentence.

"I'm sorry." Tomas said this time looking sincerely apologetic.

"I'm going to go get Judah." Janet said as she started to go up the staircase she stopped and did a half turn. "You could have called at the very least."

Tomas was left alone in the foyer, he look at the now emptier walls. He remembers how the walls were filled with family pictures, now there were fewer pictures on the walls. It pained his to think about his failed marriage and how he failed to give Judah a real family.

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Tomas is driving with Judah from Los Angeles to San Diego like they usually do ;so every Friday night the difference is that the usual chatty boy hasn't utter a word since leaving Janet's house. This is a matter of concern for Tomas.

"I'm sorry for being late." Tomas apologized once more.

"Again." Judah muttered under his breath.

"I know I haven't been the most punctual parent as of late, but I'm really trying, kid." Tomas said. "I'm trying to make this arrangement work but sometimes it gets really, really hard."

"I know. Work is important. I get it." Judah said resigned.

"Not as important as you are." Tomas said ruffling Judah's hair finally managing to get a smile out of the boy. "I love you."

"I love you too." Judah said quickly forgetting Tomas's lateness and enjoying the time he had with his father.

When they got to Tomas's apartment Judah went straight for the balcony, he loved seeing all the stars, it was different from Los Angeles. The view is nothing short of breathtaking and Tomas gives Judas a moment to take it in.

"What's on your mind, kid?" Tomas asks after he put Judah's discarded backpack on his room.

"Nothing…" He said shrugging his shoulders noncommittally.

"Come on, you know you can tell me anything." Tomas said sensing that he was holding out on him.

"Mom has a boyfriend." He spitted out shocking Tomas in the process. A weave of jealousy crept over Tomas.