Black Leather Jackets: College Bound

Time

Toni's POV
I'm getting ready for the game when Mia starts getting fussy.
"Baby it's okay, what's wrong?" I ask
"Mama," she whines
I sit next to her on the bed and hug her
"What's wrong?"
"I dunno,"
I rub her back and Cher walks in
"What's up?" She mouthes
"She doesn't know," I say "just sad right Mia?"
She nods and wipes her nose on my shirt.
"Baby can you go with mommy?"
She nods and Cher takes her
"Robbie and Ralphy are here girlie, wanna go hangout with them?"
"Ya!"
Cher laughs and takes her downstairs.
I get ready and grab my Riverdale Jacket
"Babes you ready?" Cher yells up
"Ya,"
I go downstairs and see all three Kids have Riverdale jerseys on.
"Where'd you guys get those?" I ask
"Ralphy brought them," Rob says "his mom makes them,"
"Tell her thank you for us, these look great,"
"It's no problem," he says
We go to the game and do press.
"Reg there's a whole bunch of rumours about me leaving, what do you want me to say,"
"You're still head coach T, just deny them,"
"Are you sure? I feel bad,"
"I'm sure,"
We go to the panel interview and sit down.
"Coach Topaz, Care to comment on the rumours that you're leaving the team for Yale University's opening?"
"I am not,"
"You haven't been seen at many practices all summer, and offseason, care to comment on that?"
"I had some health issues and then wanted to stay with my family for a bit,"
They ask reggie and RJ some questions and then come back to me
"How are your kids and wife?" Someone asks
"They're good, Mia just turned one which is super exciting," I say "AJ TJ and LJ are super excited to play football right RJ,"
"LJ won't be quiet about it," he laughs
We finish the interviews and then go into the changeroom
"Coach Topaz! You're on the bench today?" Trey asks
"She's still officially your head coach," Reggie says
"And I wanted to boss Reggie around one last time," I joke
We laugh and go over game plans and everything
The first half goes good.
"Topaz call the second half," Reg says
"It's fine Reggie,"
"Nah it's cool T,"
I nod and call a bunch of plays
"Ralphy start messing up the cadence," I say
"Okay Coach,"
We end up winning and celebrate in the room.
"Coach Topaz are you coming to Long Island tomorrow,"
"You know what boys, sometimes you need to know when to stop, and I think leaving on a win on the field I started on is pretty freakin cool. So I think this is finally, officially goodbye,"
"Your still going to be around right?" Trey asks
"One restaurant in Riverdale Trey,"
They laugh and a couple of the boys start crying.
"Boys, it's been a hell of a ride- the last few years have been some of the most fun I've had," I say "listen to Reg, sometimes he's right,"
They laugh and all come over for a group hug.
"Be great guys- do what Reg and I didn't- three-peat,"
I leave and let reggie do his thing.
I go into the school and walk around the athletic department.
I see pictures of me and Reggie, my jersey, and a helmet.
Wow I had a great time here. No matter what I thought at the time, no matter what happened
This is my legacy.
Smiling through adversity, and finding love in the most hateful time of this town.
That's why I was here
I go into the office and see my name still on the plate of the desk
I run my fingers over the engravement and pick it up.
I walk out the front door and sigh
"Goodbye Riverdale High,"
I walk to find Cheryl
"Hey babe, where were you?"
"I was just walking around," I say
"Let's go home babes, the Kids are tired and Robbie has to get to Long Island tomorrow,"
I nod and we get the kids in the car.
"I'll put the kids to bed tonight babe," I say
"Are you sure?"
"Ya, I'm feeling weird. I think it would make me feel better,"
"Okay Tones, whatever you want,"
I go to Tony's room and sit on the edge of his bed.
"Mama I too tired for a story," he says
"That's okay baby boy, I just wanna tuck you in,"
He nods and gets into the bed.
"I love you buddy, forever. You know that okay?" I say "remember forever and always I love you,"
"I know Mama I love you too,"
I kiss his temple and smile
"You're such a good kid TJ, you keep being like that okay? You help mommy out,"
"I do mama," he giggles "and I help you too,"
"Yes you do sweetheart, good night,"
"Good night Mama,"
"Sleep tight baby boy, I love you," I say kissing his forehead
"I love you too Mama,"
I go to Lexi's room and read her a story.
"I love you Buggy, always,"
"I love you too Mama,"
"I'm proud of you Lexi, you're so smart and you work so hard- just like mommy," I say "okay? You keep working hard baby,"
"Thank you mama,"
I kiss her temple and get up to turn the light off.
"Night baby girl,"
"Goodnight mama, I love you,"
"I love you too Lexi,"
I go to Mia's room and she's in her play crib so I pick her up.
"Hey baby, lets change for bed time okay?"
"Okay," she says
I put her pyjamas on and the sit on a beanbag and read a story.
"And they all live happily ever after," I smile "the end,"
"No,"
"What?"
"Mama story never actu end,"
"What do you mean?"
She shrugs and sighs
"Read another story?"
"Sure monkey,"
I read another story and she falls asleep.
"I love you so much Mia, never forget me sweetheart. I know you're going to change the world one day,"
"Love you Mama," she says without opening her eyes
I put her in her crib and go to Robbies room.
"Good game tonight kid,"
"Thanks mom,"
"I love you Robbie,"
"Love you too Toni, we're going to Pops in the morning right? You said Ralph could come?"
"Of course,"
He nods and goes back to his book and I go to My room.
"Hey, they all sleeping?"
"Robbies reading but the other three are," I sigh "Tony was wiped, didn't even need a story,"
"That's good though,"
"Mhm, pretty easy,"
"How are you feeling Tones?"
"I'm good Cher, I don't want you to worry," I sigh
"I know,"
I kiss her and smile against her lips.
"No matter what happens C, I love you forever. I want you to be happy okay? If you find someone that's okay, it's okay. I know you don't like me saying it- but I just want you to be happy,"
"Okay T, I promise I'll be happy,"
"I love you,"
"I love you too TT,"
She cuddles into me after turning out the light.
"I love you Cheryl Topaz, forever and always,"

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