The Unreliable Father of the Year

"The nerve of him," I said to myself out loud as I drove to pick up my son that Micky was supposed to do. I placed my left hand on the door while my right hand held on the steering wheel. Frustrated, my knuckles turned white as I thought about Micky's antics.

I can't believe I fell in love with him so deeply that we had a child together and now we are in a separation after a whole year. Our son, Colsen, is the only saving grace out of all of this. He's growing up to be a sweet boy while his father can be a complete ass!

I've been calling Micky unstopped for the past couple of days, and he doesn't pick up the damn blasted phone!? What's more important than making sure your son is provided for and taken care of? I swear if this is because I had to escort him out of Colsen's 10th birthday for his rude behavior, Micky's got another thing coming. I'm not going to tolerant anyone fat shaming others, especially when one of them was our special performance: Mr. Hugo. Plus, I don't need Colsen to copy what his father does or say cause kids are like parrots after all.

As I pulled up to the school, all of the buses were nearly gone as some of the students were roaming around, scattered awaiting their rides. Meanwhile Colsen was at the front, waiting for me with his teacher Ms. Eleanora. By whom, called me saying that she couldn't reach Micky either, so apparently I am not the only one he decided to ghost.

I came up to them and parked my car before getting out to greet them. The first thing I did was hug my child. "Oh, Colsen, I'm so sorry. I thought your father got you."

"It's okay, mom but can you not hug me in front of Ms. Eleanora?"

"Right, sorry. Force of habit. You can go in the car while Ms. Eleanora and I talk."

"Okay," said my baby boy as he proceeded to go into my parked car where the teacher and I keep a watchful eye as we discussed right there.

"I apologize for the inconvenience," I said placing my hand over my heart.

"No need to apologize, Mrs. Snaphat. I am just worried about how little Colsen there looks up to his father when it's clear that Mr. Snaphat's current behavior isn't exactly what you want for a role model."

"Oh trust me. I know and I'm definitely going to have a serious talk about his recent behavior."

"How did things go with the party?"

"Well, I'm sure Colsen said something but I had to kick Micky out for his inappropriate behavior. He was fat shaming and questioning our magician."

"Yeah, Colsen told me that his dad had a few words to stay before having to leave. I wish I would have been there but I have my own child to deal with."

"No, I completely understand. You have a two year old and those can be quite a handful, especially with you being a single mother. By which, I admire you most about you."

"That's very kind of you to say."

"You've been kind to us so please allow me to return the favor. If you need someone to take care of little Elliot, please don't be afraid to call me anytime."

"I'll certainly keep you in mind. My dear mother has been a life savior as of lately. It would be nice to lighten more of the room for both of us."

"Exactly. Cause we are a community that should help each other as best."

"Couldn't agree more. Well, I'll let you and Colsen be on your merry way. Take care, Mrs. Snaphat."

"You as well, Ms. Eleanora."

I then turned around and got into my car with my son. Once I got situated, I saw Colsen through the rearview mirror. He looked so sad. So much so, I wanted to get out of my car and comfort him, but now wasn't the time. I turned the keys on ignition, eventually pulling out of the school parking lot.

Shortly afterwards, I spoke to my son as I drove: "Is everything okay, Coly?"

"Yeah, just got a lot on my mind."

"Is it your father?"

"Yeah... I'm just sad he's been acting weird."

"Me too, honey."

"Do you know why he's been like this?"

I literally was in deep thought when my son ask me that directly. Thinking about all the times we had been together. How Micky would do certain things like this but somehow, I kept on holding out on this relationship. It was a lot to unpack and I've voiced my opinion on marriage counseling but Micky was very adamant about it.

"Mom? Are you okay?"

I shook my head and responded: "Sorry sweetie. I was someplace else."

"I get those too. Especially during class where Ms. Eleanora caught me the last time."

"Did you do better today, dear?"

"Yes, but I was in my own la la land during recess..."

"Sometimes, it's good to be in your own la la land."

"It is?"

"Why yes, Coly. It's human nature for us to just take things in as the world can be overwhelming sometimes."

"I don't quite understand."

"Someday, you will."

"Just like someday I'll understand why daddy is being this way?"

"Same way. Just give it time."

"Okay, mommy. I like our talks."

"AWWW, you and me both, sweetie."

There came silence as I was thinking to myself. 'How dare he let down our own child? I am so beyond upset with his childish behavior. I think it's time I pay him a visit.'

I dropped off Coslen to my parents, considering they don't live too far. I've made a quick hello, goodbye, since I told them I had something left at my place. I made a promise to be back to spend time with them afterwards. My parents were understanding about it and very content in helping their grandson with his homework.

As I drove off to Micky's, a million things were stirring in my head. I had a lot of things to say to that pathetic of a man who just so happens to be fathering my dear Colsen. I pulled up to his place and proceeded to the door.

I knocked, but no answer. I rang the doorbell, but no answer. I called him after the bajillion time, but no answer. What gives!?

I then grabbed the spare key from under the doormat and without a second thought, went inside of Micky's house. What I saw there, completely dropped my heart. His place was a complete mess. It was like a tornado came through here. Some of the furniture was even destroyed, including his flat screen television he won't stop talking about.

There came noise in the kitchen. I went into the storage closet to bring out a Louisville Slugger bat. Whatever it was, it didn't sound human. More of an animal was feasting into something. I slowly tip-toed my way there as I cautiously held onto the bat, turning my knuckles white.

Soon enough, I saw something that I would never expect. The creature was eating something alright. All snacks that were probably bad for it. It had its back turned but I can easily identify what animal it was. Especially considering Colsen wants to work with animals.

It was a hippopotamus in my husband's kitchen!? Without thinking about it, I just screamed there as the hippopotamus stopped its mucking, turned around to me and also grunted there. I think it was it's way to scream back to me too. I couldn't tell.