My Son’s Coach Turned Out to Be My First Love – and My Past Hit Me like a Truck
My son’s favourite football coach was my first love. It had been 16 years since I last saw him. “There’s something you need to know.” he stated one evening.
He then gave me an old envelope that bore my name. I discovered something within that revealed a long-kept secret about my past.
Daniel, my 14-year-old son, just began playing football.
Until the sun set, he would kick the ball against the garage door.
He primarily discussed his new coach, though.Coach Charles believes I’ve got potential, Mom. He believes I may be a varsity player the following year.
He spoke mostly about his new coach.
Charles. A name I had come to both love and despise.
Charles, I was thankful for him even though I was unaware of this at the time. Since his father left us three years ago, Daniel had become very reclusive.
I hadn’t seen him smile in months until now.
I thus didn’t ask a lot of enquiries.
I once waited for Daniel outside the locker room following a crucial game.
He emerged grinning broadly.
And a man I never imagined seeing again was standing next to him.
I froze.
Charles, I was thankful for him even though I was unaware of this at the time.This is my coach, mom. Charles, Coach.
It wasn’t only Daniel’s coach standing behind him.
My first love was him. I had only ever loved one man.
Charles gave me the same startled expression as I did.GRACE?””CHARLES?
Confused, Daniel glanced between us. “You know each other?”Together, we attended school.
My first love was that one.
In high school, Charles and I had been inseparable. Together, we had planned our entire future. University. union. Children. Everything.
He then left immediately after graduation to attend a prestigious out-of-state university.
No justification. No call. Simply gone.
A year later, I married and had Daniel.
And for the following few years, I made an effort to ignore Charles’s existence.Mom?” When Daniel’s voice spoke, I snapped out of my reverie.Honey, let’s head home.”
Together, we had planned our entire future.
Leaving Charles behind, I led my son out by taking his hand. I was still unable to digest it all.
Charles continued to spend time with Daniel after that experience.
He led the group on walks on the weekends. held more drills in the park. He was always there to support my son after every setback.
Every time I saw them together, my pulse raced as I watched from a distance.
I felt like yanking Daniel away.
He was always there to support my son after every setback.
But I couldn’t treat my son that way.
Daniel appeared content and self-assured.
Even though I was upset, I wasn’t going to deny him that.
Daniel arrived home one afternoon in a radiant state.I’m prepared for the tournament next month, according to Coach Charles.”That’s fantastic, my love.”Mom, I’ve never had a better coach than him. My best friend is him.
I gave a nod.
Daniel appeared content and self-assured.Dad didn’t attend any of my games. Not once. Coach Charles, however, attends each and every one.
I felt a little heartbreak.I’m happy you have him, my love.”
The competition arrived. Daniel gave it his all.
I cheered louder than ever as I sat in the stands.
However, he attempted a header in the closing minutes and failed.
I was sitting there when I heard the break.Dad didn’t attend any of my games. Not once.
Daniel was transported to the nearby hospital by ambulance.
As he sobbed, I held his hand as we travelled.
He was fortunate, according to the physicians.
They were able to save the establishment. He wouldn’t have a limp. However, his competitive sports days were finished.
Daniel sobbed nonstop for three days.Mom, my life is over.”You still have life to live. You have a lot of things ahead of you at the age of 14.
He was fortunate, according to the physicians.
Charles appeared at the hospital one evening.
I ran into him outside Daniel’s room in the hallway.He’s sleeping. Please return tomorrow.”No, Daniel is not the reason I’m here. I’m available to you.”You don’t need to give me anything.”Please, Grace. Give me five minutes, please.
Charles arrived at the medical facility.
Charles appeared pallid. He was unable to look me in the eye.I have a really important item to tell you. Please. Simply pay attention.
He took an old, battered envelope with my name on it out of his jacket pocket before I could respond.”What is this?”Crack it open.
I paused.
I didn’t want to know in part. However, I opened it anyhow.I have to tell you something really essential.
There was a card inside. drawn by hand. A bit wonky. Age had yellowed the edges. It said, in glistening gold letters: “Will you wed me?
dated June 15th. The day we graduated.
My heart was racing.You intended to pop the question?
Charles nodded, tears in his eyes.I had everything planned. That evening at the graduation celebration, I was going to ask you. I had been saving for a ring for months. I prepared an entire speech.
The edges had become yellow due to ageing.Why didn’t you, then?
He produced an additional envelope.due to this.
I carefully opened it. There was a letter inside. In the handwriting of my father. Message to Charles: “I’m writing to you, Charles, because I’m worried about what will happen to my kid. Grace is worthy of a life beyond this place. Additionally, I won’t allow you to obstruct her.”
I continued reading while feeling queasy.Grace is deserving of a life beyond this place.You’re nothing. All you can provide her is a life of hardship and mediocrity. You will let her go if you genuinely love her. After graduating, depart. Avoid getting in touch with her.
My heart was broken by the following line.If you say no, I’ll take her college money right away and have her married to someone better. You have an option. Leave now or permanently ruin her future.
I had tears running down my cheeks as I glanced up at Charles.”This was written by my father?”Yes.Did you just believe him? You didn’t approach me?”Leave now or permanently ruin her future.”You talked about architecture school all the time, Grace. The walls of your bedroom were taped with plans. You dreamed. lofty aspirations. I couldn’t allow you to discard that for me.””So you simply vanished?”I believed I was acting appropriately.Charles, you broke my heart. For months, I sobbed because I believed you no longer loved me. I didn’t attend college. Additionally, I was forced into a marriage I didn’t want by my father.
Charles sobbed when he realised his error. “I have always loved you. Not even for a day.
I dabbed at my eyes.Charles, you broke my heart.”Are you married?
He gave a headshake. “Never even had a meaningful relationship. because you weren’t anyone.”Then why return at this time?
Charles inhaled tremblingly.It happened by accident. For work, I returned to town six months ago. Daniel and I first met during the first practice. He is incredibly gifted.
I felt my entire past come crashing down as I stood there with the letter in my hand.Six months ago, I returned to the town for work.
After I got out of the hospital, I drove directly to my father’s house.
Startled to see me, he answered the door.Grace? Is Daniel doing well?
I displayed the letter.Did you write this?
He froze. “Where did you get that?”Charles held onto it. For all these years. Have you threatened him? Did you make him leave me against my will?”Charles?
I displayed the letter.Yes, he coaches my son.
My dad turned his head away.I was keeping you safe.”defending me? My life was ruined by you!”I wanted opportunity for you! Charles was from a low-income household and had no prospects. You were worthy of better.”Better? My husband left me for another lady after cheating on me. Since then, I’ve been raising Daniel by myself. Dad, is it the “better” you had in mind for me?”I had no idea that would occur.”Charles was from a low-income household and had no prospects.since you believed you could dictate how I lived.”What any father would do, I did. I made sure my daughter didn’t make a mistake.”It was not a mistake to love Charles. It was to listen to you.
I turned around and left.Wait, Grace.
I didn’t turn around. I climbed into my vehicle and headed home.
I froze as soon as I pulled into my driveway. My house had an automobile parked in front of it.
I knew right away.
A automobile was parked in front of my residence.”Why now?” I exclaimed. “Why would fate be this cruel?”
Mark, my ex-husband, was seated on my porch.Why are you here?
He got to his feet. “Grace, we need to talk.”We don’t have anything to discuss.”Please. Listen to me, please.
I folded my arms. “You have five minutes.”
Mark, my ex-husband, was seated on my porch.I was wrong. I’d like to return. I want us to reunite as a family.
I looked at him incredulously.You left us for a different woman.”I am aware. I apologise as well. However, things with her didn’t work out. And now I know what I’ve lost. I’d like to make this right.”therefore your backup plan didn’t work out, therefore you want to return?”It’s not equitable.”Just? When your son most needed you, you left him. I’m left to pick up the pieces after you went.”I would like to return.”I am aware. And I’d like to put things right.”
I inhaled deeply in an attempt to quiet the fury that was rising within of me.Alright. You are welcome to remain. in the visitor’s quarters. Until we resolve the issue. However, this does not imply that we have reconciled. It means you have an opportunity to show that you are not the same egotistical person who abandoned us.
Daniel returned home from the hospital two days later.
Even though he was using crutches, he felt a little better until he noticed his father.Dad? What is he doing here, Mom?
Before he noticed his father standing there, his mood had somewhat improved.Sweetheart, he will be with us for a long time. Until we resolve the issue.”
Daniel pulled away when Mark attempted to assist him in getting out of the car.I understand, Dad.
The tension at supper that night was intolerable.
Mark made an effort to talk. “So, Daniel, maybe when you’re healed up, we can throw a ball around.”
Daniel put his fork down. “Sports are no longer an option for me. My knee is irreparably injured.Correct. Apologies. I overlooked it.
Daniel gave me a look.Sweetheart, he will be with us for a long time.”Can Coach Charles come over tomorrow, Mom?
That didn’t sit well with Mark. “Why do you need to see your coach?”since he genuinely cares for me.”You are important to me.”Then, where have you been for the last three years?”
Mark’s cheeks flushed. “I’ve arrived. I’m making an effort.”You had nowhere else to go, which is why you’re here. Mom let me in on everything.”That isn’t true, Daniel.”Why is seeing your coach necessary?You ought to have wed someone like Coach Charles, Mom. Someone who truly arrives. He doesn’t leave his family when things are difficult.
Mark’s hand smashed down on the table.That’s enough! I refuse to be treated disrespectfully in my own home!””This is not your residence!” Daniel retorted. “It’s Mom’s.”
I stood up. “Go, Mark. Right now.”He’s being ungrateful, Grace.You ought to have wed someone like Coach Charles, Mom.”He’s telling the truth. You have no right to re-enter our lives and demand our respect.”
Mark got to his feet. “You’re choosing his side over mine?”I’m siding with my son. Now leave.”
He slammed the door behind him as he left, grabbing his coat.
I called my attorney and filed for divorce the following day. I should have done it years ago, but at the time, I was only worried about keeping my son safe.
No more second chances.
I filed for divorce after phoning my attorney.
Charles made frequent visits during the ensuing months.
He would sit in the backyard with Daniel and discuss life, school and football.
My heart was full as I watched them through the kitchen window.
Charles and I sat on the porch one afternoon after Daniel went inside to finish his homework.”May I ask you a question?”Naturally.”Do you believe we have a chance? after everything?”
Charles was a frequent visitor.
I gave him a look.
There was still the boy I had adored in high school. He was now a man, though. A decent man. The type of man who would put the aspirations of others before his own happiness.I believe that perhaps we were destined to cross paths again. Perhaps we simply needed to mature first.
He grinned.Does that imply… yes?”It means we should go slowly. I must confirm that this is real. that it’s more than regret or nostalgia.
There was still the boy I had adored in high school.
He made a grab for my hand.I have waited sixteen years. I have a little more time to wait.
Charles and I were formally together three months later.
Daniel was overjoyed.
And what do you know? I felt content.
Charles proposed last week.
This time, for real. In our backyard, on one knee. Using a ring.
Charles proposed last week.
Daniel was recording everything while hiding in the bushes with his phone.
Yes, I replied.
In May, we will tie the knot. I’ll be escorted down the aisle by Daniel.
There is no invitation for my dad. Since that evening at his house, I have not spoken to him.
However, that’s alright.
since I’m at last leading the life that was intended for me. accompanied by the man I was destined to love.
