Page 48 of One More Chance
“I’m not pressing charges yet,” I told the officer, “but I need this on record. I’ve got kids in the house and I need a restraining order.”
The officer nodded. “You’ve done the right thing coming in. If you’ve got any old texts, emails, voicemails, anything, send them to us. Keep this note. We’ll make copies. And keep your security cameras on at home.”
I left the station with a weight lifted and a folder full of paperwork, documentation, steps for filing a restraining order, and the contact info for the officer assigned my case. I called my lawyer next. I wanted everything airtight. Angie had been a crack in the foundation of my life, and I wasn’t going to let her become a fault line again.
Back at the rental, I installed a pair of security cameras, one for the front porch, one for the back. I texted Sloane the update, but kept it brief.
Filed a report. Getting restraining order next. You and the kids are safe. I won’t let her near you.
She responded a few minutes later:
Thank you. For handling this the right way. I didn't want to have to bail you out of jail...
That was one time Sloane. I can be a good boy.
I hoped that gave her at least a chuckle. Reading her words gave me something I hadn’t felt in weeks - a sense of control. Hell, it was starting to finally feel like I was doing the right thing. Not just talking about change but proving it.
Baby steps, big guy.
I wasn’t only protecting them from Angie. I was protecting them from the man I used to be.
So when Sloane continued our conversation, I was elated.
Hey… I’ve been feeling off the past few days. Think something’s going around the clinic. I'm exhausted.
I’m sorry to hear that. What do you need?
Would you mind taking the kids tonight? I took off from work and plan to stay home today. I need to rest. Maybe sleep without anyone knocking on the door.
Of course. I’ll pick them up after school, take care of dinner, Liam's soccer game, homework, bedtime routine, whatever they need.
Thank you.
And thanks again for handling the Angie thing. I’ve been sleeping better knowing you took it seriously.
I meant what I said… I’ll protect you and the kids no matter what.
Let me know if you need anything else. I plan to bring extra security cameras to set up over there. I don't want her anywhere near you guys.
The private school pickup line felt longer than usual, or maybe that was the knot of nerves twisting in my chest. Both kids would be getting out around the same time, which had been a simple but major selling point when we picked that school; staggered release times were always inconvenient, and often impossible, for working parents.
I spotted Violet first, her hair bouncing as she waved and backpack slung half-open like always. Liam followed behind already in his soccer uniform, his cleats slapping against the pavement.
“Hey, you guys hungry?” I asked as they piled into the truck.
“Daddy, I am starving,” Violet groaned dramatically. “I barely made it through math.”
“Can we stop for sandwiches?” Liam asked, buckling his seatbelt.
“Done. Let’s go.”
Dinner was fast and easy. I let Violet pick the music in the truck while Liam scarfed down his sub in record time. The conversation drifted from school to YouTube to whatever new project Violet wanted help with. It felt… normal.
By the time we got to the soccer field, the sun had dipped low and the floodlights buzzed overhead. The air held that early autumn chill, enough to make me grateful I’d remembered to grab their jackets.
Sloane had always been the one to show up early, set out the folding chair, make sure Liam had his water bottle and extra socks. I used to brush it off, thinking it wasn’t a big deal. But now, holding Violet’shand while we crossed the grass, it hit me. It was a big deal. Every tiny moment was a huge moment.
“Dad,” Liam said, running up before the game started. “You’ll stay the whole time, right?”
