Ring - 5. Chapter 5

Finally, Friday night. That meant I’d be picking up Alex early Saturday morning. I was excited to see him. I always looked forward to our weekends together—especially after our last one.

I pulled up to the house and noticed Alex sitting on the front step, his backpack slung over one shoulder and another bag beside him. As I stopped, Alex got up and walked over to the passenger side of the car, opened the door, tossed his bags into the backseat, and settled into the front.

“Hey, bud,” I said, glancing over with a smile. “Everything okay? How come you were waiting outside?”

“Keith,” Alex replied, his voice carrying an edge of frustration. “I know he makes things uncomfortable. I don’t think you deserve that, no matter what.”

I was surprised by his response. I hoped things were okay at home.

“Are things okay with Keith?” I asked, curious but concerned.

“Yeah, they’re fine. He can be a real ass sometimes,” Alex replied with a shrug. “All I told him was to lay off you, and he got pissed at me.” He shook his head, then added, “I mean, whatever, but he doesn’t have to be an asshole. Oh, sorry, Dad.” He trailed off, looking guilty.

“Hey, no worries, Alex,” I said. “Listen, I appreciate you sticking up for me, but Keith’s going to have to come around on his own.”

“I know,” Alex said quietly. “Mom said the same thing... but I don’t know.”

“We can talk about it later if you’re up to it, okay? But for now, want to grab some breakfast? Or just head home? You’ve got swimming and boxing this week, right?”

“Yeah…” Alex replied, his voice a bit distant. “Actually, can we just go home? I’m not too hungry right now and I don’t want to eat before swimming.”

I nodded. “Sure thing, let’s go home,” I said, keeping my eyes on the road as I started to drive. “How was school? Did you talk to that girl?”

There was a brief pause before Alex spoke again, his voice a little quieter than usual. “Umm… yeah, I did.”

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at him briefly. “And how did it go?” I was preparing for the worst, hoping it hadn’t been an awkward encounter.

Alex hesitated, then blurted it out. “Dad… she likes me!”

I couldn’t help but smile. I’d been worried that things hadn’t gone well. Getting shot down is tough, especially at his age.

“That’s great, Alex!” I said, keeping my voice light. “So, are you boyfriend and girlfriend?” I tried not to make it awkward for him.

Alex nodded, his eyes focused on the passing scenery before turning to look at me. “Yeah. I think so. I mean, we’re studying together now. And she came over for dinner a few days ago. And she’s sitting beside me in classes we have together.”

“Wow. Dinner already? Well, I think that means she’s your girlfriend,” I said with a grin. “Way to go! I’m happy for you, Alex. You took a chance, and it paid off.”

As the words leave my mouth, I feel a pang of self-awareness. Here I am, telling Alex to be confident, to take a chance, and I can’t even follow my own advice. I’ve been dancing around how I feel about Jon, too afraid to risk anything. I’ve shown Alex what confidence looks like, how to embrace it. Maybe it’s time I took my own advice and made the first move.

I took Alex to his swimming lessons, settling onto the bleachers while I watched him dive into the water, his strokes strong and sure. He moved through the relays with impressive focus, his coach offering tips and encouragement from the sidelines.

As I sat there, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. He was so intent on being the best he could be—pushing himself harder with each lap, each turn. It was clear he took this seriously. There was something admirable about his determination, the way he didn’t take shortcuts, even when the drills were tiring.

It made me think of when he was younger, how much more carefree he used to be, and now here he was, growing into someone with real goals and drive. I couldn’t help but wonder how much of this focus came from Cammie, how much of it was from her pushing him, always wanting him to do his best. I was proud of him, but part of me felt like an outsider in this new chapter of his life.

After swimming, Alex and I head out for lunch. He wants to try something different this week, and my usual go-to—Chinese or burgers—feels a bit uninspired. Then I remember Meet, the place Jon and I had gone to. It could be a fun change for Alex, and maybe he’d like it as much as I did.

“Hey Alex, want to try something new?” I ask, glancing over as we drive. “I went to this place called Meet—like meeting someone, not the meat you eat. They do vegetarian and vegan dishes, but trust me, it’s good. And… if you don’t tell your mom, maybe you can grab a beer or something.”

Alex’s eyes light up. “Beer? Really? Yeah, let’s go!”

Cammie didn’t like the idea of Alex drinking, but I figured one beer wouldn’t hurt. He’s growing up, and maybe it’s time I start treating him more like an adult. Besides, moments like these are the ones he’ll remember, and I want him to know I trust him.

As we head toward the restaurant, I decide to check in. “So, how’s Keith doing?”

“He’s okay, I guess,” Alex replies, shrugging. “Busy with work and school. He’s barely home these days.”

“And how’s your mom? Everything okay there?”

“Yeah, she’s fine,” Alex says curtly, not offering more. I decided to let it go.

When we arrive at Meet, I scan the parking lot, half-hoping to see Jon’s car even though I know he’s on the East Coast visiting his parents. Even if he was there, I’m not sure what I expected to happen.

“We’re here. If you don’t like it, we’ll grab something else. Worst case, I’ll take it home and have leftovers for the week.”

Alex laughs as we head inside. The restaurant isn’t busy, and we’re seated right away. After scanning the menu, Alex leans over. “Hey, Dad, can I get a couple of extra things? Some of this looks really good.”

“Sure, whatever you want,” I reply, watching him light up. He orders cautiously, making sure everything is mild. He’s never been one for spicy food. I stick with the dish I had when I came with Jon and add two beers to the order.

While we wait for our food, we talk about school. His exams are coming up, and I ask if he needs anything.

“Not really,” Alex says, then hesitates. “But… Dad, I do want to ask you about something. Can you keep it between us? Like, does Mom have to know?”

Alarm bells go off in my head. Cammie and I are on good terms, and I don’t want to jeopardize that, but I also want to respect Alex’s privacy. I know how protective Cammie can be, sometimes to a fault.

“Well,” I say carefully, “it depends on what you want to talk about.”

Alex shifts in his seat, lowering his voice. “Okay. Here goes. I want to get my driver’s license.”

I blink. “That’s it?”

“Yeah. Mom said to wait until next year, but I don’t want to. I don’t need a car or anything right away, but everyone at school is getting their licenses. I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t have one.”

I nod, understanding his frustration. “Have you looked at the cost of lessons?”

“Yeah,” Alex says, “but Mom said they’re expensive and we should wait until next summer.”

I lean back in my chair, thinking. “Okay, don’t worry about the cost. I’ll cover it. But I’ll probably need to talk to her and let her know.”

Alex frowns. “Then she’ll say no.”

“No, I don’t think she will,” I say, meeting his gaze. “Look, let me handle it, okay? I won’t tell her you brought it up.”

Alex studies me for a moment, then breaks into a relieved smile. “Thanks, Dad.”

I smile back. “Anytime, kiddo.”

Our food arrives, and we dig in. As Alex tries the dishes, he looks pleasantly surprised. “Okay, this is actually really good. I didn’t think I’d like it.”

I laugh. “Told you. You’ve got to trust me sometimes.”

As we eat, I can’t help but think about the advice I gave Alex earlier about the girl he likes, and now about taking a chance with his license. Confidence, taking risks, going for what you want… I’m starting to see a pattern.

If I’m willing to help Alex build his confidence, why can’t I do the same for myself?

Jon’s face flashes in my mind, his easy smile, the way he makes me feel comfortable and nervous at the same time. Maybe it’s time I take my own advice.

After lunch, Alex and I head to the mall. He is looking for some new runners and a hoodie. Once we’re done shopping, we head to the gym and I drop Alex off for his boxing session. He’s a bit disappointed that Jon isn’t there, but the stand-in instructor is just as good. Honestly, I’m disappointed too. I’d gotten used to being around Jon, and with him gone, it felt oddly familiar—like the absence of Cammie. But I knew he wouldn’t be here.

I try not to let it show to Alex. He doesn't know about the connection Jon and I share outside of boxing, and it’s probably better that way. For now, it’s just about making sure Alex has the training he needs. I can’t bring up Jon without complicating things, not with Alex still figuring things out for himself.

Sunday came and went, the weekend was winding down. I drive Alex back to his mom’s place. He’s quiet for most of the ride, scrolling on his phone, but every now and then, he glances out the window like he’s thinking about something. I don’t press him—weekends like this are meant to be easy, and I can tell he’s already gearing up for the week ahead.

As we pull into the driveway, I glance over at him. “I’ll see you in two weeks, buddy. And don’t worry, I’ll talk to your mom about the lessons.”

Alex sits up straighter, suddenly serious. “Yeah, but remember—don’t tell her it was my idea. You have to make it seem like it was yours.”

I laugh. “Got it. I’ll take the heat.”

He grins, unbuckling his seatbelt. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best.”

“Don’t forget to text me if you need anything,” I say as he grabs his bag. “Even if it’s just to say hi.”

Alex nods, his smile softening. “I will. Thanks for the weekend.”

As he heads to the door, I watch him for a moment before reversing out of the driveway. It’s always a little bittersweet dropping him off, knowing it’ll be two weeks before I see him again. But he seems happy, and that’s what matters.

Driving back to my place, my mind kept drifting back to the weekend. Alex was opening up more, talking about his feelings, asking for advice. It felt like a small victory, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jon.

I really like him, but I have no idea how he feels about me—or if he’s even gay. He’s Alex’s trainer, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was even a good idea to get close to him. What if I say something and it ruins the relationship with Alex? Or worse—what if it works out? How would I explain that to Alex?

And then there’s the age difference. At least fifteen years, maybe more. Could we make it work? Would it even be fair to Alex?

For now, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the road and on keeping my promise to Alex.

I decided I’d call Cammie next week to talk about letting Alex get his license. It would take a few weeks, and I hoped Alex wouldn’t overwhelm himself with everything—school, his activities, and now this. I didn’t want him to burn out, but at the same time, I knew he was ready for the responsibility.

For now, though, get home and prepare for next week.