“Now you’re sure this is what you want to do?” You asked your son as you pulled into the parking lot of the local music store.
“Uh huh!” Cooper cheered.
“Not soccer or baseball or swimming?” You asked.
“Mom! I’m seven years old i’m a big boy members? I know what i wanna do!” Cooper said.
Cooper was so excited he was practically jumping out of his seat. As soon as the car was parked and off he was out of the car and on his way into the store.
You had been looking for an after school activity for weeks but he just didn’t seem to like anything he tried. Soccer was first, than swimming and baseball. Even basketball he didn’t like. He loved music though. So when you expressed the idea of him playing an instrument he immediately lit up saying that’s the thing he wanted to do.
Being a single parent wasn’t easy. No one ever said it would be and you never expected it to be. But you wanted Coop to have a normal fully engaged childhood which meant getting him into out of school activities.
“Hello.” A tall curly haired man with an Australian accent smiled as you walked into the store.
“Hi.” You smiled. “Cooper say hi.” You nudged him but got no response. “He can be a bit shy.” You laughed.
“That’s alright is there anything i can help you with today?” He asked.
“Cooper here would like to play an instrument.” You said ruffling his hair.
“Well you’ve come to the right place!” He smiled. “We have tons of instruments to pick from and plenty of teachers for lessons.” He came around the corner crouching down to Cooper’s height. “Do you know what you want to play buddy?”
Cooper shook his head no quickly keeping his face hidden in your side.
“That’s okay there’s a lot to pick from. Why don’t you look around and see if you find one you like?” He said.
“O-okay.” Cooper whispered.
The bell of the door rang announcing someone else’s entrance. The man stood up waving at the person as they walked over.
“Hey Ash.” The boy smiled.
“Ready to jam out? Have you been practicing?” The boy nodded. “Alright awesome! Go wait in the room and i’ll be there in a second.”
“Mommy i’m gonna go look over there.” Cooper pointed at the guitars before walking off.
“I’m Ashton by the way. If you need anything let me know. I have a thirty minute lesson today so it’ll be quick.” Ashton smiled.
“Thank you and i’m [Y/N] by the way.” You shook his hand.
Ashton walked off in the same direction as the boy. You let out a sigh as you watched Cooper look over the instruments. He was always nervous around men. He was totally fine around the other moms of his friends and boys his age but not the dads. He lacked a father figure which you just couldn’t provide.
“Coop what about the piano?” You asked.
Together you walked around the store for 20 minutes. Every instrument you pointed out he said no to. You were starting to think it’d be impossible for him to find something he wanted to do. That’s when you decided to let him wander free a bit without your suggestions and see if he could find one he liked.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Cooper yelled.
“I know what i wanna play!” He breathed tugging on your pants.
“Can you tell me what it is?” You laughed.
“The drums!” He whined. “Come look.”
You let him drag you through the store. In the same direction Ashton had walked off in earlier. You were stopped in front of a window where you could see the kid from earlier and Ashton. Each of them sat at a drum set, Ashton whacking away without a care in the world before turning to the kid to watch him copy his actions.
“I want to be just like him.” Cooper said.
Looking up Ashton saw you standing outside the room looking in. He smiled saying something to the boy before getting up and opening the door. Sticking his head out to talk to you.
“Did you find one?” Ashton asked Cooper.
“Yes!” Cooper grinned. “I wanna play the drums like you.”
“That’s a good one.” He laughed. “Is that okay with you mum?”
“Yeah mom is it?” Cooper gave you the puppy eyes he knew you could never deny.
“Yes, that’s fine.” You laughed.
“Yay!” Cooper yelled giving you a hug.
“Great as soon as i’m finished up in here i’ll help you.” He said.
“Now you’re sure drums is the instrument you want to play?” Ashton asked squatting down in front of Cooper.
“Yes i’m sure.” Cooper said.
“Okay then we need to get you some sticks, a practice pad and a book.” Ashton said. “Now an important part to any instrument is to practice. Do you know why?” He asked while pulling down a practice pad and book from one of the shelves.
“Because practice makes perfect. Mommy tells me that all the time with my school work.” Coop said.
“You have a smart mummy.” You blushed at his comment. “Alright give these a whirl.” He handed him a pair of sticks to see how they fit in his hands. “How do they feel?”
“Then you are set.” He said. “Now what day is good for you and what time for lessons?”
“Thursday’s right after school?” You said.
“That works for me. I’m the drum teacher by the way.” He said.
“I figured.” You smiled. “Now is it okay if his friends mom drops him off but i pick him up?”
“That’s totally fine and we can start this week if you’d like.” He offered.
“Sounds perfect.” You said.
“Here is your stuff Cooper and i will see you on Thursday.” Ashton smiled handing him a bag with his items in it.
“Thank you.” Cooper mumbled taking the bag quickly.
I sat at the counter waiting for Cooper to show up for his lesson. He was a really good kid. Practiced like he’s suppose to and had a real knack for drumming. He had real potential for a kid his age.
He was pretty shy and quiet for the most part. It took him a few weeks to warm up to me. [Y/N] explained that it wasn’t me and not to take offense to his quietness but i never would’ve. Kids are usually shy their first few weeks of lessons.
“Hey Coop.” I smiled as i saw him walking in.
“Hi.” Cooper mumbled, seeming a bit off.
Looking up i could see Julia, the mum of his friend who always dropped him off behind him. Which was unusual because after the first few weeks she stopped coming in with him. Letting him run in on his own.
“How was school?” I asked bending down to his level but all he gave me was a shrug. “Go wait in the practice room i’ll be right there okay?”
“Is everything okay?” I asked Julia.
“I’m afraid not.” Julia sighed.
“What happened?” I asked worried by what the answer may be.
“During school today they were working on a Father’s Day project. According to the teacher Coop refused to participate saying it wasn’t fair he had to do the project.” She explained.
“He’s such a good kid though,” I said. “Why wouldn’t he participate?”
Julia’s eyebrows came together and she almost looked sympathetic for me. Like i was missing some big part of the puzzle here.
“You don’t know do you? Cooper’s dad left [Y/N] before he was born and she hasn’t heard from him since he left.” She sighed. “He doesn’t have a dad.”
“Oh,” I gulped. “I’ll see if i can cheer him up a bit.”
“Good luck.” She smiled softly before leaving.
“So did you practice this week?” I asked sitting next to Cooper.
“Yeah.” Cooper nodded. “Almost everyday.”
“Good to hear that’s why you’re getting so good.” I smiled which made him smile a bit too. “How’s your mum?”
“And school? How’s that?” I looked at him watching as his whole body language changed.
Cooper looked down to his lap. Messing with his drum sticks thinking of a way to ignore my question. I figured maybe getting him to talk about it would help him feel a bit better.
“You know you can talk to me Coop.” I assured placing my hand on his back. He nodded slowly letting out a sigh.
“Today at school my teacher wanted us to do this project for Father’s Day. At first I didn’t mind but when i started John was making fun of me asking why i was doing it because i don’t have a dad. So i got upset and told the teacher i wasn’t doing it.” He mumbled.
“Did you tell the teacher he was bullying you?” I asked.
“Yes, he gots in trouble but that didn’t make me feel any better.” He sighed.
“Do you think playing some drums would help you feel better?” I smiled.
“Alright show me whatcha’ve been practicing!” I said.
“Hey bud.” [Y/N] smiled opening her arms engulfing him in a big hug. “How was practice?”
“Great i learned something new! Ashton said i’m doing really well!” He smiled.
“That’s great i’m glad to hear that.” [Y/N] laughed kissing his cheek. “Was he good?” She asked.
“Coop why don’t you go look at the drum sets over there.” [Y/N] pointed to the corner of the store.
“Can i get one?” He asked wide-eyed.
“Maybe in the near future.” She laughed.
Excitedly, Cooper ran off to go look at the sets. [Y/N] let out a sigh as she walked over towards me so she didn’t have to speak loudly. Clearly not wanting Cooper to hear what she was going to say.
“Did Julia tell you what happened?” She asked.
“Yes, she came in with him to tell me what happened. I talked to him a bit about it before we started.” I said.
“He seems fine now but how was he when he got here?” She looked over at her son who was tapping away at the different cymbals lightly with his hands. Listening to the different sounds they made.
“Off. He was pretty upset when they got here.” I sighed. “Apparently one of the other kids was making fun of him for not having a dad. That’s what Cooper told me.”
“That’s about right. I got a phone call from his teacher around lunch time explaining the whole thing. Some kids are just so obnoxious.” [Y/N] ran her hands over her face letting out a deep breath. “Thank you for cheering him up. You’re the only male figure besides my father he’s ever been comfortable around.”
“I’m glad i could make him feel comfortable. I know how other kids can be. My father wasn’t in the picture either.” I said.
[Y/N] pursed her lips nodding her head softly. She cleared her throat before brushing her hair out of her face. Even when she was upset she was still beautiful.
“So are you really thinking of getting him a kit.” I laughed trying to break some of the tension.
“We’ll see how he does over the next few lessons.” She chuckled. “I want to make sure he’s really going to stick with before going head in.”
“Understandable. It’s not cheap.” I said.
“I should get him home. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long day.” She breathed heavily. “Come on Coop.”
“Ya know if you ever need anything just give me a call.” I offered.
“Thanks Ash.” She smiled wrapping her arm around Cooper’s shoulders leading him out of the store.
“Hey Ash?” Cooper asked turning to me as he was packing up his sticks and book into his bag.
“I can talk to you about stuff, right?” His voice was small.
“Anything bud you know that.” I assured.
“The kids at school they keep making fun of me.” He whispered. “Did my dad not love me?”
I felt my stomach drop at his question. He had tears in his eyes looking to me for an answer i knew i couldn’t really give. I didn’t know why his father left but i do know that he was a dick for leaving.
As i sat there looking at him all i could think about was me at his age asking my mother the same question.
“I’m sure he loved you very much Coop.” I smiled softly patting his shoulder.
“Did he leave because of me?”
Another very familiar question.
“Are you kidding? Who would leave because of such a great kid like you?” At this he cracked a smile but it quickly faded. “Ya know you and i are a lot alike.”
“Really?” His eyes seemed to shine at my comment.
“Yeah! We both play the drums, we both love our mums very much and ya know what else we have in common?” I asked.
“I don’t have a dad either.” I let out a shaky breath.
“I’m sure he still loves you very much though. That’s what my mommy always tells me.” He hugged me tight. “I like being like you Ash. You’re really cool.”
“You’re really cool too Coop.” I laughed.
“When i grow up i wanna be just like you.” He said.
“I want you to grow up to be the best Cooper you can be okay?” I asked. “Can ya do that for me?”
“Yeah i can do that.” He nodded.
“Good! Now lets go see if your mum is here yet.”
Normally after his lesson we would come out and [Y/N] would be standing at the counter waiting for him or looking around. But as we got to the front i didn’t see her and there was no one else in the store except another worker. Cooper tugged on my shirt looking up at me questioningly.
“She must be stuck in traffic.” I said.
“Do you have a place i can sit and do my homework?” He asked.
“You’re a good kid.” I smiled. “Come on.”
I lead him behind the checkout counter pushing one of the chairs closer to it so he could reach. He thanked me, pulling out a folder and pencil before starting to work. Looking up i saw the kid for my next lesson walk in so i turned to Rob and told him to watch Cooper.
“If you need me just yell.” I ruffled his hair before going into my next lesson.
Just before i walked all the way into the room the phone rang. Rob answered it but said it was for me.
“Hey Ash it’s [Y/N].” [Y/N] sighed.
“Is everything alright?” I asked nervously.
“Yes but i’m stuck at work. There’s a last minute deadline i need to get stuff in for by tonight, i can’t leave until it’s done.” I could hear in her voice how stressed out she sounded. “I know you guys close at like 6 today but i don’t think i’ll be out by then. Is there anyway you could bring Cooper home until i get there when you get off? I feel awful asking but i have no one who can get him, he has a house key.”
“That’s fine no worries i can do that. Don’t feel bad i told you if you needed anything to let me know. I’ll give you my phone number and you can text me your address.” I said.
“Thank you so so so much!” She said.
“It’s not a problem.” I smiled.
“Then Steven said that Donatello was better than Raphael which i don’t agree with!” Cooper exclaimed. “I told him Raphael was definitely the best ninja turtle.”
Oh what i would pay to be a kid again. Only having the worries of which ninja turtle was the best. Or who was the cutest on the playground.
“And then Izzy came over and said that Raphael was her favorite too! She even gave me part of her cookie!”
“It’s sounds like you had an exciting day.” I laughed at his enthusiasm.
“Uh huh.” He nodded. “That’s my house!” He pointed while i pulled into the driveway.
“Your mum said you had a key.” I said.
“Here.” He smiled handing it to me. “Where are you going?”
“We always get the mail before we go inside.” Cooper stated matter of factly running towards the mailbox.
Standing on his tiptoes he opened the little door. Reaching inside he pulled out a few pieces of mail before coming back over to me informing me he was now ready to go inside.
“Can you make me a snack?” He asked.
“Sure what do you want?” I asked finding my way to the kitchen.
“A sandwich! Bananas and nutella please.”
“Coming right up!” I cheered.
Cooper climbed onto the chair at the island of the kitchen. His arms were folded over, his chin resting on them as he watched me try to find the bread and nutella. The bananas were an easy find since they were out on the counter. Little giggles left his lips as he watched me continue my search.
“What’s so funny mister?” I questioned.
“The bread and nutella’s over there silly.” He pointed to the pantry. “In that cabinet.” He laughed.
Once i found everything. Including a knife and plate. I placed everything on the counter and began making the sandwich. Cooper sat quietly as he watched me spread the nutella onto the bread. He licked his lips, eyes going wide as if this was the best snack he was ever going to have.
“Can i cut the banana?” He asked.
“Have you done it before?” I questioned.
“Yes i do it all the time.” He said.
“Alright,” I handed him the plate and banana along with the knife and watched how he carefully cut it.
Making sure not to get his fingers in the way but also not make the pieces to big. When he was finished i put the sandwich altogether, cutting it in half before cleaning up.
“Is there anything your mum does when she gets home we could do for her?”
“Well we get the mail and then she makes me a snack while i do my homework but i finished that earlier. Then,” he paused, tapping his chin thinking deeply before continuing. “I go and make sure my room is clean and play games while she makes dinner.”
“How do you feel about us making dinner for your mum?” I asked. His only answer was a big nod yes considering he’d just taken a bite out of his sandwich. “What should we make?”
“Mac ‘n cheese!” He yelled.
“What about a vegetable?” I mused.
“Ew, i don’t like vegetables.” He pulled a face.
Walking over to the fridge i opened it to see what they had. Luckily there was some broccoli which was something i knew how to make. So i brought it out only to hear Cooper fake gag.
“I’ll make it a way i know you’ll like it.” I promised.
God, you felt like such an ass. Sure Ashton was a nice guy but you felt awful for putting him on the spot like that. You could picture his killer smile just at the sound of his laugh over the phone.
You pulled into the driveway, seeing Ashton’s car parked as well. Looking at the clock you banged your head against the steering wheel. 7:45. Cooper’s lesson ended at 5.
It was times like these you hated being a single parent.
You grabbed all your stuff from the backseat and made your way inside quickly. You placed your briefcase on the floor by the door like you always did. The smell of food filled your nose as you breathed in.
“I’m home!” You called out. Expecting Coop to come running but you got nothing.
Slowly you walked down the hall to the kitchen. Only to see Ashton stood in front of the stove, Cooper on his step stool next to him helping Ash cook.
“Now just add a little bit of salt.” Ashton said handing the salt shaker to Cooper.
“Mommy!” Cooper grinned jumping down from the stool to hug you. “Ashton and I are making dinner! He’s showing me how to make broccoli not taste bad.”
“Is that so?” You laughed.
“Thank you, but you didn’t have to.” You smiled softly at him.
“It was the least i could do. It’s just mac 'n cheese and broccoli.” Ashton shrugged.
“Mm, my favorite.” You winked.
“You really don’t need to help. You’ve done enough for me today.” You said.
“I want to.” Ashton insisted. “I’ll wash, you dry?” He offered handing you the drying towel.
Silence fell over the room as he began washing and you started drying. Cooper was already in bed. Ashton had put him to bed as per Coop’s request. You couldn’t be more grateful to have Ashton in Cooper’s life. They clicked, which was something Cooper needed with a male figure in his life.
“Did you get your work in on time?” Ashton asked pulling you from your thoughts.
“Yeah i did, barely but i did it.” You chuckled. “Thank you, again.”
“Stop thanking me. It wasn’t a problem really.” He smiled nudging your shoulder with his.
“It’s just,” you paused looking over at Ash. He had stopped washing for a moment to look at you. Your eyes met but neither of you turned away.
“It’s just what?” He asked.
“I don’t know what’s more shocking to me. The fact that Cooper is so comfortable around you or that i’m comfortable around you.” You blushed.
A smirk grew on Ashton’s lips as he stared at you. You felt like you had a swarm of butterflies in the pit of your stomach. His hazel eyes were soft but held some sort of tenderness to them. When you looked into them it felt like your heart was stopping.
You hadn’t noticed until now just how much you fancied him. He was great with Cooper. Had a kind heart, one of the sweetest, chillest people you’d ever met. He was extremely attractive. There was no questioning that.
Your gaze had fallen to the floor while your hands fiddled with the towel. Ashton lifted your chin by his pointer finger. Retraining his eyes with yours. His hand cupped the side of your face. His thumb rubbing over your cheek softly. You could guarantee your face was red as a tomato but at that point you didn’t really care.
“I really want to kiss you.” He whispered.
You opened your mouth but no words came out. You were literally at a loss for words. Pursing your lips you nodded your head yes.
Carefully Ashton pulled you closer. Leaning down his lips met yours softly and in that moment it felt like all of the air had been sucked out of your lungs. Dropping the towel on the floor you reached up tangling your hands in the curls of his hair bringing him even closer to you.
Ashton’s hand fell from your face to your waist. Both of his hands holding a firm grip on your sides. Finally once you broke apart your foreheads pressed together, each of you breathing heavily with little giggles here and there.
“Well shit.” You laughed hiding your face in his chest as he kept you in his arms. You felt him place his chin on top of your head.
“I’d like to take you on a date. If you wouldn’t mind.” Ashton smiled as he brought you out at arms length to look at you.
“I’d like that. A lot.” You said.
Your lips met once again in a quick kiss before you bent down to pick up the towel. Ashton gave you a big smile as he started putting the dishes back from where he found them earlier.
“How about tomorrow after work?” He asked.
“It’s a date.” You smiled.
“Yay! I’m gonna have a daddy!” Cooper yelled startling both you and Ashton since you thought he was sleeping. “I love you guys.” He mumbled doing his best to hug both of you at the same time.
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