Savor the Rewrite: chapter 20 Split Decision
Angela was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for herself and the baby. Even her mother held back on the insults, which surprised her. She figured she'd make up for it the next few days but decided to just enjoy the moment. Samantha doted on her all morning, making sure she had enough to eat and drink and sat down as often as possible. A part of her hoped the baby was a girl so she could experience having a daughter right from the beginning but she also knew if it was another boy, her one and only daughter would be more than enough.
Tony headed out to the main lobby and waited for Jonathan. Hank was dropping him off with a change of clothes. They had scheduled a game of tennis during the shower to keep Tony busy. He saw Jonathan carrying two bags into the main lobby.
"Jonathan! Thanks for meeting me and bringing my stuff! Let's head to the locker room to change" he said as he wrapped his arm around Jonathan.
"No problem Tony! I'm really excited to try out for the tennis team this week!" said Jonathan as they entered the locker room.
"You're a shoo in! After today's practice I'll have you in tip top shape! Just be thankful it's not your mom teaching you! Between you and me, she's the worst doubles player! I doubt I could beat a grandfather/granddaughter duo with her skills!" he laughed.
"Good thing Mom didn't hear that comment! I mean it's true but still!" laughed Jonathan as they finished getting changed. Soon, they were out on the court warming up. Jonathan was keeping up with Tony's volleys back and forth. As they were playing, another father/son came over and asked if they wanted to play doubles, which they both agreed.
The game was going well for the first half. Jonathan was missing some shots, which slowly started to irritate Tony. After winning the first set and losing the second, they were down going into the last set. The other players had a chance to win with the last two volleys. The son served it right between Tony and Jonathan.
"Alright Jonathan I got this one! Get back!" shouted Tony.
"No it's on my side I'll get it!" shouted Jonathan.
"No please Jonathan let me! Let me!" he yelled back.
"Tony!" he yelled as the ball fell between them both, neither going for it.
"Okay… you get it…" said Jonathan sarcastically.
"I thought you were going to get it!" said Tony as he walked over to him.
"Well I was but I thought you were going to shove me out of the way like you did on every other shot!" said Jonathan.
"Now you see why! C'mon Jonathan! We can get these guys! You just have to focus!" said Tony as he turned around. Jonathan lifted his racket in frustration but lowered it when Tony turned back around.
"Okay… one more point and it's their match!" said Tony as he picked up the fallen tennis balls.
"Tony it's only a game!" said Jonathan as his patience with Tony was dwindling.
"Only a game Jonathan? Only a game? Only losers say it's only a game! You can't have that mentality when you go out for the varsity team!" said Tony.
"Match point!" yelled the opposing father as Tony threw the tennis ball over the net.
"Alright look… new strategy! Since you are still learning, we'll divide up the court. You play this section here…" he said as he dragged Jonathan to a small section of the court.
"What section?" he asked Tony.
"The section right around your feet… I'll take everything else…" he said.
"Gee… do you think I can handle it?" asked Jonathan sarcastically.
"It doesn't matter… I'm going to back you up!" said Tony as he headed back to his spot across the court. Tony and the other team volleyed back and forth until the last shot was hit right next to Jonathan. He watched as the ball landed just out of Tony's outstretched arms.
"Why didn't you get it?" asked Tony.
"It was out of my section…" he said as he glared at Tony. Tony just rolled his eyes and muttered something in Italian, words he grew up hearing from his stepfather but never dared to repeat. The other team came over and shook their hands.
"Nice game guys!" said the father.
"The sun was in my eyes!" said Tony as he pulled at straws to make excuses for the loss.
"Better luck next time sir! It's Jonathan right? I think we go to the same school! Are you trying out for the tennis team too?" asked the son.
"I was planning on it…" said Jonathan as he started questioning whether or not he could handle being on the team and having Tony there in the stands. He had a vision of Tony going off on one of the umpires.
"Oh you should! You're pretty good! We could practice together! My name is Bill!" he said as he shook hands with Jonathan.
"Nice to meet you! Looking forward to seeing you on the court!" said Jonathan as they headed back to the locker room. They decided to have lunch at the club's dining room while they waited for the baby shower to end. They quickly showered and changed, getting a table quickly. They ordered two burgers with fries.
"Your order should be coming out shortly" said the waiter as he put down a bottle of ketchup.
"I'm sorry Jonathan. I know I go crazy and I lose my temper… I hate when I do that…" said Tony.
"It's okay Tony. It's just you… you played professional sports so it makes sense you are competitive" said Jonathan.
"Thank you. To you Jonathan… salute!" he said as he toasted Jonathan. "You and your mom are the best things to ever happen to me…" he said as the waiter put down the burgers. Both burgers were well done when they had asked them to be rare.
"And this burger is the the worst! What did you do… leave this on the grill since yesterday?" asked Tony aggressively. Jonathan tried to sink down in his chair as he knew how this interaction would go.
"Is there a problem sir?" asked the waiter. The waiter and Tony argued back and forth until Tony went back to muttering in Italian. Finally, the waiter took back the burgers.
"Tony there's a lot of people here and they are all staring at us…" he said as he tried to become one with the chair. He wished his mom or grandma would come and save him. They knew how to deal with him when he got like this.
"Please! It's just your imagination… what are you looking at pal?" he shouted at another guest.
"Tony it's not that big of a deal…" he said as he hoped the chef wouldn't spit in their food.
"What? You see Jonathan… the minute that you're ready to accept failure on the tennis court, it spills into the rest of your life!" he yelled.
"What are you talking about?" asked Jonathan.
"I'm talking about your lackadaisical attitude! First it's not doing anything about a wrong food order then it's all downhill from there!" said Tony.
"Lackadaisical? Who are you my English teacher? Well at least I'm not competitive, obsessive and demanding!" he shouted back. This was the first argument he had with Tony in a long time and it was making him feel unnerved.
"Look… I'm sorry. I want you to be man enough to stand up for what you want! It's just that I don't want you to settle! For the incorrect food order, for a loss on the court or to be who you want to be Jonathan! You deserve more than that in life!" he said as he realized the conversation needed to be toned down. They were able to enjoy the rest of their lunch after the chef brought out new burgers. Jonathan checked his three times before he dared take a bite. After they were finished and paid the bill, they both headed back into the room as the shower was ending. Angela was surrounded by opened baby gifts.
"Hi sweetheart! Did you have a good time? Looks like the baby has everything he or she needs!" laughed Tony as he helped her stand up.
"It was wonderful Tony! I couldn't have planned it any better! This little one got a lot of love today!" she said as their hands moved down to her stomach.
"Alright! Let's start loading the cars! Jonathan don't just stand there go grab some of the gifts and start bringing them out to the car!" said Tony as he continued to dote on Angela. Jonathan just muttered under his breath and grabbed some gifts as he walked out of the room.
"So what did you two get up to during the shower?" she asked as Tony helped her on with her coat.
"We played tennis with another father/son duo! We lost but it was still a lot of fun! I've got a lot of work to do with him if he's going to make the team. I've got to figure out a way to get some of my competitiveness in him otherwise he's not going to make it in the sports world" he said.
"Do you really think he's meant for sports Tony? He's not the most coordinated person… after all he's got my genes!" she laughed as she took his arm as they walked out.
"Don't you worry Angela! I'll get him there! He's gonna be the best tennis player on the team!" he said as all Angela could do was wonder how long this would take to blow up in his face.
The next week, Tony and Jonathan headed down to the club each morning before school started to practice. When Tony wasn't going overboard on the competitiveness, he was actually a good coach. Jonathan was improving each day and felt confident to try out the following week. Tony had an exam on the day of tryouts so he asked Samantha to go and watch Jonathan go out for the team. She met Jonathan down on the court.
"Hey dweeb! Dad sent me down to cheer you on but I'm just gonna pretend I don't know you!" she laughed.
"Thank god he's not here! Every day this week he's been drilling me on the court! I feel like I'm in the army and Tony's my drill sergeant!" said Jonathan.
"Yeah that sounds like Dad! He almost got a lifetime ban from my Little League team for intimidating the umpire! It was just a teenager trying to make a few bucks! I wanted to bury my head in the dirt, change my name and hitchhike to Canada! He means well but my Dad doesn't have a middle gear… it's either first or fifth!" she laughed.
"My Mom gets like that too! I know he means well but it's just a bit much. Part of me thinks he's putting all of his eggs in one basket with me in case the new baby is a girl or has the Robinson athletic genes…" he said sadly.
"C'mon Jonathan! Dad loves you for who you are! He just wants to see you succeed in something you both have in common. I think a part of him never forgave himself for when you tried gymnastics and injured your shoulder. I think he's trying to make it up to you in the only way he knows how… by going overboard…" she said.
"I guess so… it's just that being so competitive just doesn't work for me. I guess I am lackadaisical like he said… it will be good that he's not here for tryouts. Out of sight, out of mind" said Jonathan. Just then, the new coach came over and started calling the players over. Both Sam and Jonathan had to do a double take as the coach looked exactly like Tony, only with slicked back hair and a mustache.
"Maybe not so out of sight. Boy does your coach look like Dad!" she said.
"Oh my god! It's Tony's doppelgänger!" shouted Jonathan.
"What?" asked Samantha.
"It means his double! God, that man could be Tony's twin!" he said.
"If I didn't know any better I would swear that was Dad!" she said.
"Alright kids! My name is Coach Tom! Come on over so we can start warming up! Only when you are ready though! Take your time!" said the Coach Tom in a soft spoken voice.
"No, nope that's definitely not Tony!" said Jonathan. Coach Tom walked over to them after he noticed them both staring at him.
"Hi! I couldn't help but notice you guys kept looking at me. Do I know you?" asked Coach Tom.
"No! It's just you look remarkably like someone we know" said Samantha.
"Well I do get that a lot. That guy from Taxi right?" he asked them.
"No, actually our Dad. I'm sure you will get to meet him at some point if I make the team" he said. It warmed Samantha's heart to hear Jonathan refer to Tony as his dad.
"I don't have a cut policy so everyone that wants to be on the team will be on it! I say more the merrier! If we happen to win some games along the way that's great as long as everyone feels included and has fun!" he said.
"Adopt me!" said Samantha.
"So Coach Tom… hypothetically speaking you are working with a student who isn't the best athlete. They maybe trip over their own feet, miss a bunch of shots and cost you a game. What would you do?" asked Jonathan. He had to ask these questions to make sure this guy wasn't in fact Tony.
"Well I guess I would make sure he or she was okay and let them know better luck next time! It is only a game after all. I can never understand why people get so upset over losing a game! You see it all the time. I think why absorb all that negative energy. It's just not a good life choice" he said.
"So you wouldn't start screaming at your son I mean student and spend a half an hour lecturing them about their lackadaisical attitude?" he asked rather rhetorically.
"Oh heavens no! Heavens no! What kind of coach would be that immature, that childish?" he asked as Samantha and Jonathan gave each other a knowing look.
"Alright how about we get started and see what we have this year!" he said as he walked back to the court. Samantha wished him luck and headed to the stands as Jonathan followed the coach.
Tryouts went really well. As promised, all the kids made the team, much to Jonathan's relief. Jonathan missed a few shots but found Coach Tom to be kind and understanding. He never raised his voice and complimented each student for their efforts. Jonathan left the court feeling on top of the world.
Tony was putting the finishing touches on dinner when Mona and Angela walked in from work. Tony met them in the living room and rushed to take Angela's coat and briefcase. He kissed her as he led her over to the sofa.
"How was your day sweetheart? Did you get that account?" he asked.
"Yes! We secured it this afternoon! It might end up being the last account, or at least one of the last accounts before I go on maternity leave" she said as Tony started rubbing her back.
"Only eleven more weeks until this little one arrives! I'm hoping you take an early maternity leave so you can rest a bit before he or she comes" he said as he started rubbing her stomach.
"Assuming I keep getting clean bills of health, I plan on working until thirty six weeks and then maybe part time from home. As fun as giving birth on a train would be…" she said with a chuckle.
"Don't even joke about that! This little one is being born in a hospital no if, ands or buts about it!" he said. Just then, Samantha and Jonathan walked through the front door.
"Hi sweethearts! How did tryouts go?" asked Angela.
"Great! There were no cuts so everyone made the team! Our coach is amazing! He's the nicest guy! I'm already learning so much from him! I can't wait for practice!" he said.
"The guy could be Dad's clone! Seriously! I've never seen someone with that strong of a resemblance before! Completely different personalities though…" she said.
"You mean he won't bite your head off when you miss a shot?" asked Mona sarcastically.
"Mother! Tony doesn't… I mean he'd never… so you really liked the coach?" asked Angela, trying to take her foot out of her mouth.
"Would you all like me to leave so you can continue to bash me?" shouted Tony as he stood up.
"Relax Dad! We're just kidding! He does resemble you though! You'll see at his first match in two weeks!" she said.
"You sure you want me there?" asked Tony, the hurt present in his voice.
"Of course he does! We will all be there cheering you on!" said Angela.
"All of you? You all don't want to swap out?" asked Jonathan, thinking all four of them there would be a bit overwhelming.
"Don't be silly! Yes all of us will be there…" said Angela.
"Well I have a date…" started Mona as both Tony and Angela gave her a look.
"Alright! Dinner is ready! Let's go eat!" said Tony as he helped Angela up. He couldn't help think that maybe Jonathan preferred his new coach to him.
The rest of the week as well as the following went by fast for Jonathan. He had practice everyday and found he really enjoyed playing tennis. He still found time on the weekends to practice with Tony but it was surreal to switch back and forth between what felt like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He was splitting his time as much as possible, but he found his coach to be more helpful than Tony.
The afternoon of his first tennis match, the whole family came down to watch. Angela was thirty one weeks pregnant and needed more and more help to get around. Tony brought folding chairs for them to sit on as the match began, the players stretching and warming up.
"So you ready for our first match?" said Bill as he came over to warm up with Jonathan.
"Yeah I think so… my whole family is here so I'm kinda nervous" he said.
"I know what you mean! My dad is in the stands too! Coach is really awesome though! There's no additional pressure to be the best, to win at all costs" said Bill.
"I never realized that tennis could actually be fun…" said Jonathan.
"Well then maybe you've been playing with the wrong coach…" said Bill as he walked away, leaving Jonathan to ponder his words. The match started and Jonathan was up first. Bill was his double's partner. The family cheered him on as the match started. He was doing pretty well until the line umpire called a shot in bounds when it was clearly out.
"Hey! That was out!" shouted Jonathan at the umpire. Coach Tom came over to him to calm him down.
"He was wrong coach! The ball was clearly out!" he said.
"Jonathan… there is no right or wrong, there's just whatever! C'mon let's just enjoy the rest of the match. You're doing great out there!" said Coach Tom.
"No we're not! We are losing the game!" shouted Jonathan.
"Well, you can't always get what you want! There's no reason to make a fuss!" said the coach.
"I'm not making a fuss! I just want him to call the game the right way!" shouted Jonathan.
"Why don't you take this as an opportunity to try a new approach. It's just a game! No need to be so competitive" said the coach. Jonathan could see Tony from the stands, a look of concern on his face.
"But it's supposed to be competitive! That's the point of the game! Only losers say it's just a game!" yelled Jonathan.
"Jonathan you're making a scene. No need to be so uptight…" he said calmly.
"I'm not! How can you be so lackadaisical?" shouted Jonathan. He suddenly realized it was as if he was channeling Tony's energy. He even started muttering in Italian. Tony came running over to them as he could tell something was wrong.
"Boy that coach really does look like Tony!" said Angela.
"Looks yes but that's where the similarities end! They couldn't be more opposites!" said Samantha.
"Well Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are about to meet! This should be interesting!" laughed Mona as the three of them watched Tony come face to face with his doppelgänger.
Tony walked across the court and stood right next to Coach Tom. Jonathan wasn't sure what he should do, but he immediately stopped muttering in Italian since his teacher and translator, not to mention the one who could easily ground him, was now three feet from him. He couldn't stop staring between Coach Tom and Tony.
"Jonathan what's wrong? You look like you're gonna pop a blood vessel out there!" said Tony as he out his hand on Jonathan's shoulder.
"Hi! I'm Coach Tom! Can I help you?" he asked.
"Hi Coach Tom! I'm Tony, Jonathan's stepfather. I'm sorry I'm interrupting but I saw that Jonathan was upset and wanted to make sure he was okay" said Tony.
"Thank you Tony. I'll leave you two to talk…" said Coach Tom as he walked back to the side lines.
"What's going on Jonathan?" asked Tony.
"The umpire is blind! That last call was clearly out! And coach doesn't even care! He doesn't even care about winning! Only losers say it's just a game!" shouted Jonathan, again realizing he sounded just like Tony.
"Calm down a second! I've never seen you this upset! This is so like… me…" he said as he realized his competitive nature in his stepson. It was a mixture of horror in what he must look like when he goes flying off the handle and pride at some of his obnoxious traits being passed down from father to son.
"I'm sorry Tony. I guess I didn't realize just how much you and I were alike and how much I missed the things that make you… you until they were gone" he said as he looked over at Coach Tom.
"I know I go overboard sometimes… well a lot… it's one of a million things that I'm sure drive you, your mom, Sam and even Mona crazy…" he said sadly.
"Well yeah… but it's also one of the million reasons we love you Tony" he said as he gave him a quick hug.
"Alright Jonathan! Get back out there and focus on the game! You've got this!" he said as he jogged off the court. Jonathan gave it his all and managed a few good volleys. Unfortunately, the other team came back and won. The family waited by the side of the court as Jonathan met with Coach Tom and the other players.
"So Dad… did Coach Tom remind you of anyone?" asked Samantha as Mona and Angela looked over at the coach and then back at Tony.
"Coach Tom? That goofy looking bird? Maybe that guy from Taxi…" he said as the three of them burst out laughing, Tony looking over at them like they had lost their minds.