“Hi this is AJ – I'm not around so...leave me a message.”
“Hey AJ, it's Rhonda. I don't know if Howie told you but we're throwing a birthday party for the kids...”
AJ picked up the phone, “Hey Rhon, what's up?”
“Oh, you're home,” I said.
“Yeah well, I saw the number on the caller ID and I didn't know if I felt like arguing with my wife or not,” he mumbled. “Is she there?”
“No, she went grocery shopping and I got the kids. Anyway, I wanted to personally invite you to the twins' birthday party. I wasn't sure if Howie mentioned it or not.”
“Yes he did, and of course Uncle AJ will be there. It will give me a chance to see Arrianna and Tyler again,” AJ said suddenly getting quiet.
“You know that if you want to see them more often you can just ask Amber. She's not going to keep them away from you.”
“I know, I know. I would love to have my family back together but...it still stings.”
“I know it does. But you and Amber still have a chance. The only reason you guys are still apart is because you're both stubborn!!”
There was silence on the other end of the phone. “Yeah but at least I'm not still hanging around with the girl I kissed!” AJ said angrily.
“No you're not but what happened with Amber and Nick was a one time drunken thing. You and Amanda have a long history together.”
“How do you know nothing else happened with Amber and Nick?”
“Because I believe them. I don't know why, but I do. Besides, Amber has never been able to keep things from me. I always pull stuff out of her,” I laughed.
“Okay – I guess I'll believe you. So what time should I be there on Saturday?”
“1:00”
“Okay then I'll see you guys at 1:00. And Rhonda?”
“Yeah AJ?”
“Do you think Amber will let me see the kids before Saturday?”
“I'll have her call you.”
“Thanks,” AJ mumbled.
“You're welcome.”

Amber's View

“Hello?” my breath caught as AJ answered the phone. Damn why did he still have that effect on me?
“Hi, it's me. Rhonda said you wanted me to call you.”
“Yeah, I uh wanted to see Arrianna and Tyler. I was hoping we could arrange something.”
“Well they're your kids too, if you want to see them all you have to do is stop by. No ones stopping you from doing that.”
“I know,” he said. “I just didn't know whether you wanted to see me or not.”
“This isn't about whether or not I want to see you this is about you seeing your children.”
“I know…do you want to see me? I mean maybe we could do something together. You me and the kids of course.”
“I don't think that's a good idea right now. I'm tired of fighting with you and that's all we seem to do anymore. That's not good for the kids to see.”
“You're right,” AJ said quietly. “So where do we go from here?”
“I don't know. I'll drop Arrianna and Ty off later today, and you can see them at the party. I guess we'll eventually have to work out some sort of visitation papers or something.”
“We…let's not go that far yet.”
“Is there a good time to bring them over?
“No anytime is fine.”
“Ok well then I'll see you later then,” I said wanting to scream into the phone with pent up frustration over the situation.
“Fine. I'll be here.”