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“Today is a big day. I know you’re nervous, but I need for you to compartmentalize it as much as possible. Show your strength. Wear it on your sleeve. Do not bow or bend or show vulnerability. It won’t matter to the judge, but if his defense sees it, they’ll use it as ammunition.”
I take a deep breath and shake my arms at my sides. “Okay. I can do this.”
Theresa turns to Jonas then. “Glad to see you here, Jonas. Autumn will need your support here today, but do me one favor.” Jonas’s brows shoot up in question. “While in or near the courtroom, do not speak for Autumn. Although you may have good intentions, she needs to display her strength and not be outshone.” Then she bounces her eyes between the both of us. “And both of you, try not to engage in any unsavory behavior. Don’t speak to Leo or his attorney. Better to err on the side of caution.”
Once we both agree, Theresa walks us through the courthouse and leads us to the courtroom where the case will be decided.
As we approach, Jonas speaks up. “Theresa, there was also another incident.” Jonas looks to me briefly. “Autumn’s windshield was smashed and a note was left.”
Jonas pulls his phone from his pocket and shows Theresa shots of Betsy and the note.
“Were the police notified?”
“Yes,” he responds, stowing his phone.
“Perfect. Hopefully we don’t need it, but the evidence ways in our favor.”
We sit on a bench just outside the room and hold each other’s hands. No words are exchanged as I lean into Jonas. He draws small circles on my skin and soothes the anxiety ripping through my bloodstream.
Theresa clears her throat and we both look up in time to spot Leo and an older man at his side. I release Jonas’s hand and sit up straighter. For the next however long, I shove every insecure thought about myself and losing Clementine in a closet in my mind. Leo’s attorney steps up and shakes hands with Theresa. I suppose most attorneys in the area know each other and are cordial, even when they are on opposing sides.
Leo stares at me and Jonas. A wicked gleam on his face. He doesn’t say a word, just stands beside his attorney with his hands shoved in his overpriced suit pockets.
The door to the courtroom opens and a man in security attire steps out. “You may come in now. Judge Walton will be ready to proceed momentarily.”
Leo’s attorney heads for the door, Leo on his heels. Before Theresa moves to enter, an older couple steps in line to go inside.
The moment I get a good look at them, I stop breathing.What the actual fuck?
Every muscle in my body turns to stone. I clutch Jonas’s arm to stabilize myself. My throat runs dry and my mouth feels tacky. I blink a few times, wondering if my mind is playing tricks. But they are still there.
And when they sidle up to Leo, his wicked gleam grows tenfold. They enter the courtroom, and I hold us outside a moment longer.
“What the fuck,” I whisper.
“Who are they?” Theresa questions.
“My parents. They kicked me out after learning I was pregnant and that Leo and I were no longer together.”
“Why would they be here?” I shake my head at Theresa. “Either way, shove aside whatever you’re feeling. Remember what I said earlier?” I nod. “Okay. Take a deep breath. Loosen your grip on Jonas. And let’s go in there and win this.”
I inhale deeply, over and over. When I loosen my grip on Jonas, I shake out my hands. With a few minutes left, we stroll into the courtroom and I keep my eyes forward, away from Leo and my parents.
A moment after we sit and Theresa takes out a thick binder, Judge Walton walks out. We rise from our chairs and stand.
“Be seated,” she says. Judge Walton scans the documents in front of her. “Today’s case is a petition of custody for Clementine Arianna Rooker.” She glances at Leo and his attorney, then us. “Ms. Rooker. If I’m reading the documentation correctly, you have had sole custody of Clementine since birth?”
I glance at Theresa and she nods. “Yes, Your Honor.”
Judge Walton nods then looks to Leo. “Mr. Parker. It is my understanding you have not formally met your daughter. Please tell me why.”
Part of me jumps for joy when Judge Walton puts Leo on the spot. Although, no doubt he has been schooled in his responses.
“Your Honor, I was a young man when I learned I would become a father. I made a juvenile decision and walked away. I am here today to correct said decision.”
Judge Walton hums and shuffles through the documents in front of her. She pins Leo with her gaze again. “Mr. Parker, your daughter is seven and a half years old. Why are you suddenly interested in her well-being? Why are you filing for sole custody when you have never interacted with her?”
Leo swallows. Beneath the table, I catch his leg bouncing. I give a mental victory fist pump at his nervousness.
