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"Your Honor," Sofia begins, her voice smooth and controlled, "I am here today because I have not seen my daughter for years and I'd like to change that." She pauses for dramatic effect, and I can't help but roll my eyes at her theatrics.
"Is that so?" I scoff under my breath. Noting the way Sofia acts and moves, I have the impression she might be high. I've seen what she's like when doing coke, and I am fairly certain she's high as a kite right now. I shake my head.
"Your Honor, when Carmen was born, I wasn't in the right space to be a mother. I suffered from postpartum depression and couldn't give her the care she needed." Her voice is soft, pleading, and I can't help but feel skeptical.
My mind races back to the time after Carmen's birth, recalling how Sofia showed no signs of depression. Instead, she was constantly partying and disappearing without warning. And her reaction to being pregnant in the first place was not a happy one. If she was depressed, it started way before she gave birth, but again, I noticed no difference in her mood before or after getting pregnant. She seemed... disappointed and annoyed, that was all.
"Your Honor," Sofia says, her voice shaky, "there's something else I need to tell you." She looks pale and uncomfortable, clutching her stomach as if she's about to be sick. "I'm pregnant." Her lawyer hands over some documents to the judge who looks and them and nods.
The judge raises an eyebrow, as my heart skips a beat. Pregnant? With Brett's child? But he never mentioned anything about it.
Sofia continues, "I want my unborn baby to have a relationship with their older sister. It's important to me that they know each other. The father and I have been seeing each other for the past six months. He's aware of the baby and we plan to set up a home together and get married. He has a stable job."
Aware of the baby? If it's Brett I will... I don't know what I will do beside ending my friendship with him.
The judge studies Sofia for a moment. "He is willing to come to court to testify?"
Sofia affirms this and mentions the name of a guy I've never heard of. I gape at her. So, she was sleeping with someone besides Brett?
"Is that all?"
Sofia nods, trying to look vulnerable, though I can't shake the thought that this is all some sort of twisted game to her.
The judge turns to me. "Mr. Carmichael?"
My lawyer asks for a moment, which is granted, and he quickly asks me about how I feel. I tell him I have no wish to give her custody. He nods and presents our case. Sofia hasn't been around for years. If she had received help for postpartum depression, surely she would have sought custody sooner. What's more, we suspect her of using drugs.
The judge asks for proof and Mr. Dawson is permitted to call several witnesses, including Sofia's personal assistant, who testifies to her erratic behavior and mood swings as well as having seen her snort coke on several occasions. Mr. Dawson also presents CCTV footage of Sofia making a questionable transaction in a back alley.
"Miss Jacobs, do you deny these allegations?" the judge asks, her gaze piercing.
"Of course, I do!" Sofia protests, her eyes darting around the room. "That's not what it looks like!"
"Given the gravity of these accusations, I am ordering drug tests for both parties immediately," the judge declares.
My pulse races as I follow the bailiff to the restroom, providing a sample without hesitation. I know I'm clean, but the weight of the situation hangs heavily on my shoulders. Returning to the courtroom, I can only hope that the truth will come out and Carmen's safety will be ensured.
"Mr. Carmichael, Miss Jacobs, we will reconvene tomorrow morning at nine. The court is adjourned," the judge announces, banging her gavel.
As I leave the courtroom, my mind races with worry and uncertainty. What if Sofia regains custody of Carmen? Can I protect my daughter from her own mother? Having seen her today in court I know she's playing a game. I just don't know which one.
That night, I can't shake my restlessness. Carmen and I spend our evening playing with her dolls and watching her favorite cartoons, but my thoughts keep drifting back to the trial. When it's time for us to go to bed, I tuck Carmen in and kiss her forehead.
"Good night, Daddy," she whispers sleepily.
"Good night, sweetheart," I reply, squeezing her hand gently before leaving her room.
I decide to call Brett – he has messaged me asking about the court case.
"Hey buddy, how'd it go?" Brett asks me when he answers the phone.
"Well, I suppose. We presented our side and both Sofia and I were tested for drugs. She was outraged."
"I bet she'll test positive."
"I hope so. But man, do you know she's pregnant?"
"Pregnant?" Brett asks, stupidly. I can tell by the sound of his voice that he didn't have a clue.
