AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Yeah. I thought it might be yours but then she mentioned some other guy. Says they're getting married."
"She's been busy. Doesn't surprise me. What does surprise me is that she's keeping the baby. Is the guy rich?"
"Not a clue. But if this drug test is negative, would you be willing to testify that you've been sleeping with her? Not sure it will cut it but it might help."
"Fuck man, that'd be a circus, but yeah, of course."
I nod. "Thanks."
"Least I can do. And, Roland, I'm sorry she's doing this. Had I known, I'd never have slept with her. It was just sex."
I sigh. "I know." And I do know. I'm starting to realize that some people can be trusted to not always tell the truth or be perfect, but they want to do what's right in the end. I think back to how I've treated Maddie and realize it was wrong. I've shut her out in a way that's been... churlish.
Sleep eludes me. I toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position, but my thoughts won't let me rest. Finally, I decide to get up and do some late-night exercise, hoping that physical exertion will tire me out enough to fall asleep.
I hit the home gym, letting the burn of the weights and the rhythm of my breathing anchor me to the present. With each rep, I imagine lifting the burden off my chest and Sofia getting what she deserves. She does not deserve to see a daughter she's ignored for four years. Postpartum depression be damned. My lawyer has already sought out our midwife to confirm my version of events.
"Keep pushing, Roland. You've got this," I mutter to myself, gritting my teeth as I push through another set.
Eventually, exhaustion overtakes me, and I shower and then stumble back to my bedroom, collapsing into the bed. As sleep finally claims me, my last thought is a fervent hope that tomorrow will bring good news–for Carmen's sake and mine.
***
The sun has not yet fully risen as I step into the courtroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I take a deep breath and steady myself. This is it–the moment of truth.
The judge begins, her voice is stern and authoritative. "I have reviewed the results of the drug tests taken yesterday. Ms. Jacobs' test came back positive for cocaine, with traces of heroin. Based on this evidence, I am denying her request for partial custody."
Relief washes over me like a tidal wave, and I can't help but let out a shaky breath. Sofia's eyes widen in shock, and I watch as she stammers out a protest. But the judge is unmoved, cutting her off with a firm tone.
"Ms. Jacobs, if you wish to reopen this case, you will need to provide proof of rehabilitation and a commitment to leading a sober lifestyle," he says, his gaze unwavering.
"Thank you, Your Honor," I manage to choke out, feeling an immense weight lift from my shoulders. As I walk out of the courtroom, I feel jubilant and victorious. I rush home to hug Carmen.
She's surprised to see me in the middle of the day but happy. "Daddy! You're home, Let's get some ice cream in Central Park, OK?"
Her excitement is infectious. As we stroll through the park, I savor the cool sweetness of my ice cream and the warmth of the sun on my face. The laughter of children playing nearby fills the air, and for a moment I feel happier than I have in ages. I don't have to fear Sofia's influence on Carmen's life.
"Look, Daddy, a squirrel!" Carmen exclaims, her eyes wide with wonder. She tugs on my hand, urging me to follow as she chases after the small creature.
As we return to the apartment, I put Carmen to bed, then head back to the office. I get lost in work for a couple of hours, but when I return home I feel... empty?
What the hell? Is this just a temporary low after feeling so anxious? I give myself a shake. I should sit back, drink a glass of wine, and enjoy my life.
But is just that–a few weeks ago, I imagined sharing my life with Maddie and coming home to an apartment filled with laughter, not silence.
I sigh. I know I've been an ass toward Maddie, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I will have to find another woman. Get out there. Start living a bit.
Days pass, but instead of feeling like I'm reclaiming my normal life after the court battle, I feel emptier and emptier. I know I have to do something, but I'm not sure what.
One evening, I find myself in the kitchen, staring into the open refrigerator, lost in thought. The cool air brushes against my face as I search for something to snack on.
"Roland, why haven't you called Maddie?" Gina asks bluntly, her hands on her hips. "It's obvious you have feelings for her, and I've seen you mope around for a while now. I didn't want to say anything before the court case was over, but it's over now. Call the woman."
I close the fridge door with a sigh, turning to face her. "Why would she talk to me? I wasn't exactly friendly... stuff happened. She knows I didn't trust her. The stuff with Brett... I just clammed up. I didn't want to take anyone into my confidence anymore."
Gina crosses her arms, her piercing green eyes never leaving mine. "So, show her you've changed. Enroll yourself in therapy, and then seek her out."
Her words hit me like a freight train, forcing me to confront the possibility of rebuilding what I'd destroyed. "You think that'll work?" I ask hesitantly, searching for some kind of reassurance.
