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-Madeline-
This was a bad idea. This was probably the worst idea I had ever had in my entire life.
I sat in my car on the road in front of Hannah’s house, drumming my thumbs against my steering wheel, staring at her front door like a stalker—trying to convince myself to leave. When Milo told me what she said, I was surprised my eyes didn’t turn red with hatred. I have neverhatedHannah. I had always thought she was a good mother and, overall, a decent person, but the feelings I had toward her now had changed. Whenever the thought of her seeped into my mind, I had to stop myself from tossing a plate on the floor.
My plan was simple. I was going to march up to Hannah’s door, tell her to butt out of mine and Milo’s life, tell her to give him some grace when it came to this custody battle, and then be on my way. It was a good plan, but also a very bad, and very stupid, idea. I looked at her front door and felt my body pull to keep me firmly planted in the driver’s seat. Every inch of me told me to leave, except my heart…my heart told me to defend the person who had taken over it.
I grabbed my phone and opened the text thread to Ophelia. I told her about my very brilliant, very bad idea, and she had yet to respond.
Madeline: You have one minute to tell me to go home before I go tell Hannah to shove it.
I stared at the thread. No small dots appeared, no text bubble popped up under mine, and no phone call stopped me. Once the minute was up, I crammed my phone in my bag, gave myself a small pep talk and then left the car.
This is a bad idea…
This is a very bad idea…
I knocked on the door and waited. And waited.
Maybe she wasn’t home? That would be nice. That would get me out of this terrible situation I had gotten myself into. I turned and looked at my car. If I left right now, she would never know…
The sound of the door opening made me spin back around. Hannah stood there, a smile on her lips that faded as soon as she saw me. She tilted and placed her hand on her hip, her pregnant belly sticking a little farther out than the last time I saw her. I grinned and waved, not saying a single word.
I had a speech planned, of course I would forget it as soon as I saw Hannah.
“Madeline, I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“No, no…” I started, taking a deep breath to try to find my courage. “I just needed to say a few things. Get them off my chest.”
“I’m sure anything that needs to be said Milo can tell me….” She began to close the door.
“That’s the thing, he can’t. He doesn't know I’m here.” I leaned toward the door, making her keep her eyes on me. “He’s nervous and scared, and…you don’t seem to get that. He’s a wonderful dad, and Holly loves him. He’s only thinking about her in this situation, and you need to understand that. He only wants what's best for her.”
“As do I, and that’s here with me.” She placed her hand on her chest. “You don’t need to be here speaking for him.”
“I’m not speaking for him. I’m speaking for myself. I have never once told him what to say or what to do. I have only been there to be a light for him. I’ve known Milo for twelve years, and I know he deserves better than what you are throwing at him.”
Her jaw dropped. “I’m not throwing anything at him. Life changes, Madeline. We can’t all stay in our small little Portland bubbles.”
“Portland is anything but abubble,Hannah. There are so many opportunities here in Portland. It wouldn’t end the world if Holly grew up here. She would have her dad, her grandparents…”
“And you?” Hannah snapped.
I tightened my lips.
“Milo told me you were his girlfriend now. Finally figured that part out, didn't you?” Hannah took a step forward, forcing me to take a step back. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and the anger radiated from her entire body. “He always had a thing for you, even when I was his wife. You were always a priority to him, and that hasn’t changed. This situation doesn't involve you one bit. You have absolutely no relation to Holly, and you need to stay out of it. Stay away from my family, my home, and don’t you dare come here and expect me to just listen and take what you have to say. I don't even want to hear it.” She blinked, giving me the laziest, fakest grin I had ever seen in my entire life. “You need to leave.”
I glared at her, pursed my lips, and blinked. I gave her a single nod and turned my back to leave.
You knew it was a bad idea.
That Wednesday, I left work early. I went home to change into my dress and sweater, the most professional looking outfit I had. Hannah’s words still stung every time I thought about them. I had to force myself to think of something else. And to be honest, it was very hard.
I kept replaying the entire four minutes in the head. Hannah pointing at me, the hatred in her tone and in her eyes, everything single thing that happened.
I grabbed my bag and book and then headed out the door, giving Niko a quick pat on his head before locking the door behind me. The drive to the courthouse was longer than normal, and I rode in silence. All I could hear was my heartbeat. It didn't stop pounding until I saw Milo standing out on the steps, Richard next to him. I parked and walked slowly up, gripping my bag at my shoulder, making sure I had my book.
“You have all the documents?” Richard asked.
