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Serena
It might seem like a long-drawn-out process, but the whole hearing takes less than an hour and a half. Dominique manages to hold his shit together until Judge Marsh renders her decision. She rules in my client’s favor and orders the father to register through the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement. Based on his earlier behavior I was expecting him to act out, but I was not expecting the level of anger he exhibits in front of the judge, the bailiff, and everyone else.
Dominique jumps up from his seat the minute she smacks down the gavel and the hearing is over. He tries to make a run for Barbara, but his attorney steps in front of him. I get to my feet and urge Barbara to move to the far side of the room with me. The bailiff reaches over to his shoulder and speaks into his communication device. Although I can’t hear what he’s saying, I imagine he’s calling for back up because at this point Dominique is yelling at Barbara that she is ripping his life apart and taking his child from him. He’s not quite stupid enough to threaten her out in the open, but I can tell by the horrified look on her face that she fully understands he could get to her in his present state of mind, and she would not be safe.
His attorney leans over and says something in his ear. Whatever it is, prompts his client to shut his mouth, do an about-face and leave the room. I’m still a little shocked that he lost control of his behavior in the courthouse of all places. This is the place where everyone is usually on their best behavior.
I have to admit I’m absolutely floored that once he’s out the door, Barbara turns to me with her bottom lip quivering and asks, “Do you think I’m crazy for feeling sorry for him and still loving him even after all this?”
Naturally, I want to shake her and scream, “Yes, yes you are. Snap out of it before he does something you’ll both regret.” I don’t because that would be unprofessional. Instead, I reply calmly. “It’s okay to love someone who’s violent, but it’s not okay to let him in your life and around your children. No one can help him until he’s willing to help himself.” I reach into my briefcase and pull out a card for a domestic violence support group.
“Yes, of course you’re right. I don’t know why I said that.”
I hand her the card. No explanation needed because she’s a smart lady with some insight into her own problems.
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s perfectly normal to feel conflicted about major life events. This situation has been immensely stressful. The important thing is that you stood up for your child today and did what was in their best interest. Even though you still have feelings for him, and he was being manipulative, you didn’t let it stop you from doing what you knew was right. Really, you should be proud of yourself.”
Nodding, she responds. “You’re right. I guess it’s just hard seeing him like that.”
“He’s going to be okay. This might be the rock bottom he needs to finally get himself into treatment.”
“I hope and pray that’s the case. I really do believe he has the potential to move past the addiction. If only he would believe in himself enough to give it a try. He just needs the right kind of support.”
Shock roils through my gut. “What he needs is professional substance abuse treatment. You already gave him all the support you possibly could, and it didn’t make a difference. You’re not thinking of giving him another chance, are you?”
Glancing away, she responds quietly, “I’ve made it pretty clear that I still love him. He’s a completely different man when he’s not using. But I can’t raise my kids around drugs or the dangers that using brings with it. There is so much more to this situation than I told you. He was spending all our money on drugs, having dealers in our home, and was coming and going at all hours. I don’t know what was more upsetting, all the yelling and screaming, or forever being afraid he was going to hit our child. No. As much as I love him, I can’t do that again.”
“You’re making a good decision. You can do this, Barbara. I know you can. If you need anything in the realm of legal help, you give me a call and I’ll be there for you, okay?”
When Officer Andrews gave me support at Stan’s apartment, my intention was one day to pay it forward. Little did I know how quickly an opportunity for me to do that would present itself.
Barbara nods, taking a minute to wipe away her tears again. “I appreciate all your help, Miss Sommers.”
“We all need a good support system. You had a lot of family show up for you today. And now you’ve got me for legal matters.”
Suddenly, she smiles. “Thank goodness you were assigned my case. I feel like a lucked out in that regard.” Looking over her shoulder at her family, she told me, “My grandfather would have been here as well, but he stayed home with Kristina. I’d be lost without all of you.”
When we part ways, Barbara’s family surrounds her as they walk out of the courtroom. I hear a masculine voice say my name and look up to find Dominique’s attorney walking toward me. He extends his hand, “Mark Rensberger.”
I already know that because he introduced himself to the court, just like I did. I shake his hand gamely, “Serena Sommers. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You did good today.”
I smile at him as I shove the last of my paperwork into my briefcase. “Who are you kidding? The cards were all in my favor on this one.”
He gives me a knowing look. “Some clients are easier to serve than others.”
“You did well with your losing hand. I can’t begin to imagine a courtroom strategy that would win him even partial custody.”
“Yeah, sometimes our best is all we can do.”
I grab my briefcase and say my goodbyes. “It was nice talking with you. If we don’t end up in the courtroom together again, let me say it was a pleasure getting a chance to meet you.”
“Would you like to grab some coffee with me?”
I give a small shake of my head as I clasp the handle of my briefcase harder. “I’ve got plans. Thanks for the invite though. Have a nice day, Mr. Rensberger.”
“You too, Miss Sommers.”
