He was talking to her but she wasn't listening. She had tuned him out 15 minutes ago. She was in her own head now, like she liked to be. In her head, she didn't get arrested for shop lifting. In her head, she wasn't stuck in some half-assed home with 6 other kids ran by some old lady, using them for the state's money. And more importantly, in her head, she wasn't stuck in this tiny courtroom with 5 other people, while the judge determined her sentence.
She looked around the room. It was all very bland and boring, just like this hearing. She learned at an early age not to depend on anybody and watching her state appointed lawyer type away on his phone, proved her right. He didn't care about what happened to her, just like everyone else in her life. She looked over at the lady sitting at the other desk in front of the judge. She wasn't exactly sure who or what part she had in this little charade, but she must be against her, sitting on that side. She sized her up. Blonde women, maybe in her 30's and pretty. Another thing she noticed about her was that she was pregnant. She was very, very pregnant. The lady caught her staring at her and gave her a small smile before turning to the judge.
At this time, she decided to tune back into the conversation right when the judge asked, "Mrs. Cahill-Walker, I believe the reason you are here is because you don't think Miss Cook deserves to be sent to a juvenile detention facility?" Interesting, she thought. "That's true, your honor," she said as she stood up. I don't think juvie is going to help Aubrey, in fact, I think it's going to make matters worse". "Hmm. Enlighten me with your suggestion," the judge unenthusiastically asked. "Okay well, I run the 'Help Our People Excel' Center or the 'Hope' Center. I think she'll be a great asset there," she explained. "You mean like community service?" the judge asked. "More or less. She would be there helping out and also be staying out of trouble," Mrs. Cahill stated her case. Uh this lady is crazy if she thinks I'm doing free labor, Aubrey thought angrily.
"I like it. Looks like you got yourself a new helper. This court hereby releases Miss Cook under your center's authority for the next 3 months. This is your only chance, so I expect you to make the best of it. Case dismissed," the judge clarified as he banged the gavel and got up to leave. "Thank you judge Garrison," Mrs. Cahill said relieved almost, as she packed up her things and headed over to Aubrey. "Hello Aubrey. My name is Alex Cahill-Walker. I am so happy to have you come to the Hope center," Alex introduced herself and extended her right hand. Aubrey considered ignoring her, but she found this whole situation kind of interesting, instead she shook it lightly. "Alright. I'll give all the information to your mother and I'll see you on Monday," Alex said as she turned to leave. "She's not my mother," Aubrey finally spoke, coldly. Alex turned around just in time to see the hurt in Aubrey's eyes that quickly turned to anger. "Right. Mrs. Grady then," Alex slowly said. Aubrey shook her head and stormed off past her. Great, Alex thought. Should have known that she was in someone else's care. Something had happened to this girl and Alex was determined to find out what it was. Whether Aubrey liked it or not, she cared. And she wanted Aubrey to know that, even if she didn't believe it now.