To Have and To Hold
Chapter 7
The hearing was going to be a fiasco. The judge had granted Charlie's father to be there. He was still blocking the adoption despite having found no family. Charlie also had to be there. Mike and Andrea's attorney tried to block it but the little boy would have to face his father again. Christine, although not feeling well, had also insisted on coming. She had written an affidavit explaining why she had stayed away so long, that she didn't consider herself married to Mike any longer and that their living situation was in two separate houses. Surprisingly, Hilary and Hannah had also written affidavits in support of Mike and Andrea.
Things with Hannah had gotten slightly better. Both Hilary and Hannah were still very hurt by Mike's actions but they were both trying really hard to get past it, mostly for their mom's benefit. Mike made a point to spend time with both of them. He took Hannah out for sushi one night and to play a game of hoops with Hilary one afternoon. It was not going to be an easy road for any of them and Christine's health was a looming problem. Knowing that she was doing slightly better but was still going to die caused Mike and both girls a lot of pain.
Christine had a tendency of getting up in the early hours of the morning and sit by the pool with a cup of coffee. Sometimes Mike joined her. The day of the hearing; she was sitting at the patio table looking at some pictures when Mike came out with two cups of coffee. Mike sat down next to her and smiled at the pictures.
"Pictures of the kids?" Mike asked as he looked over them.
"Yeah. I want to scrapbook them; I think. Easier for the kids. I didn't get as many of the triplets but have a few. I want you to have them so you can familiarize yourself with their early childhoods. Since I was diagnosed, I have made a point to have them all developed. I don't know what to do with the ones of Lucas." Christine admitted as she pulled one out of Lucas when he was about a year old. He had ahold of both of Mike's hands and was mastering taking a step.
"I have some too. I like having them out. Sometimes telling the kids about him is painful but I refuse to hide behind his loss. I wish I could have told him goodbye…told him that I loved him, so many things." Mike said quietly as he brushed his fingers over the picture.
"He knew, Mike. Those recordings helped him. I couldn't be there with him when he died but it was fast, and they kept him so medicated that he didn't hurt. I watched through the window. Most of those deaths were horrific but Lucas and Lily were lucky. They died together. Same hospital room. Bill had already died and I think hearing your voice on those recording helped Lily too. Familiar. They died within minutes of one another. Lucas first. I stayed there until Lily died. Just felt…right? I could talk to them through a speaker and continued talking to her. I think in the end; she thought my voice was Andrea's. They were both so brave." Christine stopped talking because she was crying too hard. Mike also had tears rolling. It had been several years but sometimes the hurt was still so fresh.
"I really miss him. A lot." Mike finally commented.
"Me too. His birthdays are rough but Hannah and Hilary like throwing him a little birthday party. I imagine they will want to do the same once I'm gone. I know it will hurt but could you please do that for them? For me?" Christine asked and Mike nodded.
"I always try and mark it in some way. It would be easy not to but if I didn't; it would make it seem like he didn't exist. I don't want that. I think that is what hurts the most. That because of the circumstances; it's like our boy just stopped existing. Like he never existed." Mike said quietly.
"That bothers me too. I have already spoken with the funeral home about what grave marker I want. The one I've picked out has Lucas's name, date of birth and date of death on it. Its purely symbolic. More for my comfort then anything. Not sure it will matter much to the kids and you probably don't care too much." Christine remarked.
"I do care. I know I will be taking the triplets to that grave and seeing that may help me. I appreciate that thought." Mike commented as he dried his own tears.
"I don't want any of the kids spending too much time there. Especially the triplets. Once I am gone; I know they will grieve but it is important to me that they recognize that you and Andrea are their parents; hence moving them into your house. It makes it easier for them; I hope. I know from experience; losing a parent at such a young age is traumatizing but I don't want their every moment of happiness dictated by the fact that I'm not there. I will be there is spirit but you and Andrea will be there physically. In time, you and she will be who they seek out for comfort and love. They are still bonding but it will happen." Christine commented as she took a drink of her coffee.
"You've given this a lot of thought." Mike said quietly.
"I have. The triplets will slowly adjust. Its Hilary and Hannah that I worry about." Christine agreed.
"You know I will be there for them. Will help them. Andrea told me what Hannah's fears were. She's scared that once you pass; I will force the older girls to move out and they'll never get to see the triplets. Won't have anyone." Mike stated.
"I know. I think the only way to prove it to them is to prove it to them. They may try and distance themselves after I'm gone. Make a point to still be present in their lives. Mike, due to me; they are used to you not being a part of their lives and know they can get by without you. It is important that they know that you can't get by without them. You need them. Hannah and Hilary are both very selfless and you are going to have to take advantage of that." Christine told him firmly.
"I hate talking about all this. I just want things to be okay." Mike argued and after laughing, Christine reached over and stroked his cheek with the back of her hand.
"I know. You were always like that. Just wanting everything to be okay. And Mike, it will be." Christine commented and then dropped her hand like she had done something wrong by touching him. It was a difficult subject that they hadn't talked about. He and Andrea really didn't touch or kiss around Christine either.
"I'd better go help Andrea with the kids. Do you need help up and with these pictures?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, please." Christine said as Mike took her hand and helped her to a standing position and then grabbed the pictures. He followed Christine to the guesthouse and was greeted by his smiling, oldest daughter when he walked in. She was getting ready for work and was in her scrubs, preparing her lunch for the day.
"Hey, Dad. Sorry I can't be there today for you all. I will be off at four and will help Sarah with the kids." Hilary told him as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Its alright. Hopefully, we will be bringing Charlie home with us." Mike stated quietly.
"I hope. Poor, little guy." Hilary said as she grabbed her lunch sack and then gave Christine a hug and kiss. "Momma, don't you overdo it today." Hilary stated while giving both Mike and Christine a warning look before walking out the door.
"When did she become the parent?" Christine said with a laugh. Mike just shook his head and nodded at Hannah as she walked in with her bookbag. He never knew what kind of mood she would be in. Sometimes, she was still incredibly angry at him despite the positive steps forward. Today, was apparently one of those days.
"What?" Hannah questioned.
"Just acknowledging you. I hope you slept well—" Mike argued.
"Not like you care. I'm going to be late to school. Momma, why didn't you wake me up?" Hannah questioned as she pulled shoes on in front of the door.
"I was talking to your dad and didn't realize what time it was. You're old enough to get yourself up…" Christine started.
"Momma, when are you going to figure out, he doesn't care about us." Hannah said before she opened the door. Mike stepped forward and grabbed her arm to stop her.
"Hannah, you can think whatever you want to about me but you will not be disrespectful to your mother. I never stopped caring about any of you. Not for one heartbeat. Now, go to school and come back in a better mood. I love you and have a good day." Mike told her before releasing her arm. In retrospect; holding her arm was a mistake but Hannah just walked away. He hadn't gripped it hard at all. Hannah had walked through the front gate to go to school and Christine just shrugged at Mike.
"I have no idea, Mike. Just be patient. Remember to love her." Christine told him as she grabbed her purse. They locked up and walked to the main house. Andrea was up and Dana, Allie and Paul had already gone to school. Lexi and Charlie were sitting at the table coloring with Sarah. Andrea had packed a bag just in case Charlie wouldn't be coming home with them. Mike grabbed the bag and file with the affidavits in it; along with financial records and other needed paperwork. He bent down and kissed Lexi's head and Andrea grabbed Charlie's hand. They had talked to him the night before and explained what was happening. He was terrified and had slept between Mike and Andrea. Charlie followed Andrea and took Christine's hand with his other.
The drive to the courthouse was quiet and Charlie carried his stuffed bear in with him. He settled between Mike and Andrea with Christine behind them. As soon as the guards led his biological father in; he started clinging to Mike, so much so that he had trouble standing for the judge, Judge Collins.
"Alright, I have reviewed your petition, Mr. Smith. You have not been able to locate any family, correct?" Judge Collins addressed Charlie's biological father, Hunter.
"That's correct. You have to agree, it is not good for my son to be raised in such an environment. Mr. Slattery is married to two women. Both women live with him…" Hunter started. He didn't have an attorney to represent him.
"Actually, I have read the first Mrs. Slattery's affidavit, which has been provided to you. Along with Hannah and Hilary Slattery's affidavits. They live in a guesthouse on Admiral Slattery's property. Granted, on the same property but hardly under the same roof. In reading that affidavit; Christine Slattery stated many times that she deliberately hid from her husband and took her children along for the ride. Hannah and Hilary Slattery backed up those claims. Despite that, Admiral and Captain Slattery are caring for her and have moved her in. It speaks to their generosity. She also stated that Admiral Slattery did nothing to cause her long absence. There are absolutely no allegations of abuse or neglect like a judge like myself would expect after the long disappearance of a spouse. She stated that Admiral Slattery was a very loving husband and father who provided a beautiful home for herself and their children. She also is very proud of Admiral and Captain Slattery in fostering and adopting these children. What do you have to say to refute that?" Judge Collins asked.
"I…they have a lot of kids. How can they possibly afford more?" Hunter asked. He was grasping at straws. Mike and Andrea's attorney stood up and waited to be called. He had Mike and Andrea's financial records in hand.
"Counselor? Please come forward. Mr. Smith, stay put." Judge Collins instructed. Mike heard the door open and close behind him and looked back. Hannah walked in and sat down next to Christine. She had apparently skipped school and Mike was concerned she was going to say something. He could hear the attorney and judge speaking quietly. Finally, the attorney walked back to the table and the judge continued. "Alright, in reviewing the financial records; Admiral Slattery is making upwards of $300,000 a year. Captain Slattery, who is retired is making right at $200,000 a year. They do collect dividends from some investments; which adds up to about $250,000 a year. They do hire a part-time nanny to assist Captain Slattery. She makes $60,000 a year. Health benefits are covered, along with housing benefits by the Navy. They have very few expenses. Both vehicles are paid off. They are by no means extraordinarily wealthy. However, they are frugal. They've made some wise investments that will continue to care for their family. I have no concerns that they can care for Charlie despite the size of their family." Judge Collins said firmly.
"Yes, but can my boy get the attention and love he deserves?" Hunter commented. Mike almost had to laugh.
"Considering that you are in prison for murdering your daughter; I don't think you have much to say about paying attention or loving your child. I have read the caseworker's report. She speaks of how Charlie has flourished. Yes, he is quiet but he is obviously very attached to his adoptive family. They have had him for a year and he is doing very well. You are in prison for life and cannot find any family to take Charlie in. You have posted three times in newspapers; once more than what is favored by law. What plans do you have for Charlie?" Judge Collins asked.
"Uh…" Hunter stammered.
"And I realize you are probably in the appeals process with your case concerning your daughter. I have no control over that but I do have control over Charlie's case. He was horrifically abused by you and then had to watch his sister be murdered by her father. With the Slattery's; he has safety and security. Love. I have children of my own and being a parent boils down to some very simple rules. Offering your child safety, security and love. Simple. The fact that the Slattery's are nearly millionaires don't matter. Their children don't care about that. They care about the safety, security and love that they've found with the Slattery's. As far as I am concerned; I am going to sign off on the adoption today. I am sick of you dragging this out. That little boy needs to know that he is safe. He needs to not need to worry about you. I will have the paperwork drawn up within a few minutes. Your rights have been terminated so you have no rights. I only granted this hearing to give you due process. Bailiff get him out of my sight." Judge Collins ordered and stood up.
Mike had sat Charlie down on his own two feet and was turning around to see what Hannah was up to when he heard a struggle. The bailiff and Hunter were struggling and Mike moved Andrea and Charlie out of the way to be of assistance when a shot rang out. Andrea's instincts took over and she pulled herself, Charlie and Christine down instantly but Hannah was out of both of their reaches. Mike ran forward; knowing that Hunter had gotten ahold of the bailiff's gun. Between Mike and the bailiff, they wrestled the gun away and a couple other court officers ran in and Hunter was carried out. Mike had tunneled in and when he turned around, he realized his attorney was yelling for an ambulance and Christine was sitting next to Hannah; putting pressure on a wound on her neck. There was a lot of blood; entirely too much.
"Get that ambulance here now! She's barely breathing and the blood is occluding her airway." Christine said calmly. Mike knelt beside her and handed her his tie to stop the bleeding. He didn't know how she was so calm. The paramedics ran in and Christine began giving her report, which was grave at best.
"C'mon, sweetheart. C'mon." Mike begged as he tuck Hannah's small hand in his own. Her breathing was extremely ragged and Mike knew that they were losing her. Christine was working furiously.
"Mike, I am going to ride with her. They need all hands. That wound needs constant pressure and the paramedic is going to have to get her intubated." Christine told him. Andrea had moved Charlie completely away and was blocking his view of Hannah.
"Oh…okay. Why was she here? She should have been in school…" Mike asked.
"She told me that it was her co-op hour and she wanted to be here to support you. She felt badly for how she acted this morning." Christine commented.
"Oh, God…" Mike said sadly as he looked at the blood all over Christine's hands and blouse.
"Just concentrate on the face that the last thing you said to her was that you loved her; despite how she insulted you. I had better go. They're taking her to General." Christine commented before following Christine out.
"Mike, I will drop you off at the hospital, grab Christine and you some clothes, call Hilary and the school and then will come to the hospital once I get Charlie settled. Just concentrate on Hannah but keep an eye out for Christine too. I wish I could have reached Hannah." Andrea stated while trying to comfort a very upset little boy.
"I wish I could have too." Mike admitted. He felt horribly.
"I know. Now, c'mon. The attorney is meeting with Judge Collins and will call us later." Andrea told him quietly as they hurried to the truck. Mike's stomach was in knots. He had only gotten Hannah back for just over a week. He would not be able to stand losing her.
I know the salary amounts are probably off but I was having trouble finding the actual amount on the internet so I used some artistic license. I'm sure I way overquoted it! Please review!
