Hey guys! Okay so one reviewer asked of these foster parents will abuse Nevaeh NO! Lol not at all they are just stern I guess. They don't really know what to do with her as this is their first time experiencing this with a child in such a severe way.
It's been two weeks since I showed up at my mom's house. Two weeks since my father told me everything including the fact that he got me visitation rights with Nevaeh except I would have to give her a mandatory 14 day adjustment period with the foster family. So today was the first day I would be seeing her since the day Mr. Johnson took her away. I was nervous as hell and wasn't sure what to expect. I have spoken to the Garners since then and they have kept me up to date with Nevaeh. She isn't talking at all and rarely ever leaves her room unless it's for food.
I sit anxiously as I await for Mr. & Mrs. Garner. They are supposed to be meeting me here at the park for my two hour visit. I didn't think that was enough time but it was all my father could push for right now. I couldn't thank him enough. Mr. Johnson was giving me the run around when it came to my angel and I was quickly growing tired of his incompetence.
We haven't been able to get in touch with her mother as she refuses to speak with the authorities. She's nothing but a vile woman in my point of view.
My breathing hitches as I spot them from across the lot. I see Nevaeh in the back seat along with two other children. She looks so sad that I almost forget where I am and walk over to her. I control myself as I see the Garners stare at me from where they stand. They seem like okay people so far. I stand to meet them half and frown when I realize that Nevaeh isn't with them.
"Mr. Grey it's so nice to finally meet you in person. We want to talk to you in private before we bring Nevaeh out. If that's okay with you?" I nod and insist they call me Christian. I might as well be civil they do hold my future in their hands after all.
"Okay Christian My name is Eric and this is my wife Connie. We understand that you want to adopt Nevaeh but we aren't sure that's the right fit for her." My frown deepens as I hear this pompous ass continue to speak. I'm not right for her? So who is you? I mentally scoff at the thought. I know I am right for Nevaeh. I can give her all the care she needs mentally, physically, emotionally and most of all medically.
"With all due respect Eric and Connie I am the best chance that young girl has at a good life. I can provide for her in ways that no one else can. I could quit my job tomorrow and still have enough money to take care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. There is nothing I want more than to see her grow up to be an amazing young lady and be a productive member of society." Eric looks at me before looking at his wife.
"Well she doesn't tolerate touch Mr. Grey. She throws tantrums at every turn and she doesn't listen. Not to mention she doesn't even speak. I am not sure that this kind of case is within your capabilities." I have to laugh at that. Within my capabilities? Trying living that kind of case asshole.
"I am well aware of her condition. I will be adopting Nevaeh. I don't care if I have to move the heavens and earth to do so. Now will you please bring my future daughter out to me? We only have two hours together." I decided to end this conversation here. I would be calling my father and the rest of my legal team. I wanted to be lawyered up to the nines for this case. Nothing and no one would be able to keep Nevaeh away from me. I watch as they walk back to their car and let a fragile looking Nevaeh out of the back. I notice they stay their distance and don't even try to touch her. I sigh as I think about how hard this time is for Nevaeh right now. I knew the best option was to be direct honest and clear about this whole situation. That's what worked for me; as a child dealing with abandonment, you wanted to make sure you weren't being left again.
I see her look up to stare at me and her eyes get just a little brighter and her step just a little faster. I walk up to her and meet her half way.
"Hey angel how have you been?" I am saddened when she gives me a shrug instead of using actual words. Come one baby speak to me.
"Nevaeh Connie and I are going to leave you and Christian here until play time is done okay?" I watch as she gives them a little nod and nothing more. Walking back towards the bench I sit down and wait for Nevaeh to sit next to me.
"Nevaeh? I am going to try to explain what's going on okay?" A slight nod nothing more. This was heart breaking.
"Okay ... the day you left with Mr. Johnson I really wanted you to stay with me. Unfortunately sweetheart that wasn't allowed. That wasn't allowed because your mommy is the one in charge of you okay? Now because she didn't … say you could live with me and you didn't want to stay with her because you were being hurt they had to put you with a foster family. A foster family is a family that takes care of kids who don't have a home until they find one understand?" She nods while she kicks her feet back and forth. At least we are getting somewhere.
"Now I didn't send you away because I don't care about you. I do care about you very much. I still want you to live with me." She looks up quickly and stops all movement. Yes darling I still want you and I always will.
"Now. I can't take you home because your mommy has to allow it… If she doesn't... say yes then I will have to wait 6 months before you can come with me." She shakes her head furiously at that. I know baby I don't like it either.
"I need you to know that I am doing everything I can to get you home with me okay? Now... I need you to try to use your big girl words and speak to me honey. I love your voice and I really would love to hear you talk to me if that's okay with you." Please work. Please work.
"O-okay." She whispers so softly I barely hear it but I don't care at this point I'm just ecstatic that she's being verbal.
"Great angel! See it's not that hard right? So tell me are Eric and Connie treating you well?" I watch for signs of discomfort but none are shown. I sigh in relief. At least she was being taken care of until I could get her back.
"No ... they are okay and nice... but..." I see her stop talking and I kneel in front of her.
"But what baby? Remember what I said when you were at my house? You can always tell me anything and I will never hurt you." She looks at me for some time before she stares at her hands again.
"But I missed you..." I instantly feel regret for not being there for her but it's not like I had a choice. Even with all the money I had I still needed to play this case by the book if I wanted a chance at adopting her.
"Oh angel I missed you so much too. I couldn't wait to see you today. I have been waiting for this moment honey." She looks up and stares. That was making quite nervous. No smile no emotion just blank.
"Really? Then why haven't you come to see me at all." She looks confused and I curse myself for not explaining this earlier.
"Honey because you had to get used to living with Eric and Connie for a while I wasn't allowed to visit but now I am and look I am here! I will never abandon you." I promise her. I want her to know she can always count on me no matter what happens with this case.
She quickly stands and throws her arms around me. My body sags in relief and I return her hug. It was killing me not being able to touch my child.
"I can touch you now? You're okay with this?" I ask.
"Only you." She whispers. It wasn't the best answer but it was progress. I knew I would be getting her help and therapy as soon as I got custody. I wanted to make sure we could fight all her battles together just like Grace did with me. I was glad I had such a great role model in this situation.
"How about we go play now? We still have an hour." I smile as she accepts my hand. I let her take me over to the swings and I gently help her on the set.
"Okay Nevaeh ready? " I ask her joyfully.
"YUP!" I laugh as she screams and begs me to push her higher. So higher she goes. I never thought I'd be at a park with a 5 year old child on a swing set but here I was having the time of my life.
