Part 11?
Disclaimers: See part 1. The blessing said is inspired by 'The Cider House Rules'.
Author's note: Sorry for the delay, real life happened. Thanks for all the feedback and thanks to Eleanor, the super beta.
"Mary?" the small voice called from the door.
"Yes Sarah?" Sarah was the youngest girl in the group home. She was 10 years old and she and Mary and forged a bond the minute they met.
"Dinner's ready. Are you going to come down?"
"Yeah. I'll be right there."
Mary got up off her bed and walked towards Sarah.
"You won't forget us after you go to your new family will you?" she asked with tars in her eyes. Sarah's life had been much like Mary's and Mary knew it.
"Are you kidding?" she smiled as she pulled the young girl into a hug. "You guys are my family too. I'll never forget you."
"Ok," the young girl smiled.
The pair walked downstairs to the dinning room where all 8 of the girls who lived in the group home ate together. They took turns cleaning up and helping Patsy and Curtis, two of the workers, make dinner. Mary and Sarah took their places as Susannah, Brigitte, and Curtis brought dinner out.
When everyone was seated, Patsy started the blessing, a ritual in this particular house.
"Dear God. We thank you for this meal and for those who surround this table. We are especially grateful to you this night for you have given Mary a family. We hope that you will speed their reunion and grant them long life and happiness together. Amen."
"Amen," they said in unison.
With the formalities over, dinner began and all Mary could do was pray that she would be reunited with her father and that they would be happy together.
Morris had told her that afternoon that the test confirmed that Leo was her father. He also told her that her father was petitioning the court for visitation and custody and that the hearing was set for Thursday, the day after tomorrow. She was nervous to meet her father but at the same time, she was very excited to be getting a real family.
Thursday morning rolled around and Leo was sitting with his lawyer outside the court room, waiting for the clerk to call their case. He had been busy the past few days having secured a four bedroom house in Georgetown which he could move into this weekend, meeting with Mallory to explain the whole situation to her. She had been understanding and was anxious to meet her new little sister.
In short, Leo was happy and couldn't stop smiling. He herd footsteps coming down the hall and both he and his lawyer turned and saw Morris and Mary.
"Hello. Mary wanted to come with today," Morris explained as both men appeared to be surprised to see her.
"A pipe broke at school, so they had to close down today and tomorrow," she explained. She secretly hoped that judge would allow visitation today and tomorrow since she didn't have school.
Before they could say anything else, the clerk called their case number and the group walked into the courtroom.
"All rise," the bailiff announced a few seconds later.
"You may be seated. Mr. Towner?"
"Your honour, the paternity test indeed confirms that Leo McGarry is the father of Mary MacKenzie," he said.
"Mr. Thornton?"
"Your honour, my client would like to petition the court for soul custody of Mary MacKenzie effective immediately."
"Mr. Towner, what is your opinion?"
"Sir, I support the petition. Mary is anxious to become acquainted with her father and to have a stable home life."
"Mr. McGarry, what do you have to say about this?"
"Your honour, I want the chance to raise my daughter. I can offer her a home and love, Sir," Leo said, almost pleading that the judge would grant his petition.
"And where are you employed?"
"I am the Chief of Staff of the White House, sir.'
"And what kind of hours do you work?"
"It depends sir. About 60 hours a week but it's not uncommon for me to work more," Leo cringed. He knew that his job would be a strike against him.
"And who would care for Mary when you have to work late?"
"Mary is welcome in the White House sir. She will always be able to come to work with me."
"Where do you live Mr. McGarry?"
"I currently live at the Watergate Hotel but as of Tuesday night, I own a house in Georgetown which I took possession of yesterday. I'll be moving in this weekend." Leo explained.
"I see. And you are a recovering drug addict and alcoholic?"
"Yes sir. I've been clean and sober for over 5 years," 'another strike,' he thought.
"Thank you Mr. McGarry. Mary, what do you have to say about all of this?" the judge asked.
"I want a family sir. I don't care if Mr. McGarry isn't perfect. Nobody is. He's made a lot of hard changes in his life and I want the chance to get to know him. I want a family sir. Please," she pleaded.
"Alright. Mr. McGarry, you will be awarded temporary custody of Mary MacKenzie for the next three months. During these three months, Mr. Towner will conduct three home visits to ensure that you are providing a stable environment for Mary and check in with Mary every week. After he submits his final report, you will re-appear before this court and if everything is in order, you will be given permanent custody of Mary. Understood?"
"Yes Sir, thank you your honour,' Leo said as he stood up.
"Court is adjourned."
The judge got up and left the courtroom leaving Morris, Mary, Leo and Bruce alone.
"So when can I come to pick her up?" Leo asked both Morris and Mary.
"Well, Mary though you would be given custody, so she packed a bag…"
"It's in his car, so I can come know, if you want," she said with a bit of hesitation.
"That would be great," Leo smiled.
"Ok. Well, Leo, it appears that everything is in order. I'll check in later," Bruce said as he shook Leo's hand.
"Thanks Bruce," Leo said.
"So, should we go get my stuff out of Morris' car?"
"Yup. I'm in underground parking, level 2."
"We're on level 2 as well. So, let's go get your stuff so you to can go get acquainted," Morris smiled. He rarely got to take a child's stuff out of his car; he was usually putting it in.
The three walked out of the court house and made their way to the underground parking. Once Mary's bag was transferred, the three said good bye.
"I'll call you on Sunday night, ok?" Morris said to Mary.
"Sure. When will I be able to get the rest of my stuff from the home?"
"I can take you Sunday afternoon if you want," Leo offered.
"Could we maybe go Monday night? People have visits on Sunday and I want to be able to say good bye to everyone," she explained.
"Sure. No problem." Leo smiled.
"Ok. Well, I'll talk to you later. Bye Mary. Bye Mr. McGarry."
Morris left and now father and daughter were alone together for the first time.
"Would it be ok if I hugged you," she asked in a small voice.
Leo said nothing. He pulled Mary into his arms and squeezed her with every once of strength he had.
"I've wanted to do that since I saw you at the lab," he whispered.
"Me too," she replied.
The pair stood there holding each other for a minute more.
"So, I'm kinda hungry. Are you?" Mary asked.
"I could go for some lunch. What would you like?"
"Pizza ok?"
"Sure. Tell you what. Why don't we go to the house and we order take out. I can be our first meal together in our new home. What do you think?"
"Sounds great," she said.
"Ok. Into the car with you," he said guiding her to the front passenger side.
Leo opened the door for her and she got in. He closed it for her and walked around and got into the driver's side. He put the key into the ignition and pulled out.
"Can I call you dad?" she blurted out.
"I can't think of anything else I would like more," he smiled with tars in his eyes.
"Ok. Let's go home, dad," she smiled.
TBC…
