(A/N: Hi everyone, I apologize for the delay in getting this up. Usually I can write chapters in one go, and it goes how I want it to. This one however…has required 5 rewrites, and too many revisions. So this was the chapter form of a child's tantrum. Just refused to calm down and get written right. So my apologies. I will update faster as we get closer to school starting. Which makes me feel shameful that it's almost the end of summer and I'm not done with this yet. Not how this was supposed to go. Anyway, on to the chapter.)
The sound of a radio interview in the background and the road to the courthouse is distracting me from this email I'm trying to send.
"Sydney,
As we've mentioned before in several of the label meetings, there is a large amount of interest in regard to your music. And as we both know, we have no current outlet to satisfy that demand. I was wondering if creating a SoundStorm account and posting some of the covers you've recorded on there.
Just an idea.
JC"
It's not a hard response. I've talked to mom and dad, they liked the idea. I texted Austin, he thought it was genius.
But I can't type it because I can't focus!
I'm kind of nervous about meeting Austin's sister today.
The fact that her parents will be around isn't helping, plus the fact that Mom and Dad are also going to be here doesn't help me either.
I just hope she likes me.
I've never really spent much time with little kids. The only experience I've got is Olivia and Corey.
Corey used to cry when he was a baby when I held him, but now I'm Sissy. Mom always says that I can do no wrong in his eyes.
And Olivia is not even a year old.
So much for this all helping me.
At least Mom and Dad are helping me out by dropping me off, going to get coffee, then coming back so I can make my introductions without them being around.
When Austin was over Saturday I forgot to ask him what was on the docket for Monday. The only knowledge of today comes from the judge, who called in mom and dad before Austin got home.
Other than that, I know nothing.
I hope they don't put poor Sam up on the stand right away.
I haven't even met her and I'm attached.
Austin sent me a pic of her knocked out on his bed at his grandma's.
She missed him so much.
When I was talking to him about it, he admitted that he can't do anything wrong in her eyes, which is always a dangerous road to go down.
Suddenly the car stopped suddenly, and I look up to see we're in the parking garage.
…
…
Dad's talking to the guy in the booth.
…
…
"I thought we were going to drop me off up front." I say, as Dad starts up the on ramp.
"Changed my mind. Less walking, and now your mom and I can grab a quick breakfast then come back."
"Won't you have to pay the toll guy?" I ask.
"Already took care of that." Dad said smugly, as he stopped near my door.
Mom turned in her seat and smiled at me.
"You'll do fine. See you soon honey."
"Thanks Mom. Bye." I grab my purse, smile and hop out.
Dad lets me walk by, and then pulls a quick U-turn and heads back down the ramp.
I'm pretty sure that was illegal, but whatever.
The automatic door slides open and the cool air and idle chatter of the atrium greets me.
Coffee.
Must. Have. Coffee.
I'm temporarily suspending my "No Coffee Summer" plans because I don't know whether or not I'll be able to stay awake thru this monotony.
"Hi, welcome to Jet Brew, what can I get you today?" The barista smiled happily.
"Hi, can I get a Venti Caramel Macchiato and a Venti Iced Latte please?"
"Names?"
"For the Macchiato, Sydney. Uhm and for the latte, please put Austin."
She nodded and wrote the names on the cups, then handed them off to somebody.
I instinctively pull out my phone and check it.
"You know that I'm not good at this sort of thing, but I think I've gotta at least try. So here goes.
Austin's sister is going to love you. I know you're nervous, even though you won't admit it. Just be you, and everything will work out great." –Ellie
I smile and quickly reply.
"I think you did good. Maybe you're better than you thought?"
I look up just as the drinks get ready.
I step up and grab them before the lady can call out the names.
"Thanks." I smile, as the rush of suited lawyers and clients swelled behind me.
I grab two straws and a sweetener packet, just in case they shorted me out of the caramel.
I want my sweet coffee and I want it NOW!
I unwrap my straw and stick it into my cup, then take a sip.
…
Yay!
I got my caramel.
Sweet.
I smile happily and take another sip.
…
Might as well throw this sugar away now.
Since the trash can is about 10 feet away, I flick it towards it.
It's right on target.
…
How'd that happen?
I…
It hit the rim of the silver trash can, and instead of bouncing in, it slid along the rim and fell off it.
Really?
I hear a familiar laugh behind me, and turn to see Austin and a small blonde girl trying not to laugh.
"What's so funny?" I ask, half smiling.
"Your expression. Like you were shocked it didn't go in." Austin smirked.
"I am shocked it didn't go in." I say matter of factly.
He smiled, then seemed to focus.
"Uhm, Syd, this is my sister Samantha. Sam, this is Sydney." He said, then letting a hint of a smile come thru.
"Hi." I smile warmly at her.
She instantly looked down but said "Hi."
I glance up at Austin, and he mimed "She's shy." And motioned for me to relax.
"I got you coffee." I change the topic, then extend Austin's latte to him.
"Thanks. You thirsty Sam? I know where to get you some apple juice or something."
"Yes please!" She piped up and smiled.
Austin smiled, and before I can take a step I get tugged towards the stairs.
I recover long enough to see that Sam grabbed my hand and pulled me.
I can't help but smile and say "I'm coming I'm coming."
We make our way up the stairs, with Sam running most of the way. And after a few turns, we're at a vending machine with juices and stuff.
"What do you want kiddo?" Austin asked while pulling out his wallet.
"Apple juice please." Sam said happily.
I discreetly look down and see that she's wearing a cute dress with a floral pattern on it.
Mom is going to fall apart.
She's really cute, all dressed up and stuff.
Cute must run in the family.
Except for his parents.
Ugh.
Austin and Sam get into light conversation on the way back down the stairs until Austin's phone goes off.
He looks confused and answers "We're on the stairs, just bought Sam a drink…ok. We'll be right there. Bye."
He hung up and put his phone away.
"Who was that?" Sam innocently asked.
"Grandma. She was wondering where we were."
"Why?"
"The judge wants to talk to us briefly." Austin replied.
I immediately see her shrink up and curl closer to him.
Austin immediately crouched and grabbed her hand.
"It's nothing bad. He just wants to tell you some stuff, and make sure you're comfortable. Ok?"
"Can you come with me?" She says very quietly.
I can almost feel my heart shatter. But immediately filling my mind is rage.
Her parents are RIGHT THERE.
I see both sets of lawyers jump in front of their clients and divert their attention away.
Like it was planned.
I hear "Grandma!" and suddenly Sam runs towards her.
When I look to Austin, he has a grim look.
"You ok?" I ask.
"I can't believe they're forcing this to happen. After I petitioned 4 times to keep her out of this. Makes me sick to my stomach."
I look up and see his Dad look to Austin, who replied with a look that could have frozen hell itself over.
He quickly looked guilty and averted his eyes.
Austin subtly grabs my hand and diverts me towards Sam and his grandma, and I see that the judge is crouched and gently talking to her.
"Ahh, there they are! Come in you two." He waved Sam, Austin and I into the courtroom.
Sam latched onto Austin's hand and walked a step behind him as we walked in, and the judge shut the door behind us, then leaned up against a row of seats.
"So, I've heard that somebody is a little nervous about today."
I bite my lip and look down at Sam.
"I…I don't want to be here." She squeaked out.
The judge gave a soft smile and crouched so he and Sam are eye level.
"I know sweetheart. I talked to your grandma, and she said that the only reasons you were coming was to meet your brother's girlfriend and for your brother. Apparently you really weren't happy about it." He softly smiled.
Sam, who was half hidden behind Austin's leg peeked out and said "I'm not in trouble am I?"
"No no…not at all. I just wanted to talk to you and explain that everything was going to be ok."
"Will I have to come after today?"
"Nope. Never again unless you want to."
"What do I do when I'm not talking?" She asked quietly. "Can I sit with him?" She asked softly, squeezing Austin's leg.
"Yeah, sure. We can make an exception for that. I've already spoken to all the lawyers and they said they wouldn't have a problem if you messed around on your brother's phone or something fun. It can get pretty boring." He smiled.
Amazingly, Sam giggled and came out.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"Me? I'm Bill. You can call me that or Judge Newman."
"Ok." She smiled.
"Do you have any more questions?" The judge asked.
"Uhm…what if I'm thirsty?"
"Or have to use the bathroom?" Austin added on, with a wry smile.
"Just signal me, then get up and go. No worries. To be honest, since your dear brother fought multiple times to not have you go thru this, the goal today is to make this as easy as possible."
Sam didn't react, but then pointed and asked "Will I have to go up there?"
She's pointing at the stand.
"Yeah. That's where they ask you questions."
Quickly, she looked very scared.
I open my mouth to try and comfort her, but nothing comes out.
But the judge simply reached out and gently touched her arm and smiled.
"I know it looks big and scary. Would it be any better if your brother went with you?"
She immediately nodded.
I smile, and she immediately looked up at me.
Like she heard my smile or something.
"Ok. That sounds like a plan. Now I need to go talk to the lawyers…" he made a silly face, which made Sam smile. "And I'll tell you when you can come out. Ok?"
"Ok." Sam and Austin chime.
He patted Austin on the shoulder, then walked out, closing the door softly behind him.
Austin immediately sat down and looked at her.
"What do you think?"
…
"I still wanna go home." She frowned.
Austin reluctantly smiled. "I'll be right by you ok? The whole time."
"What am I supposed to say to those law people?" She asked.
Haha.
Law people.
That is what lawyers are.
"Just tell them the truth Sammy. And everything will be fine. I promise."
Sam didn't move for a moment, then crashed into Austin for a hug.
He looked incredibly sad while hugging her.
I nervously reach down and scratch between her shoulder blades like Mom used to do to me.
Still does sometimes.
Austin let go first, then sighed.
"Now…we have to go see Mom and Dad."
"But I don't wanna…what if they yell or something?" Sam whined.
"They won't. The judge would be very mad. Plus, Sydney's parents are here too."
Sam suddenly lit up.
"They are? Why?"
"They have to say that I've been over at their house with Sydney way too much." He smiled at her, then up at me.
I laugh quietly and smile.
"Has he really been over at your house too much?" Sam looked up at me.
"I don't think there is a too much." I joke, getting both of them to laugh.
"They're nice right? That's what he told me." Sam asked me.
"Very nice. And they want to meet you at some point. But there's no rush. If not today, then some time later."
Suddenly the door cracked open, meaning that we needed to come out.
Sam zoomed to Austin's side like a magnet, and I followed them.
The only thing I could do was gently rub her shoulders before she went off towards her mom and dad.
I look up to see Mom and Dad talking to Austin's lawyer.
But I immediately caught Mom's eye, and Dad looked over in Sam's direction.
"Hey." Mom smiled, as Mr. Rasmussen smiled and nodded at me.
"Hi."
"She's cute." Dad said quietly, as the lawyer peeked over.
"Smaller than I expected." Mom added.
"She's scared. Doesn't want to be here at all. I'm hoping my happy face is believable." I say.
"Don't worry. I'm sure Austin has made sure she likes you. Plus, since this is all so new to her, she won't notice any real detail. Little kids never do." Mr. Rasmussen said quietly.
"How's Austin?" Dad asked me.
"He's being the perfect brother. I can just tell he's devoted to her." I say.
"I meant how is he with…all of this." Dad clarified.
"Oh. This is the maddest I've ever seen him. If looks could kill, his dad would be under a sheet right now." I say.
"I would say RIP, but not with a straight face." Mom frowned.
"Sorry you guys have to come too." I change subjects.
"Don't worry about it. We had a feeling we'd get called in for questioning. Plus we can tell them what happened the night of the crash." Dad said.
"What will Sam be doing during all of this?" Mom asked.
"She asked to sit with Austin."
"At the table with us?" Mr. Rasmussen asked, looking surprised.
"Yeah. She doesn't want him leaving her side at any point."
"What about the stand?" Mom asked.
"He's going with her."
"Did the judge clear all of this?" Dad asked.
"Yeah, I did." A deep voice behind me said.
I jump and the judge laughed.
"Sorry Sydney, didn't mean to startle you." He said reassuringly.
"Sir." Mr. Rasmussen said.
They shook hands, then Dad did.
"Robbie Shapiro correct? My wife and I enjoyed a show you did here in downtown last year."
"Yes, thank you. Glad you enjoyed it." Dad smiled.
Sweet.
"And the internationally famous Cat Valentine… it's an honor." He smiled at mom.
"Thank you." Mom beamed.
"Stepping out of judge mode for a brief moment, I really appreciate what you've done for him. This whole situation is a clusterfuck, and you two have opened your doors and given him something he can rely on along with a structure to support him. So on his behalf, thank you."
Both mom and dad look moved.
"I…we just wanted to help really. I'm sure the details will come out under oath, but it's obvious Sydney loves him, and he's a great kid, so we couldn't help but…help I guess." Dad said.
I immediately go red.
Mr. Rasmussen chuckled.
"You can try to deny it all you want, but I highly doubt that anyone is going to believe you." The judge joked.
"Uhm." Mom butted in, and pointed behind me.
I spin around and see Austin, about 3 inches from his father's face, looking livid.
But he's not yelling.
Suddenly the judge rushes over, and I hear dad say "Uh oh."
Yeah.
I immediately start looking for Sam.
…
…
I see Austin start walking towards us, but I don't really register it for a moment or two.
"Where'd Sam go?" I ask, once he arrives.
"Off with my grandma, bathroom and an extra drink…" he sighed.
Mom quickly pulled him into a hug.
"Breathe man. Just let it out." Dad said firmly.
"I know…I'm sorry. He just infuriates me. And he hasn't even done anything direct." Austin said darkly.
"So he was the one who blocked your appeals to keep your sister out of this?" Mr. Rasmussen asked.
"As far as I know, yeah. And when I asked him about it, he didn't really deny it." Austin scowled.
…
Austin suddenly pinched his nose between his eyes. "I…I have no idea how I'm anything like him. How is he even my father." Austin said very quietly, almost like he was talking to himself.
Mom simply hugged him again.
"You're not…at all. I don't really have any other words for you, but you need to stay strong for your sister." She said.
Austin swallowed and nodded. Then his grandma and sister reappeared in the background.
"C'mon." Austin said to me, then grabbed my hand and we started towards them.
I hear the door open in the background, and people start filing in.
Austin hugs his grandma, who then hugs Sam.
Then hugged me and whispered "Thank you angel." And then walked towards the doors.
I see Austin whisper something in Sam's ear, and then they start to the door.
I slip behind them, and am the last one in.
The constable shuts the door behind me, smiling kindly as I pass.
I sit on my normal side, but at the edge of the table now since Sam is between Austin and I.
…
…
"All rise, the honorable Judge Newman presiding." The scribe said.
Everybody stood up as the judge entered.
"Please be seated." He said.
We all sat down.
"So…I hope everybody had a nice two week break from this mess. Austin, how did your tournament go?" The judge asked.
Austin suddenly smiled happily.
"We won. I got MVP. Went pretty well." He smiled.
"Well congratulations. And I'd also like to say that we have the pleasure of being joined by Austin's wonderful sister Samantha."
The whole room seemed to look at us, and Sam immediately latched onto Austin.
"If there's anything I can do to make this go smoothly, please let me know." The judge smiled at her.
Sam shyly nodded back.
The judge then frowned and set some papers down.
"So now…where are we beginning?" He asked.
Austin's dad's lawyer stood up. "Your honor, we'd like to question young Samantha and get this over with as soon as possible."
Suddenly, Mr. Rasmussen shot up.
"Your honor, objection. This situation is bad enough, and they want to throw her into the fire already? I'd like to counter with a motion that Sydney's parents testify about the crash, their situation and points of view." He says firmly.
I look to Sam, who is latched onto Austin, yet looking up at Mr. Rasmussen hopefully.
Then it hits me.
They set this up in advance.
Mom, Dad and he talked about this, and they obviously planned for this.
They're essentially sacrificing themselves so that Sam can start to understand how this is going to go for her.
Wow.
The judge's voice brings me back to the present. "Sustained. Which parent would like to come forward first?"
I look back and see my Dad immediately pop up and start towards the bench.
The constable allows him into the staging area, as the judge is speaking to the scribe.
"Please note Mr. Harper's intentions on that motion." He asked quietly.
The scribe nodded, and typed incredibly fast.
When I look back to dad, he's looking at the judge and swearing on the bible.
I bite my lip as he sits down. To my surprise, Austin's father's attorney takes the lead here.
"Mr. Shapiro. As I understand you are Sydney Valentine's father correct?"
Oh no.
Not this again.
I look back to mom, and my heart sinks.
She's playing with her hair, like she does when she's nervous.
"It depends on what you mean sir."
The lawyer looks taken aback briefly.
"I mean, you are her birth father."
"I'm afraid I'm not sir. That honor belongs to another man." Dad said simply.
He does not look happy about this.
"Then what are you?"
"I'm her legal father, and have been for 15 years. I also have never left her side during her entire life. So that's what I am." Dad said flatly.
Austin and I exchange glances. Then I get a tug on my arm.
I look down to see Sam looking at me.
I crouch and she whispers "He's not your daddy?"
I smile and say "No, he is my daddy, but it's just a little confusing."
"He loves you right?"
"Absolutely." I say reassuringly.
Sam smiled then looked back up front, just as Mr. Rasmussen hands a folder to the judge and said "Already prepared."
The judge opened it up, and even from a distance, I can tell it's my birth certificates.
"Everything seems to be in order. Go ahead and proceed." He says.
"Alright Mr. Shapiro. Now, you and your wife have been thrown into a foreign situation, and have been rather welcoming to your daughter's boyfriend. Why?"
Dad gave him an odd look. "Because they're dating. I have nothing against him, never have. Why wouldn't I be welcoming?"
"That is true, but the situation you found yourself to be in was quite hostile correct?"
Austin's mom's lawyer stood quickly. "Objection!"
"On what grounds." The judge said.
"The event that is being referred to has no bearing on this case." The lawyer said.
"It does have bearing." Mr. Rasmussen insisted.
"Ok. Please elaborate Mr. Shapiro."
"Alright. A few months ago, on a Friday night Sydney and Austin went on a date, then planned on catching a movie. I was at home with the rest of my family, plus Sydney's best friend when I got a phone call from LAPD saying there had been an accident. I frantically gave the kids instructions, then drove to the address the cops gave to us. Thankfully, it was just minor damage to the vehicle, and Sydney was fine. However, when I approached, Austin was sitting on the curb, holding an ice pack to his head, and said that it hurt to look up. But before I could inquire further, Austin's dear mother here—" Dad gestured to her sarcastically "Stormed up, and started berating him about how he shouldn't have gone out, and how he was a failure. She then stormed off, leaving Austin, who turned out to have a concussion, without an easy way home and left hanging about what to do next."
The judge has his jaw set.
"Is that true Ms. Harper?" He asked.
…
"Yes. It was a moment of weakness, and I have apologized to him."
Suddenly, Austin scowled. "No you didn't. All you did was say sorry and give me 40 bucks, then walk away to go watch TV!"
Austin's mother didn't reply.
"What happened next Mr. Shapiro?" The judge got us back on track.
"Well, the paramedics came out, saw Austin and told us he had a concussion, and that he shouldn't sleep for 48 hours. Sydney said she knew a way to keep him up, so we gave her the keys to our SUV and off they went. The next night, my sons kept him up while Sydney slept. And all throughout the next week, Austin stayed at my house, while he was in contact with his grandmother."
"Do you know what your daughter and he did the night of the accident?" The lawyer asked.
Oh shit.
No they don't.
"No actually. But I assume nothing special. They were back home in the morning when I woke up, watching a morning show." Dad said.
Then the judge spoke up.
"Sydney, what did the two of you do that night?"
"We went ice skating the whole time. Bought coffee in Seven Stars, and just skated around." I say.
"Is that the only thing you did?" The lawyer asked.
"Yes." I simply reply.
"Might I remind you, that you are questioning her father?" The judge jumped in.
The lawyer nodded, then asked "Have you had any contact with the father?"
"No. I haven't. I've never even heard Austin bring him up, but that's understandable. This isn't exactly a fun conversation around the house." Dad said.
I glance down, and see that Austin is smirking.
Next thing I know, Sam is tugging on my arm.
I lean down, and she whispers "Can you come with me to the bathroom?"
I nod, then look to the judge and point to the back discreetly.
He barely smiled and nodded.
We both got up, and started to the door.
She surprised me by grabbing my hand.
I stood outside while she went to the bathroom, and texted Ellie that Sam was adorable and cute.
Then Sam came back out.
"Did you wash your hands?" I ask.
She immediately jumped and raced back in. "Oopsie!"
I laugh and hold the door as she quickly, but thoroughly washed her hands.
"C'mon, let's go!" Sam said, grabbing my hand and running for the door.
But when we got inside, Mom was on the stand. Which took me by surprise and totally confused Sam.
Mom really didn't say anything different than dad. She did validate something Dad told me when he told me about Jordan.
Mom can be vicious.
Mom didn't hesitate to question Austin's mom's motives on everything, and didn't blink when asked what her feelings were on both his mom and dad.
Spoiler alert: She doesn't like either of them.
Her biggest point was the fact that Sam got dragged into this. She said that a courtroom is no place for a child, and their (her parents) selfishness and desire to beat one another has blinded them to the fact that it has hurt both of their children.
I could feel mom's rage coming off her as the judge released us for lunch.
Austin and I already decided today was sandwich day.
I followed the two of the out the doors and down the steps.
"So kiddo…what'd you think?"
Sam stopped, then asked "Her mom isn't mad at me…is she?"
Oh?
"No…not at all Sammy. No. She's not mad at you. She just doesn't think you should be here, having to put up with all this stuff."
"Me neither." She said simply.
I smile, and Austin laughed.
"Well good."
"When is lunch?" Sam asked.
"Right now. That's where we're going."
"Can I gets a peppy cola? Please?" Sam asked in an adorable voice.
Austin bit his bottom lip. "A small one. I don't want you bouncing around the courtroom okay?"
Sam happily nodded.
"What are we having?" She asked.
"Sandwiches."
"What kind?" Sam fired back.
So many questions.
Reminds me of Corey. He always wants to know what is next.
"Sydney and I are having a sandwich you won't like. It has peppers and is toasted." Austin said.
Immeidately Sam looks grossed out.
"Eww! You guys are weird." She said.
"Thank you." I smile, making Sam giggle and Austin let out a laugh.
"What do you want kiddo?" Austin asked, swinging her arm back and forth.
"Can I have a ham sandwich?"
Austin smiled and nodded. "You can. On normal bread?"
"With my peppy cola please." Sam added on.
"Got it. Now c'mon in."
I look up and see we're already here.
Wow that was fast.
We quickly order our food and drinks, and then walk to the park where we first met Jordan.
Just as we sat down, I see a suited man in the background wave at me.
He's here.
I wonder why though.
…
Wait a second. I know.
It's because this is where he met me.
I can't help but smile as he throws away something, then wipes his hands and with a final wave, heads towards his office building I assume.
I return to reality to feel Sam put my sandwich on my lap.
"Thanks Sam." I say softly.
"You're welcome."
"Dig in silly." Austin said, mouth full to his sister.
We all spent the next few minutes eating quietly.
"How did you guys meet?"
I freeze, and look down at Sam, who is looking at Austin.
"What do you mean?" Austin said.
"Like how did you guys start…being girlfriends?" Sam said, sounding like she didn't know what to say.
Austin laughed. "We're not girlfriends sweetie. Sydney and I are dating. I'm her boyfriend and she's my girlfriend."
"Well how did that happen?" She asked.
"Uhm…well, it took awhile. We started talking and being friends before Halloween, then started texting and stuff. Then I took her to the movies."
"That's it?" Sam asked innocently.
Austin blushed. "Uhh…no. The movie didn't go so well. Mom got mad at me for being out so late."
I jump in and say "My parents weren't happy about it either."
"But then what happened?" Sam plowed forward.
"Well, I eventually got the nerve to ask her out on her birthday. And the rest is history." Austin smiled happily.
"Have you guys kissed yet?"
Austin immediately goes from happy, to caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"Uhh…yeah. We have."
"A lot?" Sam looked to me.
I can feel myself go red.
"Not a lot…every now and then." I say.
Don't wanna scare her.
Sam inhaled the last of her sandwich.
"Austin?" Sam asked.
"Yeah?" He replied.
"Are you happy?" Austin and I quickly exchange confused glances.
"Yeah I'm happy. Why? Do I not look happy to you?" he asked.
"No. Can you throw this away for me please?"
Austin smiled. "Sure."
Sam looked over to me, then took my trash and extended it to him.
"Take hers too! She's done."
I smile. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome."
Austin threw away the trash, then smiled.
"Ok. You ready?"
Sam stuck her arms out for him to help her up.
Austin replied by lifting her into the air, and onto his back.
Sam giggling madly the whole time.
"I'm tall now!" She laughed, then smiled at me.
"C'mon, let's go." Austin said to me.
We walked all the way back to the courthouse that way, Austin and I side by side, Sam on his back.
Mom and Dad tried to hide their laughter at the sight of Austin and his sister, but failed in the end.
When Austin sat her down inside the door, I checked my phone.
"I see what you mean now. They're cute together. Maybe it's Austin and girls." –Mom
"I hope not. Thanks for backing him up with the testimony." I reply.
Everybody stopped by the bathroom again and my last phone check gave me one last message.
"Of course honey. Love you." –Mom
When Sam and I enter the atrium, it is essentially empty except for Austin, who is obviously waiting for us.
"Hi. Sorry. Are we late?"
"No, you're fine. I just talked to the judge." Austin said, then crouching down to Sam's eye level.
Sam immediately looked scared.
"It's ok. But you are next up to go up and answer some questions." Austin said sweetly.
"You'll be right there with me right?" She asked, looking very frightened.
I can't believe this is actually happening.
This shouldn't be happening at all.
"Absolutely. Except for this next part unfortunately."
Huh?
"What? Sam squeaked.
"Mom and dad asked the judge, and he allowed it, if they could talk to you about what was going to happen on the stand."
Sam's eyes immediately went to the floor.
I instinctively take a step forward and rub between her shoulders again.
She responded by leaning on my leg.
"I have to…don't I?"
"Yeah."
…
Austin frowned, then said "I'm sorry Sam. This wasn't my idea."
She frowned, then hugged Austin for a moment.
Then he had to let go.
"They are right thru that door there. We'll be at our table when you're done. Ok?" Austin said softly.
Sam nodded, then went straight back to the door and pushed it open.
We briefly hear both of her parents warmly greet her before the door closes again.
I bite my lip as Austin stands up, and we start to walk inside to our seats.
Most everybody is back, except for the judge, our lawyer and Austin's mom's lawyer.
Mom and Dad wave at us as we pass, and we wave back.
"How'd you know she likes getting rubbed between her shoulder blades?" Austin asked me as we sit down.
"Huh?" I say.
"You've been rubbing Sam between her shoulder blades from time to time today. How'd you know she liked that?"
"She does? I didn't know that. Mom used to do that to me when I was a kid. It just came naturally to me."
"Well it'll help you get a long way with Sam. That's for sure." Austin said, just as the door opened, revealing Sam flanked by both of her parents, the judge and the missing lawyers.
Everyone rose, and Sam snuck in with us as the judge asked everyone to be seated.
"Alright…in the interest of getting this over with as quickly and easily as possible…Austin, Sam? Please come to the witness stand."
I manage to get in a reassuring hand squeeze to Sam before both of them are up there.
"Why are they both up there?" I hear somebody hiss behind me.
I turn and see it's my mom.
I lean back and whisper quickly "Sam is scared, and he's her safety net."
Mom looked concerned, but sat back.
I do the same and take a drink from my water.
To my surprise, it's Mr. Rasmussen that goes up to the box.
"Alright Sam. I am just going to ask you a few questions about your mom and dad ok?" He says kindly.
Everyone is handling this very softly.
A small silver lining.
However, Sam opened her mouth to ask something, then turned to Austin and whispered something to him.
"Uhm, why aren't our parents lawyers doing the questioning?" Austin asked, as Sam sat on his lap.
That's my spot.
Maybe not solely mine anymore.
"The goal here is to get the truth out, without any potential biases towards one parent or another."
"Biasedes?" Sam asked.
Both her parents laughed, along with their lawyers. Plus mom and dad I think.
I whip around and give them a nasty stare.
Don't you DARE laugh at her.
I hear Austin say "They don't want one person to be favored over anyone else. They want it to be fair." As I turn back around.
"Ok." Sam smiled.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"I'll go ahead and start then. Have your mom and dad been fighting at home?"
"Uhh…not a lot…"
Austin quickly interjected "She didn't really hear the arguments. I usually kept her occupied or encouraged her to play a game or something."
Mr. Rasmussen surprisingly went on the attack "Why did you do that?"
Austin's expression was one I've never seen before.
"Because, sir, my parents were screaming at each other downstairs. Both of our rooms were on the second floor. I knew that she shouldn't be hearing them yell and scream and swear at each other."
"Well that decision was very unwise. You altered the natural situation and tampered with her testimony."
"I did not tamper anything!" Austin relied hotly. "I just removed her from a situation that she is too young to be in. If that means I'm in trouble, then so be it." He scowled.
"You aren't in any sort of trouble Austin. Please continue." The judge gestured to Mr. Rasmussen.
A nasty scowl remained on Austin's face as Mr. Rasmussen continued.
"What did you notice when they were fighting?"
Sam immediately looked down, then said "Uhh…they were talking about money. And mean words. And a lot of yelling in the kitchen."
"Anything else?"
"No. Right after that Austin came and took me out to get ice cream and to go to the park."
"He did that every time you heard your mom and dad fighting?"
"It was…it was just one time." Sam said quietly.
"Ok. What was it like living with your mom and dad recently?"
"It was not fun. Most of the time Mom or dad were both gone when they used to be home. Sometimes both. They stopped paying attention to Austin, but took me to places when he was gone…" Sam stopped abruptly.
Mr. Rasmussen held the silence, as Austin handed Sam an apple juice, and she took a big drink.
"You sound like you don't like that they didn't pay attention to Austin." Mr. Rasmussen astutely pointed out.
"No. He's my brother. They should love him and me. But they made him get a girlfriend to feel loved."
What?
I feel like somebody just dunked me in a vat of ice water.
"What do you mean? I'm sure your parents, and his girlfriend all still love him."
"Not mommy and daddy. They just yelled at him, then didn't talk to him otherwise really. They used to be like Sydney is. Nice and loving. Not anymore." She said quietly.
I think she misspoke earlier. Or just didn't word it right about him starting to date me.
I go to sip my water, but it's already empty.
What the hell?
It was full when this started!
"Do you mind the fact that Austin started dating Sydney while you were at your uncles?"
"No…but I don't want him to stop loving me because of her!"
My jaw drops, as Austin grabs her and whispered something into her ear.
Whatever it was he said, she visibly perked up and smiled happily.
"Did your mom or dad talk to you while you were in Washington D.C?"
"No…my uncle said they weren't allowed to." Sam replied simply.
Mr. Rasmussen turned to the judge, who said "I have already spoken to her uncle, and that was his house rule. He didn't want them speaking to her and twisting her brain around. It was a measure to protect her, nothing more."
"Noted." Mr. Rasmussen said.
Sam just has a funny look. One of total confusion.
Bu her eyes find mine, and I immediately give her a reassuring smile.
And she quickly beamed back.
Yay.
"Now Sam, if you could choose, which of your parents would you prefer to live with?"
Immediately about 10 things happen at once.
Both Austin's mom and dad's lawyers yell "HEY!"
Both parents look livid.
Austin begins to yell "OBJECTIO—" but is cut off by Sam violently hugging him and burying her face into his chest.
I hear somebody behind me yell "That isn't necessary!"
When I turn to look, it's their grandmother.
I then spin to the judge and raise my arms in frustration.
But be didn't see because he and Austin are speaking rapidly.
Then Austin lifted Sam into his arms, and they start towards the door.
The judge said "We're taking a 15 minute recess. Mr. Rasmussen, please follow me."
I quickly bolt to Austin's side, and hear that Sam's crying.
We make it up to where the vending machines are before Sam settles down enough to talk.
Austin ends up sitting on the ground, legs slightly spread, holding Sam tight.
"I don't wanna go back!" was the first thing Sam wailed.
"You won't. I promise."
"But we can't leave without grandma!"
I jump as a thought hits me.
"I'll be right back." I say quickly, then dash away to find my parents.
Wasn't hard, since I nearly bowled Mom over halfway down.
"There you are. Is she ok?" Mom immediately asked.
"She's bawling. And wants to go home. Is there a way we can take your car or something?"
My mom immediately looks to dad, who thought for a brief second.
"I'll call Raffy and get him to drive your SUV over." Dad said.
"What about him though?"
"He can find a way home I'm sure. And if not, I'll buy him a taxi, since this is an emergency."
"Are you sure you'll be able to get him?" I ask.
Mom smiled and said "He's under contract, and we talked to him a day or two ago about baseball camp for Corey. We'll get him."
When I look to Dad, he's already on the phone.
"Mrs. Valentine! Sydney." I hear, and look down to see Mr. Rasmussen coming up the stairs.
I bite down and try not to snap at him as Dad is already talking to Rafael.
"The judge would like to speak to Austin about what he wants to do next, and for me to apologize to Samantha. Where are they?" he asks me.
"Follow me." I say.
Dad turns around and says "Raffy will be here in 30 minutes tops."
"Thank you!" I say over my shoulder, as Mr. Rasmussen squirmed.
"I take it she wants to go home." He said quietly.
"Yeah, but she never wanted to come really." I try to be fair.
"True. But I didn't help matters." He said bluntly.
"I don't mean to be rude, but you sounded really harsh." I say darkly, unable to hold my tongue any longer.
He slightly smirked. "It's fine, I did mess up. It came out way wrong. I should have regrouped or given her a minute or something…"
We reach the door, and the sound of Austin and Sam talking floats out to us.
I softly knock and Austin said "Come in!"
I creep in, and Sam darts to Austin's side.
"Is everything ok…?" Austin asked softly.
"Not exactly. The judge wanted me to come and say sorry to Sam here." Mr. Rasmussen said, then crouched down.
"Sam, I…I didn't mean to scare or upset you. You didn't want to answer that stuff, and I shouldn't have asked you that." He said meekly and sincerely.
"it's ok." Sam chimed. "Austin just said you were…What were you saying?" She turned and asked him.
"I was saying you were just doing your job, and that he didn't mean to be mean. He just wants to help us." Austin said, then smiled.
"Exactly. That's all I want to do." Mr. Rasmussen said.
"Okay." Sam smiled.
"Also, the judge wants to talk to you Austin."
"Ok." Austin suddenly rose to his feet.
Sam zoomed to me and grabbed onto my arm.
I instinctively loop my arm around her waist.
"I'll be right back. I'll meet you by the doors after I find a way to get us out of here." Austin said confidently.
"My dad is already getting my car here Austin." I say.
Sam immediately lit up.
"Sweet. I'll be right back Sam." He said strongly, then disappeared.
Sam and I stayed where we were briefly, then she turned to me.
"I…"
"You ok?" I ask softly.
"I…Austin said that I didn't say something right about you." She said, looking at the floor.
"What do you mean sweetheart?"
"I…when I was talking about you making him feel loved. That…what that guy just said." Sam said, looking tired and waving in the direction of the door.
"Oh, I know what you mean. And it's ok. You meant to say one thing, but you got nervous and something else came out, and it sounded mean." I say.
Next thing I know, Sam is sobbing on my shoulder.
I grab her and whisper "It's ok. Don't worry. I'm not mad."
"You're not?" She croaked out.
"No. Definitely not. It was an accident."
Sam beamed at me, then hugged me.
I smile and hug her back.
Once she released me, I wipe the tears off her cheeks as she asked "What now?"
"Well, we're leaving."
"Where are we going?" She fired back.
"I don't know. Just not here I know."
Before she can ask another question, Mom knocked, then barged in.
"Hey sweetie, sorry to interrupt. But I have a message from your father and the judge."
"Ok. What's up?" I ask.
"Well, your car is almost here. And the judge says that Sam won't be going back onto the stand again in this trial."
"Yay!" Sam cheered, causing Mom and I to laugh.
"Thanks Mom." I say happily.
"Are you the one that has been letting Austin come over?" Sam asked.
Mom smiled and bent down.
"Yeah, me and her dad. And I don't think we've met. I'm Cat. Sydney's mom." Mom smiled.
"Hi." Sam smiled, then stopped.
"I…you look like a lady who Austin listens to a lot with his phone."
I can't hold back a laugh and a smile.
Mom is smiling too. "That's good. I do sing a little. So he likes my stuff?"
Sam vehemently nods. "What's your name?"
"Me?" Mom asked, as I can see her next response. "I'm Cat Valentine."
Sam immediately looked shocked and took a step back.
"That's who he listens to! All the time!" She exclaimed.
Mom simply beamed. "Awesome."
"Are you that person?" Sam asked.
"I am!"
Suddenly Sam smiled wide.
"That's so cool."
"I know right? I'm so lucky to have her as my mom." I smile back.
I can feel Mom smiling beside me, then I hear footsteps.
"Syd, everything is ready downstairs."
I uickly stand, and Sam grabs onto my hand.
"it was nice meeting you!" Mom waved.
"Bye!" Sam waved.
Mom mouthed "Call me later." As we walked out and downstairs.
Once we appeared, Austin jumped up to meet us, and Sam jumped to his side again.
"We're all set. Let's bounce." Austin said, then pointed to the door.
I smile at Raffy, who happily nodded at the three of us.
To my surprise, a car seat is already there for Sam, and she buckled herself in easily.
In no time flat, we're already leaving.
"And we are…gone!" Austin said happily.
"You can drive?" Sam asked.
I laugh quickly.
"yeah. Just happened." Austin smiled at Sam.
"So what now?" She asked.
"Now?" Austin feigned surprise. "Now, we get ice cream and go to the park! Who's with me?"
Sam cheered, and I join in as Austin smiled.
"Good. Let's go."