Brand New Journey

Chapter 37

Unfortunately, DCF was not willing to budge on their rules even if Lee was proven to be Kelly's father. He had some things to work out with Rose's lawyer first before Kelly could return to Amanda's home.

So Amanda spent the rest of the afternoon with Kelly at the park. While Amanda pushed Kelly on the swings Kelly asked her, "Why can't I come home yet? I have you and my daddy now."

Amanda sighed replying, "I don't know, Sweetie. That's why Lee is at the lawyer's office right now. He's trying to get you back with us as soon as he can, okay? But at least we can visit you here."

At John Kirk's office Lee shook his head at him stating, "Look. Every i is dotted, every t is crossed here on these papers and Eva and Rose clearly state that-"

John Kirk put up his hand nodding answering, "Yes, I know. I'm sorry but the simple fact remains that Mrs. King is not her relative."

Lee bewildered asked, "What does that have to do with it? She has cared for Kelly since she met her. She in fact offered her home so that Kelly would have a stable environment."

Kirk commented, "I realize that Mr. Stetson, but as her guardian if she was given custody you would be stripped of your rights as that girl's father-"

Lee shook his head remarking, "But I want us to both have custody. I want her to adopt Kelly."

But Kirk shook his head and responded, "You could still lose your rights to her. I'm sorry. That's the way the law stands."

Clearing his throat he continued, "Now, Rose requested that a trust be set up for Kelly. Apparently Eva set it up to begin with but I hadn't seen Rose for about a year and then she was gone. I held onto anything from Rose here. Let's see what we have and then you can sign whatever's needed..."

Lee stopped listening after the man talked about a trust. He'd have to get the Agency lawyers to check on whether the trust money was clean or dirty from KGB hands!

He realized coming here was a waste of time but he decided to stay to the bitter end. How would he tell Amanda about this?

Later as he signed the papers he needed to Lee queried, "How long until I get Kelly back?"

Kirk shook his head sadly stating, "I can file them immediately but you understand with the court process being the way it is, it could take months-"

Lee remarked angrily, "Months? It's almost Kelly's fourth birthday! Can you at least give me a ballpark figure? Say around her fifth birthday maybe?"

John Kirk sighed and answered, "I'm sorry. But look. If something gets thrown out of court or a hearing gets canceled, I'll contact you immediately. I promise. Now, do you have any other questions for me today?"

Lee sighed and shook his head responding, "No. I appreciate your time, thank you."

John Kirk shook Lee's hand as they stood up and he commented, "Please call me any time should you have a need to."

Lee swallowed hard as he went to the door to leave the office. After a moment he turned toward Kirk and asked, "Just one more thing. Would you like to tell Kelly she won't be home for a while?"

Kirk shook his head and stated sadly, "I really am sorry, Mr. Stetson."

Lee waved it away responding, "Yeah, yeah..."

As he left and drove toward the park area a few minutes later he saw Amanda sitting on the swing holding Kelly.

Parking he got out and Kelly ran toward him asking, "I can go home now right, Daddy?"

Lee cleared his throat as he saw Mrs. Michaels and nodded remarking, "I know she has to go but I have to talk to her for a moment. Please?"

Lee looked at Amanda and queried, "Could you wait for me in the car?"

Amanda knew by his face what he was going to tell Kelly and asked calmly, "Maybe we could both-"

But Lee firmly answered, "Please do what I ask? I'll be right with you."

Amanda nodded and swallowed hard. Picking up Kelly she gave her a kiss and replied, "I love you and I'll see you soon, all right? I had the best time, Honey."

Putting her down she gave one last look to Lee to plead with him but he shook his head and waved her toward the car.

Lee thought, Amanda, don't make this any harder for me! It's killing me that I can't take my daughter home for a while!

Amanda went reluctantly knowing the pain he must be in!

As she got in the car she shut the door and watched as Lee explained to Kelly about not coming home just yet and then holding her as she cried!

Amanda gulped and shook her head thinking, I can't believe this! What in the world is wrong with the system in this country?!

After a few minutes Kelly then went with Mrs. Michaels with Lee watching them walk away toward Mrs. Michaels' car, getting in and driving away.

Amanda saw Lee sit on the park bench and put his head in his hands and cry!

She wanted desperately to go over and comfort him but she knew he wouldn't stand for that.

In her mind she saw nothing wrong with a man expressing sorrow, especially in a case like this one!

Instead she waited for Lee to wipe his face and calm himself before he made his way to the car.

A few minutes later he came over and got in. Clearing his throat he stated, "Sorry. I didn't mean to keep you-"

Amanda remarked quickly, "I'm so sorry, Lee! I just can't believe this! What are they thinking? I mean, you just find out she's really yours and now-"

Lee retorted angrily, "I know, Amanda! I don't need a recap, okay?! Let's just go back to the house. I have a few more calls to make and then I'm going home!"

Amanda sighed and replied quietly, "Whatever you want, Lee."

Lee took her hand and shaking his head he answered, "I'm sorry, too. It's just that I'm so angry-"

Amanda nodded and commented, "I know. Let's go, huh?"

When they arrived at the house and came in they saw Dotty coming down the stairs asking, "What's this I hear about Kelly and the DCF taking her?"

Amanda sighed as Lee went into the den closing the door to make his phone calls.

Giving Dotty a hug she queried, "I thought you'd be gone the whole weekend, Mother?"

Dotty shrugged and responded, "Well, half the group came down with a stomach bug shortly after lunch so we all decided to do the antiquing another time. What happened with Kelly?"

Amanda commented, "I'll make some tea and we can talk about it, all right?"

Dotty shook her head as they set about getting the tea ready and thought, Hasn't this family been through enough lately?

TBC