Learning to Live Again

Chapter 21

They developed a comfortable routine. It was easy and natural. Libby loved how easily things had settled, but unfortunately; things were not going so well with the adoption proceedings. Bobby's great-aunt was making noise that she wanted Bobby and that he should remain within her dysfunctional family. Mike and Libby intentionally kept it from him, because of how intensely scared Bobby was of his family.

There were hearings, attorney meetings, and a lot of stress. Joey and their pastor did a character testimonies for them, but it was an uphill battle. The one advantage was that Bobby's great-aunt, Marilyn didn't have a lot of money. It wasn't that Mike and Libby did, but they could prove being able to support a little boy with some special needs and they were upstanding members of the community. Marilyn was not.

She had been in jail multiple times, for passing bad checks, drug charges, an assault, and her own kids had been taken out of her custody. But because she was family, the judge had to entertain her petition for custody. Even Bobby's doctor had submitted a report. She wrote that he had asthma and bad seasonal allergies, bad eyesight, learning disabilities, and needed care. Marilyn was a heavy smoker, whereas Libby didn't smoke at all, and Mike only smoked an occasional cigar outside. Marilyn drank. Mike occasionally drank a beer, but they had cleared that out of the house until the adoption went through.

Finally, they had a hearing. They had to finally explain to Bobby and Hannah what was happening. The judge had mentioned wanting to talk to Bobby and so it was best to have him there. Hannah had to be in school, but had written a note to the judge, talking about how great of parents Mike and Libby were.

As soon as Marilyn walked into the courtroom, smelling of cheap cigarettes and perfume, Bobby began trembling and having difficulty breathing. Mike even had to use his rescue inhaler to help him. He squeezed in between Mike and Libby and continued shaking in fear. The judge had watched everything and finally Marilyn was called to the stand to plead her case.

"I just think that the boy belongs with his people, not some strangers from the big city." Marilyn told Mike and Libby's attorney, Matt Freeman.

"Mrs. Slattery has lived in the area for most of her life, and Admiral Slattery moved in about a year ago after a distinguished career in the United States Navy. He bought a house and has settled into an active member of the community. They attend church, work, raise their kids, and contribute. What can you offer Bobby?" Matt asked.

"Definitely not the fancy house and all the toys. He'll be with his family. His people. Not strangers." Marilyn stated.

"It can be argued that a family doesn't have to be blood related, to be family. Case in point, Hannah Slattery, Admiral Slattery's daughter who he was recently reunited with, is not his biological daughter. I have seen the two of them together and the judge and your attorney have a letter from Hannah detailing what kind of parents Mike and Libby Slattery are. There is no doubt that Hannah adores her parents. And yes, she knows that she is not Admiral Slattery's daughter. It doesn't matter to either of them." Matt said. They had decided to release that Hannah was not Mike's biological daughter, so that it couldn't be used against them. Marilyn was obviously surprised by the news.

"That doesn't matter. The boy has his own people." Marilyn said.

"You mean Bobby? Not the boy. His name is Bobby. He enjoys watching car races, baseball, had never had a birthday cake until Mrs. Slattery's birthday and loves picking presents out, but is not good at keeping secrets. If his people were such part of his life, why had he never had birthday cake? He's almost nine years old." Matt asked.

"Kids don't need birthday cake." Marilyn said.

"Alright, this is going nowhere fast. I would like to speak to Bobby in my chambers. He'll be alright." The judge said, obviously getting annoyed.

"You'll be okay. Just talk to the nice judge." Libby whispered in Bobby's ear and then released him to the bailiff. Mike and Libby watched him walk away and felt a sense of guilt. There was no way that the little guy should be going through this. Joey and Tamara had appeared behind them and Libby realized how nauseous she was. After she hiccuped and took a mint, Mike was even getting worried.

"I really think when we get done with this, you need to see about going to a doctor. You've done this every morning for a week." Mike said quietly. Joey was talking to the bailiff and Tamara was still sitting behind them.

"I have a nervous tummy. I am going to go to the bathroom, though." Libby said as she stood up and left the courtroom. She barely made it to the lady's room before she began throwing up. Once she stopped, and opened the stall door, she found Tamara standing there with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Are you pregnant?" Tamara asked quietly. There was no judgement in her tone, just a look of empathy.

"I doubt it. The doctor did say it was impossible." Libby said as she rinsed her mouth out.

"I was there. He said improbable but not impossible. You and Mike have been active for over a month. I know you aren't on anything, so is he using a condom?" Tamara asked.

"No." Libby said simply.

"And just how active are you?" Tamara asked.

"A couple times a week." Libby said weakly.

"A couple? More than five?" Tamara asked.

"Yes. Not like it matters, we both know how this marriage started." Libby said.

"I'm not blind. It has grown into something more than a sham. I suspect the two of you love one another." Tamara said.

"Why do you think that?" Libby asked.

"Because you look at him like I look at Joey and Mike looks at you the way Joey looks at me. He's worried about you." Tamara said.

"I hate to be like this, but you and Joey are hardly an example." Libby said. She could see how wounded Tamara was and immediately regretted it.

"You know, I love you; just like a sister, but sometimes you can be a bitch. I am only trying to help you. Take a pregnancy test in the morning. Avoid alcohol. Call me after you take the test and I will help you with your next move, because I do love you." Tamara said before she walked out of the bathroom. Libby would have to apologize later, but right now; she needed to concentrate on Bobby. She washed her hands and straightened her hair. As she was refreshing her make-up, she heard a toilet flush and a stall door open up. Marilyn bounced out with a dirty grin on her face.

"I knew something seemed off about you all. You're whoring yourself and are hardly the pillars of the community that you think you are." Marilyn said before walking out, not even washing her hands.

Libby walked back into the courtroom and sat back down next to Mike. She thought about telling him about Marilyn, but Joey was leading Bobby back in, and the little boy immediately launched himself at Mike and Libby, needing to be comforted. Libby threw Tamara an apologetic look, but concentrated on the little boy. The judge finally walked in and took a seat. Marilyn's attorney had already spoken with him.

"Alright. Clearly, the Slattery's can take care of Bobby and Bobby has expressed a desire to stay with them, but some things have come to light. It did make me wonder when I heard how quickly the Slattery's married, especially since they hadn't met before. I am not the romantic sort that believes in love at first sight. So, this is a marriage on convenience, and that is something that Bobby will not be a part of, and this court will not entertain. I am awarding custody to Marilyn Greene, but with the strict understanding that if there is a scratch on him, if his grades slip, if anything happens, he will be taken back into state care. If that happens, it doesn't mean the Slattery family will get him back. Ms. Greene, we will be watching you and will be talking to Bobby. You are hardly who I want him with, but I also don't like being made a fool of. I will give the Slattery's one thing; they are good actors. I truly believed that they were the family for Bobby. I will give them an hour to say their goodbyes to Bobby." The judge explained before he got back up and walked into his chambers.

It was obvious that Bobby didn't understand what was happening and Mike and Libby were stunned. They were moved into a private room for the hour. Tamara had disappeared, and suddenly reappeared with Hannah.

It was painful, letting Bobby go. He wouldn't even be in the same school district, so Libby wouldn't be able to keep an eye on him. They hugged him, kissed him, told him how much they would always love him and that if he needed anything, they were there for him. Joey finally had to pull Bobby away from them, and they could hear him crying from down the hall. Mike was figuring out that Marilyn had overheard Libby and Tamara talking and was very angry. They had driven separate vehicles, and Mike turned to her and pulled Libby close, so no one overheard it.

"I am taking Hannah back to school. I'll stay away for a while, but I expect you gone by the time we get home. Take your stuff and go. Move back in the garage apartment. I'll call my attorney tomorrow and have divorce papers drawn up." Mike said before walking away. Libby was stunned again and was surprised when Tamara wrapped her into a hug. She had apparently heard it.

"Let's get you packed up. Come on." Tamara said.

"But; I don't want to." Libby argued.

"Lib, its not permanent. It would be better not to make him madder right now. Get out of his way. I have a feeling you have an ally with Hannah. She heard the whole thing too." Tamara said as she grabbed Libby's purse and jacket and pulled her away.

"Hannah is sixteen. How much sway can she have with someone like Mike? And what if what you said is true? That I'm pregnant?" Libby asked as they got into the elevator. Thankfully, they were alone.

"Mike adores Hannah. And, if you are pregnant, it will hold up a divorce. We need to get you to a doctor first thing tomorrow. Mike is going to have to have proof." Tamara said.

"I hate this." Libby said.

"Me too." Tamara agreed.

"He may want nothing to do with our baby if I am pregnant." Libby remarked.

"That isn't the sort of person he is. He's lost entirely too much to neglect his own flesh and blood. And I suspect that Joey is going to have a word or two with him." Tamara said as they walked out of the courthouse and got into Libby's car.

Libby drove to the farm and she and Tamara packed her belongings quickly. She slipped a picture that had been taken of her, Mike, Hannah and Bobby into her purse and they left. In a lot of ways, she felt like she was only going through the motions. Tamara had her stop by a pharmacy and went in and got pregnancy tests, but also called Libby's doctor and made an appointment for the next day.

They got back to Joey and Tamara's house and Tamara helped Libby get unpacked and settled back into the garage apartment. She insisted that Libby join them for dinner and kept Libby's spirits up. Once Libby walked back into their house, Andy and Abby kept her entertained, but her heart was definitely not there. It was with Mike, Hannah and Bobby.