A/N: First off, I want to thank nickyLB and ghfan51184 for always reviewing each chapter. I appreciate it. I know there are others, which is appreciated. Secondly, I apologize for taking so long to update. I thought that I finished this story, but I realized a few weeks ago that I didn't. If you are still with me on this story, please let me know by reading/reviewing this story. Like I stated years ago (yep unfortunately it's been that long), Nikolas' name may be spelled wrong in this story. But instead of spending a lot of time correcting it, I'm just going to finish this story so you know how this story ends. Please enjoy and hope to hear your thoughts. Below is a little recap of the last couple of chapters in case you need one. I thought I had a longer recap saved, but I didn't. So, I hope the one that is given is good enough. Enjoy.
(In the last several chapters, Michelle was revealed to be the biological mother of the baby the Brady's adopted. The Brady's offered to let Michelle & Nicholas see the baby whenever they want, which they were grateful for. Nicholas told Michelle that even though the baby isn't biologically his, he considers himself to be the father of her child, which Michelle loved hearing. Michelle finally got to see her baby for the first time. Sparrow was found guilty of the crime against Michelle, even though he maintains his innocence. Sparrow went after Michelle & Nicholas & accused them of making him lose his job, which they said he has no one to blame but himself. Nurse Linda was revealed to be talking with a mystery person on her cell phone at work & she told them she was worried about people finding out what she did, but they told her not to worry about it. Scott revealed that Nurse Linda & Sparrow are both on Gislo's payroll, surprising everyone. At the end of the chapter, Michelle received a call from Mrs. Benson, saying she wants to meet with Michelle & Nicholas at 9am the following morning, which they agreed to)
Chapter 61 "Meeting with the Lawyer"
(Michelle & Nicholas are getting ready for their 9AM meeting with their lawyer, Mrs. Benson, at her office. After they finish getting ready, they head over to see her)
***While in the vehicle***
(While talking, Nicholas & Michelle look at each other while on the road)
Nicholas: "Are you nervous?"
Michelle: "About what?"
Nicholas: "About seeing the lawyer?"
Michelle: (shakes her head) "No. Not yet anyway. Why, are you?"
Nicholas: (shakes his head) "No. I mean, I know we've had meetings with her before, but this one…I don't know…it just
seems different."
Michelle: "I agree. Do you think the Brady's have a lawyer as well, you know, regarding custody of Andrew?"
Nicholas: "I'm sure they do. Who it is…I don't know. Have they mentioned anything to you?"
Michelle: (shakes her head) "No. You?"
Nicholas: (shakes his head) "No."
(Michelle starts to look a little nervous and Nicholas notices)
Nicholas: "Babe, what's the matter? I-I thought you said you weren't nervous about the meeting."
Michelle: "It-It's not the meeting I'm nervous about."
Nicholas: "Okay, then what is it?"
Michelle: "You…" (sighs) "…You don't think the Brady's would try fighting me for custody of Andrew, do you?"
Nicholas: "I don't know. I mean, I hope not. They've had him since he was born and I know they consider him theirs. They said they would never fight us for him, but it's been awhile since that conversation happened."
Michelle: "Do you think we should talk to them about it?"
Nicholas: "I don't think we need to, right now anyway. Let's just worry about the meeting with the lawyer right now, okay?"
Michelle: (nods in agreement) "You're right."
Nicholas: "Ready for the meeting?"
Michelle: (sighs) "Ready as I'll ever be."
(At Lucky & Elizabeth's place, Luke, Lucky, Laura, & Liz are getting things ready so Luke & Laura can take Ashlynn with them to their place so Lucky & Liz can go to work)
Lucky: "Mom, dad, are you sure you don't mind taking care of Ashlynn while we go to work?"
Luke: (sighs) "Lucky, for the last time, your mother & I have no problem with it."
Liz: "Yeah, but if you already made plans for anything else…"
Laura: (interrupting) "Elizabeth, its okay. Really. Go to work. We have no problems watching her."
Liz: (hesitantly) "Okay, but if you need us to get off early-."
Luke: (interrupting) "Elizabeth, Laura & I can handle it. If something DOES come up, which I highly doubt it will, there will still be one of us left to care for Ashlynn. I know you love her, but I'm sure you're looking forward to getting back to your routine at Kelly's."
Liz: "Well, I guess, maybe-."
Luke: (interrupting) "I thought so." (smiles)
Lucky: "Okay, you guys have everything, right?"
Laura: "Lucky…" (sighs) "…we have a spare key to your place that you gave us, but I'm sure we have everything."
Lucky: "Okay. Okay. We get the hint."
Luke: "You guys go. We'll take care of the rest. We'll see you later on today."
Liz: "Thanks, again, you guys."
(Lucky & Elizabeth kiss a sleeping Ashlynn, who's in the car seat, one more time before going to work. Laura & Luke breathe a sigh of relief)
Luke: "It's about time they left."
Laura: "I know. You'd think they were leaving her for a few months."
Luke: "To them, it probably does it seem that long."
Laura: (smiles) "Remember when you were like that?"
Luke: (gives her a look) "I was not."
Laura: (laughs) "Oh, yes, you were. I was a stay at home mom while you managed the club. The first couple of months
when Lucky was a baby, after he was born, you called so many times to check up on me I was almost tempted to unplug the phone."
Luke: (looks at her) "You did not."
Laura: "I said I was tempted. I didn't say I actually did."
Luke: "You know who you sound like right now?"
Laura: (looks at him & smiles) "Your son?"
Luke: (fake laughs) "Ha-ha. You're so funny."
Laura: "Thank you. Now, let's get home before Lucky & Elizabeth change their minds about going to work today."
Luke: "You got it, Mrs. Spencer."
(They leave the apartment and go to their place. At Kelly's, there aren't a lot of customers, so Melody & Taylor are doing a little cleaning while Tammy is in the back taking care of the dishes. When Elizabeth comes down the stairs and puts on her apron that says 'Kelly's' on it and her nametag, Melody & Taylor see her and run to her)
Melody: (excitedly) "Oh my god! Elizabeth!"
Taylor: (happily) "We've missed you so much!"
(Elizabeth laughs and hugs them back)
Liz: (laughs) "Thanks, guys. I appreciate that I was missed around here. I was technically still here, you know?"
Taylor: "Yeah, but, not back full-time."
Melody: "Yeah, I mean, you've been back for a little while, but only part-time or something, not back back."
Liz: (chuckles) "Well, thank you guys. Have, uh, have you two seen Tammy around here?"
Melody: "Yeah, she's in the back doing the dishes."
Liz: (nods) "Okay, thanks. Think I'm going to go say hi."
Taylor: "How's Ashlynn?"
Liz: "Growing more every day."
(They all laugh. Elizabeth then excuses herself and goes in the back. She watches Tammy tend to the dishes. Elizabeth walks slowly so she's quiet and when she gets right behind Tammy, she puts her hands on Tammy's eyes)
Elizabeth: "Guess who?"
Tammy: (laughs) "Who can forget that voice?!"
(Elizabeth takes her hands off Tammy's eyes & Tammy turns around & sees her. Tammy gives her a big hug)
Tammy: "I have missed you so much!"
Liz: "Me, too."
Tammy: "How have you been?"
Liz: (sighs) "Good. It's a little weird not being around Ashlynn all the time, but…it's like it was time to come back, you
know?"
Tammy: (smiles) "Well, it's good to have you back, girl!"
Liz: "Taylor & Melody said the same thing."
Tammy: "It was nice to have you part-time before, but with you back full-time, everything is back to normal."
Liz: (chuckles softly) "Thanks, Tammy."
Tammy: "Well, I'm going to finish these dishes. There weren't that many customers earlier, so feel free to do any
cleaning that needs to be done till more customers come in."
Liz: "Sounds like a plan."
(They hug again & then they both go to work. Nicholas & Michelle arrive at Mrs. Benson's office. They go to the receptionist to check in. The receptionist tells Michelle & Nicholas she'll let Mrs. Benson know. After a few minutes, the receptionist tells them Mrs. Benson is ready for them. Michelle & Nicholas open the door to her office. After shutting the door, Mrs. Benson greets them & shakes their hands)
Mrs. Benson: (smiles) "Thanks for coming here. I appreciate it."
Michelle: "Thanks for meeting with us."
Nicholas: "You said over the phone last night you wanted to talk about the custody case & the Brady's?"
Mrs. Benson: (nods) "Yes."
(Everyone sits down)
Mrs. Benson: "I know we've had meetings before, but this one is a little different."
Michelle: (confused) "How so?"
Mrs. Benson: "Before, we were just getting to know each other so you feel comfortable discussing the details surrounding your son. Now, we're actually going to put in motion the details."
Nicholas: (nods) "Okay."
Mrs. Benson: "After the custody hearing is done with, we will move forward with your case against the former Dr.
Joshua Sparrow."
Michelle: "Okay. Yeah, I was kind of wondering how we were going to proceed with the two cases."
(Michelle chuckles softly)
Mrs. Benson: "Now, I understand, after you had your baby, you were told he died?"
Michelle: (nods) "Yes. I didn't even get to see him when I woke up."
Mrs. Benson: "Michelle, who told you your baby died?"
Michelle: "Um…" (looking at Nicholas) "...Nicholas did."
Mrs. Benson: "Okay. Who told you, Nicholas?"
Nicholas: "Dr. Sparrow did."
(Michelle & Nicholas look on while Mrs. Benson writes the details on notebook paper. After a minute or so, she looks at Michelle & Nicholas again)
Mrs. Benson: "Can I see the documents again that prove the Brady's are the legal parents of your son?"
Michelle: "Oh, yeah, of course."
(Michelle looks in her bag & finds the papers, which she gives to the lawyer. The lawyer looks at the documents again & after a few minutes, she asks Michelle if she can make a copy of it, which Michelle says yes to. After the lawyer copies it, she hands the original back to Michelle)
Mrs. Benson: "Do you know who handled the adoption for the Brady's?"
Nicholas: (shakes his head) "No."
Mrs. Benson: "Did the Brady's ever tell you who their lawyer is that they hired for this case?"
Michelle: "Yeah. They thought in case you needed to get in touch with her, they gave me a piece of paper with her name written down on it."
(Mrs. Benson holds out her hand for the piece of paper, which Michelle gives her. She then reads it out loud)
Mrs. Benson: "Miss Grace Powers. Michelle, do you need this paper back in case you need it?"
Michelle: (shakes her head) "No, I'm fine. I don't see a need to keep it. I just mostly had it for when you needed it."
Mrs. Benson: (smiles) "Thank you. Okay. I will be calling their lawyer shortly after our meeting ends. I need to get more info on the adoption process they went thru for your son, Andrew."
Nicholas: (confused) "You mean in case anything illegal happened or something?"
Mrs. Benson: "Well, being I don't know the Brady's very well & their situation with your son, I want to know more about it."
Michelle: (little surprised) "Wait, you don't think the Brady's did anything wrong, do you?"
Mrs. Benson: (puts her hand up, then down) "No, I'm not saying that at all. I just want to get all the facts before I proceed. There is something I need to know, Michelle."
Michelle: (nods) "Okay."
Mrs. Benson: "Being the Brady's currently have custody of Andrew…if, in the end you get custody, do you intend on giving Eric & Samantha visitation or joint custody? I didn't know if you thought of that yet."
(Michelle & Nicholas look at each other a few seconds before looking back at their lawyer)
Michelle: "If I was in the same situation as the Brady's, it would be really hard to just give up my adopted child, especially if I had him since birth."
Nicholas: "So, we wanted to be fair & do the right thing by offering visitation. Any time they wanted to see him they could, within reason, of course."
Mrs. Benson: (nods) "Okay. Next question: Have you thought of what you would do if, in the end, the Brady's get to keep legal custody?"
(Michelle & Nicholas look at each other worriedly. They look back at their lawyer)
Michelle: (sadly) "I-I don't think I could handle that. Ever-Ever since I found out my son was alive, I've always imagined me having him in the end."
Nicholas: (concerned) "Mrs. Benson, are-are you saying there's a chance Michelle & I might not get custody of Andrew in the end?"
Mrs. Benson: "In most cases, custody of a child usually goes to the biological mother, but…"
(Michelle looks at Mrs. Benson worriedly)
Michelle: "But?"
Mrs. Benson: "If the Brady's adoption of Andrew at birth was absolutely legal with no errors involved, it is possible the Brady's could get permanent custody."
(Michelle gasps in panic & has a worried look on her face. Nicholas tries to calm her down before speaking)
Nicholas: "Wait. I-I-I don't understand. If Michelle is the biological mother & has been kept from him this whole time -."
Mrs. Benson: (interrupting) "Nicholas. Nicholas, I didn't say they would. I said it's possible. I'm just giving you the facts. That's one of the reasons you hired me…is to give you all the facts & possibilities."
Nicholas: "Just please, what can you promise us?"
Mrs. Benson: "What I can promise you is this…I will do everything in my power to make sure you & Michelle gets full custody of your son. But, since you stated earlier you were considering giving them visitation, I will help you with that. It's my job as a lawyer to help you with what you want."
Michelle: (nods) "Okay."
Nicholas: "If-If you don't mind me asking, Mrs. Benson…"
Mrs. Benson: (smiles) "You can ask me anything, Nicholas, about the case."
Nicholas: "I heard you're a very good attorney."
Mrs. Benson: (chuckles softly) "You heard right, Nicholas. I'm assuming you know about my reputation?"
Nicholas: "That you've won almost all of your custody cases? Yeah, I heard that. That's actually why I chose you, because I know you'd help us."
Mrs. Benson: (chuckles) "I've been a custody lawyer for a long time & yes, I've rarely lost. I guess that's why I get paid the big bucks."
Nicholas: (chuckles softly) "Yeah, when I read about you, you sounded very good. Expensive, but good."
Mrs. Benson: "Ha-ha. That's very true. I also heard about you as well, Mr. Cassadine. That you're wealthy."
Nicholas: "Yeah, I guess so." (chuckles softly)
Michelle: "Do you know when you'll know more about the Brady's, their lawyer, & everything else?"
Mrs. Benson: "Well, like I said earlier, I intend on talking to their lawyer shortly after this meeting with you. So, I should know more within a day or two, depending on if I can get in touch with Miss Powers & also, depending on how much info I get. But don't worry; as soon as I find out, I will let you know."
Michelle: (smiles) "Thanks, Mrs. Benson."
Nicholas: (smiles) "Yeah, thanks, ma'am."
Mrs. Benson: (smiles) "No problem. I'm always here if you need to discuss anything."
(Michelle & Nicholas shake hands with their lawyer. Afterwards, they leave. On the car ride home, they talk, looking at each other often while Nicholas drives)
Nicholas: "So, what'd you think of what the lawyer said?"
Michelle: "I'll admit it, Nicholas. I'm a little worried about the custody case. I mean, I-I don't know what I would do if I lost my son, again. First, I lost him when he was born. Now, I might lose him again."
(Michelle starts to get tears in her eyes. Nicholas sees this & gently takes her hand in his & kisses it softly. He then continues to hold her hand in his on the arm rest between them)
Nicholas: "I'm going to promise you something right now, Michelle."
(Michelle looks at him)
Michelle: (softly) "Yeah?"
Nicholas: "I will do everything in my power to make sure we get your son in the end."
Michelle: (smiles a little) "I appreciate that, Nicholas, but I don't want you doing anything illegal. If I lose my son in the end, I-I can't lose you, too. I-I don't think I could handle that."
Nicholas; "Don't worry, honey. I won't. And you won't lose me, ever. I love you."
Michelle: (smiles a little) "I love you, too."
Nicholas: "The Brady's look like caring people, so I'm sure we can work something out."
Michelle: "I hope you're right."
Nicholas: "Have I ever lied to you or broken any of my promises to you yet?"
Michelle: (shakes her head) "No." (sniffles)
Nicholas: "And I never will. Please believe me when I say we'll get your son back in the end."
Michelle: (smiles a little) "I do, Nicholas. When you say things like that, I will always believe you."
Nicholas: (smiles) "Good."
(He gives her a kiss & then continues concentrating on the road)
Nicholas: "Now, all we can do now is wait for Mrs. Benson to call us when she finds out info from the Brady's lawyer."
Michelle: (sighs) "I hope it's soon."
Nicholas: "She said a day or so, depending on the info & if she can get in touch with their attorney. I can't think of a
reason why she wouldn't be able to."
Michelle: "Then all we can do is wait."
Nicholas: (nods) "Don't worry, babe. We'll hear from her soon."
TO BE CONTINUED
Chapter 62 Preview: "News from the Brady's Attorney"
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