Chapter 7 - The Lawyer's Story
September 21st, 1997 - Los Angeles, California

I had met Michaela about a year before, but on this day, the day of the reading of Annabelle Morgan's last will and testament, there was something different about her. If this had happened a year ago, she would have been dressed up in a little black dress, caring (of course) about her grandmother's death, but, in all honesty, caring more about her own appearance. However, the Beverly-Hills-Brat had left her personality and she was now a much more mellow, quiet, less confident girl. It wasn't just her Annabelle's death, it was something else as well. I liked her a lot more this way but I don't think she liked herself. Now Michaela was wearing a simple long black dress and a somber expression. She was the only person at the reading as Annabelle had no family.
"Good morning Michaela." She just nodded. "I know this is a hard time for you, but it is important that we read the will."
"It's okay." She said softly. "Grandma was the only living relative or friend that I had in the entire world. No material thing she could give me would make up for her presence."
"Yes. We're all sad about Annabelle's death but this has to be done." I cleared my throat and started the paper. "'The last will and testament of Annabelle Morgan. As I have no living relatives, I leave my entire fortune to my granddaughter Michaela. This includes $4 000 000 in cash, estates in Beverly Hills, Aspen and Miami, an apartment block in New York and shares in Disney, Jupiter Records and K-Mart.' Annabelle always got straight to the point."
Michaela stood up. "Well if that's all I'll be going," she said.
"No Michaela, that's not all. You may be a rich heiress but you are also a scared and confused young girl. There's more to be dealt with. Annabelle had a message she wanted to be read to you when she passed away. 'Michaela, I have something to confess to you. I am not your real grandmother. I adopted you when you were abandoned in a hospital on the day you were born, but I have loved you more than I could have if you were my own granddaughter. I could not have asked for a better companion. You have always been bright and sunny and your prettiness has brightened up my house. Do not lose these traits because of your sadness about my death. If you remain true to yourself, I'm sure your many talents will take you far in life.'" I looked at Michaela. She sat perfectly still.
"Well," she said at last. "I guess it doesn't make any difference now. I love my Grandma, and I will miss her, and it doesn't make any difference, whether I was adopted or not."
"I'm glad you feel that way," I replied. "But there's still something else that needs to be sorted out. You may be very rich, but you are only fourteen, and still a minor. You need adult supervision and I'm afraid that if you can't find yourself a home with responsible adults within thirty days you will become a ward of the state."
"Well, I guess if I'm adopted I must have a family somewhere. My first choice would be to go and live with them."
"Yes. Perhaps that would be the best idea. But remember Michaela, you only have thirty days. I will meet you in this room on the 21st of October and if you do not have a home by then you will have to go into foster care."
Michaela smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Ms. Winters, I will do my best. For myself and for Grandma."
"Michaela," I said happily. "I'm impressed with your newfound maturity."