Disclaimer : I don't own a thing so can't sue. Lol
BEANER : Ah, you'll just have to wait and see whether she will keep them or not, it all depends on what kind of mood I'm in when I write it really. Thanks for your review. Have a crazy Crimbo and a Natty New Year. Cheers mi dears!!!!!
JOC : Aren't you sweet, One question though? How can you love Kelly's coach, he's SO annoying. But then again I suppose he's just one of those characters you can't really hate, ain't he? Anyways, thanks for your review. Have a crazy Crimbo and a Natty New Year. Cheers mi dears!!!!!!
DEDICATED TO CAKEEATER'SGIRLY99 - MERRY CRIMBO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!
Chapter 12
ADAM'S P.O.V
Kelly was still chatting away when we entered the apartment, Connie was mildly interested in what she had to say, but was busy leafing through her mail, I watched as she took one in particular and opened it, as she read, I could she her face drain of colour, then she dashed off to the kitchen. I didn't really think much about it at the time, I mean she probably didn't want us all knowing her business, which I can't particularly blame her as even after 11 years of friendship, some parts of my life I still liked to keep private.
"And John Bradley said girls couldn't play hockey, so I punched him". I heard Kelly tell us, then a huge crash followed as we all turned sharply to see the phone shattered in little bits. Connie then stormed out, only halting for a few seconds to ask if we could watch Kelly and Tyler for a few hours, tears where visible as they ran steadily down her cheeks.
I turned back around to look at the others, Kelly was actually silent and tears were welling in Tyler's face, before I even had chance to say anything his tears were streaming down his face. Julie noticed this and swept him up in her arms where he cried more openly and she looked questioningly at me then Kelly.
"He doesn't like it when Connie cries". She told us after getting over her own shock.
We finally managed to settle Tyler down and Emma and Julie got both Kelly and Tyler ready for bed, whilst I was talking with Guy and Charlie. We were all pretty worried about the way Connie had stormed out, I had began to follow her, but by the time I had gotten outside, she was nowhere in sight.
"Where'd you think she'll have gone"? Guy asked.
"No idea, I mean if we had an idea why she ran out, then we could start looking, but she could be in a 101 places". I told him.
CONNIE'S P.O.V
Out on the street, I walked hastily down the many streets, before coming upon the building I had aimed for. I pushed open the main door and headed to the reception where the woman was sat behind the desk typing something. My hand grasped the letter tightly, it contained all my nightmares rolled into one.
"Can I help you"? The woman asked with a broad smile which branded her pearly white teeth.
"Yeah, can I see Kim Stewart"? I asked softly.
"Have you an appointment"?
"No, but it's really urgent". I replied.
"She's in her office, it's the third door on the left". The woman instructed me.
I headed toward the office, I was determined to stay calm, all the way here I had been kicking myself for the uncivilized way I had talked to her earlier. I gently rattled my knuckles on the door and on hearing her response entered, feeling more than a little embarrassed but not really caring about that at that very second.
"Hi, erm, I'm the very ill-mannered person you've just been on the phone to, I thought I should come down and apologise to you for the way I was down the phone to you". I stood awkwardly in the doorway.
"Connie Moreau, right". She looked a little surprised.
"Yeah, I'm so, so sorry about how I talked to you earlier, I know your only doing your job". I began prattling.
"Please sit down". She gestured me toward the chair that was positioned opposite her seat behind her desk.
"Thanks". I sat down.
"So, I'm guessing your not here just to apologise"? She smiled putting me at ease.
"No, not really. I just want to know, why is Terry going to be allowed to take Kelly and Tyler away from me"? I asked softly.
"Ok, firstly we don't know for definite that Kelly and Tyler will be taken from you, Terry getting custody is just an option, the opposite really to you having them".
"But why now, I mean he hasn't seen them since just after Tyler was born and that is 5 years ago, surely he doesn't stand a chance".
"It could go 50/50, he is the children's father and although he hasn't been in touch he stands a good chance".
"But how did he know where to find us? I mean the last time he was around we were living in Minnesota".
"The background is, 3 months ago, he was summoned for a visit to a Monica Gunning, of who I understand to be your mother, she told him where to find you and that she wanted him to gain custody of Kelly and Tyler so you could return to your studies".
"I can't let him take them away from me, they are my life, I've worked my fingers to the bone for the last 3 years to give them everything they need. Terry has NEVER cared about them, why should he start now".
"My only advice to you, is to get yourself a good lawyer and fight to the very end. I understand how horrible this must be for you, but don't give up". She smiled warmly at me.
"Thanks, and sorry again for being so rude". I stood and offered her my hand.
"Your very welcome". She shook my hand and watched me leave.
When I got back out on the street, I began heading back home, It was nearly 7pm, as I was walking I gazed into shop windows aimlessly, thinking about all the things I needed to do. I passed a window and then stopped and stepped back. As if on the spur of the moment, I went inside and again went to the reception. I quickly explained to the young man what I wanted and he lead me to an office where a middle aged man with a short white beard and glasses resting on the tip of his nose was sat. I sat down and he looked down his nose at me, causing me to feel rather un-nerved.
"So Miss". He began
"Connie Moreau". I told him.
"What can I do for you"?
"Well, I received this letter today and I've been told by Kim Stewart that I need to get a lawyer". I told him handing him the letter.
"Ok, why don't you tell me everything from the beginning like who this Kelly and Tyler Gunning are"? He looked at the letter then put it down in front of him, folding his hands on top of it.
"Kelly and Tyler are my younger sister and brother. 3 years ago my mom was sentenced for robbing a liquor store, drink driving and running over a young girl. I was given custody of them as Terry Gunning, their father has not been around since after Tyler was born just over 5 years ago and then I get this letter from his lawyer this morning telling me that he wants custody". I filled him in.
"Ok, I need some facts about you, see there is no point in fighting this if you have no permanent, stable job and so on and so forth. So why don't you tell me how old you are, where you work, where you live and how financially secure you are and then a little about Kelly and Tyler Gunning"? He asked me.
"I'm 21, I work at Mozzeppa's restaurant Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm and then 3 nights a week I work at a bar called The Saddle. I live in apartment 6 Apple gate road. I get on average $200 a week from the restaurant and about $300 a night at the bar. Kelly's 9 years old and Tyler's 5". I told him.
"Who looks after them while your at work"?
"When I'm at the restaurant Mrs Hobson picks them up from school and takes them home and then when I work at the bar my friend John looks after them one night and the other two they stay over at my other step dads with my other brother and sister". I reeled off to him making him look confused.
"Right fill me in on the family area, how many siblings do you have and how many step dads"? He looked at me critically.
After filling him in on my family life, all the time he was jotting things down. By the time I left it had turned nearly 9.30pm. The lawyer who I had now hired an who I later found out was called Harold Bennett, told me I was going to be up for one hell of a fight, as generally the judge wouldn't take the fact that Terry hadn't been around for the past 3 years into consideration as he was still their father. I left feeling no better than I had when I entered. I aimlessly wandered home, continually thinking about how I was going to explain my sudden disappearance. I realised I had been gone for just over 2 ½ hours. I felt as though my world was crashing around me, Mr Bennett had given me nothing to hope for and he seemed pretty negative, but I suppose at least he wasn't building my hopes only to have them dashed if I lost. I realised as I reached my apartment building that my tears had begun to flow again, I wiped them away furiously, defiant that I wasn't going to let anyone see me cry. I hadn't realised what would be waiting for me on the other side of the door. I opened it slowly and stepped just inside.
"Connie! Where the hell have you been"? Adam rushed over to me followed by everyone else. Out of nowhere I broke down in tears and slid down the wall. Great make them even more worried than they already are.
"What's wrong"? Julie crept forward and sat next to me.
"He's gonna take Kelly and Tyler away from me". I said between tears.
"Who"? Charlie asked. I handed someone the letter and they read it aloud. "How can he do that, he hasn't seen them in over 4 years". Charlie said with obvious hate in his voice.
"I don't know, but he is". I wept. "I've just been to see a lawyer and he's not holding out any hopes for me. I can't lose them, I can't". I cried more now.
"Connie". I heard a gentle whisper, of which I recognised as Tyler. I stood quickly and headed over to him, seeing his tears straight away.
"Hey, shouldn't you be in bed"? I scooped him up in my arms. "Come on let's get you back to bed". I carried him back to bed.
"Why you crying"? He asked me when he was laid down.
"I'm just being silly, I just found out something and I was scared but it's ok now". I lied through my teeth. "Go to sleep". I told him kissing his forehead.
"Stay with me". He whispered as he began falling back to sleep. I climbed up onto his bunk and sat on the edge, watching him drop off. When his eyes finally shut, tears began falling again.
ADAM'S P.O.V
I stood with everyone at the door where Connie had collapsed in tears, she had just taken Tyler back to bed. I could tell everyone was thinking the same as me. If the kids were taken away from her, it would kill her, they were her life, everything revolved around them and they ALWAYS came first.
"What are we gonna do"? Guy asked as we began filtering away from the door.
"There isn't much we can do, except be there for her". Julie told him.
"Maybe a holiday would do her some good, get her and the kids away from the whole thing, I mean they are bound to pick up on what's happening and knowing Connie she's gonna hide it from them for as long as possible". Charlie interjected.
"Yeah, maybe we can round up some ducks, the more friends she's got the better it is". I carried on Charlie's idea.
At that second we all fell silent as Connie re-entered and went into the kitchen where she reappeared with a bottle of wine. She pulled off the top and sat down on the sofa before taking a swig. Tears had stained her cheeks and I could see fresh ones replacing the old.
"Connie, what are you doing"? I asked her, as shocked as the rest of them.
"Drowning my sorrows". She replied, tears emerging once again.
"Connie you have to fight this, grabbing the bottle won't help". I argued.
"Feel's pretty damn good right now". She took another swig. "What's the point in fighting when the battles already been won before it's even started".
"How do you know that"? Charlie told her as I took the bottle from her and handed it to Guy.
"Because, one I'm 21 years old, I work unsociable hours where I dance on a fucking bar, I have to leave the kids with child minders and friends whilst I go out and try to earn a living and two Terry is there dad and LEGAL guardian".
"Yeah but think about his past record, not been around for 3 years, alcoholic, couldn't even recognise his kids in a group of 4 kids and he's a lost cause". Julie comforted her. "How'd he find you anyway, I mean we were looking for years and couldn't find you, what's he done that so special"?
"Seen my mother". She replied with hate in her tone.
We spent the next hour, convincing her she was a better parent than Terry and her mom put together and that she was going to win this case. Eventually we each retired to our beds. I laid with Connie close to me. I could feel the tiredness racking her body and she lay tense and obviously still awake.
"I'm with you all the way on this Con, I'm not giving in and neither should you. I'm always gonna be here for you". I whispered as I kissed her forehead and pulled her closer still. I could hear her gently murmur a thanks before she fell into a deep slumber.
So what did you guys think???? PLEASE R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEANER : Ah, you'll just have to wait and see whether she will keep them or not, it all depends on what kind of mood I'm in when I write it really. Thanks for your review. Have a crazy Crimbo and a Natty New Year. Cheers mi dears!!!!!
JOC : Aren't you sweet, One question though? How can you love Kelly's coach, he's SO annoying. But then again I suppose he's just one of those characters you can't really hate, ain't he? Anyways, thanks for your review. Have a crazy Crimbo and a Natty New Year. Cheers mi dears!!!!!!
DEDICATED TO CAKEEATER'SGIRLY99 - MERRY CRIMBO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!
Chapter 12
ADAM'S P.O.V
Kelly was still chatting away when we entered the apartment, Connie was mildly interested in what she had to say, but was busy leafing through her mail, I watched as she took one in particular and opened it, as she read, I could she her face drain of colour, then she dashed off to the kitchen. I didn't really think much about it at the time, I mean she probably didn't want us all knowing her business, which I can't particularly blame her as even after 11 years of friendship, some parts of my life I still liked to keep private.
"And John Bradley said girls couldn't play hockey, so I punched him". I heard Kelly tell us, then a huge crash followed as we all turned sharply to see the phone shattered in little bits. Connie then stormed out, only halting for a few seconds to ask if we could watch Kelly and Tyler for a few hours, tears where visible as they ran steadily down her cheeks.
I turned back around to look at the others, Kelly was actually silent and tears were welling in Tyler's face, before I even had chance to say anything his tears were streaming down his face. Julie noticed this and swept him up in her arms where he cried more openly and she looked questioningly at me then Kelly.
"He doesn't like it when Connie cries". She told us after getting over her own shock.
We finally managed to settle Tyler down and Emma and Julie got both Kelly and Tyler ready for bed, whilst I was talking with Guy and Charlie. We were all pretty worried about the way Connie had stormed out, I had began to follow her, but by the time I had gotten outside, she was nowhere in sight.
"Where'd you think she'll have gone"? Guy asked.
"No idea, I mean if we had an idea why she ran out, then we could start looking, but she could be in a 101 places". I told him.
CONNIE'S P.O.V
Out on the street, I walked hastily down the many streets, before coming upon the building I had aimed for. I pushed open the main door and headed to the reception where the woman was sat behind the desk typing something. My hand grasped the letter tightly, it contained all my nightmares rolled into one.
"Can I help you"? The woman asked with a broad smile which branded her pearly white teeth.
"Yeah, can I see Kim Stewart"? I asked softly.
"Have you an appointment"?
"No, but it's really urgent". I replied.
"She's in her office, it's the third door on the left". The woman instructed me.
I headed toward the office, I was determined to stay calm, all the way here I had been kicking myself for the uncivilized way I had talked to her earlier. I gently rattled my knuckles on the door and on hearing her response entered, feeling more than a little embarrassed but not really caring about that at that very second.
"Hi, erm, I'm the very ill-mannered person you've just been on the phone to, I thought I should come down and apologise to you for the way I was down the phone to you". I stood awkwardly in the doorway.
"Connie Moreau, right". She looked a little surprised.
"Yeah, I'm so, so sorry about how I talked to you earlier, I know your only doing your job". I began prattling.
"Please sit down". She gestured me toward the chair that was positioned opposite her seat behind her desk.
"Thanks". I sat down.
"So, I'm guessing your not here just to apologise"? She smiled putting me at ease.
"No, not really. I just want to know, why is Terry going to be allowed to take Kelly and Tyler away from me"? I asked softly.
"Ok, firstly we don't know for definite that Kelly and Tyler will be taken from you, Terry getting custody is just an option, the opposite really to you having them".
"But why now, I mean he hasn't seen them since just after Tyler was born and that is 5 years ago, surely he doesn't stand a chance".
"It could go 50/50, he is the children's father and although he hasn't been in touch he stands a good chance".
"But how did he know where to find us? I mean the last time he was around we were living in Minnesota".
"The background is, 3 months ago, he was summoned for a visit to a Monica Gunning, of who I understand to be your mother, she told him where to find you and that she wanted him to gain custody of Kelly and Tyler so you could return to your studies".
"I can't let him take them away from me, they are my life, I've worked my fingers to the bone for the last 3 years to give them everything they need. Terry has NEVER cared about them, why should he start now".
"My only advice to you, is to get yourself a good lawyer and fight to the very end. I understand how horrible this must be for you, but don't give up". She smiled warmly at me.
"Thanks, and sorry again for being so rude". I stood and offered her my hand.
"Your very welcome". She shook my hand and watched me leave.
When I got back out on the street, I began heading back home, It was nearly 7pm, as I was walking I gazed into shop windows aimlessly, thinking about all the things I needed to do. I passed a window and then stopped and stepped back. As if on the spur of the moment, I went inside and again went to the reception. I quickly explained to the young man what I wanted and he lead me to an office where a middle aged man with a short white beard and glasses resting on the tip of his nose was sat. I sat down and he looked down his nose at me, causing me to feel rather un-nerved.
"So Miss". He began
"Connie Moreau". I told him.
"What can I do for you"?
"Well, I received this letter today and I've been told by Kim Stewart that I need to get a lawyer". I told him handing him the letter.
"Ok, why don't you tell me everything from the beginning like who this Kelly and Tyler Gunning are"? He looked at the letter then put it down in front of him, folding his hands on top of it.
"Kelly and Tyler are my younger sister and brother. 3 years ago my mom was sentenced for robbing a liquor store, drink driving and running over a young girl. I was given custody of them as Terry Gunning, their father has not been around since after Tyler was born just over 5 years ago and then I get this letter from his lawyer this morning telling me that he wants custody". I filled him in.
"Ok, I need some facts about you, see there is no point in fighting this if you have no permanent, stable job and so on and so forth. So why don't you tell me how old you are, where you work, where you live and how financially secure you are and then a little about Kelly and Tyler Gunning"? He asked me.
"I'm 21, I work at Mozzeppa's restaurant Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm and then 3 nights a week I work at a bar called The Saddle. I live in apartment 6 Apple gate road. I get on average $200 a week from the restaurant and about $300 a night at the bar. Kelly's 9 years old and Tyler's 5". I told him.
"Who looks after them while your at work"?
"When I'm at the restaurant Mrs Hobson picks them up from school and takes them home and then when I work at the bar my friend John looks after them one night and the other two they stay over at my other step dads with my other brother and sister". I reeled off to him making him look confused.
"Right fill me in on the family area, how many siblings do you have and how many step dads"? He looked at me critically.
After filling him in on my family life, all the time he was jotting things down. By the time I left it had turned nearly 9.30pm. The lawyer who I had now hired an who I later found out was called Harold Bennett, told me I was going to be up for one hell of a fight, as generally the judge wouldn't take the fact that Terry hadn't been around for the past 3 years into consideration as he was still their father. I left feeling no better than I had when I entered. I aimlessly wandered home, continually thinking about how I was going to explain my sudden disappearance. I realised I had been gone for just over 2 ½ hours. I felt as though my world was crashing around me, Mr Bennett had given me nothing to hope for and he seemed pretty negative, but I suppose at least he wasn't building my hopes only to have them dashed if I lost. I realised as I reached my apartment building that my tears had begun to flow again, I wiped them away furiously, defiant that I wasn't going to let anyone see me cry. I hadn't realised what would be waiting for me on the other side of the door. I opened it slowly and stepped just inside.
"Connie! Where the hell have you been"? Adam rushed over to me followed by everyone else. Out of nowhere I broke down in tears and slid down the wall. Great make them even more worried than they already are.
"What's wrong"? Julie crept forward and sat next to me.
"He's gonna take Kelly and Tyler away from me". I said between tears.
"Who"? Charlie asked. I handed someone the letter and they read it aloud. "How can he do that, he hasn't seen them in over 4 years". Charlie said with obvious hate in his voice.
"I don't know, but he is". I wept. "I've just been to see a lawyer and he's not holding out any hopes for me. I can't lose them, I can't". I cried more now.
"Connie". I heard a gentle whisper, of which I recognised as Tyler. I stood quickly and headed over to him, seeing his tears straight away.
"Hey, shouldn't you be in bed"? I scooped him up in my arms. "Come on let's get you back to bed". I carried him back to bed.
"Why you crying"? He asked me when he was laid down.
"I'm just being silly, I just found out something and I was scared but it's ok now". I lied through my teeth. "Go to sleep". I told him kissing his forehead.
"Stay with me". He whispered as he began falling back to sleep. I climbed up onto his bunk and sat on the edge, watching him drop off. When his eyes finally shut, tears began falling again.
ADAM'S P.O.V
I stood with everyone at the door where Connie had collapsed in tears, she had just taken Tyler back to bed. I could tell everyone was thinking the same as me. If the kids were taken away from her, it would kill her, they were her life, everything revolved around them and they ALWAYS came first.
"What are we gonna do"? Guy asked as we began filtering away from the door.
"There isn't much we can do, except be there for her". Julie told him.
"Maybe a holiday would do her some good, get her and the kids away from the whole thing, I mean they are bound to pick up on what's happening and knowing Connie she's gonna hide it from them for as long as possible". Charlie interjected.
"Yeah, maybe we can round up some ducks, the more friends she's got the better it is". I carried on Charlie's idea.
At that second we all fell silent as Connie re-entered and went into the kitchen where she reappeared with a bottle of wine. She pulled off the top and sat down on the sofa before taking a swig. Tears had stained her cheeks and I could see fresh ones replacing the old.
"Connie, what are you doing"? I asked her, as shocked as the rest of them.
"Drowning my sorrows". She replied, tears emerging once again.
"Connie you have to fight this, grabbing the bottle won't help". I argued.
"Feel's pretty damn good right now". She took another swig. "What's the point in fighting when the battles already been won before it's even started".
"How do you know that"? Charlie told her as I took the bottle from her and handed it to Guy.
"Because, one I'm 21 years old, I work unsociable hours where I dance on a fucking bar, I have to leave the kids with child minders and friends whilst I go out and try to earn a living and two Terry is there dad and LEGAL guardian".
"Yeah but think about his past record, not been around for 3 years, alcoholic, couldn't even recognise his kids in a group of 4 kids and he's a lost cause". Julie comforted her. "How'd he find you anyway, I mean we were looking for years and couldn't find you, what's he done that so special"?
"Seen my mother". She replied with hate in her tone.
We spent the next hour, convincing her she was a better parent than Terry and her mom put together and that she was going to win this case. Eventually we each retired to our beds. I laid with Connie close to me. I could feel the tiredness racking her body and she lay tense and obviously still awake.
"I'm with you all the way on this Con, I'm not giving in and neither should you. I'm always gonna be here for you". I whispered as I kissed her forehead and pulled her closer still. I could hear her gently murmur a thanks before she fell into a deep slumber.
So what did you guys think???? PLEASE R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!