AUTHOR'S NOTEDISCLAIMER

Wow. I can't believe I've written fourteen chapters so far. I don't usually write so much. I had promised my Power Ranger readers that I wouldn't make another story so long, and I meant that for each category, so I apologize. However, we are nearing the end and for those of you who stayed tune, there will be a couple of surprise appearances. I hope you enjoy! I only own the characters you don't recognize. Everything else belongs to Fox Family.

At the officer's words, everybody froze. He had made a decision?

"Come on. Let's go hear what he has to say," Peter stated. With that, everyone walked back into the courtroom, Scott being flanked by Peter and Sophie.

"Everyone, please sit down," Judge Wilkson requested. Everyone did so. Elaine smirked at Scott and winked. He flinched and dropped his gaze.

"Now, is everyone going to tell me what that commotion in the hallway?" the man asked.

"She was all over me," Scott muttered.

"Who?" Judge Wilkson asked. The boy gestured to Elaine.

"Really?" the man asked. A nod was his only answer.

"Your honor, you said you had a decision," Stephen reminded him.

"Yes. We've reviewed the case, but before handing down my decision, Mrs. BarringerSusan, you live in New Mexico, how are you going to raise and support Scott?" the judge asked.

"Well, the best thing for him right now is to be in Horizon, where he can continue to heal. As for support, I'll send in money tuition and whatever expenses that may arise," Susan replied.

"I see," the judge said. "Mr. Barringer?" he continued.

"Well, I suppose he has to stay in Horizon. As for expenses, I'm already paying. And he had a chance to come home, but he didn't," Martin stated.

"Mmm-hmm," the judge said. Then, he looked out at the courtroom.

"In light of what I've heard and read in the reports I've gotten from Horizon, my decision is clear-cut. The minor, Scott Barringer, is to be placed into full custody of Susan Barringer, his mother and will continue to live at Horizon, until he is legally of age," Judge Wilkson stated. Scott laughed in relief and Peter and Sophie congratulated Susan.

"What? This is outrageous!" Martin exclaimed, jumping up. Scott began to walk out, but he was stopped by Elaine.

"Scotty, why did you do that? You've really hurt Martin," she oozed, putting a hand on her cheek.

"I did what was best for me. That's all there is to it," Scott stated. He once again started out, but she grabbed his arm.

"Scotty, I've missed you," Elaine whined, pulling him close and running her fingers through his hair.

"Get off me, Skank!" Scott cried, trying to jerk free. The woman pushed herself close and thenwas yanked back.

"That's it. You're under arrest for trying to seduce a minor," the officer who grabbed Elaine snapped. "You have the right to remain silent…" As Elaine was read her rights, Scott, Susan, Peter, and Sophie walked away. Martin brushed past everybody without looking at them. Stephen on the other hand, stopped the four from Horizon.

"Kid…I'm sorry. I honestly didn't know," he apologized. Scott nodded.

"It's okay. Like you said, you didn't know," the boy accepted. With that, they all left the courtroom, although, Stephen headed off in the opposite direction. As they walked out, Scott laughed.

"This is great! I feel free!" he cheered.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I know this seems a bit rushed and stilted, and for that I apologize. I also apologize if the amount of time for the judge's decision isn't realistic. But take heart, one last chapter. Oh, by the way, I hope you enjoy the surprise appearances in the upcoming chapter.