Chapter 31

"And Now My Life is an Open Soul for All to See"

It was the middle of December when everyone was called into court to determine the custody of Lucas. The state presented their case first. They did everything they could to make Dan and Deb look like unfit parents. They used the couples' problems against them, and kept reminding the judge how Lucas overdosed in their care. Donna and Janet both testified for the state, and they told the judge that they felt it was best if Lucas was placed in foster care. By the end of the first day the outcome was looking pretty grim for Dan and Deb.

Brian Martin presented Dan and Deb's case on the second day of the trial. Dan and Deb both took the stand and testified about their relationship with Lucas, and how they wanted him to live with them for good. Nathan also testified. He talked about how he and Lucas had become close, and he pleaded with the judge not to separate them. The final witness to take the stand was Lucas.

Lucas sat nervously in the outside hallway and waited for the bailiff to come get him. When the bailiff finally got him he followed him into the courtroom with his head hung low. He felt all eyes on him, and that caused him to blush. Lucas took the witness stand and the bailiff approached him with the bible. Lucas put his left hand on it while he raised his right hand.

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…so help you god."

"I do," Lucas responded.

"Please state your name for the record," the judge advised.

"Lucas Eugene Scott."

Brian rose to his feet and approached the witness stand. "How are you doing, Lucas?" he asked.

"Good."

"I just have a couple of questions for you." Lucas nodded his head in understanding. "How would you describe your relationship with your father?"

"It was strained for awhile, but we've worked things out, and it's stronger than ever."

"When did you come to live with your father?"

"I moved in after my mother died almost a year ago."

"If you could live anyplace, Lucas, where would it be?"

"At home with my father and Deb."

"Thank you, Lucas," Brian stated. Then he turned to the judge. "No further questions."

Once Brian sat down the attorney from the state rose to his feet and approached Lucas. He seemed to be less caring than Brian. "Did you grow up knowing your father, Lucas?"

"No…it was just my mother and me."

"How did your mother die, Lucas?"

"Cancer."

"How did that make you feel?"

"I was devastated."

"How did you feel when you were told that you had to live with Dan Scott?"

"I was scared," Lucas admitted. "I was scared that he wouldn't accept me."

The attorney nodded his head. "Why did you start taking the pills, Lucas?"

"I was hurting and the pain just wouldn't go away. I took the pills to help me feel numb."

"Why didn't you talk to anyone about your pain?"

"I thought that everyone would think I was weak."

"How did you feel when you found out that you and Dan were moving to the beach house?"

Lucas let out a deep breath. "I was scared at first, but then I was hopeful. I figured that Dan and I could get to know each other better."

The attorney walked back to his table, looked over his notes, and approached Lucas again. "Why did you try to kill yourself?"

"I never tried to kill myself," Lucas responded coldly.

The attorney glared at him for a second, but then rephrased the question. "What happened the night when you overdosed on the pills and cut your wrist?"

"My friends found about the pills and confronted me about it. I was ashamed and scared, so I went home and took more pills. I thought it would make all my problems go away. When that didn't work I slit my wrist. I know now that it was a stupid thing to do."

The attorney nodded his head as he smirked at Lucas. "Thank you, Lucas. No further questions," he said before returning to his table.

The judge looked at Lucas and said, "You may step down."

"Can I say something first?" Lucas asked.

The judge nodded her head.

"My world came crashing down when I lost my mother. I didn't know what I was going to do, but Dan and Deb were nice enough to take me into their home. I never knew my father until then. It took some time, but my father and I formed a relationship. I became close with my brother Nathan, and Deb has become my second mother. Please don't take it all away from me. I'm begging you to let me stay with my family."

The judge looked at Lucas with soft eyes and smiled. "Thank you, son; I'll take that into consideration."

Once Lucas stepped down from the witness stand he sat down next to Brooke. She took hold of his hand and squeezed it to let him know that he had her support. Lucas felt like a huge weigh had been lifted off of his shoulders.

"Court will be in recess until tomorrow morning," the judge stated. "We will reconvene at nine and I will render my decision."

"How do you think that went?" Dan asked as he and Deb stood with Brian outside of the courthouse.'

"I was a little nervous at first," Brian admitted, "But I think Lucas may have won the judge over in the end."

"Guess we'll find out in the morning," Dan said as he took hold of Deb's hand.

After leaving the courthouse Lucas, Brooke, Haley, and Nathan went to the café for an early dinner. Lucas really wanted to enjoy the night out, but it was hard because he was so nervous about what lied ahead. He was anxious to hear the judge's decision, and he was hoping that she would rule in his favor.

Haley could see the nervousness in her friend, and she tried to comfort him. "Don't worry…everything's going to work out for you."

"I hope you're right," Lucas responded.

Haley rubbed his shoulder. "I know the judge will see it your way."

The title of this chapter is a lyric from the song "Wounded," by Good Charlotte.