Karen: Oh my God! Lucas!
Luke stopped backing out of the office and noticed that all the eyes in the room were on him. Stacey, the social worker from the other night, was standing against the wall behind the desk and Michael was sitting in his chair. Those were the only familiar faces in the room and yet neither of them were the ones that said his name. Lucas looked at the two strangers sitting the worn out, mismatched chairs. The man had been looking at him until Luke met his eyes. Lucas watched as he turned to look at the brunette sitting next to him.
Dan reached out and rested his hand on Karen's shaking knee. Karen had taken over an hour at the hotel deciding what she should wear. In Dan's opinion she could have worn a t-shirt and a pair of jeans and still looked like the perfect PTA mom but she did not seem to see it that way. After five clothing changes and a threat from Dan that he was going to leave without her she settled on a tan pants suit. Dan knew at that moment the last thing that was on his wife's mind was what she had on. She was in the same room with her son. Her first born.
Karen stood up and walked toward the mud splattered teen standing in the door of the office. She could not help starring into those ice-blue eyes. No introduction was necessary. Karen knew that he was her son and she was struggling to balance her emotions. She had dreamed many times of a day when Luke would knock on their front door saying that he understood why they gave him up for adoption but needed to meet his birth parents. Karen watched all the movies on Lifetime and hoped that maybe they would have an adult relationship where they could be friends and maybe meet his girlfriend or wife and eventually hold his children. Karen knew that giving Lucas up was the right thing to do at the time for everyone but once they had the twins and Nate and were settled into their jobs and life Karen could not help feeling that something was missing. Someone was missing. But not anymore. There her baby stood. Those beautiful eyes. Her seventeen year-old son. Her son that was a complete stranger to her. Sadness was now taking over. She was remembering how much she had missed. Her focus moved from his eyes to the half embarassed smile that he had on his face. He had perfect teeth. TEETH! She had missed him loose all his baby teeth and putting money under his pillow. The tears were building up, her stomach was turning and her knees were weak. She wanted to grab him and hug him more then anything. She wanted to tell him that she loved him and that she was sorry but all she could do was stand there and stare. The seventeen year-old was starring right back at her with a definite look of confussion on his face. Karen had to touch him. Slowly and gently she touched his cheek and surprisingly he didn't back away but she still felt the need to explain.)
Karen: You had some mud...
L: (Luke was a little surprised by the woman's touch. Not so much that she was touching him but how gentle and soft it was. It was a foreign feeling to Lucas considering he had never been touched like that by his mother. He waited until she took her hand away and then quickly rubbed the spot where her hand had just been.) Umm...Thanks. (He realized what a sight he must be. Him and Matt had not let the mud fight get out of hand but his little brother had managed to hit him pretty good with a few mud balls and he could not imagine the thoughts that were probably going through the minds of the adults in the room considering his partner in crime was no where to be found and could not be blamed for Luke's dirt covered clothing. Luke felt terrible because the people sitting there were probably the relatives that Michael had told him were coming. He was mentally kicking himself for most likely making a bad first impression with the pair. Luke had decided right after Michael told him of his distant relatives that he was going to do his best to convince them to take him and Matt in. Strangers or not at least being with them would be better then the shelter and things could not be any worse then house that they come from.)
Dan watched the interraction between his wife and son. Right before Lucas came bursting into the office Karen and him were looking for a little advice at the best way to approach Lucas with the news that they were his parents. Unfortunately for all involved Michael never got the chance to give them any words of wisdom before the dirty teen entered. Dan realized that the yearly pictures that he had of Lucas never did justice to the obvious family characteristics Lucas had in common with his wife, his siblings and even himself. Dan was sort of relieved to see that Lucas shared blonde hair with Chris. Dan always teased Karen that maybe Chris was the mailman's child since everyone else had dark hair. His mouth and perfect teeth were traits that he got from his mother and shared with his sister. Dan and Nathan had spent many hours in the dentist and orthodontist chair getting their teeth filled and straightened. They could look at a piece of candy and get a cavity. On the other hand Kaylee and Karen could literally eat spoons of sugar and never have a problem. But those eyes definitely were Dan's and he could tell that Karen had seen the resemblance too. It was the feature that Karen always told Dan first made her notice him and it was the first thing she pointed out when she held her newborn seventeen years ago. Dan saw it then too no matter how much he tried to avoid or deny it. It's not like seeing part of yourself in a baby that you were about to give up made the task any easier. Dan could see that his wife was struggling and he finally got up and joined her. He watched as Karen cautiously wiped the mud off of Luke's face. Only a mother could touch her son in such a way. When Lucas spoke that was the thing that stuck Dan the most. "Umm...Thanks" played over and over in Dan's head like a broken record. All those years that Dan went to see Lucas from a distance on his birthday he would think about how a conversation would play out between them if he ever got the chance to talk to him. He had thought about what he would sound like and it was NOTHING like he had imagined. His voice was mcuh deeper and older. Dan realized that Lucas was almost an adult but the conversation he has with Lucas in his mind was obviously with a younger version of the kid that stood in front of him. Dan figured that he was in denial and as the years went by he didn't want that little boy to grow up. Dan fought hard to hold in the tears even though he was facing the reality that he had missed his son's entire childhood.
Luke continued looking at the couple in front of him but as the seconds ticked by he was feeling more uncomfortable by the continued silence. He saw the woman blinking quickly several times and Lucas could tell that she was ready to cry and he did not know why He broke eye contact and looked down noticing the mud on his shirt. It was starting to dry and desperate to avoid the tension he scratched the spot intently watching a chunk flack off and fall to the ground.
Michael: (He was not sure how to approach this situation. He had been in this line of work for years and this was a new one. Michael had reunited many children with their parents after they were removed from the home for one reason or another. Those situations were totally different then the one that faced him now. In all those cases the people involved had a history together and they were not complete strangers meeting for the first time. The situation that he had in front of him involved a secret being revealed for the first time. A secret that was going to change these people's lives forever.) Hey Lucas I was just going to send someone out to find you. When I made you clean the playground I guess you took me seriously and really threw yourself into your work.
Lucas: I did get it cleaned up and then me and Matt sort of...well...(Lucas was nervous because at the mention by Michael that he was sending someone to find him meant that these people were here to see him. What if these people found out that he was fighting and decided that he was a trouble maker and didn't want to bother with him. He felt the need to explain.) Matt was sad...he's five...we sort of had a mud fight.
Michael: (Seeing the obvious nervousness because of his rambling.) Where is your brother?
L: Cleaning up.
M: Good that will give us a few minutes to talk. (He was still standing in the doorway.) Come in and shut the door. (Michael watched as Luke did what he was told.) Why doesn't everyone sit down. (Stacey stayed standing for lack of a place to sit but Karen and Dan went back to their original seats. There was a single seat left near the door. Luke did not have more then a few steps to take to reach it and he sat down too. Again awkward silence filled the room. Michael pulled a box of kleenex from the drawer and offered one to Karen and she accepted it and wiped the tears that were now streaming down her face. Luke just could not figure out what she was so upset about. Lucas was starting to feel sorry for her because he always hated to see anyone cry. Luke took a quick glance at the social worker and saw her brush away a tear. This actually started to worry Lucas and he was starting to panic. If these people were really his relatives they might be upset because of the deaths of his parents but Stacey should not be crying for that reason. What if these people were his relatives but they were here just to adopt his little brother. His curiosity and fear took over.)
Lucas: Michael what is going on? (Lucas got up when he remembered that Matt was not actually with him at that momnet. What if they were already taking him? He knew that somewhere inside he was probably overreacting but he was not willing to take any chances. Women sometimes cried often but they usually had a good reason for it. Lucas reached for the door handle.) I need to find Matt.
Michael: Luke wait!
L: But he will get scared if I'm...
M: He's okay Lucas. You said yourself that he is getting cleaned up.
L: (He pointed to the couple in the chair and let his nervousness show.) Are they here to take my brother?
(Lucas started to get a sick feeling. What if Michael said "yes". What was he suppose to do? He could fight it for a while but in the end he really had no control over it. He could just let him go with them too and get him out of the shelter and let him have a home but what would he do with out his little brother?)
M: Lucas sit down. No one is here to take Matt away from you.
L: How do I know that you are telling me the truth?
Social Worker: Lucas I promise you that no one is here to seperate you from Matt.
L: Then why are you cryng? (Looking at Mike.) Why are you acting weird? I am not stupid I can tell something is going on. Who are these people? Why are they here?
M: Luke, these are the people that I was telling you about earlier.
L: (This calmed him down a little and he took his hand from the door knob. Lucas looked at the couple.) Michael said that you are relatives, but I don't know you. Are you related to me on my mom or dad's side?
M: (Michael saw that Karen and Dan froze. They were looking at each other hoping to find the right words but nothing came.) Luke will you sit back down please? (Luke did and waited expectantly for an answer to his question.) Lucas this is Karen and Dan Scott. (Karen and Dan both turned in their chairs so they were facing their son.) They are not exactly related to your parents.
L: But you said they were my relatives.
Michael: They are your relatives Lucas. (Lucas looked at him confused and curious and Michael knew that there really was no "good" way to say what he had to say so it was just time to tell him.) Lucas they are not related to your parents because they ARE your parents.
L: (Luke was actually waiting for someone in the room to start laughing or say that they were just joking. Anything that would help make sense of what he was just told. But instead the entire room grew completely silent and all eyes were on him obviously waiting for him to react. He first looked at the strange couple who were starring straight at him. The woman was now in a state of silent sobbing. Her shoulders were starting to shake and the tears were falling continuously. The man looked almost helpless. Lucas could tell that he was trying to say something but he could not find the words. Lucas turned his attention to the social worker and was able to speak.) I don't know who these people are or what they told you, but you were there Stacey. You were at my house. My parents were killed in that fire.
Stacey: Your adoptive parents were killed that night Lucas. These people are your birth parents.
L: (Again all eyes were on him waiting for his reaction. This time however it did not take him quite as long to find his voice but his words were shakey.) My birth parents? As in you think that I was adopted?
Michael: So you did not have any idea?
L: (Lucas hesitated not wanting to face any of this at that moment. A few more seconds of complete denial would be okay.) Of course I didn't have any idea because it is not true! (He looked at Karen and Dan and then back at Michael.) I don't know who these psychotic people are but there are not my parents.
Stacey: Lucas we have checked them out. They are legitimate. They really are your birth parents.
L: (He stood up and felt like the room was closing in on him. He raised his voice a little and addressed Michael and Stacey.) For two days you guys have told me how I am suppose to trust you but the first people that walk in the door and claim that they are my parents you are ready to ship me off with them. Don't you think that I would know if I was adopted or not? They are probably some kind of perverted child molesters that forged the documents.
Michael: Lucas we have thouroughly checked them out. Obviously your adopted parents chose not to tell you that you were adopted so I am sure that this is some shocking news.
L: (He pointed to the couple.) They are liars. You expect me to believe that after 17 years they just so happen to show up two days after my parents are killed? Don't you think that this situation raises a few red flags?
Michael: At first it did.
Dan: (Finally Dan was able to talk. He spoke for the first time but he was not sure that there was going to be anything that he could say that would convince the upset teen that they were his parents.) We gave you up a long time ago Lucas but we never lost track of you. We came as soon as we heard about the fire.
Michael: (He watched as Lucas looked at Dan as if he had grown two heads right in front of his eyes.) Lucas I know that this is a lot to take in but when it comes right down to it this is the best case scenario.
Lucas: Best case scenario?
Stacey: Dan and Karen are here to take you home.
Lucas: (His eyes grew wide and that last statement was enough to put him over the edge. He opened the door.) Thanks, but no thanks. (He turned and walked out the door. Dan and Karen both got up to go after him but stopped when Michael placed his hands on their shoulders.)
Michael: Let me talk to him first. (The couple both shook their heads and backed up to let him through. Michael knew kids well enough to have a pretty good idea where he would find Lucas. He headed to his room and watched as he started throwing what few personal items that he had into his beaten up backpack.)
Lucas...
Lucas: (Zipping up the bag.) Youu have been really nice but I have to go.
Michael: Can I assume that you are not planning on going with your parents?
L: My parents are dead.
M: Lucas they are your birth parents. I'm sorry you had to find out this way but the facts remain the same.
L: (Raising his voice.) The only fact I know Michael is that the parents that I have known all my life are dead! (He pushed past Michael.) I have to find my brother.
M: (He grabbed Luke's arm to slow him down.) Luke you need to hold on for a second and...
L: (Yelling.) GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!
(Luke had stopped walking and yelling as soon as he saw all the people gathered in the hallway. School must have gotten out and all the older kids were back at the shelter. Everyone had stopped all conversation when they heard him yell and they turned to see what was going on. Lucas saw the strange woman standing in the hall too with her husband's arm around her. Attention quickly moved from Lucas and Michael to the dark-haired five year-old that had emerged from the bathroom and also witnessed the scene between his brother and Michael. Matthew ran at the counselor yelling at the top of his lungs and pushing him when he reached the adult.)
M: DON"T HURT MY BROTHER!
Michael: (He gently grabbed the pushing arms of the child.) I am not hurting him Matt. (He looked to Lucas for help.)
L: (He tried to calm down for the sake of his little brother. He put his bag on the floor and picked up Matt.) Hey buddy calm down. He's not hurting me.
Matt: (Looking into Luke's eyes.) But then why are you crying?
L: (Quickly wiping the tears away that he was unaware had even fallen.) I'm fine Matty.
M: (He noticed the bag that Lucas had dropped on the floor and tightly wrapped his arms around Luke's neck.) Are you leaving me? (His voice shook and Lucas could feel his neck getting wet from the child's tears.)
L: No Matt! I'm not leaving you. (He pulled Matt back and looked at his feet.) Where are your shoes?
M: Are we leaving?
L: Yeah. Where are they?
M: In my room.
L: Let's go get them. Lucas tried to ignore all the people still starring at him. He put the child down but still held onto his hand and grabbed his backpack with the other. They made their way down the hall and the spectators parted easily letting then through as Michael followed a few steps behind. He turned to a couple of counselors who were standing on the sidelines.)
M: (Quietly.) Tony will you get everyone to the cafeteria and get them going on study hour and a snack?
Tony: Sure.
Micahel: Jeff, see if Stacey and the Scotts want something to drink and show them back into my office. (Tony took off and started gathering the students and Jeff headed towards the guests that were standing in the hall.) Sam come with me I might need your assistance. They both followed the path that Lucas and Matt took a minute earlier and when they entered the room Lucas had one shoe already on his brother and was working on the second. Neither of the counselors said anything and just watched as Luke tied the last shoestring, helped Matt off the bed and then threw a few more things into his backpack. When he was satisfied he took Matt's hand again and started for the door but stopped when Sam and Michael didn't move out of their way.)
L: Excuse us.
Michael: Sam will you take Matt to the hall for a second?
L: NO!
M: (Quietly.) Luke we need to have a serious talk and there is no reson to u-p-s-e-t your brother. (Michael spelled out the word so that they would not alarm the child anymore then he already was.) They will wait right out in the hall.
L: (Reluctantly letting go of the child's hand.) Matt go and wait in the hall.
Matt: I don't want to...
L: (Interrupting.) It's okay. I'll be right out.
(Matt followed the counselor out and Sam pulled the door shut behind them.)
Michael: What are you doing Lucas?
L: Leaving.
Michael: Where are you going to go?
L: We'll figure it out.
M: Even if there was the slightest chance that I could let you leave there is no way that I could let you take Matt.
L: He is my brother.
M: Yeah and he is five. You would not get six blocks before I had the police bringing you both back here. Lucas I was wrong. I should have told you about the Scotts before they got here.
L: It would not have made a difference. My parents are dead.
M: (Michael never made a move from the doorway in case the teen decided to bolt.) Lucas your reaction to this information is understandable. What I just told you in my office changed the way you think about your life to this point. You wanna tell me how you are feeling?
L: (Luke folded his arms over his chest.) You want to know how I am feeling? I FEEL like you are all crazy. You tell me that my whole life has been a lie and then just expect me to leave with those people?
M: (Michael was a little relieved that at least he was talking and not completely clamming up.) Your parents never gave you any indication that you were adopted?
L: (He sat down on the bed but held tight to the backpack prepared to take off the minute he got the chance. He was geting a headache because of everything that had taken place. He started to rub his temples.) Once I heard them fighting. It was after mom told my dad that she was pregnant with Matt. He asked her something about "not understanding how this could have happened." and "I thought you couldn't have kids". I thought about it at first and then just figured that something happened when she had me that made it impossible for her to have anymore kids AFTER me. (Luke was not totally being honest. It is not that he did not hear his dad say that but his dad had also made comments to him during some of his beatings that made him wonder. He would say things like "you should be grateful that someone wanted you." and "you should appreciate the life you have considering it could be a whole lot worse". As a kid Lucas would think about it and considering the life he had there were times that he wished that he had been adopted but it was only a thought he had for a few minutes as the pain of the punishment his father had delivered deminished.) They don't even look like me.
M: I see the similarities Lucas. Luke I was hoping for the best ending here.
L: And what would that be?
M: That you leave with them, are happy and have a great life.
L: That is quite the fantasy.
M: Yeah. I also expected the worst. You don't have to go with them.
L: I don't?
M: Nope. There is an emergency placement hearing in an hour. You just need to tell the judge you don't want to go. I talked to the Scotts earlier a little and they will not force you to do anything. They really want you to go with them but they understand that this was not going to be easy for you. In the end the judge will probably keep you in the system if that is what you want.
L: Will I stay here?
M: I am not sure. If they can find a foster home for you, that would be best but since you are seventeen that is not likely. Plus there is Matt to think about.
L: What about him?
M: I can tell you for sure that he will not be staying here long. We are not use to having a child so young. They will try to place him in a home as soon as they can. In a perfect world you two would stay together but I am not going to lie to you, it is a very slim chance that will happen.
L: (He was getting tears in his eyes.) So you are telling me to leave Matt while I can because that is the only way that I am going to get out of here?
Michael: Leave Matt? (It just dawned on him that Lucas bolted from the room before they discussed his little brother.) No Lucas! The Scotts know about Matt. They want to take BOTH of you. (He thought that he saw Luke's shoulders relax a little.) Lucas? (The teen looked at him.) I can't tell you what to do and I don't know the Scotts but I do know how the system works and how you love your brother. Going with the couple is the best way for you two to stay together. (Luke did not say anything.) I know that this is a lot to take in and I don't mean to rush you but it's a half hour drive to the court house in traffic. You have to go soon.
L: If we decide to go with them, how fast will this work?
M: Well a judge will decide today the temporary custody. All the paperwork is there and I assume a home visit is being done today or tomorrow in North Carolina...
L: (Interrupting.) North Carolina?
M: Yes. That is where they live. If the judge okays all this Lucas you will be with Dan and Karen tonight.
L: What happens if it doesn't work out?
M: You won't just get turned over to them and never see or hear from us again. There will be visits from social workers checking to see how it is going. Hopefully it will all work out for you guys and if for some reason it does not then we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it. Think positive Lucas.
L: That's your advice? Think positive!
M: How about give it a shot? It might turn out great. You and Matt have been through hell the past couple of days and everyone understands that.
L: I have to do it for Matt. He can't stay here much longer and no matter what, the important thing is that we stay together.
M: That is a great way to look at thngs right now Lucas.
L: Can I talk to Matt for a second?
M: (Smiling.) Sure. (He opened the door and let the child in and then walked out to give the brothers some privacy to talk.)
Matt: (He saw Lucas sitting on the bed rubbing his forehead.) You have a headache Lucas?
L: Yeah a little one.
Matt: Should I see if they have any medicine for you?
L: No. I need to talk to you.
Matt: Are we in trouble for the mud fight?
L: (Smiling a little.) Nope. But I need to tell you something and I need you to try really hard to understand. Okay?
Matt: Okay.
L: You remember watching the movie "Annie"?
M: The one about the sun comin' up tomorrow?
L: Yeah.
M: I liked it.
L: Remember you asked why Annie didn't live with her mom and dad and why she went to live with that other guy?
M: That bald man?
L: Yep.
M: I asked if we could have a different mom and dad too. You said "no". (Matt was watching his legs swing back and forth off the side of the bed.) Annie lived with the bald guy because he adopted her and became her new dad.
L: (Smiling because he was always surprised about how smart he really was.) Well yeah I guess. Anyway there is a lady and a man here saying that they are my mom and dad.
M: Lucas you said our mommy and daddy died.
L: I know Matty. This is hard to explain. (He took a deep breath and tried again.) When I came out of my mom's tummy, her and my dad decided that they did not want to take care of me so they gave me away to someone else. (Luke waited as Matt starred at the floor taking in what Lucas had just told him. Lucas knew his little brother very well and was prepared for the twenty questions that were sure to follow.)
M: Why would your mommy and daddy give you away?
L: (He looked at the five year-old who was starring at him with his big brown eyes. Luke could feel the tears starting again.) I don't know Matt.
M: Did they know that your new daddy was a really mean daddy?
L: (He looked at him with alarm.) No Matt and when we talk to them you can't tell them.
M: We are going to talk to them? Are they my real mom and dad too?
L: No.
Matt: So why are they here?
L: Because they want us to go live with them?
M: Are they nice?
L: I don't know kiddo. You know that I would never let anyone hurt you right?
M: (Shaking his head.) Do we hafta go?
L: No. But if we don't Matt we have to stay here. I don't really like it here. Do you?
M: No. Are you scared?
L: Yeah a little.
M: Me too Lucas. (They both looked at the door as it opened.)
Michael: Hey guys, I think there a two people anxious to talk to you.
L: They haven't been in much of a hurry the last seventeen years, I don't think that a few more minutes will hurt.
Michael: (The tone in Luke's voice told him all he needed to know. He was going to go with his new family but it was not going to be an easy ride for anyone and Michael could not help feeling sorry for the kid.) Lucas there is a judge waiting.
L: (He got up, took a deep breath and held his hand out to Matt.) You ready buddy?
M: (Getting up and taking his older brother's hand.) Yep. (They started walking down the hall and Matt stopped and pulled his brother down to his level.)
L: (Bending down.) What is it?
Matt: (Whispering in his ear.) I won't let anyone hurt you either.
L: (Luke touched his forehead to Matt's and smiled knowing at that moment he was doing the right thing. He knew at least this way he was going to be able to stay with him) Thanks.
(Luke got up, trying to calm his nerves and they headed towards Michael who was standing outside his office door. He let the boys go in first and as soon as they entered they came face to face with the social worker and next to her were Luke's biological parents. Everyone stood ackwardly starring at each other until Dan couldn't take it anymore. He knelt down in front of the little boy and held out his hand.)
Dan: You must be Matt.
M: (Shaking his hand.) Yeah.
Dan: I'm Dan. This is Karen. (He pointed to his wife who had calmed down considerably while Luke was gone but was still visibly upset.)
Karen: (Bending over and holding out her hand.) Nice to meet you Matt.
M: (Shaking her hand too.) Did Lucas come out of your tummy?
Ka: (Caught a little off guard, but being a teacher of elementary aged kids she was usually prepared for the unexpected. She smiled.) Yes he did. (She glanced at Lucas who had not changed his ice-cold expression since he returned and the she looked back at the cute little boy in front of her.)
M: Was he ugly?
Karen: (Looking confused.) Why no, Lucas was a beautiful baby.
M: They how come you didn't want him?
(Karen got up and no matter how use to kids she was she was not prepared for that question at least at that second. She stood up and again silence overtook the room. Dan again tried to break it.)
Dan: (Looking straight at his first born.) It was a long time ago and it was never a question of just not wanting him it...
L: (Interrupting) You say that and yet here we stand. (There was so much anger attached to every syllable that he spoke.)
Ka: (She walked up to her son but he refused to look at her.) Luke?
L: LUCAS! Strangers call me Lucas.
Ka: Sorry. Lucas. I want to make you understand.
L: I don't think there is any misunderstanding Karen. My five year-old little brother even gets it . It is pretty simple. You didn't want me so you gave me away.
Ka: (She was crying again.) It wasn't that simple Lucas.
L: Well I want to make it simple for you then. I will go in front of the judge and I will smile and tell him how happy I am to have met my birth parents and tell him we want to live with you, but I want to make it clear that if there was ANY other option to guarantee me staying with my brother I'd take that option in a heartbeat. (He looked at Stacey.) Are you going to court?
S: (She was a little shocked by the way that Lucas had just spoken to Karen and Dan. He had barely said anything up to that point.) Yes I am going.
L: We'll ride with you.
S: (Looking at Karen and Dan who looked too surprised to argue and probably needed a few minutes to themselves to regroup after the first meeting.) Sure. (She looked at her watch.) We should get going. (Stacey addressed Dan and Karen.) You guys can follow us to the court house. Lucas you need to stop in the bathroom and clean off some of the mud. Do you have some clean clothes?
L: Yeah.
S: Okay. Let's go. Thanks Michael. I'll be in touch. (She started to lead the group out and Lucas was the last to leave the room now holding Matt in his arms. He stopped to look at Michael.) Thanks.
M: (Trying to give him an encouraging smile.) You are welcome Lucas. Try to give them a fair chance.
L: Why do they deserve it?
M: Whether they do or not is not my concern You and your brother deserve the chance. They seem like good people.
L: So good that they gave me up 17 years ago.
M: Good enough to come forward when you needed them.
L: I've needed them many times before this Michael. They are our way out of here and that is it. No offense.
M: None taken. Good luke. (He held out his card and Luke took it.) Call me anytime Lucas.
L: Bye.
Micahel: Bye. Bye Matt.
Matt: Bye Michael.
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Yeah ... finally the long awaited chapter... i hope that it was worth the wait... i will try to update sooner next time and remember to reply!
wendy