As they walked hand in hand through the large metal doors of the courthouse, Dave could feel every muscle in her body trembling. Dave had seen her hit rock bottom before, but not like this. It seemed like nothing he could say or do would make her feel better. The only thing that would calm her down was closure. Annalise tried to put all the negative thoughts out of her head, but it wasn't working. She knew that Dave could tell that she was scared, but she did nothing to try and hide it. Annalise wished she could be like Dave. Strong, confident, staring adversity in the face; waiting for it to make the first move. But that was not going to happen today.
"Hey bright eyes," said a familiar voice, draped in arrogance and dripping in conceit. Annalise hoped that she would not have to see him before she entered the courtroom, but that was not the case. So she took a page from Dave's book, put on a brave face and turned around to stare her ex-fiancé in the face.
"Hello Jacob, it's good to see you again," Anna said. Dave felt Anna's hand fall from his. He didn't notice that Anna was not next to him until he went to tell her something. He turned around to witness the stare down of the century.
"Anna, you look amazing, absolutely beautiful. I can't believe that I am going to be a father," Jacob said as he hugged her.
"I can't believe that I am going to be a single mother," she said, the venom rising in her throat.
"Anna, I want what is best for the baby, and that is two parents in the same household. Not by a mother who travels five days a week, to leave her child in daycare or in the care of an elderly nanny all of the time."
"Dave, are you going to do something about this. You can't let him talk to Anna like that. If you don't take care of business I will," Triple H said.
"I'm with H on the Dave, you have to do something," Randy said in agreement.
"I think that she will be fine. I don't want to go in there and have my head chewed off. The kid's got spunk and a mood swing that could kill," Dave said as they continued to watch the conversation.
"Well, I understand, but my boss has a position waiting for me, so I won't be traveling that often, maybe four times a year for major shows, and you see that nice looking young man over there," Anna said as she waved at Dave. He waved back and she blew him a kiss. "Thanks to you not being able to handle our relationship and cheating on me with this lovely woman, he and I are together, and he doesn't have a problem taking care of your child or me working a full time job. In fact, we're getting married," Anna practically gloated as she shoved her ring in Jacob's face.
Jacob didn't know what to make of the situation. Annalise, his ex, the mother of his child was standing in front of him being civil. Jacob thought that Anna would just walk into the court room, tail between her legs and admit defeat, but nothing prepared him for the woman that stood before him. And if that were not enough, she had moved on with her life and was getting married to someone whose physique and looks rivaled a Greek God (pause to wipe the drool from my face:0 ). Jacob started to think that this was not a good idea.
"Well, I guess we should get inside, I don't want to make the judge angry by being late," Anna said as she walked over to Dave, gave him a kiss on the cheek and entered to courtroom. Somewhere, she had found her strength, her courage. If Jacob wanted her child, he would have to kill her first.
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After what seemed like hours of endless testimony and countless rounds of "he said, she said", the judge called for a recess so he could go over all of the testimonies and return with a decision. Dave noticed that Anna had lost some of her spunk and looked somewhat tired.
"How you holding up kid," Dave asked as he rubbed Anna's back.
"I just want this to be over. I don't think I can be strong for much longer."
"You are the strongest person I know. The way you stood up to Jacob before we got in here; I mean, I thought you were going to take his head off."
"I was. I don't know what came over me, but whatever it was I should bottle up and sell. I would make a fortune," Anna said as she laughed. It warmed Dave's heart to see that she was finding some good out of this situation.
Annalise did not notice how fast time went by as she talked to Dave. He kind words and thoughts brought some peace to her troubled mind. Soon, the judge returned to courtroom to announce his decision.
"After hearing both sides of the case, it seems that there is only one person who has the best interest of the child in mind." Anna could not help but feel the butterflies start to rise in her stomach. She tried to calm herself be doing some of her Lamaze breathing which worked to a point.
"Mr. Taylor," As soon as she heard the judge say his name, she knew it was all over, that once she would have to hand over her child, the life that she had nurtured and carried inside of her for nine months to the man who had thrown years of laughter and joy away in the blink of an eye. Sure he had a new girlfriend, but she and Dave were getting married. They both had good paying jobs, but were forced to travel for days on end. Annalise did her best to push these thoughts out of her mind as she listened to the rest of the judges decision.
"Mr. Taylor, you stated that you wanted what was best for your child, a child that you would not have known about if you had not broken into Ms. Howard's apartment. A child that you would have known about if Ms. Howard had not discovered your affair. Mr. Howard, although you are in a steady relationship, you actions before this point have raised a red flag for me. Throughout this case you have only talked about your relationship with Ms. Hayes, your new girlfriend, and about how Ms. Howard is not capable of taking care of a child because she is single, which Mr. Taylor, is because of your actions."
"As for you Ms. Howard, you have shown a level of civility and class that I have never seen before in a custody battle. You have decided to face life's challenges head on, and strive to achieve your dreams, all while thinking about your unborn child. It also seems that you have found a surrogate family in those that you with, which I am sure will provide a loving environment for your child. Therefore, Ms. Howard, I am granting you sole custody of the child and am ordering you Mr. Taylor to pay $2500 a month in child support. Court is adjourned."
Anna could not believe what she had heard; she was going to keep her baby. Dave and Anna were going to be parents. She was going to have the family she dreamed about. Her prayers had been answered. Anna was assaulted by hugs and kisses from Dave, Triple H, Randy, Ric and even Vince and Linda McMahon.
"Ms. Howard, I truly hope that everything works out for you. You are and inspiration to single mothers everywhere," the judge said as he shook her hand. "If there is anything I else I can do for you, please let me know." All of a sudden Anna has an Oprah light bulb moment. She pulled Dave down to her level and whispered something in his ear.
"Are you sure kid, I mean don't want something bigger?" Dave asked.
"We're already here, and the judge said that all of you guys were like my family; so why not go for it."
"Ok," Dave agreed, a huge smile appearing on his face.
"Sir, there is one more thing," Anna said almost bubbling over with excitement.
"Anything for you Ms. Howard."
"Dave and I would like to get married."
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Well if that wasn't a roller coaster of emotions. So you know what to do. Go ahead, don't be shy. Oh and the countdown has begun, 6 days till I see Batista return to Smack Down. Super show, here I come!
