Disclaimer: We don't own the Ducks and probably never will because they belong to Disney. However, Emaliar Malfoy does own Bella, Ollie, Seraphina, Alex, and Patrick "Paddy" Ridley. Bobcatwriter owns Annie, Mike, Travon, all the characters at Lakeshore Academy, Baby Hans, Paddy's family, The Lebrie Family, Reese, Mark, Judges Stone, Murray, a few of the other students and teachers from Eden Hall.
A/N: This is the sequel to the other Mighty Ducks story's: "The Way Things Are", "The Way Things Were" and "The Way Things Should Be". We recommend you read those three first. However, this can also be read as a stand-alone story. Have a happy Easter, Passover or Ramadan. Please read and review.
Chapter 37
July 30th, 1999
Adam's POV
This was the day that we were heading to court to get the adoption completed. I had to go shopping for a new suit because I had gotten a little taller since the last suit I bought when I was 14.
"All Rise, Hennepin county civil court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Russel Murray is now presiding.
"Good morning, Well I have to say this is quite the interesting couple of cases. We have the adoption of Adam and Isabella Banks and the name change of Oliver Banks. I think that we will start with the name change first." Judge Murray said.
Ollie stood up, "I take it that you are Oliver Phillip Banks," Judge Murray said.
"Yes sir," Ollie said.
"Tell me Oliver why are you wishing to have your name changed?" Judge Murray said.
"Because I want to show solidarity with my brother and sister," Ollie said.
"I see and are you using this to avoid criminal prosecution?" Judge Murray asked.
"No Sir," Ollie said.
"What do you do?" Judge Murray asked.
"I will be a freshman at The University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, come in the fall," Ollie said.
"Why do you want to show solidarity with your brother and sister?" Judge Murray asked.
"Because my brother was disowned and my sister is emancipated from our parents," Ollie said.
"Are there any objections to the name change?" Judge Murray said.
There was several minutes of silence before Judge Murray said, "Baring there are no objections to the name change I hereby grant this change to take place. You have on your Application that you would like to have your name be henceforth Oliver Gordon Gregory Bombay, Is that correct Oliver?"
"Yes Sir," Ollie said.
"Alright by the power invested in me by the state of Minnesota, I hereby grant your legal name to be Oliver Gordon Gregory Bombay, Congratulations." Judge Murray said.
"Thank you, Sir," Ollie said, and I smiled.
"Now then moving on to the adoption of Adam Jonathan Banks and Isabella Lillian Banks, would the party's in the adoption please approach the bench area.
Mom, Dad, Bella and I approached the bench area "Well I see this is quite the interesting case, Adam was disowned at age 14, Isabella filed for and was granted emancipation last year. Miss Banks, tell me why you are wanting to reverse your emancipation and be adopted?" Judge Murray asked.
"Because I was unable to keep the requirements set by Judge Stone and when Adam and I were presented with papers with the intention of Coach and Mrs. Bombay's decision to adopt us I jumped at the opportunity. I didn't have a real dad. Yes, I had a father, but it seemed that he thought that we were put on this planet to make him richer. He never asked if I wanted to play hockey. He just assumed that I wanted to play," Bella said.
"I see and according to the documentation by the social worker, you both have been in treatment for Asperger's and PTSD, correct?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, Sir," Bella said.
"Mr. Banks in addition to the Asperger's and PTSD you have been treated for cutting and bulimia, correct?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes," I said.
"I see that you have recently moved from California, why is that so?" Judge Murray asked.
"Your Honor, Adam has spent the last 18 months at a treatment facility in California. Michele and I moved out there with him to support him in this endeavor, we kept our citizenship in Minnesota by having property in the state of Minnesota and renting in the state of California. On top of that Michele and I have been back and forth between the two states," Dad said.
"Tell me Mr. Bombay, what did you do while you were in California?" Judge Murray asked.
"I was working for the Junior Goodwill Games, as an executive program ambassador. But this was only temporary, as it was planned for Adam to be in treatment for 12 months," Dad said.
"I see. What extended Mr. Banks stay in treatment?" Judge Murray asked.
"I was in the hospital for various things, the psychiatrist that I was seeing said that he didn't feel comfortable with releasing me out into the community with only about 9 months of rehabilitation under my belt," I said.
"Adam!" Dad whispered to me.
"Sorry," I mumbled.
"No, it is okay. Let the boy speak," Judge Murray said.
"Yes, your Honor," Dad said.
"Like I have said this is a very unusual case. Let's see what the case worker assigned to this case has to say," Judge Murray said as he grabbed the envelope that contained the report for the social worker in California.
"I agree," Dad said.
"In closing I believe that Adam's life has improved over the last 18 months and would recommend that Adam's adoption be green lighted. Sincerely Marion J. Hobbs, social worker for the State of California. I happen to agree to green light Adam's adoption. However, we need to speak to Dr. Montgomery regarding Isabella. Is Dr. Montgomery here?" Judge Murray said.
"Yes, your Honor," Dr. Montgomery said.
"Please approach the witness stand," Judge Murray said.
"Yes, your honor," Dr. Montgomery said.
Once Dr. Montgomery was sworn in and sitting down Judge Murray asked, "How long have you known, Mr. and Ms. Banks?'
"I have known Adam Banks since November 30th, 1996. I started having Bella in my office on February 4th, 1998," Dr. Montgomery said.
I stared at my sister; I could not believe that she was seeing my psychiatrist.
"Has Adam been willing to submit to treatment?" Judge Murray asked.
"No, it took about 6 months to get Adam to talk to me about what was bothering him," Dr. Montgomery said.
"How about Bella has she been willing to submit to treatment?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, she started to talk the first day that we had an appointment together," Dr. Montgomery said.
"Why is that?" Judge Murray asked.
"People are different, some wait to discuss what is bothering them while others talk immediately," Dr. Montgomery said.
"Have you noticed that Bella has been a better person since the arrangement of being cared for by the Bombay's has been put into place?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, she has had a difficult breakup with a former boyfriend and then the next person that pursued her was a drug addict. But since she has been in a better environment, she has been a better person," Dr. Montgomery said.
"Is Bella and Adam planning on continuing treatment?" Judge Murray asked.
"Bella is for sure. I am unsure about Adam at this point," Dr. Montgomery said.
"Yes, your Honor, Adam is going to be continuing treatment with Dr. Montgomery, date and time are to be determined," Dad said. I had a long conversation with both mom and dad regarding my treatment options when we returned to Minnesota. At first, I hesitated to go back to Dr. Montgomery's office, because of everything that went on with the past. But I relented when mom asked me to try it and if I felt uncomfortable at any time, we would find another psychiatrist for me.
"Would you recommend that Bella be adopted by Gordon and Michele Bombay?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, without a doubt. Gordon has been there for both Bella and Adam since they were nine and the same with Michele when she came into the fold when they were 11," Dr. Montgomery said.
"I see. I do not have any further questions. Mr. Bombay do you have any further questions?" Judge Murray asked.
"No, your honor," Dad said.
"You may step down,' Judge Murray said to Dr. Montgomery. After Dr. Montgomery was off the witness stand, we heard, ' I need to weigh all of the evidence that has been presented so we are going to take a brief 15-minute recess, thank you Court is adjourned." Judge Murray then banged the gavel twice.
"So, what does this mean?" I asked Dad.
"He needs to make sure that he is doing the right thing, by going through all of the evidence and the law," Dad said.
"Oh," I said.
15 minutes later Judge Murray called us back to the courtroom, "After reviewing all of the testimony I need to ask both Adam and Isabella a few questions before I proceed with my decision, Adam why do you want Gordon and Michele to adopt you and become your parents?"
I stood up and swallowed hard before I said, "Because I felt the love of a parent. No matter how many times that I have messed up in the past. They were willing to stick it out with me and protect me and guide me the whole way. I didn't feel that way with either Phillip or Seraphina Banks. I have loved them, and I have since I was 11 years old. I want them to be there for me to guide and protect me. To have my back when the times get tough."
Bella stood up and said, "I agree with what Adam said I love them both and I know that they love me."
"I see. Mr. and Mrs. Bombay I have a few questions for you. Once this adoption proceeding is complete, they will be yours for the rest of your lives just as much as if they were born to you. Do you understand?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, your honor," Mom and Dad said together.
"And are you prepared to make this lifetime commitment to them?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, your honor," Mom and Dad said together.
"And you will be able to support them financially until they are able to support themselves?" Judge Murray asked.
"Yes, your honor, I will be starting at Ducksworth, Saver and Gross on Monday morning," Dad said.
"My first day with Eden Hall will be on August 9th," Michele said.
I stared at Mom and Dad; I could not believe it. Dad had gotten fired by Mr. Ducksworth just before our first game with the Ducks in 1992 and with Mom working at Eden Hall, we would not have the opportunity to screw around.
"Very Good, and you are making this choice with a sound mind?" Judge Murray asked.
"Well, I don't know about so much of a sound mind," Dad said and then laughed.
"GORDON!" Michele said as she hit him lightly on the arm.
Judge Murray laughed before he said, "That is quite all right, it is usually the fathers that try to make a joke trying to break the tension up and the sound mind question is the one that gets them."
"Whew," Bella and I said together.
"Ah nuts, and I was going for originality points," Dad said and then he laughed again.
"Sir, may I say something," I asked.
"Of course, Adam what is it?" Judge Murray asked.
"It doesn't matter whether the court agrees or does not agree to the adoption, because Gordon and Michele Bombay have been great parents and I know that Bella stands with me that they are our parents for life," I said.
"I quite agree with you. Therefore, I am going to agree that based on the reports and testimony today that the court finds that granting the petition is in the best interest of you and Bella. Gordon and Michele Bombay have shown their ability to support and maintain the physical, mental, emotional, and social well beings of you and Bella and are suitable to be your parents. Therefore, the order of adoption and therein after Gordon and Michele are the parents of,' Judge Murray paused to read off our new names, 'Adam Jonathan Bombay and Isabella Lillian Bombay."
"Your honor just a minute," Bella said.
"Yes Isabella?" Judge Murray said.
"I know I said on the application that I wanted to drop the Banks off of my name, but I would like to maintain the Banks and be Isabella Lillian Banks-Bombay," Bella said. I stared at my sister; I could not believe this.
"Is this okay with you Mr. and Mrs. Bombay?" Judge Murray said.
Mom and Dad discussed this for a moment and then Dad turned to the court and said, "Whatever Bella desires in her heart she can have."
"Okay, it is this court's finding that Adam and Isabella will be henceforth Adam Jonathan Bombay and Isabella Lillian Banks-Bombay. Ms. Banks-Bombay you will have to fill out an addendum to make this official," Judge Murray said.
"I have the paperwork already filled out your honor," Bella said.
"May I have the paperwork please," Judge Murray said.
"Yes, your honor," Bella said as she pulled out the addendum and brought it up to Judge Murray. Once the Judge looked over the paperwork, he signed off on the paperwork, "Very Good Ms. Bombay. Alright that takes care of the necessary paperwork that is needed, Thank you, Court is Adjourned," Judge Murray said and then he banged his gavel twice.
While we were lining up for pictures to be taken, Dad said to me, "Well it's official you are now my son and son you have some lawn mowing to do when we get home."
"Ah Dad," I said.
After we had the pictures taken and then documents in hand to being the process of Ollie's, Bella's, and my name changes. We started to walk out of the courthouse to go to Mickey's and celebrate, when Dad said to Mom, "We went from one kid for four kids, how the hell did that happen?"
Mom started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Dad asked.
"You remember how sick I was while we were packing to move back here and on the move?" Michele asked.
"Yeah," Dad said with his eyebrows crossed.
"You better make that five. I'm pregnant, Gordon," Mom said.
Just then Dad fainted, "Whoa Dad," I said as I caught him and slowly lowered him to the ground.
"Dad, wake up Dad?" Bella said.
A/N: And that is unfortunately the end of this story. But fear not there is more. We are about to dive into Senior year so be on the lookout for the next story: "Senior Year: The Way Things Might Be." This story will be a 3-part story. The first chapter of Part 1 should be posted in the next week, but until then I am going to give you a little sample, enjoy! And as always please read and review! Thanks a bunch!
"No, we have to move to Omaha."
"Move? I thought you said that your dad's assignment is three years. Why are you moving?"
….
"Because Dean Buckley thought it would be a good idea, since it's been a while since you have been on the campus as a student. Michele and I agreed with Dean Buckley."
….
"Please tell me, I promise I won't let it slip to Coach Orion and you know that I can keep a secret."
"You did fine."
"Fine? That's all you have to say is fine. I was hoping for a little more than that."
…
"NOW OR WE ARE DONE!"
….
"Oh, buns what kind are Y'all fixin' to eat, dinner, cinnamon, hot cross?"
"Oh, for God's sake Dwayne SHE'S PREGNANT!"
"Pre? Pregnant?"
"Pregnant?"
"PREGNANT?"
"Pre pre pre pregnant?"
…
"What about the musical should you be starting to learn your American accent?"
"I should, vut I am going to vait until after father is gone. He finds out I am in a musical, he vill die."
….
I vnow growing up in Ísland, I thought that all fathers vreated vhere sons that vay that my father vreats everybody. Vhen, I see vou and how vou treat Adam, Bella, Charlie, Guy and even Portman. And I vealized vhats vhe vay a father is supposed to vreat his son and vhe people around him. I vnow I ask vor a lot. And I vnow you can't adopt me, vut I vas hoping that I vould get the same vreatment as Adam does.
…
I didn't speak. I just ran into his waiting arms and hugged him around his middle like I had so many times before.