Chapter 20
Coda part 4: the end of one thing as well as the start of another
"Mrs. Grimes, Sheriff Grimes, is there one more very brief thing that you both would like to say before I hand down my ruling," said Judge Jackie in an emotionless tone. And that may be exactly how she came across to the people watching but inside the woman was an emotional wreck, someone was going to be hurt and by her no less. Howbeit, someone had to be hurt in order for the Grimes child not to be anymore; this was her job!
And Lori so certain stood and said.
"Yes ma'am I do. Your Honor, I know that I am guilty of handling some things wrongly last week when it came to my boy, but I do love Carl with all my heart and promise to do better. Please judge give me another chance to prove that I can, and Your Honor thank you."
Then Lori just as certain sat back down again.
Sheriff, you?" Jackie asked looking the unsure man's way.
And Rick standing with an unsteady voice replied, "Judge Jackie, I would like for you to remember this, our son is truly well loved, just look who's here for him. And his mother and I both have made some very bad mistakes when it comes to him, but I hope that you don't hold that against either one of us because both Lori and me loves that boy with all our heart. He's been my whole world the moment I knew he existed. Th...thank you judge."
And Jackie looking back at him solemnly added, "Oh of that I have no doubt of Sheriff Grimes, it's clearly evident that Carl is indeed greatly loved. Thank you both."
And with a nod of his head Rick promptly took his seat once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan who is the most unconventional judge in all of Atlanta's family court, and well on her way of proving just that took in a very deep breath then resumed.
"Well, what I am about to say will not be spoken lightly in this chamber, because there is a precious little boy's welfare and well-being at stake here, which encompasses every last area of his sweet little life! And that is exactly the only place from where I'm coming, and nowhere else! Sadly, many more times then there ought be, quite a few people forget that when parents divorce, it's not only hard on them but especially more so on their child or children if someone don't, or won't conduct themselves wisely and/or appropriately!
"But when one parent or both selfishnessly uses that very sad event as a weapon to get back at the other, then in my book that's a very heinous act in addition to being abusive. And you wanna know what else? It's always...always the child or children that are unfair collateral damage! And this is exactly what has happened to your special little one Sherif-"
And Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan rudely was cut off by no other than a standing Jason Dunbar, Lori's high paid lawyer's "Your Honor." Him having been through this before, had a very good idea what was coming next and wanted to slow it down for his client's sake, and he in the process got pointedly scolded for his effort.
"Young man," she said kinda tense. "You do know that this is the judge's turn to talk and I'm I not the Judge?"
And Jason said, "Yesss-yes ma'am you are Your Honor."
"Well young man, please take a seat then!"
And totally defeated, Jason Dunbar's "Yes Your Honor" went perfectly well with him doing just that and took-a-seat, his.
"Now where was I...oh yes, as I was saying this is exactly what has happened with your special little man Sheriff and Mrs. Grimes. Because you were given full custody Mom, which you've used as a hammer to beat the Sheriff into submission. And you Sheriff Grimes allowed it to happen at the hurt of your son, case in point, you and him having lunch daily at school after you and your ex wife's divorce. And then your stopping only because Mrs. Grimes told you to; those lunch time visits were a 'distraction' to Carl. Do the two of you parents have any idea what that did to the child, or even care?
"You Mrs. Grimes wanted to have your way then, just as you did when not reporting your boy missing that night in addition to right now! And you Sheriff Grimes allowed her to then with the lunch as well as in so many other situations, and the same goes for you too Deputy Sheriff Walsh, you are just as bad and as quilty as he is! Your not going straight to the police to report the child missing when knowing so much more better to do so is proof positive of it! All of this going on makes it so very clear that the men in you life Mrs. Grimes very seldomly do says "no" enough to you, or not even at all!
"Maybe if they had then we wouldn't be here, but since we are, it is up to me to see to it that the minor Grimes is in a place where he is not only safe, but is at ease and can flourish too, just like a seven year two month old little boy should! And you want to know some more, since I'm going there I might as well go a little further! I almost decided to keep young Grimes in foster care for at least another six more months or so! And that would have been until the end of some extensive family counciling, which is exactly what was advised by Director Anderson Ross, however, I've decided against that extreme move.
"And also just to clarify something else, it was she who gave Miss Rénald permission to allow the Sheriff to stay with the young woman and his son. Both women had been concerned for the child's mental state after having come in contact with that sick individual who not only killed his own sister to get to his innocent twelve year old niece, but then passed the child around between him and his five evil buddies, sadly including the other one there with him and well on their way to doing the same to your son if not for the grace of God and Miss Rénald over there.
"Now do you see what not allowing your son to just talk and spend time with his father almost costed everyone Mrs. Grimes? And what about you Sheriff, do you see too what happens when one is unduly passive when it comes to not fighting for one's own child? You sir should have made all kinds of some noise! This really could have been a totally different scenario all due to some really ugly selfishness! I know that you both love your child, but sometimes love in itself is just not enough by a long shot!
"But-no more, because I am about to hand down my ruling, and if any one of you think that you can go over my head, then try if you like!" The Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan said rather forcefully as well as visibly angry, and had to just stop for a bit, and then when the bit ended she continued.
"Some of you no doubt will definitely not like what I have to say but let me tell you this, you are truly wasting your time if you think that there will be a do-over, because it ain't happening! For one thing, this is not my first rodeo so to speak where someone won't like my ruling, neither will it be the last time either! I've been here and has had that done, and through it all possess a one hundred percent perfect record of rightly placing children where they belong, and the reason why you say?
"Well, it's all because I do my homework very meticulously, and that's no matter what in addition to no matter when so that no one can go elsewhere higher to complain, which will do no good at all anyway! You see the Governor and I have been down this road before...multiple times, and each and every last one of them I have won in court." And that truly made the meaning perfectly clear behind her earlier statement of "Not having to lick this calf back over again."
And now with the blood drained from her long face,a very subduedLori hung her head and that was done with tears slowly rolling down her cheeks too, because sadly for her it was the entitled woman'svery first time ever facing the possibly of not taking Carl back home with her and Shane. And the realism of that had hit William's crying Bunny like a clenched fist, leaving her unprepared for the wallop of what might be a mighty sad actuality in a matter of seconds!
And Michonne not caring who saw found the in agony Rick's hand a long time ago, and holding it very tight conveyed to him with her touch, Don't worry Sheriff it will all work out promise! And the law man sorely terrified, grabbing ahold of hers held it just as tightly as fear clearly visible, plainly showed itself deep in sad dark blue eyes that never once left the talking judge face.
And that talking judge's "Sheriff Grimes, Mrs. Grimes for the security and protection of you son for now and his future, I'm granting full custody of the minor Carl William Zane Grimes to his father Richard Zane Grimes IV-," caused the small room to erupted in Lori's pitiful wails, her father's "We'll just see about that, won't we!" And Jason's, "Your Honor this is so unfair, the minor needs both his parents constantly in his life! Also if the Sheriff will not be working than who will be contributing to the financial wellbeing of the child?"
And Shane silent but deadly hot, angrily threw daggers Jackie's way; not caring one freaking bit if she saw him or not!
And Jackie not caring either herself knew she'd made the right decision, the man was not what he seemed while Billy and his daughter just needed to be adults. None of this was about any of them, but what was the very best for a child and grandchild. And again the gavel went down on the sound block, bringing the hearing once more back under control...hers!
Wack, wack, wack!
"Now Mr. Dunbar if you and your side would just hush and let me finish, all of that and more will be made clear!" the nearly worn out judge sternly admonished.
"First of all with me giving the Sheriff full custody I'm also mandating that Mrs. Grimes be allowed two hours a week supervised visits for now. We will address more time once the three have finished attending mandatory family counseling, and as far as the financial aspect of it all concerning who will be responsible for the child needs, well if the Sheriff still wants to resign from his job after the generous offer offered by Miss Rénald then it will all fall on Mrs. Grimes, but I doubt that any of it will because Sheriff Grimes, your parent sent a Fedexed letter this morning stating that they are more than willing to help you with you son. So the ball sir is in your court...are you or are you not keeping your job as Sheriff mister?"
And Rick with a quickness said, "I'm keeping it Your Honor, and thank you!"
And the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan said with a smile "Ok then, now that sounds real good to me, and to hear too because I feel that if you had quit all of King County would have been at such a loss, even though you quitting would have been for the right extremely good reason, your child."
And then Jackie looking over at Andrea said, "Miss Harrison Director Anderson Ross will be my new liaison for Children Affairs once she pays a visits to the Governor, so you and Mr. Dunbar each will be receiving a call very soon from her to give you two the name of the family counselors available here, and also in King County that all three Grimes can go to.
"And you Sheriff Grimes, " the Judge continued on by looking back at the man who hadn't taken his eyes off of her not once before she'd given him full custody of Carl. "There won't be a problem with Mrs. Grimes being able to visit with her son will there? If so then tell me now and we can fix that too!
"No, no Judge Hogan. There won't!" said the law man as he quickly stood up straightening out his pants legs as he did. Rick just wanted everything about him to be respectful while standing before her.
"Good," she replied, "and I want those visits held in the Sheriff's department building for right now-," and Lori's "Oh nooo" cut Jackie off again.
And please tell me Lord what is it about these determined hard headed people deliberately stepping all over my last nerves today, she thought looking over with a warning eye to Jason to control his client then finished.
"Director Anderson Ross will also be coordinating with King County's Social Services in order that a social worker there will be supervising all visits, and if possible I want the first one held no later than Friday. And you Mrs. Grimes will no longer be receiving any child support for the obvious, that is until this case come up before me which will be when Clare?" asked the judge looking over at her clerk.
"Well Your Honor the docket is filled up until September 18th of next year at 9 o'clock." the young lady replied back matter-a-factly.
"Well that's that," Jackie said as she calculated the months in her head. "Guess I'll be seeing you both Sheriff Grimes and Mrs. Grimes nearly ten months from now on September 18th of next year at 9:00 a.m. sharp! So until then all of you have a very good afternoon and God's speed. Court dismissed!"
And wack went the gavel of the Honorable Judge Jacklyn Patrice Hogan to announce just that, the end for now.
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Carl happy and content with just being at ease with everything was also happily being creative down on all fours, and that position was so much more comfortable than squatting. The seven year two month old little boy altogether occupied, busily used the floor instead of the near by bench to do some extreme coloring, and oh-so very deeply engrossed was young Master Grimes too in creating that rather impressive wwork of art!
Miraculously, the exceptionally involved little artiste, with everything else going on around him at that very exact moment had only one other attention obsorber plaguing the youngster. And that was him being really-really concerned if his very colorful efforts were really-really good enough, hoping too that his most favorite girl would really-really like it, because it was all being done straight from the heart, his.
And all of that artistic inspiration had been made possible thanks to some crayons and a coloring book that had been given to Carl by the nice lady Judge Jackie, who with a whole lot of pleasure freely gave them as a gift to keep the bright little cutie preoccupied; saying it would help him with his patience while time passed until his dad and Michonne's return. And boy was she right, because not once had their bright and shining star thought or complained, "How long people, I'm ready to go home to Michonne's?"
Besides, Judge Jackie had promised him that the best would be done for everyone while his friend just promised...everything was going to be ok, no matter what, because Michonne said so, and that woman always keep her word; so why not be patient.
And that is exactly what the little spark and Michonne's assistant Judy have been doing, even while the two were chattly waiting in one of the conference rooms as he colored, that is until Mr. Jeff the bailiff told her and Carl that the hearing was almost over, so if they liked could wait out in the hall which the two chose to do.
And as Michonne's Handsome along with Judy made their way out, the little one got the fantastic surprised of seeing hurrying down the hall towards them his grandparents Caroline and Richard Grimes. They'd made it in from Texas even though late, and that was only because their flight had been delayed by at least by two whole days. And it all was due too to the same weather system that had Atlanta all covered in snow on Black Friday.
However, not only had it caused some very deep snowfall there in Crawford where they were visiting, but later on in reverse became extremely sleety too! In other words they had a very cold/icy hot mess to deal with indeed! Then not long after his parents arrival and Carl's finishing of his expressive coloring, an extremely exhilarated Sheriff Rick Grimes smiling, happily walking out of the courtroom door did it side by side with an equally happy Michonne. And the law man seeing all three waiting did nothing but cause his smile to broaden even wider, because joyously this without a doubt was one of the best days of the Sheriff's life, second only to the day that his boy Carl was born, and his parents were there too! Howbeit, this in contract was Lori's worst day ever! And sadly sadder still for her was only going to get even worse...
Not only had she lost her boy forever, but now has to be a witness to Rick and Michonne walking all happy down to her child, his mom, and his dad who were all once Lori's only, and then her Rick holding that woman's hand like they were going study or something was nearly unbearable...nope...uh-uh...no, it was unbearable!
And the Sheriff's ex so totally distressed could do nothing but sob, and then that despair got even more intense when the woman's baby boy holding something in his hand, running up to them while innocently ignoring the woman that gave birth to him altogether, and the act really innocent caused that spike of rejection to be pushed even futher, right through and out Carl's mother's broken heart.
And natually Lori's pain began to bloom into something so much more.
But Carl giving whatever it was in his hands to that Michonne and not her, his mother fed it expeditiously! Then the rogue afterwards leaning down planting a kiss on top of his towheaded little head and hugging on her son tight while his father beamed cheerfully, completed that picture perfect look of theirs as the ideal new little family. And that sequentially did nothing but spawn Lori's angry hurt pass something else...contempt; her's torwards Michonne for thievery!
And that new little family's love fest hadn't gone unnoticed by Rick Grimes salty young attorney Andrea either! She'd been exactly that way ever since her client hugging her first after the hearing, then quickly turned straightway and held Michonne even tighter as well as longer too. And to make things worse, the two seemed not to be able to turn the other a loose as if Andrea's girl was cemented to the man's chest with Gorilla glue!
And now once more with feeling people! Wasn't it I, Andrea Harrison who was the one representing the man, not Michonne! And didn't the Sheriff win too? So where's in the world is all the lovey dovey stuff for me, pray tell! thought Michonne's frosty best friend perturbed.
But what sent Andrea the prickle young attorney, and Lori the smarting mother who's just losted it all, both waay over the cliff was Richard Sr. walking up to Michonne after the Sheriff had informed him, his mother, and Carl that their boy would be going home today to his old bedroom said.
"Well, Daughter-, " but was cut off by his son's "Dad!" And Rick's dad looking over at his son said. "Boy, if me calling this lovely young woman Daughter, you know...the one that you've been holding hands with ever since coming out through those doors back there, maybe even before then, I'm just say!" the very cheeky man smiled as he shugged his shoulders while holding both his hands in the air, trying to look all innocent like which caused his flushed son to openly blush.
And not once did Rick ever think about dropping his Miss Rénald's hand which did not go unnoticed by either the law man's parents or anyone else watching. And that too had the senior Grimes glad for his boy as he continued. "And if it is causing the young lady to feel anyway other way than what was meant then let her say so!"
And Michonne smiling brightly and really-really liking the Sheriff's Dad just as much as she does both the Sheriff and her Handsome replied wholeheartedly.
"Mr. Grimes sir, I don't have a problem with it if you don't!"
And Mr. Grimes's smile spreading replied, "Good because I do not, but from now on little lady...it's Dad, and thank you so very much for taking good care of mine and Caroline's boys, Daughter." And then Michonne's new dad coming closer gave his "new daughter" a great big loving hug in the process, just like the ones she gets from her uncles Henry and Ellis always.
And Rick's mother Caroline Grimes, wanting with everything in her to get in on the hugs too, playfully nudged her husband away ever so so that she could get in on the loving with a cuddle or two! And when the glad woman was exactly where it was that she wanted to be, lovingly in a very loving whisper whispered in Michonne's ear, "Yes, yes my dear thank you so very much for taking such good care of both our Rick and Carl."
And Lori having missed none of that, wanted nothing more than to not only roll around on the floor kicking and screaming, but pull her hair out in frustration too! She was the only one besides Rick to ever call the man's father "Dad" not even Shane! Then there was Caroline Grimes, her nemesis hugging on that stealer of both her boys!
"Oh no she didn't!" Lori thought sad. No, the two women were never as close as they could or should have been, seeing that she was the Martiarch's only daughter-in-law, but still...where in the world was all the loyalty; does she not matter anymore? And agonizingly, all of it was just happeningwaaay to fast, totally too much with everything just too freely impaling her waaay too deep in her heart, and that was all nearly at the same doggone time!
And Andrea not to be outdone nor ignored for one more minute, strategically had a remedy for it all; an out stretched hand and introduced herself herself! And not once did the law man's dad called her Daughter either, but nonetheless did thank the young counselor for helping Michonne get his grandboy back where he belonged!
And all the while that was happening too, Lori upsettingly had yet another blow to add injury to her very torn and bruised soul. Her father's anger had an unfortunate inadvertent slip. Surprisingly, Rick's Miss Perfect over there along with his black root blond attorney knew her cousin Mitichell, both had interned at her family's law firm. And Michonne seems to be the very same young lady who'd slapped taste out of Mitchell fresh self when he stupidly put his hands on her inappropriately. (A first for Lori's ears!).
And understandablely that whole ugly event had upset Mark Henderson, Mitchell's dad so very much until William had to leave for Savannah immediately. And that was in order to keep his older brother from committing filicide. The irate man had threatened to tear his eldest son from limb to limb if someone didn't come quick! Because the fool knew better!
And why hadn't she known any of this before Lori wonder as her father continued going off with the mindset at the moment being, he's already said extremely way too much so why not get it all off of his chest out in the open, which none of it was suppose to have ever been known outside of four people, and three of them worked at Henderson. Nevertheless, there had been some rumblings here and there mind you, especially when Lori's Uncle Mark would have had a bit too much of the holiday hard stuff. And as usual Will's Bunny waay too wrapped up in self had paid none of that babbling no mind.
"Now do you two see that fool along with your mother who I do understand because that's just Lindy, but to be over there in the enemy camp hugging on both of those women like it's was old home week, and like nothing at all has happened. Now that I don't, not after what went on today! It seemed that all has been forgiven, hasn't it!" William C angrily huffed while he, Lori, and Shane looked on in disbelief with his little girl's heart hurting so too!
However, unbeknownst to any of the immediate family, naturally except for Willian and Mary; Michonne, Mark Henderson, and Mitchell quickly came to a very quiet in-house agreement which she had no problem with. The young lady hadn't wanted or needed a whole lot of uproar, nor him losing his job, just Mitchell's apology for being an all handsy jerk while they were working together, readying for his next day court case.
Someone had to have a level head when there was more then her to just think about! Like Michonne's dad and uncle's firm in addition to that of the Henderson's would be affected as well. Both firms were in the middle of all kinds of cases, jury trials, and negotiations which could and probably would have been effected and not in a very good way either. And what good would outing that whole ugly mess publicly do to the firms and their clients too!
Besides Michonne's own hand print, the sound of said hand meeting it target that had Mary Martin, Mitchell's wide eyed secretary running in afterwards was punishment enough, plus the look on his face which was also totally priceless when the guilty man's father purposely donated his naughty son's salary; six whole months worth to the charity of her choice, and in the Rénald name to boot! And that was even after Michell's truly heartfelt apology.
Mark Henderson insisted on it and gave her the choice too to pick the charity which was the Boys and Girls Club of King County. Michonne had chosen that one specifically because she'd read somewhere that they were in need of a new baseball field, and in addition to that a playground as well for the younger kids; all two are a more than fitting reminder each time Mitchell passes to and fro from the airport to his family's ancestral home, and that's all one hundred thousand dollars worth!
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"Well family," began the very joval Richard Sr. "I gotta say, my grand baby's old grandpa's hungry over here. And what says you Baby Boy Carl, you hungry too?" The boy's funny granddad asked as he lightly patted his empty belly miming that truth out right. And that action of Rick's dad did nothing but make his very impressionable young grandson laugh out loud, and vigorously shaking his head up and down to let the man know that he was hungry too.
"O-kay, al-righty then, since it unanimous let's all go eat folks, I'm buying!" the man declared smiling. "And that means you too Lindy, Mitchell, Miss Harrison as well as Lore, Will, and Shane if they all like." But Lori's mom and cousin declined for obvious reasons which Rich Grimes completely understood.
"So, how about you young man, care to join us too?" continued the happy man as he acknowledged Jason with a point, who was just standing there looking out from the perimeter of the group after having just left his client and her two angry protectors. The young man hadn't meant to intrude because he was from the other side. But, Jason wanted to...no needed to talked to Andrea, however before the lawyer could accept or even decline the kind offer; the bane of his existence answered for him herself.
"Well thank you Mr. Grimes, but Mr. Dunbar and I have a previous engagement. We're nearly late already and must be going!"
However, if the truth be told, Andrea really would have loved going out with the Grimes to eat, but her spending one more second watching her foine client holding her I'll sis's hand might just have caused the dramatic young woman to upchuck everywhere, right in front of all!
Unquestionably, even though mystified and really wanting to just say "Huh!" A very happy Jace Dunbar, just too glad to even be acknowledged by the mericless woman of his dreams, did nothing but thank the generous Mr. Grimes anyway and left; leaving going only God knows where, to do only God knows what with the natural blonde as they politely went the opposite way. And it was best that they had because both William Henderson and Shane Walsh were just rearing for a knock-down-drag-out fight with absolutely anyone from the winning side except Carl, Caroline, and Rich!
Unequivocally it's not that Jason nor Andrea were afraid because they weren't; believe it or not both of the counselors were more than capable of holding their own, and in this instance much more wiser not to have come in contact with trouble when they didn't really have to, because both have other clients to attend to that don't need the added hassle of retaining other lawyers, and that would all be due to the fact that the ones they have now might be occupied elsewhere...like locked up behind bars somewhere for beating holy heck out of some very deserving stupid perpetrators!
And a totally preplexed Andrea's extremely curious I'll sis Michonne, watching her and Jace the entire time intrigued with an extreme eye, watch as both walked off together leaving her indeed puzzled, and her no longer holding the foine Sheriff's hand was still lovingly holding onto Her Handsome's mighty find masterpiece was left totally baffled; wondering what on earth was behind all of that! All the while simumltaniously Michonne's Sheriff now holding onto his Carl's little hand carefully walked back towards what could be considered trouble.
And him doing so, was doing it all for both his son and Lori's benefit so that their boy could speak to his mother before they left. And Lori watching them both watched eagerly as they came near and could do nothing but cry more, because her ex now with all the power was a much better person than she'd ever been when in that very same position.
And Carl extremely happy that he was going home with his dad was also sad to see that his mother was so unhappy because he was. And the little man caught in between the rock and that hard place of his mom and dad ran up to Lori and said.
"Mom, don't cry, we'll see each other on Friday! Dad said so!"
And Lori boo-hooing even more tightly hugged her baby, realizing just then exactly just how stupidly she'd overplayed her hand when it came to him and his dad, which all had been oh-so unnecessary!
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William C. Henderson more angry than he's been in decades, found himself trying to somewhat relax but it wasn't happening, he really didn't want that anger causing him doing or saying things he couldn't take back, he'd been down that road quite a few times already today. However, at least his Bunny was being properly seen after, her mother and cousin had taken her back to their hotel suite because William didn't want his baby going anywhere without him; his girl was just way too fragile to do so with Shane.
Lori's interaction with her son and his father had done quite a number on his daughter, and because of that sham of a court hearing had to helplessly watch as her baby boy walk off with the undeserving man! And this was totally unacceptable which one William C. Henderson will be making perfectly clear once standing alone, face to face with one Jacklyn Patrice Hogan before he leaves for King County this day!
And still extremely hot under the collar, the man sitting outside the Judge's chamber had been waiting there for about an hour, and when she and that Director did show up, walked by without even acknowledging him which did nothing but make the gent even hotter if possible! And about five minutes or so later, that Anderson Ross woman walking out informed the smothering William C that the judge would now see him, then William walking in mad as Hell, lost all that heat when he entered in and saw Jackie with her back to him and thought.
She's still the right arm full isn't she, lovingly he musedas his eyes traveled the full length of her lithe body now minus one judge robe. And Jackie feeling his present, finally turning turned with her arms fold right across her chest, and William knew that stance all too well which was a cross between her being cocky and protective all in one. And her Billy no longer angry could do nothing but walk up to his pull and touch her !ittle finger just liked he used too. And looking the beautiful woman into those equally beautiful brown eyes said.
"Hey Jack" and instantly forgot everything but her. And Jack at his touch thawed and said "Hey Billy."
But William hurt over yesterday and no longer that boy of long ago proclaimed, "Jack my love it's William now, because that boy died the moment you parents told me, when I finally did find out where you all had left to told that you had married."
And Jackie surprised because all of that was news to her asked, "Well William, how may I help you?" Totally ignoring what he had just said because going back into the opened past is trouble just waiting to happen.
And Lori's dad hurt that she hadn't taken the bait just swallowed hard and replied.
"You do know what happened in court today was extremely harsh towards my daughter don't you? She really does love that boy. And it is her who Carl belongs with not that man!"
And Jackie looking back at William took a deep breath and spoke a relative truth."
"William, believe me or not, nothing that I did or said in the hearing today had anything to do with hurting your child. It was all about what is best for your grandson, her son for what is right, right now and his future too! Because you William have reared a very selfish girl, and why I say that is because I've seen the signs over and over again, and the children always suffer. Always!
"You all's Carl deserves the best and right now Lori is not that, neither is Deputy Walsh. The child is in the right place, and that definitely is with his dad. It's not that I'm saying that the two do not love the boy because I believe that they do! But, William you and your wife would be doing your daughter and grandson a loving favor in the long run by encouraging Lori to quickly separate herself from the Deputy.
"There are a great deal of layers to the man where some are extremely rather dark!"
And William still holding on to Jackie's pinky, admiring their contrasting skin color of tanned and dark brown looked back up at his once lover and said, "You are right Jack, but Bunny is my only child, and I always want her happy no matter what, and Shane is all she has left since Rick has been given her son. Shane wouldn't do anything to cause her hurt; I can't say that about Rick Grimes, because he already has over and over again."
And then the man not being able to help himself bent down and placed a lingering loving kiss to his Jack's little finger, and afterwards left his Jack and her chamber without saying anything else. And Jackie so tempted to run her fingers through his fine, still thick, and now salt and pepper hair like she did when they were younger, watched sadly when he did and then looked at her watch.
True it's late, she thought kind of melancholy, but never to late for a mother to dial her eldest number, I need to hear that voice. And dialing it waited, then there it was a ring as well as the...
"Hello, Mom, is everything ok! You, Dad, Livy, and the kids?" the Judge's forty year old far, far away son asked her concerned.
"Hello Billy, everything is fine now son, Mama just needed to hear her baby boy's voice." Jackie replied while wiping away a tear from her eye. Their boy was not only the spitting image of his father but sounds just like William too minus that deep proper southern drawl.
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"Director Anderson Ross, the Governor will see you now," said Lois the man's guard dog of a secretary who was also good friend's with his wife Amanda, automatically making Mellissa Lois's persona non grata. And Mell with her head held high thanked her anyway and entered the Governor's office promptly, then walking up to the man's desk did it without speaking one word as she handed him the envelope and turned to leave.
However Haden both fearing, and having known exactly just what it was couldn't let things go just like that! And hurrily gettting up quickly stop his former lover whom he still did love even if Mell no longer felt the same about him; nevertheless she did stop, and that was done at Haden's just one touch and said,
"Don't leave please Lis. I know I broke our agreement of not to call your house or ever talk to Rae, but it couldn't be helped. William Henderson is one of my biggest donors, and needed my help."
And the struggling woman looking her former lover directly in eyes that she sees everyday when looking back at their daughter's answered, "Well Haden guess what, both of you loss big time today!"
And then Mell continued for the door but the Governor not being able to help himself wouldn't let her; he couldn't, no not just yet, and stepped right in front of her and kissed his first and only love like it hadn't been fourteen long years since they last did.
And not once did Mellissa Anderson Ross remember her loving and good husband Perry by telling the Governor to stop or push the hungry man away, but afterwards just left in a fog with her resignation letter still sitting on Haden's desk where it was meant to be. However Mell unknowing to herself left something else behind too, her good sense as well as her resolve because she'd wrongly kissed Haden back, which sadly in the woman's near future will be her undoing.
《▪▪▪▪▪》
"Dad, I don't know where else they could be," shouted Carl from the living room as he and Cody played their sixth game of Super Mario Go Kart, as both Michonne and Sheriff Grimes with very heavy heart, tried busying themselves with the task of looking in every room of her condo to make sure Sheriff Grimes and her Handsome, wouldn't be leaving anything of importance behind. Who knew that a seven year two month old little boy could accumulate so much in such a short period time of four days!
Shoes up under one bed, hers, a sweater here, pants there, and small boys socks everywhere with game cartridges so very small it wouldn't take much to miss, but Michonne didn't, and neither did her counterpart Sheriff Grimes as the both smile the moment each would found what the other was looking for.
And she really did hate to see the father and son leave, and the father and son hated having to too! And the proof of that was made perfectly clear with Rick finding himself purposely dragging his feet, while Carl and Cody's "just one more games" now on the tenth one was evident that none of the four were ready for anyone to go anywhere soon.
And that absolutely tickled Caroline and Richard Sr. good fashioned as they both watched the whole sequence of events play out in real time, and glad to see Rick and his boy so at home there with the young lawyer, along with Cody who'd joined them earlier when they all went to eat; he was also family, and that went for the puppies too! They'd been brought up by the sitters and were now making themselves at home up in Grandma Caroline and Grandpa Rich's lap with each receiving the best scratch behind their ears ever!
And after the finding of lost things, huggs and kisses, but not even one between the Sheriff and his Miss Rénald; neither really trusted themselves and said good-bye with the nod of a head, his and her a shy smile while Rick parents rolling their eyes in frustration thought respectively; Rick's dad, "Now boy where is you game," and his mother's "Like father like son" got in the vehicle and waited until the four and puppies were ready to let go.
And all four Grimes's way back home was kind of heartbreakingly sad due to the quietness of the father and son duo. However all was soon made so much livelier when Carl opened up a rather good sized pack that Michonne had placed in the back between her Handsome and his grand mother with her boy finding not only his game and cartridges, but it also filled full with some other special surprises that brought a smile to all in the Sheriff's truck.
She'd quietly placed a dozen or so frosted gingerbread people that were the depiction of either her, the Sheriff, her Handsome, her Cody and their puppies, brownies, an assortment of chips, juice, water, and napkins. There were even Wet Ones place directly on top!
And Mr. and Mrs. Grimes could do nothing but smile individually thinking, now that young woman acts like those two are going to strave. Did we not too long ago have a mighty fine meal, and there are restaurants and service stations along the way if by chance the two do get hungry!
And just like that both father and son's whole demeanor changed, especially when Michonne called to see if they'd found her little somethin' somethin' hidden away, because it was just taking those two way to long to recognize. And she and the Sheriff held a complete conversation almost. And almost was the operative word all the way to King County while her two boys played games until Cody left for home because like today has school tomorrow.
And with Cody gone home the Sheriff had no choice but to move over and make room for his boy if he liked it or not. Carl had things to say and he wasn't sharing it with anyone except with Michonne. And that was the rest of the way to his grandparents farm until his dad's phone went dead.
And the Sheriff's parents before that happen, sitting back could do nothing but enjoy it all, because their boy Rick now beaming, was sporting a look so unlike the sullen one he'd had after the divorce, the one going on before leaving the condo, down the elevator, and the one that returned on their way home right before Michonne's surprise and call.