Fathers and Daughters
Part 8
Author: MacGateFan
Disclaimers in Part 1
Note from the Author: Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all! Thanks for reading my fanfiction.
-Michelle
With Mr. Teleporter locked away and unable to go anywhere, I put Jo in charge of Eureka (quite reluctantly, I might add) and headed back to LA to try and win at least joint custody of my daughter.
The last few days have been really hard. Not only attempting to get back into shape, but also not seeing Zoë in the morning was really causing my mood to deteriorate. I think Allison noticed it, but she never said anything.
I took a deep breath and entered the room. This is where the decision would be made about Zoë. This is where we decide if this is going to court. I hope not because I don't want to put Zoë through all that.
I sat next to my lawyer, Gina, and she nodded with a smile, telling me everything would be all right. I don't know if she believed that or not. A few minutes later, the door opened and in strolled Abby with her new fling. What the hell was he doing here?
The two lawyers set right to work exchanging information. They finally let me speak. As I did, I could see Abby rolling her eyes at me. "Zoë needs both her parents. I am ready and willing to accept joint custody of our daughter, but I also want her included in the final decision."
"She's only a minor, Jack."
"I know that, Abby," I replied, "but this is her life we're talking about. The decision we make will affect her as she grows up. I'd like to think we can help her understand that conflicts can be resolved peacefully without hurting anyone."
I noticed Abby's lawyer and her boyfriend nod in agreement. She, however, did not. "Please, Jack, that's a bunch of bull and you know it!"
I sighed and gave Gina a shrug. She smiled at me encouragingly and said, "Dave, if your client would like to make a statement..."
Abby stood up and began pacing the room. "Jack is an unfit Father! He lives in a city where violence occurs constantly and Zoë is in danger just being within five feet of him! He wasn't the one who raised her either, no, that was me. He was always off doing God knows what around the country."
"Um, Abby, I was a US Marshall, that's why I was all around the country. And who's to say Eureka is the only city with violence? You live in LA for crying out loud!"
Before anyone could say another word, there was a knock at the door. Dave went to answer it and we were all a little surprised to see Zoë standing there. I took a quick glance at my watch. Good, at least she waited until after school to come.
"Zoë," Abby said, "there is no need for you to be here."
Okay something is really wrong with Abby. I know we've had our differences, but she's just so angry about everything. She never treated Zoë with such disdain and I don't know where it's coming from.
By the look in Zoë's eyes, I saw she realized it too.
"I was wondering if I could say a few words."
The lawyers exchanged a glance and agreed. Abby was going to say something, but her boyfriend shook his head.
"I love you guys both. Mom, you've really changed in the last few years. I don't know what happened, but it seems like you don't really care about me anymore. In fact, you've turned my own grandmother against me! I know you want custody of me, and I love you dearly, but I think for right now the best place for me to be is in Eureka."
Zoë continued before Abby could pop a vein. "Dad, you've changed too, but for the best. We did have our differences the night we first arrived in Eureka, but I know now how much you love me. I was brat then and I like to think I've grown out of that... well, a little at least."
"I have a proposal," Gina stated. "Allow Zoë to stay with her Father throughout the school year and during summer break, she can return home to her Mother's. I think joint custody is the best way to go."
I looked over at Abby, awaiting her reply. "No."
My heart thumped in my chest. She really wanted to take this to court. I was going to say something when I saw Abby's boyfriend talking quietly, but urgently to her. She nodded every so often, her face pale and tears shining in her eyes.
Dave looked over at her. "Abby? I agree that this is the best way to go. Are you sure you won't reconsider?"
"Okay," she said sadly. "I'd like to say something else. Jack, Zoë, I've been horrible. Mike has been telling me what I've been like the past few weeks. I know it's not an excuse, but I've been completely depressed since Zoë moved to Eureka. I am sorry for all the pain I've caused both of you."
"Abby..."
For the first time I was at a loss for words.