Chapter 9: Three-legged Race
. . .
''So... you're here because of Lily and Rick Cooper.'' Judge Collins murmured as he scanned through the file with his eyes. ''And you applied for the short-term foster care until the adoption proceeding is finalized.'' He added. Then he finally looked at Mac and Jo, who sat in front of him, across his big desk. ''The only thing that raise doubts here is that you used wrong forms. You should fill in those that are for shared foster care.'' He told them.
''Well, the thing is... we're not applying together.'' Mac said slowly.
The judge furrowed his eyebrows and took off his glasses. He looked at Mac, then at Jo, then back at Mac.
''Oh I see... you're not a couple?''
''No.'' Jo and Mac said simultaneously.
''And both of you applied for the short-term foster care of both children?''
''Yes.'' They both confirmed.
''Well, that makes things a little bit more complicated than I thought.'' The judge murmured. He took his fountain pen and started to nervously toy with it as he looked through the files again. After a couple of minutes, which seemed like an eternity, he raised his head and glanced at them again. ''You sure you aren't a couple?'' He asked once more. Mac frowned and Jo almost burst with laughter. ''It would be so much easier if you were. For me.'' He added with a smile. Then he sighed and closed the files. ''So... tell me something more about... the relationship between you two.''
''We're not romantically involved.'' Mac said loud and clear as if he wanted to ensure that the judge got it right this time.
''Yes, detective, I got it.'' The judge smiled.
''We have been working together for almost three years now.'' Jo explained.
''And we're friends.'' Mac added.
''Very good friends.'' Jo specified, glancing at Mac and he nodded.
''Do you spend much time together?'' The judge asked.
''Well, we work together so...'' Mac started.
''Yeah, yeah, but how about after work? I'm asking about your free time.''
''Umm, well...'' Mac hesitated and glanced at Jo but she wasn't looking at him. Instead, her eyes were piercing the judge as if she wanted to read his mind. Suddenly, the corner of her mouth went up. It was barely noticeable, but Mac knew her too well. She was up to something.
'Yes, we spend a lot of time together. My daughter just adores Mac and they get along very well.'' She said casually. ''I don't have many friends in New York because I moved here from Virginia only three years ago...''
''You're from Virginia?'' The judge asked with surprise.
''No. I'm originally from Alabama...'' Jo said with a charming smile, but he cut her off.
''Alabama?! Roll Tide!'' He exclaimed happily. ''I studied there.''
''Really?'' Jo asked, dragging the 'e' a little too long, which caught Mac's attention. Something was telling him she already knew that.
''Yeah, the best years of my life.'' Judge Collins sighed nostalgically. ''Anyway...'' He focused back on the case. ''I don't want to grant the foster care only to one of you and leave the other with nothing... So... how about a slightly unusual solution? Since you're not a couple...'' He made a pause, like he still couldn't believe it and was waiting for one of them to finally admit that they were. But they just shook their heads. ''...but you spend a fair amount of time together, which means the kids won't be separated. I think the best solution would be to grant the short-term foster care over Rick Cooper to Detective Taylor and the short-term foster care over Lily Cooper to Detective Danville.'' He finished and looked at them to see their reaction. ''Unless you want it to be the other way round?'' He asked.
Jo was the first one to get her voice back. ''No, no. It's perfect, but...''
''Can you do that?'' Mac asked with a slight disbelief in his voice.
''Detective Taylor, I can do anything.'' The judge told him with a smile. ''Of course, within the law. If it comes to the short-term foster care, the law is pretty flexible. It won't be that easy with an adoption.'' He warned. ''But for now, we'll see how this solution will play out.'' He added and put on his glasses. ''Any reservations?''
''No.'' Jo and Mac answered simultaneously once more.
''Good. So decision's made.'' He said and signed the form.
. . .
''What the hell just happened in there?!'' Mac muttered in a low voice after he closed the door to judge's office behind them. She looked at Jo and saw her beaming smile and sparks of happiness in her eyes. ''How the hell did you know he studied at the University of Alabama?'' He asked with admiration mixed with disbelief.
''He had a diploma hanging on the wall.'' Jo told him with a laugh.
''Yeah, I saw it too, but I couldn't read it because the letters were too small.''
''I recognized the logo. I have the same on my diploma.'' Jo said proudly.
''Right.'' Mac nodded and smiled at her.
''But it turned out well, no?'' She asked. ''Rick will stay at your place, Lily at mine. We will take turns taking care of them...'' She already started to organize it, but she stopped when she saw Mac's uncertain expression. He seemed to be overwhelmed by the whole situation. ''Isn't it what you wanted?'' She asked him softly.
''Well, yes, but now I'm slightly concerned.'' Mac admitted honestly. ''What if I won't manage to take care of Rick all by myself?''
''But that's the idea – you won't be doing it all by yourself.'' Jo noted. ''We'll do it together. I think it's a perfect solution.''
''If you say so...'' Mac agreed, although slightly reluctantly. Jo glanced at him and offered him an assuring smile.
''So, you're picking Rick up from the hospital today?'' She asked.
''Yes, he should be released around 4 p.m.'' Mac nodded.
''4 p.m.?! Oh my, that leaves us with so little time!'' Jo exclaimed.
''So little time for what?'' Mac asked, crooking his eyebrow at her.
''For shopping!'' She explained and then she caught his hand and pulled him towards his car. But he didn't move.
''Shopping?''
''Yes, shopping! Mac, you have no idea how many different things you need for Rick.'' Jo told him and he sighed as he finally moved from his place. She was probably right; his place was everything but child-friendly. ''I also need a few things for Lily.'' She added.
''I even know where you should start.'' Mac told her as he opened the car door for her.
''Hmm?''
''You need a booster seat for Lily, remember?'' Mac noted. She glanced at him and sighed.
''Yes, I do.'' She agreed. Then she smiled widely. ''See? It's already working.''
. . .
''So... umm... this is my place.'' Mac told Rick. The boy kicked off his shoes and placed them in the corner of the hallway. ''It's not big, but I have a guest room, so it will be your room now.'' Mac continued and Rick nodded.
While Mac took all the groceries bags to the kitchen and started to unpack them, Rick walked slowly across the living room. He looked at the books and different brick-a-bracs that were placed on the furniture.
''Do you want to eat something?'' Mac asked him from the kitchen.
''Umm... no, thank you.'' Rick answered. He took a photo of a young lady in his hand and studied it with his brows furrowed.
''Maybe something to drink?'' Mac asked behind him and Rick turned abruptly. He glanced at the photo he was still holding in his hands, then at Mac, trying to figure out if he was angry at him for touching it but he wasn't.
''No, thanks... Who's this?'' The boy asked as he lifted the photo slightly, indicating that he meant the woman in it.
''That's my wife, Claire.'' Mac answered.
''Where is she?'' Rick asked, looking at his face.
''She died.''
''Oh... was it long time ago?''
''11 years and 7 months.'' Mac answered without hesitation. Rick nodded and looked back at the photo. He seemed to be thinking hard about something.
''11 years...'' He murmured quietly. ''I'm only 8.'' Then he raised his head and looked at Mac. ''Are you still sad because of it?''
''Yes. Yes, I am.'' Mac nodded. Then he got lost in his thoughts for a moment. ''But not all the time, as I used to. Now... I'm only sad from time to time.'' He said slowly.
''How come?'' Rick asked, tilting his head to the side.
''Well... I'm trying to think that she wouldn't want me to be sad. She loved me and when you love someone you want this person to be happy.'' He explained slowly and Rick nodded his understanding.
''Yeah but you still miss her, right?''
''Yes, I do. Everyday, and I think this feeling won't ever pass.''
Rick nodded again, then glanced at the photo once more and sighed.
''She's very pretty. My mom...'' He swallowed hard, but managed to continue. ''...was very pretty, too.''
Mac smiled sadly at him. He knew very well how hard it was to use past tense while speaking of loved ones. Rick placed the photo back on the shelf and looked again at Mac. He scratched his head a bit, something clearly on his mind. Finally he said, ''I'm sorry.''
''For what?'' Mac asked, somehow surprised by his statement.
''For that you lost your wife.''
It was then that Mac felt tears stinging his eyes. He couldn't say anything because of the large lump that was forming in his throat. He placed his arm around Rick's shoulder, led him to the couch and they both sat down. Finally, when Mac managed to calm down his emotions, he spoke, ''Are you tired? Do you want to go to sleep?''
''Not really, no.'' Rick shook his head.
''How about we watch something?'' Mac asked as he turned the TV on.
''OK.'' Rick agreed happily. ''What do you usually watch?''
''I like Animal Planet and Discovery Channel...'' Mac started, then he glanced at Rick. ''But if you want to watch some cartoons or... I don't know, something else... then that's fine with me.''
''Nah. Discovery Channel is OK.'' Rick told him with a smile.
''Alright then.'' Mac smiled back and easily found the right channel. ''Oh, 'How It's Made' is on. Have you ever seen it?''
''Nope.'' Rick shook his head.
''I think it's quite interesting.'' Mac said. He felt how Rick moved slightly towards him to make himself more comfortable.
As they watched it together, Rick started to ask more and more questions. To most of them, Mac knew answers, but some of them were pretty clever and he made mental notes to look for them later.
Finally, after two episodes, Mac decided it was about time for Rick to go to bed. Although slightly reluctantly, Rick agreed on this.
''Do you need some help?'' Mac asked with hesitation, when he showed the way to the bathroom to Rick.
''No, thanks, I'll manage.'' Rick told him.
''OK. Here….your new Pj's.'' Mac said as he gave it to him. Rick took a look at it as he studied the robots that were printed all over them, and Mac ran his hand through his hair, suddenly wondering if it was a good choice. ''Jo helped me pick them out. There were so many patterns: robots, cars... rockets, I believe.''
''To be honest... The most important thing is that it won't scratch.'' Rick told him slowly and Mac laughed slightly at his comment.
''Well, it shouldn't.'' He said as he felt the fabric.
''No, no, it shouldn't. It's soft. Thanks.'' He said and smiled at Mac.
''OK. So call me if you need anything.''
After a while, Rick exited the bathroom and Mac walked him to the guest room that was now his bedroom.
''I know it's nothing special...'' Mac told him, but Rick cut him off.
''It's fine. I like the bedclothes.'' He said with a shy smile.
''Really? That's good.'' Mac gladdened. ''So, I'll wake you up around 7 a.m. tomorrow. We'll eat breakfast and I'll drop you off to Jo's place. You'll stay there with her and Lily until I come back from work.''
''OK.'' Rick nodded.
Mac studied him for a moment longer until finally he asked, ''You're going to be fine... sleeping alone, right?''
''Sure.'' Rick nodded.
''OK... If you need anything, I'll be just in the next room.''
''OK.'' Rick answered and rolled onto his side as he wrapped himself with the duvet until it almost covered his head. Mac watched him for a moment, then he turned the lights off and left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.
. . .
''Oh my gosh, Mac. 8:30 means 8:30. Half past 8. Not 8:05 or 8:10.'' Jo complained as she opened the door. Then she instantly turned around and Mac got an impression that she was heading back to the bedroom.
''Good morning to you, too.'' He joked upon her reaction. ''You're my favorite morning grump.'' He would never admit that he wanted to make her smile but he did. It would make his long day at work much easier to bear. But it seemed there was no chance to witness her smile this morning. He sighed slightly. ''We brought you croissants. Does it make things look any better for me?''
''Hardly.'' Jo murmured. ''But thank you.'' She added and took the paper bag from him. Then she glanced at Rick who was standing slightly behind Mac as he listened to their conversation. ''Hi, Rick.'' Jo told him with a smile and reached out to playfully ruffle his hair, but her hand froze in the air as she saw him frown. With a little sigh she decided to pat his shoulder instead. ''I'll make us something to drink.'' She said and disappeared in the kitchen.
''Take off your jacket.'' Mac told Rick and then helped him hang his jacket. While Rick was taking off his shoes, Mac moved across the hallway and saw Lily walking barefoot out of the bedroom. She stopped in the doorway and yawned widely.
''Ahh, there she is. Another sleeping beauty.'' Mac said loudly enough for her to hear him. She gave him a beaming smile and rushed towards him. ''At least one girl's happy to see me today.'' He murmured before she reached him. He picked her up and she smiled at him again.
''Hi!'' She squealed happily.
''Hi.'' Mac answered, smiling unconsciously. ''Aren't your feet cold, sweetheart?'' He asked touching her foot lightly, noticing in wonder how tiny it was.
''Nope.'' Lily shook her head, which made her curls bounce.
''Don't you have any socks?'' Mac asked again.
''I have... somewhere...'' Lily answered, furrowing her little brows. Mac chuckled upon hearing her. It seemed that living with Jo had an impact on her already. He heard Rick entering the living room and he turned slightly to make it possible for Lily to see him. He seemed to be a little bit intimidated, maybe even lost, because of being in a new place. But his features visibly lit up as he saw his little sister.
''Ricki!'' Lily squealed even more than the last time. Mac put her down and she hugged Rick by the waist. Then she pulled away slightly and looked up at him. ''Are you going to stay?'' She asked.
''I am.'' He confirmed.
''And you?'' Lily asked, looking up at Mac this time.
''I have to go to work.'' Mac told her and she pouted her lower lip in a sad expression. ''But Jo will stay with you and I'll be back after work.''
''Oh... OK.'' She said. Then her eyes lit up and she turned to Rick again. ''I'll show you what Jo gave me yesterday!'' She told him with excitement and pulled his hand, forcing him to follow her to the bedroom.
Mac smiled little upon seeing them, and then he decided to go Jo and find out why she was so grumpy today. He entered the kitchen and saw how she was trying to set a coffeemaker.
''Stupid thing...'' She mumbled under her breath.
He leaned against the fridge and watched her for a moment. She fussed with it a little more and finally slapped it with the palm of her hand. Mac raised his brows at it, as much to his surprise it started to work after it.
''Don't mess with me today...'' Jo murmured. He chuckled slightly, which made her turn to face him. He had to admit there was something utterly fascinating to see this usually cheerful woman with a face as black as a thundercloud for a change.
''Are you really that mad because I came up a little earlier?'' Mac asked shyly. ''I didn't want just to drop by and have to rush to work the very next minute.'' He explained.
''I'm sorry.'' Jo said with a sigh. ''No, I'm not mad at you. I'm just... tired. I fell asleep at dawn and it felt like you showed up just a second after I closed my eyes.''
''You didn't sleep for most of the night? Why?'' Mac asked with concern. Only then it struck him. ''Did Lily have nightmares again?''
''She has them every single night.'' Jo said sadly and turned away from him, making herself busy with preparing coffee for them. ''But last night was particularly bad – I couldn't calm her down for over an hour...'' Her voice trailed off and she stopped what she was doing. Mac moved closer to her and spotted a small tear rolling down her cheek.
''Jo...'' He said softly and smiled sadly at her. She quickly wiped the tear away with the back of her hand.
''I'm sorry, I just...'' She sighed deeply. ''It's so heart-wrenching. She's only four... She should be happy as a bee and up to mischief. Instead she can't sleep at night, as she dreams about her parents being killed.'' Despite Jo's effort to stop herself from crying, she shed a few more tears. He knew she didn't want to cry in front of Lily, but all those emotions had to find their outlet at some point. He didn't say anything, only put his arm around her, gently turned her around and pulled her closer. She put her arm around his neck and sighed deeply. ''It's so unfair.''
''I know.'' He said quietly while stroking her hair. ''But now we have little power to change it. Just think about it – we have at least couple of weeks, if not months. We can make it all better for her and for Rick.''
''You really think so?'' She asked with a quiet sniff. He smiled lightly upon hearing her. She sounded so much like Lily right now. She needed to be calmed down and assured that everything would be alright.
''Well, I'm not saying that they will recover easily after such trauma. God, I don't think they will ever recover completely. It will stay with them for the rest of their lives...'' He stated in a sad voice. ''But... if we make it at least any better, then it will be something.''
''Yeah...'' Jo nodded a little, then she pulled back slowly. ''Yeah, I think you're right.'' She brushed her hand over her cheeks, wiping away all signs of her tears. ''So I'm comforting Lily, you're comforting me... Who's gonna comfort you?'' She asked and he smiled when he heard that her usual playful tone was back.
''I don't need to be comforted.'' He answered and shook his head slightly.
''Everyone needs it. Once in a while.'' She told him and looked him in the eye. Their gaze met and he smiled, understanding the message she silently was sending him. He knew that if he ever needed comfort, she would be the first person he would turn to. If not the only one.
All of sudden Jo furrowed her eyebrows and turned her head slightly.
''Do I hear Ellie?'' She asked and Mac listened out. Indeed, it was Ellie's voice coming out from the living room. ''El!'' Jo shouted.
''Yeah?!''
''Come here for a second, please!''
Ellie entered the kitchen after a moment and glanced at her mom doubtfully.
''What have I done this time?'' She asked with a sigh. Mac chuckled slightly upon hearing her and she looked at him. ''Oh, hi there, Mac.'' She added with a smile.
''Hello, Ellie.''
''Ellie, shouldn't you be getting ready for school? You're gonna be late.'' Jo told her.
''Well... I only have 40 minutes, I'm not gonna make it anyway, so how about I just skip the first lesson?'' Ellie offered with a sweet smile. Jo narrowed her eyes at her and studied her for a moment.
''What do you have first?''
''Umm... math.'' Ellie admitted with a sigh and felt how the chances for her plan to be successful just drastically dwindled away.
''Oh, what a coincidence!'' Jo mocked. ''Hurry up and you're gonna make it.''
''Mom!'' Ellie complained in a high-pitched voice. ''I'm gonna be late! I can't be late, because then I'll end up being tested!''
''Well, you should have woken up earlier then.'' Jo noted.
''So, why haven't you woken me up earlier?'' Ellie bit back.
''Oh, alright. I'll keep in mind that you're such a baby you can't set up an alarm by yourself when you ask me to go to a party next time.'' Jo said calmly and Mac shook his head slightly as he was truly impressed by her retort. But Ellie was far from that. She let out a loud groan and made the last attempt.
''I don't have any time to eat and you can't tell me to go to school without breakfast. It's the most important meal of a day and it's unhealthy...''
''Ellie, for Christ's sake! I'm not going to write you an excuse note for this one.'' Jo told her in a slightly harsher tone and Mac was able to see that she was running out of patience.
''I have an idea.'' He interjected. ''I can give you a lift to school on my way to work, Ellie.'' He offered. ''I think we could even have enough time to grab a sandwich or something in the deli around the corner.'' He added as he checked his watch. ''But you have to get dressed really quickly.'' He warned.
''Oh...'' Ellie hesitated for a moment, but then she glanced at her mom and she made a quick decision. ''OK, I'll be double quick!'' She said and rushed out of the kitchen.
''I owe you one.'' Jo told him with a light smile and then rolled her eyes. ''Gosh, how come they are all cute and cuddly and suddenly, snap! They're teenagers and you catch yourself plotting how to kill them and leave no trace behind.'' Jo said and shook her head, making Mac laugh. ''I hope she won't give you any trouble.'' She added seriously.
''I'm sure she won't.'' Mac assured her and took a sip of his coffee.
''Come on, let's check what Lily and Rick are doing.'' Jo told him and grabbed his hand, leading him to the living room. They found Lily and Rick playing with building blocks on the carpet. Jo noticed how Rick glanced at them and shifted slightly, clearly still feeling a little uneasy, whereas Lily was completely absorbed by them. Jo smiled upon seeing her. Most of the time she seemed very comfortable at Jo's place, being around her, Mac and Ellie.
Jo glanced at Mac and saw his frown as he was watching Rick, obviously noticing his behavior as well. She rubbed his back lightly and he looked at her.
''He'll be fine, no worries. He just needs a little more time to get used to the new situation.'' She told him quietly.
''I hope.'' Mac murmured. ''Will you be fine with both of them?'' He asked slightly hesitant.
''Of course I will!'' Jo assured him. Then she walked to the couch and sat down. She placed her mug on the coffee table and reached out to tickle Lily's neck to get her attention. ''Hey, pet, you're not going to get dressed today?'' She asked with a smile.
''Nope.'' Lily answered.
''How about breakfast? Aren't you hungry?''
''Nope.'' She repeated.
''That's a shame... Mac brought chocolate croissants. I guess I'll have to eat them all by myself...'' Jo sighed with mocked drama.
''Chocolate?'' Lily asked as she looked up at Jo and Mac laughed quietly. Of course, he could predict that part would catch her attention.
''I'm ready!'' Ellie announced behind their backs and they both turned around.
''OK, then. So I guess we have to get going.'' Mac said and sighed a little. He moved towards Ellie and held her backpack for her while she put on her jacket.
''Wait!'' Jo stopped them suddenly. She quickly walked to them and hugged Ellie. ''Good luck with math, girl.'' She told her.
''Thanks.'' Ellie murmured and hugged her back. When Jo let go of her daughter, she looked at Mac. Their eyes stayed fixed at each other a little longer than usual. It flashed through Mac's mind to lean towards Jo and give her a kiss on the cheek. For some strange reason he found it to be the oddly right thing to do. But then... it felt out of place at the same time. Before he could make up his mind, Ellie spoke, ''Not that we were in a hurry, but...''
''OK, OK, we're going.'' He said quickly.
''See you in the evening.'' Jo told him with a smile and he murmured something unintelligibly in response before leaving her apartment.
. . .
A/N Terribly sorry for not updating this one for a while, but I got caught up by another idea and started another story. Multitasking is my middle name, but no worries, I always try to finish what I've started.
Big hug for Jessica for correcting this one so quickly despite being busy - if you ever had something written in Polish and need proof-reading, then you know to whom you should turn, right? ;)
Enjoy and let me know what you think!