Chapter 31- Let The Flames Begin
"Joe," Danielle said, wringing her hands together, sitting on the couch.
Joe turned his head from the Harry Potter movie he was watching, his blue eyes looking into her brown ones.
"Yeah, Dani?" he asked, still semi-focused on the movie.
"I need to talk to you about something," she choked out, her hands wet from sweat. Joe noticed her nervousness and turned his whole body towards her. He placed a soothing hand on her cheek.
"What is it?" he whispered.
"This is very important, so," she said, reaching for the remote to the TV, and cut it off. Joe moved closer to her on the couch, his leg touching hers. He moved his hand from her cheek to her upper thigh. His eyes urged her to continue.
"I really don't know how to tell you. I just hope you won't be mad at me…" she trailed off.
"Danielle," Joe said, his face becoming very serious, "is it another man?"
Her eyes popped out, "Oh God, Joe! No! I didn't mean for it to sound like that."
Joe physically relaxed, a smile coming to his lips, "Just checkin'."
She threw him a smirk, "You know how I have been upset to my stomach lately, and can't keep anything down?"
Joe nodded with concern in his eyes.
"Well, it wasn't the seafood, come to find out," Danielle whispered. Joe cast a worried and confused glance at Danielle, when she said, "I-I'm five weeks pregnant."
Joe just sat there, letting the words wash over him. Pregnant? He looked deep in Danielle's eyes, seeing her unwavering stare. His mouth had gone dry, and his heart was racing.
"How?" was all he could say.
"Well, it happens when a man and a woman hav—" she said, when Joe interrupted.
"No, how? You're on the pill, and I always used protection," he said confused.
Danielle began getting scared. She was still unsure of his reaction, and it wasn't starting out great. Joe must have seen the fear in her eyes, because he tried to reverse the damage.
"Not that I'm upset, or anything, just confused," he said quickly.
"Well, nothing's ever one hundred percent," she said quietly.
Joe shifted his eyes from Danielle's face to her stomach. He stared at it, knowing that his child was inside her. It was very surreal to think about. A living being in another living being. It never occurred to him how insane that was, but now that it involved him, it was life-shaking. He was going to be a father. Father. A smile faintly crossed his lips.
"Joe?" Danielle asked. She was on the edge of her seat, waiting for Joe to speak. Joe said nothing, but he took one of his hands and placed it softly on her stomach; over his child. He turned glossy eyes up to Danielle. She was staring at him in amazement. He flashed a smile.
"You're not mad?" she whispered, thinking that this was too good to be true.
Joe raised his eyebrows in curiosity, "And why would I be mad at you for something I helped create?"
Danielle sighed in relief and flung herself into his arms. Joe slinked his around her waist, pulling her on his lap. She pressed her lips hard on Joe's and they stayed that way for a few minutes. Joe pulled apart and placed his head on her forehead.
"I'm going to be a father," he barely spoke.
oo
Cara lay on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, in the space between asleep and awake. Micah had been gone for two weeks, and it felt like a part of her life was missing. He had come to mean to much to her, that she thought of him as apart of her family. She had hardly seen Patrick over the last weeks. He would come to bed after she was asleep and he was gone when she woke up. She knew where he was going. He was with the lawyer every chance he got. If he wasn't there, he was just out driving around, trying to get things off his mind. He hardly ate anything. Patrick barely opened his mouth anymore. She knew they had to get Micah back, or Patrick was going to go crazy. Cara sat up from the couch, went to the coat rack, grabbing her coat. Swinging it around her shoulders, she walked to the back yard, sitting down on a wooden bench. Her eyes grazed over the new swing set and the new playhouse, that have yet to be played with. Tears forming in her eyes, she got up and walked into Micah's room, leaving the backdoor open. She looked over all the toys in the floor, the unmade bed, and the clothes in the dresser strewn out. Something caught her eye. It was Micah's Spider-man. The first toy he ever clung too. Cara snatched it up, holding it in her arms. Tears rolling freely down her cheeks now, she dug her face into the stuffed hero, thinking of Micah.
"Cara," a soft deep voice from the door spoke. Cara jumped at the sound of a new person in the room.
"Oh Patrick, you scared me," she said, dropping the toy to the floor and forcefully wiping her tears away. She wanted to be strong for Patrick.
"What are you doing in Micah's room?" he asked softly, moving to sit next to her on the small bed.
"Oh, well, I was just about to clean it up a little," she hastened, trying to stand up, but Patrick held her back down. He wrapped one arm around her shoulder, and his other hand found her cheek. He moved her head to his shoulder, rocking her a little.
"We're going to get him back, Cara," he whispered, running fingers in her hair. "You just wait."
Cara's defenses broke away, and she wrapped both arms around him, "I just miss him so much."
"Our chances are really good about getting him back, as soon as possible," he said strongly, trying to comfort her. "And I've been meaning to ask you something. Think really hard about this before giving me an answer, okay?"
oo
Thanksgiving came sooner than anyone thought. Everyone had been worrying about different things, which it seemed to just sneak up on them this year. They decided that a small group gathering at the Wentz would be nice. Try and get things off their minds.
Guests began to arrive, Andrew and Casie being the first. Leila was in the kitchen helping Mrs. Wentz while the boys seemed to congregate in the living room, talking about recent events. Leila stopped what she was doing, and noticed the gender separation. Knowing that this was how it was going to be if nothing was done, she threw her spoon on the counter top and stalked to the living room. Mr. Wentz, Pete, Andrew, Joe, Patrick, Andy and Hilary's boyfriend, Bobby sat around the living room. Leila then looked back in the kitchen where Mrs. Wentz, Casie, Danielle, Cara, Heather, Hilary and herself were setting up the food, putting the finishing touches on desserts.
"Pete, come here a minute," Leila said above the noise from the living room. Pete slid off the couch and strolled to her.
"Yeah?" he said, smiling at her.
Leila smirked at him, "Tell me what you see?" she said, gesturing from one room to the other. Pete followed her arm to the kitchen with all the girls looking at him, and to the living room where the boys were looking at him. He looked back to Leila, knowing he didn't have to give answer.
"What are you going to do about?" she said, crossing her arms across her chest. Pete looked at her confused. He cocked his head to the living room, looking at the boys again.
"C'mon," he said walking passed Leila, pushing up against her, making her smirk turn to a smile. She watched as one by one, the men stalked to the kitchen, replacing their girlfriends and wives at cooking. Mrs. Wentz looked at her husband, who was staring lovingly at her.
"That's okay dear, I can do it," she said, not giving up her spatula.
Pete looked up from the turkey he was basting, and said, "Mom, please. I think Leila wants you guys to go to the living room. And if you me to live and do well, you'll go," he said, making eyes at Leila, causing her to laugh. Mrs. Wentz threw Leila an amusing smirk, and yielded her cookware to her husband. All the girls giggled the whole way to the living room.
Once seated at the couch, Mrs. Wentz said, "Leila, you have managed to do what women everywhere have tried but failed."
"That's only because we have wonderful men," she said loud enough that Pete and the guys could hear. She laughed harder when she heard a soft "Love you" floating from the kitchen. Leila, smiling, leaned back in the couch cushions surveying the room. They all had terrific boys. The lot of them were good as gold. But at the thought of boys, she realized that they were missing a boy; one that brought light to Patrick's eyes. She noticed that light was out in not only his eyes, but Cara's.
Leila looked at her friend, "Cara… how are you holding up?"
Cara turned bloodshot eyes to Leila, "Yeah, I'll be okay once we get Micah back. Me and Patrick have a plan, but were advised by the lawyer not to speak of it yet. We don't want Marianna to get wind of it. We have a strong case against her. That reminds me, Patrick needs to speak to you before we leave, Leila."
"Okay, I'll be sure to talk with him," she nodded, looking around at her other friends, noticing Danielle's glowing face; she was smiling.
"Danielle, you're practically glowing," Leila said with a floaty tone. Danielle just blushed a light shade of pink, and smirked at Leila.
"Dinner is served!" Pete said in a booming voice from the kitchen doorway. The girls all stood up and headed for the dining room.
They were impressed to find the table all set; plates and silverware out for the entire group. Each man filed into the room, carrying a different item of food. They instructed the girls to sit down, and they began serving the meat to everyone, save Andy and Heather (Andy is a vegan and Heather is a vegetarian). Once everyone had the food they wanted, the boys sat down next to their girls. Each man was very gentlemanlike to the girls. Refilling drinks, and ladling more food onto their plates. All of this made the girls very giddy. Leila placed a soft hand on Pete's knee under the table, squeezing it a little. Pete looked lovingly at her, the same way Mr. Wentz looked at his wife. She felt her heart jump to her throat. She was still amazed that one look from Pete could send her heart around the bend. Heather stood up to head to the kitchen for another glass of water, when Andy shot out of his chair, and filled it for her. She placed a soft kiss on his cheek when he returned. Mr. Wentz was not letting Mrs. Wentz reach for anything. He got her whatever she needed. Casie had one foot tucked around one of Andrew's under the table. She looked around the table and back to Andrew. Everyone was smiling and talking about this or that. Andrew was engaged in a conversation about a recording session with Pete. She felt at home with these people. She looked to Cara and Patrick, who were the quiet ones of dinner. They had their chairs close together, and seemed to be in deep conversation with each other. Their disposition was dressed. Backs slouched and tired faces. Casie's heart reached out for them.
Leila, who was sitting in between Pete and Patrick, turned her head to Patrick, "Hey, Cara said you needed to speak to me?"
Patrick looked at Leila for a minute, "Yeah… It's about the trial on December first. I need your help. I can understand if you don't want to testify—"
"You stop right there. I'll do anything you need me to do to get that little boy back," she said fiercely. Patrick sighed a little, smiling softly at Leila.
"Thanks. What I need you to do is testify on Micah's behalf; of the bruises you saw that one night, and what he told you. You're the only one he said anything to. And you were the first to see the bruises," Patrick said solemnly.
"Tell me when and where and I'll be there," Leila said with definition.
Across the table, Danielle and Joe sat together, in between Casie and Hilary. Joe kept looking over at Danielle, asking her if she was okay; if she needed anything. When everyone looked near finishing, Joe glanced at Danielle. She smiled at him, and Joe stood up; clinking his fork on the side of his glass.
"Excuse me," he said, nervously, "I have something to be thankful about."
The table turned their attention to Joe. Leila glanced at Danielle, who was smiling from ear to ear. Leila smiled to herself, knowing what Joe was announcing. She caught the eyes of Casie, who was smiling too.
"Danielle and I," he started, looking down at her, smiling, "are having a baby!"
The table erupted in shouts of joy. Pete stood up to go to his friend, followed by Patrick and Andy. They patted him on the back and hugged him, giving their congratulations to the couple.
"And I would like to thank the girls, Leila in particular, for being there for me when I first found out. And for not telling anyone," she smirked, seeing the table look from Leila, Cara and Casie to Danielle. "Leila really calmed me down when I was freaking out over how Joe was going to react. He did exactly what she said he would… be happy," Danielle ended, slinking an arm around his waist. Joe looked at Leila, smiling.
Andrew sat down by Casie once more, pulling her chair closer to his, draping an arm around her shoulder. Patrick returned to his seat, grasping Cara's hand, resting them on his knee.
Leila giggled and waved off the attention she was getting, "I only did what any friend would! This night is about you and Joe, not me helping you!" She didn't want to steal her thunder. Heather stood up, raising a glass at her cousin.
"To Danielle and Joe… and the baby!" she said, beaming at her cousin.
"Cheers!" the room toasted them. Joe pulled Danielle closer to him, propping his head on hers, his hand finding her stomach.
oo
After Thanksgiving, the days seemed to slink by to the court date. The closer it got, the antsier everyone got. Patrick began taking Cara along when he went to the lawyer's office. They were formulating their plan to secure Micah's return. Patrick kept asking Cara if she was sure of her decision. And every time, she would kiss him and say yes. Patrick brought Leila with him one time, so she could tell the lawyer everything she saw, and everything Micah had told her. The lawyer was sure, with this new development, that they were sure to get Micah back.
Hopes were high on the day of the trial. Patrick had a huge support team coming with him. From Pete's parents to his own family, he felt the support from all sides, and it made him smile. When Patrick and Cara arrived at the courthouse, they were greeted by Pete and Leila, along with Andrew and Casie, with Mr. and Mrs. Wentz behind them. Leila and Casie went directly towards them, giving a hug to Patrick and Cara. Mr. Phillips, their lawyer, walked up the steps of the courthouse, greeting them.
After shaking everyone's hand, he pulled Patrick to the side, "Nothing's changed in your situation?" he asked, looking over at Cara.
"Nothing," Patrick, his heart racing.
"Great. I've asked for Micah to be checked for bruises by a person of choice by the judge, without the knowledge of the other counselor. If he has been through any abuse, we'll bring it to light today in court," he said, shuffling through his briefcase for a paper. "Now, I got some good news. Your jury is mostly fathers. And half of those are young fathers. So that's in your favor. I have a good feeling about this Patrick."
Patrick smiled at the man, looking over his shoulder to see Cara watching them.
They walked into the lobby of the courthouse, out of the whirling wind. Patrick saw Mr. Phillips talking quietly to a man in an officer's uniform. He handed him a brown envelope and Mr. Phillips slipped it into his briefcase.
Within the hour, everyone filed into the courtroom. Patrick looked at the twelve members of the jury sitting in their section. He just hoped that they would side with him today. Patrick began to get worried. Marianna had yet to show up with Micah. Maybe she had skipped town. Patrick fumed when he thought about her taking Micah to Virginia. With ten minutes left before the trial, the double wooden doors flung open and high heels were heard tapping on the stone floor. All eyes turned to see Marianna, dragging Micah along behind her. When Micah spotted Patrick and Cara, his eyes lit up.
"Daddy!" he yelled into the quiet courtroom. Patrick's heart reached out for the boy. He longed to hold his son, but Marianna drug him into the seat next to her and her lawyer.
"Please rise for the honorable Judge Garwood," a bailiff boomed over the room. Everyone stood up as a tall dark headed man with striking features entered the room. He had a long black robe and black slacks. His robe billowed behind him, in resemblance of JK Rowling's fictional character "Professor Snape". He reached his bench and sat down. He banged his gavel.
"The court is now session," the bailiff boomed again, "Case of Stump vs. Miller for child custody of one Micah Spencer Stump."
And the trial began. Both counselors presented their arguments for their reasoning of why their client should have custody of Micah. Patrick looked over a Micah. He sitting with his head down, shaking with fear.
"I call Patrick Martin Stump to the stand," Mr. Phillips said, and Patrick stood slowly and walked to the booth next to the judge. The bailiff walked in front of him with a Bible. Patrick placed his right hand on the book and his left in the air.
"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" he said.
"I do," Patrick stated and sat down. Mr. Phillips walked up to Patrick.
"Now Mr. Stump, how long have you known Micah?" he asked, putting his hands in his pockets.
"For four months," he said.
"But your son is five years old, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Well, how have you only known him four months when he is five years old?"
Patrick swallowed, "Because I didn't know I even had a son until this past July."
"And how does one person not know they have a child?"
"Marianna never told me she was pregnant when we broke up. She came to my girlfriends doorstep in Alabama and gave him to me," he said, remembering that day clearly.
"She just left him with you?"
"Yes. She said that she wasn't able to handle him anymore. She didn't have any luggage for him. She left him no clothes, no toys, nothing."
"And you bought him everything he needed?"
"Of course. After we arrived back in Chicago, which was the next day, we took him shopping for clothes and toys that week. He didn't go without anything. He never has with me—"
"Objection!" said Marianna's lawyer, Mr. Grady. "That's just an opinion."
"Sustained," said Judge Garwood.
"Question withdrew," said Mr. Phillips, "He's yours."
Mr. Grady stood up and sauntered towards Patrick.
"Mr. Stump, you're in a band, is that correct?" he asked.
"Yes, it is."
"A quite popular one I might add. Fall Out Boy, is it not?" he asked and Patrick agreed. "So answer me this… How does one balance fatherhood and a rockstar mentality?"
"I love Micah. He would never be neglected with me. And it push came to shove, and my band mates would agree with me, my child would come first. Micah comes before Fall Out Boy," Patrick spoke strongly, looking over at Pete, Joe and Andy. They were all smiling back up at him. They all agreed that a human being was more important than a band; especially a child. "But I think I am more than capable to manage my son and my career. "
"Even on those long tours?" he said. "Little boys don't belong on tour buses."
"He would, of course, stay with Cara Jonas," Patrick said, nodding to Cara.
"You're girlfriend?" he laughed. "A growing boy needs a mother, not someone who's a temporary," he said, looking at the jury.
"She's not a temporary, and Micah loves her dearly, and vise versa," Patrick spoke strongly.
"No more questions," he smirked, walking back to Marianna.
Mr. Phillips stood up as Patrick sat back down, "I call Marianna Ann Miller to the stand."
Marianna stood up, and jerkily walked to the stand and took her oath. Mr. Phillips walked up to her slowly.
"Why didn't you tell Mr. Stump that he had a son?" he asked.
"Because I knew he was going into the music business and had no time for him," she sniffed, dabbing her eyes for fake tears.
"And you think that he wouldn't have wanted to know about his only child?"
"I-I… I didn't want him to know, because he would try and be in Micah's life, and then get pulled away again. I didn't want Micah being hurt."
"Then, if you didn't want Micah to be hurt, did you leave him with Mr. Stump?"
"B-because I couldn't handle the lying anymore. Micah's getting older and needed to know who his father is," she said, dabbing away more fake tears.
"You left Micah with no clothes or toys… surely he would have needed something to go to his fathers, who knew nothing of his existence and had no clothes or toys for him. Why?"
"W-we lift in such a hurry, that I didn't have time to pack him anything," she stuttered out.
"Have you ever abused your son?" Mr. Phillips asked quietly.
"Objection!" Mr. Grady said. "Relevance?"
"This is going to the heart of the mother's credibility of keeping her son," Mr. Phillips batted back.
"Overruled, answer the question, Ms. Miller. And remember you're under oath," Judge Garwood stated.
Marianna's eye popped out, "Of course not! He's my son! I never laid a finger on him!"
"No more questions, your Honor," Mr. Phillips said. Mr. Grady had no questions for her, but reserving the right to call on her later and she took her seat next to a cowering Micah.
"I now call Leila Michelle Grint to the stand," Mr. Phillips said and Leila stood up and went to the stand, taking her oath.
"Tell us your relationship to Mr. Stump, please," Mr. Phillips asked politely.
"We are close friends. I also am dating one of his best friends and band mates, Pete Wentz," Leila said calmly.
"How long have you known him?" he asked her.
"Since the beginning of May," she said, remembering the concert.
"And Micah came into the picture in July, is that correct?"
"Yes, that's right," Leila said.
"We're you present when he was dropped off?" asking another question.
"No, I was in Chicago at the time, eating dinner with Pete and his family. But Cara did send me a text message telling me, and Patrick called Pete shortly afterwards."
"So when was the first time you saw Micah?"
"It was when Patrick brought him over to the Wentz's house the next day. He was in the living room watching cartoons with Pete's sister, Hilary," Leila said, knowing what question was next.
"I decided to give him a bath," she said, leaving out the part where Patrick was not wanting to do it himself. "He was filthy. At first he didn't want to; said he had no clean clothes to change into. I spoke to Mrs. Wentz, and she was able to dig up some old clothes of Pete and Andrew's for the time being. After that, he was okay with the idea," Leila spoke on, knowing the hard part was next. "Once we were in the bathroom, I left a towel on the sink and turned the water on. I was going to leave the room until he had gotten in the tub, but he didn't mind me staying. Once he pulled his shirt off I noticed something," Leila paused, taking a deep breath.
She looked over at Marianna. She looked on fuming at Leila. Leila turned her glance to Patrick, who was listening with rapt attention. As was the jury. She noticed every eye on her. She continued, "His forearms and back were covered in bruises. Some fresh and some old. I told him to take his pants off and his legs were the same. Blue and black everywhere. It made me sick. I asked him where he got all of them and he got this scared looked in his eyes. HE told me that he fell. I then said 'Micah, tell me the truth. Did your mother hit you?'--"
"Objection, your Honor!" Mr. Grady yelled fro his seat. "She was goading the boy!"
"She was merely trying to get answers, your Honor. She didn't know what his answer was. But with everything that Leila had in her head about this situation, it was her only conclusion at the time," Mr. Phillips reasoned.
"Overruled, Grady," Judge Garwood said, "Continue Miss Grint."
"He looked at me with tears rolling down his face and nodded. I almost began crying myself. I took him in my arms and told him that he was safe now, and nothing was going to hurt him again," Leila said, emotion thick in her voice. "I helped him finish his bath, and put clean clothes on him; I tucked him in my bed and went Patrick and told him what I saw."
"No further questions, your Honor," Mr. Phillips said as Mr. Grady shot from his seat and walked in front of her.
"Miss Grint, where was Miss Jonas during all of this?"
"In Alabama," Leila said glancing at Cara.
"If she loves Micah, as much as she is claimed to, then why wasn't she with him in Chicago?"
"Well,--" Leila began.
"Isn't it true that she wanted to break it off with Stump after Micah came into the picture?"
"At first, but it was only because she thought that he needed to be with his son now than her. She wasn't thinking of herself," she said fiercely. "And once Patrick went beyond proving that he wanted Cara in his son's life, she came back to Chicago."
"After she was admitted to the hospital for overdosing on pills, right?" he shot at her.
Leila's eyes popped and she looked to Cara, who had the same expression.
"Objection! Relevance?" Mr. Phillips said, standing up.
"It goes to the mental stability of the future caregiver of Micah, your Honor," Mr. Grady said condescendingly arrogant.
"Overruled, continue Mr. Grady," the Judge said, sitting back in his seat.
"Why did she overdose on Xanax, Miss Grint? Was it because she couldn't handle the thought of being a surrogate mother?" Mr. Grady said, pressing his palms on the railing in front of her, getting close to her face.
"No," Leila stated simply, looking back into Mr. Grady's eyes. "I admit that at first she was scared about Patrick having a son, but that didn't drive her to take the pills. It was the thought of losing Patrick. She loves him more than anything, and she thought that she had pushed him away."
"No more questions," Mr. Grady said, confident. She looked to Patrick with apologetic eyes, but he was smiling at her, as was Cara and their group. Leila stood up and walked back to her seat next to Pete.
"I use my right to recall Marianna Miller," Mr. Grady said, as she walked up to the stand.
"Remember, you're still under oath, Ms Miller," the Judge said, turning his chair to face her. She nodded at him, batting her eyelashes.
"I only have a few questions, Ms. Miller. Do you love your son?"
"More than anything, and I couldn't tell you where he got those bruises. For all I know it could've been Cara to give them to him," she said anger in her voice as she glared at Cara.
"What's your main problem with Patrick Stump getting full custody of young Micah?" he asked her softly.
"That he wouldn't have a mother. Little boys need a mother—" Marianna began but Mr. Phillips shot from his seat.
"Your Honor, Mr. Stump is taking full measure to make sure that he has a mother."
The judge looked at him with a confusing stare, "How so, Phillips?"
Mr. Phillips looked down to Patrick and Cara. Patrick stood up to address the court, "Cara and I are getting married on the first of January."
The courtroom went quiet and gasps were heard behind them. Every single member of the support group had their jaws on the floor. Marianna even looked shocked.
"Mr. Stump, give me one reason to believe that this is not just a quickie wedding just to get your son back, and then have plans for divorce. Before I grant custody, I need to know that he will be placed in a stable environment," the judge said.
"Of course your Honor," Patrick spoke strongly. "Cara and I have talked it over very thoroughly. And while we are rushing are wedding date up a little to help get my son back, there was never any doubt in our minds that we would get married. It was just a matter of a time and place."
"And I have here," Mr. Phillips spoke up, digging through his briefcase, and walking to the Judge's podium, "Adoption papers for the future Mrs. Stump to sign right after 'I do'."
"What?!" Marianna screeched and the Judge banged his gavel to maintain order.
"Also," Mr. Phillips said, "I move for all the rights of Marianna Miller over Micah Stump to be revoked based on child abuse, leaving it only a matter of the wedding to make Cara Jonas Micah's new mother."
"NO!" Marianna yelled, standing up. The Judge banged his gavel harder, and she sat down quietly.
"One more outburst from you and you will be held in contempt of court!" Judge Garwood boomed.
"One more thing," Mr. Phillips said, walking back to his desk, grabbing the brown envelope Patrick saw him receive earlier. "Here are pictures of Micah just before the trial began this morning. As you can see from the bruises, he is being abused with his mother, for he not been with Cara Jonas for nearing a month. Those are fresh bruises."
"Lies! They're trying to take my son away!" Marianna yelled.
"You are in contempt of this court! Bailiff! Please take Ms Miller away!" Judge Garwood yelled over her screaming. The bailiff drug Marianna away leaving a stunned courtroom behind.
"Jury," the judge spoke loudly to the box in the corner, "You will now deliberate the custody of one Micah Spencer Stump."
The twelve jurors left the room through a door to the side in single file.
"The court is at recess until we have a verdict," Judge Garwood said, banging his gavel once again. The group stood up as Micah ran towards his father.
"Hey squirt!" Patrick said, laughing, picking up his son. Micah wrapped his arms tight around his neck.
"Can I come home with you and Cara now?" he squeaked.
"Not yet. We have to wait and see what the twelve people have to say, " Patrick said as Micah began to frown. "But whatever happens, know that I love you… okay?" Micah nodded.
"Is Cara really going to be my new mommy?" Micah said excitedly.
"We hope so," Patrick said to him, "It all depends on those same twelve people."
Across the lobby, Cara sat on a wooden bench, thinking about everything that was said in the courtroom.
"Cara!" Leila and Casie said at once. Cara jumped and turned to her friends. She tried to pretend to not know what they wanted.
"Yeah?" she said simply.
Casie and Leila just stared at her, "Okay! I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but we were advised not too! But yes, not matter what the outcome of today is; we are getting married in one month. I would like you to be my bridesmaids!"
Casie and Leila squealed with joy and hugged their best friend. When they broke apart, Cara showed them a certain finger on her left hand. The girls gasped as they saw a sizable diamond ring in the emerald cut shape. It was perched on a silver band.
"Oh my," Leila said, grabbing her hand, pulling it to her face, as Casie looked over her shoulder.
"Wow, Cara," was all Casie could get out.
There was a loud noise from the courtroom and Mr. Phillips came back out, "Recess is over. The jury is back!"
Patrick stood there still for a moment. That was a fast decision. It was either really good, or really bad. He sat Micah down.
"Look, you need to go back and sit with Mr. Grady, okay? I'll see you when this is over okay?" Micah nodded and slowly walked to Mr. Grady.
Everyone reclaimed their seats. Marianna had returned but as in handcuffs. Patrick sat motionless, staring at the jury in front of him. Cara grasped his hand under the table. He looked over at her, and smiled.
"Have you come to a verdict jury?" Judge Garwood asked.
The first man in the front row stood up, holding a piece of paper, "In the case of Stump vs. Miller, we grant full custody of Micah Spencer Stump to Patrick Martin Stump. Also, in the petition for all parental rights over Micah Stump, we revoke Marianna's power. And we also suggest punishment for the abuse of the young boy."
-note from the author-
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!