Oh yeah, I do not own W.I.T.C.H. or any of the characters, the plot is totally a work of my twisted little mind...

Chapter 22: Oh my God

Irma's POV

Just as my dad moved to help Taranee up, Nigel came cautiously from around the side of the house.

"Nigel!"

As soon as he heard Taranee's urgent cry, Nigel ran straight for her, my dad stepped back allowing him to help her up and into the house. I guess he had been hidden there watching.

Dad looked out across the yard and said, "Okay, let's all head inside. I think we've caused enough commotion for today."

As I took my first step back towards the door, I felt Caleb's strong arms engulf me and sweep me up to be carried into the house.

Now granted, I had supremely enjoyed watching him handle Wellsey, but this just seems like too much.

"Caleb, put me down! I can walk just fine, its Taranee that needs the help."

"I've got her," Nigel quickly responded, sounding a lot like some possessive caveman.

And for his part, Caleb did not put me down until he got to the couch, where he set me like I was some sort of easily broken toy. He immediately began to pace around the living room and I knew right away that it probably wasn't the right time to complain about being carried like a sack of potatoes.

Nigel guided Taranee gently to the couch besides me. When she sat down, Nigel took a seat on the arm of the couch never letting go of her hand.

My dad and Mrs. Hale were the last to enter. My dad came over to where we sat and asked, " Are you two okay?"

I quickly nodded that I was fine, but Taranee did not say a word...she didn't even look at him. But I could see the tears wetting her jeans as she sat and silently wept.

Gently, my dad lifted her chin and asked, "Taranee, Honey are you okay?"

That's when the wall broke and the silent tears became loud mournful sobs and Taranee latched onto my dad for dear life.

Being a father, and being pretty good at the job...my dad knew just what to do. He held her for a moment, telling her it was okay and to just let it all out. Somehow that was the perfect thing to say because pretty quickly her sobs became less throbbing. As she calmed down, my dad looked up to a very lost and bewildered Nigel and motioned him to come and comfort her.

Silently, Nigel sank into the couch and pulled Taranee into his arms. I watched as she clung to him and pulled up her knees to sort of curl into him.

I could totally relate – how many times have I done that with Caleb? It's just instinct when you find the someone that loves you and makes you feel safe.

My dad lightly patted Nigel's shoulder and said, "Quick thinking to call me Nigel – I was just around the corner."

Huh...Nigel? So he was the reason my dad came back in the middle of the day.

"So that's why you got here when you did..." My dad nodded then bent over and placed a quick kiss on my forehead. I smiled, glad that he always manged to spread the love around, never letting anyone feel left out – he could be a stand in dad for Tee but still make me feel loved and safe.

Shaking her head, Mrs. Hale looked very different now than with the CPS representatives, now she was looked very serious as she spoke to us.

"Yes and it's a good thing Nigel was clear headed-enough to call us. If Taranee had gone back home her mother could have very easily covered up the whole situation...or even turned the situation around – blaming it all on Taranee. Worse case scenario Taranee could have ended up doing a stint in juvenile detention."

Suddenly I couldn't breathe, I turned to my dad pleading, "Juvy? Dad you won't let that happen to Taranee will you?"

"Calm down, honey," my dad explained, "we expected some maneuvering – that's why we asked Elizabeth to take care of getting interim orders in place first thing this morning."

Nodding, Elizabeth began, "We hoped we could strike first, we weren't expecting Judge Cook to make her move so soon. I was actually on my way to Taranee's house to deliver the papers when your dad called me."

Mrs. Hale and my dad went on to explain just how tough a battle Taranee could be in for. As a judge, Mrs. Cook's word would carry more weight than Taranee and Nigel's testimony combined. The presence of officers at her house yesterday would help greatly and the off-book activities of Wellsey and Dante would also be seen as errors against her mom. My dad and Mrs. Hale had gone to the courts today to ensure that Taranee wouldn't be forced back before they were sure she'd be safe. But at the same time, they assured her that if and whenever she wanted to go home it was entirely her decision.

After listening everything the adults had to say, Taranee sat quietly holding Nigel's hand as we all watched her, waiting for her to say something.

"Um, thank you," Taranee said in a voice just barely above a whisper, "but what do I do if I don't go home? I can't stay here forever..."

"Oh you poor baby!" Mrs. Hale looked like she was about to bawl as she moved across the room to clasp Taranee's hand. Before I knew it I was being elbowed out of the way as she wedged herself between me and Taranee.

Hmm, Cornelia really is a lot like her mom.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head, Taranee honey, we'll be there for you every step of the way," Mrs Hale told Taranee with a sad look as she took in Taranee's bruises and swollen eye.

"That's right Taranee, as far as Anna and I are concerned, you're family. Our home is yours as long as you want or need."

It's really comforting to know that your parents love you and your friends genuinely. It's no small thing to open up your home to another person and just welcome them in, but its the kind of people they are...it's the kind of people we are.

The conversation moved on to the pending court date set for tomorrow – Thursday morning.

Well at least it was before the wedding, but it meant that Caleb and I could leave for our honeymoon right away. Because, I don't think I could go not knowing what was happening with Taranee.

Mrs. Hale went on to explain that based on her knowledge of Taranee and her situation, she thought it best that at the same time she filed for emancipation – or to be legally recognized as an adult and separated from her parents control.

Emancipation...wow that's a big step to think about. I mean, sure Taranee is the most mature and responsible of the five of us, a tie with Elyon. I have no doubt that she could do just fine on her own. But what about us? Being emancipated would mean Taranee would have to get her own place and a job to support herself.

I interrupted, "Can't Taranee just stay here? Why does she need to be emancipated?"

"Well, as a minor in a court placement here or somewhere else, Taranee will be required to have regular check-ins and surprise inspections. Knowing Judge Cook, she could expect them to be more frequent and detailed than the average youth. Taranee is a guardian and needs freedom to come and go at weird times and for undetermined lengths of time. All she needs is to be MIA for one check-in or inspection and she'd be labeled a delinquent and taken out of your parent's custody. If that happens they won't stop with just removing Taranee, but they'd take Chris and potentially you're baby, saying this is an unfit atmosphere."

A chill ran up the length of my spine. It was an automatic response to wrap my arms around my stomach, holding myself and my unborn baby. Caleb pulled me into his embrace, giving me his strength and warmth.

"Could they really do that? I mean go that far?" Caleb's voice cracked as he asked.

With a somber look, Mrs. Hale, continued, "I'm sorry, I don't want to scare you but I want you to know just how serious this situation is. Even if her motivation is purely retaliatory Mrs. Cook will have leverage to make you all miserable."

Taranee looked up finally and said, "No. No she won't. Mrs. Hale I want to be emancipated from my parents. Please help me file the paperwork and prepare for tomorrow."

Mrs. Hale grabbed Taranee in a bear hug rocking side to side.

Ow! Ow! Ow! Taranee screamed suddenly, catching us all off guard. Mrs Hale quickly let her go, with a questioning look on her face.

Taranee moved gently, tears in her eyes as she was released. She wrapped shaking arms around herself, and said in a quivering voice, "That really hurt..."

"What? What hurt?" I asked unable to bear my confusion a second longer.

"My back," Taranee whimpered.

Mrs Hale shot my dad a concerned look, than said, "Taranee, come with me into the kitchen and let me look at your back."

Taranee got up slowly following Mrs. H. I followed too...no way I was staying here...I want to know what's going on too.

Cornelia's POV

"Um, hi...it's me again. I know you said you'd see me this weekend...but something's happened...to Taranee...and I'd kind of just like to hear your voice. Please call me or go to Irma's house to check on your sister."

I took a deep breath, ready to hang up the phone, then added in a voice just above a whisper, "Oh and Peter...I love you."

Elyon's POV

Cornelia was in a mopey mood. When I asked her what was wrong she told me all about how she was worried about Peter.

Four days with no word from your boyfriend is a long time.

I really feel bad for her and also really jealous. There's one guy I think is perfect, but could never be with. So when I'm with the girls and their boyfriend's, I'm always a fifth wheel.

To lift both our spirits, we decided to spend the day shopping – just like the old days. But our plans morphed from being just a good idea into a great idea when we decided to call up the girls and use the time getting ready for the wedding. We could pamper ourselves and then be relaxed and ready for Saturday.

We thought we could meet up with the girls at the mall and start with facials and make-overs. By the time we left we'd all feel zen and relaxed. Then we could get our accessories, you know stockings, purses and a garter for Irma.

For a moment the old Cornelia broke through as she smiled with excitement about our plans.

Refreshed with the promise of a light-hearted day surrounded by our friends we began getting ready to go out.

Cornelia began calling our friends while I finished doing my hair in the bathroom.

"Elyon!"

My best friend is such a drama queen!

"What?" I yelled back, just as Cornelia threw the door open.

"Come on, we've got to go!

"Yeah I know but the mall will still be there when I finish my hair, hold-"

"No, we're not going to the mall, we're going to the hospital. My mom's taking Taranee now," Cornelia began to babble, "We've got to go, meet them there..."

Oh my god.

Cheers!