Four Months later
North East Las Vegas District Courthouse. Family Court division. Custody Hearing: State of Nevada Vs. Williamsons and Reid.
"Mr. Reid only JUST found out that he even has a brother and now all this is, is his attempt to minimize the guilt he is feeling and I personally don't think we should encourage that." Vicki Mason, Paris's outspoken and one track-mind caseworker pointed out. The hearing had been going for an hour already; with both sides getting nowhere Vicki Mason was against the idea of Reid having any custody of Paris at all, even joint custody with the Williamsons.
"Dr. Reid" Eric Williamson corrected loudly as he stood up. "has been completely involved in Paris's life since we all learned that they are brothers! It was a surprise to all of us, but especially to Paris and Spencer, especially since we learned of this right after Paris was nearly killed!"
"Dianna Reid was coerced during her pregnancy to give up Paris for adoption by the very lawyer who just happens to be the boy's father." The Williamson's lawyer spoke up "the lawyer in question is up on charges and is least of all facing expulsion from the bar for his conduct during this particular case as well as many others. He convinced a schizophrenic woman in his care to give up the child he fathered in order to disassociate himself from boy. He recently closed his practice after a number of other transgressions of similar type, he was served with charges and has since gone off the grid with warrants following him. At the time of Paris's birth, Dr. Reid was a twelve year old child himself away at college and had no knowledge of his mother's predicament. Mrs. Reid was lucid enough to not only hide the pregnancy from Dr. Reid, but to keep it from him after the fact, mainly because she had been convinced by the lawyer that the baby had been born stillborn."
"I see." The judge said softly.
"Dr. Reid calls Paris every night to ask about his day, he receives copies of Paris's progress reports, and is the main reason Paris retook the IQ test, scoring if I may remind Ms. Mason: a 183. Living across the country is the reason Dr. Reid wants to take partial custody of his brother he wants to be more involved in Paris's life and it has become a tough thing being six thousand miles apart for him to do so. Paris has already applied and been accepted to a very prestigious and exclusive private school in Virginia, he wants to go to this school, Leslie wanted him to go to this school and damn it my wife and I will see that he gets there."
"Need I remind the court that this private school Mr. Williamson-"
"Detective" Eric muttered under his breath, getting a chuckle from Spencer and a elbow from Lori
"-Speaks of, is a private boarding school, if we allow Dr. Reid to take partial custody of Paris, he will simply dump him off at this boarding school and forget about him. Paris is much better off staying here in Vegas with the Williamson's. At least when he is here we know he is not neglected."
"Neglected?" Reid exclaimed, Eric put a hand on the young FBI agent's shoulder
"Dr. Reid is a Federal Agent, part of FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, they travel all over the country but are based out of the FBI Academy at Quantico, are you really going to argue that a FBI agent is incapable of being a guardian to his younger brother."
Vicki Mason had a smirk on her face that made even level headed Eric Williamson feel very argumentative. She was pushing all the right buttons and if Eric didn't know any better would say she was actually enjoying herself.
"This hearing is not about Dr. Reid's ability to provide adequate financial and menial care for Paris, but whether his profession will make actually providing stability for Paris possible. You said it yourself, the BAU travels all over the country, how exactly will Dr. Reid be able to care for Paris if he's in say California while Paris is in a hospital in Virginia."
"Your honor if I may?" Hotch interjected standing up. The head of the BAU had come along with Reid mainly for moral support, but also because of his law background, Hotch knew he might have to step in.
The Williamsons had no problem with joint custody, in fact if anything they were all for it, and the lawyer they had originally hired to help them fully and legally adopt Pairs prior to learning of his relation to Spencer, had offered to attend the hearing to put more pressure on Vicki Mason to agree to the living arrangements.
Paris's caseworker however had made it her life's work to make the Williamsons miserable and now that Reid was in the picture he was also a target. Mainly because like Leslie before him, Reid was planning on removing Paris from Vicki Mason's "care" and therein removing her goldmine, something she was fighting tooth and nail against.
"And you are sir?" the judge asked
"I am Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, I'm the lead agent of the BAU and Dr. Reid's superior. I'm also a lawyer."
"And what can we do for you Agent Hotchner,"
"I am here to attest to Dr. Reid's complete commitment to his brother's needs. Detective Williamson is correct in the fact that our team travels, however even when we are on a case, Paris will not be completely cut off from people who are more than willing to step in and help out. There is a support system that is always in Virginia and will be on hand should Paris need anything."
"Ok this is out of hand your honor, the FBI really? Why is the FBI getting involved in a custody hearing! Even if Agent Hotchner's goal here is to simply act as a character witness, its unnecessary and is violating States rights with a Federal officer getting involved."
"Your honor, its Ms. Mason who has technically made this a Federal case, she is the one who brought Dr. Reid's profession into the case."
Vick opened her mouth to argue with Eric, when Judge Gonzales wrapped her gavel on the bench.
"Actually Ms. Mason, I think Agent Hotchner has the right idea here," the judge said "the underlining fact here is that Paris is the younger brother of a FBI agent, therefore he is put into a different category then he was the last time we had this discussion regarding custody. If I may remind you Ms. Mason, the last conversation we had all together in this courtroom, you were once again arguing against the Williamson family seeking full custody of Paris after the arguments you created with Leslie Smith, Paris's first foster-mother up until her death last year. As you have a habit of proceeding this way and have done so in the past, I am going to interject this entire insanity. Dr. Reid is a blood relative and it is the goal of any custody case to place the child not only in a safe environment, but preferably with a blood relative provided that blood relative is responsible and will provide the child with the best possible living environment that relates to the NEEDS of the child in question." Judge Gonzales looked over at Eric and Lori "Detective, what school is this?"
"it's the Carlisle Prep School, in Axton Virginia, just outside of Martinsville." Lori answered
"Carlisle…really?" Lori, Eric, Reid, and Hotch all nodded "that is one of the most famous prep schools in the country."
"Yes," Eric replied "and Paris will be entering as a freshman, it has already been worked out with all the necessary parties at Carlisle. Paris has run out of options here in Vegas, he is terrified of going to school next year because it is where Cramer was employed. The events of March have not healed for Paris, he still wakes up from night terrors, we have tried therapy, but he refuses to go. He lost his best friend and a part of his childhood at the hands of someone he was supposed to trust, someone we all trusted. A change of scenery and a fresh start is what he needs. Sending him to Virginia breaks Lori and I's hearts because he is a part of our family without a doubt. But we know it's what is best for Paris, he loves his brother and was mature enough to start suggesting this move, he deserves the opportunity to get to know another part of his family, the one he should have always known."
Vicki started to open her mouth to argue or make some comment, but the judge silenced her with one look.
"Dr. Reid, are you certain you are prepared to take on this responsibility?" the judge asked looking at Reid hard
"Yes your honor."
"I would like to speak with Paris in my chamber before I make my ruling." The judge stood up as did everyone in the courtroom. "Paris is down the hall in the family room, have him brought to my chamber," she said to the bailiff who nodded and headed out to fetch Paris, while the judge exited through her own back entrance.
Once she was gone everyone sat down again. Vicki looked livid and was shooting poisonous glares at the Williamsons, Reid, Hotch, and the lawyer, who all ignored it.
"I think we're in the clear here," the lawyer spoke up
"How do you figure?" Eric asked in whisper
"Judge Gonzales has dealt with Vicki Mason in the past, and she knows how the woman operates, Paris is not the first foster child she has gotten her claws into and gave the adoptive family a hard time, and as you know both Leslie and you folks have been in her court before regarding these same issues. I have read over the past transcripts, Judge Gonzales had been all set to approve of Paris's adoption by Leslie when she relinquished custody to you and Lori. I'm not sure how Mason managed to keep your case out of Gonzales courtroom, but I can assure you, Gonzales always looks at what the child needs she was a social worker herself she knows how to talk to kids and basis her decision on the situation and the child's needs, not what the social worker is telling her."
Paris timidly walked into Judge Gonzales's chambers, it was very kid friendly, she had kept in mind the fact that she was a family court judge and had decorated her chambers to fit that fact. So Paris felt a little more comfortable when he got a good look around.
"Hello there Paris, do you remember me?" Judge Gonzales spoke up from her desk and Paris nodded
"Yes your honor, I met you when-"
"When Leslie Smith was trying to adopt you, honey I was so sorry to hear about her death, she was a very sweet woman and a wonderful asset to the foster care system. I worked with her on many cases and was always pleased to do so, and she loved you very much."
"I know." Paris replied softly, he felt a tear sting his eye and blinked it away quickly, he missed his mom so much.
"Why don't you have a seat, I have a few questions to ask you if that's ok?" Paris nodded and took a seat in front of her desk, she came around and sat in the other chair, turning both so they were facing each other, making the situation a lot more comfortable. "Now, you are a very smart young man, you know why you are here today and what has been going on in the courtroom yes?"
"Yes, Spence wants to take partial custody of me and Ms. Mason is fighting him on it."
"Exactly Paris, now your aunt and uncle have no problem with your brother's decision, they are happy to be a part of it do you know why?"
"Not really." As smart as Paris was, the legal proceedings were still new to him, he had the basics down for the most part, but wasn't sure what his standings would be after the hearing, or what Ms. Mason's connection with him would be.
"As your brother and therefore a blood relative, Dr. Reid could take full custody of you, as much as I'm sure he would like to, he has the Williamsons to consider and knows how important you are to them and I'm sure they are to you?" Paris nodded "he doesn't want to hurt them so both your aunt and uncle and your brother have come to this arrangement of partial custody. Which means you will no longer be a ward of the state." Paris's eyes lit up
"Meaning I can go to Carlisle?"
"Of course, this partial custody will mean that legally your brother will be responsible for you until you are eighteen, but he has decided to leave some decisions and responsibilities up to the Williamsons, you will never be out of their lives which is what both you and them want correct?"
"Yes!"
"The best way to think of this arrangement is like this, Dr. Reid and the Williamsons will be sharing custody of you and sharing responsibility for you. Living arrangements will be up to both parties to decide though I am almost certain there will be no need for mediation." She paused "but Paris, I want to know that the decision I make today is in your best interest, I understand that you are excited to attend Carlisle correct?" Paris nodded "however do to your brother's employment you understand the boarding situation? That appears to be Ms. Mason's biggest concern, among other things, she is concerned that you may feel abandoned and therefore neglected at living at a boarding school at such a young age."
"I wont feel abandoned, I want to go to Carlisle, its one of the best schools in the country and its where my mom wanted me to go before she got sick. Of course I wouldn't have been living there but you have to adapt when the situation changes. I can live with my brother on the weekends I want to come home and during vacations, and I can come home to Vegas to stay with Aunt Lori and Uncle Eric anytime I want. I may be only eleven, but I know this is the best situation for me, it's the best opportunity."
"That was very well said Paris, sometimes it is hard to remember that you are a child, because you are in many aspects much more mature than your age suggests. Why don't you go into the courtroom with your family, I have some things to think over to make my ruling."
Paris stood up and started towards the door, he turned and looked at Judge Gonzales for a moment.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure honey,"
"Even though Leslie wasn't able to legally adopt me, she did name me, including her last name and I was wondering…I won't lose that will I?"
"Oh Paris of course not, it is your name, you are free to do with it what you want, you've been Paris Smith for your entire life, this custody change will not undo anything that Leslie did."
"This is going to sound weird, but can I ask another question that's a little out there?" Judge Gonzales smiled and nodded "I want to keep my last name, but could I possibly hyphenate it? Y'know so Spence knows that I want to be a part of his family, even though we don't have the same dad?"
"I think that would be fine Paris, would you like to decide how its written?" Paris nodded "and how do you want your full name to be down?"
"Paris Alexander Smith-Reid."
"I will write that down Paris."
Out in the courtroom, Paris made a beeline for his family, Lori hugged him tight and kissed the top of his head. He hadn't realized how many people his family had fighting for him, he knew about the lawyer, but hadn't expected Agent Hotchner to be there.
"Agent Hotchner," Paris stuttered "hi,"
"Good to see you Paris, how have you been?"
"Pretty good, did you come with Spence?" Paris glanced over at his brother who held out his fist, Paris grinned and tapped his small fist against his brother's.
"I did, I came just in case there was a call for backup. We want to make sure this goes through with no hitch."
Paris was about to reply when the bailiff cleared his throat catching everyone's attention and silencing the room.
"All rise," he called as everyone went to their feet, Lori kept her arm around Paris's shoulders as Judge Gonzales emerged from her chambers. "be seated,"
"I have had a chance to hear all the testimony from both parties as well as a nice discussion with Paris. This case should have been settled years ago, starting with Leslie Smith, and that is the case of custody. Paris is a special and smart young man who not only deserves all the opportunities out there to succeed but also possesses a determination and a will to actually go reach his full potential. In order to do so, he will need a strong support system and it is my ruling that the strong support system does not and cannot exist within one family but will with two, I hereby grant joint custody of Paris Alexander Smith-Reid to Lori and Eric Williamson and to Dr. Spencer Reid." And with that Judge Gonzales banged her gavel down affirming the decision, Eric reached over and swept Paris up in a huge hug, as Lori hugged Reid, and Hotch and the lawyer shook hands.
Vicki Mason did not say a word to the two families, instead gathered up her belongings and made a direct line to the door, leaving the Williamsons, Spencer, Paris, Hotch, and the lawyer to celebrate the victory.
"I do need both parties up at my bench though, to sign the paperwork." Judge Gonzales called out with a smile, Paris followed his aunt, uncle, and brother up to the bench and watched as the documents were signed, then stamped, making everything the judge had just said official.
As the two family's left the courthouse, Spencer slowed to a stop and knelt down so he was looking up at Paris
"Did you ask her to hyphenate your name?" he asked and Paris nodded
"I did, I hope you don't mind."
"Why would I mind, I'm just curious why?"
"We're brothers, but its only by DNA, I want to be able to become real brothers and I figured start with the name and go from there, I didn't want to lose Leslie, but I didn't want to lose you either. Without her I wouldn't even have a name, she gave me an identity and having that means the world to me, but it also reminds me that I don't know who part of me is, I mean my real dad left me with nothing right?"
Reid didn't know how to answer that, for once in his life he was lost for words as he stood back up thinking it over. Paris was right of course. Reid could have told him his father's name, he knew it of course, but Paris's father didn't deserve to have his name attached to Paris and Paris had obviously never made inquiries about his real father, which was good, genetics were the only thing tying Paris to his father.
Not to mention Reid saw practically nothing of Paris's father in him except his eyes, Paris could have easily been Reid at eleven, in some ways he looked more like their mother than even Reid did. If Paris wanted to hyphenate his name, Reid saw no problem with that, Paris was right, it was yet another way to connect the two lost brothers together.
Reid put a hand on Paris's shoulder and nodded his approval, both choosing to leave Paris's question unanswered, since both could answer it themselves without speaking it. Without warning, Paris wrapped his skinny arms around his brother's waist, hugging him tight; after hesitating for just a second, Reid hugged him back. As the two brothers followed the others to waiting cars, heading for a celebratory dinner, Paris felt a relief he hadn't felt in months, years even, he felt content, safe, and free.
Reid: I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at. ~Maya Angelou
A/N: Ok first off I am so sorry it took so long to update this, the last chapter was supposed to be the last one, then I stumbled on this one that had some how ended up in a different folder from the rest of this fic and i just found it last night and remembered it was one of the extra chapters I wrote, but had planned on using it as the end, hence the quote. Ok with that said, the school that Paris wants to attend is real. When I first wrote this fic I had it planned that Paris would attend a Private school in Virginia that would provide boarding, a few came up, but doing research Carlisle is the one that not only seemed the best, but was actually right where I needed to it to be. I have another fic that follows Paris and Reid that I'll try to upload within the week that covers the "need it to be". For now I want to thank everyone for the reviews I received and for the help I received for the information on the medical/drug parts from a close friend on here who is in the medical field, without whom I never would have gotten anywhere with this fic. So thanks again everyone!