Chapter 29

A/N: Hope you enjoy the final chapters. (Better A/N on final chapter!)

Rosalie POV

It's been a month. I've been out of the hospital and back living with the Cullen's for three weeks. I've met with a therapist five times, and have been visited by my social worker every morning at nine am sharp. Using the calendar in my room I'd been marking down each passing day so I'd know exactly when the court date was. My aunt and parents had already met with the judge twice. But today was the most important, as it was the day Esme told me a judge would decide who would be granted legal custody over me, and I would hopefully become a part of the Cullen family.

When I first got out of the hospital I was hesitant to let myself enjoy my time with the Cullen's, I was terrified that they wouldn't get to keep me and interacting with them would only make leaving them more painful. Eventually I voiced my concerns to Carlisle and Esme and they had both reassured me they were doing anything and everything humanely possible to ensure I could stay with them forever.

My auntie had told us shortly after I'd gotten out of the hospital that the court would probably want me to make a statement of sorts. Immediately following her words I'd broken down into sobs. There was no way I was strong enough to stand in front of a group of people and Royce himself and tell them that my parents (who apparently were still no where to be found) had let their friend nearly beat me to death. My aunt understood and quickly sorted out a slightly less painful but still slightly unpleasant solution.

A therapist had the ability to represent a patient in family court if they were aware of the full details of the case. Which was how I had ended up in Dr Winter's office four times in the past month. At first I'd been reluctant to share any details with the stranger, but she was kind and patient and eventually coaxed the full story out of me.

Today was the day that would be the determining factor for the rest of my life- as well as my siblings. Carlisle and Esme had to prove themselves as capable guardians to the judge in order to keep all of us. I couldn't believe anyone would even dare to call them bad parents.

The time I have spent a part of the Cullen's family has been the best time of my life. I could only hope today wouldn't be good-bye.

Carlisle POV

Tanya meets us in the court room. Her hair is done up in a fancy bun, and she's clearly dressed with the intent to prove herself to the judge. The makeup she's put on makes her look older and wiser then her years. Winning this case is as important to her as it is to us. Although she and Rosalie had grown closer over the past month, she knew that living with us would be a far better arrangement for her niece.

We take a seat at the wooden table at the front of the room. Rosalie sits between Esme and I holding both of our hands. Tanya sits at the end of the table, a stack of papers set in front of her. People behind us here to simply observe are lightly chattering. The small court room is filled with only a few of our relatives, Rosalie's therapist, social worker (ugh), the two doctors who treated her after her kidnapping, and finally the detective who found Rose.

"Carlisle," Rosalie whispers. "I'm scared."

I sympathetically rub the little girls back, while Esme kisses her lightly on the head.

"Don't worry Rose, everything's going to go great." Tanya reassures.

Rosalie turns towards me with a questioning look that asked; is everything going to be okay? Before I can think of something comforting to say to her, I'm interrupted by the entrance of

Everyone becomes silent as the judge enters, a tall middle aged man with greying hair and glasses. Judge Sylvester Briggs, the primary family court judge in Seattle. He was known for his desire to fix the foster care system. Not every foster family was nice, and tons of kids yearly were abused or mistreated in homes the state had placed them in. As much as the thought sickened me, I was glad their were individuals such as Judge Briggs who were doing their best to bring justice to all the children who had wrongfully suffered.

He sits down and looks towards Rosalie, who has sat up and straightened in her chair. We'd gotten all dressed up for the occasion, and she had picked out the frilly red dress she was currently wearing from the mall herself.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered in this court room to determine whether Carlisle and Esme Cullen are still capable guardians, and if they should be grandest full custody of Rosalie Hale. Are you prepared to present your case?" The judge asks, managing to sound powerful but not threatening.

"Yes, your honour." Tanya responds, standing from her seat.

"Then you may begin."

With a deep breath, Tanya does

-/-

Tanya has been persuading the judge to put Rosalie permanently in our care for what feels like forever. Everything she says makes sense, and she has a way of talking that makes her sound very truthful and knowledgable. When she talks to the witnesses she calls up she has a way of coaxing good answers out of them. Picking her as our lawyer for the case was a good choice.

"I think I've heard enough." The judge finally says. "Is there any final things you'd like to say before I make my decision?"

"Judge Briggs. I ask only that you keep a open mind to Rosalie living with the Cullen's. The foster systems main goal is finding a safe environment for children to grow and be happy in, correct?" Tanya asks, looking towards Briggs for confirmation.

"Yes," The judge responds with a nod, looking thoughtful.

"Well then why take Rosalie away from her family? Children who regularly move from foster homes are most likely to develop and suffer from disorders. Rosalie is already suffering from PTSD from an event that occurred while under her birth parents care, taking her from her family may make these issues grow. Carlisle and Esme are the best parents Rosalie has had in her life, they are her family. You can see by the evidence provided in the files I have given you that their is absolutely no facts supporting the accusations CPS have been holding against the Cullen's. Everything I have said in this hearing today is true your honour, these people are Rosalie's family." Tanya finishes, sitting down but letting her words hang in the air for all to contemplate.

"Normally I take longer to think about cases such as this before reaching a decision, but for me the right verdict in this hearing is very clear." He explains.

I clutch both Esme and Rosalie's hands tightly in my own, each of us anxious to hear the verdict.

"I believe it is in Rosalie's best interest for Carlisle and Esme to become her permanent guardians- which is why I have decided to grant them full custody of her. It is clear to me they have had nothing to do with the tragedies that have occurred in Rosalie Hale's life, but that they have been a large part in her recovery. Case closed."

I turn to look at Rosalie and her mouth is open in shock. Esme starts hugging and placing kisses on Rose's face. I pull them both into a hug, still in shock myself.

"We won." Rosalie says. "We won." She repeats.

Suddenly the biggest smile I've seen my whole life is etched across her tiny face and she's hugging me back just as tight.

Review, follow, favourite! Pretty please? At least so I know you are still alive ;) have a good day! This court scene was hard to write, PS posted this and last chapter today because I've made you wait long enough!