This is the final chapter of my story!
A few days passed and Anton and Trent were at the courthouse, meaning that it was the day of the adoption being finalized.
Trent and Anton were waiting in a small room for the court session, waiting for the judge to finalize the adoption.
In the clothes, that Anton graciously bought for him for the adoption was a white button down oxford cloth long-sleeve shirt tucked into his black pants and black loafers and Anton was in his usual business suit.
In the room with them were Dr. and Mrs. Carter, who came for support. Anton noticed that Trent was fidgeting his seat, looking nervous and biting his lip, waiting for the judge.
"Trent, it'll be okay."
Despite his comforting words, Trent was nervous and started to have these strange and fearful thoughts going though in his head, thinking that what would happen if the adoption were not going to be approved.
He might be placed in a foster home or even an orphanage far away from him, be handed over to a bunch of strangers for the rest of his youth life and might never see or even talk to Anton Mercer and his friends ever again.
The head of Child's Services, Estella Allen, who just wanted in, was dressed in a black suit.
"The judge will see you now."
They all get up and followed Ms. Allen into the courtroom, where they see Judge Simmons, sitting in his chair, looking very serious with his rimless glasses.
Anton and Trent sat at a table with Ms. Allen, waiting for the judge to speak while Dr. and Mrs. Carter were watching them.
"Your Honor."
Judge Simmons gestured Anton, Trent and Ms. Allen to sit up while looks through a file. He closes the file and gives him a serious face. Trent was nervous about what the judge was about to say about the adoption. Negative thoughts were racing though his head again, but shook it to let in the positive thoughts.
"Well, I have to say, Dr. Mercer, I was inquisitive about this. Especially with the kind of man you are; taking on and raising a child is a big responsible. Are you sure you are ready to take on that kind of responsible?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
He closes the files. "Well, going through these papers a few more times, the adoption for Trent Fernandez…" He starts to smile. "Has been approved."
Anton, Trent, Ms. Allen, Dr., and Mrs. Carter were overwhelmed with joy.
"Now, Dr. Mercer, please sign the adoption papers and certificate."
Anton signs the papers given to him and hands them back to the judge.
"Very well. Now remember, that young boy is now your son, Dr. Mercer. Trent Michael Fernandez is now Trent Michael Fernandez-Mercer, with Trent still keeping his original surname. You are dismissed. Have a good day." He bangs his gavel and left quietly.
After the adoption is legally approved, they walk out of the room, overwhelmed with joy. Trent gave his new father a hug for adopting him, which he graciously accepted. He was glad to be his new father.
After the celebration on Anton Mercer adopting Trent, they went back to the house and it was a quarter to nine. During the celebration, they went to go eat at a fancy restaurant and Anton noticed what Trent liked to eat besides a toasted Italian BLT on wheat bread.
As Mercer was working on some last minute stuff done for his company for the night, Trent was laying on with his head on his pillow and under the covers as he was watching television. His eyes were feeling drowsy, but tried to stay awake until late at night.
Someone knocks on his door and it was Mercer.
"Trent?" He walks in and sits on his bed.
"Yeah."
"You okay?"
"I'm okay." He let out a large yawn.
"Sleepy?"
He nods his head.
"Just a little."
"Alright, look. I know I'm new and adjusting to this whole parenting style, but I just want to get a few rules down."
"Okay." Trent was ready to fall asleep, but tried to pay attention.
"First, you can't leave the house without telling me where you're going to and see if I'll say yes or no, you can go to sleep at anytime you want during the summer time and weekends, but when school starts…"
Normally, he would have continued, but Trent was so sleepy, he accidentally falls asleep as he was talking.
A sigh escapes him. He tucks him into his bed, turns off his television for him and gentle pets his newly adoptive son's hair as he wishes him pleasant dreams before leaving his room.
Trent's dream
Trent's surroundings were a utopian kingdom: the sky was bright; the birds were chirping, beautiful grasslands, clean blue lakes, white doves, swans, and a beautiful white castle, the same place he saw and talked to his late parents.
Trent traveled around for a while until he sees his parents, dressed in pure white clothes and tiaras and crowns in their hair.
Their expressions grew into sadness when his mother broke down into tears and gave him a teary smile as his father did the same.
"Why are you guys crying?"
"Because we are glad that someone who we dearly love adopted you and took you in like his own son."
His mother walks up and kisses him on his forehead and his father gives him a hug.
"And remember son, we'll always be looking out for you."
His parents spread their white wings and flew back into the sky and Trent could only watch his parents with a smile on his face.
Anton Mercer took him and gave him what his parents wanted: a home and a life. Not a lot of people would do that.
And realizes that he needs someone like him in his life.
PS: Sequel is now up and ready!