I'm back with another update for The Gamblers Heart I finally got the schedule worked out for new readers welcome for returning readers welcome back.
As always check Degrassi Saviors . Com for the latest story information.
Chapter8 Roadblocks on My Road to Free
It had been a week since Maya was released from the hospital and she was slowly adjusting to life after her assault she still had a bit of trouble moving around using only one hand which was a challenge her ribs and ankle were healing nicely thanks to meds and rest thankfully Clare had been by quite a few times to check on her which in an odd way brought the two girls closer together.
Clare also made sure to stop by every afternoon and help Maya with her homework which turned out to be needed since the Matlins worked and Katie was in the final stages of camp in preparation for the tournament.
With Katie having stayed at Drew's last night and the Matlins not wanting to take chances with Maya for the time being the Masons had agreed to drive Maya to school for the time being.
Maya got up showered and dressed and when she headed down to breakfast she found her mom reading the paper at the table.
"Morning Maya."
"Morning mom." Maya said grabbing for a bowl and some cereal.
"Here Maya I'll help you with that Margret said as she poured Maya's cereal.
"Mom you don't have to do that I've got it."
Nonsense Maya you know you shouldn't strain yourself."
"Fine but you're not feeding me I can manage that lefty."
"Okay just make sure you don't spill anything I think the Masons will be here in a few minutes."
"I know mom."
Maya struggled but manage to finish her breakfast just as Emma pulled up to the house.
"Have a good day Maya and remember you have PT after school.
"I know mom Emma is taking me then I'm going to Clare's for dinner.
"Fine Maya did you get your coat on?"
"Yes mom I'm gone okay."
"Have a nice day Maya."
"Maya walked to the waiting SUV where Clare had already opened the door.
"Hey Maya." Clare greeted.
"Hey Clare thanks for doing this."
"Forget it Maya you're my friend."
"I know but thanks anyway so has Eli tried anything else?"
"Shockingly no I'm hoping it stays that way."
"You and me both Clare."
The ride to Degrassi was uneventful and once Emma pulled up to Degrassi Clare opened the door and helped Maya out of the car.
"I'll pick you guys both up afterschool." Emma called from the car as the girls walked into school.
Maya walked through the halls making sure to stay close to Clare as they made their way to Clare's locker where they found Adam Alli and Jenna.
"Hey Clare hey Maya welcome back we heard what happen we're here for you." Adam said giving Maya a soft hug.
"Thanks Adam I just want to put this whole mess behind me as quickly as possible".
Clare grabbed her books and started to head off towards Maya's locker.
"I'll see you guys in class I'm going to walk Maya."
Adam acknowledged his friend and duo walked off.
"So Clare how are you liking the Mason's?"
"They're great they'll be adopting me soon I can't wait."
"That's good so have you seen Bianca lately?"
"I've seen her around school but haven't made a move yet I'm still too scared."
"Don't be Clare just go for it."
"I want to but with everything going on right now it doesn't seem like the right time."
"Don't worry Clare I'll help you out any way I can."
Thanks Maya but for right now I want to focus on helping you out and make sure Eli doesn't pull another stunt."
"Don't worry you said he's been quiet lately we should be safe for now."
Maya went into her locker and pulled out her books since Maya's first class was music and Clare's was history she could drop Maya off and make it to class without risking a run in with Eli.
"Well Maya I'll see you for lunch your recorder is in your bag."
"Thanks Clare see you later."
Clare walked to class with a small sense of calm knowing that she and Maya would be safe at least until lunch when they ran the highest risk of running into Eli.
Meanwhile in study hall Bianca had been finishing up her French homework since she didn't have time thanks to practice.
Bianca was just putting the finishing touches on her assignment when she noticed Fiona scrolling through her phone.
"Hey sis don't tell me you're already texting Imogen dirty messages its only first period."
"Of course not Bianca I was scrolling through some very juicy info on your not so secret admirer if you must know."
"Okay just being curious here but you find anything good?"
"I did."
"Don't hold out on me what did you find out?"
"For someone who's been in limbo about this situation from the start you sure are eager." Fiona teased.
"Sue me Fiona I may not be sure of my feelings towards Clare right now but after thinking about it I'm leaning more and more towards giving this dating a girl thing a shot."
"Well there's a welcome but unexpected twist do I need to look into some noise canceling headphones soon?"
"Ew Fiona leave it to you to turn innocent curiosity into something sexual."
"Sorry Bianca I was just joking but you have to admit the person who's lucky enough to see someone as busty as Clare Edwards naked should consider it an honor". Fiona whispered.
"I'm telling Imogen you said that."
"Go ahead we have deal Clare is one of my two hall passes."
"Alright I'm going to act like I didn't hear that."
"Sorry I just couldn't resist."
"Whatever; what did you find out about Clare?"
"Well she's a total bookworm with a passion for journalism and loves to write has one sister who does mission work in Kenya who also happens to be Degrassi alum."
Okay does she have anything pertaining to her love life?"
"No dice but I could ask Adam those two are thick as thieves he will tell me anything."
"Fine do what you have to."
"Is that your way of saying you actually want a girlfriend Bianca?"
"No that's my way of saying find out what you can I want to know as much as possible about what I may be getting into."
"Fine I'll see what else I can dig up for you but a word of advice if this does happen take it slow the worst thing you could do is rush it and cause it to blow up in your face."
"Noted not I'll leave you alone while I double check my English essay."
Meanwhile at the nature center Emma was going through some paper work on a bird sanctuary when her phone rang.
"Hello Emma Mason speaking."
"Hey Emma its Alex."
"Hey Alex what's up?"
"Sorry to call you at work but this is important do you have a sec to talk?"
"Sure what I'm doing can wait what's wrong?"
"Well I was looking through some stuff on Clare's case and it turns out we've got a big problem."
"What's that Alex?"
"I know you already spoke to Liberty about the abandonment papers you had to had to get Clare's mom to sign but I just found out that even if she signs those papers and green lights us to go ahead with the adoption proceedings a judge wont simply give you and Spinner her parental rights."
"Okay so what does that mean?" Emma asked nervously.
"It means that even if Clare's mom signs off on the abandonment papers and we go to a judge you still have to have a formal hearing which means that until the hearing is resolved Clare has to go into the foster system."
Emma was stunned at the news she had just been given she was growing more and more attached to Clare everyday she was waiting for the day Clare would finally call her mom.
"Alex is there anything you can do to prevent Clare from going into the foster system?"
"Short of finding someone that is willing to keep Clare under their care until the case is resolved Clare's only option is to go into the system I'm sorry Emma."
It was at that moment Emma got an idea that she was hoping would work.
"Alex you said for Clare to avoid the foster system she would have to find someone willing to take her in until all the legal stuff works itself out right?"
"I did why did you know someone?"
"I might how long do we have?"
"The sooner you find someone the better Liberty isn't going to serve the papers until we get Clare set up."
"Alright I'll call you back in a few minutes I have a phone call I need to make."
"Fine I'll be waiting."
Emma hung up the phone and called the one person she could think of in her current tight spot.
After three rings Emma's call was answered.
"Hey Emma what's up?"
"Hey Manny I need a huge favor from how fast can you get back to Toronto?"
"I can try to get a flight back tomorrow morning why?"
"I'm in a really tight spot and could really use your help."
"I'll try what do you need Em?"
"I know it's a lot to ask on short notice do you think you could come back home for a few weeks and take care of Clare here Alex just called and said that Clare's adoption needs a hearing and while that's going on she can't live with Spinner and me."
"Emma say no more for you I'll make this happen."
"Manny I owe you big time for this I'll pay for whatever you need."
"Em don't worry about it all my latest projects are done and the only thing I'm working on is a Muse project he'll move shooting to Toronto if need be don't worry about a thing."
"Thanks Manny you're a life saver."
"Emma you're family to me it's no big deal."
"Well thanks anyway I'll get you the details as soon as I can."
"Alright Emma I'll see you later."
After ending the call with Manny Emma called Spinner at work told him what was going needless to say he was upset but grateful that Manny was willing to do this on short notice after taking care of Spinner Emma called Alex back to tell what was going to happen.
"Hey Alex its Emma I found a place for Clare."
Great where?"
"Manny agreed to take her until the case is decided".
"Great I'll fax you the paper work and tell Liberty to start the process."
"Thanks Alex."
Back at Degrassi both Clare and Maya had no problems making it to lunch and were headed to the café when they were approached by Eli in the hallway.
"Hey Clare I see you have your little girlfriend with you today by the way the boot and sling suit you well Matlin." Eli snapped.
"Eli leave us alone you've done enough already." Clare yelled trying to protect Maya.
"Oh you think I've done enough I assure you I haven't even started oh and if I were you I'd watch your step wouldn't want you hurting your good leg too." Eli said letting out a sinister chuckle as he left.
"Clare I'm scared what if Eli comes after me again or injures you next?"
"He won't come near us Maya I promise you that."
Clare and Maya walked into the café finding a seat with Adam Jenna and Alli hoping to take their minds off Eli.
Meanwhile in the gym Bianca and the rest of team Red Dragon was getting in a workout during lunch since the tournament was only days away.
Fiona was on the mat grappling with Bianca while Drew was boxing with Owen and Katie was running.
"So Fiona you hear back from Adam yet?"
Not yet I should soon its lunch time now why so eager you should be all here now?"
"I know I should but I saw Eli in Chemistry earlier and he kept scribbling C will die on his notes I got freaked you don't think he's trying to hurt Clare do you?"
"I don't think so last I heard Clare and him were okay."
"I don't know Fiona my gut says somethings off with him."
Bianca if you want I'll ask around but my guess it's just Eli writing a horror play or something."
"Please check it out last thing I want is to be part of one of their dramas."
Fine I will now let's get back to training we only have a few days to train for the tournament."
Fiona and Bianca went back to training with Bianca hoping that her fear was unfounded.
Next update will be up the second week of February starting with Clare moving in with Manny and Jay.