Chapter 3: Discussing Options

"Dad called from the Los Angeles County Jail." Amy said

"What'd he do now? Assault someone, sell illegal drugs, another DUI?" Ashley asked

"He killed someone almost 21 years ago." Amy said

"I'm not asking Ben for money to bail him out again. Fuck that shit." Adrian said

"Innocent ears." Amy said as she nodded her head towards Robbie who was watching TV

"Sorry. Why are they just finding out he killed someone so many years later?" Adrian asked

"Because his friend told his cellmate who told the cops. He's being held without bond so someone needs to take custody of Robbie again." Amy said

"Who's in the running?" Ashley asked

"Me, you guys, grandma and grandpa." Amy said

"Grandma and Grandpa are pushing 60. They don't need another child to take care of because their son is a worthless piece of shit." Adrian said

"Watch your language." Amy said as Robbie continued to be oblivious to what was going on

"I don't even know why Ashley is a option since she's only 16. No offense." Adrian said

"None taken. I was just about to ask that." Ashley said

"I guess he forgot how old she is." Amy said

"Make sense considering he wasn't at the hospital when I was born because he was in jail." Ashley said

"Same here. Anyways, someone needs to drive me to the police station to get his car and stuff." Amy said

"I'll go. Ashley, you stay here and watch Robbie." Adrian said

"Ok. Robbie, say bye to Amy and Adrian. They'll be back." Ashley said

"Bye." Robbie said as he gave Amy and Adrian a hug

"Bye." Amy and Adrian said at the same time

Once they got in the car, Adrian said to Amy what has been on her mind since she told them their dad is in jail for murder.

"I think you and Ricky should take custody of Robbie." Adrian said

"Why us?" Amy asked

"You guys have already done it before. Robbie clearly likes you guys." Adrian said

"Robbie likes almost everybody." Amy said

"I think you guys are positive influences on him. He has a special bond with you guys. Ricky is one of his best friends. Yeah Ben would be able to take care of him financially, but I don't think he's ready to be responsible for a child at the moment. Ricky on the other hand I think can handle it right now." Adrian said

"I'd have to talk to Ricky about it later." Amy said

"I know. I'm just saying." Adrian said

"Do you feel you're not ready to be responsible for a child?" Amy asked

"I'm only 18. I still need to focus on school. I know you do too but you're almost done. I bet you within the next year from now, you and Ricky will be married and living in a house." Adrian said

"I can say the same thing about you and Ben." Amy said

"But you guys are older and more mature mentally. I think you guys are more than capable to care for Robbie for the next 13 years." Adrian said

"We're almost here. I think we both need to talk to Ricky and Ben about this and let each other know ASAP what we wanna do." Amy said as Adrian pulled into the police station parking lot

"I agree." Adrian said as Amy got out of the car