Hello everyone and welcome back!
Hey guys, a little longer than what I expected but here we go. This is perhaps one of the most important chapters of this story. Though not the end, there is a lot stored in the future for the family. I also want to thank everyone for the continuous support throughout the years, love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.
Please, Let me know your thoughts on this chapter and the story in the review section, they help a great deal!
B. M. Adams
Xoxo...
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from R&I, just this plot and OCs
General POV
05/29/2011
"Alright, case 31. Hearing commences" said Judge Lambert "This court is now in session for the matter of appeal of adoption petition by Mrs. & Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles" She said and continued "Please, state your full names for the record" She then asked, looking up from the files she had in her dais.
Jane stood up before addressing the judge's request "Jane Clementine Rizzoli-Isles, your honour" she stated and sat down back on her chair.
"Dr Maura Dorothea Rizzoli-Isles" Maura mimicked what her wife did addressing the petition. Megan remained in her seat, looking at her hands on her lap, trying to keep herself distracted from the room and what was happening in it.
The tension in the air was dense and palpable. This was, more likely than not, the final chance they had to present their appeals. During the first hearing of their case was dismissed as the judge felt certain that the situation regarding the living arrangement in the Rizzoli-Isles household was not the most propitious for a teenager, let alone one deemed as unruly and needing special attention as Megan was portrayed due to the incident at school, and due to the events occurred throughout the time she had stayed with the Rizzoli-Isles', and her record in the group home and including the shooting at BPD.
She peered over the rim of her glasses as she reviewed the case file note she had in her hands. "Thank you both," she said, her stern figure and solemn posture penetrating the tense atmosphere.
"As well, I take Miss Ainsworth is here with us?" She then asked, waiting for the teen to rise from the chair.
"Present, your honour" Megan simply said, before quickly sitting down again next to their lawyer.
"Perfect" she exclaimed. She took her glasses off and sighed, intertwining her hands before her "Detective Rizzoli, Dr. Isles, I must express my concerns about your petition yet again. A teenager is not like 2 smaller children" She began explaining her concerns. "A teenager demands constant attention and consistency that requires a considerable amount of time" she continued "My concern lies primarily in the fact that 2 smaller children, pooled with two very demanding and consuming jobs could create a lack of those two" She said "As well, in previous instances your jobs have put Megan in danger. Let's recall the ordeal that occurred at Boston Police Department on June 11th last year" She stated "In which incident Ms. Ainsworth sustained a gunshot wound to her arms and Dt. Rizzoli was equally gravely hurt. Is it correct?" She then asked.
Both women were sitting in silence, knowing the short temper the judge had. They simply listened. Both nodded to the statement the judge made. "So, the epitome of my concerns is the safety of Miss Ainsworth," She said, taking her glass off again and this time addressing the courtroom "I further need to express my concern about your demanding line of job, the nature of your jobs is filled with risks and uncertainties. Which is why it raised me alerts about the safety and environment provided for a teenager that requires constant supervision" She continued explaining her biased concern, based upon the reports of reports of events.
"Your honour, we understand the challenges that come with having children, we understand the challenges that come with our careers, but we have worked hard to provide our children with the best care" Jane assured.
Maura then raised herself from the chair "We have as well a large support system, from family to friends, who are more than willing to assist at any given time, your honour" Maura explained.
"But I cannot rely on the good accounts of third parties to allow an adoption, Doctor Isles, or can I" The judge snarkily said "I understand your point, and family and friends can represent a strong support system, I agree. However, I cannot ignore the fact that your jobs can follow you home. Detective I'm aware you had an encounter with a confessed murderer, Charles Hoyt" The judge stated. Megan furrowed her brow, not understanding the point the judge was making, she didn't know who that man was or what happened, though she made a mental note to ask afterwards if she had the chance and managed to convince the judge to let her stay with them.
"You are right, Your Honour. Charles Hoyt did target me. However, that was an isolated incident and my family remained fully protected thanks to Sargent Vince Korsak, and uniformed officers from the Boston Police Department" Jane explained "I understand the risks my job imposes on my family, hence since we became mothers, we are more careful and aware of the situation we affront at work" Jane finished. She was rubbing her scarred palms throughout her speech.
The judge nodded and was about to speak again when Megan chimed in "Your Honour, may I" she said, asking for permission to speak. Both Jane and Maura, as well as their lawyer, were surprised.
"Megan, be careful with what you are going to say" Arthur, their lawyer warned her, whispering to the girl, who simply nodded in acknowledgement.
The judge looked up again, towards the now standing-up girl "Go ahead, Mrs Ainsworth" she said allowing the teenager to speak.
"I do understand your concern, Your Honour" The girl began "The incident at BPD, my altercation at school, their line of job and all in between" she stated. The room around her was dead silent, expectant of what she was going to say "But those are only the headlines" she then boldly said. Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to figure a way to amend what the teen was saying if needed "If you permit me, I will explain. Because there is much more to those events" she requested permission.
"Continue, please" Judge Lambert allowed the girl to continue with her speech, now genuinely interested in what she had to say.
"When the shooting happened, my presence at BPD was a mere coincidence" Megan began explaining "I was starting at what it was back then my new school, I had the last period free due to an absent teacher. I called Maura to let her know I didn't have any more classes for the day and to ask if I could walk to what is now my home, back then, simply the house" she said, making sure to emphasize the word home "Maura didn't want me to walk all the way home, so she suggested for me to walk to the station, which is less than 10 minutes away from the school. She didn't want me waiting all alone in the school. She offered to leave her work early to take me home" Megan explained and given the silence that still filled the room she continued talking.
"The altercation at school was a total mistake on my part, I should have never done what I did, but the truth is I was not going to tolerate anyone making fun of my family, the boy I hit was insulting both Jane and Maura in ways I cannot say. Though I understand that the way I acted was no way to resolve any problem" The girl paused and breathed deeply before continuing "Your honour I know what their jobs entail, I have never felt neglected or unsafe, and I am sure neither Lily nor Lucas, my siblings" Megan said before lightly turning her head to see her pair of mothers with small proud smiles on her faces.
"Your Honour, when my parents and sister died, I thought I would never have a family again, or have a place to call home. I thought I never would feel the love of a parent. I now even have a Nonna, a pair of Grands-parents, uncles, a cousin… and an amazing extended family… They have given me that and that I think is a point that needs to be raised" She firmly said "Yes, they have demanding jobs and often come home tired, but that never stops them from having dinner with us or putting us to bed. Yes, they insist on tucking me into bed still" She recalled "They have proven that even with busy lives, you can still be an amazing parent. Your Honour, they have never left their jobs to compromise their commitment to my siblings or me." She said.
She turned her head slightly again to look at Jane and Maura who were now teary eyed looking lovingly at her. which gave the strength she needed to finish "I don't want perfect parents, Your Honour. I want parents that love me, guide me and make me a better person. Jane and Maura do exactly that every day, not just as officers of the law but as the most loving mothers anyone could ask for. Please, do not let those misfortunes overshadow the love and stability they provide to us" Megan concluded with a heavy sigh. the courtroom submerged in a profound silence.
The judge took a moment before addressing "Miss. Ainsworth, your words have not fallen on deaf ears. Your perspective is valuable, and it will be considered in my ruling" she solemnly said, the courtroom remained silent expectant of her "I will call for a 30 minutes recess before I rule my decision" She said standing up from the dais and retreating to her chamber.
The courtroom remained silent as the judge left through a side door "You think I screw up?" Megan warily asked Arthur sitting next to her.
He turned his head to her "I actually think you did exactly the opposite" He smiled as he began to stand up to leave the courtroom while the session was in recess. As they were leaving the room, Megan knew Jane and Maura would be waiting for her outside and she was sure, both women would make a big deal out of what she said. Though she said it from her heart, she was certain they would be over the top about it.
As soon as she passed through the threshold of the door, a pair of long and strong arms enveloped her "I love you, kid" Jane said.
"I love you too," The squished teen said through a loving smile.
"That was beautiful, my sweet girl" Maura tenderly said, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before pulling her in for a hug as well.
The girl sighed "Hope it helps and she doesn't hate us anymore than she does" Megan chuckled.
Maura giggled "I will allow myself to speculate only on this occasion, and I think your words will touch her tough fivers and work in our favour" Maura said while keeping the girl in her arms.
"I'm gonna call Ma and let her know we will know something soon" Jane said and moved aside to call Angela.
Arthur came closer to the woman and the teen talking on a bench next to their courtroom door "I do agree with your guess, Dr. Isles, in contrary to the first court hearing, perhaps Megan's sudden impulsivity can help" he said, showing a reassuring smile.
"And you were doubting of my convincing ability," The girl said with a mischievous look on her face. Maura smiled and rolled her eyes in a Jane Rizzoli old-fashioned way.
The man laughed "Megan, you convinced your father to take you to swim with dolphins, he was dead scared of the sea. I wouldn't doubt you for a second" he laughed.
The girl shrugged "What can I say" She gloated at her ability, while the woman next to her could only chuckle at the interaction. Maura knew Arthur had been a long friend of Megan's family, and having the man doing everything he could to get the adoption finalized spoke volumes to her.
After the 30-minute recess finished, everyone was called back to the courtroom. Megan walked towards the front of the room, with Arthur by her side, but as Jane and Maura were about to take a sit on the benches behind the girl, the judge addressed the women "Dt. Rizzoli, Dr. Isles, would you please sit down here in front, next to miss Ainsworth and Mr. Lane" she said without taking her gaze from a file she had in her hand.
The women looked at each other and swiftly moved to the front part of the room, taking a seat, on each side of the teen. Anyone didn't know what to think about it, tension lingered in the silent room while they waited for what Judge Lamber would say next.
"I have carefully considered the evidence provided in this court and for a fact, I am still weary of the many possible complications that can surface from your jobs and possible other factors that could potentially hinder Miss Ainsworth's stability and guidance" She began saying, making the trio and Arthur feel as if this was going to go just like the first time, a shot in the air that didn't reach the bullseye. Megan's hands were cold and sweaty, Jane was constantly rubbing her plans nervously, and the ever-composed Maura Isles was a nervous wreck. Impatience and anticipation were starting to set in the people in the room.
"However, I have taken a look at the bigger picture" She resumed her speech "What Miss Ainsworth said is true, there are no perfect parents, and children don't come with an instruction booklet" She then took a piece of neatly folded paper "And this is a testimony that sometimes a little more love is what could make someone's day a little bit better," She said, a small smile appearing in her until now black expression "Before I rule my decision, Detective, Doctor, Megan is at a crucial age, can you guarantee she won't be negatively affected by the dangers you face daily?" she asked, directing her gaze towards the woman both now standing.
"Your honour, Megan is aware of the reality of our profession, we have worked hard to create open and strong communication lines for her to freely speak with us. If anything, our profession and experience have made us more vigilant and committed to protecting our children, Megan included. Rest assured we would never do anything to jeopardize our family in any way" Maura explained firmly. The judge nodded and took notes.
Judge Lambert then took her glasses to address the present people "I have taken your arguments into consideration, Dr. Isles" She paused before continuing "I must admit this is not a decision I take lightly in any way. However, I've seen the genuine love and commitment you have for Megan, and she for you and your family" She said, this time her smile grew a little bit bigger. The girl's and both women's hearts racing in anticipation, their hands clasp together.
"After thorough consideration of the exposed accounts, and while your careers are demanding, there significant effort made into providing not only Megan but your whole family with stability and well-being. I will therefore hereby approve the adoption of Miss. Ainsworth by Jane and Maura Rizzoli-Isles" The judge said, everyone remained still, not realizing the breaking news happening before their eyes "With only one condition, I will schedule a visit on a near date to ensure that the necessary measures are being taken to ensure the best environment for everyone in the family" She finished her ruling with a classic slam of the gavel.
Jane, Maura and Mean remained still for a second, processing what the judge had just said. Maura's chin quivered as she took her hands and covered her mouth with both hands in disbelief. Jane felt a heart skip a beat as realisation hit her. The teenager was frozen, as if time had stopped, she could feel a hand enveloping hers, but he was not moving. Her eyes closed and let the once tension she felt become a blissful relief, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from over her shoulders.
The girl was brought back to reality when she felt two pairs of arms developing her. She could do nothing else than melt into the embrace and reciprocate the gesture, she tightly hugged. She remained with her eyes closed, though she knew she was snuggled against Jane, the way she could feel her cheek resting against her collarbone, and the feel of Jane's chin tenderly resting atop her head and her sandalwood and cedar scent. And she knew the one nestling her from behind was Maura, the delicate way to caress her cheek with the back of her hand gave her away. The three of them remained embraced, soaking into the bliss and joy that washed over them, a pang of incredulity and surprise was also part of the turmoil of feelings going through them. Regardless they felt loved and incredibly happy that finally and officially Megan was a Rizzoli-Isles. Nevertheless, she was a fundamental part of the family since the moment they met.
"Sometimes our jobs make people happy for the right reasons, don't you think Judge Lambert," Arthur said, walking towards the dais, to greet the Judge.
"Indeed, Mr Lane, indeed," She said, extending her hand to shake the man's "I do believe this was the right choice" She said "I see many families come and go from this court daily, and on rare occasions I'm able to see such passion and love coming from families" she explained. Arthur genuinely curious about her speech. "That is why I am so careful when performing my job, the frequency with which adoptions can go wrong is sometimes worrying and I like to be certain that the child in question is fully protected, but by the fearlessness with which Mega said did made a great impact in my decision" She confessed and pulled the statement letter Jane and Maura submitted to the court before the appeal "And this, it is not frequent that adoptive parents speak so highly and sincerely of their reasons for adoption. I can see they honestly love each other" she finished, with a beaming smile on her face.
Arthur smiled as well, being certain himself that they belonged together "They do, Judge, I can assure you that. I have known Megan since she was little, and this is a great deal for her" he explained before saying his goodbyes and returning to the now official mothers and daughter. When he turned around more people were in the court, Jane's mother, Frankie, both Lily and Lucas and even Tommy were there.
Megan turned around and was now snuggling against Maura "Thank you, guys" She whispered, still in disbelief.
"You don't have to thank us, love. We are so lucky to have you" Maura said, placing a kiss on her cheek. She then pushed back and cupped her "It's been a long journey but is now over, and our promise remains, we will always be there for you, to love you, to protect you" Maura heartfeltly said, her teary eyes piercing through the now reddish eyes of the girl, who couldn't still utter words.
"This is just a paper, a simple bureaucratic step. You've been our daughter from the moment we met, sweetheart. And we couldn't love any more than we do" Jane said resting her cheek against Megan's head.
"I love you, too. I am lucky to have you" She whispered, her eyes glassy and on the verge of releasing some tears.
"No, we are the lucky ones" Maura truthfully said.
As they separated from their collective embrace Jane noted the moisture in the girl's eyes "You crying, Meg?" Jane chuckled, knowing it was strange for the girl to cry.
"No, I have a foreign object in my cornea" she joked, wiping the little remains of unshed tears from her eyes with her finger.
Both women laughed and gave her another squeeze "I love you, sweetheart" Jane said, sweetly giving the girl a kiss on her temple.
Maura smiled "I think there are some more people really excited to celebrate" She said, turning to where their family was.
Angela couldn't contain herself and opened her arms widely walking towards the girl, giving a big squeeze "I can't believe it's finally official" She exclaimed happily "Oh! I am so happy" she said, squeezing the girl a little tighter.
"Come on, Ma. You gonna snap her in half" Joked Frankie, making the rest of the family laugh as well.
Frankie and Tommy followed, and the family exchanged hugs and words of love. Everyone was genuinely happy about the adoption. Technically nothing changed, the family was already very united, but in essence, for Megan, it changed the course of what she thought was her future. Her name was now Megan Rizzoli-Isles, not Ainswoth anymore, and that partly felt weird, she would have to get used to a new name, a new ID, and a new passport. This was a forever family with, the same love and the same promises, but without the uncertainty of being in the foster care system. The safety of a family, not only parents but also a pair of siblings, uncles, grandparents and friends, all more than willing to be there for her and with her in anything that will come.
While the family was exchanging hugs and happiness, the judge called Megan to where she was "Yes, your honour" Megan walked carefully to the dais.
"You can call me Judy," She said with a soft smile "I do believe this is the right thing for you, their feelings for you are honest and pure" She began "I want you to have this, you might like to read later" She said winking. What she had given her was a folded copy of the statement Jane and Maura wrote to court, to state their reasoning and desire to adopt the teen.
Megan put the piece of paper in her pocket "Thank you, Your…Judy" Megan said, shaking hands with the woman, who then congratulated her as well, before retiring to her chamber.
The family went to their home, where Angela had reenacted the dinner she made the first night Megan had come to stay, back then as a temporary place, now as the first time she stepped into her home, with the surname Rizzoli-Isles.
"Meggie" Lily called the teenager, who was sitting on one of the couches of the living room, texting on her phone. Lily was holding a piece of paper and Lucas was by her side.
"What's up, monkey," she said, taking her gaze from the phone and putting the device on the couch.
"We made you a picture," She said proudly, showing a beaming grin.
The teenager took the paper and opened it. She remained silent, astonished by the sweet gesture the kids had. It was a drawn family portrait of the five of them, standing in what appeared to be the backyard of the house. She was mesmerised. And at the top of the page some letters that read 'The Rizzoli-Isles', she then noticed something writing on the back of the page 'We love you, big sis. Lily and Lucas'. Megan carefully put the page on the coffee table and hugged both kids tightly "I love it!" She exclaimed. "The best gifts ever" she genuinely said, still holding both children in her arms "I'm gonna hang it in my room" Megan then said.
"I made draw" Lily exclaimed proudly.
"And I wrote" Lucas then chimed in, as well proud of his participation.
The teen laughed "I love you, babies" She said, giving them another squeeze.
"Not a baby" Lucas whined.
She laughed "You are to me" She said, ruffling his hair and standing up. The kids smiled and the three of them left the living room after hiring the not-too-subtle way Jane had to call them to the table.
The whole family was sitting down at the table when Jane stood up to give a toast. "Oh, Janie is about to give a speech. Brace yourselves" Tommy joked.
"Shut up, Tommy" Angela slapped his shoulder. But the rest of the family laughed at the joke.
"Ouch!" He said, "That wasn't necessary, Ma" He was now rubbing his arms.
Jane laughed "That would teach you" She mocked her brother. Jane cleared her throat, getting ready to speak "I will be brief. Sweetheart, I remember when we met you, there was this instant connection, something that told me you were meant to be part of this family" Jane said with a smile playing on her lips, and the supporting hand of Maura's in her hers "You were and are this determined, resilient…hardheaded teen that had been through more than she should have in her short years. But here we are today" She said while Megan looked at her with a mixture of affection, appreciation, and love "Being a family is not just about blood, it's about choosing each other every day, and we are honoured that you chose us. There are not enough words for me to actually tell you how much we love you, but I can tell you, this is forever, and we all will be with you, though thick and thin" Jane finished while everyone applauded her words.
"To Megan" Maura said, raising her cup "We love you, sweetie" she simply said, not able to utter any more words as the lump in her trough was preventing her from doing it.
"To us," the teen said in a whisper while they clinked their drinks, a mix of prosecco glasses, Sippy cups and a glass of soft drink.
The room resonated with laughter and love, a kind of love and joy that was palpable, a testament to the bond they had formed and the journey they had undertaken together. As the night unfolded, laughter echoed through the Rizzoli-Isles household, now a member bigger. At that moment, surrounded by the people they loved the most, Jane and Maura couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the love and emotions that filled their hearts. They had a sense of fulfilment and contentment; like this was what life was supposed to be.
Please, Let me know your thoughts on this chapter and the story. Any questions, suggestions, comments, or reviews are very welcome and appreciated.
B. M. Adams
Xoxo...