The night passes quietly in the beach house but there's a palpable tension hanging in the air. As Mark suspected, Aurie was scarce the entire night. He's pretty sure she didn't sleep well. Likely no one slept well that night. He certainly slept fitfully, his mind trying to figure out answers to many questions with no easy solutions.
Steve's awake most of the night as well. He accepts Aurie as his daughter but struggles with understanding the circumstances that caused that to be the truth. Nestled in his arms, Ellen silently keeps him company. She couldn't give him the answers he needed, and any reassurances would come off as insincere. She doesn't know what the future holds for them either.
Aurie emerges from her room early in the morning and heads into the deserted kitchen, feeling the need for strong coffee. She's not surprised, but no less annoyed when Mark enters a few minutes later.
"Good morning, Aurie," he cheerfully greets.
"Morning," she mutters in quiet sullenness.
Watching her continue prepping the coffee in silence, he notices she won't look at him at all. Finally, he decides to break the silence.
"You're right to be mad."
Despite having finished setting up the coffee to brew, she still doesn't look at him. Instead, she gazes out a window. Mark sighs softly before continuing.
"I'm sorry if we didn't handle things the best way. I could tell you were upset at us finding your birth certificate. I asked Ellen to get that in case all the paternity tests were negative. I was hoping there was another name listed as your father we could check. It wasn't to dig up your secrets. And I don't fully disagree with how Steve handled getting you out of the bus station. I'm sure it made sense at the moment."
He notices her eyes narrowing as her face tightens in anger, but she remains silent.
"Once I read the test results proving you are Steve's daughter, I immediately wanted you home with us. You have no idea how happy and proud that makes me."
Aurie finally looks over at him in surprise. Behind his warm smile, she can see the sincerity in his eyes. Not sure what to say, much less what to think, she gazes back out the window. Mark's smile drops with a heavy sigh.
"I understand how difficult this must be for you. You found what you were looking for, but not in the way you meant to. This is unknown territory for Steve and me too. We all want different outcomes. No one knows what's going to happen and what the courts will decide. Please know that Steve and I love you. We want you in our lives and want the best for you."
Mark can tell she's struggling. He notices the brief flash of confusion in her eyes when he said they love her. The coffee maker beeps, indicating the pot is ready. Testing her tolerance of his continued presence, he joins her in preparing a cup when she quietly speaks.
"I don't know you. And I don't want to leave Tucson."
"In time we can get to know each other, but now that your real age is known, you won't be able to stay in Tucson on your own. You're too young."
"Age doesn't matter," Aurie tensely retorts, reaching over to drop her stirring spoon into the sink. "I managed everything fine this past year. A number doesn't mean I can't be on my own anymore."
Not waiting for a response, she heads out onto the deck. With a cup in hand, Mark trails after her, settling at the table with her.
"You're right, being thirteen doesn't affect your ability to manage your life. However, the law is what counts here. Unless the courts grant you emancipation, even in Arizona you're too young to work and live on your own without a legal guardian. We can't ignore what's on your birth certificate."
"Good morning," Ellen greets, emerging from the house at that moment and joining them.
"Good morning, Ellen," Mark cheerfully greets back.
"Morning," Aurie stiffly mumbles.
Noting Aurie's demeanor, Ellen sighs heavily while settling into an open seat with her coffee.
"Where's Steve?" Mark asks.
"He had to make a couple of calls. He said he'll be up when he's done."
"Then I should get breakfast started. It should be ready by the time he appears." Looking across the table at his granddaughter, he asks, "Aurie, would you please set the table?"
"No," she tensely replies, rising to her feet. "I'm not hungry."
Ellen and Mark can only gape in shock as she crosses the deck and descends the deck stairs. They watch her cross the backyard to the other side of the dunes. She disappears from their view when she sits down on the base of the dunes.
"She's very unhappy about all of this," Ellen muses, sipping her coffee.
"'Unhappy' isn't the right word for it, but It'll have to do for now," Mark sighs aloud. "Maybe making breakfast will give her enough time to change her mind," he reasons, pushing back his chair.
"It's worth a try," Ellen agrees, following him back into the kitchen.
Nearly an hour later, Mark smiles when he sees Steve enter the kitchen just as they're finishing preparing their food and setting up the dining room table.
"Good morning, son."
"Good morning, Dad," Steve greets back as he's looking around the room with a slight frown. "Where's Aurie?"
"She said she wasn't hungry and went to sit on the dunes," Ellen replies.
"I hoped she'd change her mind and come back by now," Mark adds.
"She should get something to eat, we've got court later." At their questioning looks, he explains further while shifting his gaze out the window to the dunes, "I called Judge Dobrik's office, and they want us at the courthouse at ten. They need affidavits from you, Dad, and some forms for custody from me, but they also want Aurie to sit with an advocate who will represent her in court. The actual hearing will be at twelve-thirty."
"I got to talk a little bit with her this morning. She's still very upset. Let's eat first to give her a little more time then I'll go get her."
"I'll go get her now. It's my turn to try talking to her."
Without waiting for a response, Steve heads out the door. Making his way to the dunes, he worries Aurie might have taken off once she was out of sight. He's relieved to see her huddled against the cool ocean air. She barely glances over at him before returning her gaze to the gently crashing waves, ignoring when he sits next to her.
"Good morning," he greets her.
"Morning," she mutters in the same tense, sullen tone she's been using all morning.
"Dad and Ellen almost have breakfast ready."
"Okay."
When she doesn't get moving back to the house, Steve takes a deep breath to keep from losing his temper.
"You should get something to eat. We've got to be at the courthouse at ten this morning. You're supposed to meet with an advocate who will interview you. Meanwhile, Dad and I have some paperwork to fill out. We've got to get it all done before the hearing at twelve-thirty."
An ironic smile crosses her face as her head drops slightly with a snort. Finally looking at him, she shakes her head.
"So now you bother trying to sort of talk to me."
Standing up, she turns to climb the dune behind him to head back toward the house.
"Aurie, wait!" Steve calls out, scrambling back to his feet.
She ignores him. Taking another deep breath he follows her, catching up quickly to walk together the rest of the way to the house. Without a word, she ignores Mark and Ellen sitting at the dining room table to continue through the house to disappear back into her room, causing Steve to grimace in frustration.
"That probably means she hasn't changed her mind about breakfast," Ellen points out to Mark, while Steve goes and grabs a cup of coffee.
"I think so," Mark agrees just as Steve enters the room. "Did she say anything to you?"
"Well, first I told her about breakfast," Steve answers, joining them at the table. "She said 'okay' but didn't make a move or say anything more. Then I told her about going to court and she gave me some attitude about it, saying now I'm bothering to try talking to her." He sighs heavily and then takes a bite of his food before continuing. "I know she's upset and I'm trying to establish a connection with her. If I had known about her from the beginning, she'd already be in our lives. I don't think she gets I'm just trying to fix things."
"Maybe once you're around each other more, you'll find that connection and understand each other better," Mark suggests. "Aurie told me she didn't know us, but I said that can be fixed in time."
"I know you're right, Dad, but she has to do her part too."
"She will, just give her that chance."
"It was a lot she had to deal with too," Ellen points out. "I know it's frustrating, but you have to be patient."
"I'm trying."
"And that's all you can do right now," Mark smiles reassuringly at his son.
When they finish eating, Steve and Ellen handle cleaning up while Mark prepares a plate and heads to Aurie's room. Standing outside the closed door he knocks.
"Room service!" he cheerfully calls out.
Receiving no answer, he knocks again.
"Aurie?" Again, no answer. "Aurie, you really should eat something. It's probably going to be a very long day and I'm not sure we'll have a chance to have lunch before the hearing. And feeling sick from not eating on top of everything else won't be a good combo."
Exasperated, Aurie opens the door.
"You're going to be in doctor mode and be annoying about eating, aren't you?"
"Occupational hazard," he smiles affably, holding the plate out towards her. "And many years of experience shows I know what I'm talking about."
Aurie reluctantly accepts the plate and the utensils he hands her. Sighing, she steps back into the room and sits on the bed to eat. Mark notices she braided her hair differently into a French braid and she's wearing a pretty floral dress reminiscent of the 40s that looks very flattering on her.
"You look very nice. You and Ellen made a good pick. It's perfect for court."
"Thanks," she quietly replies. "And thanks for the food."
"You're welcome." Sensing she wants to be alone, he adds, "I'll go see if Steve and Ellen need help in the kitchen then I'll go get ready. Just put your plate in the sink and we can wash it later. We've got to get going soon to make it on time."
Aurie doesn't answer, but her resigned expression tells him everything he needs to know as he leaves the room. After finding out he's not needed in the kitchen, Mark heads to his room to get dressed in a suit and tie for court. A short time later he emerges. Passing Aurie's open door, he notices she's not in her room and finds her in the kitchen, having just washed and dried her dishes. She's putting them away just as Ellen and Steve join them, both dressed for court.
"We better get going," Steve states, ushering them out.
As Steve's truck has the most room for passengers, they all pile in with Mark and Aurie in the back. It's a quiet ride into L.A. to the Superior Courthouse. After passing through security, they are directed to Judge Dobrik's clerk's office. From there, Aurie is led off elsewhere to meet with a Juvenile Advocate who is to interview her and then speak and act on her behalf during the court proceedings. Ellen joins Steve and Mark as they are ushered into a conference room to fill out the forms they need to do.
Nearly an hour later a balding white man dressed in black judicial robes enters the room, prompting the two Sloans and Ellen to stand up.
"Marty! It's so good to see you!" Mark cheerfully greets the judge with a handshake.
"Good to see you too. It's been a while, Mark," Marty greets back. "Of course, you only happen to call when the hospital needs funds, or you need a favor."
"Better than me calling to give you bad news about a medical condition," Mark teases back. "You remember my son, Steve."
"Yes, I do," Marty nods, shaking Steve's hand.
"Nice to see you again, your honor," Steve nods back.
"And I'd like you to meet Steve's fiancé, Ellen Sharp," Mark introduces Ellen.
She steps forward to take her turn shaking the judge's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Marty greets her.
"Likewise," she smiles.
Releasing her hand, Marty turns to address Mark.
"Well, I take it that since you showed up today, one of the paternity tests for the young lady in question is positive and we need to get that settled to prevent her deportation back to Mexico, right?"
"Yes, your honor," Steve interrupts, prompting Marty to look at him. "My test with her was positive and I'm her father."
"That must've been a surprise."
"You have no idea," Steve quips, causing the others to chuckle. He becomes serious and continues, "I'm claiming paternal responsibility and requesting custody."
"Well, claiming paternal responsibility settles the issue with ICE and her citizenship. Custody might get complicated in the long run." Turning to Mark, he asks, "Didn't you tell me on the phone that she lived independently in Tucson and her mother is likely alive but not in the picture?"
"Yes," Mark nods. "She told me she was getting assistance through a local social service program and from the state of Arizona. As for her mother, she hasn't seen her for a couple of years."
"Unless her parental rights have been severed, that will likely become a problem later on." Looking at Steve, he adds, "I'll give my decision on that after I've reviewed all the documents and heard from her Advocate. It's likely to result in you getting temporary custody, but her mother will have to be located to determine if you'll end up with permanent custody and her parental rights severed."
"I understand," Steve nods.
"Will you have an attorney representing you?"
"Yes. She'll be meeting us here soon to look over the paperwork to make sure we've got everything we need."
"Good. Then I'm going to get some lunch," Marty states, glancing at his watch. "Make sure to have everything ready by twelve-thirty."
"We will," Mark answers.
Marty nods and leaves the room as they settle back into their seats.
"How did you get an attorney so fast?" Ellen asks Steve. "Especially to have them come in on such short notice without consulting with them first?"
"When she owes me a favor," Steve smirks.
"Former girlfriend?" Ellen arches a brow.
"No, we never dated," Steve scowls in irritation. "Former classmate when I tried getting my law degree."
"He also helped straighten out my little brother when he was going through his criminal bad boy phase," a pretty African American woman states as she strides into the room.
Smiling, Steve rises to his feet to hug and kiss her on the cheek.
"Thank you so much for coming, Mishayla," Steve greets her before introducing her to Mark and Ellen. "I'd like you both to meet Mishayla Green. Mishayla, this is my dad, Mark Sloan, and my fiancé Ellen Sharp."
Exchanging greetings, Mishayla shakes their hands in turn. Taking a seat at the table with them, she gives Steve a mischievous look.
"Fiancé, huh? It's about time you stopped being the pretending playboy," she teases.
"I was never a playboy, pretending or otherwise," Steve protests.
"You sure about that?" she challenges, causing Mark and Ellen to grin at Steve's irritation. "Seemed like you had a different girl every month."
"Are you going to keep torturing me about my love life or practice law?" Steve grouses, handing her their documents. "Because we have a hearing in Judge Dobrik's courtroom at twelve-thirty."
"Seems like both," she muses thoughtfully, flipping through the sheets. Pausing, she pins him with a look. "Were you serious about just finding out you have a daughter you never knew about?"
"Yeah," Steve sighs heavily.
With his father and Ellen's help, he spends the next few minutes outlining everything that's happened in the past few days. When he finishes, she releases a low whistle.
"Damn, Sloan, are you sure your middle name isn't 'convoluted'?"
Ellen and Mark laugh at Steve's irritated scowl.
"I promise you it isn't," Mark answers instead with a grin.
"I'll take your word for it, Dr. Sloan," Mishayla grins back before getting down to business. "Well, everything is in order. Although the birth certificate isn't an official copy, the court will likely accept it temporarily until the official copy arrives. Also, because of her age, you'll likely be granted custody, Steve. But this isn't going to be the last hearing related to this." Meeting Steve's gaze, she asks, "What are your plans after you're given temporary custody? Because you said this girl resides in Arizona."
"I want to move her in with Dad and me, so we'll have to get her things and bring them back. Then I've got to figure out her schooling."
"Okay, then I'll contact a friend of mine who also practices family law in Arizona. He might be able to get a motion filed for the state to recognize your paternal rights. If today's hearing goes as expected, I can ask Judge Dobrik to forward his decision to the Arizona courts so we can move things along quickly and you don't have any problems."
"That'd be great," Steve nods. "I've got the rest of this week off and part of next week so I can get all of this settled."
Mishayla nods and jots a few notes on her laptop when they are summoned for the hearing. Everyone gathers their things before following the bailiff out of the room. The bailiff ushers Steve and Mishayla to the Plaintiff's table and Mark and Ellen into the gallery seats right behind them.
Minutes later the bailiff is leading Aurie and her advocate in, settling the wiry, young blonde woman at the Defendant's table and Aurie in a gallery seat behind her. It's clear to Mark that Aurie is irritated and annoyed at her advocate by the way she glares daggers at her back. Oblivious to the glares, the blonde focuses on her cell phone.
Moments later Judge Dobrik enters the courtroom to start the proceedings. He kicks things off by requesting introductions from Mishayla and the advocate, who states her name is Lindsey Kurtz. Things move along smoothly as he reviews all the documents and affidavits. After confirming Steve's intentions with the filings, Dobrik turns to Lindsey.
"Ms. Kurtz, as the juvenile advocate for Ms. Acevedes, are there any statements you need to make on her behalf pertaining to her thoughts or any objections to her being placed in temporary custody to Mr. Sloan?"
Standing up, the blonde half-heartedly straightens her rumpled clothes, her expression a combination of bored and irritated at having to be there.
"No, your honor," she states before sitting back down.
"That's not true!" Aurie jumps to her feet in outrage.
"Ms. Acevedes, the proceedings aren't over yet. Sit down and be quiet," Dobrik orders.
"But she's lying!" Aurie protests, pointing at the disaffected blonde while clutching onto the banister and leaning over it slightly.
"Ms. Acevedes, you had enough time to speak with Ms. Kurtz and share your thoughts and concerns. Now sit down and be quiet so we can finish these proceedings, or I'll have you removed from the courtroom."
"You asked her to tell my thoughts and objections about this crap and she's lying saying there aren't any!" Aurie growls back.
"Bailiff, please remove her so we can finish."
Aurie stares at the judge in shock as the bailiff comes over and grabs her upper arm. Although furious, Aurie doesn't resist as he guides her out of the courtroom. Once she leaves, Dobrik turns to the blonde.
"Now that we can continue without interruption, is your statement still the same, Ms. Kurtz?"
"Yes, it is, your honor."
"All right," Judge Dobrik nods. "Upon review, I'm granting temporary and full custody of Auralia Montserrat Acevedes to her biological father, Steve Sloan. As requested, I'm forwarding this order to the appropriate court in Arizona, requesting jurisdictional compliance. Since the whereabouts and status of the biological mother are currently unknown, Mr. Sloan is unlikely to run into any jurisdictional issues. This is simply to ensure the school district she is currently enrolled in will release any records or documents you will need for her, Mr. Sloan. Ms. Green, I'm recommending you submit a filing to locate and serve Ms. Amalia Acevedes for a custodial hearing to either fully sever her custodial rights or seek some sort of custodial agreement. I'm not ruling on it, but I've seen too many instances of the absent parent coming back around and issuing a legal challenge. This court is adjourned."
Judge Dobrik taps his gavel and leaves the room to get ready for his next case. Everyone rises to their feet and file out into the hallway. Smiling, Steve hugs Mishayla and after thanking her, spends a few minutes discussing when they can meet and figure out what would be the best course of action regarding Amalia. Ellen remains with Steve while Mark drifts over to where Lindsey stands near a wall texting on her phone.
"It must be hard being an advocate when the person you're advocating for doesn't agree with you," he states conversationally.
The younger blonde gawks in confusion before realizing he's talking to her.
"Sometimes the kids get emotional and don't think about what they're saying," she shrugs before looking down at her phone again.
Mark arches a brow.
"I don't think Aurie was being emotional or that was some random outburst."
Lindsey lifts her head at enough of an angle to glare at him.
"My job is to talk for kids in court, not to commit perjury."
At that moment the bailiff appears with a sullen Aurie. Leaving her to stand next to Mark, the bailiff disappears into the courtroom.
"And you should apologize for calling me a liar in court or I'm going to ask Judge Dobrik to order you to do it as punishment for trying to embarrass me like that."
Aurie cocks her head to the side and gives Lindsey a sardonic look.
"Like hell I will, Flappy Lips."
Lindsey's mouth drops open as her face pales in shock before blotching with unhealthy shades of red. Without another word, she stalks off.
"Say 'hi' to Dickey D for me!" Aurie calls out at her retreating back.
She smirks in vindictive triumph when the blonde nearly trips over her feet in her haste to disappear from the hallway.
"What was that about?" Mark asks in confusion.
"Pettiness with extreme prejudice. She won't be complaining about me," Aurie shrugs.
"Oh," Mark replies without understanding. "Well, I'm sure you're curious about Judge Dobrik's ruling," he smiles at her.
"I'm able to become a U.S. citizen now and he gave Steve custody of me."
"I guess the outcome was likely," he sighs, slightly deflated he didn't get to give her the news. "But there was still a chance things weren't going to turn out this way."
Aurie doesn't reply. Both are distracted by Steve and Ellen joining them since Mishayla has already hurried off to her next appointment.
"Ready to head home?" Steve asks them.
"Whenever you are," Mark answers.
Steve looks at Aurie. His eyes narrow when she still won't meet his gaze and just shrugs. Deciding not to give her the chance to cause more drama, Steve leaves it alone and leads them out of the courthouse.
When they arrive back at the beach house, Aurie helps Mark and Ellen make a late lunch. Steve had excused himself when they got home to make a few more phone calls. He rejoins them when everything is ready. Aurie remains quiet as the three adults chat. When everyone finishes eating, Mark and Ellen head into the kitchen after gathering some of the dirty dishes. Aurie starts gathering things to follow them when Steve stops her.
"Aurie, come with me into the den. I need to talk to you."
Aurie arches a brow but lets him guide her into the den where they settle on opposite ends of the sofa together and his back is to the windows. They sit in awkward silence for a couple of minutes. It's clearly uncomfortable for Steve and it doesn't help she's still not looking at him. She sits gazing down at her hands clasped on her knees, waiting for him to say what he has to say so she can go sit on the dunes again since that was soothing to her soul earlier that morning.
"It's hard talking to you if you won't look at me," he finally states, trying to make his tone sound teasing to ease the tension.
Grudgingly, she meets his gaze, the hostility, and anger clear in her eyes. Taking a deep, calming breath, he continues.
"I know things are moving fast and it's messy. It's my responsibility to bring you home and take care of you as soon as possible. It's why I wanted to take full advantage of the open slot in Judge Dobrik's court docket. Tomorrow I'd like for us to take a road trip to Tucson."
Aurie blinks at him in surprise, which doesn't last long.
"I want to get your things packed up and withdraw you from school so we can get you settled back here."
An irritated scowl settles back on her face. Closing her eyes briefly she takes a deep, calming breath before looking at Steve again.
"So, I still get to go back to Tucson, but not to stay," she quietly confirms.
"Yes," Steve nods. "I can only take so many days off work, but I want to plan our agenda so we can take care of everything efficiently. I want to withdraw you from school on Friday. We should be able to take care of breaking the lease on your apartment over the weekend. Then we'll probably drive back Sunday."
"I need to stop by Youth on Their Own since they help take care of all the state stuff and my living needs," Aurie grudgingly adds. "I also have to quit my job too."
"Okay," Steve nods. "We may not be able to come back until Monday, which is fine. Anything else we'll need to take care of?"
Aurie shakes her head.
"All right, now there's something else I need to ask you about. Judge Dobrik suggested we locate your mother."
"Why?" Aurie asks, horrified at the idea.
"Unless a custodial agreement is reached or her parental rights are severed, there's the possibility she could come back later and fight me for you."
"She won't."
"We don't know that," Steve reasons, baffled by her abrupt answer.
"She won't do that," Aurie emphatically insists.
"Are you sure?" he prods.
"Yes."
"Well, you may be sure, but I don't want to take the chance." Steve's exasperation is clear. "Dad said it's been a couple of years since you've seen her, but starting with her last known location would be helpful."
"I don't remember."
"You don't remember where you lived with her last?" He gapes at her incredulously.
"Nope," she shakes her head. "I didn't know any English, was brand new to this country, and had no clue where we were."
"You attended some school to learn English, right?" At her grudging nod, he adds, "You should be able to remember the name of the school."
"I don't know!" she snaps.
"Or don't want to tell me?" he challenges. When she only glares, his gaze hardens. "Resisting everything we're trying to do for you and being stubborn isn't going to change what I have to do. You're my daughter and I'm going to fight for you."
"How noble," she sneers. "And for how long?" she challenges. "And if I'm being such a problem and you've already got everything figured out, what do you need me for? I don't know shit and my input isn't important." She stands up. "Just let me know what time we're leaving tomorrow," she snarls, stepping around to the back of the sofa towards the deck.
"Where are you going?" Steve asks, standing up to round the sofa on the other end to block her way.
"To take a breather on the dunes."
"No, you're not," he growls, grasping her upper arm.
Jerking her arm out of his grip, she takes a step back and glares at him heatedly.
"You've been behaving like a brat, giving attitude left and right," he glares back at her harder. "We've been giving you as much space as possible and you won't even bother giving an inch. You even threw an unnecessary tantrum causing a scene in court today." He ignores her outraged expression. "Go to your room and get ready for tomorrow. Try to think about the fact you've got to consider others in this situation."
Aurie barely waits for him to finish speaking before turning to race out of the room towards the bedrooms. Hearing her door slam only makes him angrier. Taking a deep breath, he heads down to his unit to get dressed for a long run.