Inherit the Wind

"Now these are unusual circumstances, Mr. Greeley, " the blonde lawyer gave him a harsh stare from under her glasses. "You're unmarried, never been a father to any previous children, and your employment history is quite sparse.

The young man swallowed nervously, "Yes ma'am. I know I don't have a stellar record, but I found the baby, and I wish to raise him myself. My father recently passed away, and I don't have any family left."

She let out a crack of a sympathetic look before schooling her features into seriousness. "Only 3% of single men were accepted to adopt a child, so the statistics are against you."

Kevin struggled not to lose his temper. "Well it's statistics like that who discourage men from even applying. Every child has a right to a home."

The woman pursed her lips sourly. "I know that the previous administrator, Clara, has told you that you have the job and the adoption, but she has never spoken to any of us in person. I'm afraid we'll have to rescind the offer and the child."

The Greeley son shouted then. "No! You can't! It was my destiny to adopt the baby."

"Go before I have you escorted out, Mr. Greeley. You can reapply after you get some work experience."

The man sighed, and left, wishing his lost son all the luck he could give.

TBAATBAATBAATBAATBAA

Happier Ending

"You've recently been employed by the Joseph Wellman Home for Children. Your father has also liquidated his estate to benefit said establishment. You understand that the money you're in charge of is for the children only. NOT to line your pockets.

The young man nodded firmly. "I'm familiar with accounting. Every penny would be tracked so none of it can be embezzled."

The lawyer confirmed his commitment to honesty. "Well the previous administrator, Clara, submitted all of your paperwork, her recommendation for the job, and the completed application for the baby's adoption. It looks like everything was approved, so despite the odds, you have both a new job and a new son."

Kevin Greeley beamed with pride and happiness. This was how his life was meant to be all along. Not filled with empty parties, but with the joy of a son's laughter.

This story was way too idyllic. Who lets a stranger adopt a newborn baby? I love Charlie Schlatter especially from the series Diagnosis Murder. Cloris Leachman as the adoption administrator was cute and quirky. Bill Cosby was sobering. I dislike the Keb Mo singing portions. It really dragged the storyline down.

Hope to post more,

Grignard