Let's Ride

Chapter 22

Chapter 22 A Fine Kettle of Fish

I stopped at a convenience store along M-60 to fuel up, then continuing on, we rode through the Michigan countryside, turning in a little town of Cassopolis, I had a sheriff's car behind me so I had to be real careful. Continuing east we passed a lot of farm land, slowing as we passed through a little burg called Vandalia, farther down the road, I noticed a sign for a local ski resort, I didn't notice anything in the way of mountains or even anything that could pass for decent foot hills, unfairly comparing them to the resorts in Utah. Before long we were entering Three Rivers, I spotted "Broadway" and made the correct right turn; in no time, we were there, the end of Jessica's sojourn (maybe). I pulled into the drive of the somewhat rundown house, as Jessica and I were taking off our jackets Mrs. Winters came out.

She was a woman a little shorter than myself, somewhat overweight, smoking, light brown hair done up in a non-descript style, and a rather grim expression on her face. I briefly shook hands with her, "You must be Nikki, welcome Marla Winters here." She then hugged Jessica, I watched carefully for any telltale signs, of rejection but saw none. After the two hugged and greeted each other, Mrs. Winters invited us inside, The house had the smell of stale smoke that always told you "smokers" lived here. The house seemed reasonably clean, although my dad wouldn't approve. Jessica's little brother was sitting in a lazy boy watching TV, Mrs. Winters made him turn off the TV as we sat down on the couch. Mrs. Winters kicked things off by saying, "I'm so sorry Jessica, I never meant for you to hear all of that, mom and dad don't hate you if that's what you think," "Oh mom you know they do, I'm your little "mistake" they want to forget." I saw Mrs. Winters glare at Jessica; both started trying to incriminate the other, snapping and biting, God! Why did I have to sit here and listen to this? The back-biting ended in a draw when Mrs. Winters turned to me and said, "I have something very important to ask you, I don't know you, but you're my last hope, otherwise I'll have to get child services involved, and I'd rather not do that." Go Ahead Mrs. Winters, I think I have a hunch on what it is." She gave me a funny look then began, "Would you be willing to become Jessica's guardian until such time as I can get back on my feet?"

Why did I know this was coming? "I would be willing to go to a lawyer and have everything made legal," she added. I took a deep breath, and replied, "Let me state my position on this Mrs. Winters hear me out and listen very carefully, you too Jessica, here it is. First of all I really like Jessica, maybe it's because there's so much of me in her, but before I consent to anything there is another party involved in this I have to consult before any of this can move forward. I live with my father, it's his house, he has rules, I live under those rules, they're not overbearing or too strict, mostly about household responsibilities I cook and clean for him and help with taxes, I don't invite rowdy guests over, and my boyfriend doesn't sleep with me there. Dad's a pretty understanding man I'm so used to his rules I don't think of 'em most of the time, we get along just fine. Jessica would have to abide by those rules, no exceptions, that must be understood up front, now I'm going to call him right now we'll see what he says OK" I looked at Jessica, "You told me this morning you would have no problem living by my rules as well as his, does that still hold?" She looked at me and nodded, "Yes, I understand," "Good, let me call dad right now and see what he says."

"Hello, dad, Oh yeah I'm fine, Jessica's fine as well, in fact we are sitting in her mom's living room right now with her mom, say dad, a situation has come up a very unusual situation that is going to need your approval, Jessica's mom is up against the wall and is going back down to Florida to live with her folks, but for reasons I'll talk to you about later, cannot take Jessica, she wants me to become Jessica's legal guardian, but I told her that can't happen until I talk to you, since Jessica would be living in your house under your rules." There was silence for a few moments, "So you're going to be bringing her back here?" "Kinda looks like it dad." "I see." More silence, then "And Jessica agrees to this?" "Yes she does dad," "Put Jessica on." I handed the phone to Jessica, "He want's to talk to you," Jessica took the phone and started talking to dad. I could tell he was telling her pretty much the same thing I did. Finally, I heard her say, "Yes I would Mr. Cormak, Nikki's told me the same thing, and I told her I would have no problem with your rules." She handed the phone back to me, "Dad?" "As long as she fully understands how things work around here I have no problem with her moving in with us, she'll be your responsibility."