A Child's Wish
895 Words
Crystal was so nervous as she inspected the children's outfits for court. She had been careful not to discuss the custody hearing with them per her lawyer's instructions. He told her it would look bad if any conversation came across as her trying to sway their thoughts on the matter. When they asked what was going to happen, she had just said the judge was going to ask them what they want and then tell her and Janice his decision. That was all she knew and that they would hear the decision at the same time.
Crystal and the kids walked in to the courthouse holding hands. They spotted Janice across the room. She yelled "Jacob and Emma, Mommy loves you" as they walked across the lobby. The kids did not say anything. They gripped their Nana's hand even tighter. She whispered that it was ok as they got on the elevator. When they stepped off the elevator her lawyer was waiting on them. She introduced him to the kids.
The lawyer proceeded to take them in to a conference room. Emma and Jacob, has your Nana discussed what is going on with you. Yes sir. What did she say. She said the judge wants to talk about where we want to live. I see. Is that all. Yes sir. She said she does not know any thing else. Alright. Well when we get in there, the judge is going to ask the two of you to go in his chambers or office with him. It will be just the three of you and a court reporter taking notes. You do not have to be scared. Just be honest with him on how you feel ok? Yes sir. It appeared Jack was going to do most of the talking. The lawyer looked over to Emma, Emma do not be scared to tell him what you want ok. Yes sir she whispered.
They exited the office and entered the courtroom. A few people went before them. Janice sat there starring at the kids the whole time. Dabbing at her eyes as if she was trying not to cry. The judge finally called them to the front. They judge read off why they were there. He asked Janice's lawyer if that was correct. Yes your honor. He then asked Crystal's lawyer if the childen were present. Yes your honor. The lawyer motioned for Emma and Jacob to come forward. We have Emma and Jacob here your honor. Nice to meet you Emma and Jacob. Do you know why we are here? Jacob spoke up and said yes sir. Why do you think we are here young man? To decide who we should live with. Correct. Has anyone talked to you about why we are here. Yes sir. Mr. Smith said you were going to talk to us in your office about who we want to live with and not to be scared. Just tell you the truth. That is good. Anything else. No sir. Good. I am going to take a minute to speak with Emma and Jacob in my chambers. We will be in recess until I return. Janice's lawyer said he objected. The judge looked at him and said I am confused as to what you are objecting to. Your honor, we fear that the children's minds may have been poisoned against their mother. Well this is not my first rodeo. I will be able to tell what is going on.
The judge stood and asked Emma and Jacob to join him. They went in to his office. Have a seat please. The two took a seat in front of his desk. The judge took off his robe, hung it up, and took a seat at his desk. Well you too, I do not want you to be scared. In here you can say whatever you want to with out your mother or Nana hearing you. Ok? Yes sir. Emma, what do you think of your mother? She shrugged her shoulders. Come on Emma, you can say it. Sir, I do not know her. OK. What about you Jacob? I hate her. Hate is a strong word Jacob. Why do you hate her? Nana says our mother loves us in her own way but she doesn't. She lied to us and left us. What did she lie about? She told us she was going to the store and left us on Nana's porch. I see. How did it feel being left on the porch. I thought she was coming back but she didn't. OK. Emma, what do you think of your Nana? I love Nana. She takes care of us. Jacob? Nana is our mother. She has always taken care of us. She made sure we had what we needed and took care of us when we were sick. Would the two of you like to get to know your mother? Emma shrugged her shoulders. Jacob? no! She will just leave again. Did your mother ever call or come see you while you have been living with your Nana? No sir. Alright. The two of you have answered my all my questions. Is there anything else that you would like to tell me? Emma teared up. Please do not take us away from our Nana. We wish to stay with her. Do not worry sweetheart. Everything will be alright.
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