A Second Chance

Chapter 4

The ride back was less exciting. Probably because we were heading back to our normal, stressful lives. When we left the ferry dock, I called Missy so she would have plenty of time to have the kids ready. She sounded happy that they were leaving early. When we pulled up to the house, though, there were several cop cars outside. Both Missy and Dennis were in handcuffs on opposite sides of the yard, screaming at each other. I jumped out of the truck before Jonah could even stop. I ran towards the house before I was stopped by a cop.

“Whoa! Slow down ma’am. Where do you think you’re going?” he asked me.

“My kids are in there!” I cried.

“I thought that young woman over there was their mother?” he said, pointing at Missy.

“She’s their biological mother, yes. But my fiancé, their father, and I have custody of them. Missy is supposed to take them on the weekends,” I explained to him, just as Jonah was walking up behind me.

“Good afternoon officer. Are my kids ok?” he asked.

The officer gave us a reassuring smile. “Your kids are fine Mr……?”

“Ford. Jonah Ford,” Jonah said, offering his hand.

The officer shook his hand. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Ford. I’m sorry it’s under less than fortunate circumstances.”

“Can you tell us what happened?”

The officer looked at Jonah. “Neighbors heard a lot of shouting, as well as other loud noises they said sounded like people throwing things, maybe banging stuff. One of them called 911. We showed up. Both suspects were hostile and fighting with each other. We had to pull them apart, cuff them and separate them. We’ve been questioning each of them as much as we can. So far we know they are both heavily intoxicated. Both have been drinking and both are on drugs. We haven’t been able to ascertain what drugs they are on yet. Both parties will be taken to the station and booked overnight, and then they will appear in court in the morning. Unfortunately, since there were children in the home, child services had to be called. ”

Jonah’s face turned beet red. He did his best to remain calm. “I want to see my children and I want to see them now.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Ford, but we can’t allow that until child services arrives.” I could see how uncomfortable this cop was. He didn’t want to keep a man from his children. But he had to follow rules and protocol.

“Are you f***ing kidding me??” Jonah shouted, scaring me. “I had absolutely nothing to do with this bullsh*t! I take a peaceful weekend getaway with my fiancé to come back and be told I can’t see my f***ing kids!? This is absolute f***ing bullsh*t!”

I grabbed his arm to get his attention. “Hey, Jonah, look at me. I know you are upset and pissed off right now. But yelling at a cop is NOT going to help. I’m sure someone will be here soon and we can get this mess cleared up,” I said to him. “But you have to calm down or you’re gonna end up in cuffs yourself.”

Jonah looked at me, then at the cop before he turned and stormed off.

I turned to look at the cop. “I am so sorry about his outburst.”

“It’s ok ma’am. He’s understandably upset. I’d probably react the same way if I were in his shoes,” he said.

“Thank you for that. I’m not sure many cops would be so understanding.”

“Believe it or not, there’s more of us than you think. There are many officers on the force with children of their own who would move heaven and earth to keep them safe,” the officer said to me.

“Well, thank you. That’s very reassuring.”

He nodded at me before turning around to walk off. I looked around for Jonah. He was near the truck, pacing rapidly. I wasn’t really sure what to do at this point. This was new territory for both of us. As I reached Jonah and the truck, I saw a couple of cars pull up that didn’t have flashing lights on top. I was hoping these were the people from child services so we could get this mess cleared up and get these children home.

The two cars parked. One of them turned out to be an unmarked cop car. Out of the other vehicle stepped an older woman, mid-40’s, very plain looking. She wore a business suit, low heels, minimal jewelry, no make-up and her hair was pinned up in a tight bun. She looked around, presumably for whoever was in charge. She walked up to a man who looked like a detective, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. They talked briefly before he pointed to the house. She nodded at him and headed in the direction he pointed.

I waited for her to come back out. I had a feeling she was who we were waiting for. After about 20 minutes, she came back out. But she had the kids with her. “Jonah!” I called him over. He looked at me and then saw what I was pointing at and started running. I grabbed his arm. “Remember, stay calm,” I said to him.

I took his hand in mine and we walked over to where the lady was standing with Jax and Illy. She looked up at us. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, actually you can,” Jonah said. “You can give me my kids so I can take them home.”

She had a police officer grab the kids, and then looked at my fiancé. “I assume you are their father, Jonah Ford?”

“Yes I am,” he replied.

“Well, I’m sorry Mr. Ford. But the kids are gonna have to come with me while this situation is being investigated,” she said.

“Excuse me? What situation? Obviously my ex-wife had a bad weekend with her dumb*ss of a boyfriend. That has nothing to do with us.”

“Your ex-wife has been abusing drugs and alcohol for a while now, including when the kids are with her. I don’t know if you have ever been inside this place, but it’s disgusting. There’s no actual area for the kids, just some pallets on the floor. There appears to be barely any food in there. And this isn’t the first time the cops have been called here for domestic disturbance. Missy and her boyfriend fight frequently, verbally and physically. Personally, I don’t know how you are not aware of this situation, which makes me question your judgement and abilities as a parent.”

Jonah was so angry he was speechless. I stepped in front of him before he snapped and said or did something he was going to regret. Not to mention, the kids were nearby and didn’t need to see their father snap.

I looked at the child services worker. “I can assure you that we had NO idea all this was going on. Missy has never been consistent in taking the kids. Most of the time they don’t want to go because they say she just sits around and does nothing. They always want to come home early. They were actually supposed to stay until tomorrow. But they asked us last night to come today and we promised we would as soon as we got back, because we were away for the weekend,” I explained to her. “We always ask why they don’t want to see her but all they say is she does nothing with them. And they wouldn’t talk about it or elaborate. Had we known, I promise you, we would have put a stop to the visits until she got herself clean and straight. All we wanted was for the kids to have a relationship with their mother. We never want them to feel like we kept them from her.”

“Well, unfortunately, they still have to go to a foster home. Since there are only 2 of them, we should be able to keep them together. An official investigation will start tomorrow. You will be assigned a case worker who will contact you this week. I just need to get all of your contact information,” she said.

I gave her our address as well as our house phone number and cell numbers. Then I asked her if we could just see the kids for a few minutes. “I made them a promise yesterday and I don’t want them to think I broke it.”

She looked at me and sighed. “Fine. I’m really not supposed to, but I guess a few minutes won’t hurt.”

“Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means, to both of us,” I said. She nodded before gesturing to the officer to bring the kids back. As soon as they saw us they ran into our arms.

“Daddy! These people said we have to go live somewhere new but there would be nice people. I thought we were going home with you??” Illy cried.

Jonah hugged her tightly. “I’m so sorry sweetie. I didn’t know this was gonna happen. But I promise you I am going to do everything in my power to get you both home as soon as possible.”

Jaxson hugged me. “I don’t want to go live with strangers, mom. I want to go home.”

My heart was breaking. “I know bud. But it’s only going to be for a short while. Just until we get everything straightened out. But I need you to do me a big favor, ok? I need you to take good care of your little sister. She’s just as scared as you are and she’s gonna need her big brother. Can you do that for me?” He nodded. “That’s a big brave boy. I promise we are gonna get you home as soon as we can, ok?” He nodded again.

I grabbed both the kids. “We need you both to be brave and to be strong. We are gonna get this figured out and bring you both home. Just hang in there, ok guys?” They both nodded, both trying to hold back their tears. I hugged them to me tight. “I love you both. I promise we’ll get you back.”

They then gave Jonah a big tight squeeze before the worker grabbed them both and led them to her car. I waved to them and blew them kisses as they got in the car. My heart shattered watching as they were driven off, tears streaming down my face. One way or another, we were getting our kids back.

The ride home was quiet and tense. I could feel the anger rolling off of Jonah. I had never seen him like this. But then these were very serious, very dire circumstances. As soon as we got home, Jonah called his lawyer to tell him what happened and see if he could suggest a family or custody lawyer to help us with the kids’ case. Luckily, Mr. Costa had given us his cell phone number in case we came across any important information. He gave Jonah a few names and numbers of lawyers he knew. He also offered to reach out to them on our behalf and see if he could get one of them to give us a call first thing in the morning. There wasn’t much else we could do, seeing as it was Sunday and we weren’t going to get any new information from child services until later in the week.

It was still early in the evening, but neither of us had any desire to do anything. I offered to make us food, but neither of us had much appetite. We basically moped about the rest of the night until we were both able to fall asleep.

The next morning, I called my boss and requested the week off for personal issues. After explaining what happened, she was so understanding and told me to take all the time I needed. I had an excellent boss! My second job was working from home, so I could at least do some of that to keep my mind busy. Jonah started on projects around the house, repairs that needed to be done, among other things. He liked to work with his hands, especially when he was stressed. It helped to keep his mind busy. We both had a light breakfast, since neither of us was very hungry, but we needed to keep our strength up. Around 11:45, Jonah’s phone rang.

“Hello?” I heard him say. “Yes it is…..oh yes, how are you?.....Well, long story short, my ex was arrested for a number of reasons, and since she had the kids and she’s been having legal issues that I knew nothing of, the kids were taken by child services…….Yes, I gave them all my information and the lady who took them said they were starting the investigation today and I should get a call from a case worker later this week……Uh huh…….No, not at all…….Well, they hadn’t been there in a few weeks, because she’s inconsistent with her weekend visits………No, they don’t. They even call us to come get them early, and she always wants to cut the weekends short…….Because we want to allow them to have a relationship with her, we never want them to feel like we kept them from her……Yes, but they never wanted to tell us much, just that she doesn’t really do anything with them…….No she and her ex were both arrested and were supposed to be arraigned today…..Ok…….Ok……..I understand……..Great! Thank you so much!.....Yes, talk to you soon…..ok….bye.” Jonah finally hung up and turned to me.

“Well?” I asked, since I couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation.

“Well, that was one of the lawyers Mr. Costa had recommended. She had a few questions about the situation and what happened yesterday. I gave her the brief version. Since we don’t have a case worker yet, this lawyer wants to meet once we find out who we will have and try to get some more information and set up a plan to get the kids back.”

“So, what, you have to call her once you hear from child services?”

“Yes, and since she called from her cell phone, we can call her anytime.”

“And what about her fee? Lawyers don’t come cheap.”

“She said she’s doing this one pro bono. She’s seen similar situations and she really wants to help. It’s not fair to be doing this to us or the kids.”

I sighed. “I just hope this won’t be a long process.”

“Me too, babe. I can’t even tell you how I feel right now. I’ve never been away from these kids for more than a few days,” Jonah said sadly.

I hugged him tight and just held him. I had no words to soothe his broken heart. All I could do was show him that I loved him and that I will be here for him and fight by his side to get his children back.

FLASHBACK

“So, you’re telling me that you believe the world runs backwards?” I ask Jonah. We have been talking for over an hour today. It’s been over a year since our first conversation and we talk almost every day.

“Yes, it does. All of this has happened before. One day, everything will collapse and we will be starting over in caveman days and doing it all over again,” he replies.

“So basically what you’re saying is that the world is like a broken record stuck on repeat.”

“Sure, if that’s how you want to look at it.”

I laughed. “You have a strange way of explaining things.”

“Then prove me wrong,” he challenges me. I have gotten to know him well enough to know he was a quick-witted smart*ss. But I didn’t mind at all. He always makes me laugh.

“I don’t think I can prove your theory right or wrong.”

“So then you can’t tell me it’s not possible; it does make sense,” Jonah says.

“Sure, Jonah, whatever you say,” I respond with a huge smile on my face. “Anyways, you still gonna come down tomorrow?” Jonah and I had been talking on the phone all this time but haven’t met yet.

“That’s the plan. I already got my parents to let me use their car.”

“They said yes? With just your permit?” I ask confused.

“Oh my God! Didn’t I tell you? I took my road test the other day and passed. With flying colors, I might add,” he says, smugly.

“No, you didn’t jack*ss! Congratulations though. I’m very proud of you,” I tell him.

“Thanks! They’re only giving me 2 hours with it, so unfortunately we won’t have long to hang out.”

“That’s ok. We’ll make the best of it,” I say excitedly.

“Ok. Well, I should go; I have to go to work soon.” He works evenings at the gas station near his house.

“Ok,” I say sadly, “I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Yes, and you’ll be seeing me, so cheer up!”

I smile to myself. “Ok, I’ll do my best.” We both say good-bye and hang up.

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It’s the following day and I’m pacing our small apartment. I live with my mom. I have the bedroom and she turned the parlor into a bedroom for her. Jonah is due to arrive anytime, and I’m nervous as f*ck.

“Stop pacing,” my mom says.

“I can’t help it! This is the first time we’re meeting in person. I mean, yes we’ve been talking for over a year, and I consider him one of my best friends. But what if meeting changes things somehow?”

“You are gonna be fine. Just be yourself and let things go as they should,” she says. “Just take a deep breath and try to calm down.”

I take a deep breath, let it out, then decide to take a few more until I feel my heartrate slowing down. A couple of minutes later, I hear the downstairs door open and someone coming up the stairs.

“Sh*t! He’s here!” I squeak. My mother shakes her head. I know she thinks I’m being dramatic. But then I hear a knock on the door and my heart speeds up again. I take deep breaths as I walk over to the door and open it. On the other side stands a tall, very large and stocky young man with orange hair, with his facial hair colored to match. It’s also all in mini-pigtails. His whole head and beard, mini-pigtails. He has a couple of facial piercings, as well as a few tattoos on him that I can see. He is wearing a bright orange outfit that you can see coming from a mile away. He has gorgeous blue eyes, and a sexy smile. In all, I’m not sure if I’m attracted to him or not and it makes me feel awkward.

“Jonah! Hi!” I say.

“Hi yourself,” he replies.

“I see you found the place ok,” I say, making small talk.

“Yea, it wasn’t too hard to find,” he laughs.

I smile. “Um, so this is my mom, Sue. I live here with her.”

Jonah offers his hand. “Nice to meet you,” he says.

Mom shakes his hand. “Likewise.”

I stand there for a moment, not knowing what to say. I hate being so damn awkward!

“So, uh, what else do you have planned for the day?” I ask Jonah.

He smiles. “Not much,” he says. “My mom asked me to stop at the store on my way home. She gave me a list and money. She said it will save her from having to go out if she doesn’t have to.”

“Sounds fun,” I laugh.

“Not really. But at least they are letting me use their car. Plus I have to work at the station tonight and I have my paper run in the morning.”

“Gotta make that money!” I say and then inwardly slap myself. Why am I such a dork?

He laughs and shakes his head. “If you say so. And what will you be doing?” he asks me.

“Probably read. I just got the new Stephen King book and I’m dying to sink my teeth into it.”

“I hope you don’t mean that,” he teases. “It may not taste good. Besides, what did that book ever do to you?”

I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. What the f*ck? I think to myself. He’s left me speechless. And then I laugh because not many people can do that.

We exchange a few more pleasantries before he has to head out, as he still has to do stuff for his mom.

“Well, drive safe and call me when you get home, so I know you made it safe,” I tell him.

He laughs. “Yes, mom.” I lightly smack his arm. “Ok, ok. I’ll call, ok?”

“That’s better,” I said. We hug and say our good-byes and then he walks down the stairs and out the door. I close the door and lean against it. “Well,” I say to my mom, “that was awkward.”