He Saved Me

Chp 74

Michael's POV
"Mr. Jackson, please keep your emotions in check," Judge Davis stated. I felt as though I couldn't even hear her. My ears were burning and I felt like I was going to throw up. Family court isn't something I'm used to. I never had to fight for custody. Debbie and I had an agreement, even Blanket's mother. How do I remain calm, while these bastards are sitting up there and lying? They claim to be perfect parents. They claim to have treated her like a human being. I'm so glad Mia is not here to hear any of this. They're discrediting everything she has worked on sharing with me in therapy. They're discrediting everything I had seen at the hospital.
Will the judge even believe me? There is no jury that I could possibly convince. I hope they'll at least believe Mia. The court appointed psychologist took her to a different room to ask her questions in private. This is sickening. "We never laid a finger on her in anger. We tried our best," Mia's biological father stated. He wouldn't even look me in the eye. Coward. The mother sat across from him with a smug look on her face. Tom gave me an assuring look before he got up to cross examine him. All I could think about was Mia. I hope she's doing okay, hopefully better than I am.
"Mr. Jackson, please answer the question," Judge Davis stated. I was in a daze. I hate courts. I hate child abusers. I hate all of this. I cleared my throat before answering, "No I did not."
"So let me get this straight, you didn't wait the court appointed time before adopting their child?" asked their lawyer. I squeezed my eyes shut. Their child. She is not their child anymore.
     "I had my lawyers work all the legal matters out with the social worker," I answered.
     "You mean you used your fame and money to bend the law," he stated.
     "Objection your honor," Tom yelled out.
     "Sustained. Do you have anymore questions for Mr. Jackson? Judge Davis asked as she gave him a pointed look. Who knew a public defender could have the balls to do half the shit he's doing up here?
     "That is all your honor," he answered
     "You may step down Mr. Jackson" she said. I can't even remember what I was asked. I don't understand how this is even happening. Thank God the judge called for a lunch break, I was suffocating in there. A decision was to be made soon after. Mia was still with the psychologist. I can't imagine what they might be asking her. She's already had such a tough day.

Mia's POV
     "Is Mr. Jackson home a lot?" the lady questioned. I don't know who she is. Daddy tried explaining, but I wasn't really paying attention. I caught a glimpse of my other parents when he introduced me to the lady. I never thought I'd have to see them again. Daddy told me California is far away from New York.
     "Yeah he's home," I replied.
     "A lot?" she questioned.
     "I don't know?" I said unsure. What kind of a question is that?
     "Mia, how about you tell me how you met Mr. Jackson," she said with a smile. She seemed nice, but Daddy always tells us not to trust everyone.
     "He came to my hospital to give me toys," I said happily. I still remember that day so clearly. I was in so much pain, but then Daddy came and changed my life. He saved me.
     "Just you?" the lady questioned. I rolled my eyes.
     "How would I know?" I asked sarcastically. I looked around, growing tired of answering stupid questions. "Can I go back to my Dad now?" I asked impatiently.
     "Just a few more questions honey," she replied. I groaned and slouched back into my chair.
     "Does Mr. Jackson ever make you feel uncomfortable?" she asked.
     "No," I replied simply.
     "Are you sure? You can tell me. This is a safe space," she said.
     "No I'm not uncomfortable with him," I answered. But she didn't seem too happy with my answer.
     "Has Mr. Jackson ever hit you Mia?" she asked.
     "We don't call it hit," I replied.
     "Oh? What do you call it then?" she asked intrigued.
     "They're called spankings," I said in a hushed tone. I'm not exactly ecstatic about my punishments. The lady instantly had a big grin plastered on her face. I think she's someone I shouldn't trust. "It's not really hitting. I'm never hurt," I said trying to make this better. She simply nodded and continued jotting things down. "Can I go to my Dad now?" I asked again.
     "Soon," she replied.

Michael's POV
     It's time. The judge is about to make or break Mia's life. I was silently praying, to whichever God is up there, to please let me keep my child. I was growing more impatient with each passing second. Why was she still writing? Why haven't they brought Mia up to speak? Where the fuck is Mia?
     "After listening to each side of this ordeal, and careful assessment of our psychologist, it has come to my attention that you, Mr. Jackson have not been completely honest with the court today." she stated disappointingly. WHAT? "Mia has shared with the psychologist, that much like her biological parents, she has experienced abuse in your care. Due to there being a minor involved, I don't feel comfortable sending this child back with either family. Therefore, I have decided to place Mia Jackson in foster care while we sort this mess out. She is with a social worker as we speak. I hope all parties involved will think of this child's well-being before making any decisions that may make things worse for her. Thank you. Court is adjourned."
     I fell into my seat. I can see Tom speaking to me. But I can't hear him. I can see everyone looking at me, yet I can't seem to figure out what just happened. The room looked like it was spinning. The walls felt like they were closing in on me. Someone handed me a glass of water but I'm not sure who. After several minutes, I felt like I could breathe again. Did I really just lose my daughter? I don't even know who to go to. I can't lose her. "I never abused my daughter," I said.
     "I know Michael. I know that, trust me. I don't know what went on in that room with Mia and the psychologist. But I will get the transcript and figure this out," he assured me.
     "She's going to a fucking stranger's house Tom! I didn't even get to see her. She's probably so scared! How could I let this happen?!" I cried in anger. I saw security guards approaching me, but I didn't care. "I need my child back!"
     "I'm going to ask for a private meeting in the judge's chambers. We will get her back Michael," Tom said as he patted my shoulder. "But you have to be strong. You can't let this break you. The tabloids are going to have a field day with this. You have to be strong... for Mia," he stated.

For Mia.

* Hi, I know it's been like a year since I updated. I apologize. Life got in the way and 2020 was just blah in general. I don't know if anyone is still interested in this story, but I will try my best to update more 💕 *