Shootout

(25) Pick Me Up

     "Now Ms. Loyd, how do you think you would be the perfect fit for this child if your boyfriend is in jail? And not to mention you guys aren't married."

      "Y-your honor. Me and my boooyyyfriend would make a perfect f-fiiittt for cccarmellooo." I spoke. "And we plan tooo eventualllyy get married sooon"

The judge squinted her eyes at me as if something was wrong.

     "You good ma'am?" I asked genuinely. Wondering why the hell she looking at me as if I was crazy or something.

     "Um yes I'm fine... And miss, could you go into detail as to why you both would be a perfect fit."

     "His p-p-parentss are fucking crazy-"

     "Language ma'am." She cut me off.

     "Sorry your honor... anywaysss like I was ssssaying... they're craaazy and his mom is heavy on them drugsss aaand his dad is abusive." I nodded confidently.

     "Let me get this correct Ms.Loyd. Your boyfriend is in jail for a murder... so How is your boyfriend the perfect fit for Carmelo if he's in jail and couldn't even make this court hearing because of it?"

     "He's getting out soon." I got defensive. "He's obviously wrongfully convicted." For some reason I lost my balance as I said that and stumbled a little. Causing the judge to look at me even more crazy than what she already had.

     "Penelope, I have to ask... are you okay?"

     "Uhhh, yesss I'm okay... why wouldn't I be okay?" I got smart.

      "Ms, when is the last time you've been drug tested?"

       "Drug tested? Why would I need to be drug tested?" I said with an attitude.

     "I'm sorry, but it seems as if you may be a little high or drunk.... Maybe we can resume next week."

Before I could even respond, the judge was already standing up preparing to leave the courtroom.

The next morning

     "Penelope" A familiar voice said, trying to shake me awake.

As I slowly opened my eyes, my heart sank and I was shook by who was standing in front of me.

It was Bryson.

     "Oh my gosh, Bryson!" I shot up from the bed and held him tightly. "What the fuck you doing here?"

     "They let me go mama." He said, swinging me around and kissing me. "They had no evidence against me so the let me go until the first trial."

     "First trial? What do you mean?"

     "Imma have court soon."

    "Who bailed you out?" I asked curiously.

     "Izzy came and got me... but speaking of court, how was it yesterday?"

     "Oh... it went great." I fake smiled.

     "Great? How did they feel about me not bein' there?"

     "They were pretty much asking how we're gonna get custody of him when you're locked up... but they said we can come back next week."