Separated by only a couple of states, Michael Junior is miserable in California. He's lost nearly everything in such a short time. His father sold his Camaro, barely gets groceries for Michael Junior, and Michael belittles his son to no end every day.
One way he's been trying to cope is drinking, but even that doesn't help the misery. The pain of being stranded and left to fend for himself, Michael finds himself walking with pocket change to get anything off a dollar menu.
While he's walking along the side of the road, his probation officer pulls up to offer him a ride.
"Michael, hey, get in, kid! Let's chat!" Mr. King calls out.
"What in the Sam Hill are you doing walking along the road? Where's your car?"
Huffing from the dry heat, Michael leans forward, enjoying the cool blast of AC.
"My dad took everything from me. Since I sided and wanted to be with my mom, he's been a real dickhead. I know this is going to get me in trouble, but I'm done lying. I've been drinking to be able to put up with him. I miss my mom!" Michael states with tears forming in the corners of his eyes.
"Thank you for being honest with me, but you've probably been a little too honest. Drinking, that means I must test you, and if you fail, take you in." Mr. King states with noticing Michael Jr. not argue his point.
"I understand, sir. I'm sorry I screwed up. It's probably best that I am thrown in juvie to get away from my dad."
This is the first time Mr. King has ever witnessed any remorse from Michael Jr. For him, and it's an unforeseen declaration that sends shockwaves through his psyche.
"Well, maybe then, since it's just us that I can look the other way. Just this once, though, but as far as getting you with your mother. I don't know what I can do about that. All I can do is present any evidence to the judge and push for a transfer, but it's not a definite thing."
Michael doesn't budge. He's just along for the ride and stares out the window, afraid of what's about to happen.
On the flip side of the developing situation, Elizabeth sits there with her side of the family. Logan picks up the vibe that something is amiss. He waits for the right time, and when he taps his finger on Lucinda's thigh, she picks up on the signal and gets Kaitlin's attention.
"Hey kid, how does some ice cream sound? This baby is craving some vanilla!" Lucinda explains.
Together they giggle their way to the counter, allowing Logan to dig quickly.
"I can see it in your eyes; what's wrong, and don't you dare bullshit me." He begins not wasting time.
"It's M.J. he's stuck in a bad way, and I can't do anything to help my son. How can I protect my child? Matt said he was going to see what he could do, but it's not something I can sit here and not worry about."
Logan takes control and pulls his phone from his pocket.
"Hey, if Matt said he's going to try, then he'll do just that. We both know he can get things done, but if you want sis-in-law, I can try to throw out my hand to help him. Two heads are better than one." Logan offers to ease her worries.
"No, if Matt can't help, then I'll have to go back to California and fight for custody myself."
"You can't. In a couple of days, you start your new life! You can't bail on the first day!"
Elizabeth makes a final counter-argument that seemingly shuts Logan up.
"He's my son, my only son, and I would move Heaven and Earth to Hell to get my son back with me. His father is a real jealous piece of work. If it means I have to end up in prison to protect him, then I will go that far."
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Cherry Skies
RomansLife isn't always easy, especially for Elizabeth Reed. Elizabeth recalls refusing to marry the man she thought was her dream. Her father cast her out and pushed her away. Growing up believing that it would always be fun in the California sun is what...
