Mathematicians and Scientists (Saanvi×Ben)

Chapter 7: Divorces and Drama

Ben

Today is the day. Today is the day I get divorced- the day of the court date- the day they will decide how much time I will spend with my children.  To say I am terrified is an understatement.

I put on a blue suit and look in the mirror. I adjust my black tie and take one final look before checking my phone.

Good luck today.  Let me know how things go. -Saanvi.

She is always so encouraging. I'm grateful that I have been able to spend more time with her lately. She is amazing. 

I drive over to Michaela's. She agreed to come and so we decided to drive over together. She has some encouraging words on the drive over. She gives me some advice about staying calm and letting my lawyer do that talking.

We get there a few minutes early and have to sit in the hallway. Shortly after, Grace arrives with Danny, and I try to conceal my eyeroll. The four of us sit there awkwardly until our  lawyers arrive and they let us in.

I sit at the table on the left and Grace sits at the one on the right. My lawyer goes over a few things, and informs me she is fighting for 50/50 custody.

The judge bangs her gavel and starts the meeting.  She talks about the divorce, and gives us the papers which we both sign.

She then starts talking about custody, and Grace's lawyer proposes she takes them on weekdays and I take them on weekends that aren't holidays.

"No wa-" I start to say before I remember Michaela's advice. I sit down and instead tell my lawyer.

She stands up and says, "Your Honor, my client would like to have 50/50 custody of the children."

My lawyer presents the judge with evidence of my stable finances and apartment. Grace's lawyer presents some papers as well and our lawyers begin to argue.

It is then that I find out that Grace is almost $500, 000 in debt. She spent all of my life insurance money and now owes it back.

After this fact is revealed,  my lawyer starts to move for me to have full custody given her unstable financial state.

I take a moment to think. I know the kids need both of their parents.

I go against Michaela's advice and make my own proposal.

"What if Grace and I trade off who gets the kids every other week. The kids need their mother too.  I can't have full custody. We can let them have some choice of where they want to be. I don't want to force them to go anywhere they don't want to be. "

Grace stands up and agrees. The judge says that it is fine, but she will be reviewing this case and the financial situations, and if either of us becomes unfit to take care of the kids, she will give the other full custody. 

We sign the papers and leave. Michaela takes me back to her place and gives me some tea.

"Well how does it feel to be divorced?" She asks me.

"Actually,  not all that bad. I am grateful for having the kids, and besides, Grace hasn't been the same since we returned anyways."

Michaela's phone rings, and I see that it's Jared.  She tries to put it away, but I tell her to answer it. She leaves the room, but when she returns, she says she has to go. A thief drove his heist van into the lake downtown. She needs to be there for the recovery of the van and the money. 

She tells me I can stay as long as I'd like and leaves. When she leaves, I call Saanvi.  She told me to let her know how the court date went. She doesn't pick up so I try again. I start to worry. There is a lot of 828 hate going on. Is Saanvi okay?

I drive down to work. When I get there,  I go to her lab. She isn't there so I go ask the lady at the front desk.

"Who are you? " she asks me.

"Ben Stone, her friend." I reply.

"Quite a friend to drive all the way down here just because she doesn't pick up."

I don't reply. If Saanvi isn't okay,  I don't have time for this idiotic chit chat.

"It says here that she missed her morning meeting." The lady at the desk replies.

I head straight to her office.  Maybe she left a note or something? I desperately search the room, and only find a flier - for Adrian's stupid church of all places.

I head down there right away. I barge in and shout : "Adrian,  where's Saanvi."

"Brother Ben, welcome, I knew you'd show up here eventually,  but I haven't seen Miss Bahl. "

"Let me look around."

"This church is as much yours as it is mine. Do whatever you'd like."

I begin to look around and find a note.  It is written by a woman named Alice who thinks Saanvi can save her husband. It has an address on the letter and I send it to Michaela.  I head over as fast as possible.  When I get there, Michaela has already arrived. 

"We need to make this quick. They are close to recovering the van so I need to get back."

We look up at the apartment window. At first, there's nothing, then I see a woman walk by with a gun. Seconds later, i see Saanvi walk by with her hands up.

"Oh my god, Saanvi." I say. My head starts to spin, and I can't think of any logical thing to do. I run toward the building. 

"Ben, we need to wait for backup. It's a hostage situation." Michaela shouts, but she follows me up anyways.

I get there first and knock on the door. Alice answers.

"Hello Alice, my name is Ben Stone. I was on 828. I was just at Adrian's church and I saw your flyer. I am here to heal your husband. "