Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
CHAPTER #10
After the wedding, things went back to the usual routine. Sophie was selling her trailer, so that they could buy a new truck for the campus. Their honeymoon was delayed, because Shelby needed them both for the next few months. It was time to prepare her for court. Her stepfather was trying to get out of the child molestation charges against him. The darkness that had lifted, came rushing back to her. It was Scott, Daisy, Chris and Peter who kept her from drowning in it.
The talks with Chris helped both of them. Daisy kept Shelby centred and focused on exposing Walt. Scott and Peter were where she felt safest. Scott's arms calmed her and his kisses soothed her soul. Together Shelby became a force to be reckoned with. But the process of preparation for court, also drew out her hate for her mother. That was something that only one on one sessions with Peter, allowed her to control.
As the court date for the Grand Jury Review approached, Shelby asked if Daisy and Scott could come with them. Since it was a closed court, they couldn't be in the courtroom, but they could wait outside. Sophie would stay with them, while Peter would be inside with Shelby. The Prosecutor had skipped the preliminary hearings, so that Shelby and her sister wouldn't be as traumatized.
The prosecutor was providing evidence to the grand jury and that included testimony from Jessica and Shelby. Jess fell apart on the stand, so it was up to Shelby to convince the jury what a monster Walt was. The things she described, made almost all of the jurors tear up. The entire time, Peter held her eye contact. Her mother also testified, but she couldn't look at anyone. The whole process took three days, due to the judge allowing recess time when Shelby broke down. When all the testimony was heard, then the jury went away to decided on their judgement. They didn't take long to issue the criminal indictment.
"We the jury unanimously find the defendant guilty as charged with child molestation and two counts of sexual abuse." The sentence was applied.
Shelby broke down and cried in Peter's arms. The judge dismissed the jury and then slammed the gravel to get order in the court. "The protection of children is paramount and sexual abuse of any kind will not be tolerated by this court. Mrs. Alice Merrick Blaine, I am charging you with failing to report sexual child abuse suspicions. You will be given a suspended sentence of two years where you will perform probation. Once this period has been completed, this court will review the case again. Until such time, custody of Jessica and Shelby Merrick will be granted to Peter and Sophie Scarbrow of Mount Horizon School. This court is adjourned."
Shelby said joyously, "Jess gets to stay with us!"
Peter thanked their lawyer and shook hands. Even the lawyer was impressed with the verdict. "Now you know why I was so happy with the judge we drew. I didn't even have to petition for the girls' custody."
They walked out of the courtroom and Child Services let Jess run over to her sister. They hugged and then everyone joined in for a group hug. Peter had to go with his lawyer and the Child Services agent to fill out the paperwork.
"Jess you get to stay with us at Mount Horizon. Peter and Sophie have custody of us. You don't have to live in THAT house any more," Shelby explained.
"Really? You mean it?" Jess asked still unable to believe her.
"For two years, while mom's on probation. She got charged for not reporting sexual child abuse suspicions. Then this same judge will review custody at that time." Shelby explained to her sister, Scott and Daisy.
"That judge is great, a man with true moral ethics." Daisy said in her usual dry manner.
As the court emptied, their mother tried to approach them, but the lawyer and Sophie intervened. Shelby ignored her mother and Jess just watched her walk away. Peter returned and hugged Shelby again.
"Okay everyone, ready to go home?" He asked.
Scott piped up, "can we eat first, I'm so hungry."
"Celebratory dinner sounds good. How about burgers, soda and fries?" Sophie asked, winking at Peter.
"Can I have a milkshake instead?" Shelby asked.
"Me too," Scott said.
"I'll have a root beer float," Jess added.
"Coke for me," Daisy said, "looks like I'm the normal one."
Peter grinned, "this one time, yes, everyone can have what they want. You all earned it."
They drove to the restaurant in the new minivan and put in their orders. Scott was surprised that Shelby ordered almost the same thing. "You like double bacon cheese burgers and onion rings too?"
Shelby grinned, "not like, love. But I'll stick to a normal chocolate milk shake."
"Hey don't knock my chocolate and cherry shake until you try it," Scott said. When it came, he let her do just that.
"Not bad, but I prefer mine," she said, holding his hand under the table.
Daisy was listening to Peter explain what happened in court, to Sophie. "So because the judge gave their mom a suspended sentence she can't appeal it right?"
Peter nodded yes, since his mouth was full of burger.
"That means for sure, Jess and Shelby stay at Mt. Horizon two more years?"
"That's right," Sophie answered.
"Sweet," Daisy accepted, finishing her fries.
The drive home was a long one, everyone fell asleep except for Sophie and Peter. That surprised the adults, because the teenagers all had been given sugar at dinner.
"It's the stress of the day. I'm sure none of them really slept these last three days," Peter said.
"We were lucky this time," Sophie smiled.
"Luck was on our side for sure. Those two girls can finally get some closure and work towards getting better."
"Do you think they will ever forgive the parents?" Sophie asked.
"Maybe, only time will tell for that."
