Third Time's The Charm

Chapter 12

We had made our way through the list of adoption lawyers that Rebecca had provided for us. Sister Linda had apparently built a reputation for herself, making it difficult for any parent to adopt one of 'her boys' as she would call them. Every single lawyer we spoke to refused to take her on in court. She was notorious for dragging out the process, oftentimes making false claims about the adopting couple.

"Okay, thank you for your time," Maya said as she hung up the phone.

"So?" I asked.

"He said that he was sorry but that he couldn't take our case," she sighed.

"Uuuugh! What are we supposed to do now?! Rebecca gave us a list with about fifty fucking lawyers on it and you're telling me that not one, not a single one will take our case?!" I said, standing up from my chair.

"Apparently, but at least.." Maya started.

"Apparently?! cosa cazzo intendi a quanto pare? questa è una stronzata Maya! (what do you fucking mean apparently? this is bullshit Maya!)" I yelled. I was now pacing back and forth, cursing the world for throwing every possible obstacle our way.

"Okay, I understand that you're angry and frustrated, but I have no idea what you're saying. All I know is that you're yelling at me and it is not my fucking fault!" Maya yelled back.

I took in a breath and slowly let it out before sitting back at the dining room table. "You're right. I'm sorry. This is all just really frustrating and overwhelming," I apologized.

"Yeah and not just for you. We've exhausted our list and there's nothing else we can do right this second. So let's just place our focus on Ezra and the fact that we got visitations back, okay?" she responded. I nodded and took her hand in mine, rubbing the back of it with my thumb. My wife was right. We needed to enjoy what we had while we had it.

Maya picked up her phone and dialed the group home. She was able to set up a visit for that coming weekend. It had been several weeks now since we had seen Ezra, so I spent the rest of the night washing Ezra's sheets and getting his room ready. Maya had gone out to the grocery store to stock up on all of his favorites. We needed this weekend to be perfect.

That week went by exceptionally slow. The anticipation for the weekend to come building more and more each day, but it had finally arrived. We arrived at the group home with excitement bubbling in our hearts. We had been longing for this day for weeks- the day we would take our future son out for a special day once again.

As we walked through the doors we were greeted by Ezra's bright smile, his eyes sparkling with anticipation and excitement.

"You're here!" he shouted, running toward Maya and I. He gripped onto my legs like his life depended on it, doing the same to my wife shortly after.

"Piccolino, how are you?" I greeted, picking him up. He gave me another hug. He held me as tightly as he could, his face nuzzled into the crook of my neck.

"I missed you," he said. My eyes immediately teared up.

"We missed you too bud," Maya responded, rubbing his back.

"We have a special day planned out for us. Are you ready to go, bambino?" I said clearing my throat.

"Arcade?" he asked excitedly.

"Hmm, not quite," added Maya.

With that, we embarked on a day filled with adventure and laughter. We started off at the local zoo, where Ezra's fascination with animals shone through as he eagerly pointed out each creature and asked countless questions. He was particularly fond of the zoo's extensive reptile collection. Maya and I couldn't help but smile at his curiosity and enthusiasm. We visited the gift shop on our way. Ezra picked a number of animal stuffies, most of them lizards or snakes, as well as a souvenir cup and sweatshirt. Maya spotted a photo booth just before the exit and of course we couldn't pass that up.