Veronica's POV
Last night after Sandra revealed to me the real reason they came back home, everything in me wanted to go find Drew himself and knock his head off his shoulders. Sandra and Amber made me promise that I wouldn't involve myself during the custody battle. Amber didn't want an attorney; she just wanted to tell the real truth and go on with her life. Of course, I argued, but eventually I gave in and made my promise. I barely got any sleep because something about this whole situation just didn't sit right with me. So, when Sandra, Amber and Amaiyah left for court this morning, I called a colleague of mine and asked her if she could search something for me. I found out that J. Drew's mother and sister hired the infamous Annalise Keating as their attorney, I'm pretty sure unbeknownst to Amber. I was not about to sit around and let this happen so I'm currently gathering my paperwork so I can head to the courthouse. Karen and Kierra won't know what hit them.
*Harris County Civil Courthouse*
Amber's POV
Today is the first day of many. J. Drew and I have our First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment with the judge that will be presiding over our case. My mom and Amaiyah of course came along for moral support. Ja'Layeah wouldn't be in this part so she is at the daycare that the courthouse has. I will be seeing the other half of Ja'Layeah's family for the first time in 4 years. I have no clue what to expect, but I do know that I want to get this whole ordeal over so I can go on about my life. I was sitting at the table with my mom and Amaiyah sitting behind me, patiently waiting for J. Drew and his puppeteers to arrive.
"How are you feeling Amber?" my mom asked
"To be honest, I'm little nervous. Who knows what they've told the courts when they filed?" I replied
"Listen, just remember that we have God on our side. He above all knows the real truth. Just sit there and pray like I taught you." My mom spoke
"Peace (Piece) passes all understanding. The book of Amaiyah Chapter 8 verse 3." Amaiyah spoke earning a pinch from my mom
The doors opened and in walked J. Drew, Karen, Kierra, and some unfamiliar woman. Shortly after the bailiff ordered us to stand as he presented the judge.
"All Rise! The honorable Judge Lynn Toler, presiding. You may be seated."
"Good morning everyone. I have with the Plaintiffs, Karen, John Drew, and Kierra Davis. I also have the defendant, Amber Riley. It is to my knowledge that Ms. Davis, you and your daughter Kierra filed custody papers against Miss Riley here stating that she is refusing to allow you to see your grandchild, that she shares with your son John. Is that correct?" Judge Toler asked
"That is correct your honor." Karen and Kierra replied
"Miss Riley in your counter defense you say that you are not refusing them to see their grandchild and you just want the truth to be told so you can get on with your life. Is that correct?" Judge Toler asked me
"That is correct your honor." I answered
"I also see that The Davises have an attorney representing them during this time. Greetings to you Annalise." Judge Toler spoke
"Good Morning your honor." Annalise replied back
"Before we begin, I do want to inform all parties involved, that you are under oath. Today is only the preliminary, which means I will only have the parents of the child involved answering my questions and once I get all of the information that I need, I will then contact Miss Riley and Annalise on the next scheduled court date. I understand Miss Riley, that you live in Charlotte, I need to know if staying here in Houston for an allotted amount time will not hinder you in any way?" Judge Toler asked
"No, your honor, it won't." I replied
"Great. Shall we begin. Miss Riley, I'm going to start with you. I'm just going to ask a few simple questions about your daughter to clarify that the information I have in front of me is correct. What is her name, and if you could give me the correct pronunciation?" Judge Toler asked me
"Ja'Layeah Amaiyah Riley. It is pronounced J-Lay-Yuh and there's an apostrophe after the "a"." I answered
"Age, birthday?" Judge Toler continued
"She is 5 years old, and her birthday is April 6, 2016."
"Thank you, Miss Riley. Ms. Davis I'm going to come to you know. Why is it that you and your daughter filed the petition in court and not your son?" Judge Toler asked Karen
"*mumbles* Because he's a puppet and they're holding the strings." Amaiyah and Sandra whispered
"Shhhh." I looked back at them and motioned
"We filed the petition because my son had gotten into some trouble and during that time, my daughter and I were elected as primary guardianship until he got himself together." Karen explained
After about 45 minutes of answering the judge's questions, Judge Toler was about to give her final remarks
"I think we've had enough for today. I believe that I have all the information from the parents, paternal grandmother, and aunt that I need. In the upcoming days, I will be hearing from Miss Riley's mother and her best friend, along with Miss Ja'Layeah herself. In the meantime, I-." Judge Toler stopped midsentence
Everyone turned and looked at the court doors opening and to my surprise Aunt Roni was walking in
"Well, if it isn't one of best top attorneys to ever work in the city of Houston, Veronica Davis. What brings you by?" Judge Toler asked
"Good Morning, Judge Toler. I'm actually here on business. Please excuse my tardiness, the traffic was hectic on the way here. I will be representing Miss Riley here for the custody battle." Veronica explained
"You are?" Judge Toler and Amber asked
"She is?" Karen and Kierra asked shockingly
"I am." Veronica replied
I'M BACK!!!! 🤸🏽♀️🤸🏽♀️🎉🎊
I really this update was to your liking. I'll try to update before Thanksgiving
PEACE ☮✌🏽 AND LOVE 💜💖
YOU ARE READING
Truth Be Told
FanfictionAmber and J. Drew have an intelligent and beautiful 5-year-old daughter together named Ja'Layeah. However J has been keeping a secret. What happens when Amber gets sued by J's mom and sister? Read 📚 and find out 🤫
