Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 72

Aurora

The next week we were due in court. I felt ready. I was ready to fight this. To fight for my daughter. Nothing was going to take her away from. Especially not Harry. I gave him the chance to rethink his actions but he wasn't letting up. This was the choice he had made and his decision was final. There wasn't much more I could do to change his mind about taking legal actions, expect to fight.

And I was going to fight hard.

Odyssey was represent me in court. I wanted to represent myself but she insisted it was best if she did it because my emotions would get in the way. I couldn't say she was entirely wrong.

The judge came into the court room "you may be seated" upon request everyone seated. The court officer represented the case to her. "Your honor, this is a case of Styles vs Hall" She had thanked him before opening the case folder. My nerves were already getting the best of me.

"Mr. Styles you are petitioning the court for full custody of seven year old daughter, Layla Alaska Styles, is that correct?"

"Yes your honor."

"You currently don't have any custody of your child and your signature is not on the birth certificate is that correct?"

"Yes your honor."

"Well, let me hear what Mrs. Dixon's client has to say relative to this and I'll make a determination as we proceed. Mrs. Dixon you could call your first witness please."

"Yes your honor. I call my client Aurora Scarlett Hall."

The judge turned to me, "Could you please come up please Ms. Hall." I responded yes, getting up from my seat to go up to the stand. I took the oath before getting on the stand. My nerves were getting the best of me. I searched the court room for a familiar face. My eyes fell on Layla who sat in the back row with Zayn and Odysseus. Seeing her I was able to calm myself. The rapid beating of my heart returning to a normal rate.

"Mrs. Dixon you may proceed."

AURORA ON STAND - QUESTIONED BY HER LAYWER

"Ms. Hall could you please state the last time your daughter was with you?"

"The last time I was with my daughter was this morning right before we came in today."

"And can you tell me when was the last time the Mr. Styles was with his daughter?"

I turned my attention to Harry, a look of plead washing over his face, but leaving as soon as it came. "It's been three weeks since he last came to see her."

"What kind of environment did your daughter grow up in?"

"A stable and happy home. She was raised by three adults and she grew up with her cousins."

"When was the first time Mr. Styles met Layla?"

"Not that long ago. Almost five months ago he accidentally came to my house and that is when he saw her for the first time since she was born."

"How old was she at this time?"

"She was six years old."

"Why is that Ms. Hall?"

"He and I were not together at the time that I gave birth to Layla. We separated before any of us knew I was pregnant."

"And did you inform him of your pregnancy once you did find out even though you weren't together?"

"I did. I wrote him letters everyday until the day of her birth"

"Did he ever write you back?"