Ripple Effect

-17-

Gabby sits in her class, bored out of her mind and willing the bell to ring to end it. 

An announcement comes over the intercom, "Gabriela Ortiz, please report to the main office. That's Gabriela Ortiz, please report to the main office." 

She hears the murmurs around her, "Someone's in trouble." 

Looking over in the direction where it came from she gives the group her best, don't fuck with me look and they laugh.

The bell rings and Gabby collects her books from the top of her desk, tucking them between her arm and hip as she makes the walk down the longest hall in the building towards the main office. 

Walking inside, she looks around nervously wondering what's going on or if she did something and is in trouble. 

The principle's door opens, "Ms. Ortiz, we're waiting on you."

Gabby makes her way around the long counter, where the office assistant is still cackling away on the phone. 

"Did I do something? I mean, I was only a few minutes late; am I in trouble?" 

The principle smiles and shakes his head, "You're not in trouble. There are a couple of people here to speak with you, that's all." 

"Oh, okay." She follows him inside and sees two people, one of whom who looks vaguely familiar and has a large smile on her face. 

"Gabby? Hey, I'm Sam; Ava and Mia's sister." 

Gabby can't help but smile as they hug, "It's nice to finally meet you, but, can I ask why you're here?"

Sam tilts her head, "The guy in the suit talking to your Principal is Patrick, he's here on behalf of NC DHHS aka Child Protective Services to ask you some questions about your current living situation and about the possibility of you being relocated to California to live with Ava and Lexa. I'm here strictly to oversee and ensure that everything is above board; I'm not licensed in North Carolina, so I can't actually act as your worker and also it would be a conflict of interest, if I did. Patrick is the worker assigned to your case and he's given permission for me to be here."

"So, what does this all mean?" 

Sam smiles, "It means that things are moving forward. Ava and Lexa had their apartment visit, interviews, financials reviewed, and a bunch of character interviews completed and have been approved to be your new Guardians. Basically, this interview is just a formality." 

The gentleman in the suit makes his way over and sits down along with Mr. Blue, the school's Principal. 

"Gabriela, my name is Peter Flach; as I'm sure you've already been informed, I work for NC DHHS as a Child Protective Services Agent. I understand that there has been a formal application made by Ava and Alexandra Mewis, of L.A. County, in California to become your Guardians." 

Gabby nods along, "Yes. And can you please call me, Gabby, not Gabriela." 

He nods and continues, "I'm here to verify the application and information provided by Mrs. and Mrs. Mewis. Now, the first question I have for you is, "Do you wish for them to become your Guardians?" 

"Yes, yes, more than anything!" Sam can't help but laugh as Gabby almost jumps from her seat as she says the words. 

"Alright. So, that a yes to that question. Next one, have you come to this decision willingly and freely, without any means of coercion and or bribery from the applicants or other involved parties?" 

Gabby looks at Sam for clarification. 

"He's asking you if you've been offered money or anything else like clothing, electronics, trips etc or are you being threatened in anyway in order to say yes and go along with the process."