Unexpected 9: Crime Set

Chapter 8: Tie or no tie?

"Alright, buddy. Time to get ready. Remember what we talked about, ok?" Street said as they finished their cereal.

Rubio took one last sip of juice and down the liquid and cereal. He nodded his head and once the swallowing was finished, he said, "Yeah, only answer what I'm asked, be serious and always finish with your honor. Got it, pops"

"Good. Go wash up. You gotta chose: bow tie or tie, buddy."

"Tie!" he said running to the bathroom.

"I'll get it for you!" Street said as he finished the dishes. For the first time in months the kitchen counter was clean!

Yesterday night was an eye opening experience for everyone in the family. It was what they all needed. At the end of the night all three pledged to work on their personal issues as well as their family dynamics. They were to face the judge together and no matter the decision, they would make a great effort to make it work.

Chris promised to keep in touch every morning and every night, be it call or text, and to have with her a picture of each of them. When loneliness struck she would write positive messages in the back and if possible communicate with either one. Street, on the other hand, promised to keep the apartment clean and watch every move the teenager made. He told Chris to stop the food deliveries, groceries and other errands she did remotely, so as to remove some of that extra pressure on her. The kid made a promise to report his whereabouts to an adult, at all times. He was not to move anywhere without permission. Also, as punishment for missing the vet appointment without telling anyone from then on he was responsible for paying for any of the dog's expenses at or under twenty dollars. He was to pay with the money saved from working at Luca's food truck. Anything above that amount would be covered by either adult. Finally, Topo was assigned to learn to do his necessities outside  and learn to participate in a daily walk in the inner patio of their building complex, guided by either male of the house.

After getting everything ready, Street texted Hondo to remind him of his off day. Hondo responded with a "Good luck!". They rode in silence as they headed to the courthouse.

RIIIING

RIIIING

"Rubio, can you," he began as he rummage through the middle area of the car, "find it and put it on speaker, please?" he said forgetting about it and just focusing on the busy road.

"Ok" the kid responded as he located the phone, "Here"

"Hello"

"Hey Jim! Rubio with you?" Alex called

"Yeah, he's with me and you're on speaker." he said stopping at a red light. "I brought a laptop in case you need backup. Chris got the permission granted to join us via web."

"Ok, great. Um...listen...thing's changed. There are huge news about the case. He called the plaintiffs party to join the meeting."

Both males frowned at turned sideways, staring at each other lost.

"What happened?" Street asked curious

"I don't know. They wouldn't tell me. They just said to make sure both guardians and the kid were present. Also, did you ask for the day?"

"Yeah, I asked in advance. I also texted my supervisor to remind him, like you asked."

"You might be able to make it to your job with plenty of time coz from what I hear, it might be short."

"Yes!" Street said putting two fist up in triumph, the kid was startled and lost, "That's good, right?"

"It could go either way." Alex responded seriously, bursting Street's bubble! "Did you not forget the tie?"