One last Chance

hugh amount of feelings

*Evelyn*

Charles was shaking all over as we sat in his ex-girlfriend's house. He was overwhelmed and tense. The woman from Child Protective Services was practically cross-examining him and he was obviously not prepared for that. Basically, he knew nothing about children and that was becoming quite clear now.

Under the table, I felt for his hand. I had avoided physical contact with him all along, but now I reached for his hand and squeezed it. He took a deep breath and gave me a sideways glance. I nodded only briefly, then took over the conversation.

"I will be assisting Mr. Leclerc in raising Alyssa. He hired me specifically. I have my bachelor's degree in education and have several years of work experience in daycare centers. I'm currently doing my master's in education," I said in a calm voice, the woman from Child Protective Services immediately noted "I know that doesn't qualify me per sé, but I do have in-depth knowledge of child development and know what a child needs."

"And you will care when Mr. Leclerc is doing his job?"

"Right. I'll live in the apartment with him and take care of Alyssa. I'll be there permanently," I confirmed.

Charles squeezed my hand. I could see him breathe a sigh of relief.

"Monaco Child Protective Services will visit her regularly at first. They will decide whether custody will remain with Mr. Leclerc. The option of giving her up for adoption would still exist, of course."

"No!", Charles and I were very much in agreement on this point.

I squeezed his hand, he returned the squeeze "We will take care of Aly. She is my daughter and I will do everything I can to make sure she can stay with me.".

"Good." the woman from Child Protective Services flipped her folder closed "Let's go see Alyssa.".

I withdrew my hand and then followed Charles.

We were taken to a nursery that was basically already completely packed in boxes. Much like they couldn't wait to get rid of the child.

"Aly?" the woman from Child Protective Services walked up to the little girl.

She was really cute. Quite long dark hair, a cute face and bright eyes that were now looking at us intently.

"Little girl, this is your daddy. We've been talking about this. He's going to take you with him, you're going to live with him now."

"Mommy?" the little girl asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"No, sweetheart." the woman reached out her hand and pulled Aly to her.

"We've already worked together a lot in the last few weeks.", she said addressing Charles "It's very hard for me to let her leave my care now.", she came over with the little girl "Please take good care of Aly. She is a great girl. If you need anything...", she handed Charles a card "I'm way too deep into this anyway.".

Charles put the card in his back pocket before squatting down in front of Aly.

"Hello my little one.", he reached out his hand to her, she took a step back.

I could see the pain in his gaze. It was going to be a tough one. They would have to get used to each other.

"Mom?" asked Aly again.

Tears welled up in Charles' eyes.

"I'm Papa.", he said, trying to smile, but finding it immensely difficult.

I crouched down next to him and smiled "Hey, I'm Evi.", I smiled and held out my hand to her "Would you like to show me and your daddy your toys?".

She nodded and went to a backpack and brought it over to us. Then she was busy for quite a while getting toys out of the backpack and showing them to us.