The Best Purchase

17

By the end of the week, Miranda was able to obtain her legal documents and prove her status as alive through the courts. She successfully overturned the declaration of her death reclaimed her identity and was able to regain her credit score history and banking information.

Miranda was able to rent a cozy three-bedroom house. She liked the backyard and the fireplace on the inside.

Once they were settled in their new home, Miranda and Khalil wasted no time in making it feel festive for the holidays. They spent the afternoon decorating their Christmas tree, hanging ornaments, and stringing lights as they laughed. It was going to be the best Christmas yet.

The doorbell rang and Miranda smoothed her clothes. "I think this should be my parents, but they weren't supposed to get in until late tonight" She smiled.

"Hello," she smiled but then quickly frowned seeing her and Khalil's social worker.

"Good Evening, Miranda, I have some news," Sarah began, her tone gentle but serious. "We've located Khalil's next of kin. His grandparents have been found, and they've expressed a strong desire to meet him."

Miranda's heart sank at the news, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. "But... but he's been with me for so long," she stammered, her voice trembling with worry. "He's my responsibility. I can't just let him go with strangers."

The social worker nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Dr. Bailey. But legally, Khalil needs to be reunited with his family. It's in his best interest to establish a connection with his grandparents."

Khalil, who was still looking at the Christmas tree overheard the conversation and rushed over, tears already streaming down his face. "I don't want to go!" he cried, clinging to Miranda's waist. "I want to stay with you!"

Miranda's heart shattered at Khalil's words, her own eyes welling up with tears. She squatted down to his level, wrapping him in a tight hug. "I know, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "But we have to do what's best for you."

Turning back to Sarah,  Miranda looked at her with a pissed-off expression "Why can't they meet him here, with me?" she demanded, her voice rising with anger. "He shouldn't have to go meet and stay with strangers. That's not fair."

The social worker sighed, her expression pained. "I understand your concerns, Miranda. But the law is clear. Khalil needs to be reunited with his family. We'll do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible. You can go down and apply for custody and we can get a date and hopefully earn visitation."

"Earn?! I have to Earn visitation for a child I have taken care of his whole life. I have the right" She snapped.

"Dr. Bailey. Let's not make this harder than it has to be. The more you cooperate the better the chances are." She said softly honestly scared of the woman.

Miranda turned her head and pinched the bridge of her nose and sucked up her tears.

"Miranda," Khalil pleaded.

"I know handsome. I know. Listen to me." She voiced, she placed her finger under his chin and lifted his head so he could look her in the eyes. Miranda wiped his tears before speaking.

"I love you more than anything in this entire world. I told you before but I mean it. I will fight for you always. I have been fighting for you since day one. This will not be goodbye you understand? You need to be strong and like you always are and be good. They are doing this because they love your mother and you are a piece of them."

"I hate them already. You're my momma. That's all I know."

"I know, honey but you need to be open to your family. They love you and want what's best for you. Try because they are trying."