Black And Blue-E.Buckley (9-1-1)

FortyFive

And I know it's long gone and that magic's not here no more

And I might be okay but I'm not fine at all

"How the hell can he do this? How is it even legal?" Buck yelled.

"Unfortunately it is, there's no proof that it's not her signature." Athena tried to explain.

"But how, isn't there supposed to be witnesses?"

"Techniquely there is," Bobby chimed in.

"His mother, that has to be a conflict of interest."

Eleanor sat on the couch in the living room, her knees hugged to her chest as she stared off into the distance. The conversation in the kitchen was just background noise that she was half listening to. It had been a couple of days since Eleanor and Buck found out that Michael had filed a marriage license and forged Eleanor's signature. 

Buck had called Athena for some advice. While Eleanor was equally as pissed as Buck was she was trying not to cause her body too much stress for the baby's sake. Mostly she had been mute, a few words here and there but mostly letting Buck convey the anger. 

Buck, Athena, and Bobby sat in the kitchen, going over the papers and talking things over. Eleanor was at a complete loss as to how to deal with this entire situation. At first, she couldn't believe that Michael had done this. But now she wouldn't put anything past him, he was crazy enough to do anything.

"El?" Eddie waved a hand in front of her face. She looked up at him with a blank expression.

"Sorry, I didn't even know you were here." 

Eddie sat down on the coffee table across from her. "I know. Buck said you've been kind of zoned out."

"Yeah.. Are Athena and Bobby still here?" Eddie shook his head. "I guess I really am zoned out then. Where's Buck?"

"I sent him to get food. I figured you guys were hungry and he looked like he needed some fresh air. My treat of course."

"I appreciate that. I don't think he's left except for work. I know I haven't, haven't even really left this soft. It's just so.. peaceful and comfortable." Eddie gave her a sympathetic smile. 

"Don't worry, you guys will figure this all out. It'll all work out eventually. I know it sucks right now and doesn't seem very hopeful but it will work out." Eleanor gave him a small smile.

****

Eleanor sat on the couch, staring at the wall, and playing with her engagement. Buck came into the living room with a bottle of water and a muffin. He set both things on the coffee table before sitting beside Eleanor on the couch. 

"I got your favorite, blueberry, from that bakery by the hospital. You need to eat something, even if it's just something small. And hydrate. You've barely left the couch in days. I know you're upset but you still need to take care of yourself."

Eleanor turned her face toward Buck. There was no emotion in her face as she stared at him. Buck half expected Eleanor to get mad and yell at him for telling her what to do. To Buck's surprise, she did the complete opposite. 

"I love you."

"Not what I was expecting but I love you too," Buck smiled at her.

Eleanor reached her hand out and rested it on Buck's cheek. He leaned into her touch slightly. "You've been an absolute rock through everything for the past year. I don't know how or why you put up with me. I come with so much baggage."

"I'm strong, I'll help you carry it." Eleanor smiled at his cheesiness. "I love you more than anything and I wouldn't change a thing. Now eat, please." Buck picked up the muffin and picked off a small chunk before handing it to Eleanor.

****

It had been four days since all the drama with Michael started again. Eleanor had finally gathered herself enough to leave the house and deal with the situation. Buck went back to work today so Athena tagged along. The two women walked into the lawyer's office, Athena's confidence slightly rubbing off on Eleanor. She admired what a strong and caring person Athena was.

"Thank you again for coming along. I don't really know how these things work and I don't know all the terms and laws and whatever else."

Athena smiled at Eleanor, "It's no problem at all. That's what family is for after all." Eleanor's smile grew at Athena's words.

"Good afternoon Ms. Blair," the lawyer, Edgar, stuck his hand out for Eleanor to shake and then to Athena.

"This is Athena Grant," Eleanor introduced as they shook hands.

"Ah, I've heard so much. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Grant." Athena smiled in response.

"So, how do I make this go away?" Eleanor cut right to the point.

"Well, I'll be honest, it's a tricky situation. Techniqually your signature is on the papers. We can argue that it's forged but there is no proof of that."

"Sir, the lawyer that signed as a witness is his mother. Is that not a conflict of interest?" Athena chimed in.

"We could definitely bring that up. The first step is going to file for divorce or an annulment. You'll have to go through court for all this and it can be a lengthy process. It can also get ugly, especially in this case."

"What does that mean?" Eleanor asked.

"Well, if Mr. Spencer wanted he could file an adultery charge. Though from what you've told me on the phone it isn't but on paper that is what it looks like. But I promise you I will do everything I can for you."

"What character statements or witness statements? There are plenty of people on Eleanor's side who will truthfully tell the events of the past year of her life. All the pain and suffering that this man put her through."

"We can certainly look into that. And I assume all of these witnesses, like yourself, are reliable professionals?" Athena and Eleanor nodded. "Ms. Blair, is there anything else that you think may help the case?"

"Not that I can think of."

"You have my number, if you think of anything or have any other concerns please feel free to reach out. I'll have you sign a couple of papers now and then I will get them filed. I'll look into some other things and be in touch by the end of the week." Eleanor nodded and thanked him.