The Best Purchase

19

Miranda enjoyed Christmas and New Year with her parents and Kahlil. She missed her mom's cooking and bashed in the taste of everything.

Khalil was showered with many gifts and he loved the game system Ben had purchased for him.

She was sad when her parents went back home but also a little relieved. She welcomed the space. Her mother was a hoverer, so she was everywhere.

Miranda spent her time preparing for the re-entry exams. She was exceptionally nervous the day of but was also confident in her knowledge and skills. She never had a problem with passing tests but was scared that she might have been too out of touch with the time.

When the results came in, she learned that she had passed with flying colors and immediately was placed into the 5th-year residency program. The other residents and interns treated her as if she were a legend. She was back to kicking ass and taking names and it felt like everything was clicking. She was happy being immersed in surgery and different cases. She worried about the impending court case with Khalil but surgery provided her with mental relief.

After speaking with Richard. He informed her that within six months she could transition into a first-year attending because doing surgery was second nature to her and she still remembered every procedure she was taught.

Khalil looked up from his plate as he sat in front of Miranda. Miranda made baked chicken, mixed vegetables, and rice.
"I actually do like my grandparents, they are good people."

"I'm really glad baby. I wanted that for you. To have a big family."

"Yeah, grandma took me to church and they had some church anniversary. I was able to meet other cousins and stuff. It was nice and I like church."

"I used to love going to church too growing up. We never missed a Sunday. I sang in the choir and I ushered. I went to Sunday school and children's church. When I went away for college I joined the campus ministry but then I went to med school and I didn't have time."

"So you stop believing?"

"Oh, absolutely not. I believe with all my heart. I stopped assembling but I still give God my time. I pray daily. Being a surgeon barely leaves time for anything."

"Yeah you have been busy," he said sadly.

"I'm sorry honey, I know we barely have time to spend together but I'm off this weekend, so we can use those two days to do anything you want."

"Okay, I would really like that,"

Two weeks passed and Miranda sat beside her lawyer as her heart pounded. Khalil’s grandparents were present, along with their lawyer, who seemed determined to emphasize the biological connection over the emotional one. Miranda was just tired.

"As you can see, Your Honor," the lawyer argued, "Khalil’s biological family is fully capable of providing a stable and loving home. The biological bond is paramount in this case."

Parker stood up, ready to counter. "Your Honor, while biology is important, we must also consider the emotional and psychological well-being of Khalil. Miranda Bailey has been his primary caregiver for the past eleven years. She has provided a safe, nurturing environment and is the only mother he has known. Even though trying matters she persevered and looked out for him."

The other lawyer continued to press the biological aspect, pointing out that Khalil’s grandparents had the right to raise their grandson.

"Can I say something?"Miranda asked out of turn. She was getting fed up and trying not to snap.

"Miranda-" her lawyer whispered but Miranda stood and walked in front of the judge.

"Judge, I know I am not supposed to be talking out of turn but we are talking about a baby that I breastfed and took care of. I promised his mother on her deathbed that I would take care of him and I have. I have protected him from danger for 11 years. I have sacrificed food, shielded him from being beaten and bruised, and have been there for every milestone, and while I may not be his biological mother. I am his mother in every sense. I'm not asking to just take him and never let his family see him. I get that Khalil is their daughter's child but what about me? I am his family too. It's not just about blood. I deserve split custody. I have been through hell and have lost 11 years of my life. Why do I have to lose again? Why do I have to lose him? Please!?" Miranda begged crying.