The Book Of Me & You

"Lies, Like Fireflies In A White Hot Summer"

"It is my expert opinion that Richard Underwood and Amy Juergens were unable to reach an agreement plausible for both parties. Due to being unable to compromise, or reach a like-minded verdict, I, Geoffrey Owen's, complied a collective decision pertaining to -" There was a rustling on the line as she turned the page, and sighed.

He paused at the top of the stairs, "Would you skip the legal jargon? What was the ruling?

"I'm trying to tell you if you'd quit interrupting me!" She countered, rustling more papers, "You were with her yesterday, why didn't you ask?"

He blew out a breath, "She didn't speak to me, and given Ricky's expression, I wasn't asking him either. So what's it say?"

"The custodial arrangement of one John J. Juergens (age 3), and one Emma S. Underwood (age 8 months)..." She paused, taking a sip of something through the receiver, "Richard Underwood, biological father to both John J. Juergens and Emma S. Underwood will continue to be the sole proprietary custodial caregiver. Amy Juergens, biological mother to both John J. Juergens and Emma S. Underwood will have open visitation and free parental will to continue to be involved in both minor children's upbringing..." She paused again, tossing something to the floor, "You've got to be kidding me!"

His eyes widened, "What?"

"I can't believe this!"

"What? What does it say?"

"Did you not hear me? He won, George!" Anne spat, angrily, "Ricky won the mediation... Oh, Amy must be so devastated!"

"Good!" George responded, shoving the phone closer to his ear, and pulling it away a second later as his ex-wife loudly yelled his name, "No, Anne, this is exactly the kind of kick in the pants she needs - maybe it'll screw her head on straight!"

He could tell his blunt statement upset her as she got quiet before clicking her tongue, "You need to talk to him, George - talk to Ricky before Amy signs those papers and this thing becomes binding. He'll listen to you."

He furrowed his brow, "And why the hell would I do that? That decision was based on facts, and those facts are that Amy left while Ricky stayed. That mediator saw a good and responsible father who didn't deserve to have his children yanked away from him because the woman he loved ran off."

"So Amy should just have to sacrifice being their mother because she chose to make a better life for herself? How is that fair?"

"It is fair! Amy can always come back and go to school here - better herself where her kids are - and continue to be an active parent in John and Emma's lives. She just doesn't want to. She wants Ricky and their kids to follow her to New York so she can have the best of both worlds - but he didn't. And frankly, I'm proud of him for not doing it." George nodded to himself, glancing at his watch, "Look, Anne, it's my wedding day, and I don't want to fight about this. Is there anything else?"

"No. Have Robbie ready with Ashley Monday morning, I'm picking him up after I sign the papers on the apartment." Anne's tone was cold before abruptly ending the call.
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Tossing the rag into the sink and scooting the chair under the table, he blew out a breath, careful not to hit or nudge the sleeping toddler across her legs, as he took a seat on the sofa.

It had been a rough day - a rough week - for both of them. She was uncomfortable and miserable most days, and he couldn't help her; he just gave her backrubs and foot massages or made her food whenever she wanted it. She wasn't sleeping much, not being able to get comfortable no matter how she laid down - the basketball under her shirt limiting her in every way, frustrating her.