Bella Donna

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Three months later

"Astrid breathe," Hiccup uttered as they sat in court waiting with Damian sitting behind them with Valka.

"But what if the judge doesn't....."

"Don't worry, it is an open and shut case. The Haddock family lawyers are a force to be reckoned with." He assured.

"I know Hiccup but it's been three months of proceedings. What if the judge doesn't grant it?"

"He will... he will... don't worry," Hiccup continued to assure.

"ALL RISE!" The bailiff announced. Hiccup, Astrid, and their lawyer stood up. An elderly man, not one in Hiccup's pocket for certain reasons, sat on the bench and looked at those now seated in the courtroom.

"I have viewed the documents Miss Hofferson has provided to the court and have come to a ruling," the judge stated while looking at the empty desk next to Hiccup and Astrid.

"Normally I would like the parents to work out an agreement of joint custody first as that would benefit the child by having both parents present. Evidence has been brought up in this matter of Hofferson vs Jimson that Mr. Jimson has abandoned the child since before being born. A valid paternity test has been submitted showing that he is the father as well as records of him never attempting to contact the mother or child in question and never paying child support—furthermore, Mr. Jimson was notified of these proceedings well in advance and had decided not to attend. It is my judgement that the child in question, Damian Hofferson, is well-cared for, receives a fine education, has an engaging and responsible parent, stable living conditions, and friends and family who support him. I am granting sole custody of Damian Hofferson to his mother Astrid Hofferson and terminating all parental rights of Thuggory Jimson." With that, the judge banged his gavel to make his ruling final. "Ms, Hofferson, good luck with raising your son. I know you've faced hardships but you still remained an exemplary parent."

Astrid was frozen there for a moment, in shock before she nodded towards the judge and then proceeded to embrace Hiccup and Damian. "It's finally over. Oh Thor," She sighed happily.

"Mommy, will Hiccy be my new dad now?" Damian asked innocently.

"Yes, sweety. We already have the signed forms and will be submitting them today. It may take a while but, yes. Hiccup will be your new daddy," Damian actually squealed in excitement before hugging Hiccup's leg.

Astrid was as happy as could be until one week later. Astrid was with Damian at the park while the twins stood back in civilian clothing as bodyguards. They didn't normally watch over Astrid but this morning Hiccup had gotten a weird call and had specifically asked Heather to accompany him. The twins tensed when a figure approached them.

"Astrid," The figure called out and Astrid, who had been looking in her bag for her granola bar looked up.

"Alex? What are you doing here?!" She was shocked to see her sister in Berk and dressed rather casually. The Alex she knew had a high-paying corporate job and always wore business suits. Now her sister was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie.

"We need to talk," Alex said while sitting down next to Astrid.

"It's alright guys. She's my sister," Astrid told the twins who looked ready to pounce.

"Wow you got guard dogs," Alex commented impressed. "Does he keep an eye on you all the time?" Astrid just shot her sister a look causing Alex to hold her hands up in surrender. "Right, right....all of that is just alleged,"

"Why are you here?"

"Can't I just come to see my baby sis and my godson?"

"Knowing you, no," Astrid huffed. "You are a workaholic and you always call. We have our own lives remember?"