Love Is A Battle Field (Fourth Part of "Love In The Spotlight") MJ Fantasy

Chapter 13: Decisions

Zoe's POV

I avoided Michael's eyes as I followed my attorney to our seats in front of the judge. My hands were shaking like crazy and I felt like my knees would give out at any second. Terrence took notice of my uneasiness and held onto my waist so that I wouldn't fall over.

We finally reached our seats and waited patiently for the judge to return. I took slow and deep breaths, trying to muster up enough strength to carry me through this.

If Michael is granted full custody, my whole world will fall apart. If I can't have my kids with me, I'm nothing. Those children are the only reason I even open my eyes in the morning. I shouldn't be limited to just visitation hours with them. I'll die if that happens.

The silent room was filled with soft noises as the judge returned to the court room. I glanced at Michael out of the corner of my eye and found him staring at me. When he saw me looking he offered a small smile which I refused to return.

The judge shuffled a stack of papers in front of him. "Welcome back, court is in now session. In case you are unaware for some reason, I spent the 20 minute recess evaluating the claims made today and used them to come to a final conclusion. And that conclusion is..." He paused and looked at me and then Michael.

I thought back to Michael's testimony. There's no way this judge doesn't think I'm the worst mom ever. I just know he's going to give the kids to Michael, and the suspense is killing me. Get on with it already, old man.

"From what I've heard today, I feel that a reasonable decision cannot be made..." He announced.

I let out a shaky breath as I turned to my attorney in shock. He gave me a knowing smile and squeezed my shoulder. Michael and his lawyer didn't seem as pleased, however.

"In exactly one week from today, we will meet again. You will be welcome to have your attorneys speak for you and encouraged to invite any witnesses who may be able to help your case. Now, keep in mind that the ONLY reason I didn't make a decision today is because I believe that there is more to both sides of the story. I can't come to a conclusion because I'm not fully confident in which situation will most benefit your children, which is the goal here. So, be here a week from today, 9 am. In the mean time, I'm going to order Mr. Jackson to abide by your current joint agreement until the court has made an official decision. You are dismissed."

I clutched my hand to my heart and sighed in relief, holding back tears. This judge just said almost the exact opposite of what I expected him to. And he's ordering Michael to follow our agreement, which means I get to take my babies. A smile spread across my face as I stood and hugged Terrence. As of now, I'm a little more confident that the judge will understand my POV and won't take my away kids from me.

I jumped in surprised as someone tapped me on my shoulder from behind. I turned to find that it was Michael, who had a slightly defeated look on his face. Oh how the tables turn.

"When are you coming to get them?" He asked.

"Right now."

He nodded. "Since it's such a long drive from here to Neverland and back, maybe you could just spend the night there and take them with you in the morning."

I shook my head. "The last thing I want to do is spend the night at your house..."

He raised an eyebrow as if he took offense to that. He looked around the room and nodded towards the door. "Can we speak in private?"

I snorted. "I'd rather us speak with my attorney present."

He eyed Terrence with a look of dissatisfaction before turning back to me. "It's important, Zoe."