Make a Wish || Rhett and Link

Chapter 24 - Meeting

"Hi Cooper."

"Hello. Who are you?" I asked the blonde woman at the door.

The woman came and sat down on the chair. "My name is Stephanie Wood and I'm your social worker."

"Oh, so you're the one who's in charge of my case, huh?" I said.

The woman looked down at the floor. "Yep. That's me." she said.

"So, um, what's going to happen?" I asked.

"We're having a meeting this afternoon with the doctors and every candidate that you might be staying with this afternoon. And you know, because I have to make the final decision about what's best for you, I decided that it'd probably be best if I actually talked to you a little first." She said, not looking up from the floor.

"Oh, um, okay." I said. Then I paused. "I have a beanie I can put on if it makes you more comfortable..."

"Oh, no, sweetie, it's fine." Stephanie said. She still wasn't looking at me though.

I groaned and reached for the orange beanie. Rhett had brought me a new one, just like he promised. I quickly slipped it over my head.

"Better?"

"I, uh, yeah." Stephanie stammered. Well, at least now she was looking at me.

"So what do you want to talk about?" I asked.

"Well, do you know who it's come down to for your guardians?"

"No, I don't."

"Rhett McLaughlin and his family and Your Uncle Randall and his family."

"So I have to pick between them?" I asked.

"No. There will be input from the doctors, your psychologist, me, them, and you'll get a say too."

I scowled.

"Yes, I know, it's not a very pleasant process." Stephanie said. "But this is the first case of this type that the state has had to deal with...so we're just really trying to figure it out."

"First case of this type? So I'm the first cancer patient you've had to place in a foster home."

"Yes."

"Huh."

"Don't worry. We'll get it sorted out."

We talked for a little longer before Nurse Genella came in and told us that it was time for the meeting. Stephanie headed straight down to the meeting room. However, I required assistance.

Nurse Genella loaded me into a wheelchair (against my wishes. I hate these things) and wheeled me down to the meeting room. There were a few of these on the ward. Doctor Anderson was already there, along with Dr Buntler, Stephanie, Rhett, Jessie, Uncle Randy and now Me and Nurse Genella.

"So...we all know why we're here." Stephanie said.

"Yes." I said, looking around the room.

Stephanie pulled out a clipboard. "Uh, so, Dr Anderson, do you want to go first?"

"Sure, okay." Dr Anderson said, sitting up. "Well, after talking to both families, I don't really see a difference. Cooper would be fine in both places healthwise. Both of them would do the same job. The only difference is that the McLaughlin's live closer to the hospital so if something went wrong, they would be able to get her here faster."

Stephanie was rapidly writing down notes. "Okay. Thank you." She said. "Dr Buntler, do you want to speak next?"

Dr Buntler cleared his throat. "So, after my sessions with Cooper, I've decided there are positive and negative points for both places. Cooper thinks more fondly of Rhett than Randall. Rhett and Cooper appear to have a pretty positive relationship. Cooper's relationship with Randall is sort of tense because of their rocky past."

Uncle Randy gave Dr Bentler the evil eye.

"However Rhett and Cooper's relationship is rather young as well. But ultimately, I think the thing Cooper most needs is stability. She needs a family that can be there for her. And I think both families can do that."

"Alright. Thank you." Stephanie said. "Who's next?"

"I'll go next." Uncle Randy said.

"Okay." Stephanie said, turning the page over so she could take some more notes.

"Well. I think Cooper should come with me. We're family after all. I moved continents to be here for my niece." Uncle Randy said plainly.

"Rhett?" Stephanie asked.

Rhett looked nervous. "Uh, so, Cooper could come with us. We're good friends and I love spending time with her. And sure, I don't really own any fancy cars or whatever, but we have friendship and love to share, so I hope that's enough."

"Cooper?" Stephanie asked.

"I, uh, if I had to choose, I would probably stay with Rhett." I admitted.

Uncle Randy looked beyond hurt. He looked...disappointed. It made me feel awful. I sunk into my seat a little.

"So, I think it's all agreed that Cooper should stay with Rhett." Stephanie said. There was a chorus of agreeing murmurs from around the table.

"What?!" Uncle Randy exclaimed.

"It's the best option." Stephanie said calmly.

"But..."

"Uncle Randy, just because I'm not sleeping at your house doesn't mean that I'm never going to see you again. I'll visit often. Like, every few days or so. You said you don't work, so maybe I could stay with you while Rhett's at work or something."

"Yeah, that's a good idea!" Rhett said.

Uncle Randy slowly nodded. "Okay Cooper. If this is what you really want..."

"Thank you." I said plainly.

Stephanie handed Rhett and Jessie some forms and Uncle Randy looked rather defeated. I sighed and leaned back in the chair. Why do I have to be the cause of all the problems?