When love takes over

Because you loved me

My hand was absolutely killing me.

Sitting in my chair, listening to Marnie's testimony, I tried not to focus on the pain, though the constant throbbing was making that slightly difficult.

Accidentally, my knee shifted against the side of my hand, causing me to wince and shift uncomfortably. Looking down at it, the side, the part of my hand I had repeatedly slammed against the bathroom stall, showed the beginnings of a greenish blue bruise.

"You okay?" Michael whispered, leaning over to me.

"Yeah," I nodded. "Just tired."

And drained.

And really desperate for an ice pack and some ibuprofen.

"I know that in the past, I have not always made good choices."

I cringed at her words. Hadn't always made good choices? Let's try and find one single good choice that you have made for Brielle in the past five years.

"But I am ready to take responsibility and be a good mother. I have been clean now for eleven days, and I have found a NA group, and attend meetings three times a week. I also have a room ready for Brielle at my mother's house where we will be staying."

The lights in the courtroom dimmed, and a picture filled a projector screen.

The small room was surrounded by four cream colored walls, the paint beginning to peel in certain areas. Random pieces of newspapers were strewn about on the dusty hardwood floor. In the corner of the room, laid a small plastic bed. The mattress, containing no sheet, was covered with a small, square, Disney Princess blanket. It hardly covered the mattress.

The only other piece of furniture in the room was a tall metal lamp, containing no lamp shade.

"You have got to be kidding me." I hissed under my breath, utterly disgusted at the thought that anybody would think this was an acceptable room for a child.

"We'll get our chance, I promise." Michael assured me.

I could feel Liam's reaching hand on my shoulder. Without looking back, I used my good hand to connect with his.
~~~
"

Mr. Andrews," The judge announced. "Your witness."

"Thank you your honor." Michael said as he rose up out of his chair.

"Miss. Davis, how many times have you overdosed on drugs?" Michael asked.

Marnie shrugged.

"I'm sorry, shrugged is not an acceptable response. Eight, two-"

"I don't know." She answered, rolling her eyes.

"I figured as much."

Michael walked back to the table and picked up a file.

"Your honor, I'd like to enter into evidence exhibit C, medical records for Marline Katherine Davis."

The judge nodded. "You may proceed Mr. Andrews."