guardian angel || the outsiders fanfic♡

forty three.

***Alex's POV***

I've waited for this day for what seems like forever.

It's finally the day I get full legal custody over Aliyah so Dally and I can become her parents. I know it's going to be a lot of work, but I can't just let her get put into an orphanage.

I don't think I've ever been more nervous in my entire life.

The entire gang is attending the hearing, a few giving statements about how I would make a suitable parent. They've all helped so much as it is, it only seems right that they'd be here.

So far, I've done okay being a mom. I've had tons of help from everyone, even the guys. Being a mom is super hard, but it's so much better than not having Aliyah and knowing she's with someone else. Plus, it's what Ellie wanted.

Aliyah and I are ready, so I put her into the car while I wait for Dally. He's pretty nervous too, but I'm sure it's just for the same reason I am.

We drive in silence to the courthouse where the hearing is being held. When we arrive, we find the gang in the lobby. I hand Aliyah to Bailey and together, we file into the courtroom.

The trial seems to last forever. They spend too much time talking about Steve and Ellie, and finally, I'm called to the stand. I'm questioned, and after that, I sit back down.

Two-Bit, Darry, and Lauren are all called to the stand as well, answering questions about whether or not they think I would be a capable parent. They all say that I would, giving me tons of reassurance.

Finally, the judge makes a verdict, stating I can get custody of the kids. My heart is jumping for joy, but Dallas doesn't look so excited.

I go up to sign the papers. My hands shake slightly as I write my signature. The judge smiles at me and I thank her. But just as I turn back to the gang, I see exactly what I don't want to be seeing.

Dallas pushing past everyone and running from the courtroom.

My heart sinks as I watch Two-Bit and Darry take off after him, but when they return without him a few minutes later, we all know he's gone.

I sink to my knees and sit on the step of the courtroom, crying into my hands. Everyone tries to console me, but I push them all away. I can't begin to come to terms with what just happened; I haven't even started moving on from Ellie leaving. Once everyone leaves me alone, I head straight to the park because it's the only place my blurry mind can think of.

I sit on the grass and cry my eyes out. He's gone. Dally is gone. Part of me always knew he would go at some point, but I never thought he'd leave when I truly needed him the most.

I look up at the sky. Does Ellie know how much strain she's putting me through? Does she know that she was the only real family I had left? Does she see what's happening to my world now that she's gone?

"I miss you," I whimper out before bursting into tears again.