The Baby Project [#Wattys2018]

Chapter Twnety-one ~ Ad astra per aspera

"Your seat is right there, Rosie. This is going to be one of the toughest battles you have to endure. We are hear to tell our story and our side and our truth; whereas your father will be trying to lure you away from: logic, the truth, and to catch you off guard. He will do everything in his ultimate power to bring you down and make you seem unfit to be a mother. I am going second after your father delivers his opening statement to the court and jury; on why we shouldn't go to trial and that we shouldn't even be here today; and I will counteract that with our statement. Any questions?" States Luna as she points to my seat; and shuffles me over with a kind and daring gaze.

Rubbing my stomach, as it was a little upset and nervous, I turn to Luna and reply with, "Is it okay to feel like you're going to be sick to your stomach? As if it won't go my way?"

"Absolutely... just don't get extremely emotional when asked why you think we're gathered here today. Save it for the trial."

"If there is one..."

"With that attitude - you'll never see your son again. Shut your mouth and sit down; maybe we weren't ready after all."

Tears swelled in my eyes, "Luna - don't say that. If he gets his point across... who cares what you say? You can't fight fire with fire. If I lose my sole rights as a mother to my son - then I want someone to lock me up or end everything."

"No. Do not give up like that. Someone else console her while I gather my statement."

"Rosie. Why are you doing this to yourself? If we don't do well today... well let's hope the judge believes that there is a case; and then we'll be getting a nifty trial. Sweet girl - don't waste your words on him or on the what ifs. I will find a way for my sister and her son to be together - even if it means taking down our father and doing something illegal." Whispered Luke loudly as he held my hand between the railings.

Laughing while I wipe the tears away, "Nothing illegal Lu. Nothing stupid either." He points to me as the judge exits from his chambers in his robes; and stands at his podium.

"All Stand!" Bellows the judge before hitting his mallet to allow us to sit back in our seats. "Court is now is session. You may all be seated - if you haven't already sat down? Counsellors? Which one of you will be opening first? I don't have all day you know?"

My father stands up and turns and faces me with a sly grin before returning his gaze to the judge; and says "It is I your honor."

"Very well proceed."

He gathers his papers and stacks them ever so neatly and clears his throat to begin."Teenagers everywhere are becoming parents at far too young of age; and it's spreading like wildfire. I am not highly opposed to it - but some children shouldn't be having children at lets say - fourteen. How are we to believe that they can care for a child without having a job or any type of financial support? How can we trust that the parent is doing what he or she is supposed to be doing? I find it highly suspicious of teenagers who hide their pregnancy; because I mean - aren't we suppose to cherish life and new beginnings? No one should be having sex at fourteen. How can a child make up their own mind at this young age? They're still learning like the rest - and to tend for a child that is small - well that's just absurd. No offense to teen parents everywhere - but it needs to stop. High school causes all types of stress on children and when we add a newborn to the mix; well the stress can cause a parent to do something reckless. Anyways we are here today to make sure that Ms. Mitchells does not gain back her rights and custody of her son, Jackson. She is one of the many children who at fourteen decided to have sex; because they thought it was fun or something - and never thought of the consequences. Rosie then didn't tell anyone until she was four months pregnant; and not one of the people being the father of the baby. She didn't want to be shamed and slammed as a: slut, whore, skank, and a floozy and a tramp; and possibly a harlot. She didn't wanted to be discriminated against for having a child at such a young age. Who could blame her? Not once though - did she ever try to reach out to the father of Jackson; and that is a whole other story your honor. She hadn't made her mind about keeping him or giving him up for adoption. Again - children shouldn't be trying to be adults when they should be playing make-believe and sports. She then had so much stress that she had the baby early - and because she was unconscious - the doctors assumed she was giving the baby up for adoption - because that is what she last discussed with them; before the accident. Then we were told that the baby and the parents who adopted him - had died and she stopped looking for him. As if he didn't matter? Like he wasn't important? What mother stops looking for her son? What mother believes her son to be dead? What type of mother is Rosie Mitchells? The one who could care less about a kid she never wanted in the first place. I mean if she wanted that baby - she wouldn't have hid the pregnancy from her friends; yet alone her own mother. If it was up to me - I'd give her son to a loving family and make sure she could never see him ever again. Your honor - she didn't even know who she slept with and when she found out - she told the guy she had fallen in love with to go kill himself; and he suffers from depression; and she's now with the baby's father at the cost of everything. If I couldn't even tell you who your parent was - why would I be a parent to a baby who deserves a lot better? She lies to everyone, hides secrets, and expects the world to come running to her rescue. Who is going to rescue Jack? Certainly not his mother. She's almost sixteen and has led a whole life after having a baby; and not even her twin brother knew about the baby until recently - yet there he sits by her side like a lost little puppy. Anyways that is all your honor. That is who wants her son back. She never really was his mother - except in the project."