The Baby Project [#Wattys2018]

Chapter Twenty-Four ~ Inter Spem et metum

Today came faster than yesterday left. Discovering that John was the one with the girl and not Jake - made me question my decisions and my choices. Should I be a mother? Should Jack have to be stuck with someone like me? Am I even qualified to be his mother? In about five minutes, I'd have to go back to the courthouse and listen to friends and family members testify on my behalf and against me.

Biting my nails in anxiety - I freak out when I hear a knock. No, I am not ready. I can't keep my emotions from getting the best of me. I am not ready to lose. We don't have much of a case. "Rosie...it's time to go. We are going to try our best." I get off the floor and latch onto my brother and wrap my arms around his neck and whisper, "Don't lie. Tell the truth. Don't let our father corrupt you." He kisses my side forehead and nudges me out the door to my future.

We entered the courtroom and sat down where we were supposed to; and did what we did the day before - except today I wouldn't be on the stand. No. If we went to trial, then I will be allowed the floor and ability to talk - but that was only if we got the trial. We're not settling for visitation rights - so we need the trial to takedown: the project, my father, and the director of the project. Rosewood shouldn't have to have scandalous ties with a project that's suppose to teach us life skills.

"All rise." Thunders the Judge as he emerges from his chamber. Then hitting his mallet, roars "Court is now in session. You may all be seated. Continuing testimonies today. We will start off with Jacob Manning. Please take the stand."

Jake then gets up and places his hand on my shoulder for a brief second and glides it away; as he walks up to the stand to testify.

"Do you, Jacob Manning, promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth - so help me god?" asked the judge as Jake's hand was placed on the bible.

"I do."

"Alright. Now both counselors will ask you some questions. Remember this isn't a trial, so you don't have to answer if you feel pressured or something. Just tell the truth and we'll all be okay. Mr. Henderson, you may question him."

My father fixes his suit and walks nonchalantly over to Jake and starts the questioning. "How would you describe Ms. Mitchells personality towards people?"

"Stubborn and tenderhearted. When she wants something or believes in something so much, she goes for it. She'd put everyone's happiness above her own; that's one of the many reasons I love her. She's always been this way. Well ever since I remember meeting her in first grade."

"So, you would say that she'd do anything to get what she wants? That she would lie to protect people?"

"If it came to that...yes. She'd lie to protect the ones she loved."

"So when she lied to you about the pregnancy...it was okay? I'm just trying to figure out her motives."

"We went to different schools in different counties. How were we really supposed to talk about it? It's not something you discuss through text messaging. Plus, I never disclosed to her that I was a twin until just recently - and this whole issue got out of hand thanks to my lovely brother."

"Would you say she's a good mother?"

"No she is not a good mother. She is a phenomenal mother. I know you probably don't think teens should be parents, but some teens surprise you. She nurtured and cared for Jack up until he was born, because he was taken from her. In the time that I have found out that he was my son, she has been nothing but the very best mother. She takes after her mother, you know? She's strong and doesn't want bad influences around her son. Our son. She takes each day kindly and respectively and knows that he is worth all of the: chaos, stress, happiness, and love. There is no one in this world that she loves more than Jackson. She'd die just to make sure he was healthy and happy and loved by everyone. So, if you had to base anything off of what I just said - I'd tell you to let her have our son back. She deserves the chance that was swiped from her, to be his mother unconditionally."