Ever

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

A week passed in a similar way. The days I used to drown myself in music so I couldn’t hear the guilt yell back me and the nights I spent tipsy at a bar.  I was staying over at Mike’s house not wanting Jamie to see me or to answer questions from Rene and the guys.

The sun was trying to seep into the room but the black shades over the window wouldn’t allow it. I heard Mike grumble behind me and I propped myself up on my elbow. I rubbed my tired eyes and pushed my oily hair out of my face. Grabbing my towel and my phone I slipped out of bed and into the hot shower. I closed my eyes and let the scorching water burning my skin. The steam wrapped around my body, caressing me. Strong hands ran over my back and around to my flat stomach. I leaned my head back on Mike’s chest.

“Morning beautiful,” he whispered so softly I could barely hear him over the running water. I appreciated his understanding for my hangover.

The thing about Mike was that he understood me. Everything about me. He related to me. He came from Jersey to although he grew up in Newark. His dad died when he was young in the same accident my mom passed in. I didn’t meet him until I came up here to live it my cousins. He lived with his grandfather who’s pretty cool. He, like me, was a situational alcoholic and druggy. It’s not an addiction per say but it’s an easy alibi for when things get rough. And occasionally when we both need it, we are each other’s escape. Nothing committed just some harmless fun

He kissed my neck tenderly and hugged me closer to his chest. His hands, calloused from hard work at the fields and moving bales, ran down my body.

After washing my hair, we got out and had a quick smoke. I grabbed a shirt and my boots and left. I drove for a while, a couple hours, into Vermont. Even though it was noon and there should be cars on their way to get lunch there was no one. The corn stalks were taller than my stature as I walked along them. Looking at my phone for the first time in days I was unkindly invited back into the real world. I started with an insane amount of voicemails.

“Hello I hope to be reaching Kelly Ritters. I am Fay from Adopted Child Services. Libby’s adopted parents are in a financial situation where they are no longer capable of providing Elizabeth with her proper needs.  When you receive this message please contact us immediately. Thank you.” I didn’t listen to any other of the other messages and called them.

“Hi this is Kelly Ritters: I was contacted by Fay about my daughter.”

A male monotone voice replied back, “Yes one moment.” A pause. “Yes your daughter’s adopted parents are having money issues and can’t care for Elizabeth. It was listed during the adoption process that if there was an issue with her sergeant parents to call you and give you and option.” I recalled the papers but didn’t appreciate his demeaning tone.

“Yes I recall signing the paper work. What options are there and what do her adopted parents feel about the situation?”

“Well her sergeant parents although would love to raise her feel that in their older age won’t give her the proper life in the modern world. She, still being young can be re-put up for adoption, can be put in foster care, can be raised by a directly related family member or if your lifestyle is suitable given back to you for your care.”

My heart fluttered a bit. I could have my child back. My baby in my arms was all I could see. “What is some of the criteria I’ll have to get her back?”

He sighed, “You must be clean of all alcohol and substances at the time of testing, free of all criminal charges, have your own residence and address and a steady income.”

“How long until her sergeant parents have to give her up?”

“Two months.”

“Thank you. I would like to have her back in my care. I will contact you in a week when I get back from vacation.” I hung up and called Mike.