The Baby Project [#Wattys2018]

Chapter Twenty-nine ~ It's Now or Never

"So do you have a verdict?"

They jostled looks around as they worked up an answer to the question that was asked of them. Did they feel sorry for me? Did they know what was going on? For the love of all things that matter, let me get through today.

"We are just finishing up some loose ends and then we will. Can we have roughly five minutes to talk briefly among each other to make sure that we're on the same page? No need to take a recess, your honor." Says the lady with the copper blonde hair and the burning brown eyes in a plaid shirt.

Judge Archibald looks at the clock that hung on the wall in the court and kind of gave a grin to the ground and then focused his face towards the jury.

"Very well. That gives the people ample time to construct any last minute additions; such as last minute evidence or a testimony that has yet to be heard. Surely, anything like that wouldn't move your decision, right?"

"Positive. Thank you, your honor." Says a guy with geeky glasses and dark hair.

They both sit down and I am just stunned by what is happening around me. The jury is needing more time and the judge is allowing it; and my brother and best friend are still not here. Even my therapist, Dr. V is presently absent from the scene. This just cannot be happening to me.

Finding out I was pregnant – I could handle that. No big deal. It is what happens when you have sex; or at least one of the reasons.

That time I learned Jack was mine – easily enough – I handled it.

When he was diagnosed with cancer – well I am still standing here.

After everything that has happened; I don't know how I am still here wearing my heart on my sleeve; and standing taller than ever.

It's because you are a mother who is yearning for her son. You my dear, will do anything and everything in your power to get your son back. If that's not love and evident enough – then what is? You'll know today – soon actually – on where your fate is. Don't worry about your brother or Mark.

"Courtney! Where is he? He should be here already!" I say in a hushed voice.

A juror finally stands up and startles everyone by saying, "Your honor? We need to reconvene about our final verdict. It seems that some of us are not on the same page; and keep bringing up good points. Would you grant us at least up to an hour?"

"Granted. We will reconvene in an hour. After that there will be no more breaks. I would like to wrap this case up. Court dismissed."

We exit the courtroom and head to the steps, where I whip around and lash out at my friends and family. Anger and betrayal and sadness infiltrated me as I stood there heaving my chest up and down.

"What the hell is going on? First Luke and Mark want to tell me something; but say they need more evidence. Now they say that they will be here, but they need more time. Does anyone actually believe that I have a chance to get my son back? That I don't deserve my son? He's a baby that is going to suffer socially and mentally. So?"

"Roseria! Cut it out. If we didn't believe you - would we watch you burn and stand by your side? No, I didn't think so." quipped my mother as she lowers her eyes in a disapproving look.

"It is Rosie! I never wanted to end up like you! You were always sad growing up and I didn't want to feel that ever! I never wanted to cry myself to sleep like you did when I started going to school. I never asked for any of this! You guys... I am not going to kill myself... just tell me what is going on. I'm not some little bird that needs you to hover and dictate my life. Where are the boys?"