The Year I Met Ryan (Editing)

Chapter 24: All rise the court is now in session

CHAPTER 24: ALL RISE THE COURT IS NOW IN SESSION

A week had passed since the encounter with my biological parents and I couldn't help but think about it. My thoughts consumed me, and nervousness crept around my entire body sending shivers through my spine. What if by some freak accident of the court they were able to get me back?

A tear rolled down my cheek and I was quick to brush it away. I heard the door open and standing at the doorway was Ryan.

"You okay?"

My room was dark but words failed me and I silently shook my head. He walked over to me and went against the backboard on my bed. The minute he did, I moved closer to him. He moved his body down so that my head could rest in between his stomach and chest. I could hear his heart beat very faintly. He put his arm around me, still not saying another word and I did the same.

"Talk to me babe, please."

I took a deep breath. "What if they get me back?"

"Honestly, I doubt they will. How could a judge just let them take you back after abandoning you?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I know. I hope you're right. I hope everyone is right. That's what they keep saying. That's what Diana said too." I thought back to our conversation.

"Look you have both Ryan and I throughout this whole process. You have nothing to worry about."

"That's what everyone keeps trying to tell me, but what if, IF, they do get me back and then I have to leave everyone and everything behind. It's not like moving schools, I'm leaving everything I've ever known. I would be leaving my family."

She put her arm around me trying to comfort me. "It's all going to be okay. No one in their right mind would give you back to them. Is there going to be a lot of people? Will there be a jury? Will there be like I don't know reporters?"

"No, I don't think so. Last I heard it was supposed to be in the judge's chambers, but I could be wrong. Or they could change it."

"When is it happening?"

"The end of next week I believe."

"If the judge is good, or smart, or sane, then they'll agree with your mom and dad. You'll be okay.'

"Thanks, I needed that."

"I'm going to ask your dad if I can sleep over!" She jumped up and smacked me on the arm lightly with a big smile. With no other words she ran down to ask if she could sleepover.

That was two days after it happened. It calmed me down for a while, but the fear now returned.

I closed my eyes and sighed. i think what I needed was a nap. It was silently for a while before Ryan broke the silence with a whisper, one that was hardly audible. I opened one eye, somehow thinking that would help me hear him. My breathing remained calm, and luckily it wasn't the cause of me not being able to hear him. I could hear my own steady breaths and his faint heartbeat but that was it at the moment.

"Beth?" He whispered once again.

I closed my eye so that both were closed once again. "Mhm?"

There was a long pause in which we both did not say anything. I felt his fingers lightly drumming against the side of my stomach as if he were nervous.

"Beth," he started again, "would it be crazy if I told you that I loved you?"

My eyes fluttered open. My breathing completely stopped and my body stiffened. I felt his body shift uneasily against mine and after a second I relaxed mine. I smiled, knowing fully well that he couldn't see.