Hazel Rain

Chapter 48

"Have a good day" Kevin bumped fists with Jordan as he dropped him off at school. "Hit me up once you find out your grade on that science test from last week."

Jordan slipped an earbud in one ear, "I will.." he shut the door and hustled up the steps, he was already running late, Vinessa and her latest fashion drama had them all behind the eight ball, the worst possible way to start a Monday.

"Mommy...my tummy hurts" Sam padded into the living room, he vomited on the floor just seconds after the words had left his mouth.

"Oh...that's gross!" Hazel screeched, flying across the room to get away from him, "don't come near me..Sam."

Kim cut her eyes at Hazel, "Will you go get daddy, tell him I need some towels." She motioned for Hazel to find Adam.

It had been a few weeks since their conversation about adopting Hazel and it was the best thing they'd ever done. The adoption was still in the process of being finalized but Hazel had embraced it from the get go, the father daughter dance with Adam was her favorite, 'the best night ever' was what she had called it.

She had loved the poster Kim had made her, and she loved presenting it to her class and they seemed satisfied with the explanation and the bullying had stopped. None of them had expected what had happened just a few days after Hazel's presentation to the class.

"My turn!" Sam grabbed the dice and shook his fist furiously before tossing them on the table, "oh fish hooks!" He growled when he rolled a two.

"HaHa!" Hazel laughed as he pouted, he had been certain he was going to win and now he seemed to be stuck, unable to move. Hazel had just picked the dice up when the doorbell rang, "I'll get it!" She took off for the door.

Adam chased after her, "Wait for me, Nut!" They hated the kids to answer the door alone, especially when they weren't expecting anyone. He peeked out the window and saw the unfamiliar pick up truck parked in front of the house, "I will answer it."

Hazel stood at his side, "Okay."

The woman on rocked on her heels, her hand clamped tightly around the little boy's upper arm, "Hi..you must be Detective Ruzek" her smile was slight and she seemed nervous.

"I am....and you are?"

Hazel tugged his arm, "That's Champion, daddy. The boy in my class." She told Adam as he looked down at her and then back to Champion.

Champion had his eyes focused on the floor a teddy bear in his hands, "Champion.." his mother spoke, "Is here to apologize to Hazel, aren't you Champion?"

He nodded, "Yes."

She nudged him, "Well, get to it." Obviously annoyed at his reluctance, "go on...tell her!"

Champion finally looked up, "Here" he shoved the bear at Hazel, "this is for you, I'm sorry I was mean to you...I won't do it again..and I'm sorry your mommy and daddy are in heaven...but I'm happy that you are getting adopted."

Champion's mother seemed pleased, "Now, what do you say to Detective Ruzek?"

"I'm sorry, Detective Ruzek. I won't pick on Hazel again."

Adam kneeled down in front of him, he extended his hand to shake the little boy's, "I appreciate that bud. I know Hazel does too, I see you're wearing a CPD shirt, maybe your mom can bring you down to the 21st one day for a tour" he had initially been furious with the kid, but Kim had talked him off the ledge. The kid's apology was unexpected and he was pleased.