The One That Got Away

Chapter Thirty-One

For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results ... first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.

Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado ...

This is the beginning of the extension of the original contest entry. ALL NEW! Thank you for sticking with me and I hope you enjoy this!

I hate separating them. I really do, but at least they have an idea of what they're going to do. Bella is looking for positions in the Tampa area and more than likely moving. But do you think it will be that easy?

"What do you mean that I can't see my children?" Tanya spat, glaring at her weasel of an attorney. "Aro! You said that you'd be able to get me visitation."

"I thought I could, when I believed that you were just estranged from your children and ex-husband, Tanya. You neglected to tell me that you had your parental rights revoked and a restraining order against you. I can't magically get visitation when you legally gave up that right," Aro explained slowly, as if speaking to a child. "I think it's in your best interest to let this go. You cannot interact with your children, nor your ex-husband's family or visit the school."

"This is bullshit," Tanya growled. "They're my kids. I have rights!"

"That you signed away!" Aro bit back. "Mrs. Cullen, I can't further help you."

"Can I get my rights back? And then can I see my children?" she asked.

"I've looked into this and Florida does not allow you to regain custody after you relinquished your rights. The only way you'd be considered is if all of the next of kin are deceased and you're all that's left. And that's after you've proven that you could care for the children," Aro sighed.

"That could be arranged," Tanya muttered, crossing her arms. Aro gave her a sharp look. "What? Look, if I can't see my kids, can I have a say who has access to them?"

"Because you're not their parent, no," Aro said, scrubbing his face with his hands. This woman was incorrigible. "Mrs. Cullen, I've examined all of the legal avenues regarding your children. There are no real options. I'm sorry." Reaching into his bag, he handed her an envelope. "Here is my bill."

"I'm not paying you," she scoffed. "You've done nothing!"

"Quite the opposite. I've spent at least fifteen billable hours, two of which meeting with a family court judge discussing your situation. At $500 per an hour, you can do the math. If I'm not paid by the date on the invoice, I will be taking you to court," Aro said coldly, narrowing his beady, black eyes. Gripping his black folder, he opened the door. "Good day, Mrs. Cullen."

She huffed, grabbing the envelope and stuffed it into her bag. She bumped into Aro as she breezed past him, stomping to her silver Audi convertible that belonged to Reynold. She slid into the car, putting in her Bluetooth, she dialed her best friend. "Hey Lauren," she said sullenly.

"If you're calling to complain about Edward, I don't want to hear it, Tanya. Because of that asshole, I was brought up on charges against Seth. Jessica is suing me for the medical costs. I understand that you're pissed that Edward is being his usual holier-than-thou bullshit, but you decided to give them up," Lauren sneered. "If you didn't want children, why did you have them in the first place?"