*2 weeks later*
Everything is finally unpacked and put away. The apartment has three bedrooms. My room, Beth's room, and the baby's room. I can't wait to find out the gender of the baby so I can give her or him a name. I told my grandma that I was pregnant last week. She wasn't thrilled since I'm only 18 but she said that she thinks I can raise Beth and my baby. I'm glad she's kind of supportive. I haven't told anyone besides Grace, Connor, and my grandma though. Well, I told Beth but she doesn't exactly understand. She just knows I'm having a baby and that it will be here soon.
I took off work today because I have to go to court at 1 and I don't know long it will last. I talked to my dad and he was glad to sign all his rights over to me. He didn't sound to stable over the phone so I doubt he'll show up. I don't think my mom will show up either. I haven't seen or heard from her since I yelled at her for leaving me and Beth. Even if she did show up, I doubt the judge would give her Beth. I hope not anyway.
I have an hour to get ready. I already took a shower. I just need to change clothes, do my makeup, and hair. Grace is going to watch Beth while I'm gone. The judge doesn't want her there just in case something goes wrong. I plug up my straighten then brush my hair as it gets hot. I straighten my hair then apply a little bit of makeup. I go to the small closet and find something to wear. I've never been to court before but I'm pretty sure that I have to wear something fancy. Not to fancy, but not something I would wear everyday. I pull out a pink blouse and put it on. I go to my dresser and pull out my best pair of jean. I put them on then look in the mirror. I look decent enough.
I walk into Beth's room and see her playing with her dolls. I walk over and sit on the floor beside her. She looks at me then continues playing.
"Are you hungry?"
"Yes! I thought you'd never ask!"
I let out a laugh then say," What do you want?"
"Chicken nuggets.... 5 of em'!"
"Okay, I'll go make your 5 chicken nuggets."
I get up off the floor and walk into the kitchen. I turn on the stove then get the nuggets out of the freezer. I wait until the stove is hot then stick them in. I set the timer before going into the living room. I turn on the tv to the news and pull out my phone.
I start scrolling through my newsfeed when I hear a familiar name on tv. I grab the remote and turn the volume up.
"Local police say 40 year old Emily Addison was living in the house when it caught fire. They think the fire may have been caused by a meth lab gone wrong. Everyone inside is claimed to be dead. Including Emily......"
I turn off the tv and put my face in my hands. She's dead. She's dead because she was trying to make a meth lab but failed. Now, she's gone for good. She's never coming back. I don't know if I'm sad or mad. I'm kind of mad at her for even trying something so stupid and foolish; but I'm also sad. She's my mom. She gave birth to me and raised me. Honestly, she was doing pretty good until dad decided to cheat on her. So in a way it's his fault she turned to drugs. She wanted the pain to go away. I guess it's gone now.
The timer goes off, bringing me out of my thoughts. I stand up and walk into the kitchen. I get the nuggets out and put them on a plate. I turn off the stove then take Beth's food to her.
"Here you go, sweetie."
She smiles really big at me and says," Thank you!"
"You're welcome."
The door bell rings and I smile at her before going to answer it. I open the door and Grace is standing there. She pulls me into a hug.
After a good five minutes she pulls away and says," I saw the news. I'm sorry."
"It's fine. I just wish it didn't happen but it did. I'll have to move on from it."
She gives me a sad look before walking inside and shutting the door.
"So where's Beth?"
"In her room, eating."
"You better get going before you're late."
I nod and walk towards Beth room. I'm met half way by her. She's carrying a empty plate and smiling.
"Those were yummy!"
"I hope so. I have to go now. I'll be back in a few."
I take her plate then give her a hug and kiss her forehead. I turn away and Grace takes the plate from my hands. I give her a smile then walk out the door. I get in the truck and start driving.
I've been waiting about an hour to get called up for my case. I've heard so many sad, terrible cases about kids being taken away from their drug addict parents. It's makes me so upset. Why have kids if you're not going to take care of them?
"Case number 185, you can come up now."
I look at my paper. That's my number. I get up and walk to the front. The judge gives me a sad smile before looking down her papers. She must have seen the news too.
"I see that you're the only one present. That means you get full custody of Beth."
"Okay, thank you."
She hands me papers then smiles again.
"Sorry about your mom."
"It's going to be okay but thank you."
She nods a little then calls the next case. I walk out of the courthouse, smiling. I'm glad it's final that I'm Beth's legal parent. I get in the truck and start my drive home.
I arrive home with the smile still on my face. I unlock the door and walk inside. My smile quickly fades as I see the one and only Connor Hutcherson sitting on my couch with a duffel bag in his lap.
I look at him then over at Grace. I let a sigh then say," Grace, take Beth to her room."
She nods and hurries Beth out of the room.
I stare at him for a few minutes before asking," Why are you here?"
He clears his throat and says," My mom kicked me out."
"And you think you can just come live with me?"
"Well, I did get kicked out for telling her that I got you pregnant."
This surprises me. Why would he tell her that he got me pregnant when he doesn't even believe it's his?
"I thought you said it wasn't yours."
"I thought long and hard about it."
"And?"
"I think it is mine. We did have sex a lot. Unprotected, if I do remember correctly."
"I still don't see why you expect me to forgive you so easily."
"I don't. I want to earn your trust back. I even got a job to help out. I can even sleep on the couch."
"I believe that he wants to prove to you that he wants to help you. You should let him, Katie."
I don't even have to turn around to know that Grace said that.
"Okay, you can stay but I still don't trust you and you're sleeping on the couch."
He smiles and runs over and hugs me. I push him back and he laughs nervously.
"Sorry, sorry. I understand. Baby steps. But thank you so much."
"Don't make me regret this, Connor."
"I won't. I promise."
I hesitate but then I wrap my arms around him. He's surprised for a second but he quickly hugs me back. Maybe this will work out.
