Misery

Sleepless In Seattle. Boston Maybe?

Emma: "I'm just thinking.."

Derek: "About what?"

Emma: "About my mom. I'm wondering if she's thinking about me. If she has even thought about me at all today. If she worked all day today like she does for every holiday. Why she hasn't called or texted me even once today."

Derek: "Sweetheart, I don't want you to worry about your mom. You just focus on having a good time, and being happy and healthy. Are you happy here? With us? With me?"

Emma: "I am the happiest I have been since before I was old enough to understand that she was putting work before me."

Derek: "Then that is all that matters."

Emma: "Thanks dad." *they fall asleep*

*1 week later, Derek is flying back to Boston with Emma. He has already purchased a house and everything he needs for the house so it will be ready for them when they land. On the way to the new house they stop at the courthouse and go see a judge to start the custody battle. Because of Emma's age they speak to her alone first*

Judge: "Emma? Because you are of deciding age we must first ask you what you want in this situation. So, what is it that you want?"

Emma: "Your honor, I want to live with my father, I just met him last week but he's been a great father already. He's there for me, he genuinely cares about me, I've been spending all my time with him this past week and not once has my mother gotten into contact with me. Which shows and tells me that she doesn't care to be a mother."

Judge: "Okay. Thank you for your honesty. Officer please send Mr.Shepherd back in."

*The officer goes into the hall and leads Derek back in*

Judge: "Mr. Shepherd, I hereby grant you temporary full custody of Emma, pending a paternity test issued by the courts. If it comes back that you are at least 99.89%  positive her father than we will grant you permanent full custody only the mother will only get supervised visitations every so often if she chooses and when you allow it."

Derek: "Thank you your honor. How long will it take before the test results come back in?"

Judge: "It will take us 3-5 business days to get the results, so it will take about 5-7 business days before we get back to you. Either view mail, email, or phone call. When that happens you'll need to come in and sign some papers, I'll need to sign them as well and then it'll be official and legal. Any other questions?"

Derek: "No. I don't have any. Emma, do you?"

Emma: "Uhmm.. Well what happens if it comes back that he's not my biological father?"

Derek: "Emma? You can't think like that. I mean you look so much like me."

Emma: "I know. But I've heard stories, and you knew the type of person she was back then."

Judge: "Well then he can file a petition to adopt you, and we'll go from there."

Emma: "Okay. Thank you. That's all I wanted to know"

Judge: "Alright, you guys are free to go"

*They leave, get to the house, and get settled in. Emma comes walking into the living room where Derek is*

Emma: "Hey dad? Can Jessica come over? I really want you guys to meet."

Dad: "Yeah, sure I don't see why not. But doors stay open at all times, and you're never allowed anywhere alone, you must have a chaperone when you two are together."

Emma: "I guess that's fair. Doesn't mean I like it, but I understand where you're coming from. Thanks dad." *texting Jessica that she can come over*