As we pulled into a parking lot, I looked at the sign at the entrance.
'Dublin Courthouse.'
"It's really happening," I whispered. "Isn't it?"
"Only if you want it to." Josh looked over me. "It's up to you."
I looked at my feet, then opened my mouth. "Let's do it."
I opened up the car door and stepped out, the fresh air flowing through my system. Josh walked up behind me, extending his hand.
"We can learn together. You ready?"
"I'm ready."
"Let's go."
The huge white building before us held its own presence. It was intimidating, yet beautiful. It stood tall, the double doors at the front of the building staring us in the face.
I could feel Josh's hand shaking in mine. I squeezed it tightly. He squeezed mine in return.
We walked in slowly, but picked up our pace when we saw a reception looking window.
"How may I help you sir?" The dark headed woman asked, looking up from her computer.
"I'd like to fill out paperwork to gain legal guardianship over this young lady please." Josh smiled down at me.
"Oh," the lady seemed surprised for some reason. "Alright, right through this way, into interview office number three please. I'll be with you in a moment."
Josh nodded and we sat in the office, side by side.
"Nervous?" He asked me.
"Very." I replied.
"She sorta reminds of of that Harry Potter character," Josh started with a chuckle. "Professor McGonagall?"
"Josh!"
"What?! It's true! I think it's the glasses." He giggled. I shook my head with a laugh, and the door opened suddenly. The Professor McGonagall lady was back.
"Alright," she began, sitting down across from us. "I'll need to ask a few questions to both of you, some of which I may need to get you sir to leave to room."
Josh didn't seem very happy about that, but he nodded nonetheless.
"Alright, I'll need you to start with stating your full name sir."
"Joshua William Dun."
"Age?"
"28."
"Date of birth?"
"18th of June 1988."
"Thank you, Mr Dun. Now to you darling." The woman looked to me.
"What's your name?"
"Aria." I responded. I didn't want to say my last name, it made me sick to my stomach.
"I'm sorry Aria, I need your full name."
"Aria May — Moore."
"And your age."
"13."
"Date of birth?"
"2nd of December, 2002."
"Thank you Miss Moore."
I cringed at the name.
"Mr Dun, what is your reason for wishing to attain guardianship over Miss Moore?"
"So that she is living in a safe environment with the appropriate living conditions."
YOU ARE READING
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Fanfiction'Our hometown's in the dark.' After Josh finds a young girl being beaten down in the freezing cold, he makes it his responsibility to help her regain her confidence and trust in humanity. Of course, that's always difficult when there's a brick wall...
