A Cliche Love Story

Chapter 28

"I've secured a lawyer and he is currently setting up a custody hearing with your parent's lawyer. He is pretty confident about the win, as you have successfully looked after Grace for most of her life, as well as your own. Your parents may also face the charge of abandonment and neglect if you would be willing to press charges. But at the very least, it looks like you can become the legal guardian of Grace." 

With legal papers spread across the table, Alex was furiously signing away as Skylar's dad attempted to comfort him on the matters they were facing. "How long would that take? Would Grace have to become involved?" He asked, running a hand through his tangled hair. 

"It wouldn't be easy, but we would help you through the process and make sure it affects Grace as little as possible. I would suggest it though. They deserve to pay for what they've done to you. If it was Skylar being hurt..I would feel the same way about what they deserve." Skylar's dad told Alex, his hand reaching across the table to pat his daughter's hand. "We are hoping that the court date will be set for next week, to give us some time to prepare, but to not have to wait too long."

Alex simply nodded, too worn out to give any emotional response to what he had said. The little energy he did have was reserved for Grace.

Skylar's mom was keeping Grace occupied in the living room, but it was obvious that she could here them talking, and wanted to know what was going on. Although she liked being there, it was hard being away from their home and her big brother was obviously cripplingly stressed out. 

After they had finished with papers, the phone began to ring once more and Skylar and Alex were finally alone. His head was in his hands, and she lifted one of her hands to lace into his fingers, gently pulling him up off of the dining room chair. "Come here." She whispered, leading him upstairs into her bedroom. 

Defeated and exhausted, he slumped up the stairs behind her and let her pull him into her bed. Laying somewhat on top of her, his head settled on her chest, ear pressed against her heart. A smile spread across her lips and she kissed his head, rubbing his back. His eyes fluttered closed as he listened to her heartbeat, and could relax enough to fall asleep.

A few hours later, Alex woke up to hear Skylar's faint snoring, and to feel her breath on his head. Lifting his head, he smiled and tried to untangle himself from her arms, but they just wrapped tighter around him. He shifted to lift her up, and pull her on top of him instead, stroking her hair. He knew that he hadn't been attentive with her, and it sunk his heart to realize that she was probably hurting from all of this. But he was very grateful for everything her parents and she had done for him. They had given him all the support since his parents came back to town. Financial, emotional, legal, mental...everything. Even Grace loved her family. As his girl slept on top of him, he thought of a small plan to at least show his appreciation towards Skylar. He couldn't even imagine how he could pay any of them back, but he would start with Skylar because he cared about her incredibly much. 

Due to their lack of time spent together, he stayed with her and dozed in and out of sleep until she had woken up. Once her eyes slowly fluttered open, he placed soft kisses all over her face. A smile spread across her lips and he placed a final kiss on the beautiful smile of hers. His arms wrapped tighter around her as they kissed, and they both let out a relieved sigh. Once they parted, his thumb stroked her cheek slowly and she pulled her lip between her teeth. 

"I missed you." He whispered, kissing the tip of her nose softly and she beamed. 

"I missed you too."