A Twist Of Fate

Chapter 23

I walked into the animal shelter where my dad works and he was in the backroom  giving a dog a bath. "Hey sweetie what's up?"   "You need to do something about Mary Margaret. She just left my house saying that what Regina and I are doing is a disgrace. So I threw her out and she told me she'd be back with social services. Dad. You know me. I would never harm my daughter. Why is she doing this?"  All the emotions are finally getting to me and I begin to cry. He steps away from the dog and dries his hands. He holds me tight and rubs my back. He asks one of his assistants to take over and he walks me into his office and we sit down. "I'm sorry your mother is acting the way she is. I'll talk to her".  "What did I ever do that was so bad that she wants to take my daughter away from me?"   "Emma tell me what happened when your mother was there".  "I was up in the shower when she showed up. I didn't know she was there. Regina walked into the bathroom and I was naked. One thing led to another and we ended up having sex. It wasn't until after that I found out she was there. She heard the whole thing. She said she came to apologize but changed her mind. I told her to leave and that's when she said she'd be back with social services".  "Don't worry about someone taking Angie away from you. She's a beautiful happy healthy little girl. Anyone can see that and everyone knows it".  "Then why is she doing this to me?"  "I don't know. But I'll talk to her". He hugs me again and my phone started ringing.  "It's Regina. Hello?"   "Emma you need to come home right now. The police are here with a social worker".  I jump up. "What? I'll be right there".  I tell my dad what Regina just said and he follows me home. We walk in and Regina is talking to a woman and Sheriff Graham Hunter. She's explaining why things are in packing boxes. "What's going on?"  I ask nervously. Sheriff Hunter stands up. "Hi Emma. I'm sorry we have to be here. This is Sarah Moore. She's from child protective services. We received a call asking us to do a child welfare check and you know once we receive a complaint it must be followed up".  "I understand. I know how this works. What do you need me to do?"  "Let's have a seat and talk a little and then you can show us around". I nod and sit next to Regina and my daughter. My dad sits in the chair next to me. We talk about why I'm moving and the death of my wife. I was asked questions about all Angie's schedules like sleeping, eating, when she goes to daycare. When was the last time she went to the doctors for a check up. I showed them the app on my phone that shows all the appointment results from weight to shots and everything in between. The woman Sarah took notes on everything. I gave them a tour around the home. Her nursery, the bathroom, the kitchen. She checked what food I have for her. I wasn't hiding anything and I told them whatever they wanted to know. When we were finished we went back to the living room and sat back down. The social worker wrote a few things down in her notebook and then looked up at me. "Ok Mrs. Swan. As Sheriff Hunter told you, once we receive a call about a child we must investigate".  "Yes I understand. I was a police officer for many years. I took a leave of absence after my wife passed away and I haven't gone back because I've been taking care of my daughter".   "Yes I see all that in my file and I'm very sorry for your loss. I understand you were shot not to long ago".  "It was a few months ago and I just got medically cleared by the doctors".  "That's wonderful. How was it trying to take care of your daughter while you were recovering?"  "It was difficult but Regina has been here the whole time taking care of both of us".  I turn and smile at Regina. "And Regina your the Mayor".  "Yes you know I am Sarah". She  asks a few more questions then writes more in her notebook. "Are you gonna take my daughter away?"  I ask as my eyes start to water up. "As of right now I don't find any reason to remove this child from the home. It seems to me that she is well taken care of. I will be making unannounced visits to check in".  Regina told her that we will be moving at the end of the week and gave Sarah the new address. "Ok well I think that's it for now. Sheriff Hunter and I will get out of your hair. It was nice to meet you Emma". They stood up and I also did. I shook their hands and asked my dad to walk them out. Once I heard the door close I flopped on the couch next to Regina. I covered my face with my hands and just began to sob. Regina got up and put the baby in her playpen and came back to hold me. My dad walks in and kneels in front of me and helps console me. After a few minutes I try to relax. "I can't believe this is happening. They are going to end up taking my daughter just know it".  "Emma that's not true. You heard what Sarah said. There is no reason to remove her from you".  "Not now Regina but someone will dig something up. Why is my mother doing this to me?"  "I don't know Emma but I'm going to find out".  My dad said as he stood up. He hugged me and kissed my head. "I'm going to talk to Mary Margaret right now". I nod and he leaves. "It's almost time for dinner Emma. Do you want anything?"  "No thank you. I'm not hungry".  "Ok dear. I'm going to take Angie into the kitchen and feed her ok?"  I'm pretty much in a daze but I nod my head.