Paper Houses |NH|

9:03 AM

"Would you like anything to drink?" I was asked.

I merely shook my head.  I couldn't take my eyes off her.  She turned to face me but her face was silhouetted by the window behind her.

"Alright, Vada, Niall, please take a seat and let's get started."

Vada made her way to the other side of the table where her belongings were already situated.  I placed the folder in my hand down on the table in front of me.  We both sat down across from each other.   

"Alright, first off, Niall, let me introduce myself, my name is Eve Adams, and yes, that is..."

I barely registered anything she said to me.  All I could do was look at the woman sitting across from me, wondering how the hell we got there.

"We're here today because you both agreed to a mediation session in an effort to settle all accounts in your impending divorce.  First and foremost, there is still an impending divorce, correct?  No reconciliation has occurred since this meeting was scheduled?"

"No," Vada said, matter-of-factly.  I cringed at how final she sounded with just that one word.

Eve looked in my direction.  I simply nodded in agreement.

"Okay, then.  Your attorneys are not present due to an agreement by the two of you that this could be decided in a friendly, positive manner that does not require a lawyer.  Is that still correct?"

"Yes, of course," Vada said, sweeter than she had spoken before.

"Of course," I responded, my eyes still on her.  She looked beautiful today.  Not that I could ever fathom a day she didn't look beautiful to me.

"And the last thing before we start.  I am not a lawyer.  I cannot and will not offer legal, or any other, advice while we are here.  If we hit a moment in which neither of you can agree, it will be left for your attorneys to handle.  Is that understood?"

"Yes."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Okay, then, I guess it's safe to get started?"

"Yes, let's," Vada said, sitting up a bit.  She still hadn't fully looked at me.

"Okay, there are several things to discuss here, today.  Usually the most pertinent is any custody arrangements."

"That won't be necessary," Vada said, softly.  I could've sworn I almost heard her let out a small sob.

"Oh," Eve said, looking confused.  "I thought there were?"

"No, no children," I replied, sadly.

"Okay then.  Other than child custody, there's often spousal support, any monetary arrangements, and generally speaking, the separation of assets."

Eve looked between both of us.  Neither Vada nor I spoke.

"Okay, let's get this show on the road, shall we?"

"Is that what this is?" I mumbled softly to myself.

Eve pulled out a notepad and uncapped a pen.  She looked over the papers in front of her before speaking,

"It seems we have several properties, business partnerships, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies.  Anything I'm missing?"

"The art."  Vada said.  "Otherwise, I think that covers it."

"Great.  Did you both bring the necessary documents for each?"

"Yes."

"I brought mine, " I responded holding up my own folder of paper, which looked pretty fibble next to hers but then again she kept tabs on everything. I brought the one thing she didn't know about.