Novocain

Chapter Sixteen

Karen burst into tears. "I'm sorry. Ignore me."

"KayBee." Marceline Anne smiled. "Why are you crying?"

"You met your children."

"Yeah. It was bound to happen at some point."

Karen swatted her. "I'm so proud of you."

"Me too." Karou smiled, too. "Your bravery is awe-inspiring."

"You think I'm brave?" Marceline Anne's eyes widened.

"Yes!"

She smiled to herself, pleased.

Malcolm and Chase watched the girls bonding with matching smiles, thinking they were so cute.

Marceline Anne looked up from her breakfast plate. "Will you be okay today?"

Chase blinked. "Your mothering instincts are on fire."

She giggled. "We can go with you. Cheer you on. Figuratively. You have to be quiet and respectful in a courtroom."

He nodded, glad to know. "I'm okay. I think."

"You should let her come." Karen coaxed. "She gets things done."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. People don't tell her no. And she has a way of talking to make you agree with whatever she's proposing, no matter how terrible it is."

Marceline Anne side-eyed her.

"I wish I could see this." Karou drank her herbal tea with a frown.

"You have wedding plans to make."

"I know. I'm just glad Arnie's parents agreed. I wouldn't want them to come up missing."

"Missing?" Chase was dead confused.

Marceline Anne snorted lowly. "Smart."

Karou pinched Marceline Anne. "It doesn't translate well."

Marceline Anne clicked her tongue.

Malcolm burst out laughing.

Karen gave way to giggles.

Chase knew they were laughing at the scowling Karou but he felt left out. "My appointment's at ten."

Marceline Anne nodded. "I'll be there."

N-

Chase was terrified. He was wearing nice clothes and combed his hair but he still felt out of his league in the courtroom.

Marceline Anne took his hand and squeezed.

He calmed.

The judge appeared and they stood while she was sitting. The bailiff said they could resume their seats. The judge pierced Chase with a tough look. "Young man, why are we here? Your parents provide you with food and shelter. You have clothing, you have your health. Why are you doing this to your parents?"

Chase felt let down already. Adults really did stick together.

"If I may, Your Honor?" Marceline Anne patted Chase's hand.

"And you are?" Judge Rawlings asked.

"Dr. Marceline Anne Chang."

Judge Rawlings' eyebrows raised. "And how do you know Mr. MacDonald, Dr.?"

"He's my husband's best friend and my best friend's boyfriend."

"How old are you, Dr.?"

"Sixteen."