I squeeze Olivia’s hand when I see her reaching up to start biting on her thumb. She must be extra nervous considering we have a bit of an audience behind us in the courtroom. I can also see George’s hulking body and his burning glare as he sits directly behind us.
He’s not getting any closer than he’s allowed or I’ll actually break off his arm this time, no threats beforehand, consequences be damned.
The judge has both Janice and Olivia stand and swear to be honest with the court’s proceedings and begins the hearing.
Janice doesn’t have a lawyer, which automatically makes me feel a lot better about everything.
“Mrs. Miller, since you filed the request for custody orders with CPS, could you explain what you’re looking for here.”
“I have legal custody over my daughter, Summer and she’s being taken away from me,” Janice says, wiping a fake tear away from her eye. “I just want my sweet, sweet girl back. I’m her mother. I deserve to be able to see my baby.”
My fists clench underneath the desk and I shift my leg so it’s brushing against Olivia’s. She glances over to me and gives me a quick smile.
“Alright,” the judge says to us. “Ms. Miller, I see you and your bonded mate have brought representation for today. Could your attorney please explain what your party is looking for here?”
“Good afternoon, your honor,” John answers, standing. “My client today is looking to file for full custody of Summer Miller under the grounds that Janice Miller, my client, and Summer’s biological mother is unfit.”
He pulls out a stack of papers from his briefcase, which makes Janice’s eyes go wide. I guess she thought we wouldn’t be prepared for this sort of thing. Jokes on her.
“I have here a packet full of information detailing how my client has taken care of the child ever since she was four without the assistance of their mother here. May I distribute these papers?”
“Yes, you may.”
John walks up to the judge’s stand and hands over the packet we prepared. He also drops a copy onto Janice’s desk, who quickly grabs it and starts flipping through it furiously.
“As you can see, there are school records extending to when the child first started elementary school that states my client has been the primary point of contact. You can also find the child’s grades included here showing she’s a great student and has excelled under my client’s care.” John says, expertly commanding the attention of the room.
“You can see testimony from my client about the harmful environment she grew up in, under the care of Mrs. Miller, including experiencing a violent assault at the hand of one of Mrs. Miller’s partners,” He says.
I see Janice’s face blanch. I don’t know why she seems so surprised we’re bringing it up, especially considering Olivia mentioned it in the office at Summer’s school. Maybe it’s because she’s worked herself up to be the victim in her own head hearing anything different shakes the foundation of the warped way she views the world.
“You can also see that there are documented incidents of Mrs. Miller’s malice against my client, including documented police and private agency reports on how Mrs. Miller was very likely involved in the kidnapping of my client and the destruction of her apartment.”
“Wh—What?” Janice scoffs, her face growing red as she stands. “That’s absurd! You have no proof!”
“Sit down, Mrs. Miller,” The judge orders.
“But—”
“You do not disobey me in my courtroom,” the judge booms.
I hear the audience of the courtroom shift behind me, some people eagerly leaning in to witness the drama and others, probably people Janice has brought with her, growing uncomfortable.
“Continue,” The judge says, nodding to John.
“Mrs. Miller’s lack of ability to emotionally regulate herself aside,” John says, causing Olivia to purse her lips to keep her laughter in. “My client arguably offers a more stable home than Mrs. Janice here. She is bonded to her fated mate who is more than prepared to help provide for the child. He has set up a 529 account prepared to pay for her higher education and has made ample accommodations to his home for the child.”
He returns to his seat to finish his conclusion. “Regardless of Mrs. Miller’s status as the child’s biological mother, it is objectively better for the child to be brought up in a home where a bonded pair can provide for her. That is all your honor.”
“Very well,” The judge says. “Mrs. Miller, do you have anything else to say?”
“They have no proof of any of the things they say I’ve done! And I’m her mother, she’s mine!” She says, her face mottled and red.
“Actually,” The judge says, nodding down to the packet John handed out. “They have provided ample evidence to support their statement.”
“They’re fucking lying!” She yells, slamming her hands onto the table.
“I believe I’ve seen and heard all I need to,” the judge says. “I’m awarding Olivia Miller full, one hundred percent custody of the child Summer Miller, effective immediately.”