Page 3 of Aussie
Judge Holten leaned back in her chair, her expression hardening slightly. “I won’t lie. I’m a little disappointed in this situation. However, that is not directed at you, Christian. Looking over your file, it appears you are a very smart young man. You have all A’s and B’s in school and taking Honors classes. That is amazing for someone in your situation. I don’t see that often, and that alone tells me that you are not the problem.” She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. “The issue we have is finding a better solution for you, Christian.” She glanced at Ava, and Ava gave her a tight nod in agreement.
“After speaking with the Hodges, they are petitioning to return Christian to the state.” She turned her attention to Christian. “Christian, I don’t believe the problem is with you,” the judge said kindly, and Christian’s face lifted ever so slightly.
“I agree,” Ava chimed in, her voice firm. “Christian is a good kid. He’s respectful and smart, and he is just trying to figure out who he is. He’s a normal teenager. Though maybe a little more mature than most at his age.” She looked over and winked at Christian, which earned her a small smile in return.
Judge Holten sighed. “It seems the best course of action is to return Christian to the state’s care effective immediately.”
Ava had known this was coming, but hearing it still felt like a punch to the gut. Christian didn’t flinch, but she saw the way his shoulders hunched just a little more.
The judge turned her attention to Ava. “Ava, are there any suitable placements available for Christian?”
Ava hesitated, already knowing the answer. “Unfortunately, there are no vacancies for teens at the moment. Group homes are at capacity, and with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, it’ll be hard to place him anywhere before the new year.”
Judge Holten frowned, clearly displeased. “So, what do you suggest?”
Ava’s heart raced. She hadn’t fully thought it through, but the answer was clear. She glanced at Christian, his downcast face breaking her heart. This wasn’t just some kid she was responsible for. This was a boy who reminded her too much of herself—lost, alone, misunderstood. And she had the power to help him the way Evelyn had helped her.
Taking a deep breath, Ava looked back at the judge. “As you know, I’m approved to foster, but I’ve never taken a placement before, as I didn’t want to risk getting too attached.” She paused, feeling the weight of her own words. “But Christian is different. He deserves someone who understands him, especially through the holidays. With the court’s permission, I’d like to foster him until the New Year, at least.”
Christian’s head snapped up, his wide eyes locking onto Ava. He was shocked, and she didn’t miss the way his lips twitched upward, the hint of a smile crossing his face.
Judge Holten looked equally surprised, her eyebrows raised as she considered Ava’s proposal. “You want to foster Christian?”
Ava nodded without hesitation. “Yes, absolutely. Someone once took a chance on me, and it changed my life. I want to do the same for him.”
The judge was quiet for a moment, flipping through Christian’s file. She was no longer just a judge. At the moment, she was Ava’s friend, and Ava knew the weight of what she was asking. After a long pause, Judge Holten looked up, her gaze serious. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
Ava didn’t blink. “Yes.”
A smile tugged at the corners of Judge Holten’s mouth. “Very well. I approve your request, and Christian will remain in your care throughout the holidays. We will schedule another meetingfor the first week of the new year. I’ll have a few documents for you to sign now, and then I’ll have the rest sent over to your office this afternoon.”
Christian let out a breath, the tension draining from his body. He turned to Ava, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and nerves. “Really, Ava?”
She smiled. “Really.”
Before she could take her next breath, Christian pounced on her, giving her the biggest hug.
“Thank you, Ava. I promise I won’t let you down.” His voice was full of emotion.
Hugging him back, she smiled softly as her heart swelled. “I know you won’t.”
About an hour later, and after signing a few documents and handling some legalities, Christian looked at her with a mix of curiosity and hope. “So, what’s next?”
Ava stood, gathering her things. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. How about we go and get some lunch.”
For the first time since they’d entered the chambers, Christian grinned. And for the first time in a long time, Ava felt like she was exactly where she needed to be.
???
The cozy pizzeria smelled of freshly baked dough and garlic. Ava and Christian sat in a booth near the window, a large meat lovers pizza between them.
Christian had been quiet since they left the courthouse, and Ava assumed he was still processing everything that had happened. After all, she was still sort of shocked herself. She definitely didn’t have “agreeing to foster a teenager” on her bingo card for the day.
She took a bite of her slice, watching him as he slowly ate his pizza, glancing out the window every few seconds.
“So, Christian,” Ava began, trying to ease the tension she could feel from him. “Let’s talk about your room. What are you thinking? Any particular way you want to set it up?”
Christian looked at her, clearly surprised. “My room?”
