Page 117 of Campus Crush
“Yes, Your Honor. Mason and I now live in my apartment closer to campus. I share the apartment with my boyfriend, Foster Kane, and Mason has his own bedroom. Mason also has reliable transportation to and from school, so he doesn’t have to change schools.”
I felt Foster shift in his seat beside me. We’d discussed whether mentioning our living arrangement might hurt my case, but Patricia had advised honesty. Hiding details would only damage my credibility if they came to light later.
“And Mr. Kane is present today?” Judge Harrison looked next to me.
“Yes, Your Honor,” Foster replied.
“You’re a student as well?”
“Yes, Your Honor. I’m a junior at CFU, studying business, and I’m captain of the hockey team.”
The judge nodded and returned her attention to me. “Ms. Walker, raising a teenager is challenging under the best circumstances. You’re young, in school full-time, working two jobs. How do you plan to provide adequate supervision and support for your brother?”
This was the question I’d prepared for most carefully. I took a deep breath.
“I’ve arranged my class and work schedule to be home when Mason returns from school most days. On days when I can’t be there, Foster or one of our friends is available. Mason’s football coach has also been incredibly supportive, and the team provides structure and mentorship for him. He’s been invited to off-season workouts with some of his teammates if one of us needs to pick him up later. We alsohave a friend group that is more like family, and they’ve all offered to help support Mason.”
I glanced at Mason, who was watching me intently.
“As for finances, I get a small monthly stipend from a trust from the sale of our childhood home after my mom passed away. My grandmother left us her house, which I’m planning to sell. The proceeds will go into a trust for Mason’s college education and give us a financial cushion. I receive a full scholarship at CFU, and my internship at Holt & Associates has offered me a position with increased hours this summer.”
Judge Harrison made more notes, then looked directly at Mason.
“Young man, you’ve had a lot of loss in your life based on the information in your file. Your father when you were very young, your mother two years ago, and now your grandmother. How are you coping with all of this?”
Mason sat up straighter, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke. “It’s been hard, but Abby’s always been there for me. Even when she was away at college, she called every day after Mom died.”
My throat tightened at his words. I hadn’t known those calls and texts had meant so much to him.
“And you want to live with your sister? You understand she’ll be responsible for making decisions about your education, health care, and daily life until you turn eighteen?”
Mason nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Abby’s been taking care of me since Mom died, really. Gram was there, but she was getting older. Abby made sure I did my homework and went to football practice even when I didn’t want to.”
A small smile crossed the judge’s face. “And do you feel safe and supported in your new living arrangement?”
“Yeah,” Mason said, then quickly corrected himself. “Imean, yes, Your Honor. Foster and his friends help me with school stuff. It’s like…having big brothers or something.”
I blinked back tears, not wanting to get emotional in the courtroom, but Mason’s words hit me hard. I was glad he felt supported because that had been my biggest fear with all this change.
Judge Harrison turned back to me. “Ms. Walker, I see from the home study report that your living conditions are suitable, and the social worker noted the positive relationship between you and your brother. However, I remain concerned about your ability to balance your own education and career development with the responsibility of raising a teenager—especially in light of the letter I received from Dennis Kane.”
My heart sank. This was worse than I’d feared. I’d been worried that despite all our preparations, I still wouldn’t be seen as capable enough.
I hadn’t even considered that Foster’s dad might find out about all this and try to sabotage us.
Judge Harrison continued, her tone measured. “Mr. Kane submitted statements questioning your financial independence and raised concerns about the legality of your current housing arrangement. According to the documents reviewed, the apartment lease is held jointly by you and Samantha Lowe, who no longer resides at the property. Instead, Foster Kane—who is not listed on the lease—has taken her place without formal approval from your landlord. He also suggested that your landlord doesn’t know about Mason living at the residence as well.”
I felt the heat rise in my face. It was such a small detail, but one I’d missed.
“While not a disqualifying factor on its own,” Judge Harrison said, flipping the page, “housing stability is a keyconsideration in guardianship cases. An unapproved tenant—particularly one with a direct personal relationship to the petitioner—raises legal and ethical concerns the court is obligated to evaluate.”
Of course. He was turning Foster’s presence into a liability. He’d left us alone since Foster confronted him, and in all the craziness and grief, I’d let my guard down where Dennis Kane was concerned. Foster was tense beside me, and I had no doubt he was furious that his father was trying to set us up as irresponsible when that couldn’t be further from the truth.
But Dennis Kane once again underestimated me.
I straightened. “Your Honor, I understand why that detail raises concerns. The lease is in my name and Samantha’s, and when she moved out, Foster took her place. The landlord was informed verbally about the change and is fully aware that Mason is living there as well. I can get you her contact information so you can confirm this yourself if you need it. We've never missed a rent payment and she can confirm that as well. Our home may not be traditional, but it’s safe. I would never put my brother in an unstable position. The very reason I’m fighting so hard for custody is because the only one who can provide him true stability is me—his family.”
Judge Harrison regarded me silently for a beat before continuing. “I appreciate your transparency, Ms. Walker. The court is less concerned with perfection and more with honesty and intentions—and it’s clear yours have always been centered around your brother’s well-being.”
