Welcome! The word prompt this week is "writing". This will be the last installment of Maggie's Story until the novella comes out. Thank you for stopping by and reading this emotional story.
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Maggie slipped her hand into John’s as
the Judge asked Penn to take the witness stand. The magistrate turned to face
the boy. He asked questions and scribbled notes. Maggie was sure she had broken
John’s hand, she squeezed so hard.
After Penn stepped down, John, then Maggie took the stand. She twisted a hanky when she answered questions, but wasn’t able to hold back tears.
After Penn stepped down, John, then Maggie took the stand. She twisted a hanky when she answered questions, but wasn’t able to hold back tears.
She gripped the railing for support as
she pushed to her feet. Uncle Alfred followed her. There was a brief recess.
John and Maggie flanked Penn.
Though
he was taller than she, Maggie slipped her arm around him.
They were called back into the courtroom.
The judge cleared his throat.
“I have your statement in writing,
Penn. I’ve read it carefully and heard the answers of all the parties. It may
be unorthodox, but I’ve decided to let you stay with Maggie and John for the
next year. Your uncle will manage your financial affairs and provide an
adequate income for you to live on. After a year, the court will revisit your
living situation. If, at that time, the court finds that you are not receiving
proper supervision, your custody will be transferred to your uncle.”
Maggie gasped and reached for John.
“Do you understand, young man? If you
seize this chance to live with these caring people as an opportunity to run
wild, the court will put a stop to it. They will be dismissed and you will be
moved to your uncle’s home.”
“I do, Your Honor.”
“You’re willing to abide by their rules?”
“I am, sir.”
“Keep up with your schoolwork, stay
away from drugs and alcohol?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you, Maggie and John? Are you
willing to take the duties of parenting seriously? Are you willing to be
available to Penn?”
“We are, Your Honor,” John said.
“Be with him day in and day out?”
“Yes, sir,” Maggie said, her voice
barely louder than a whisper.
“Take full responsibility for Penn, as
if he were your own flesh and blood?”
“We gladly accept that, Your Honor,”
John said.
“Very well. Then it’s is the opinion
of this court that Penn Roberts shall remain in the custody of John and Maggie
for one full year –at which time custody will be re-evaluated based on the boy’s
progress. Court is adjourned.”
Maggie let out the breath she had been
holding, and the tears as well. Even John misted up as he grinned broadly. Penn joined them in a group hug. His eyes
were full. Arthur stopped on his way out.
“Good luck raising a teenager,” he
harrumphed.
“Thank you, sir. I’m sure we’ll need
it,” Maggie replied.
The older man frowned. “Don’t know how
I’m going to tell your aunt, Penn.”
“You’ll figure out something, Uncle
Alfred. You always do,” Penn responded.
The threes piled into their car and
John drove them home. Once inside, Penn went to his room and closed the door.
Maggie started dinner while John poured them each a glass of wine. They clinked
glasses.
“Our boy. He really is our boy now,
old girl.”
“That he is.”
“Of course, when he’s eighteen, he’s
his own man. No custody then. Is three years enough?”
“The court’s only giving us one. But
they’ll see. Yes, three years would be heaven. Parent teacher conferences.
Mother’s Day. Oh, John, three years is a dream come true.”
She wiped her eyes before raising her
glass.
“To Penn. Our boy. Our son. Even if only for a little
while.”
“Amen,
my lovely.”
To be continued. Watch for Maggie's Story, the novella.
To be continued. Watch for Maggie's Story, the novella.
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