23. Chapter 23
The shrill sound of the alarm goes off as if I need it to wake me up. Today of all days, I am wide awake before the sun is even up. Because today I meet with the lawyer to counter sue my mother.
What the actual fuck?
It”s just so wrong that my own mom is suing me and that I have to counter sue. But there isn”t a thing I wouldn”t do for Liz. I swear that mother instinct kicked in because one look at her sweet face and I know I”d die for her without blinking an eye. I”d kill to protect her, and I”d spend every last penny I own to keep her safe and happy.
Even though I never want her to doubt that her life is stable, I”m not sure when to tell her about all this, either. Eventually, she’s going to ask where Grandma and Grandpa are.
Turning over, I stare at Zane”s sleeping form next to me. Having him here has been everything I needed. He”s been my strength, my rock, and my voice of reason. He suggested we wait to tell Liz what’s going on, after we meet with the lawyer. That way, we”d have more information and an idea where things were heading.
I place my hand on the side of Zane”s face and gently rub his cheek. His eyes open and he smiles up at me. All the time he tells me this is his favorite way to wake up-me there with him. Though before we both roll out of bed, he pulls me in for a quick kiss. Our routine is pretty much set by now. While I get Liz ready for school, he will be getting breakfast going.
Last night he made biscuits, so Liz wanted bacon and egg biscuits for breakfast this morning. When she made her request, we both laughed, remembering our limp bacon conversation. She wasn”t thrilled when we said it was an adult joke.
I go into Liz”s room and turn on the lamp next to her bed, gently rubbing her back.
“Rise and shine,” I say, softly.
It takes a minute, but Liz sits up in bed, yawning.
“Today is our ice cream party,” she says, jumping out of bed.
Her class had the most books read in her whole school, so they are having an ice cream party. She has been looking forward to it all week.
In record time, she’s up and dressed and ready for school, sitting at the dining room table before I am.
She is really excited about the ice cream party. I think it”s the fastest she has ever gotten ready.Zane says after handing me a cup of coffee.
During breakfast, Liz keeps asking if we are thinking they will have this kind of ice cream or that kind of ice cream. She promises to give us a play-by-play detailed description of the party when she gets home. Finally, it’s time for her to go and I watch as she skips down the driveway to the bus.
“Bye Aunt Carlee!” She calls before climbing onto the bus.
I watch the bus leave then go back inside where Zane has made our breakfast and is waiting for me at the table.
Like we do every morning, we have breakfast together and then go get ready. Since Noah said he”d meet us there, we don’t have to rush to the lawyer’s office.
All morning Zane couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of me, as if I’d disappear into thin air.
He’s constantly touching me. Wrapping his arms around my waist as I brush my teeth. Brushing my hair for me and watching me braid it. Rubbing my back as I put on some makeup. Even going so far as to help me get dressed. Wherever and whenever he could, he was there.
In the car, he holds my hand the entire way there. When we get to the lawyer’s office, Noah is waiting for us in the parking lot.
You guys ready for this?Noah asks.
Not really, but we don”t really have a choice, do we?I say.
Zane wraps his hand around my waist and guides me into the lawyer”s office.
Noah takes the lead, introducing us and explaining he”s there to translate for Zane. Then, we are led back to the lawyer’s office.
All the same introductions are made before we sit down.
“So, in short, I”ve gone over your sister’s will and the paperwork your mother has filed. You have a strong case. How is Elizabeth doing in school?” Mr. Arwood, our lawyer asks.
“She just brought home straight As. Today her class is celebrating reading the most books by having a party. In her class, she had the second most books read.” I tell him.
“So, she is happy and well adjusted. Any acting out?” Mr. Arwood makes some notes.
“No none. We have routines in place for her. When she comes home from school, she has a snack and then does her homework. We continue to have family dinners, just like my sister used to do.”
“And what is Zane”s role in her life?” he asks.
“Every night, he helps her with her homework. Together, they have learned ASL, teaching me as well. He helps with meals and makes breakfast every morning before she goes to school.”
“Well, we will need notes from her school about her grades and how she is coping. Also, it might help to have her talk to a court appointed therapist to prove she is doing well and happy. It won”t look good that your mother is using a man’s disability against him. Especially, considering that all of Oakside is by his side. They are well known in the community and it”s not a good look for your mother.
While we are waiting to see the judge, there should be no contact with them, outside communication between me and her lawyer. No visiting with Liz, no contact, nothing. Now, I just have a few standard questions.”
My head is already spinning, and we’ve just started.
“Do either of you have criminal background I should be aware of?” he asks.
“No,” I tell him, and then look over at Zane.
He shakes his head no too.
“Any health problems” Mr. Arwood asks.
“No,” I say.
Nothing outside my hearing is gone.Zane says, while Noah translates.
“What about employment? Do you have a way to support the child outside the money Kaylee and Brian left you?” Mr. Arwood wants to know.
“Yes, I have a house I just bought, and my job just went full time teaching art therapy at Oakside. They are also paying me to get some state certifications to teach a few more advanced classes.”
“Currently, Zane is employed full time with Oakside. He”s helping us with a project and is under Non Disclosure Agreement at the moment.” Noah says, still signing for Zane.
Zane is fast at hiding the surprise on his face, but I see it. It’s a relief knowing Zane isn”t keeping anything from me.
“All right. I think I have everything thing I need. If not, I’ll get back to you. Today, I will be filing the notice that we plan to counter sue and let you know what their response is.”
We say goodbyes and head out.
I think now is the time we should tell Liz what is going on now.Zane says once we are back in the car.
I agree. She will start to wonder why Grandma isn”t even calling,I say.
The entire way home, I think about what I”m going to tell her and go over possible questions she might ask.
Once we arrive home, we have lunch and try to keep our minds off the conversation ahead.
What did Noah mean that you have a job with them?I ask as we sit in the living room.
He mentioned talking to someone and wanting me there, but that was it.
Our conversation is cut short when the school bus pulls up and I go meet Liz in the driveway.
As soon as Liz sees Zane standing in the living room, she drops her backpack. He never greets her like this and the worry is all over his face.
What”s wrong?she asks.
We need to tell you what is going on. It”s adult stuff but it affects you. I say as we all sit down on the couch.
I”m not sure how to explain this simply, but we won”t be visiting Grandma for a while. She thinks she should be raising you despite what your mom and dad wanted. So, we have to let a judge decide. While we’re waiting for that to happen, we can”t go to your grandparents’ place or even talk to them. I tell her, finally relieve to get it out in the open.
She looks between Zane and me and then crawls into Zane”s lap.
He looks at me over her head as he wraps his arms around her and holds her tight, comforting her.
I want to stay here with you two. Can I just tell the judge that? She asks with tears in her eyes.
My eyes are watering too. Oh, honey, I wish it was that easy.
Yes, I wish all this was just as easy as a six-year-old makes it.