28
In a weeks notice me and Elijah received a formal letter for court. They asked us to bring every document and anything to state my statement true.
So I prepared everything. Nico's birth certificate, the contract I and Jake signed and his statement to sign off parental rights.
Today is the first day.
I am nervous.
Elijah tells me constantly I don't have any reason to be and I know that but, I don't know what kind of judge will it be and maybe he won't understand my side of story.
And then there is the jury. You can never know what they are thinking.
"Pearl are you ready?" Elijah shouts.
"Just a minute!" I shout back.
I take a last look in the mirror. Okay I am ready.
I go in the kitchen to take myself a glass of water. When Elijah sees me he slowly walks towards me and wrap his arm around me. He stands behind me and is lightly squeezing me to counter.
"You look gorgeous." He places a soft kiss on my shoulder and working his way up my neck.
"Beautiful." kiss
"Tempting." kiss
"Exquisite." kiss
"And mine." kiss
He turns me around and kisses me. I don't know what is this pregnancy doing to me but I always crave Elijah's touch.
"We will be late." I say breathlessly between kisses.
He abruptly stops. "You are right."
···
A short drive later and we are already at court. I spot our attorney and wave him over. He is really preserved and closed man. And he sometimes talks like he is from 15th century. But he is a brilliant attorney.
"Mr. and Mrs. Woods." He noods at us.
15minutes later and we are all seated in the courtroom and Judge started to read the facts.
First one to be called is me. After I pledged to answer truthfully Jake's attorney starts questioning me.
(A/N: I don't study law or have knowledge on how truly is in court so any lawyers or people who know how this is going, don't judge. Thanks!)
"So Mrs. Woods as I gathered from evidence you are pregnant with your third and forth child."
"Yes I am." I confirm.
"Is Nikolai treated any differently then your daughter Elina?" He asks.
"No. Why would that even happen?" I answer with another question, perplexed.
"As was seen in your brief exchange with my client you despised and have a hate towards him, so maybe you would reflect that to your son."
"What kind of accusation is that? He doesn't have anything to do with Nico and Nico doesn't resemble him. And even if Nico would resemble him I would never hurt a child. Besides I don't hate your clients, I just don't have any desire to associate with him." I say trying really hard to keep my calm.
"Very well. What about your husband?"
"My husband loves his son dearly and doesn't act any different towards him." I answer already slightly annoyed.
"That will be all. I summon Mr. Woods now."
Me and Elijah exchange places and the annoying attorney starts again with his nagging voice, stupid and a know-it-all attitude.
"Mr. Woods have you ever physically or emotionally assult son of Jake Hayes and Skylar Gray." I know he on purpose said my old last name.
"No sir. Not only I didn't do that to my and my wifes son, I never assaulted anyone. And please refer to my wife with her right name which would be Skylar Woods." Elijah answers in a really calm voice, but I know he is frustrated with this attorney too.
"Apologies. Does your son call you dad? If that is the case since when?"
"Nico is calling me dad since second time he saw me.
We were at our friends place and their daughter came running to my friend which is her dad calling him daddy.
Nico then looked at me and called me dadda.
Ever since he saw me he called me that." Elijah voice, eyes and body softens with memories of that day.
"So if I am correct the child doesn't even know the true meaning behind his words?" That weasel, he is twisting his words.
"No I never said that. Nico has a clear definition of what a father/dad/daddy is."
"And what is that definition? Because in medical terms that is someone who made that child with intercourse with their partner and they share DNA."
I feel my blood boil. Where did Jake find this stupid attorney? I guess idiots find and attract idiots.
"I would disagree. A father is someone who has developed a relationship with a child, someone who gives him paternal care, someone who shows him his love, who teaches him how to tie his shoes, takes him to daycare, provides home and food for child, teaches him to respect others and himself.
Someone who gives him advices and let's him do mistakes when needed.
Is there for him everyday and shows his support at his decisions.
Scolds him when needed. Is a hero, role model and trust worthy in child's eyes.
And most importantly loves him either they share DNA or not. "
The answer shuts Jake's attorneys mouth and I fight tears because I never heard more beautiful definition of word dad. Damn this pregnancy.
Okay okay, I admit I would cry at this definition even if I wasn't pregnant.
"That is all. For last one I would like to call Jake Hayes."
Now it's Elijah's and Jack's turn to change spots. The minute Elijah sits next to me he kisses my temple and rubs his hand on my small babybump before going to draw comforting circles on my back. The gesture calms me. I actually zone out of the questioning until I hear the ultimate lie Jake says.
You want to know what he said?
Well here it is: "They abuse kids. I saw their daughter and Nico and they were all bruised and looked sick."
"Objection!" Our attorney yells. "He doesn't have any proof to make this kind of falls accusations."
"Denied. Since there are kids in this case we will send social workers to examine everything."
And that is what I feared. No not of people discovering anything weird, because there is no such thing. We treat our kids nicely and with love.
I was afraid of a stiff judge who wouldn't understand me. And well he does look like he doesn't like me.
This process will effect my kids, I just hope that nor to much.