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Chapter 12 Mike and George left after the game ended, telling them they would be in the morning for the trip to the courthouse. Ricardo excused himself to call Katie while Alex got ready for bed. Raul and Donald made themselves comfortable in the living room while Eric got their things to sleep in the larger living room area. Once Ricardo and Alex were in their room with the door firmly closed the trio got to talking. Eric asked what was happening at the Lawrence home and wanted the full details. Donald told him about Tom's activities and what they suspected would happen with Reed and Michael. He then told them about Louis' intentions which got Raul and Eric laughing. Eric finally told him, "Tom hasn't got a chance. I can guarantee that Uncle John and Uncle Willie will have both houses wired so anything done inside and out is recorded. You can bet that Rachel will be making sure that the feeds are unable to be tampered with and only she is able to download the footage so it doesn't 'mysteriously disappear' during transit." Eric asked if he liked the idea of Zeke dating his mom getting a grin and telling them, "Uncle Jake and Ms. Rodriguez like him. Mom really seems to like him. I won't get in the way of mom's happiness." Eric grinned and added, "Plus he really went at Tom with both barrels and made him look like a total sleazebag. He deserves a chance at happiness even if your mom isn't the woman for him." The trio slept until almost 8AM when they were rousted from their slumber by Mike and George. They brought donuts and coffee for all of them to go along with the cereal that the three teens were already going to eat. Donald tried to decline the coffee but Mike insisted prompting Donald to accept it, albeit reluctantly. George was feeling better, telling them, "That woman" was told to scram by Ian Bailey when he stopped to say hello to dad. Ian not so politely told her to stay away from me or he'd personally see to it that she wound up behind bars. Tom Lawrence tried to intimidate him but Ian reminded him that he was still out on bail and wouldn't hesitate to take him in for threatening an officer. Tom ran off telling The Woman she was on her own. Donald asked who Ian Bailey was and why he was talking with them, getting grins and quick, "Sheila's boyfriend" from Eric, George, and Raul. Donald had to have it explained, then remembered that he was there when his former parents were taken into custody the first time. Donald asked if he was serious with Sheila getting grins and, "We have a pool going on when he is going to propose to her, we have some slots left if you want in." Donald looked over the pool and chose the 4th of July and the wedding of the Smith twins. Eric asked if he was crazy but Donald countered with, "It'll be special and he will want to do it around her family. Besides, I knew him for all of five minutes and you have known him for much longer. Someone else should have a chance to win it. If I'm wrong." The adults came in and told both, "He has a point. The way he is acting he is going for romantic. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a private meeting with Christian, Heather, Ruth, and Lilly before he proposes. The closest that will be is the 4th of July when all four will be in the same place at the same time and a lowly local cop can get a chance to speak with the governor." The trio looked at Ricardo, Mike, and Alex then laughed. They couldn't argue the logic. They pretty much felt that Donald was going to win the pot and grinned at the newest member of the family making them all look like newbies with his pure logic. The group left for the nearby probate and family court and filled out the paperwork, with Mike finding multiple reasons for why Amelia should lose all rights to George. George stated that if she got any form of visitation he would file for emancipation. Mike didn't try to talk him out of it, he was serious and when George was serious there was no way of changing his mind. Katie arrived as they were filling out the forms and examined them, suggesting some changes to the wording and adding other parts of the law that were relevant to the situation. She pointed out that George's wishes were more important especially as he has been adamant that she not see him. She also added that she was known to be unstable, getting Alex to confirm this. She would be remembered by the court officers who would confirm her being told to leave previously. They were surprised to see that Amelia was there with Tom. Amelia complained openly about the two, "Fags" hanging around her son and demanded that they get away from George. George told her, "Lovely to know that you haven't changed in three and a half years. Still the same racist, homophobic, transphobic beast who let Penelope Clarence lead her around on a leash." Tom was about to strike him when George told him, "Do it. Hit me. Show what a big man you are by hitting a teenager." Amelia had to pull Tom back before he hit George, Tom told him to shut his trap or he'd shut it for him which was followed quickly by a court officer telling him, "Did I just hear you threaten a minor after trying to physically assault him?" Tom told the guy to mind his own business getting the court officer to grin and point at another leading Tom to tell them, "Buzz off, I can say whatever I want. This doesn't involve you. Go play with your peckers in the courtroom where you belong." Both pulled out handcuffs and told Tom, "The entire courthouse and all those inside is our business. You were warned two days ago about your behavior in this courthouse. I believe this is now your third strike so you get to spend the day in a holding cell while chief the judge has a strong word with you about your behavior." Tom backed away but a second officer managed to get behind him and get his wrists cuffed forcing Tom to give up. Without Tom to intimidate anyone Amelia was left to complain openly about the two, "Fags" getting their way with her son. Nobody was listening to her and after hearing her complain nonstop disrupting her session Judge Perez in the next courtroom asked for her case to be heard immediately to get rid of her. By pure luck she was the same judge that had ruled against Tom two days before, only Amelia didn't know this and didn't know that she had a strong hatred for people abusing the system. Amelia had no choice but to agree or else face summary judgment without presenting her side of things as well as contempt of court charges for disrupting the current session. Katie was more than happy to tell her to seek help from the judicial advocate but Amelia refused, telling her harshly, "I know I am right. No judge will rule against a mother especially one who wants to protect her son from people who should never be allowed near children!" Katie just shook her head and mouthed, "Idiot" as the others walked into the courtroom. Judge Perez looked over the petition and asked for Mike to identify himself for the record. She then asked if what he wrote was true. She was impressed to read his work history and nodded in approval at having everything in order. Judge Perez noticed Alex and asked his business. Alex told of the smacking incident that got Amelia sent off for an evaluation by Mike. He told of Amelia's decent into an angry, homophobic and transphobic woman who hung out with a now-convicted child abuser. Judge Perez listened intently and didn't ask any questions, letting him tell his story. When he was done she asked if he was the same man who was in the courtroom when Gabby had her case, giving her a, "Yes" and adding, "I was there for support as the only close friend able to make it to the hearing and as a witness to the girls after her former husband abandoning her but here I was witness to Amelia's actions directly." Judge Perez nodded and asked Amelia to begin. Amelia's pleas were exactly what the group expected. She used racial slurs, transgender slurs, gay slurs, and even the occasional f-bomb. She claimed that Mike was having a long affair with Anne Connors and that Jenna was really his daughter. She claimed that the thought of George dating his sister was revolting and when she had full custody of George she would take him away and ensure that he never had anything to do with such immoral and illegal behavior again. The court officers tried their hardest to avoid laughing and after 10 minutes Judge Perez tuned Amelia out. She eventually ran out of reasons why she should get full custody of George which the judge was grateful for. She smirked then told Katie, "Your client can start. I have my verdict already but I have to give this the full judicial treatment." Ricardo whispered in Mike's ear leading Mike to ask for a few minutes so he could get the one person to refute the claims by Amelia without question. Judge Perez grinned and agreed leading Alex to get Anne from out in the lobby. Anne came in and Amelia immediately called her a whore prompting Judge Perez to threaten her with contempt if she continued her verbal assault on Mike's witness. Anne was sworn in by the clerk. The judge asked for her credentials for the record since allegations about her impropriety had been made and the record would reflect just what she was as a person. After Anne told exactly what her job was and how long she had worked for the department Judge Perez immediately asked, "Did you have an affair with Michael Daniels while he was married to Amelia Daniels and is Michael Daniels the father of your daughter?" Anne immediately stated, "No I never slept with Mike and no he is not the father of Jenna. In fact, when George and I conceived Jenna, Mike was at the State Police academy in New Braintree. That was the last time George was home on leave before we moved to Winnisimmet permanently. I hadn't seen George for six months then and wouldn't see him for another four months when I was already showing. She should know, she has a picture of us at the 'welcome home' party that Mike held for us." The judge asked, "Is that true?" Amelia told her it was a lie but Eric had Jenna send a picture to which the judge asked Eric, "Is this the picture?" Eric told her, "Jenna sent it. Aunt Anne has her own copy in Jenna's baby book." Anne was shown and she confirmed it, pointing out her bulge and that Mike was wearing his new State Police uniform. Things got testy as Mike was asked about the divorce. He pulled no punches and told the judge exactly what caused their breakup. Judge Perez nodded, and asked, "Are you involved with the young lady in question?" Eric and George both told her, "We are close friends with her." George added, "All of our friends are interconnected so it would be impossible to not be close with her. Her brother is even dating Jenna's sister Christina and her cousin is engaged to sister Paige. I am close with her brothers with Michael being in our martial arts classes and on the football team with me." Judge Perez was curious the girl in question. George showed a picture to her and got a grin and quick, "Well I can see why you would stand by her." George then showed a picture from back when his mother met Jaimie and told her, "She has matured since mom showed what she really thought of her." Judge Perez looked at the picture and shook her head, telling them, "I see little reason to have any reason to object to her. I am aware of the association that some of the members have with a certain powerful family and if my hunch is right that young lady is part of that family." that caused the others to giggle at her, getting a smirk in return. George told her sharply, "She is a Finn- her parents are John and Valerie Finn. Mom has left out that she hung out with people who tried to kill her but nearly killed her cousin instead forcing an eight-year-old girl to have to undergo a sex change surgery a decade earlier than she was supposed to. She also helped her best friend escape child abuse charges abandoning her remaining two kids to nearly die in a fire." Judge Perez asked if that was true getting a quick, "People v. Clarence your honor" from Katie along with, "That is People v. Kevin, Albert, Victor, and Penelope Clarence" to which Amelia shouted, "She was innocent! Those kids were out of line and deserved what they got!" Judge Perez read over the charges that they were all convicted of on her computer and cringed at reading some of the small snippets regarding the case. She grinned and told her, "No child deserves to be abused. I recall the case now, in fact I recall that both of her children are thriving in their new family." Anne told her, "Both are adopted by close friends of ours and have become new people with loving parents." Alex added, "Their new mother is an assistant attorney general and their father is chief of the Winnisimmet Police Department." Judge Perez shook her head and gave her verdict. Looking right at Amelia she told her, "I see little reason to continue your parental rights to George Daniels. You have made no effort the past three and a half years to contact him and only after your newest boyfriend started his own failed crusade to win back his children did you see a chance to force your way back into George's life. Given your vile language and opinions I believe it is best that you have no contact with George. And given that you have shown that your real interest is in adding to your own support check I think it is best that George be around people who actually care about him, regardless of them changing gender or dating members of the same sex. Judgment is in favor of Michael Douglas with full custody granted to him." Amelia complained that she couldn't do that to her and she would fight her over this. Judge Perez shook her head and told her, "It's your right to do that but it's also my right to ensure that what is best for the minor is ensured. And in the opinion of this court you are not in the best interest of George. He has already indicated that he will take the decision out of your hands if need be and I am inclined to grant him that if it comes down to it." Mike told Judge Perez, "If you feel the need to do that then I will agree to it. George has his own life to live and if it means that he has to live it without either of us then so be it." Judge Perez saw that Amelia was furious so she told George, "Based on the reaction of your mother and in an effort to ensure your safety you are hereby emancipated. I also hereby grant an order of protection barring Ms. Amelia Daniels from going near you." Amelia tried to get at George and Mike. The court security officers were quicker and removed her from the courtroom. Judge Perez told George, "You may be emancipated but you do not have to move out, do not have to find employment, do not have to pay rent if your father does not want you to. I would also advise you to have your father appointed as your guardian." George had to grin at that and told the judge, "Fine. I appoint my father as my guardian." Mike was legally appointed his guardian and while no longer under his full care he was still looking after George. George told him, "We will talk about rent" to which Mike told him, "$.01 a week sound about right?" The judge laughed and told them, "That is enough to constitute a rental agreement and another $.01 for food and clothing will cover the basic needs." The group walked out with Anne having to call Mark to tell him to pick up Amelia's young son from the daycare center and talk with him while they opened an investigation into Amelia. The judge looked at both to which George said, "He's not dad's son, he's my brother but we have nothing to do with him since we wanted nothing to do with mom." The judge understood and told Anne, "She won't be in custody long, I'll have her released once your people speak with her. Maybe this scare will change her." The group left with George feeling relieved. Mike assured him that he would have a home with him as long as he wanted to which George told him, "And leave you to fend for yourself? No way! You'd burn down half the neighborhood trying to boil water on the stove!" Tom didn't fare too well in the court's holding cell. He was released and told to keep away from the courthouse or he'd be facing criminal charges. He wised up and didn't say a word. When he returned to Winnisimmet he was met by Louis Reagan and a few of his most trusted friends. Tom recognized most of them, all of whom he had gotten on the wrong side of in the past. Tom gulped and asked what they wanted, he had nothing left to give. Louis made himself clear to Tom, "We got to you before Jorge Castillo did. If he had, you'd be enjoying some quality time with the clams in Rumney Marsh. You are trying to go after his family- his grandson and great- nephew. You are broke, homeless, and have nowhere else to turn. Amelia Daniels won't keep you around for long. We are telling you to head out and start over before you find yourself behind bars. You pissed off the wrong people, Jessie's boyfriend nailed your ass for tax evasion and her friends' father is nailing you for abandonment charges. You can either fight them or you can leave and never return. We can't hold off Jorge for long, you upset his future granddaughter and he won't let that stand." Tom tried to appear tough to them. None of them flinched, knowing the same tired routine. Tom told them bluntly, "Nobody tells me what to do, nobody!" Louis grinned and retorted, "Suit yourself, but it's your life to lose. I'd get someone to watch your back but I doubt anyone will be stupid enough to do it. Before Tom left Louis added, "And know this: trying to go after Michael Finn or Reed Pena to get their money won't work. You are dealing with a man with hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank and is willing to spend every penny to protect his son. You are also dealing with the sons of police officers and it will just piss off all the wrong people who will make your life miserable physically, mentally, and financially. That's before Jorge gets to you. I'm not joking- he will kill you if you mess with his grandson and great-nephew. You never mess with his family, especially blood." Over at the Lawrence home, the girls were enjoying their sleepover. Kylie led the older girls through dancing in the back yard while Amy and Trina helped them correct their poses. Daisy and Faith tried to emulate the girls' motions but had trouble keeping up, causing the others to slow down and show them how to do it right while also correcting their own poses which improved their form. Trina asked Al if she was going to try it getting a quick, "No" to which Amy asked her, "Why not? You promised your parents that you would try it and you have five experienced dancers to help you." Stephanie egged her on, "They won't let you say no. You know Daisy won't let you until you prove to her why you can't do it." Daisy smirked and nodded as she heard that. Faith pleaded with her to show them, giving her her usual puppy dog eyes. Al was outvoted seven to one, she had to do it. Amy lent her one of her leotards to put over her leggings and after a few minutes Al came out dressed and ready to dance. Amy told her how to stretch and to everyone's surprise she had great flexibility and balance as she stretched on the makeshift barre in the backyard. Al blushed as they all looked at her but she did what Amy told her to do and soon had her muscles ready. Trina asked how she got so flexible. Al had to blush and told them, "I have been imitating Rick and Thomas whenever they stretch before going out for a run and wanted to see how far I could go. After a few weeks I started to get farther until I could do a split. I didn't think about it when I did it and looking down I realized that I would have crushed my boy parts." Kylie cringed and told her, "I can' get that far. I don't think I will for a while." Amy told her, "It takes a lot of flexibility and balance, Al was doing it differently than we would have done it. She may not be able to do it all the way when Ms. Lincoln shows her how we stretch properly." Margaret asked her, "Why do you call her Ms. Lincoln? We call her Amanda. She doesn't like to be called Ms. Lincoln, she said it is too formal and professional and we are trying to learn to become dancers not work as dancers." Amy sighed and told them, "We are so used to calling our instructors by 'Ms.' and 'Madame'. If she doesn't like it I'll call her Amanda but it might take a while to do so." Al went through the positions and did some plies and pirouettes. Al actually had fun, with the girls enjoying helping her learn. Amy was smiling the whole time, with Trina whispering, "We need to get her to take lessons. She's going to do great!" Gabby took pictures of the girls dancing and sent the ones of Al directly to Olivia. Olivia asked her if they forced her to which she told her, "She got sweet talked by Daisy and guilted by Faith." Olivia texted, "I'll talk with Ms. Lincoln, Al needs to start doing more things outside of school. She promised her brothers that she would do it once." Gabby called them in for dinner, then asked Amy if she wanted to put a barre in the basement. Amy asked what was down there to which Gabby told her, "Some gym mats, a punching bag, heavy bag, a treadmill, and two stationary bikes. My sons thought they would be MMA fighters before they decided that they'd rather go to prison. I have a hardwood floor like the dance studio so it'll be good for you to practice. Maybe Donald will be able to work out down there too, he could learn some self-defense." Amy grinned as the girls heard her. She asked if she could get it the next day to which Gabby had to reluctantly agree. She decided to keep the girls interested in it and she did have to admit it would be good to workout at home again. The girls squeed with delight when they heard Amy tell them that she was getting a barre. Gabby told them, "It's also for me and the girls. I think it'll be good to help them keep flexible." Al summized, "Donald could use the other stuff to learn how to defend himself. Uncle Jorge has the same things and he used them to teach Rick and Thomas last month." Gabby added, "Exactly what I thought." The girls went to bed after watching their favorite Disney movies which Gabby had on hand. They split the spare bedrooms among themselves with Trina and Amy sharing a bed, Kylie, Margaret, and Nancy sharing another, and Daisy and Faith sharing the third. Al and Stephanie shared Donald's bed but didn't make light of it as it was mostly bare and almost indistinguishable from the spare rooms. Kylie was the first one up in the morning. Amy was up just after her and went into the shared bathroom without knocking first. She accidentally saw Kylie naked leading her to stare at her body causing Kylie to cry and rush out. Amy pulled her into Jessie's empty room and explained to her, "I am so sorry. I should have knocked. Mom told me to do that but I forgot to do that." Kylie asked if she was disgusted to see her boy parts to which Amy hugged her and told her, "No, I completely forgot you are different. You are so pretty and girly and with your hair down and not framing your face I thought someone else had been in there. Please, don't be sad. I saw it, but I don't see you. That thing doesn't belong on you, it's like a sixth toe or finger, something that should be removed to make you look better. Mom said that won't happen for a long time, and I don't want what happened to Reyna and Nichole and Al to cause it to happen earlier than when it is supposed to." Kylie hugged her. Kylie was still naked, Amy got her clothes from the bathroom before someone saw Kylie. Amy blushed as she told her, "That was the first penis I ever saw that wasn't on a baby." Kylie giggled and told her, "Don't call it that, mom and dad call it my birth defect as we all see it as one." Amy hugged her and told her, "That makes more sense, it's clear that you are a girl everywhere except that." Gabby heard the whole exchange and hugged both as they passed her room. Kylie asked what that was for, getting a smile and, "For being honest with each other." Kylie and Amy blushed but Gabby added, "And both of you know better than that, you were told to lock the door and knock first. I won't tell your mom and dad but please try to do so from now on. Trina and Donald may not be as accepting." Trina asked what she meant. Kylie explained, "If you saw my birth defect." Trina looked at the girls trying to get an answer so Kylie asked them, "Did you tell her about me?" Amy shook her head so Kylie told Trina, "I have boy parts but I am not a boy. I am a girl." Trina blushed then said, "Oh OK. Ms. Lincoln was that way before and she is a beautiful woman." Kylie grinned and asked, "Ms Lincoln was born a boy? Oh yeah, I forgot." Trina nodded then led them downstairs, telling her, "You are too pretty to be a boy, and you want it removed so it's just excess parts." Kylie added, "We just call it a birth defect." The other girls started to come down and nothing more was mentioned about the bathroom incident. Kylie though kept close to Amy throughout the day, getting the other girls jealous but Al saw them bonding over something that neither wanted to talk about. Al eventually told the others, "The two have a few things in common that none of us are going to understand." Nancy asked what she meant getting eager looks from the other girls. Al told them, "They were both abused by their parents, both had to see their parents go to prison, both have older brothers who did a lot for them, both have a love of dance. Now you see?" Al did ask Amy after the girls went back up to change clothes, "You saw her, didn't you?" Amy nodded to which Al told her, "I saw Rick and Thomas before. It's embarrassing but once you stop seeing it as her having a penis and balls you don't get embarrassed anymore. Besides, according to our health class next year you technically have one like that only it is mostly internal. That's what the clitoris is and don't ask any more because I am not telling as we are too young to know what it is used for. I know about it because I read it in Thomas' health book and dad's medical books." The girls were eager to get the new barre for the house but Gabby had to figure out how to get them all there. Lilly came by and offered to help, halving the number that she needed to d rive. She was more than happy to take Daisy, Faith, Amy, and Trina in her car while Gabby drove the other five. Lilly asked about the night getting glowing reviews of Al trying ballet and showing he flexibility and balance while the other girls showed off their moves and got help from Trina and Amy. Lilly saw Trina and Amy blush and try to play it off as no big deal while Daisy kept talking. Lilly had to admit that Amy and Trina had won the two youngsters over even if they weren't trying. The drive was fast and at the sporting goods store they found exactly what they were looking for on the far side. Amy and the girls tested it and found it to be fairly well built, maybe not as tough as the ones in the studio but still solid. Gabby and Lilly had to smile at the girls talking about it and when they'd like to practice. The salesman smacked his lips in anticipation at the easy sale. He asked Lilly and Gabby if they wanted the barre and asked if they had anyone to install it properly. He was a bit insulting in his sexist questions, asking if Gabby's husband was OK with buying suck a big purchase and if he knew she was getting something so big. When he asked if she would rather get a pole dancing pole instead they almost walked out. Lilly whispered something into her ear which prompted Gabby to tell him, "I am single and I wanted to buy this for my daughter to use. Yes I plan to use it as well but it isn't for what you think it's for. I have several strapping young men at the ready to install it, with their fathers and uncles at the ready to do leveling and drilling. In fact they will be here to take my purchase home for me as I don't have the space in my van for it and would rather an expert at hauling heavy, oblong things around do it than myself. You would know about dragging heavy, oblong things as looking at you you are as oblong and heavy as things can get." The girls burst into laughter as did several other customers. The man was about to say something when his manager came over and sent him on a break, informing him that his attempts at flirting and when to make assumptions needed a lot of improvement. He in turn rang up Gabby's purchase but she didn't offer any sort of response, merely paying and heading outside with the box. Gabby called Dan Lopez to haul the barre to her house. He got James York to help him with Virgil York coming along to watch. The girls were eager to watch but Gabby and Lilly put Virgil to good use by having the girls show him what they learned in their lessons. He then went to work helping Al dance with Virgil impressing both Amy and Trina with his moves. The girls grinned and proudly told Amy and Trina that they used Virgil a lot to prepare for recitals, getting Virgil to blush as Amy and Trina grinned happily at him. Amy asked if Amanda let him practice as the studio getting a unanimous, "Yes" from them. Kylie told Amy, "Amanda loves trying to get boys involved in ballet even if they only try it once. It helps to let them know that it's tough work and not just all fun and looking pretty. She said most boys take it as a challenge." Dan and James finished and had Gabby try it out. She pronounced it solid and well done. The mirrors were thankfully undamaged, although could use a little cleaning. Dan asked why the sudden urge for something so out of the ordinary, Gabby pointed to the window where they could see the girls and Virgil dancing. Gabby had to explain, "It means a lot to Amy and it's my way of showing her that I want her to do what she loves. She loves dancing, well this will help her train. Courtney and Jessie can get use of it for cheerleading and volleyball but the other benefit is all my own." James pointed out to Dan, "She's got a man lined up already, and think about girls doing something else in the winter instead of spending your hard-earned money." That caused Dan and Gabby to chuckle, Lilly came in and quickly had to turn away to keep from falling down laughing. Gabby turned to Dan and asked him, "Do you think you can give the usual speech to the boys Amy and Al are planning to ask out?" James had to ask, "Isn't it the other way around?" Gabby chuckled but added, "Normally yes, but it's different. They won't ask the girls for at least a year or more, Stephanie and Trina want support on their date so we thought it best to have them just ask out the boys. It's no different than when Jessie did it three years ago. I recall She and the girls asked their boys out with Thomas getting the idea and asking Rebecca out before she had the chance to ask him." Dan nodded in approval. James asked if Trina and Stephanie were serious getting a nod and soft, "They are just about infatuated with one another. They need some confidence though, something they can't get without the others' support. It wouldn't feel like a date if they didn't have their own dates, it would feel like a group outing with two just happening to hold hands and kiss." Dan and James left with Virgil opting to stay and have some fun with the girls. Gabby insisted that they enjoy the yard and play rather than hang inside testing the barre. They reluctantly agreed and spent the next hour playing while Gabby and Lilly relaxed. After lunch, Alice and Rachel came to pick up the girls. Both grinned at seeing the barre with Margaret trying to talk her mother into getting one. Gabby successfully talked her out of it while Alice had to try her hardest to avoid saying something about Gabby's verbal humiliation of the salesman. Stephanie and Alice left once Raul and Donald were dropped off. Raul was feeling bad about that evening's memorial service for Avery's grandmother but Al gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek to calm him. She glared at Stephanie for laughing causing her to flinch in fear. It was the first time that the two had had any sort of disagreement or near fight, with Stephanie immediately apologizing and trying to make amends. Margo finally arrived and had to do an even tougher job of talking Trina out of begging for a barre of her own. Gabby finally quelled the begging by offering to let her use theirs anytime just as long as she and Amy kept their grades up. Margo had to smile as Trina immediately wanted to go home to finish her homework as she was being pulled out by Trina. Before they left she and Gabby had a talk about the dates being confirmed for the following week. Margo was unsure about letting them go but the mention of Dan and the threats to the boys was enough to get her to change her mind. Trina was happy to hear that and Margo saw her start to act even more cheerful than she had been before leading her to believe that Gabby had been on to something there, maybe seeing Stephanie was a good idea for both girls. Gabby now turned her attention to Donald's activities. He winced as he told her that he had gone to the courthouse with Eric and the guys and what had happened. Lilly's face lit up as she told him, "This is huge. She has no reason to bother George again, he is free from her and there's nothing she can do about it. She won't bother him again, she is too vain to risk her freedom over losing so badly." Gabby had to wonder about George's little brother but Lilly assured her, "If Mark was involved, you can know that he is being looked after with a close eye. Anything that she does from now on risks him being taken away. Even the threat of losing your only child can scare people to being model citizens. I just hope her time behind bars was enough to open her eyes to her own problems. If not then there is nothing more any of us can do for her." Virgil, Faith, and Daisy finally got ready to leave. Virgil was grinning as he told them, "My mommy said she's having another baby so I get to be a big brother like Neil and Reed and Michael and Miles!" Gabby and Lilly saw the odd looks in Donald and Amy's eyes, they had to explain to them that Virgil was used to being the youngest among everyone and now got to reverse the role. Donald understood best, but let Amy and the girls see that it meant a lot to him. He then told Faith, "You are a big sister now so you should know what he is feeling. He is happy to finally not be the youngest." Faith slowly started to grin, she hadn't experienced it yet because Brent was in the hospital but it was true. Daisy turned to Gabby and Lilly and asked if they were going to give them little brothers or sisters. Both were shocked by the question. Lilly had to explain, "As much as I would like that it would not be fair to you or your sister or brothers. You may have to settle on being an auntie instead." Gabby added, "As much as I'd love to be a mother again, I am not sure I could do it. I don't think Zeke would want to be a daddy, he would already have four children." Amy asked, "If he wanted to have children, would you?" Gabby had to blush and asked her to hold off on that, she really needed to think. Daisy finally asked, "So I get to be the first auntie?" Lilly nodded to which Daisy smiled and said, "So Emma is going to have a baby!" Lilly looked at Gabby who was laughing. Faith was grinning and Amy and Donald told her, "You just got tricked by her." Gabby added, "She knew what she was doing. She caught on to what was happening with nobody talking about David in front of her. That Finn female gene is dangerous sometimes. I hope Hannah is ready for revenge when she has her kids." Courtney finally arrived, bringing Claire and Jessie with her. Daisy blurted out, "I'm gonna be an auntie!" as soon as the door opened. Claire glared at her mother and asked, "Why did you tell her?" Gabby had to step in and told her, "She was tricked. Virgil was talking about becoming a big brother and it morphed into that. You know how she is at getting information. And you know how she is at keeping it from people. David won't find out until Emma is ready to tell him." Lilly finally left with her four, trying to put a damper on Daisy's excitement while avoiding Claire's unhappy gaze. Jessie was asked if she could help supervise the date for next weekend and giving a soft, "I have plans with Reed but I can change them if need be." Courtney did the same leaving just Thomas, Rebecca, Donald, and Francesca in charge. It was better than nobody but she still wanted someone to keep an eye on them. The five spent the afternoon lounging around the house. Gabby showed Courtney and Jessie the barre leading Courtney to guess correctly that it would be for her to stretch and work out for cheerleading. Jessie was jealous until Gabby pointed out that she had as much right to use it, it was just her choice that she chose a sport that didn't require her to be as flexible in the arms and legs. Donald was feeling left out until Gabby pointed out all of the other equipment. Donald felt better but still jealous that Amy essentially had her own area. Gabby had to explain that she wanted Amy to feel that she wasn't being punished by not being able to dance and that he would have the chance to use the gym area for his own use too. She added that Michael, Reed, Eric and George would be pleased to work with him, especially since nobody else had that kind of space in their home. The girls saw Gabby eyeing the barre and asked her why she was going to use it. Amy told them how she was planning to work out to which Jessie asked, "Is it for Zeke?" That prompted Courtney to add, "Just don't try too hard, you don't want to sprain a muscle and have him ask why." Jessie added, "It's trying to prevent a strained muscle that she is working out." Gabby blanched while Amy was left wondering what they were talking about. Donald had to whisper to her, "She meant mom having sex with Zeke." Amy blushed but added, "Daisy asked if she wanted another baby, maybe that would help." Gabby heard that and nearly fainted. Jessie and Courtney had to stifle laughs but whispered to Amy, "It'll be fine with us, just don't expect us to change diapers because you want a little brother or sister." Gabby had to explain to them all, "My sex life is my own business. I am an adult and if I choose to have sex then that is between me and Zeke. I don't want any of you having it until you are mature enough to handle the responsibility. You may have trust funds and money in the bank but you are still children. You are 17, 15, and 12. You are too young to even think of sex let alone someone else having it." Amy felt bad while Courtney and Jessie tried to come up with a way of saying they were mature. Donald wisely told Gabby, "You are right mom. We are sorry and won't speak of it again. Right girls?" His tone told them not to argue and leave it alone. Gabby hugged him tight, whispering, "Thank you, son" into his ear. It made him feel special and loved, and seeing his reaction caused the others to stop what they were doing and move on. Chapter 13 With the youngsters and tweens off to their own homes the group relaxed for the afternoon with nothing specific being done. The highlight was Zeke finally calling Gabby to ask her out. Gabby and Zeke chatted away with Gabby's face showing clear interest in Zeke. She was smiling, struggling to find the right words at times, and fighting the urge to not hang up when they finally ran out of things to say to one another. The girls looked at her with wide eyes, brimming with anticipation of Gabby's response. She sat down and calmly explained to them, "Zeke asked me out on a date. He is going to make reservations at at Patrick's friend's restaurant in Somerville then take me to a one of the art galleries in Cambridge." Jessie and Courtney shot up and asked her, "What are you going to wear?" Amy asked her, "Are you going to be out all night?" Donald wisely asked, "Is this what you want to do?" The girls looked at him, thinking that he was joking or that he didn't want her to date Zeke. Gabby smiled at Donald, telling him, "I thought he might wait longer but Jake told him to stop fooling around and just ask me out already. I do want to try to see if we are compatible after all these years, it wouldn't be fair to Zeke to not try just once. I didn't expect it to be so soon but Jake won't let us wait and have Zeke or I chicken out or worse- some other guy try to swoop in and snag me." Donald got up and went to his room. Before leaving he told all three, "Don't go overboard. Mom isn't a doll and she has been on dates before. Let her decide what she wants to wear and don't criticize her for choosing something that you don't like. I'd rather her be happy and comfortable than looking sexy and trying to hide her privates or expose her boobs. She will look great no matter what she wears" Gabby felt proud that Donald was taking a stand for her. Courtney and Jessie thought he was joking but Amy told them both, "He is not happy with us. If we don't do what he asked he won't speak to us for a long time." Gabby told them, "You should listen to him, he's trying to tell you that Zeke would like the way I look if I came on the date dressed only in a potato sack." The girls picked out an outfit that fit all three of their views on how Gabby should look. It wasn't too young looking nor was it too conservative. Gabby pointed out that the skirt was to short for April and not something that you would wear to a gallery. They had to agree on her choice and with great reluctance they put the dress up for the next day. The next morning Jake came over to spend some time with the four. Jack hugged Donald but seeing that he couldn't be picked up by Donald Jack moved on to Amy. He monopolized Amy's time and kept her busy walking him around the house while giggling. Jessie and Courtney were miffed that he wanted Amy but Jake told them it was his way of getting used to her. Jake's timing wasn't a coincidence as Zeke arrived 20 minutes later to pick up Gabby. Gabby told Jake to keep an eye on the four to which he told Zeke to be good to Gabby. Courtney added, "Don't do anything you wouldn't want us doing" which Gabby retorted with, "Keep it up and you won't be going anywhere with Michael without Valerie, John, or I watching you." Courtney and Jessie gave Zeke a look-over. They sat him down and interrogated him about where they were going, what they were going to do, who they would be with, and how long they would be out. Amy got in on the act and asked him what his intentions were for Gabby while looking at the other two for guidance. Jessie added 'we have a bat, a shovel, and a map to the deep woods of New Hampshire and won't hesitate to use them if you don't treat mom right. We have some bear attractant and will use it on you if you get out of line or mom doesn't like what you are saying to your friends about her." Zeke answered everything truthfully and without hesitation and recognized the warning as one John told him about three years before and wisely pretended to be scared, but did get a bit afraid at the bear bit. After they ran out of questions and couldn't hold on to the tough girl act they let them go on the date, kissing Gabby goodbye while smiling at Zeke. Amy did tell her to be on her best behavior, getting a laugh from Gabby. Donald kept quiet as Zeke and Gabby left. Jake told the girls to take Jack downstairs and let him practice walking and crawling on the mats. When they were downstairs Jake asked Donald if he was really OK with Gabby dating anyone, particularly Zeke. Donald looked down and told him honestly, "I want mom to be happy and I can see that Zeke makes her happy. The girls aren't seeing it yet, but mom changes whenever you mention Zeke. Her eyes brighten, she smiles a little more, she loosens up her shoulders. I know she cares a lot about him, but I think she might actually love him." Jake grinned and added a happy, "Good. So I'm not the only one to see it. She never had that reaction with Tom and I honestly don't believe they were truly in love, I think he made her mistake lust for love with his smooth talking and manipulations. Hormones at your age have a way of doing that to you, it wasn't until Leslie and I went out that I lost the feeling of lust and only saw friendship. But with Beverly? I love being around her every minute and can't get enough of her smile. I see it in you and Francesca, I see it in Michael and Courtney, and I see it in Jessie and Reed. Gabby is in love." Donald asked, "Is the feeling any different?" Jake nodded, telling him, "Lust feels like a need that you have to satisfy. Once you do satisfy the need it's right back and doesn't feel the same. It's like eating Chinese takeout. Love is something that won't go away, but you can accept the feeling and are able to do things other than think of sex. It makes you do stupid things at times, but it also lets you have keep your senses and know when not to do something and accept the changes around you." Donald looked up and asked, "Do you really think Francesca and I are in love?" Jake smiled and pointed out, "You are not only in love but I think you two are soulmates. She is making you into the confident young man who is growing into himself and making others jealous. You are the person who saw past her obvious benefits and treated her as a person, showing that you care all about her and not about what she is. She looks at you with eyes that can never get enough of you and you look into her eyes every time she comes into view. You don't see her as a girl, you see her as a person. She sees you as a person. You both share a special bond that few share- true love." Jake and Donald went downstairs to check on Jack and the girls. Amy was on her belly encouraging Jack to crawl, having a hard time making him do more than push himself off the mat. The girls asked if there was something wrong since he won't crawl getting a snicker from Jake followed by a hearty, "He won't do it for anyone except me and his mom. He loves to just play with you and watch your reaction. You aren't getting anywhere with him, it's just a game now. The doctor said he is likely to just go right to walking from his rolling around on the floor stage and skip crawling altogether." Will came over to check on things and to fish for gossip. He saw the basement layout and asked if they were going to start boxing or becoming fighters, getting laughs from the girls. Jake told him to try the boxing equipment, getting a big grin and got to show off for his cousins. They didn't let him use it right away, they made him stretch first while Jake tried hard to hide his laughter at what he knew they'd do to Will. Amy showed off her flexibility and after doing a split Will turned white and blurted out, "No way in hell am I getting down that low!" All three girls snickered as Will instinctively covered his crotch in horror. Finally stretched he showed what he learned from Jorge Castillo and Eric and George, moving quickly and hitting hard. The girls were impressed while Donald felt like he was not fit to be close to someone as manly as Will. Eventually Will got tired and stopped, with Courtney telling him he needed to show those moves off for Claire. Will countered with, "Not on your life, she learned the same moves and a few more that I don't want to even think of experiencing" again instinctively covering himself in horror. Upstairs, they talked until dinner then watched movies until it was Amy's bedtime. Courtney and Jessie were concerned but kept quiet, not wanting to upset Amy or Donald. Jake, though, had to laugh, Zeke texted him that Gabby and he were staying out and to tell the four to head to bed. He didn't say why they shouldn't wait up but the trio knew that Gabby wasn't coming home that night. Eventually Jake and Will left, telling the trio don't bother waiting up and not to disturb Gabby in the morning. Courtney and Jessie finally caught on that the truth was what they suspected and were happy while Donald told him they would comply. He looked over at Courtney and Jessie when he said that, getting solemn nods from them. The next morning the four ate breakfast and awaited Gabby's return. Amy asked where she was but none of them would answer. Amy was miffed, finally telling them, "You don't have to treat me like a kid just because I'm 12, I know when someone has sex! Mom is old enough to do what she wants, you don't have to lie to me about it." Gabby and Zeke finally came inside and expected the worst from the four. The girls just grinned at her, prompting her to announce, "I know I warned you off about us but it was magical. Zeke is just so amazing. He was a perfect gentleman and didn't do anything to me. I know you suspect that we did something but the truth is I fell asleep on his couch and aside from putting a pillow under my head and blanket over me he left me alone. We didn't have sex, and if we did I wouldn't tell you." The girls didn't make any mention of it and let the two kiss goodbye. Donald's warning gaze kept any comments from coming happening as the girls saw him instinctively protecting Gabby from their joking. Zeke gave her a kiss goodbye as the girls grinned with glee and Donald nodded in approval. The two were able to enjoy themselves again on Sunday by heading out for several hours before the inevitable fun on Monday morning. They spent some time at Zeke's apartment and had lunch with Sheila and Ian before heading back to Gabby's house. Amy asked if she enjoyed herself getting a blush and quiet, "We had fun, Sheila and Ian were more nervous about their date thanwe were about ours." The next day all four kids were reluctant to go back to school but Gabby wasn't about to let them take time off for no good reason. Gabby dropped Amy off and talked to Margo, Alice, and Olivia. Zeke gave Gabby a kiss before heading inside prompting all three to stare in shock while Gabby recovered. She was red-faced and had to explain about the dates and the two sleeping together, despite her telling Donald and the girls otherwise. Alice was beyond happy for her. Margo was flustered and didn't know what to say. Olivia just grinned and asked if she remembered protection or was she going to have to have the talk with the kids in a month and a half. She blushed and said she forgot, she got caught up in the heat of the moment that they never even thought to get some. Inside, Al asked about the weekend especially the date. Stephanie and Trina wanted to know what she was talking about getting a soft, "Mom went out with Mr. Williams" from Amy. Trina and Stephanie squeed and had to stifle their enthusiasm before Mrs. Shriner said something. Inside, Zeke was all smiles. Dorothy asked what had gotten into him to which Zeke told her, "I finally went out with the woman of my dreams." Dorothy raised her eyebrow in surprise, then asked, "Did you finally get the courage to ask Gabby Lawrence out?" Zeke nodded but his smile didn't diminish. Dorothy told him to sit down. She asked for the details then told him, "She has had a rough go with this whole ex-husband situation. Please don't break her heart." Zeke countered with, "I have loved that woman since I was 14. I won't do anything to upset her." Dorothy nodded then told him, "You will know what to do when it is time" giving him a wink as he headed out. Amy was happy to see Zeke when her class had gym that day. He refused to let her do anything, having her stand by his side and help keep score while the teams played street hockey. She tried to ask about the date but was only told, "We had fun." He knew that she was fishing for answers but kept quiet and enjoyed the brewing frustration. He finally told her, "I feel like she is the one for me" to which she countered, "Mom has been happier since the date too." Word got around that Zeke was dating Amy's mother. The problem was nobody knew that Amy was in foster care except a few teachers. At lunch Amy was peppered with questions until she had to finally tell that she was in foster care and that her foster mother was going to adopt her. More questions were asked about what happened and why. She had to come clean, there was no way to lie without more trouble. She told about the abuse and neglect towards her and her brother and what happened to her birth parents. She finally told them that her new mother was in love with Mr. Williams and he was in love with Gabby too. Amy's situation caused a stir. She was going to be teased relentlessly for being a foster kid. Fortunately for her Al let slip just who she was being adopted by and what family she was now part of. That immediately killed any potential hassling that might have occurred. Nobody in their right mind would dare go against someone who was part of the Finn Family, not unless you wanted a permanent exclusion from all social life in the city for years to come. Al tried to keep her connections out of the spotlight but she did let slip that her own family was part of the Finns and had been one of the first. Stephanie added, "One of? Your brother has been dating Jaimie Finn since 7th grade and been friends with Michael Finn since they moved here." Al added, "Well he wasn't the first to date one of them, Amy's new sister has been Michael Finn's girlfriend longer than my brother has been dating his sister." Al and Amy were quietly becoming popular and respected after that. Stephanie and Trina wisely kept out of things until they were asked about it. Stephanie sighed and told her classmates, "It's no big deal, I am used to being around respected and powerful people. The Finns are just people, they know me and like me and treat me like one of their own. They do the same with Trina. She's new to them but they treat her like a younger sister and cousin like they do Al and Amy and me." Mrs. Shriner let the kids talk since it was a soft day for learning and it was better to let them burn out the topic that day than let it disrupt the rest of the week. She finally told Amy that she was happy to hear her getting a real mother and even happier that she might even get a real father. Amy in turn told her, "We like Mr. Williams but we won't push mom. He makes her happy, that's all that we want." After school, Amy and Al cornered Kyle and Oscar. Amy asked Oscar out while Al asked Kyle. Both boys were shocked and happy that the girls liked them. They agreed to the dates but it was pending their parents' approval. Gabby saw what was happening and sought out Kyle's and Oscar's parents. She explained what the girls wanted to do and what their plans were. Oscar's parents, Graham and Riley Pierce, saw that he was happy to have the chance to date Amy and agreed on the spot. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, though, weren't so happy that their son was going to date Al. Gabby had to ask them why they were reluctant to agree. They tried to push the topic aside but Gabby insisted. Graham saw the real reason and asked outright, "Is it because she is transgender? You told us you were fine with her and Kyle after the dance but now that he actually shows he likes her you have a problem with it?" Mr. and Mrs. Douglas tried to say no but it was clear that it was the real reason. Graham and Riley looked at Kyle's happiness and told them, "You would rather your son be unhappy and probably bullied because he happens to like someone that you don't approve of? Is that the kind of parent that you want to be?" They walked away, disgusted at being lied to by someone who they had seen as friends. Kyle saw what was happening and had to tell Al that he couldn't go with them. Al understood and hugged him, kissing his cheek as he left. Kyle walked over and told his parents, "Let's go. No point in staying around here since I just lost my best friend and the girl who wants to be my girlfriend." Both told him that he was out of line so Kyle ripped into them, telling them loudly, "I'm sick and tired of you insulting Al and every other person who 'isn't right for me'. You aren't better than anyone. You are insulting your own family when you do that. So what if your brother is a firefighter, that doesn't make him any less of a person than you! You don't see it yet, but neither of you have any real friends and you just assured that I won't have any. Well congratulations, you got your wish! You just made me become just like you!" Al felt bad but knew that Kyle wasn't able to change his parents' minds. He did like her, but he couldn't be with her. She accepted this, knowing that there would be people like Mr. and Mrs. Douglas who would force their views on their children no matter what the circumstances are. She just hoped that she didn't have to experience it firsthand for a long time, not four months after her forced surgery. Donald had a better time than Amy did. Courtney and Jessie told the others about their mother dating Zeke and spending the night with him. Donald told them to lay off the topic or their mom would be angry but the girls kept at it. He finally got up and left, showing that he wasn't going to sit there and listen to their gossip about their mother any longer. Francesca followed him, telling the others to stay. She got him to a quiet corner and had him explain why he was upset. It wasn't surprising that his reason was simple: he didn't want his new mom to rush into things in case she wasn't ready and didn't want the girls to get their hopes up only to see that he wasn't the right man for her. Francesca had to think. She finally told him, "Jessie and Courtney want the same thing that you do: a good father who loves your mom. But they know their mother better than you and they see something that others don't. They see that Mr. Williams will be their new father and want it to happen fast. They love you but they just don't see that you want your mom to take her time and ensure that Mr. Williams isn't the same as your former dad. He isn't, but they don't understand that. Just let them talk, if they start pushing your mom then you can tell them to stop." He kissed her for her kind words of understanding. The others backed off of gossiping once Francesca was out of hearing range, insisting that Courtney and Jessie take things slower or Donald would have a bad reaction. Seeing Francesca comforting him led to Jessie telling Courtney, "I think we forgot that Donald has a say in this too. I don't think he is happy that we are pushing mom." Courtney reluctantly apologized and stopped talking about it. During English Justin Stoner asked him about his vacation, using this as Donald's short summary assignment. Donald gave the highlights and waited for Justin to say something. He hesitated at times trying not to be too personal but eventually had to include some details that were embarrassing but truthful and tied the summary together. Justin chuckled, telling him warmly, "You learned more in a week about the legal system than some can learn in decades. Your mom did a lot of good for you and your uncle is a great man that has my respect. I know that you are trying hard to not say or do something that would upset your mom but she knows that you have her best interests at heart." Donald felt relieved to hear that from Justin. He could tell that the talk was doing good and felt better himself. Before Donald went inside Justin told him, "I know about your mom's elder sons and I can say that you are just about the best anyone could hope for in a son: you are mature, considerate, caring, well mannered, and follow her rules. And you are also a gentleman towards your girlfriend and a good student who doesn't show off. You are having an impact on the other guys in your classes, all you have to do is just be yourself." John caught some of what Justin had said. Justin sighed and told John, "I am trying to keep my personal life out of school but Donald just keeps making me think of myself. He has a long road to go to get over the damages of the past but he's miles ahead of me even 13 years after it all ended. I am jealous of him, he found a family that will help him. Most of us didn't." John told him, "He found people who are sympathetic. You aren't as far gone as you think you are, you bounced back from the humiliation you earned in December. Others are taking note of your handling of Donald, you are doing better than anyone expected. Next year or the year after you might even have the luxury of having a student teacher, I know of one person who might do well under your guidance and knowing what I know about you from listening to you talk with Donald she will be a good fit for you." Donald kept to himself for the rest of the day. Sean Beretta had him explain some of the skeletal and muscle systems as part of an oral test that he had to make up then talked with him about his strength conditioning. Sean was pleased to hear that Donald was trying to do exercises but cautioned him to take things slow and not overdo it, he had people who would work with him if he needed help. The day finally ended and saw the teens getting together to do their homework at the Finn and Pena homes. Michael and Reed had been told what to expect but felt the need to ignore the outcome and go about things as normal. They were never left alone outside of school, and they drove home with Rick, Jessie, and Courtney rather than walk. They first stopped off at the Lawrence home to check in with Gabby and pick up their laptops. Gabby went with them, insisting on being close just in case. Michael and Reed felt like they were putting a damper on Gabby's afternoon but she and Amy didn't have anything planned. Amy was immediately enveloped by Cat and JD Finn when she came inside. Both wanted to tell her about their vacation with Gabby encouraging them to take Amy downstairs so she could play with them. Gabby then called Dr. Dane's office to confirm their appointment. They were lucky, he had a cancellation and he would be able to do the two right after each other on Wednesday instead of early Friday as they were originally scheduled. Valerie was surprised that Gabby had been able to get things done so fast. Gabby blushed as she told her, "I know you normally are involved in all of this stuff but it was an offer I couldn't refuse. I was only thinking of Donald and Amy, she didn't want them to have to wait for what was going to happen anyway. It didn't hurt that she recognized your name through mentioning Michael to her." Valerie shook her head and chastised Gabby for apologizing. Valerie was adamant, "You did what you had to do for their sake. I am upset that I wasn't there to see it, I think you four held up better than I would have. Your lawyer certainly knew how to get what she wanted and Alex was smooth in getting Tom to show his true colors in a way that not even his silver tongue could get him out of." She turned to John and added, "For once I am happy to have not been there. I think I would have made things worse and would have lost it with Tom." John wisely added, "I think you would have been restrained enough to keep the tongue lashing out of contempt and in the 'verbal smackdown' area." Dan called and told them that there were some strangers hanging around both ends of the street. Gabby told him, "We better have Michael and Reed do their bit, Tom's likely down the street." John nodded, telling Dan, "Execute the plan" then told Valerie, "Whatever happens, don't intervene. We need him to not know about you or Kennedy. Let him think he has won. The less you see, the better for both boys." Michael and Reed crossed the street with Jessie and Courtney hanging around outside with them. Tom was seen up the street and started to make his way when he saw them cross a second time. Courtney and Jessie had to fight their impulse to tell him off but continued to ignore them. Tom had two stooges with him but several more were seen waiting on both ends of the street and positioning themselves to capture the confrontation. John called Willie to have the proper response ready from the police side since Michael or Reed were sure to be taken into custody. The state police lieutenant at the Kensington Beach barracks was willing to oblige and had two of his cruisers en-route to their location to handle the processing. Tom approached Jessie and Courtney and tried to talk to them. Both told him to get lost and that he had no right to be near them. Tom continued, this time telling them that he was their father and he had every right to talk to them. They again told him to leave, this time saying they'd call the police. Tom scoffed at that, finally stopped trying to talk and made a grab at Courtney. He grabbed her jacket but in doing so caused her to fall forward, landing hard on her hand. She was in pain and told Tom to get away now or she would call the police herself. Tom didn't back off. He made a lunge at her but Michael grabbed has arm and twisted it back, causing him to yell in false pain. Michael hadn't actually hurt him, in fact he had a loose grip with two fingers and was pushing his arm away rather than twisting it. Tom signaled his friends to start filming which John and Willie then stepped in to stop Tom from doing anything further. Tom continued to cry out in pain, yelling at Michael and telling anyone who would listen that he was calling the police. John and Willie brought out their badges and then loudly told him, "They were already here." Tom got up and walked away, but was stopped by the two state troopers dispatched. Tom was taken into custody but in doing so he screamed that Michael assaulted him and he had it all on video. The troopers looked at the video and told Willie, "We have to take him in until the ADA clears him, do what you need to do but we can't give any special treatment." Michael walked out, put his hands out, and offered himself up for arrest. The trooper shook his head and told him, "I'm not even going to try to put cuffs on you, I know you could easily turn it around on me if you weren't agreeing to go." Michael got into the cruiser and was led away, with Valerie and John following behind. The Winnisimmet PD were on either end of the street and seized the footage from Tom's friends. They took their statements and each claimed that Michael assaulted Tom without provocation and that Tom had only asked to speak with Courtney. The officers had them sign their statements then told them that they were subject to arrest for lying to police which prompted both witnesses to run off. The officers gave chase and caught them, speaking with the men again this time telling them that they had signed a legal document under penalty of perjury and were subject to penalties if caught lying. The men quickly explained that Tom had paid them to videotape the whole thing and to lie to get the kid arrested so he could win back the girls. The officers took them to the station to have the ADA speak to them and after they reviewed the footage and explained what Tom's plan was the ADA made copies of the videos then turned over copies to the duo then told them to act as if nothing had happened and to make no mention to Tom about being caught. Michael was taken immediately to an interview room and was left alone until Valerie arrived. She had been inside and hadn't seen anything so she was free to protect Michael during the interview. John waited outside, he was a secondary witness to what happened and he knew about the footage that had caught Tom planning what happened and what actually happened outside. Michael explained what happened, in detail. He showed the trooper exactly how he gripped Tom and how light it actually was. The trooper then asked his colleagues about any injuries to Tom and learned that he was spotless, even his wrist where Michael grabbed him didn't have a mark. Michael told him that Tom had a jacket on so that prevented any real grip, the troopers noticed it as well and laughed as Michael had caused Tom unknowingly cause his own downfall. The ADA looked at John's footage and heard exactly what was said by Tom and the girls. It was clear that Michael stepped in to stop Tom from doing any harm to the already hurt Courtney. He noted that Tom had been aggressive and Michael only stepped in to stop him from hurting Courtney further and his grip had not actually been anything that could cause any real injury, only one that kept control over his arm and prevented him from moving towards Courtney. Michael was released pending arraignment and a complaint filed on Courtney's behalf was instead issued with Valerie telling the officers that Courtney and Gabby had given her blessing to pursue charges. Tom was released after one of his friends posted bail. When he was at his friend's house he had his friend edit the videos together then yank his arm hard and twist it so that there were marks on his arm then left scratches from his finger nails. Tom grinned and told him, "The bastard will get jail time for what he did to me!" At the courthouse the next morning, Michael was sitting with Gabby, Valerie, and Willie. Judge Matthews saw them sitting there and immediately asked the clerk to put the case involving them up first. Tom walked in and glared at Michael, then smiled mouthing, "I'm going to get you you bastard." The judge called the case against Michael. Judge Matthews read the notes from the ADA regarding the charges and announced, "Since we have both parties here I'll watch the video that the supposed victim has provided. I'll then watch the state's video." Tom instinctively blurted out, "What video?" The first video, a combination of Tom's two videos, were shown. They were edited to only show Michael grabbing Tom and showed Tom screaming but out of sequence with the events. Tom then showed the judge his injured arm, claiming that the injuries were from the assault. Judge Matthews then told the clerk to play the second video. This one showed both men in view recording the assault but it clearly showed Courtney being assaulted by Tom, give his fake scream of pain, and Michael stepping in between with Tom then lunging at Courtney causing Michael to grab Tom to stop him from hurting Courtney further. Tom swore at seeing the video, Judge Matthews shook his head and told the clerk, "Mark the first video as state's evidence as they will be using it to prosecute Mr. Thomas Lawrence for assault, lying to police, and filing a false police report." Judge Matthews told Tom, "I am dismissing your claim of assault against Michael Finn. Your injuries are fake as I can clearly see that you were wearing a coat yet it was undamaged and unmoved during the assault so whatever you did to get those bruises and cuts clearly did not come from the supposed assault." Tom was infuriated at losing so badly but kept silent, knowing that he would get in more trouble than he was already in by reacting. The ADA addressed Tom, "In your claim you stated that you had been injured but when your statement to the state police was taken your arms had no marks nor impressions so therefore you have willingly lied in court about the origin of those injuries. Further we have statements from the men who recorded the video stating you paid them to film the assault and that after being presented with the videos you edited out the part where you assaulted your own daughter in order to provoke. You have willingly lied to the court and offered false evidence in your claims, thus the charges against you." The ADA stepped forward and told the judge, "We withdrew all potential charges against the defendant Michael Finn and apologize to him for allowing someone to attempt to pervert the judicial system for his advantage and instead we will instead file assault charges against Mr. Thomas Lawrence on behalf of his daughter. Further, Mr. Lawrence has a 209A against him requiring him to stay away from his former wife and daughters all of whom were present for the assault. Therefore, the assault was in the commission of a crime and are charging him with three counts of violating their rights as well." Tom was enraged and tried to go after the ADA, making contact causing a black eye. The court officers had to subdue him and Judge Matthews ordered him removed and denied bail to him for willfully assaulting an officer of the court. Judge Matthews then announced to Michael, "I know you willingly risked your freedom to ensnare Thomas Lawrence in his own lies. You could have hurt him but didn't. I have come across few who would do something like that for anyone, but I am not the least bit surprised at anything your family is capable of especially out of love for other members of your family. I eagerly await your marriage to her in a few years, it's clearly going to be one of perfect matches." Michael was led out and driven right to school with his classmates whispering and starting rumors about him. Ben, Sean, John, Jake, and even Justin set the record straight. The students still whispered with some even creating big falsehoods that quickly collapsed when Jake addressed the school to set the record straight. He told exactly what happened and why, and showed the video. There was no more talk. Jake had the final word and praise Michael, calling him, "The kind of Inferno that we are all proud of and hope all students strive to be- one who protects loved ones and stands up for injustice despite not knowing the outcome." Justin's defense of Michael was the most surprising of all and he was vocal in explaining exactly what happened and why without even seeing the video. The students listened to him and when confronted he was direct and to the point, "He would not do what he did without first knowing that he would be alright and second knowing that he would face all of the gossip and whispers. He is neither rash nor a bully, he is a hero and the man who he stopped is nothing but a pathetic excuse for a human being." Justin was near tears as he told the classes, "I have known people like the man who Michael stopped all my life and they are people who just do not stop until someone more powerful and tougher stops them. They hurt people and manipulate the law to get what they want. Far too many people let them get away with their crimes, Michael, though, stood up and took a stand. He didn't care about how it would look and he risked his own freedom to stop someone from harming the woman he loves. You have some nerve talking about him as anything less than what he is- a true hero." Jake caught the speech and grinned. Justin made up for his faux pas in December in spades. He had shown that he was a keeper and deserved to stay with the school for another year. After leaving the courthouse Gabby spent much of the day relaxing, then got together for lunch with Margo. Both talked about what to do with Al. Margo asked if she was going to bring her to the studio that night so she could try out for Amanda. Gabby smirked and told her warmly, "You are a genius!" Gabby called Olivia and asked her about the seriousness of Al taking lessons. Olivia was happy to allow her to, telling her that she wanted Al to do some more activities and hold true to her word to the girls. Gabby's next call was to Amanda and got approval to have Al try out before the class that night. Once school was over, the girls were happy to head home. Al was upset that Kyle was avoiding her and had told her that he was leaving school soon. The girls had tried their best to console her and Oscar was doing his best to find out exactly why Kyle was leaving. Graham and Riley were not happy to hear the news. They asked Mr. and Mrs. Douglas why they were removing him from the school. The Douglases were adamant that the school wasn't for him and that he would be better off elsewhere. This led to a war of words until they finally admitted that they didn't want their son hanging around a transsexual person no matter how much others accepted Al. The other parents were appalled by their behavior and refused to have anything to do with Kyle's family. Kyle was left to feel like a terrible person because of his parents. He told Oscar that he didn't want to leave but they were moving no matter what he said. Olivia had to quickly get the girls' attention elsewhere. Al was told about going to the dance school that evening and tried to back out. Amy told her that she had agreed to do it and try, and that even she had said that it was fun. Al reluctantly complied, but told them that she wouldn't like it. The girls did their homework and ate an early dinner while Olivia and Gabby talked. Donald, Jessie, and Courtney were under strict orders not to make fun of Al or Amy to which all three felt insulted. Donald told them both, "I have never once said anything about Amy's dancing and I sure as hell wouldn't say anything a bout Al trying it." Chapter 14 The group departed for the studio with Jessie, Donald, and Courtney told to finish their homework and relax. Al was anxious, hoping that Amanda was a nice lady. Amy was silent, unsure what to say about what was happening and loving that Al might find something out of school that she enjoys and that they could have something in common with. Amanda greeted the group once they entered. Al went over that Amy told her to try it and she had to reluctantly agreed to try it. Then told that the five girls tried to show her some things that they learned and convinced her to take one real class. Amy quickly told Amanda that she didn't dance, she just helped Al go through the basic motions until she was able to do some of the moves on her own. Gabby added that Al had been trying to stretch like her brother and the older girls for months and was able to do a lot of things that the other girls weren't able to do but Amy pointed out she did it differently. Amanda asked the girls why Al was really anxious. She saw through Al's exterior and she was clearly scared about something. Al blurted out, "I'm not like the other girls. I used to be a boy." She was ready to flee now. Amy held her in place while Gabby told Amanda, "I told you before that we have experience with people like you, Al is one of those but unfortunately she never wanted to become a girl and still has problems with accepting it. You already know about Kylie and her status, well Al is a lot farther along physically but not mentally." Amanda asked she meant, Al told her, "I was forced to have surgery to make me a girl last December." Amanda looked up at Olivia and Gabby. Olivia explained Al's past four months to her. Amanda knelt in front of Al, who was on the verge of tears, and admitted to her, "I am not going to say or do anything because of what you were. I can't, not when I have some of the same history. I wasn't forced to become a girl, but I wasn't physically born a girl either. If anyone has a problem with you then they won't be here anymore, I won't allow it and I will stand behind you 100%." Amanda led Al out and after some quick stretching she showed her some basic moves that she wanted her to do. Al did all of the moves but had some trouble going through the motions fluidly. She was flexible and had strength but she lacked the muscle memory that only came with practice. She would be good over time, she just needed to be worked with to get her where she could potentially be. Amanda had Al sit down and told Olivia and Al, "You can start tonight. I think you are right up there with my second tier beginner class. Don't feel bad for being with younger girls, they are at the same level as you and aren't ready yet for the more complex moves. You simply need to get used to the moves and following the music. With time you will flow fluidly and become one with the other girls. Your confidence needs to build until you don't think about what may happen or how you look. You are a good dancer already, you just need to realize it. I don't know if you will be a great dancer and I will never assure you of anything except getting better over time but you are going to do well if you try." Amy was sent off to help Al change. Olivia got to talking with Amanda to try to get to know her better. Amanda was pleased to know that Olivia was so accepting of her. Olivia had to remind her, "My future daughter in law is like you and we have loved her for over four and a half years, you are simply a lovely young woman who had a rough go." Gabby was trying to be social and asked if she had a special someone, hoping that Amanda wouldn't be offended. Amanda sighed heavily and confessed, "I have tried to find dates but the men I have dated wanted something that I no longer had. They had the image of a woman with a penis, they see me and they get disgusted or think that I lied to them about my past. I simply gave up on finding someone after my last date tried to run me down with his car." Gabby grinned and asked, "Would you do me a favor and go on a double date with my boyfriend and a mutual friend? I can assure you that your past will be no problem. I am concerned about him and his own isolation. He's a good man, I want him to have a chance at love again." Olivia whispered to Gabby, "Todd or William?" Gabby whispered back, "William" getting a nod and smile from Olivia. Amanda saw the smiled and agreed to the blind date, but also added, "If it doesn't go well I don't blame you for trying." Gabby assured her, "He's a good man who has a big heart, the only issue you could offend him about would be if you had a problem with children as he has a young son." Amanda's heart fluttered at the thought of a remote chance of being someone's mom. She smiled and told Gabby, "That wouldn't offend me in the least. I'd love to meet him. I wouldn't be teaching children if I didn't enjoy them. Thinking about his son first only makes him more intriguing." Gabby excused herself and called William. He was at first reluctant but hearing that the woman was great with children, a respected business owner, had already won over the 10-year-old girls, and was helping Amy and Al he agreed to the date. He did ask her to tell her that he had a son to which Gabby smiled and told him, "She was delighted that you have a child and see him as your top priority. She will explain more about herself but please don't get too personal." William sighed and asked her, "Is she like Kennedy?" Gabby reluctantly told him, "Yes. But she's an amazing woman, a role model to all the girls in her classes." William told her warmly, "As long as she is alright with me being a single father then I'll do it for you. I know that you know that I don't care about her being transgender, I only care about her as a person." Gabby felt that William may have already started to like the idea of dating Amanda, but only time would tell. The ballet class went smoothly as the girls got used to Amy helping them correct their poses and their moves. Al was actually learning more by seeing the other girls dance and wasn't far behind the girls by the time class ended. She needed plenty of personal attention but Amy was able to quickly get her to change subtle movements to match what she was supposed to do. Al tried hard to hide her smile but she had to admit that she had fun and felt so much better dancing, feeling both girly and beautiful and at home in her skin for the first time in months. The younger girls in the class looked up to Al and seeing her getting better was making the others do better. Amanda had to fight a smile as whenever Al did a turn the others would copy her just as she was copying them. Amy had trouble keeping the girls working towards where they needed to be and eventually worked with Al who, in turn, improved causing the others to follow suit. After the girls changed, Amanda told Al that she did a great job and asked her if she was going to join the class permanently. Al looked at Olivia who was smiling and nodding, Al smiled and told her, "I'll do it." Amy told her affectionately, "You have the girls doing whatever you do, if you didn't join the class there would be a big problem as the girls would think they weren't as good as you." Gabby told Amanda, "It's all set. It's lunch at a restaurant in Boston but William is looking forward to it. He was happy to hear that you were fine with him being a single dad and he guessed your past and told me that as long as you weren't offended at dating a single dad then he would be happy to join us." Amy and Al looked at their mothers and nearly cheered. Al asked Olivia if she was serious. Olivia pulled the girls outside to explain to them what was happening and told them, "Don't expect anything. They could be fine just being friends. Gabby wanted to do something special for Amanda and William deserved a date who didn't look down on him. We are all pulling for them though. Both need this date more than they realize." Outside, Amy and Al were stopped by Rachel Douglas who asked them, "can I talk with the two of you for a minute?" Gabby asked what was going on, Rachel sighed and explained, "My nephew Kyle is begging us to let him stay with him until the end of the school year. I was hoping to get your input on what is going on with him." Al told her harshly, "Will it get him away from those people?" Rachel asked what she was talking about so Al told her, "They hate me. Both of them. They want to take Kyle away so he stops liking me. They don't want him around me anymore!" Al stormed off in tears, but Olivia waited. Amy explained to Rachel, "Al and Kyle like each other a lot. She kissed him after the dance and asked him out to the movies yesterday. His parents didn't like it and told Kyle he was moving elsewhere. He doesn't want to leave Oscar or Al behind." Rachel started to get visibly angry. She told Amy pointedly, "They conveniently ignored their real reason for moving away suddenly when they told Paul and I they were moving last night. I'll have a few choice words with them. I just hope that Paul doesn't hear about this before then or we might need the medical examiner for his brother and sister-in-law." Amy asked if they could help Kyle. Rachel wasn't going to lie to her and told Amy, "We will talk with his parents about letting him finish out the year with us if they actually are intent on leaving. I feel that they will see the stupidity of moving him with just two months left in the year. After that I don't know. Al hasn't faced this kind of rejection before but Kyle is torn up as he knows that he's adopted so those two have no reason to act like that towards her. It's not like them and it's making Kyle feel like running away to avoid leaving." Gabby told her, "Support Kyle no matter what. He needs someone in his corner. I hope that they can see the stupidity but I doubt they will." Rachel looked at the crying Al and told them, "If it really comes down to it Paul and I will take custody of Kyle and let them have their lives back. It's clear now that they care more about their social life than their child." Amy told Al that there was a chance that she could be with Kyle until the end of the school year. She mumbled, "It's better than nothing but I'll really miss him." Olivia hugged her and told her, "Your first love is always the worst. Sometimes it's best to let it go. Rick had a crush on Courtney but never got the nerve to ask her out and the two remained close friends. Six months later he meets Jaimie and his world changed forever. Things change, you could meet the man of your dreams tomorrow." Al still had tears in her eyes and told her, "I don't want anyone else, I want Kyle." Rachel drove the quiet Margaret home. As she expected, her brother-in-law was waiting for her with his wife and Kyle. Rachel told the two youngsters to go upstairs while she talked with her in-laws in private, knowing that it was going to get heated soon. Rachel wasted no time and told them pointedly, "Funny thing happened tonight. I got the truth behind why you are really moving away and what it is doing to that poor girl and I don't like it one bit. You are pulling your son out of school with two months left in the year because he is falling for a girl who is different? Seriously? You have the balls to tell me last night that the school was having a bad influence on the children but but really it was all because you two are just vain bigots? Well be honest- the only problem here is that your 12 year old son is growing into a young man and discovering girls and the girl that currently holds his heart doesn't fit your twisted plans for his future or rather how it reflects on the two of you. You have some nerve." Her brother-in-law was outraged but Rachel told him, "So it is true. You are pulling Kyle away from everything he knows because he fell for the one girl that I would trust him being around more than any other girl. You know absolutely nothing about this girl. And yes, she is a girl no matter what your friends say. She's been through hell twice and come out on top and is thriving with people who have the common decency to see past their own ignorance and appearances to let her be who she needs to be. That includes both Paul, myself, and Margaret. Hell you know damn well that Margaret's best friend and our goddaughter is transgender and you had no problem whatsoever with them being friends! At least I thought you did, I guess you are lied to your own brother about accepting Kylie." Rachel's words cut deep. She finally had enough of their deflecting and declared to them, "Do the decent thing and let Kyle finish the year out living here with Paul, Margaret, and I. He needs stability and he won't get that in two months in a school elsewhere. He will be lucky to get caught up by the time the year ends. Then what? He goes into 7th grade with no friends, as the new kid that nobody knows anything about, and who moved to town under mysterious means. How will that play out for you or more importantly- for Kyle? Are you going to nurse his wounds after he gets bullied day in and day out? Going to keep constant watch over him because he needs someone to keep the bullies at bay? Get him to realize that girls will stay away from him for fear of their reputations? All of that because he is walking with a big target on his back from moving there so quickly!" Rachel hit them hard. They had little argument and even less reason to go through with their plans especially as it makes them look worse. Rachel had won out but her brother-in-law had one final monkey wrench to throw at her asking, "Why would you do this for him? Why put up with all of the questions and whispering about him?" Rachel grinning and proudly told them, "I do it for the same reason that you should be doing it- because I love him. I don't care what others think, I care about how Kyle feels. He wants to stay and be with his friends. You have made it abundantly clear that you only care about yourselves, we care about Kyle." Her brother-in-law couldn't believe that she had called his bluff. His wife defiantly asked her, "And then what? Would you adopt him as your own child?" Rachel countered by asking, "Would you give up all rights to him if I said I would?" This shocked both but Rachel meant every word and did not hesitate to give that option if they gave her an opening. Her brother-in-law asked her loudly, "Are you telling me that you would take Kyle in, would make him your son, and do so without a second thought or even discuss this with your husband?" Rachel matched his volume and told him, "Without hesitation. He needs a loving home and family who cares about his feelings and as you have shown we are the only family he has." Both looked at one another waiting for the other to crack. Rachel told them, "I know several people who are more than happy to pull the paperwork needed. I told you that I was not joking and I meant every word of it." They waited for her to crack but she didn't move. They caved in and told her, "Pull it. We don't need this crap. We never wanted him in the first place. I only adopted him because we needed a kid to get a promotion and get invited to the best parties." Margaret held Kyle back and hugged him as he started crying, finally learning the truth about how his parents really felt about him. She told him affectionately, "Dad always wanted a son." After her in-laws left Rachel called Paul to tell him what happened and why. Paul was calmer than she expected, he told her, "Get the paperwork sorted and I'll talk with Kennedy and Willie about getting an emergency declaration made for Kyle's custody transfer." Rachel walked upstairs see the two hugging tightly and in tears. Rachel asked if they heard, both gave her a silent nod. Rachel cried and tearfully told Kyle, "They may not have wanted you, but we do. We won't let you go anywhere else. You are going to be our son and are a damn fine one at that. You showed more manhood standing up for the girl you like than your father showed in his life. Paul and I will have nothing further to do with either of them and you never have to see them again if you don't want to. They don't deserve to ever call you family, we welcome you as our son with open arms." Rachel called Olivia to tell her what happened. Olivia immediately told Al who was again in tears, this time tears of joy. Olivia asked Rachel if she was going to allow Al and Kyle to date, hearing Al burst into tears and seeing her tears earlier Rachel told Olivia sharply, "If I were to tell him no I couldn't look any of the girls in the face again. I think they might be too young and their hormones are playing tricks on them but it's just a movie date that will be supervised. She can date him, and I'll have a talk with Kyle about what he can and cannot do." In the morning Al and Kyle hugged. Kyle didn't waste a second and asked if she still wanted to go to the movies, getting an even quick, "Yes!" from Al. The two held hands as they went into school, Rachel felt her heart flutter seeing the two obviously sharing feelings that weren't normal puppy love feelings. Riley and Graham watched in awe as Kyle was like a new boy. Oscar kept quiet but the two asked what happened to Kyle. Oscar mumbled a soft, "He said is parents are giving him up and his aunt and uncle are going to adopt him. His aunt called his parents out over what they were doing and she offered to take him in then when they tried to see just how far she would go they gave Kyle to her. He is going to have a good mom and dad now, the ones that he really wanted as his parents." Rachel and Gabby left the girls and boys to themselves. Margaret kept trying to ask what the big deal was about them going out. Gabby had to smile as Rachel explained, "You will feel different in a year or two. They are experiencing mutual crushes and it's rare that they last when they are that age. Some last a long time like Thomas and Rebecca but most end as other girls catch the boys' interest or other boys catch the girls' interests or in some cases the boys like boys or girls like girls. It's why Nancy moved on from liking Ethan, the novelty wore off and they were great friends." After dropping off Margaret and listening to her tell the other girls and boys about what happened Rachel had to leave quickly before she got inundated with questions from Todd, Karen, and Willie. Willie just smiled and told them, "Kennedy has the paperwork you need, it's with Valerie. She says that she will gladly go to the house with you to get Kyle's things later. And she also said that Kylie will get the girls to leave Margaret alone until this is settle officially." The duo drove on to the Finn home where Valerie eagerly awaited them. The twins thought it odd that Rachel was there and wisely kept their distance with Valerie telling them that they were working on helping another kid like Donald and Amy. They smiled and went to the play room to allow the adults to talk, not wanting to get in the way of another kid joining the family. Valerie had the paperwork ready and filled out for Rachel to sign. They had all the information about Kyle already after talking with Paul before he drove in for his shift. Paul was thorough and really only needed Rachel's signature to finalize the paperwork. He knew everything about Kyle yet Kyle's now former parents knew next to nothing about the boy. Rachel confided in Valerie that Kyle enjoyed talking with Paul whenever possible and would tell him things that he wouldn't think of telling Paul's brother and sister-in-law. Valerie confidently told her, "He was treating Kyle like a son, no wonder he is taking this so easily. They both wanted to be closer to one another, maybe this is the thing best for both of them." Rachel looked over the forms and smiled at Paul doing his best to ensure this happened quickly. All that was needed was her brother-in-law and his wife to sign off. Both were home and Valerie drove over with Rachel while Gabby watched the twins. Rachel rang the doorbell and showed the forms to her brother-in-law. He asked if they were filled out in full to which Valerie explained, "We have it in triplicate and will give one to your attorney and retain the other two for our records." Valerie also added, "You are advised to seek legal counsel to look these forms over so that there are no questions raised on your part." Both looked at her and told her, "We want to be done with this and get out of here." Valerie had them sign in the right places on all three forms. She then handed them their copy and told them, "We will be filing this with the family court in an hour. If you have any second thoughts don't hesitate to call." Neither could really give a damn and told her, "Just get his things and get out." Rachel was surprised at this but happily grabbed Kyle's clothes, bedding, video games, game system, and his various trinkets and old toys. Valerie kept close to his parents but they didn't really care too much about the whole scene. Rachel made quick work of all of Kyle's things, even taking his dirty laundry and hamper. Rachel asked if there was anything else that belong to Kyle getting a terse, "Nothing else is left." Rachel ignored their tone and left, with Valerie telling them, "One hour. Once it is filed, it's filed." They drove on to the Douglas home and got Kyle's room ready for him. Looking at his dirty laundry and seeing some familiar stains Rachel had to have a talk with him about what was happening. Valerie had to smile at that, telling her warmly, "Did you ever expect that you would have to have that kind of talk with a boy?" Rachel's eyes lit up as she told him, "It was a miracle that we were able to have Margaret in the first place, we talked about adopting but Paul was too scared to bring in a child then have something happen to him to make the child feel like they were bad luck or something. I know that he wanted a son but he loves Margaret with all his heart. Kyle has always been his surrogate son, now he is going to be his real son and I can't be happier." They laid out Kyle's clothes and saw just how much he tried to emulate Paul. All of his clothes were similar styles and colors to what Paul always wore off duty. Rachel's eyes welled up as she saw just how much Kyle loved Paul. Valerie hugged her as she broke down, telling her, "You two were meant to be his parents. He is getting what he always wanted." They finished putting the clothes away and left the electronics for Paul and Kyle to put together the next day. They headed directly for the family court to get the change of custody certified and the adoption process started. Gabby was eagerly awaiting them outside the Finn home with the twins ready to go with them to see the changeover get certified. Gabby's appearance in the courthouse got the attention of a few of the court officers. Valerie directed them to the proper location and filed he paperwork, surprisingly getting an appointment with Judge Perez at the last minute as it was almost lunchtime. Judge Perez looked over the paperwork and certified the changeover, telling them, "You have full custody of Kyle Douglas as of this moment but legal adoption will have to wait until at least the end of June. As much as it would be lovely to quicken it there are no circumstances that do so. It's simply a formality though, he is your son from now on." Rachel thanked her for the speedy approval and started to leave. Gabby was noticed and asked why she was there. Gabby told her honestly, "I was merely here because I was babysitting Valerie's son and daughter while she got the paperwork signed. My direct connection is that Kylie and my daughter Amy are dating one another's best friend as well as being classmates." Judge Perez chuckled and told her, "Well, see you Friday for your own finalizing." Gabby grinned and told her, "As per your request, my son and daughter have their appointment with the psychologist tomorrow afternoon. We know him and trust in his judgment, if he finds that they need more sessions they will get them." Judge Perez grinned and told her, "Good. See you Friday." Valerie asked what that was all about. Gabby explained, "She oversaw the divorce from Tom and got us the fast track to adopting Amy and Donald due to the Lees' charges. She also oversaw Mike and Amelia Daniels' fight over George." Valerie smiled, telling her, "It's nice to hear about something not needing me for once."Gabby grinned and added, "Oh don't kid yourself, she didn't know you by face but she knows you by reputation. She heard the name 'Finn' and suspected your involvement in the divorce." Rachel added, "She still feared your response even if you aren't involved. You still found yourself into the center of things anyway, but it's great that she was so willing to help Gabby along." The twins asked what was happening and why. Rachel had to explain to them, "My nephew is going to become my son. We had to file the paperwork to make it legal." Cat asked why he was becoming her son only to be told, "His mom and dad didn't want to be his parents anymore and I told them that I'd adopt him so he would be our son." JD asked why they would do that getting a solemn, "Some people only like kids when they make them look good, but we want him because we love him." They were satisfied with her answers and let it rest, much to the adults' relief. The trio had lunch with the twins being joined by Leslie and Marcus. Marcus sought out Gabby and held her tight. Leslie joked, "He must know something that we don't know, you didn't start planning on having a baby with Zeke, did you?" Gabby blushed and told her, "He is taking things slow but I would love one with him." Valerie teased her, "The way the kids were talking it sounded like he might have planted the seed already." The twins asked what they were talking about getting a quick, "Gardening" from the four adults. They shared a snicker as Cat and JD turned away and went back to playing. After the late lunch Gabby looked over and saw that it was time to get the kids. Rachel felt anxious about everything but Gabby told her, "You are doing fine. He will be happy to hear the news." It gave her some comfort her but didn't fully settle her. Valerie told her that she'd get Margaret so could make the changes to the records. She would want to give the two of them as much time as possible together before they got home. Rachel hugged her and thanked her for all of the help, Valerie told her warmly, "That's what family is for. You and Paul have shown that you are part of us so helping you is something we would do for you no matter what." Olivia and Margo met them outside the school. Olivia asked if it was done, getting a grin and nod from Rachel. When the kids came out Kyle found Rachel to which Rachel immediately showed him the custody paperwork and told him, "It will take until June but the adoption will be finalized. Judge Perez did say that you are our son now, even if unofficially." Kyle immediately hugged her and shed tears. He then hugged Al who hugged him back. Rachel led them inside so she could make the changes to Kyle's records and give Kyle a chance to recover without other kids teasing or worse, bullying, him. Dorothy was more than happy to ensure that Kyle's records reflected his change of family. Rachel was happy to tell her, "If the two cause any problems because they want to date please don't hesitate to bring them to me." Dorothy smiled and assured her, "If there are any problems I'll deal with it directly. Al deserves a chance to find love as does Kyle. Anyone who has a problem with it is our problem and not yours. You are doing what a good parent does- you are putting his happiness first." Kyle and Al were clearly happy to be around one another. Rachel saw the happiness on Al's face and couldn't help but feel warm. She was an amazing young woman and deserves a shot at love and if it was with Kyle then all the better. Rachel took him outside and told him, "We have one more stop to make." Kyle hugged Al goodbye, giving her a kiss on the cheek causing her to blush. Olivia hugged Kyle and told him, "Saturday can't come soon enough for you two" causing both to blush and thank her for letting them go. Gabby followed Rachel to the nearby fire station, with Rachel telling the firefighter at the patrol desk that they had something special for Paul. He knew to go get him fast, Rachel never visited and from the look on her fact it was big news. Paul came out and saw Rachel and Kyle standing there and then was handed the paperwork. When he finished reading he asked her, "Is it official?" Rachel nodded then told him, "Finalization comes in June, but he is our son now." He tearfully hugged Rachel then Kyle, smiling and telling the other firefighters who came out to see what the news was, "Meet my son." The crews wanted an explanation so Paul told them, "My brother finally stopped fooling himself and gave up on being a father so he and his wife can live the jet set lifestyle again. You know how much I loved Kyle like he was my own son, well now he doesn't have to pretend I'm his dad anymore. He's my son now." Paul tearfully hugged Kyle again, this time Kyle hugged him tight as Kyle heard him say, "Son" and mean it. Rachel excused them so they could get back to training and told Paul, "We left you a nice job to do tomorrow afternoon, you get to set up his game system." Paul's face lit up as Kyle looked at him with pleading eyes, getting a smile back. Amanda called Gabby to ask her about the date. She forgot all about it and confirmed it for Thursday while the kids were in school. Amanda was pleased to hear that it was still on, Gabby assured her, "The only reason he would cancel would be if Junior got sick, but you don't have to worry about that as he is perfectly healthy." Things were going better for Donald. He was getting more movement in his arm and feeling stronger but still hampered by his cast. Ben's test was easy for him, especially as he was given more multiple choice and true/false questions as well as diagrams that he simply cliched and dropped the caption onto the proper location. English went just as easy for him. Justin Stoner let him use one of the school's speech-to-text equipped computers to write his required essay and found that he was doing worse with it but once he explained what he meant Justin gave him a stronger grade. He was told that he could easily get the grade to go higher once his cast was off, he had until the end of marks closing to do so. He talked with Reyna and Rick about what happened to Al. Donald had never experience that kind of bigotry and betrayal towards a kid before. Reyna assured him that there was little anyone could do for Mr. and Mrs. Douglas except excise them form their lives. Some people are better off being forgotten and Mr. and Mrs. Douglas were those kind of people. Reyna was happy that he had taken an interest in the situation, Donald had to confess, "Amy was upset all last night over it. I hate seeing her that way. Oscar is his best friend and he was starting to feel like he was losing a brother with Kyle leaving." Reyna assured him, "Al will feel better over time but you never get used to people hating you for being yourself. For Al, it's worse as they simply don't have any compassion for her situation. They didn't care what really happened, all they see is 'former boy' despite her not wanting to be a girl." Reyna was happy that Donald was being such a good brother to Amy's friends. She told him, "We missed meeting Amy but mom is happy to know that Al finally has a friend who is making her do things that she feels happy doing. Mom was scared that Al would only do things when others made her do them, like shopping. She was happy to dance and showed what she learned right as she got home. It's the first time that she was passionate about anything since we have known her." After school, Donald spent some time with Jake to allow Gabby and Amy time to help out Kyle and his new mom. Jake could sense something was up and asked Donald what he was thinking about. Donald smiled and told him, "Reyna told me about Al turning out to be happier than ever thanks to Amy. I am not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing that Colby and Felicity hurt us because so many others seem to be doing better because of what happened to us." Jake shook his head and told him, "They would have been fine on their own, nobody should have had to endure what you did no matter what happened since. Al would have found something else to do, and Kyle could have eventually found the courage to ask his former parents to let him live with his new ones. Gabby and Zeke getting together was something that should have happened years ago and if not for the girls being underage Tom would have given in quickly. And Stephanie would have found that it was easier to be her true self and confess that she loved women. Same with Trina." Donald countered with, "What about the girls that learned their dancing instructor was a liar and using them? What about the girls who were being starved like Amy? If not for Colby and Felicity many of them could have died." Jake had to think, but Donald was right. Jake finally admitted, "I was hoping that there were alternatives but sometimes there isn't. A lot happened as a result of you two getting placed with Gabby, but it could have happened if you didn't get placed with her. Don't dwell on the what-ifs, dwell on what you have. You have a loving mother who is trying her hardest to help you, your sister, and your friends. She is even helping Amanda Lincoln try to find love, although if she is as sweet and caring with William as she is with the girls I think the two may have found a match made in heaven." Jake looked Donald over and proudly told him, "You are the son Gabby always wanted. A man who wears his heart on his sleeve, who thinks of others first, who cares about his family and protects them. You need little actual guidance yet you seek her out for advice. You may not have wanted to but you have filled a gap in her heart that had been unfulfilled for years. You are a son any mother would want, and I know Zeke is looking at you like the son he never had but always wanted." Jake drove him home and sat through Amy's recollection of the touching scene at the firehouse. Jake had to admit that even he was moved by the scene. Paul was a man's man but to be reduced to tears over hearing that he is now a father again and the father of the boy he raised as his son in all but name melted even the hardest of hearts. The next morning Kyle was still on an emotional high as Paul dropped him of at school after his shift ended. He was all smiles as he watched Kyle head right for Oscar and the girls. Stephanie asked who was the man who dropped him off getting a big as mile from Kyle as he told her, "He's my dad." Kyle told Oscar to come over as he and his dad were going to set up his game system. Oscar was happy to help, with Stephanie kidding them about spending time at home playing when they could be out doing something fun." Al countered with, "Didn't we do the same yesterday afternoon?" Trina and Amy started to laugh as Stephanie blushed. Kyle asked what her gamertag was and told her that he'd be online as soon as possible so they could play each other. Oscar wisely told them, "Just don't hold any grudges, you don't you two want to break up before you even get a chance to go out." Trina asked him if he was going to go with his sister to her ballet lessons. Kyle tried to refuse but Al pointed out that she was in them which go Kyle to immediately say he'd go. Amy pointed out, "You wouldn't have a choice anyway, your dad might have to work and you can't stay home alone." Trina added, "Your sister is in the same class right? Well watching Al is just extra for you then." Trina had her own ballet lesson that evening so all of them asked Amy what she was going to be doing. Amy reluctantly told them, "I have to go see a psychologist so mom can adopt us on Friday." Stephanie was going to ask about it but Al told her, "Best not to ask." Turning to Amy she added, "He is a good therapist, mom said he worked with Kylie, Rachel, Michael, Miles, Reed, and Scott. He helped them deal with their problems and should do a good job with you and your brother." The day sailed by for Amy. Paul picked up Kyle while Oscar's parents agreed to let him go help put together the game system. Oscar told Paul about Al playing Kyle as soon as it was set up getting a big grin and, "Well we better not wait" from him as he looked over at the blushing Kyle. The three rushed home and had the system set up and Kyle's games put away in less than an hour. Al was already online and with Stephanie also online doing the same with her own system or rather her brother's system with her own gamertag. Paul watched happily as Kyle and Al flirted and joked as they played with Stephanie joining in from time to time enjoying the two love birds sharing something unique that the others didn't quite capture. Oscar didn't feel left out, he wasn't much of a gamer and actually enjoyed watching Kyle play more than anything. He wasn't too coordinated but could predict what others would be doing before they did it which Kyle used to his advantage, much to Stephanie and Al's dismay. Paul was living something he had never thought he would get to experience- being a dad and watching his son starting a relationship with mutual interests while their best friends supported them.