Chapter 457 - Court (2) (1/2)
In a single file line, we followed the judge back to his chambers, which was his own private office. He closed the door and went to sit behind his desk as we stayed standing. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins both stayed on either side of me, while both lawyers stood more in the front.
”What is it?” The judge asked.
”My clients have a more personal concern regarding Jake.” Mr. Pickens took the lead. ”You see, we've been informed that Jake may be unable to participate in his school's baseball tournament since the state is threatening to remove him from the Atkins' household.”
”Threatening?” Mr. Roberts snarled. ”We aren't threatening. We're doing our jobs.”
”And your job is to take away a fun pastime that Jake likes to partake in?” Mr. Pickens rebuked.
”Do the Atkins only want Jake so he can play baseball with their sons and help them win games?” Mr. Roberts asked. Without letting anyone answer, he turned to the judge. ”Your honor, Jake is an outstanding baseball player and it's not unbelievable that the Atkins only want him to stay for the duration of the baseball tournament.”
”Yes, that's why they've already started the formal adoption process.” Mr. Pickens said sarcastically.
Mr. Roberts shrugged innocently. ”Maybe they plan to make a profit off of Jake and his skills in the sport. Their application hasn't been approved. There's a strict process and it's barely begun.”
”Okay, enough.” The judge declared. He looked behind Mr. Pickens and made eye contact with me. ”Let's ask the boy himself. Jake, step forward.”
I gulped and looked up at Mr. Atkins for help. He just gave me a small smile.
He looked confident so I should as well. I looked at the judge and took a small step forward. ”Y-y-y-yes?”
”Do you like playing baseball, Jake?” The judge asked.
I bit my bottom lip and gave it a thought. ”Not by itself.” I decided to be honest. ”I like the batting cages. Being alone. But, I like playing with the Atkins. There's four of them.” I smiled to myself. ”Noah likes it when I play with all of them too.” I swallowed. ”I want to keep playing with them. Tomorrow we have a game and the coach said I might not get to play.”
Judge Hill smiled at me, looking like a grandpa. ”Then go ahead and play. As long as you're with the Atkins and reside in the school district, I see no reason why you can't.” He looked up to Mr. Pickens. ”I'll write a formal letter for you to take to the concerning parties. As long as Jake isn't being forced against his will, I don't see why he can't play.”
”How about for safety concerns?” Mr. Roberts suggested. ”Jake is in the headlines now. Many reporters are trying to reach him to ask about his brother and their relationship.”
”And why exactly is he in the headlines?” Mr. Pickens asked. ”You, the state, weren't able to protect his information. You have a history of letting Jake down. Let the Atkins have a chance to care for him.” He looked at the judge. ”The only reason we're here today is because the state wants to lay blame with someone else. I'm here to state that the Atkins sincerely have Jake's best interest at heart. They love him. Them and their sons. I brought plenty of statements from his therapist, teachers, and caseworker on how much he's improved since moving in with the Atkins.”
”Alright, alright. This isn't a custody battle in here.” Judge Hill waved his hand. He looked at Mr. Roberts. ”The state has done a disservice to this young man. Don't try pointing fingers in my chambers. I suggest you tell your department to stay in line.” He squinted. ”And I don't want this to appear on their adoption application, that you tried to remove him from the home. Especially because it was groundless. Understand?”
”Understood.” Mr. Roberts looked defeated.
”Good.” He looked at me. ”Jake, I wish you all the best.” He looked at Mr. Pickens. ”I'll have my clerk type something for you to give, just stick around until lunch.”
”Yes, sir.” Mr. Pickens nodded.
With that, we were dismissed. We went back through the courtroom and then the hallway that led us there.
I sighed with relief.