Rowan immediately changes expression.
“I know we can’t avoid it, but I was wondering if it could be done in a place more familiar to them. Like my house.”
“I don’t make house calls.”
“No, of course, I understand that.”
“But I think I can make an exception.”
“Really? For me?”
“For the kids,” he specifies. “I can do it for them. I can understand what they are already going through. I don’t want to be the one to cause them more pain. It’s going to be hard enough in court.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“We can arrange a meeting at your place.”
I touch my chest, grateful.
“But now, let’s think about us. There is so much work to do, and you are a mess.”
I smile. I don’t mind at all.
“And we don’t want you to be one in the eyes of the judge.”
“I know you are a good lawyer, and I have no doubts about your skills, but I don’t think you can do miracles.”
Rowan looks intensely into my eyes for a moment, and it is as if all my insecurity melts away in their warmth.
“There is a first time for everything.”
Seth
Two days later, I’m still a nervous wreck and in the kitchen—a recipe for disaster!
“Is that bad?” Ross asks, handing me a cloth to dab at my hand. The hand that I had to hold under running water after accidentally burning myself while preparing dinner.
“It’s nothing, just a superficial burn.”
“I have some ointment,” Mr Yang says, witnessing my accident. “I’ll go get it.”
“Thank you, Mr Yang!” Ross and I say in chorus.
“I can finish here,” Ross offered.
“Thank you, but I can do it.”
Better not risk any more accidents. Ross in the kitchen is a danger to everyone. At least I’m just to myself.
“I would like to make myself useful in some way.”
“You’re already doing it. You’re here.”
“Anything for you and the kids. I just wish I could stay until the lawyer arrives.”
Rowan called me today and asked if I had informed the kids about the situation. Of course, I lied, hoping to buy some more time, but when Rowan suggested that we meet immediately to discuss the preliminary hearing, a legal process that will determine the initial steps in the custody battle, I realised that I had reached the end of the line and that it was time to tell the kids the truth. My friend Ross stopped by before work to offer his support.
I leave dinner cooking and join the kids, who are all in the living room doing their homework. I clear my throat, Ross’ hand on my shoulder to encourage me, and the reassuring face of Mr Yang, who has just returned to us to cheer me on to do the right thing.
