Reva shook her head, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. “But it feels like I’ve abandoned him. Like I’ve torn away a piece of my own heart and left it behind. How does someone do that? How?” She moaned, her heart nearly breaking.
Lila patted her friend’s back gently. “Because you love him. Sometimes, love means making the hardest choices for their sake, not ours.”
Capri parked her hands on the hips of her tight jeans. “Baloney. I’m with Reva. How could this possibly be in Lucan’s best interest? He should be with her. She stepped up, opened her heart and home, and now they do this to her?” She shook her head angrily. “Makes no sense whatsoever!”
Reva looked up at them through tear-filled eyes. “What if he thinks I don't want him? What if he believes I gave him away because I don’t care? He’s so little. First his mom and dad, and now me?” She buried her head in her hands. “It’s cruel on all levels.”
As an attorney, Reva was acutely aware of the extensive influence wielded by the court, recognizing its capacity to effect both beneficial and detrimental outcomes. She understood that, similar to any government entity, the court operated within a framework of boundaries, regulations, and bureaucratic requirements that did not always align with the principles of justice.
Charlie Grace glanced between the others with conviction. “We’ll help you stay in touch, visit, whatever it takes. Lucan will know how much you love him.”
Lila nodded her approval. “Yeah, and we’re here for you, too. You’re not going through this alone, Reva. Not for a single second.”
Capri slid a cup of tea toward Reva, a small but meaningful gesture of comfort. “You’re the bravest person I know, Reva. Facing this, doing what’s best for Lucan despite the pain it causes you…that’s true courage.”
Reva sniffed and reached for a fresh tissue. “I just miss him so much already. It's like…it’s like I’ve lost a limb.”
Lila stood and clapped her hands, signaling she had an idea. “Let’s plan something, okay? Something for Lucan. Maybe start putting together a little care package or a photo album of you two. Something he can look at in the years to come and remember how much you loved him when he most needed a mom.”
Capri nodded. “And how about we start a little journal? You can write letters to Lucan, and he can read them when he’s old enough. It’ll be like a bridge between your hearts until then.”
Reva looked up, her eyes meeting those of her friends. A flicker of hope, dim but undeniably present, lit up her gaze. She nodded, the ghost of a smile touching her lips. She sniffled again. “That sounds—really nice, actually. Thank you, all of you. As usual, I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Aunt Mo, who had been sitting silently on the sofa, jumped up from her spot. “Horse manure!”
They all turned to face the older woman, their eyes wide.
“I say horse manure,” she repeated.
“You are all forgetting there’s someone in charge here…and it ain’t us, and it ain’t social services, and it most certainly ain’t that man in prison who suddenly sees this little boy as his opportunity for early freedom.” She pointed her finger straight up in the air. “From where I’m sitting, you girls have relinquished the situation and not asked the man upstairs for help.” Her finger dropped and pointed to the lot of them. “You all might remember to talk to Him about this—and do it pretty soon. Time is running out.”
The women immediately took her wise words to heart. They leaned in, forming a tight circle around Reva, their support palpable. Outside, the world continued to move, but inside, in the sanctuary of Reva’s living room, time seemed to stand still as they rallied around one of their own.
And they prayed.
32
Reva stood at Kellen’s front door, mustering all the resolve she could find. What she really wanted was to climb in bed and remain there hoping all this would pass over quickly, that she’d wake and find this situation was only a bad dream.
She took a deep breath and knocked. The door immediately opened.
“Reva. There you are. I’ve been worried.” He motioned her inside.
“I’m so sorry. I know I haven’t returned your calls and texts but…” Despite her resolve, tears bloomed.
“Reva?” Kellen’s expression filled with concern. “What’s the matter?”
Inside, the room was softly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere. Reva and Kellen sat close on the sofa, a half-finished glass of cola on the coffee table. Kellen looked at her with unwavering attention.
Reva took a deep breath. “Kellen, I’m sorry I didn’t call and tell you earlier. It’s about Lucan. He’s…he’s not with me right now. I had to leave him at social services.”
Kellen’s expression shifted from surprise to immediate concern. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Why? What happened?”
She solemnly explained the situation. Several times she had to pause and collect herself to keep from breaking down.
“Oh, Reva. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that must have been for you. What can I do?”
Reva’s voice trembled. “I don’t even know.”
