Chapter 10: After Court

“That went easier than I expected. Peggy and Michael didn’t even bother to show up,” commented Molly.

Patrick was buying them a nice lunch at a restaurant near the county courthouse. Bailey was there, of course, as were Jordan and Aunt Lisa, down from British Columbia for the hearing.

Lisa appeared uncertain.

“I’m sorry, most of that was your lawyer up there talking with the judge. Can you explain where we are now?”

“Of course. You’re actually part of the whole arrangement. The legal system considers Jordan to be relatively young, thus designating me as her legal guardian until she reaches the age of 18. The judge terminated Margaret and Michael Phelan’s parental rights. As her legal guardian, I have designated you, Lisa, as her custodial guardian, for as long as you are willing to keep her up there in the frigid Northwest.”

“HEY! Where I live, it almost never snows. Jordan, I guess, well, you don’t have to live with me any more if you don’t want to.”

“You want me to go?”

“Oh, HELL no. Please, stay with me.”

“Then you’re stuck with me, as long as we can come down here to visit.”

Patrick answered, “Of course you can, Jordan. Bailey misses you. Even Molly misses you.”

“Eh, sometimes.”

Molly pretended not to care about Jordan and convinced no one.

“Alright, so, thank you Patrick. And what about Molly?”

“Because of her age, the lawyer suggested, and the judge agreed: Molly is emancipated. She’s her own legal adult with no legal entanglements with her former parents.

“No one, not her ex-parents, not me, has any responsibility for her. She’s her own woman.”

“Watch out, world. Here comes Molly Phelan.”

“Ick.”

“Molly? You literally said, ‘Ick!’ What’s wrong?”

“Patrick, can you ask that lawyer lady, is it possible? I want to be, Molly O’Connor.”

“OH! Me too! Me too! Jordan O’Connor! PLEASE?”