Behind Blue Eyes
Copyright© 2025 by DB86
Chapter 13
Middletown’s courtroom was packed with curious spectators wanting to know the end of Janice’s story.
Of course, by now, everyone in town knew about Janice’s son, and what had happened to her. She got a lot of sympathy from a lot of people who had never talked to her in the past. They were as annoying as flies. Janice tolerated them because she didn’t want to get on their bad side before the court made a decision.
Janice had published a series of articles in The Gazette telling her story. It was news, after all. She couldn’t just ignore it. It filled a lot of space, got The Gazette a lot of advertisers, and the issues sold like hotcakes. Janice used the articles to tell her side of the story before people started to invent their own. The rumor mill had been more active than usual.
When Robert returned from Seattle, he told Janice what had transpired between Alistair and himself and asked her to leave his father’s name out of the story for now. He didn’t want to rock the boat until everything between Janice and Benji was settled.
Janice was glad to hear Alistair had finally gotten some payback, but all she cared about was having her son back in her life.
Judge Anderson cleared his throat and opened the file of papers in front of him.
“Robert Fitzgerald Campbell filed a motion in this court to modify the sole custody order of Benjamin Theodore Campbell to a joint custody order including his biological mother Janice Cooper.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” said Robert, standing up.
“Everything seems to be in order and the events documented match the testimonies presented, as well. DNA tests prove that the minor Benjamin Campbell is the biological son of Janice Cooper and Robert Campbell.”
“That’s right, Your Honor.”
“When determining whether to reinstate parental rights, the courts must determine whether it is in the child’s best interest. Some parents who lose their parental rights may never get them back, but for others, restoring the parental relationship may be what’s best for everyone involved, especially the child. I’ve read all the reports presented to me, and I understand the circumstances that led Ms. Cooper to give up her rights to her son. In the case at issue, the possible duress has been proven.”
Judge Anderson looked at Janice and smiled at her. “You were a scared young girl from a small town facing a wealthy and powerful lawyer. You have the court’s sympathy, Ms. Cooper.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.” Janice was wearing a gray business suit and almost no makeup. Her black hair was tied back.
“I’m sure your lawyer informed you that you can seek compensation for the damages and losses you suffered.”
“All I want is my son back in my life, Your Honor.”
Judge Anderson’s lips curved slightly to form a smile. A murmur of approval went through the crowd.
“I understand a visitation schedule that will allow Ms. Cooper plenty of parenting time has been settled,” the judge looked at Robert.
“It has, Your Honor,” he confirmed.
“Is Benjamin Campbell here,” Judge Anderson asked.
Benji stood up. He looked so cute in his little blue suit. “I am, Your Honor.”
The boy’s words were accompanied by a general ‘aww’ and chuckles from the crowd.
“You expressed your desire to reconnect with your birth mother.”
“Yes, I have, Your Honor.” Benji took Janice’s hand in his and squeezed it.
“You are twelve years old. Is that right, Benjamin?”
“Twelve and a half, Your Honor.”
Everyone in court smiled, even Judge Anderson.
“In this state, children at twelve can re-establish parental relationships if they wish. Benjamin has expressed that he would like his mother’s rights restored.”
Benji nodded.
“This court determines that it is in the child’s best interest to reinstate Janice Cooper’s parental rights,” Judge Anderson said and banged his gavel.
Benji hugged Janice tightly. She had a hard time fighting the tears in her eyes.
The crowd in the courtroom cheered the decision and happily applauded that justice had been done. Janice might not be well-liked by the people of Middletown, but they liked big-city lawyers even less.
Outside the courthouse, Janice, Robert, and Benjamin celebrated the good news with a group hug.
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