“I will swing by your house tomorrow,” she warned me. “Even though I don't believe a word of this complaint, I have to do my part. And if they pull me off the case, you'll want to make sure everything is on the up-and-up for whoever checks up on you.”
“You have my word. Thank you for coming out and letting me know what's going on.” I shook her hand, ushering her out of my office after she hefted her bag onto her shoulder.
She paused at the door, turning to face me. “I know this has been an extenuating circumstance, but have you and Michael considered fostering in the future? There are so many kids out there who need people like the two of you in their corner.”
“We'll… have to discuss that at some point.” I wasn't going to tell her I wasn't sure I could go through this again. I'd known the score going in, that James was staying with us until he could live with my brother, but it would hurt like a bitch even though I'd still see him all the time once he moved on.
I couldn't imagine the pain if I cared for someone who was reunified with their birth family. Maybe that made me unfit for the role of fostering.
And that wasn't even taking into account Henry's needs. That little boy loved having a big brother to pester. Any decision we made would have to be in his best interests as well.
“I completely understand. Now, I'm going back to the mountain of paperwork this has created. If there's anything I can do to help you out, let me know.”
I walked Roberta to the front door, standing on the porch, watching as she got in her car and left. After that, I zoned out, trying to figure out what in the hell had happened to the life I'd created for myself.
A few months ago, I was content with my single life, living in the small but comfortable home I'd purchased, spending time with Michael and Henry whenever they'd have me. Now, I couldn't imagine going home. Even though James would be there with me, the silence would be deafening without Henry's squeals as James chased him through the living room. The bed would be cold and empty without Michael plastering himself to my side. The mornings lonely without everyone rushing to get ready at the same time.
“Billy?” I jumped at the sound of James's voice behind me. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything will be,” I said, putting on a brave face. “Just thinking.”
James nodded, understanding better than I'd given him credit for. He had the eyes of an adult even though he was just a kid. He knew what it looked like when someone was hurt or upset but never pushed anyone to talk before they were ready.
“I'm gonna go get something to eat,” James said after a few moments of silence. “Do you want anything?”
“No, I'm good. You didn't bring lunch with you today?”
“Nah, I'm splurging while I can. Next week, it'll be hot lunch at school or soggy sandwiches and pulverized potato chips. Gotta eat good while I can.”
I loved his logic. I gave him a tight smile as he walked away and took a deep breath, willing myself to push my worries aside and focus on the task at hand. I needed to finish up here so I could go pack whatever we'd need for the next few days.
Roberta called while I was on my way home. It seemed things were escalating quickly, and she felt it was imperative we have a solid plan in place.
“I don't know who you pissed off, Billy, but when I got back to the office my supervisor was waiting for me.” I could hear the tension in her voice but she didn't seem pissed at me. “They're scheduling a hearing for tomorrow to discuss James's placement.”
The only glimmer of hope was she hadn't mentioned someone coming to take James elsewhere immediately. “So, what does this mean?”
“It means someone from my office, but not me because of the complaints that I've violated policy as well, is going to be calling you for a home visit this afternoon.”
Fuck. Fuck. Fuckity fuck!I pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. Walking up to the back door felt similar to how I imagined a condemned man in the middle ages felt on his way to the gallows.
“Please tell me you have a second bedroom at least set up at your house?” She sounded as run down as I felt.
“Of course.” Thankfully, I'd kept a room ready to go because there was no telling if or when a situation like James's might arise. Now, we just needed to load up everything and get it to my place so it looked like I hadn't completely ignored my primary residence for more than a month. If the caseworker looked in my fridge, I'd be screwed.
There was so much shit that needed to be done!
“Is there anything else I need to know?” I asked, hoping Roberta didn't get offended by my trying to rush her off the line.
“No, just… don't sweat this too much.” That was easy for her to say. “I mean it, Billy. In situations like this, they're going to take James's desires into account. He'll be asked to speak with the judge. He's old enough to speak his mind.”
“Okay. That's good to know.” James might just be our saving grace here.
By the time I hung up with Roberta, my mind was spinning. I paced the living room, trying to make sense of the day's events. When the door creaked open, I glanced up to see Michael entering, Henry bouncing excitedly at his side.
“Billy?” Michael called, his brows furrowing when he saw me. “Everything okay?”
I inhaled deeply, gathering my thoughts. “Michael, we need to talk.”
