“No, Your Honor. She believes Zinnia is better served remaining with her sister.”
The judge looks at me. “Is that accurate?”
I glance at Marcus, terrified of saying the wrong thing. I find my voice. “Yes. My mom wants Zinnia to stay with me. She thinks it’s what’s best for her.”
“And do you have contact with any other relatives? Grandparents? Aunts? Uncles?”
“No, Your Honor. It’s just us.”
She makes more notes. “What about the father? Damien Lopez?”
My stomach drops. “He’s in jail. Awaiting trial for attempted murder and other charges.”
“Is he contesting the guardianship?”
“No,” Marcus says. “He’s had no contact with either girl since his arrest.”
The judge looks at Zinnia. “Miss Lopez, I’d like to speak with your sister. Is that alright?”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat and trying to ignore the shiver down my spine.
“Zinnia Lopez, please approach.”
Zinnia stands and walks to the stand. The bailiff helps her up. She looks so small up there.
“Zinnia, I’m Judge Townsend. I just want to ask you a few questions. Okay?”
Zinnia nods. “Okay.”
“Do you want to live with your sister?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Zinnia looks at me, and then back at the judge. “Because she takes care of me. And she loves me. I love her. And I’m safe with her.”
“Do you like where you’re living now?”
“Yes. I have my own room. And Lily makes sure I go to school and eat healthy food and do my homework.”
“What about Mr. Kingsway and Mr. Wickerham? Do you feel safe with them?”
“Yes. They’re nice. Jax helps me with math. And Zephyr makes really good pancakes.”
A few people in the courtroom smile. Even the judge’s lips twitch.
“Do you miss your mom?”
Zinnia’s face falls. “Yes. A lot.”
“When she gets out of prison, would you want to live with her?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. But I want to stay with Lily too.”
“That’s okay. You don’t have to decide now.” The judge looks at Marcus. “Thank you, Zinnia. You can go sit down.”
Zinnia climbs down and walks back to her seat. My heart feels lighter when Zinnia walks past me with a smile. I smile back.
