(no subject)

[guppy_sandhu]

The circle of chairs is out. In the middle is a table with a wide selection of food, but most notably a big apple pie, the smell of which is wafting pleasantly across the bar.

Behind the circle, on the wall, is a large sign.


LIFE SUPPORT
OPEN TO ALL

Do you have worries here or at home?
Thinking of counselling or just looking for an informal chat?
Just want some free food?
Come and join us!


[ooc: Open until the next one, all tags will be picked up by at least one of the LS crew :)]

Comments

[a_rare_benedictine]

"And is it not taken into account that he was trying to protect you from harm?"

[is_the_motion]

Bonnie shook her head.

"No, we tried that, but the judge didn't buy it."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"Because he was using this drug?"

[is_the_motion]

Bonnie nods.

"Said he was so high most of the time he probably just made the excuse up later."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"That hardly seems fair. But what will happen to him now?"

In the world he knows, the young man would already be dead.

[is_the_motion]

"He's got a life in prison." Bonnie says. "No parole any time soon. That's why I'm raisin' his daughter."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"Ah." He nods. "And I have no doubt he's glad you are."

[is_the_motion]

"He is." Bonnie says. "He didn't even admit he had a daughter until it became clear he was goin' down fer a long time."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"Where was she, until then?"

[is_the_motion]

"Raised by Stuart and Ted's parents fer a while - her mom Jean is their sister - but after their dad died their mom ran off and left Jean to look after everyone. Stuart and Ted ended up in Juvie, Jean took Terry wherever she went - drug dens mostly - then eventually Jean and John had Terry in some filthy little house while they drank and took drugs until they both ended up in jail. Then Terry was in foster care. She nearly got adopted by a very wealthy family, but it fell through."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"So then she came to you, as a family member."

[is_the_motion]

"Ran away from her foster home." Bonnie nods. "I took her back the first time. Second time her foster parents turned up and said it wasn't working, so she stayed with me. I already had her uncles by then."

[a_rare_benedictine]

Cadfael nods. "And it sounds as though everyone is happier."

[is_the_motion]

"Terry was able to go into a regular class at school recently, albeit held back a grade." Bonnie says. "Before she came to me she couldn't even read. She's certainly doin' better, and the family is more together. The real test will be when her mom gets out of jail."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"I would hope her wishes will be taken into consideration, as well as the risk to her safety."

[is_the_motion]

"I'll take Jean to court if she tries. Supervised contact, not custody."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"That would be fair, I think. If she has changed, she can prove herself but the girl's wellbeing will still be your responsibility."

[is_the_motion]

"I would never want to deprive a child of their birth mom without good reason." Bonnie says. "That's why they don't call me mom."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"Even if their mothers are gone for good, and they choose to?"

[is_the_motion]

"Nobody chose to yet." Bonnie says.

[a_rare_benedictine]

He nods.

"And since none were infants, all of them could make that choice."

[is_the_motion]

"Exactly. Ernest's parents turn up occasionally to try and get money from him." Bonnie says.

Billie lets go of Cadfael's finger and starts to fuss.

"She'll be wanting a feed, I best get back. Nice to chat with you."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"You too. I wish you luck with everything."