Chapter Seventeen: We are family

Anne nervously knocked on the door as she clutched the manila folder to her chest. After three knocks the Judge's voice boomed from the other side.
"Who is it?" Judge Davis called out.
"Anne. I have come to talk to you about a client." Anne answered from behind the door, while trying to keep her voice steady. She didn't know what it was about Judge Davis that scared her. Her presence was intimidating alone so maybe that was it.
"Come in." Judge Davis said. Anne twisted the doorknob and walked over the threshold.

"What can I do for you?" The Judge asked. Anne held the folder in her hand tighter as if pulling strength from it.
"Well you asked to be updated on the Hawkins case." Anne stated nervously. The Judge nodded, signalling for her to continue.
"She's finally began talking. I think I can make a fair judgement about her now." Anne summed up.
"Hawkins." The Judge repeated the name as if jogging her memory. "Addict with two boys? Transferred from the jail right?" The Judge asked. Anne nodded.
"Hmm, yes sit down and tell me how well my experiment played out. Anne wanted to shake her head at the Judge's choice of words. Experiment? Was that how she felt about all this? Didn't she know that a woman's life was hanging in the balance here and her children as well? She was sightly disgusted but held her tongue as she took her seat.

The Judge turned her attention back to her computer, pulling up Veronica's file.
"Well she's making progress I believe. She's finally opening up about her past and the beginning of her addiction." Anne explained. The Judge mumbled an "Mhm" to let her know she was listening.
"In my opinion, I think she should go home." Anne finished and waiting for the other woman's response.
"Go home?" Judge Davis asked as if she was confused. "Explain." She commanded.
"Well she has recognized her problem. And she's also getting help. She's been sober for quite a while now. I think with mandatory counseling and a good support system she'd be fine." Anne explained. The Judge let out a bitter laugh.
"I trust your judgement, I really do, but are you serious? Addicts like her know how to work people. She hasn't been broken yet." The Judge replied.
"Broken? Our Job isn't to break her, it's to mend the pieces. To make sure she feels like she can live without those vices." Anne said firmly. She was the professional here, not Judge Davis. And despite her earlier nervousness, she would not be mocked. The Judge sighed.

"Do you know why I started this experiment?" The Judge asked. Anne shook her head. 

"My sister is an addict, or was. I watched her put any and everything in her body and it destroyed my family. My parents constantly fought, blaming one another for her screw ups. And my brother and I had to watch it all. She was in and out of jail, prostituting herself and rehab never worked since she could check herself out. But in this case, people are forced to get help. Forced to face their demons and battle them without a crack pipe or a bottle of alcohol. They are here to learn to deal with whatever life throws at them soberly." The Judge explained. She didn't tear up at the mention of her family history like Anne thought she would. Maybe this is why she has such a hard exterior, she's been through a lot just witnessing her family fall apart.  "So I do trust your opinion, but know that I am not ignorant to this topic either." The Judge finished. Anne nodded her head as she processed the information. 

"But this is also a second chance program right? She has to get out of here and have a chance to live if you want to see the change." Anne said. She had made up her mind about Veronica and wouldn't change it.

"You are correct." The Judge replied 

"You know I like you. Not many people can stand up to me." Judge Davis remarked with a chuckle. Anne smile at the compliment.

"Well I meant no disrespect." Anne said.

"None taken. You stand up for what you feel is right, that's why I hired you." Judge Davis said and waved her hand. The two were silent for a moment. The Judge was thinking about what they had just discussed and Anne patiently waited on an answer. 

"She's free to go. I will have the paper work done by the end of today." Judge Davis stated at last. Anne jumped up happily, but contained her excitement. 

"Thank you." Anne said. Anne handed over the file with her notes in it. The Judge would read over everything. 

"Very well. Be prepared to talk to her tomorrow. She has conditions with her freedom. I will email you the details." The Judge said. She opened the folder and began to read. Anne took this as a sign of her dismissal and let herself out. 

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When Jeremy awoke that morning, his nostrils were hit with something he hadn't smelled in a long time. Breakfast, home cooked breakfast He thought. His mouth was practically salivating as he rushed out of bed and threw his clothes on. He hadn't had real breakfast since before his grandmother fell ill. It was a time he missed. Her, Malcolm and himself sitting around the table and eating like a real family. 

"Morning Jeremy." Nina greeted. She had a broom in her hand and just finished cleaning up. 

"Morning." He greeted back. 

"I hope you're hungry, have a seat." She said. She nodded to his plate that was steaming and waiting for him He smiled. He definitely could get used to this. 

He looked to his further right and spotted Malcolm gulping down whatever was in his bottle and laughed. The kid looked happy as he tried to hold onto the bottle even though his hands were covered in grease from the bacon and eggs. He looked so happy and so innocent. And Jeremy was thankful, his youth shielded him from a lot and he prayed he stayed un-bothered for as long as possible. 

Nina put the broom away and joined her nephew at the island counter in front of them. Jeremy had taken a bite of his eggs as she began to talk.

"Your uncle had to go in early." She explained. Jeremy nodded understandingly, he didn't want to talk with his mouth full of food. 

"I was thinking, maybe you boys would like to hang out with your Aunt for a day. Maybe go to the movies?" Nina suggested. Jeremy couldn't help but smile. He wanted to pinch himself because this all felt so surreal. He was actually spending time with family. People were making time for them. It was something he wasn't used to people doing, besides his grandmother of course.

"I'd like that." He said. Nina smiled too.

"Great." She said. She reached over and grabbed a piece of toast and the family ate in happy silence. 

***So this is extra short right? Sorry. I wanted to throw in a lighter chapter so I hope you guys enjoy!