The Hitting Zone
chapter-456

As we did our homework, Coach called Zeke to let us know that he was canceling practice due to some disturbances around the school. Meaning, the reporters had shown up and were looking for me. I don't get why though. Did they just want to take my picture? It's not like I knew anything about Jeremy.

With no practice planned, Mrs. Atkins was adamant about the school work being done by dinner time. She watched over us diligently, keeping a close eye on the twins and their antics. Only when we were done did she let them go to the backyard to play catch while she started to cook dinner.

I sat on the back porch and watched the four of them do a few drills. Kyle spent most of his time pitching again, while Dave took a break. When I asked why, he said he didn't want to get hurt before the big game on Thursday. That made me look at the cut on my arm. I could possibly miss Thursday's game. Either because of my arm or because of this whole drama. With a groan, I leaned back and stared up at the sky, watching the clouds. The sky was slowly getting darker and darker. What to do, what to do...

I tried relaxing, just listening to the boys play, but it made me feel sad. What if this was the last time I would get to hear this? Or see them? Would the state really be able to take me away? Technically they could...they placed me with the Atkins to begin with.

"Jake." Mr. Atkins leaned over me, casting a shadow on my face. His expression looked a little happy so I sat up. "Mr. Pickens called. The injunction went through. You won't be going anywhere just yet."

I let out a puff of air. "That's good. Great." I laughed a little nervously. I got up and brushed the dust off my clothes.

Mr. Atkins patted my head. "Tomorrow morning a judge will look it over. He might call us in, but don't worry. Mr. Pickens said those are just formalities. They don't have any reason to take you."

"We get to keep Jake?!" Noah hollered. He ran up from behind and started to swing me around. The twins weren't too far behind, ready to join in.

Mr. Atkins chuckled. "It's not over yet, but it's a step in the right direction. We'll get to put our two cents in before they make any decision." He waved his hand. "Let's go inside. Your mom is probably ready with dinner."

The three crazy ones pushed and pulled me along, celebrating like I was officially adopted. Like I was already one of them. But I heard Mr. Atkins...it was just a step.

***

Wednesday morning, the call came. We were due in court at 9am. And by 'we', it only meant me, and the adults. Mrs. Atkins told the boys that they couldn't miss school for two days in a row.

"Don't forget to turn in your work and Jake's too." Mrs. Atkins instructed Noah as they prepared to leave. "And if anyone asks you guys about Jake, just tell them it's a personal matter." Her eyes narrowed on Noah. "Don't you dare get into any fights."

Zeke stood next to Noah. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll make sure to keep an eye on him." He looked down at me. "Don't move your arm so much. Tomorrow we'll play."

Yeah, maybe. I gave a small nod to show that I understood. Coach hadn't called about what the league or CIF committee has said about my participation yet so it wasn't up to me to decide.

The boys left for school.

My anxiety grew as it got closer to our court time. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins had stuff to do before we left so it gave me plenty of time to overthink. What would be said? Would the judge change his mind? Who all will be there?

By the time we got to the courthouse, I was on edge. We met up with Mr. Pickens in front of the building before walking in.

"You three will sit at the table with me." Mr. Pickens instructed as we walked down a hall towards our designated room. "This will be a simple matter before the judge so it won't last too long. Be quiet and let me do all the talking unless the judge speaks to you directly."

"Okay." We three nodded. We followed him into a courtroom that had only a handful of people in the seats. Some I recognized: Dr. Moore and Mr. Duncan.

"Mr. Duncan won't be representing the state?" Mr. Atkins whispered as we went up front and sat at a table on the right.

"No. He's not a lawyer." Mr. Pickens placed his briefcase before him. Mr. Atkins sat beside him, then me, and Mrs. Atkins. "He's only Jake's caseworker. He acts on behalf of the state for Jake's best interest, but with the state being his employer, it's a conflict of interest to have him speak."

My leg started to bounce as we waited. A few more strangers sat in the spectator seats. The lawyer representing the state, who want to remove me from the Atkins home, showed up with an assistant and sat at the other table.

Finally, a police officer came out from a side door. "All rise for Judge Richard Hill." Everyone stood up so I hurried to do the same. We watched as an old man walked up to the bench and sat behind it.

He squinted at all present. "You may be seated." Everyone complied. The police officer stood to the side and a lady sat near him, typing. "I believe we all know why we're here, but for the record and for my court reporter, I'll go over the docket at hand." He lifted a piece of paper and cleared his throat. "The state of California has suggested the removal of Jake Hollander, ward of the state, from the residence of the Atkins family. Primary caregivers: Wayne and Mary Atkins." He flipped to a new sheet. "The Atkins have elected to file an injunction to stop the removal on the grounds of the detrimental impact it would have on Jake Hollander."

The lawyer for the state stood up. "Your Honor, we have Jake's best interest at heart. It is our job to make sure he's well protected."

Mr. Pickens snorted from his seat. "Then you have failed. Not only have you released his private information to the public and put him under public scrutiny, you also want to remove him from his first stable home in his life."

"Silence." The judge banged his gravel making me flinch. He looked down at the lawyer for the state. "Mr. Roberts, please explain why the state wants to remove this boy from a stable home?"

Mr. Roberts stayed standing. "We have been in contact with his extended family, and they have expressed their concern about having him stay with a family that may be looking for monetary gain."

I blinked. Stunned.

"They have no evidence to suggest that my clients have asked for money or have even reached out to the boys family." Mr. Pickens stood up as well.

The judge looked back at Mr. Roberts. "Well?"

Mr. Roberts grimaced. "Just because we haven't found evidence doesn't mean that it hasn't happened."

"No evidence, no go." The judge glared down at him. "Are you really a lawyer for the state? Or are you working for the extended family? Whose best interest do you have in mind?"

"The state's, of course." Mr. Pickens spoke up. "The extended family has expressed displeasure in the fact that they're now in the headlines thanks to a leak in the Child Protective Services. In fact, the extended family has already shown that they have no interest in Jake Hollander and don't plan to take part in his adoption, so I see no reason to pull this boy from a loving, protective home. A home that the state found suitable to begin with."

The judge nodded slowly in agreement. "I haven't had a third party reach out to me regarding today's matter." He glanced at Mr. Roberts. "If the extended family wants to make a case out of this, tell them to take it to family court. For now, Jake Hollander will stay with Wayne and Mary Atkins." He banged his gravel.

Mr. Atkins whispered something to Mr. Pickens as he sat back down. Mr. Pickens stood back up. "Your honor, can we request a private meeting in your chambers?"

"For what?" Mr. Roberts asked, frowning.

"Private, slightly related matter." Mr. Pickens looked straight at the judge.

"Request granted." He got up and started to move.

"Your honor, the state requests to be present during this meeting to ensure transparency." Mr. Roberts rushed out to say.

The judge looked to our table.

"No objections." Mr. Pickens said.

"Alright. Follow me." The judge headed for the way we came.