After the court proceedings, I didn’t go home immediately. Instead, I took a detour to Samson’s place, to tell him the news. I still couldn’t get over my guilt. Elaine was beyond distraught. I hated the way she looked at me. Like I was the most disgusting human she’d ever been cursed to encounter, and maybe she was right. I was taking things too far. I wasn’t in my right senses – I was letting my paternal instinct ruin everything.
Riding up the elevator to the top floor, I ran a hand through my hair, feeling like shit. The judge had instructed that I sort things out with Elaine. That the last thing Finn needed right now was his parents fighting. I’d never want a situation where I would be one to ruin my boy’s childhood, so I had to be the bigger person and try to make a conscious effort at reconciliation. But the deal was, I had no idea how to face Elaine. She hated me. And rightly so. I was a fucking dickhead.
The elevator bell clinked, and the doors drew apart. Walking into the spacious kitchen, I found Samson at the kitchen counter, reading the morning tabloids. He whirled around as I approached, getting off the high stool in one fluid motion, his brows knitted together in anxiety.
“Back already? How did it go?”
I sighed, leaning heavily on the counter. “The court instructed that we share custody.”
“What? That’s absurd,” Samson growled, scrunching his face.
“I’ve got no choice, man. She equally presented a strong case. The judge said cutting Finn off completely from Elaine isn’t the best thing. She’s been with him since birth. It’s only natural she sticks around him.”
“Man, we’ve got mother and Jess for that. Elaine is unstable, both mentally and physically. She needs rest, but she’s so stubborn. Our family has never had to deal with proud females. Finn has to be with us. Forever.”
“I want that as well, Uncle. But she’s invaluable in his life. I want what’s best for my son. If keeping her around would make my boy happy, then so be it. Besides, he might fall sick if he stays at my place for days without seeing her. I can’t risk his health.”
We lapsed into a thick silence that seemed to stretch on for hours. I sat, staring into space, lost for words and energy. Soft footfalls down the corridor became louder when Jess appeared in the kitchen doorway, dressed in a billowy, white thin gown with Ryan following supporting her closely behind.
She scrunched up her face the minute her eyes met mine, and I instantly prepared myself for her rant. “Tell me it’s a lie,” she whispered faintly, her coal-black eyes shining with unshed tears and anger. “Tell me it’s all a rumor, Max.”
“Baby,” Samson walked around the counter to meet her, pulling close a kitchenette stool for her to sit. He pecked her left cheek gently. “You look beautiful this afternoon.”
She ignored him. “Max? I asked a question,”
“Tell us, mate. What did the judge say?” Ryan queried. “Did they grant you the permanent custody shit?”
I dropped my head, ashamed. I couldn’t face their wrath. “I’m so sorry, guys. I – ”
“Everything he’s done is for the best. Elaine is unfit to look after Finn,” Samson flared up.
“What? You’re in support of this as well?” Jess raged. “I can’t believe you. Max has been his father for three fucking weeks, and Elaine? She’s been with him his entire life. Can’t you at least consider the fact that he’d be shaken up if he’s taken away from her on such short notice?”
“The kid will learn to live with it. He’ll grow up and come to understand that everything we’re doing is for his own good. He’s one of us, Jess. Trust me, he’ll be fine.”
Jess stared at him, morbid fury pumping through her veins. In the dim sunset glow, she looked fierce and ready to pounce on her husband. “What did you just say? He’ll come to live with what? The fact that he was ripped from his dearest mother when he was just five years old? What the hell are you even saying?”
“Elaine is becoming irresponsible, Jess,” I stated calmly. “She has refused to stay off work and look after him, despite my offering to help her. She’s also going out with random girls, and meeting dangerous random men that do drugs. I have to protect my child.”
“You should’ve talked to her instead. Not resorting to this.”
“You think I haven’t done that? Action is the only language she understands, Jess. If I hadn’t taken this to court, she’d have done something worse tomorrow. Last time, she forgot to pick up Finn from school, because of an interview. She’s a stubborn lady.”
“She’s been slaving for so long, Max. She’s not accustomed to your rich boy privilege, but hard work and determination,” she shook her head. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m so disappointed in you. There’s absolutely nothing wrong in wanting to provide for her needs and that of Finn, even with your money. She simply doesn’t want to be a liability. I know Elaine. She knows her worth. She knows what she wants, and these recent mishaps are all mistakes. She would never, ever forget to pick up Finn, or mingle with dangerous random men without a good reason. I bet you never even tried to hear her out, nor did you believe anything she’s told you.”
I stayed silent, rooted in my seat. Samson scoffed. “Stop trying to defend her nonsense, Jess. Elaine is not a child. She’s simply too arrogant, and feels she can do without Max’s help, even when it’s clear that she needs it more than ever.”
“Well, what do you think? She’s been surviving just fine without Max for five years. Of course, she can live without him for more. I can live without you for twelve years as well.”
Samson rolled his eyes. “Oh, please. Miss me with that.”
Jess turned to face him in hot blinding rage. “You want to test me with that? Trust me, it won’t look good. It’s clear from all stats that the both of you have simply lost all compassion for humanity. You’ve had everything and everyone at your beck and call since birth, and now you feel like self-entitled dickheads. This isn’t the right way to go. The both of you have to snap out of this mess before it’s too late.”
“It’s already too late. The judge must’ve granted his request from the look of things,” Ryan hissed under his breath.
I glared at him. “Watch your words, Ryan. To avoid saying what you aren’t sure of.”
“So what was the outcome of the meeting? Don’t pretend as if you didn’t bribe the judge to rule everything in your favor.”
“Elaine is still allowed to have Finn, you fool,” I growled, clenching my fists. “We both now have joint custody, and the judge ordered that we sort out and resolve our individual differences. I don’t even have the guts to stand in front of her. She hates me so much.”
“I’d hate you twice as much if I were her. This is so fucking ridiculous.” Ryan spat.
“She’s not a saint either.”
“Give it a rest, Sturm. You’re worse than her. Forget about her taking your lousy arse back. You’ve lost her for good. Live with the consequences of your thoughtless decisions. Come on, Jess, let’s go offer Elaine our support. These two have obviously lost their minds.”
With one last lingering look at us, they both disappeared into the elevator, the house reverting back to its quiet, tense atmosphere.
“I’ve lost her, right?” I asked aloud, to no one in particular. “She would never forgive me.”
“Nonsense, boy,” Samson huffed, putting his hand over my shoulder. “I’m proud of you for doing the right thing. You don’t need her forgiveness. Finn comes first, and that’s all that matters.”