Chapter 1
Tala’s Point of View
“Sweetle, you should probably get up now. We have to leave for the courthouse in an hour.” My dad’s voice penetrates my sleepy haze Sad to say, I’m not a morning person and I forgot about the court case taking place today. In all honesty, I had tried to forget about it. I guess it worked up
until now.
“I’m up.” I grumble, literally rolling out of bed and onto my feet. I raise my arms over my head to stretch out my tan limbs, thanks to the California sun, and letting out a big yawn in the process.
Stupid court case. Stupid mom for making this happen. Stupid life for screwing up mine.
I slowly make my way into my attached bathroom, shivering as my bare feet hit the cold tile of the bathroom floor. The floor is white, but the rest is all different shades of green, ranging from the pale green of my sink to the dark, forest green of the walls with sparkly silver paint sponged on it swirls. There’s a Jacuzzi tub with about a million different kinds of body washes, shampoos, conditioners and soaps on a shelf on the wall right above it, leaving me plenty to choose from to start my day.
Groaning at the fact I forgot my iPhone on my bedside table, I quickly go back to grab it and hook it up to the iHome on my sink. Turning it on. I scroll through my many songs until I find one of my favorites. Smiling slightly, I press play and turn up the volume. Maroon Five’s One More Night fills my bathroom and I resist the urge to dance. Now is not the time.
I strip out of my cami and short shorts and into the glass–doored shower directly next to the Jacuzzi. Turning on the hot water, I let the droplets loosen my still stiff muscles and sigh in an attempt to relax.
Things have to go our way. We’ve never done anything wrong. My dad and I are the only victims here. I shouldn’t worry because he’s a lawyer and is defending for the both of us. I know no one better then him. Let the bitch try to beat him.
I quickly wash my hair and body with matching strawberry shampoo and soap before turning of the heavenly water and reaching for a fluffy.
green towel. If it isn’t obvious, my favorite color is none other then green. I towel myself down and wrap it around my body to go back into my
room and into my closet. Not much to say about it except that it’s a walk–in and I have everything in here based on what it is; shirt, pants, shorts,
skirt, etc. I go to the dresser along the one wall and pull out a black bra and matching underwear. I decided last night to wear skirt since I want to
make a good impression on everyone when I walk into the court room.
Dropping the towel to the ground, I pull on the pieces of clothing and grab the red pencil skirt and black dress top I want. I pair the outfit with
at thick black belt and a simple pair of flats, completing my outfit perfectly. look at myself in the mirror, assessing if I look okay or not. After a minute, I walk back into my bathroom to do my makeup. I don’t wear anything other then eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss and cover up. After touching
up the last bit of my makeup. I look at the time to see it’s almost eleven. We’ll have to leave soon, but without having time to do my hair it’ll poof in
the humid Cali air. I decide to go for the simple fix: a low ponytail over my right shoulder and a simple headband to keep my bangs out of my face. I guess I’m officially ready to face all the people I despise. Notice how I’m jumping for joy.
I grab my
Phone from the docking station and my room becomes silent. Walking
in my own room by choice.
down t
to the kitchen, I pray silently this isn’t the last time I’m
“You look great honey and you did it with five minutes to spare.” I smile at my dad sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in one hand
and the morning newspaper in the other
“Morning dad.” I kiss him on the cheek lightly so I don’t leave a lip gloss mark on it
He’s equally as tan as I am because we like to spend a lot of time outside together surfing, running, you name it. I look almost nothing like him though. He has straight, light brown hair while I have a mane of blond curls. Not like Shirley Temple curly, but enough to make other girls jealous at my ringlets. His eyes are brown with flecks of green in them, but I have bright blue eyes that need glasses to see. Sadly, I have my mom’s bad eyesight, but at the moment I’m wearing my contacts. Though I prefer my glasses, they don’t really go with my outfit and before you start saying I’m a stuck up princess that only cares about her looks, I’m not
“Wanna grab something to eat quick before we leave?‘ He sets the paper down on the table and walks to the sink to rinse out his cup.
“I just have an apple and we can leave.” Peeking under the table, I frown when a certain companion isn’t there. “Where’s Nadie?” He
chuckles.
“I let her outside, but I bet she’s dying to come back inside to say good morning.” Jogging through the house to the door that leads into our backyard, I see the black lab sitting patiently by the door the be let inside.
“Morning girl.” I say, opening the door and she comes happily inside. Not leaving my side as I walk back to the kitchen, I enter the room and grab an apple off the counter. “Ready to go?” I try to force a smile, but I don’t think it works. The reality of it all hasn’t sunk in until now and I find
myself not wanting to go anymore.
Dad walks up to me and kisses my forehead, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. He can’t ever let me forget he’s taller then me. I get my height of five feet and seven inches from him thanks to the fact he’s over six feet tall
“It’ll be fine kiddo. Come on now.” He leads me out the garage door, not before saying goodbye to Nade, and into his silver volvo. “Relax a little
Tala, Have a Ittle faith in your old man.”
“You’re not old.“I retort, leaning back in my seat in order to calm down a little. He chuckles, but doesn’t say anything as he drives away from the house and to the place I’ve been dreading for the last few months. And by few, I mean April to five months to Sepetember. My birthday is in July and I only celebrated with my friends and my dad.
Imust have zoned out because the next thing I know, dad is standing by my opened door with his hand held out to help me out. I take a deep
breath and exit the vehicle and into the parking lot.
Pushing open the front door of the building, the cool air hits me like a slap in the face. The complex interior and high ceilings do nothing to
take my mind off the situation.
alf hour. We’re one of the first
Dad squeezes my hand reassuringly and walks into the room where our case is to be happening in less then a half hour. ones here so we choose the side we want to sit on. Dad looks to me and I wait for him to speak.
“Tala, I only want you to say what you’re comfortable with saying or what you’re asked. No more. Do you understand?” I nod, not being able to form actual words at the moment. “No matter what happens, I love you. Always remember that.”
“I love you too.” He smiles a little, but now it’s forced.
The next half hour is torcher as people file in slowly. When my ex–mother arrived, she was holding hands with the man who ruined our family. Behind them is my only brother, Barron, and he immediately finds my eyes. I turn away quickly and prepare for what’s to come
“All rise for Judge Samson.” The balliff orders and we all stand, sitting right back down when he says to. “This case is to determine the custody of Mister Barron Alexander Taylor and Miss Tala Mane Taylors. Is this correct?” Both my dad and the other lawyer nod in confirmation. “Let’s begin then. Mr Graver, you may begin.” The other lawyer stands up and looks at me, I keep my expression neutral as his gaze moves to my dad next to me. I grip his hand under the table tighter.
“May I call you Tala?” I shake my head. “Very well, Miss. Taylors, would you care to share which parent you would like to stay with?”
1 want to stay with my father.”
“And why is that?” He challenges.
“He’s never lied to me and he cares for me like a father should. Ell admit that I’m a daddy’s girl and I love it.“I glance at my mom’s expression
and she looks about ready to cry. Good.
“Your mother never lied to you th
feelings.
though. No one ever naked her if she loves someone else in which her answer would be a lie to sa
save all of your
“That’s a liel” I stand up from my seat, but my dad pulls me be the hand to sit back down.
And that’s how everything went for the next forty–five minutes. I would get questioned and he would twist my words against me. This is why I hate lawyers!!!!!! Not my dad obviously, but you get the picture. Finally, he finishes and it’s our turn to question the other people..
“Your honor, Jury, I’m not here to make up excuses as to why my marriage didn’t last. I am here to fight for my daughter. Her choice was to stay with me and I love her more for that then I already do.” And so on. He asked both my mom and Barron questions until he thought he had
enough for our side.
+5 Danus
I smile proudly at my dad when he sits back down next to me. With my eyes, I tell him what a great job he did.
“I call for a five minute recess to discuss with the jury. Dismissed.” Samson walks into a back room, followed by a couple of other people making up the jury.
“You did great dad.” I pull him into a hug.
“Thanks kiddo. I think I did pretty well myself.” I pull away and see him look over my head at someone behind me. Turning around, I come face to face with Barron. My face morphs into on of what I hope is hate and betrayal.
“What are you doing over here?” I spit out and he visibly flinches. Good.
“Tala, I know I’m not your favorite person at the moment, but please understand that I will never stop being your brother no matter what you think of me.” My same eyes plead with me to understand, but it won’t work.
“Just walk back mom like the good little boy you are and never speak to me again.” He sighs, defeated and does as I say just as Samson exits
the room and goes back to his seat.
“Order!” He holds up a manila envelope. “Both sides have stated their cases and the custody of the children goes to…” He pauses to open the folder and reads quickly over its contents. I hold my breath. This is it. It’s the moment that will decide my future. “Custody goes to Mrs. Taylor and
her soon to be husband.” My mouth drops and my dad’s hand tightens on my hand.
I can’t breathe, I don’t blink, I don’t move. That can’t be right. Dad had a perfect argument to win! I hear my mother break into tears of joy, but
hardly register them. I’m going to be forced to move to god knows where! No!
“Tala, you will pack your bags after leaving here and go with your mother. Case dismissed.”
“No! I will not go with them! I hate them! Do you hear me! I hate her! You can’t make me go!” I jump up from my seat and angrily wipe away the tears falling freely down my face. “Isnt the law that I can choose who I get to go with?! I want to stay here!”
*Please calm down. The court has made a special exception and this decision is final.” Samson states, crossing his arms to show how he
won’t be swayed.
“Do something!” I plead, looking to my dad. He has fears in his eyes and gives me a sad smile.
“There’s nothing I can do sweetie.” Those words break my heart into tiny pieces and my vision swims with more tears.
A hand on my arm starts to pull me away from my dad, still sitting in his chair, and I turn on them. I slap Barron in the face.
“Barron! Let me go or so help me I never speak to you again!” He gives me a sad look, but keeps pulling me away. I struggle against his grip until finally I break free and run back to my dad. I throw myself into his arms and he hugs me tightly.
“Remember that I love you kiddo.”
“No dad, you can’t give up!” Barron grabs me again, but this time makes sure to have a good grip on me. “Please!” I cry, still fighting to be free.
“DADDY!” I yell as the court doors shut, effectively putting a wall between him and me.
“Come on Tala, it’s a long trip.” Barron whispers and I just cry. I don’t fight anymore because I’ve lost. I didn’t win the only thing that probably
mattered more to me then my own life. Now I’m going to live my own personal hell every day with people I never wanted to see again. God must
hate me.
The next few hours are a blur as I’m loaded into a truck, the drive back to my house, packing up my things, and driving away from the only
place I’ll ever call home with Nadie watching sadly from the front door
Thadn’t spoken a word to anyone since the courthouse, though my mom and Barron have tried, I just ignored them. I ended up falling asleep with my headphones in my ears, blocking out all other noise of the surrounding world.
A while later, I’m gently woken up by my brother. He says we’re there and that I slept for the whole ride. I ignore him and jump down from the vehicle, ignoring his hand held out to help me.
Okay god, so you wanna play hardball. I’m going to hit the ball harder and make things difficult. I’m not happy, so why should they be? Let’s
Just say things are going to get a whole lot trickier around here now that I’ve arrived. Just because I’m here against my will doesn’t mean I’ll
cooperate. No, the games have just begun and I’m going to make living with me a hard as possible.
