I haven’t seen her this happy and confident, in a long time. “Is there any part of you that will miss being with mum, at all?” Immediately, I regret mentioning our mother, because the smile I was admiring a moment ago, is now gone.
She closes her eyes for a few moments before opening them again. “I can’t answer that yet. I guess when it comes to having to face her again, I’ll know. But one thing’s for sure, I never want to live with that woman, ever again.”
Breathing in, I pick up my mug and take a long sip of my coffee, then place it back down on the counter. “We’ll just have to take it one step at a time.” I look up and check the time on the kitchen clock. “We’d better get changed and hit the road. The lawyer’s office is a two-hour drive from here.” I wish it were closer, we're going to have to spend four hours in the car, there and back.
We retreat to our rooms to change clothes. When I've pulled on my skinny jeans, a sheer black blouse, and my favorite pair of black flats, it's time to go. I wasn’t looking forward to the long drive, but thankfully, we were in great moods, all thanks to the classic, Eminem albums we played the whole way to Sydney’s city center.
When we've reached the heart of Sydney, I lower the volume, then shift my focus to the Sat Nav’s instructions. I have no clue where the hell I’m going, and I don’t want to spend another hour driving around.
Finally, after many U-turns and abuse from other drivers, we find the lawyer’s office and park underground. As we approach the entrance, I come to a stop and turn and face Courtney. “Don’t be nervous, just tell him the truth, because if you don’t, we won’t have a chance in hell of winning and you’ll be sent back to live with mum. Neither of us wants that to happen. Okay?”
“Okay.” She nods, but the poor thing still looks petrified, so I take her hand and squeeze it. She meets my gaze and smile’s and this time, it’s genuine.
We walk through the doors and come to a halt when we reach the front reception desk. “Can I help you?” A very attractive and very young woman asks.
I lean forward. “Yes, we have an appointment with Mr. Cartel, under the names Courtney and Cassie O’Grady.”
She looks down at the computer screen that rests on the desk in front of her. “Yes, I have you here. Just walk through the door to your right and take a seat, Mr. Cartel will be with you shortly.” Her smile is wide, a little too broad for a girl stuck in an office when it’s such a beautiful day outside.
“Thank you,” we answer in unison as we walk away.
When we reach the waiting area, I take a seat on the chocolate-colored lounge, and Courtney drops down into the spot beside me. I have no idea how long we'll be waiting, so I reach into my handbag, pull out the book I’d started a few nights prior and begin to read while we wait.
After only a few minutes, a tall, stocky, bald man comes out of the office and introduces himself to us as Mr. Cartel, our new lawyer.
“Hello, I’m Cassie and this here,” I point toward my sister. “Is Courtney.”
He reaches out and shakes our hands in greeting. “It's nice to meet you, both. Please, follow me.” So we do. When in his office, he points towards two chairs that are placed in front of a massive dark wood desk. “Ladies, please take a seat.”
His office is very comfortable and smells like Lillie’s, something you wouldn’t expect a lawyer’s office to smell like. I always thought they would reek of cigar smoke. Maybe, I’ve watched too many episodes of Boston Legal?
Mr. Cartel takes his seat behind the desk and begins sifting through papers that are scattered in front of him. “Okay,” he begins, “I’ve been looking through the files that your Uncle George has sent me. When he told me about your situation, I started digging up your mother’s misgivings immediately. I felt your case needed the most attention, considering your age, Cassandra, and the fact that you’ve just lost your father. But, I honestly believe we have a chance at winning.”
My eyes widen with surprise. “Really? I thought it was a long shot, at best, but I wanted to try.” I look over at Courtney, and she's smiling. I then turn my attention back to, Mr. Cartel. “You think that we have a chance at winning?” I need to hear it again, and I take hold of Court’s hand and squeeze.
Finally, he found the paper he’d been looking for and leans back in his chair. “From what I can see, you’ve proved you are more than capable of supplying Courtney with everything she'll need, she'll never want for anything. And now that you have your father’s estate and assets, I know it will ensure stability in the judge’s eyes.” He begins sifting through papers again. “I did run a background check on your mother, unfortunately, I came up with nothing. But,” he point’s to us. “I have five signed, sworn statements stating that your mother did leave you girls to care for yourselves when she would go overseas and that the majority of the time, there was no food in the cupboards, and no necessities that two young girls need.”
My breathing quickens, I never thought she would ever face any consequences for her actions. “To us.” I wave my hand between myself and Courtney. “It was our everyday life. I never thought she would ever be pulled up for her behavior. It’s another of those instances where CPS should have been involved, but she always managed to keep thing’s looking decent on the outside so there were no question’s asked. She loved people’s pity, but somehow, we were left in her care.”
He takes his glasses off and places them on the desk. “When it came to the stat declarations, there were a couple of people that felt hesitant when it came to having to state their names on the paperwork, but in the end, they did sign with the belief that Courtney is better off in your hands, rather than your mother’s.”
“Wow,” is all I manage. I don’t know what else to say. I need to find out who did sign so I can thank them.
“You seem surprised,” he states.
It takes me a while to be able to form a sentence, but eventually, I do. “To say the least. Do we have a court date yet?” I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that we could win this thing. ‘I might just be able to keep my sister, to protect her. To give her the life she deserves,’ I think.
He moves the mouse on his computer and takes a look at the screen. “Yes, we do have a court date.” He keeps searching the screen before continuing, “It’s next Tuesday. But the only snag is that it will be taking place in Melbourne. It’s been moved there because of the laws, and the fact that the pair of you are still classed as Victorian citizens. That and the fact that Courtney is still a minor means it needs to be overseen there, rather than in Sydney.”
I nod my head in agreement. “That’s a good thing, I don’t want that woman having any clue as to where we're living now. This way we can retreat immediately after the hearing. If she came here, to Sydney, I couldn’t control how long she stayed.” I shrug. Sure, our mother has no clue as to where our property is, but all it would take is some looking around on the internet. Nothing is private anymore, a fact of life I hate.
“Your uncle George, was relieved when I'd told him the hearing wouldn’t be taking place here.” He picks up his glasses from the desk and puts them back on his face.
“He’s an amazing man to have in our corner,” I say as I turn my attention to Courtney. “Are you happy with how everything has been laid out?” I want and need her to be comfortable.
She nods her head. “Yes,” is all she says in return which concerns me.
When the meeting is over, I stand and shake Mr. Cartel’s hand. “Should I call you when we reach Melbourne?”
He also stands, his hand now dropping from my grip. “I’ll contact you before then. I have already emailed you with all of the information you will need. If by chance I hear from your mother’s lawyer, I will be sure to call and let you know what they have to say.”
“Thank you again.”
“No problem at all. Take care, ladies.”
Before leaving the city, we stop at the new Costco and do some grocery shopping. Since we’re now living in what feels
like a deserted town, there aren’t many options when it comes to food.
While we walk the aisles, I notice Courtney has become quiet, so to cheer her up, I pick up her favorite foods. I grab some Fetta and spinach filo parcels, hot dogs, and chocolate. I hope it works. She doesn’t deserve to be miserable. She is an amazing girl that has been neglected.
Once we've been back on the road for an hour, I ask Court, “What’s the matter? You woke up so happy this morning. Are you having second thoughts about leaving Mum, do you want to return to her?” God, I hope she says no. I don’t want to lose Courtney, I love her with all of my heart and soul. I know if she were to leave, I'd be left heartbroken, and alone.
“No, it’s nothing like that.” She’s looking down at her hands while shaking her head.
“Well then, how about you fill me in, and I will try my hardest to help you?” I ask while keeping my eye on the road ahead.
She lets out a long breath and begins, “I’ve always known that mum, in a way, neglected us, but when you hear it coming from a stranger, it hurts so much more. It hit me so hard, it was like I finally had confirmation that she was a horrible woman. That’s what we went through, wasn’t just something I made up in my head. People like her should never have kids. They should have sterilized her at birth.”
While I watch the road, I reach my hand over to her, and she takes it. Courtney never deserved the treatment she was given. Sure, our mother was harder on me than she was on her, but that’s only because I'm the eldest. When she would berate me, I’d be relieved that it wasn’t Courtney who was in the line of fire.
“It’s something we can go through and deal with together. When things change so suddenly, it can be hard to deal with, but eventually, it will become your new normal, and you will look back and think ‘what the hell was I so worried about?’ It’s happened to me many times, you just have to give yourself some breathing space. If you like, I could arrange an appointment with a therapist? It might be easier to talk to someone who isn’t involved in our lives. With family, you have to edit yourself so you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, but with a stranger, you can let it all flow out of you, there are no rules. What do you think?”
Quickly, I glance in her direction, and she nods. “I’d like that.”
“Okay, I’ll start the search when we get home.” I feel so stupid, I should have arranged something sooner. With the whole dead dad thing and the asshole mother thing, I should have been on top of it. Because of me, she’s suffering. I can’t let that continue.
“Thanks, Cass.”
When we arrive back at the house, I turn to Court and ask, “Do you want to go and lie down? It has been a long day, chick.”
The poor thing looks beyond exhausted. “Yeah, I will. I’ll help you take the bags into the house, and then I‘ll lie down.”
Once the groceries are packed away, I grab my phone out of my handbag and dial Tristan’s number.
“Hello,” he answers, but I can hear that he's tired.
“Shit, were you sleeping, I can call back?”
“Don’t sweat it, babe. So, how did the meeting with the lawyer go?”
“Really good, he thinks we have more than just a fighting chance. I am, however, worried about Courtney.”
“What happened?”
“I’m not sure if she’ll be able to hold up in the courtroom. She tells me she doesn’t want to go back to living with mum, and I believe her, but it’s as if she is petrified of having to face the woman. I don’t blame her either, for feeling that way. Rose is a manipulating bitch!” Again, my mother manages to piss me off, and the cow isn’t anywhere near me.
“You’re both strong and diligent. I know you’ll be able to get through it. She’s lucky to have you, George, and Will, on her side.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I know I am. I just wish I was there with you.”
“Me too, but that doesn’t mean you can jump on a plane, okay? You have to finish Uni.”
“What makes you think I would drop everything and jump on a plane?” I can hear the smile in his voice.
“Because I know how amazing you are, Tristan. You love with your whole heart, and that just makes me fall in love with you more and more every day.” I want him here with me. I want to go to bed and lay beside him, but I’m going to have to wait just a little while longer. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I really should make a start on dinner. How would that look to a judge, ‘Sorry judge, I forgot to feed her?’ I think I’d better get something on the stove.” I laugh.
“Okay, baby girl. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Bye.”
The next two days are used to sort out all the paperwork and general things that had to be done before we left for Melbourne. Mr. Cartell sent over a set of standard questions that our mother’s lawyer is bound to ask us. He wanted us to go over them and practice our responses. We didn’t want to be caught off guard.
Sunday comes, and we pack the BMW with our suitcases and hit the road, destination, Melbourne.
I forgot how draining the drive is, but we did get to see a couple of cool tourist attractions on the way down. First, we stopped in for lunch at The Ettamogah Pub which is located just past the Victorian, New South Whales, borders.
It’s another five hours before reaching Melbourne’s city center. Needing to stretch my legs, I take us straight to the hotel I’d booked ahead of time, park the car in the underground car park, make our way upstairs to the concierge desk, and wait to be served. The place is huge. Sure, I stayed in the most fabulous hotel while in Cairo, but I never knew such luxury existed in this town, but then again, I didn’t come from an opulent area.
When the bellboy opens the door to the room for us, I am more than pleasantly surprised. The walls are painted in a beautiful green color, and there are vases placed around the room, overflowing with beautiful, bright flower arrangements.
When the boy had the bags in the room, I give him a generous tip and collapse onto the closest bed. “I’m thinking of asking Hamish to join me for dinner, do you like to come, Hun?” I ask, turning to face her.
She shakes her head and climbs onto the empty bed beside mine. “Nah, I just want to sit back and relax with some TV.”
“Okay.” I reach into my jeans pocket, take out my phone and dial Hamish’s number.
“Hello.”
“Hey, stranger. How are you?”
“Shit, Cass. Is that you?”
“The one and only.”
“Where are you, what have you been up to? I miss you, you bitch.”
“I’m in Melbourne for a couple of days, are you free for dinner tonight?” I ask, hopeful.
“I’m free, where and what time?”
“I’ll come and pick you up. Is six okay for you?”
“See you then, babe,” he sounds like a giddy school girl, and I chuckle at his excitement.
“Can’t wait. Bye, Hun.”
After hanging up, I have a quick shower and change into my skinny black jeans, black flats, and a fitted purple Billabong shirt.
As I leave the bathroom, I turn to face Courtney. “You’re sure you don’t want to come?” I ask as I sit down beside her. I don’t want her to feel as if she'd be getting in the way. Hamish loves Courtney, and I know he'd like to see her, but at the same time, I don’t want to force her.
She shakes her head. “No thanks, I’m exhausted. All I want to do is sit back, order room service, and watch TV.” She takes out her phone and begins playing candy crush. I don’t know how the hell she can be still playing that damn thing. I took it off of my phone after I almost threw it at the wall when I couldn’t pass a level. It’s a ridiculous game.
“Fair enough. Except for room service, please do not open the door for anyone, okay?"
She looks up from her game. “Okay,” she agrees.
After I lean in and kiss her cheek, I stand up and gather my jacket, phone, handbag, and keys. “Good, I have my phone on me so if y
ou need anything, just call.”
Her attention is now back on the screen. “I will. Say hi to Hamish for me.”
“I will, bye.” I leave the room and head downstairs to the car.
I pull into Hamish’s driveway not thirty minutes later and see that he’s already outside waiting for me. I must admit, he’s looking pretty good standing there in his black Hurley T-shirt, a pair of loose-fitting dark blue jeans. Why the hell doesn’t he have a girlfriend? He deserves to be in love.
When the car comes to a stop, Haim opens the passenger door, and as he climbs in, he leans forward to kiss me on the cheek. “Hey. Who did you steal the car from?” He smiles as he leans back in the seat and reaches for the seatbelt.
My smile is wide, and I laugh, I’ve missed this asshole so much. “It’s mine, didn’t you hear that I’m loaded now?” I say, sarcastically, then pull out of the driveway and continue talking.
“Fuck no, I didn’t. How the hell did that happen?”
I take a deep breath and begin to explain. “When dad passed away a couple of weeks ago-” Haim cuts me off. I haven’t told anyone other than Zoe that dad is gone. Until now, it's been too hard to try and say the words aloud.
He places his hand on mine, I glance over and give him the warmest smile I can manage without having to fake it. “Shit, Cass. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
I nod and shift my focus back to the road. “I will be. Right now, my only concern is Courtney, and how she’s coping,” I say as we pull into our favorite Italian restaurant that’s close to Hamish’s house. When I get out, I stand still for a moment and take a look around, and I sigh out of relief. At least this place hasn’t changed. The walls are still blood red, with tacky gold embellishments. There are fake columns that are meant to make you feel as if you're in Rome. They don’t make you feel that way, at all, but the food here is amazing, so I have to deal with the tacky surroundings.
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