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- 06/26/2023
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
ARROW - 189. Chapter 189
Friday morning was a rush. I went and picked up Pat, she would mind our home while we were adopting the boys. Returning home, the boys were ready for breakfast. Marie was at the griddle making crepes and I was making scrambled eggs. I put the bacon in the oven before I started on the eggs, so between stirring the eggs I had to keep an eye on the oven. When we bought this stove, Maria insisted we buy one with an oven in the bottom section and a small oven in the top section as well as a six-burner stove. The salesman gave us a good price on it, he said they were glad to get rid of it. Maria said we got it at cost.
“I have enough crepes to start.”
“The eggs are done but the bacon may need a few more minutes. If you keep your eyes on the bacon, I’ll pour the orange juice.” Marie went to the fridge and took out two gallons of James' milk,
“The next time you see James we need more of his milk. This will be enough but you will need more for tomorrow.”
She took the milk out to the dining room, I stayed to watch the bacon.
Ever since that trip to Paris when we first ate at the crepe restaurant we have had crepes for breakfast. Colin said it beats fried eggs and cold toast. I agreed with him and so do the boys and girls.
With thirteen young people plus four grown-ups, five when Marie joins, Colin bought benches to replace chairs. Only Pat and Maria use chairs, they sit at the end of the table.
Our mornings start off slow until everyone had some food, then the conversation started. This morning the conversation centered around adoption. Those that had gone through the process began telling the boys who were going to be adopted what to expect. Toby had a version that had everyone laughing, That boy is going to be a comedian.
I asked the boys who were going to be adopted to take a shower before getting dressed, Tommy came over leaving Pepe to handle any problems, “Actually Lois will handle any problems but I wanted Pepe to feel a little important.”
I understood that. Many times I would let Colin make the decision, that is what partners do, share important decisions,
Tommy after checking his watch, started to call the boys. He had them lined up according to size. “I will speak to the judge first, then it will be your turn. You need to think about what you would like for a last name. When I was adopted, some of the boys chose Roberts Rowe as their last name and some the reverse, Rowe Roberts, What you need to think about is your middle name. For example, my middle name is my real parents name. You can use any name you want or choose not to use any name.”
While Tommy was talking, Carl was busy taking pictures. I knew someone who would be busy painting over the next few weeks. I also had a project for those boys, family portraits when appropriate.
“Dad, I think we are ready to go. Where is Richie?”
“He will meet us at the courthouse.”
Two vans, we headed to the courthouse.
Arriving, after parking the vans, we headed for the room where we would wait for Richie and to be called before the judge. I must have checked my watch at least thirty times. Richie showed up 20 minutes later.
“I was with the judge on another matter. He will be ready for us in 15 to 20 minutes. Who is going to pay for my services.”
One of the boys offered him a dollar. He was going to take it when I cleared my throat in a loud noise, the boys giggled as Richie told the boy he was kidding. “Brothers don’t charge brothers.”
One of the boys, looking at Richie, “We are brothers?”
“Yes, you have a lot of brothers and two sisters and you will have nephews and nieces that will call you uncle. How about that?”
I could tell the boys were excited, Just as they absorbed what Richie said, I could tell they had questions. The door opened and the clerk told us the judge was ready to see us. Now I could feel the fear in the boys. “Relax, when we go into the courtroom, we will stand when the judge enters, and then we will sit down when he sits down. He will then call each of you to his office and you will have the opportunity to tell him if you want to be adopted and the name you have chosen. Tommy may or may not be there with you, But don’t be afraid, he is a good man. Any questions.”
I think they were too scared to ask or even have any questions.
Walking into the courtroom, there was Tommy. “This is a great day. I’ll have six new brothers.”
The expression on their faces made me laugh. The realization that Tommy would be their brother seemed to be a shock to them,
Before I had a chance to say anything, the clerk announced “All rise, his honor Judge Avery presiding.”
Expecting to see Judge Avery, in walks Henry. He was laughing at our surprised look. “Judge Avery will be here shortly, he had to make a pit stop.”
I knew what that was I wasn’t sure about the boys. Tommy whispered something to one of the boys who whispered it to the other boys, Now will hear that every time the boys need to go to the bathroom. I remember the first time the older boys heard that.
We sat down while I introduced the boys to Henry. “Henry, we miss you and your wife at the club.”
“We just got back from Europe. We spent three months and what a time we had. We should have done it sooner. You’ll hear about it this coming Sunday.”
Before I could ask any questions, Judge Avery walked into the courtroom in his robe, the boys immediately stood until he sat down.
Tommy presented the boys to him, he asked if a legal representative was present. Richie responded. I notice no one from Child Services was present.
The judge then invited the boys, Tommy and Richie into his chambers.
Tommy handed the judge a portfolio of each child, he quickly perused the folders. “Who is Peter?”
“I am Peter, sir.”
“Peter, tell me why you want to be adopted.” Tommy would later tell Dad the judge ask Peter an inappropriate question.
“Sir, I never had anyone to look after me. I lived with other young children in a place where people go to adopt babies. I never was adopted and when I got older, they sent me to the Angel’s home. There I met Mr. Rowe. He was kind to me. He offered me a chance to feel needed. I want him to be my father. I know he will look out for me and love me as a father.”
The judge looked at Peter. Peter’s eyes glisten with tears. He was afraid the judge wouldn’t approve his adoption.
“Peter, tell the judge what you have chosen for your last name.”
“I want Rowe as my last name.”
“Okay, Peter. You can join the others,”
We watched as the judge’s door opened. Expecting the group, we were surprised when only Peter came out. He was crying. “Peter, come here.” I picked him up and set him on my lap. “Why are you crying?”
“I don’t think the judge likes me. Dad, I’m afraid he won’t let you adopt me.”
I looked at Henry as if to say, ‘Do something.’
Just as he was going to get up from his chair, the judge's door opened and Jerry came out alone. “It appears the Judge is doing a one-on-one interview.." Jerry, what did the judge say?”
“He asked for my name and wanted to know why I wanted to be adopted by two men.” I looked at Henry.
“Let’s wait until all of the boys are sitting here. If there is a problem, we may need our lawyer to step up and defend the boys.”
I saw Colin leave the room.
The door opened and Andy came out. He had tears in his eyes. “Richie, I hope you are up on handling this. If this judge denies the adoption because of Pop and I. I want a lawsuit filled against him.”
Henry leaned over and whispered something to Richie. I couldn’t hear but Richie’s smile indicated that he and Henry had a plan.
We sat there.
In a similar fashion, the boys exited one by one. None of them had a smile.
The door opened, and Tommy asked Richie to come in. I knew there was a problem.
Colin arrived and he had all of the boys as well as Elsie and Anne Marie and Julie. Elsie had Little Ivan with her.
While we waited, I brought Colin up to date. “It appears the Judge is anti-gay. The boys are afraid he won’t approve the adoption.”
The door opened and Tommy waived for Henry to join them.
We sat there with 6 boys who had tears in their eyes. I thought the Judge was being mean and judgmental concerning gay people. The longer I sat, the more angry I became.
About an hour later, Tommy, Richie, and Henry came out of the room. I looked at them trying to read them, but nothing.
We continued to sit there. After approximately 39 minutes the Judge came out.
“It is against my personal beliefs to grant adoptions to people who profess to be living together as a man and woman. It has been pointed out to me that my attitude is against the law and by pursuing further, I could expose myself to disciplinary action. Therefore, I have no other course but to approve the adoption of these children by Armand Rowe and Colin Roberts. Your lawyer has the papers, you will need to fill in the boy’s last name. New birth certificates will be available at the Clerks office next Thursday. You are dismissed.”
We all stood as the judge rose from the bench and left the room. Six smiling boys jumped on Colin and I. Richie said his bill will be in the mail.
“Let’s go to the club and celebrated. Henry call your wife and join us.” Regardless of this judge's private opinion, we have increased our family by six.
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
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