Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

208- Custody and caring

The morning goes by in a rush. Megan and I are constantly on the go with Kiara trailing along with us as we prepare for the last minute dinner plans. I probably could have planned them for later in the week but I didn’t want to wait and it IS doable. Just requires a bit of

extra planning. By one in the afternoon we have had Darien and Bellamy rearrange the furniture and move in a couple of fold up trestle tables to make space for everyone as well as a bunch of extra chairs. Kiara is currently working with Darien to lay table clothes over all the tables to kind of merge them together while Megan and I start prepping stuff for dinner. Thankfully she’s a much more experienced cook than me and has some idea of how to prepare such a large meal. I did suggest just ordering something but she insisted on making it ourselves and I don’t mind trying. Worst case scenario, it fails and we order pizza. Just before three, Alex arrives Bellamy and I leave Kiara with Megan who is in the middle of prepping

some chocolate mousse desserts and head to the office.

“So, I did locate one living relative for Kiara, her grandfather on her mother’s side. I

contacted him and arranged for a meeting: He lives interstate so it will be another video conference call.” Alex explains. I feel cold and sort of panicky. Interstate? I don’t want her to move that far away. I’ve definitely gotten attached, plus I think spending time with Logan will be good for her. Is it really fair for her to move so far away from where she’s grown up so far? Alex sets up the call then excuses himself, announcing that he will go assist Megan with the meal preparations and to call if we need him. The call goes through and I’m surprised to see

a young woman on the screen.

“Hello? Oh good it’s working. One moment.” She swivels the camera around to show an old

man who must be Kiara’s grandfather.

“Thanks Joe.” He tells the woman gently.

“Good afternoon.” Bellamy greets him.

and this is my partner Ryann Gale. Did Alex

And only a little. Your friend Alex explained that there was some issue with my daughter. I’m not sure what

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and

and what kind of life could she have hiding away with him?” He grumbles. My heart sinks. This is not looking good.

husband were murdered several weeks ago.” Bellamy says carefully. Ray goes even paler than he already was,

about her estate then? I can’t imagine that she was especially well off.” He considers. My eyes widen and I glance at Bellamy.

know if you are aware but your daughter had a child. A girl named Kiara. This call is about her.” I tell

doesn’t seem all that torn up about it if I’m being totally honest. I don’t think I like

trying to determine what should be done regarding her living situation. Legally, she goes into your care, although we’ve been looking after her

here. Find someone else.” He declares. I have to repress the desire to yell

her wellbeing or wished her any condolences. It’s a good thing he doesn’t want her because I don’t think I could give her up

your custody rights of Kiara?” Bellamy asks. Ray

dismissively.

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and

it comes to that. I can’t take her. Now, is that all? I have an appointment at four and I want to get there early.” He grumbles. Bellamy nods

1 explode.

cannot send her to him, even if he DID want her!” I rant, keeping

We don’t want him coming after her later demanding money or anything like that.” Bellamy says calmly. He doesn’t seem nearly as upset as I am and honestly I have no idea how he is so calm. What are we supposed to do? It was already going to be hard enough giving Kiara up to her family. Am I supposed to give her to strangers? Or put her in foster care, a group home like Harry

end up parents before actually having S*x.” He says casually, clearly amused. I whirl to face him in my chair.