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.

Did Alex explain

don’t move around as well as I used to. And only a little. Your friend Alex explained that there was some issue with my daughter. I’m not sure what you want me to do about it, she hasn’t spoken

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Custody and caring

It’s not safe, and what kind of life could she have hiding away with him?” He grumbles. My

am sorry to have to tell you that your daughter and her husband were murdered several weeks ago.” Bellamy says carefully. Ray goes even paler than he already was, which is

can’t imagine that she was especially well off.” He considers. My eyes widen and I glance at Bellamy. Does he not know he has a granddaughter? If he

know if you are aware but your daughter had a child. A girl

admits. He doesn’t seem all that torn up about

a Reaper. We’re contacting you because you are her only living relative at this point. We are trying to determine what should be done regarding her living situation. Legally,

time or energy to take care of a child, much less a Reaper. She can’t come here. Find someone else.” He declares. I have to repress the desire to yell at him. I can see why Kiara’s parents

see that he might not be capable of taking care of her, but he doesn’t even seem concerned and he hasn’t asked to meet her or anything like that. He hasn’t even asked about 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 to this jerk. Seeing my frustration, Bellamy takes over the conversation. I don’t think I could speak without yelling or

are giving up your custody rights

dismissively.

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Custody and caring

girl to someone else or put her up for adoption if it comes to that. I can’t take her. Now, is that all? I have an appointment

1 explode.

CARE! We cannot send her to him, even if he DID want her!” I rant, keeping my voice low enough that Kiara won’t be

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

I never expected we would end up parents before actually having S*x.” He says casually, clearly