The rest of summer really flew by. Training with Noah and Zeke. Going to The Cages almost every afternoon. Plus, we hung out with Alisha and Kaylee every couple of days.
The last week of summer break, Mom took us to the school to get our new books, locker assignments, and class schedule. To our surprise, I had three classes with Noah.
"Yes!" Noah pumped his fists as we compared schedules.
Mom laughed at our excitement. "Seems like you guys got lucky."
Noah pulled my schedule from my hands and placed it next to his on the table. He used his phone to take a picture. "I'm going to send these to Alisha and Kaylee to find out if we have any of the same classes."
I nodded. "Good idea." I especially wanted to know if they were in my classes that I didn't share with Noah.
We spent the day organizing our books and preparing for school. Mom went to her office and came back with empty binders and notebooks for us to use. Two days later it was the twins turn to get their school stuff. I confirmed that I had the same math class as them and celebrated that I at least knew one person in each of my classes.
Mom took all of us for haircuts the day before my court hearing. Zeke and I only needed trims. Noah and the twins needed more work done to even their mess of hair. Even Mom and Dad got cuts.
"Great." Mom grinned at us during dinner that night. "Everyone looks so good. Tomorrow I want to take a lot of pictures. You boys better find your suits tonight and wear them in the morning."
"Suits?" Dave asked, frowning.
"Yes." Mom looked at him. "I had them all washed after your baseball banquet so I expect them to still be clean. Wear good shoes. I'll do everyone's hair in the morning."
Noah grinned at me. "You excited?"
I nodded. I'm more excited than he could know. This would make things final. I would be with the Atkins family forever. There are no takebacks.
Friday morning I woke up in a flash. There was no drowsiness in me today. I wanted to be the one to wake up Noah, but to my surprise, he was already gone.
I frowned. Did he really go for a run this morning? I sighed to myself and headed downstairs alone.
"Good morning!" Mom greeted me as I walked into the kitchen with just pjs on.
I wasn't the only one. The twins were both there in their pjs, already eating their pancakes.
"I made chocolate chip pancakes for today." Mom told me, placing a plate in front of me.
I looked around. "Where's Noah and Zeke?"
"Oh, they needed to run some errands." Mom told me. "They'll have to meet us at the courthouse if they take too long."
I frowned. "What errands?"
"Are you scared they won't make it in time?" Dave asked between bites.
"Don't worry." Kyle told me. "They'll be there."
No one was giving me answers. I pursed my lips and looked to Dad.
Dad felt my stare and put down his coffee mug. "Do you really want to know? Because I think you might like the surprise they're trying to prepare for you."
"Wayne." Mom hissed.
"What?" Wayne shrugged. "You know how anxious Jake gets. You guys should have considered his feelings beforehand."
Mom looked at me, a little apologetic. "Sorry, Jake. We just wanted to do something nice for you."
I glanced around the table. "Does everyone know but me?"
They all nodded together.
I thought it over. I guess as long as they show up, I'm fine. I'm just a little sad that we couldn't share in the excitement together. "It's okay. As long as they come, I'm happy."
"You'll like what they've prepared, I promise." Mom told me.
I nodded. Yea, I'm sure I would. Zeke and Noah are probably the most attentive to my feelings. I ate my food quietly then hurried upstairs to get dressed.
When I came down, Mom was working on Kyle's hair. She did mine last. She stepped back and smiled down at me. "You look good."
I blushed. "Thanks."
Dad swung his keys around his finger. "You ready?"
I nodded. I've been ready.
The five of us got into his car and took off. He found parking and we headed for the courthouse.
I paused at the sight of familiar faces. Noah jumped up and down, waving for me to look. Him and Zeke stood in front of our friends from the baseball team. Marie, Kaylee, and Alisha were there. Jeremy and Rose. Gramma and Grampa.
"Well?! What are you waiting for?" Grampa demanded. "I didn't fly all this way for you to stare at me."
I rushed over and hugged him.
"Oof." He gasped before chuckling. "Looks like you've been putting on some weight, kiddo."
"Taller too." Gramma chimed in.
I hugged her next.
"We went to pick them up from the airport early this morning." Noah told me, standing right beside me. "On our way there, I thought you might want some more support from your friends so I invited everyone we knew and told them to meet here."
"Congrats, Jake!" Alisha hopped over to say.
"Yea, we're happy for you." Kaylee grinned. "You're going to be an Atkins for real now."
I started to tear up as all the friendly faces congratulated me for making it this far.
Jeremy pulled me into a side hug. "Don't cry. This is a happy moment."
"You can cry when you're happy." Rose rebutted.
Even Rhys made the drive down. He grinned and slapped me on the shoulder. "I hope this sense of security brings you peace of mind."
I nodded.
After a couple go arounds, Mr. Pickens urged Mom and Dad to get us inside. He told the crowd that they could come in and watch if they wanted. It wouldn't be a very long procedure. Collectively, everyone moved to the courthouse and went through the security. We were directed to a room where Mr. Pickens, Mom and Dad, and I all sat at the table in front of the judge's bench.
Zeke, Noah, and the twins sat right behind us with Gramma and Grampa. Jeremy and Rose sat in the first row as well. Everyone else took up the next two or three rows and sat in silence as we waited for the judge.
It didn't take long before the bailiff announced the judge's arrival. An older woman walked in with her black robe and sat in the center chair. She ordered us to sit and started to look over the paperwork in front of her.
"Wayne and Mary Atkins for the adoption of their foster son, Jake Hollander?" She looked at Mr. Pickens.
Mr. Pickens nodded. "Yes, your honor. My clients have passed all State evaluations and are ready to make things official."
"No objections from the State. Any objections from blood relatives?" She asked plainly.
I swallowed a lump in my throat and clenched my fists.
"None, your honor." Mr. Pickens spoke about the status of both my parents and the estrangement between me and my uncle. "We also have a letter of statement from his elder brother, Jeremy Patterson. It should be item 8C."
She flipped through and found it, looking it over. Then she looked up. "Is Jeremy Patterson in the court today?"
Jeremy stood up. "Yes!" He looked nervous. "Is it alright if I read my statement for the court to hear?"
"You may." She granted.
Jeremy moved to the front and got a piece of paper out from his pocket. "I have my own updated copy."
"Go ahead, Mr. Patterson." She instructed.
Jeremy faced me and started to talk. "I'm writing this letter to the courts of California to reject my rights of guardianship for my younger brother, Jake Hollander. Not because I don't want him in my life, but because I want the best for his future. The Atkins family has done tremendous work to heal my younger brother both mentally and physically. In a time of need, it wasn't me that was there to help him, but these complete strangers. If they can already do so much for a stranger, then I can't imagine how they'll go above and beyond to make sure my younger brother succeeds in all that he does. I know of no other set of parents that are more caring, loving, and tolerant than Wayne and Mary. They have a sense of humor, a sense of justice, and are able to accept those who are different from them. I'm thankful such a wonderful family will be taking care of my younger brother and I hope to still have a part in his life." He folded the paper and put it away. Then looked at me. "You're an awesome kid, Jake. And it has nothing to do with me. I'm just along for the ride. If you're at your happiest with the Atkins, then I'm happy for you."
"Thank you." I said, eyes stinging.
Jeremy nodded and went back to his seat.
"Without any objections from the state or blood relatives, I see no reason to deny this proceeding." The judge announced. "Henceforth, Wayne and Mary Atkins are granted permanent custody and guardianship of Jake Hollander."
The group behind us started to clap and cheer. Mom pulled me into a tight hug, almost suffocating me. Everything went as planned. I'm Jake Atkins.
