Pretty Baby

Chapter 17

The courthouse looms before me, an imposing edifice of stone and justice. My heart pounds in my chest as I climb the steps, Jade's hand clasped tightly in mine. Xavier walks a few paces ahead, his shoulders tense beneath his expensive suit. Our lawyer, Abby, brings up the rear, her heels clicking a steady rhythm on the pavement.

"Remember," Abby says as we reach the top of the stairs, "stay calm, no matter what happens in there. The judge needs to see you as a stable, responsible father."

I nod, swallowing hard. "Right. Calm. I can do that."

Jade squeezes my hand. "You've got this, Zac. We're all here for you."

As we enter the courtroom, I spot Chloe immediately. She's sitting at the plaintiff's table, her blonde hair pulled back in a severe bun. Her lawyer Edward Stone, a shark in an expensive suit, leans in close, whispering something in her ear. When Chloe sees me, her eyes narrow, and I feel a chill run down my spine.

We take our seats at the defense table. I try to focus on Abby as she arranges her papers, but my mind keeps drifting to Penny. My beautiful, nine-month-old daughter, who should be here with me, not waiting in the back of the courtroom with a complete stranger. In my mind I can hear sounds of babbles and ‘dada’ coming from Penny as I try to keep my composure.

The bailiff calls the court to order, and Judge Nina Cole enters. She's a small woman with a no-nonsense air about her. As she takes her seat, I straighten my tie, hoping I look every inch the responsible father.

"We're here today in the matter of Chloe Thomas versus Zac Fulton for custody of minor child, Penny Fulton," Judge Cole begins. "Ms. Thomas is seeking full custody. Mr. Fulton is seeking joint custody. Is that correct?"

Both lawyers nod their assent.

"Very well. Mr. Stone, you may begin your opening statement."

Edward is all polished confidence as he addresses the court. "Your Honor, we're here today because Chloe Thomas is deeply concerned about the welfare of her daughter, Penny. Mr. Fulton, while undoubtedly talented in his field, has shown a consistent pattern of irresponsible behavior that makes him unfit to be a full-time parent. We will demonstrate that Penny’s best interests lie in being in the full-time care of her mother."

As Edward speaks, I feel my blood beginning to boil. Unfit parent? I've been there for Penny every day of her life. I've changed diapers, sung lullabies, stayed up all night when she was teething. How dare they question my commitment to my daughter?

Jade must sense my tension because she places a calming hand on my knee. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to relax.

Abby stands next, her voice steady and confident. "Your Honor, Mr. Fulton is a devoted father who has been Penny’s primary caregiver for the past several months. While his career as a musician may be unconventional, he has gone to great lengths to provide a stable, loving environment for his daughter. We will show that joint custody is not only in Penny’s best interests, but is also the arrangement that will allow her to maintain strong relationships with both of her parents."

As Abby speaks, I see Judge Cole watching me closely. I try to project an image of calm stability, even as my insides churn with anxiety.

The next two hours pass in a blur of testimony. Character witnesses for both sides take the stand. My old friend, Parker, talks about how fatherhood has changed me, made me more responsible. Chloe's sister testifies about the times she's seen me drinking at industry events.

When it's my turn to take the stand, I feel like I'm walking to my own execution. Abby's questions are easy enough. She asks about my daily routine with Penny, my plans for her future, the support system I have in place. I talk about the nanny I've hired, the pediatrician appointments I never miss, the college fund I've already started.

Then, it's Edward's turn for cross-examination. His smile is predatory as she approaches the stand.

"Mr. Fulton," he begins, "you've spoken a lot about your devotion to your daughter. But isn't it true that your career often takes you away from home for extended periods?"

I take a deep breath before answering. "My work does involve some travel, yes. But I always make sure Penny is well cared for, whether that means bringing her with me or ensuring she has reliable care at home."

Edward nods, his expression skeptical. "And these trips, they often involve late nights, parties, alcohol, don't they?"

"Objection!" Abby calls out. "Relevance?"

"I'm establishing a pattern of behavior, Your Honor," Edward responds smoothly.

Judge Cole considers for a moment. "I'll allow it, but tread carefully, Mr. Stone."

Edward turns back to me, eyebrow raised. I clench my jaw before responding. "My work does sometimes involve industry events, yes. But I've significantly cut back on my drinking and touring since Penny was born, and I always make sure I'm able to care for her."

The questions continue, each one designed to paint me as an irresponsible party boy rather than a devoted father. By the time I step down from the stand, I'm exhausted and frustrated.

As Chloe takes the stand, I brace myself for what's to come. She paints a picture of herself as the responsible one, the parent who's always put Penny first. She talks about her fears for Penny's safety when she's with me, her concerns about my ‘lifestyle’.

I have to admit, she's good. If I didn't know better, I'd almost believe her myself.

When Abby cross-examines Chloe, she does her best to poke holes in this perfect mother image. She brings up the fact that Chloe abandoned Penny on my doorstep after hiding the pregnancy from me. But Chloe has an answer for everything, her composure never slipping.

As the day wears on, I begin to feel cautiously optimistic. Yes, Edward has done his best to paint me as an irresponsible party boy, but Abby has countered with solid evidence of my devotion to Penny. The character witnesses have been largely in my favor. Even Judge Cole seems to be warming to me, her initial skepticism softening as the day progresses.

But then, just as I think we're wrapping up, Edward stands. "Your Honor, I have one final piece of evidence I'd like to present."

Judge Cole nods. "Proceed, Mr Stone."

Edward gestures to a court officer, who wheels in a TV on a cart. My stomach drops. What could this be?

"Your Honor, I'd like to present Exhibit C," Edward says. "This is security camera footage from The Ryeman that Mr. Fulton performed at, taken a few months ago."

As the video begins to play, I feel all the blood drain from my face. There I am, clearly visible on the screen, locked in a passionate embrace with Jade. She’s straddling me with my body in between her thighs as her hands are all over me. We're at the bar, oblivious to the people around us, lost in our own world

I hear a sharp intake of breath from Xavier. When I dare to glance his way, his face is a mask of shock and betrayal. Of course. Jade is his sister. And I never told him we were together.

Edward’s voice cuts through my panic. "As you can see, Your Honor, while Mr. Fulton claims to be a devoted father, he's out engaging in... shall we say, debaucherous activities. And where was Penny while this was happening? Left at home, I presume."

"Objection!" Abby calls out, her voice tight with tension. "This video proves nothing about Mr. Fulton’s parenting abilities."

"On the contrary," Edward counters smoothly, "it speaks volumes about Mr. Fulton’s priorities. He claims to have changed his ways, to have become a responsible parent. And yet here he is, behaving like a college student on spring break while his infant daughter is who knows where."

Judge Cole holds up a hand, silencing both lawyers. Her eyes are hard as she looks at me. "Mr. Fulton, would you care to explain this?"

I stand on shaky legs, my mind racing. "Your Honor, I... That night, Penny was with Xavier and Jade’s mother. A very qualified, very responsible woman. I would never leave her alone or in danger."

"And this woman you're with?" Judge Cole asks, gesturing to the frozen image of Jade and me on the screen.

I swallow hard. "That's Jade, Your Honor. My... my girlfriend."

"I see." Judge Cole’s voice is cold. "And how long have you been in this relationship?"

"A few months," I admit, feeling the ground crumbling beneath my feet.

"So, while you've been fighting for custody of your daughter, claiming to be focused solely on her wellbeing, you've actually been carrying on a secret relationship?" Judge Cole’s disapproval is palpable.

"It's not like that, Your Honor," I protest weakly. "Jade is a wonderful person. She loves Penny. She's been a great support -"

"Enough." Judge Cole cuts me off. She turns to Xavier, who's still staring at the screen in shock. "And you, Mr. Holmes. You're Mr. Fulton’s manager, correct? And also, if I'm not mistaken, the brother of the woman in this video?"

Xavier nods stiffly. "Yes, Your Honor."

"Were you aware of this relationship?"

Xavier's voice is tight with barely controlled anger. "No, Your Honor. I was not."

Judge Cole nods, her expression grim. "I see."

She's silent for a long moment, looking between me, Chloe, and the damning image on the screen. When she speaks again, her voice is heavy with disappointment.

"Mr. Fulton, when you came into my courtroom today, I was prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt. Your lawyer made a compelling case for your devotion to your daughter. But this..." she gestures to the screen, "this casts serious doubt on your judgment and your honesty."

My heart sinks. I know what's coming before she even says it.

"In light of this new evidence, I'm granting temporary full custody to Ms. Thomas, pending a full investigation into Mr. Fulton’s lifestyle and its potential impact on Penny’s wellbeing."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I stumble back, gripping the table for support. Jade reaches for me, but I pull away, unable to bear her touch right now.

"Mr. Fulton will have supervised visitation rights, to be arranged through the court," Judge Cole continues. "We'll reconvene in thirty days to reassess the situation. Court is adjourned."

The bang of her gavel echoes through the courtroom like a gunshot. I watch, numb, as Chloe hugs her lawyer, tears of relief streaming down her face. Across the aisle, Xavier storms out of the courtroom without a backward glance.

Abby is saying something to me, probably trying to reassure me that this isn't over, that we can still fight. But I can't focus on her words. All I can think about is Penny. My beautiful, innocent daughter, who is being carried away by Chloe, as the words, “dada, dada, dada…” fade as they disappear into the crowd.

As we file out of the courtroom, I feel like I'm moving through a fog. Jade tries to take my hand, but I pull away. "Not now," I mutter, unable to meet her eyes.

Outside, the bright sunlight feels like an insult. How can the world look so normal when my entire life has just been turned upside down?

"Zac," Jade says softly, reaching for me again. "I'm so sorry. I never thought -"

"That's right," I cut her off, my voice harsher than I intend. "You never thought. We never thought. And now I might lose my daughter because of it."

Jade recoils as if I've slapped her. "That's not fair, Zac. We both -"

"Just... not now, okay?" I interrupt. "I can't do this right now."

Without waiting for a response, I turn and walk away, leaving Jade standing alone on the courthouse steps. I know I'm being unfair. I know this isn't her fault any more than it's mine. But right now, all I can feel is the crushing weight of loss; the bitter sting of regret.

As I walk aimlessly down the street, my mind races. How did it all go so wrong? This morning, I was sure I'd be tucking Penny into bed tonight, reading her favorite story and kissing her goodnight. Now, I don't know when I'll see her again.

I think about calling Xavier, trying to explain, but I know he won't answer. The look of betrayal on his face when he saw that video... I've never seen him look at me like that before.

I end up at a park, collapsing onto a bench. Families are out enjoying the sunny day, parents pushing children on swings, chasing toddlers across the grass. The sight of them makes my chest ache.

As the sun begins to set, I finally force myself to head home. The house feels empty, echoing with Penny's absence. Her toys are scattered across the living room floor, a half-empty bottle still sitting on the coffee table. I pick it up, cradling it in my hands like it's the most precious thing in the world.

I sink onto the couch, Penny's bottle still clutched in my hand. For the first time since the judge's ruling, I let the tears come.

As night falls, I remain on the couch, lost in a haze of grief and self-loathing. I know I should be planning, strategizing, figuring out how to fix this. But right now, all I can do is sit in the dark surrounded by reminders of my daughter, and wonder how I'm going to survive the next thirty days without her.

I look around the house. It’s pitch black. There’s no sound. There’s no Penny, no Xavier, and no Jade.