by Mj Fields
Brody walked out of the courtroom and looked down. He did not want to even acknowledge the swarms of fans and press. He and his lawyer sat in the car as Lila worked her magic.
“It has been a rough few months for Mr. Hines. Although he adores all of you he needs his privacy, time to reflect, heal, and move on from this chapter of his life. Both he and Ariel came to an agreement today. Brody is currently working on a new album.” Lila smiled as the crowd cheered. “Its release should be within the next few months. We will definitely keep you all informed, thank you for your show of support today.”
Lila got in the car and looked at Brody, “Are you alright?”
“Sure, I just don’t look forward to sitting in that damn hotel room. I am considering going home for a few months to finish the album instead of just a month,” Brody said looking out the window.
The car dropped his lawyer off at the Manhattan office and started down the street. “I think you should stay with me Brody, just for a few days,” Lila smiled. “Would you like to do that until you leave?”
“A few of my friends are coming in to the city tonight, to celebrate the demise of my marriage,” he laughed. “Are you up for lots of company?”
“The more the merrier.” Lila laughed.
~
Emma walked into the courtroom with the arresting officer and saw Troy sitting in a chair next to a lawyer. He looked up at her and scowled. Emma sat and waited for Troy to be called. They were the case on the docent.
“Mr. Fields you are being charged with endangering the welfare of a child, child neglect, and felony possession of a narcotic, how do you plead?” the Judge asked.
“Not guilty sir,” Troy said and looked at Emma.
“Really, so you want to go to trial over this?” the Judge laughed. “Officer White could you approach the bench and remind Mr. Fields the evidence you have against him?”
“Yes your honor,” Officer White said and read through the paperwork.
“You want to rethink that son? Your seven year old daughter locked herself in a bathroom and called her mother to come and get her when it was your responsibility to keep her safe. You threw a party with cocaine and alcohol for a rowdy group of townies. Mr. Fields you were so loaded that you didn’t even know that she spent over an hour in the bathroom scared out of her mind waiting for her mother to travel from the city to help her. Mrs. Fields, although it was incredibly stupid to wait to call the police, I can tell you it certainly helped to build a strong custody case for you. What is your visitation agreement?”
Emma handed him the custody paperwork, “Your honor I wasn’t thinking of anything except getting to her quickly. It was a suggestion from a friend when we were almost there. I agreed because I knew Troy would not be happy if I showed up and that London was safely waiting locked in a bathroom talking to me on the phone. I wasn’t thinking,” she whispered.
“So Mr. Fields, I could put you on the docket and we are booking about two months from now, or you could get some help. Get your ass into a rehabilitation center and get better for your child,” Judge Owen said looking at him.
“I am not going to rehab,” Troy laughed.
“Alright then I herby order that your current custody agreement is null and void until after your trial for these charges,” Judge Owen said looking at him, “Mrs. Fields visitation is at your discretion, I would suggest you contact your lawyer about this. There are several options including supervised visits.”
“Your honor, I think you’re stepping outside of your job description,” Troy’s lawyer said warning Judge Owen.
“No councilor I am merely telling Mrs. Fields to weigh her options. Case postponed until a trial date is set,” Judge Owen said and stood up and walked out of the courtroom.
“You can’t keep me from her Emma, she is my daughter. I have rights,” Troy said in a superior tone she was so used to hearing.
“London has rights Troy, she has a right to be safe and loved. Get some help,” Emma said as she turned to walk out.
“Don’t you walk away from me Emma,” Troy yelled after her.
“I am leaving to take care of my daughter Troy. Damn it could you do the right thing, please,” Emma said pleading as she walked out.
Emma drove back to the city and parked in the garage at Lila’s. She looked in the mirror and wiped the smudged mascara from her face and grabbed her bag. She had left a message for her lawyer so that she could figure out her next move. What a mess, London would be alright but Troy, what the heck was she going to do.
Emma walked into the apartment and saw a bunch of people. She didn’t see Lila and tried to hide from the group of guys listening to loud music and laughing as they drank in the living room. Emma walked down the hall unseen towards the bathroom.
“Hello Emma,” Brody said smiling as he walked out of the bathroom.
“Oh hi,” she said pushing past him as she walked in the bathroom and shut the door.
Shit, Emma thought as she washed the makeup from her eyes and tried to pull herself together.
She called her mother, “Hello Mom,” she said as her voice cracked.
“Emma, are you alright honey?” Caroline said in a deeply concerned tone.
“I will be, is London home yet?” Emma asked.
“Well you must have forgotten she had dance tonight so she is upstairs getting ready. I will stay with her tonight and meet you tomorrow night,” Caroline said.
“Oh how could I have forgotten,” Emma said and began to cry.
“Emma you have a lot going on. She doesn’t know you forgot and we are having a good time. How did things go with Troy?” Caroline asked.
Emma took a deep breath and told her what had happened. Her mother agreed to support her in any way she could, which Emma knew she would. Her parents were amazing. Emma knew how lucky she was to have them, especially now. Emma chatted with London and promised that they would do something fun when they saw each other in a couple days.
“Good luck with your interviews tomorrow Mommy,” London said with a smile in her voice.
“How did you know about that London?” Emma asked.
“Grandma,” she laughed.
“Of course she told you. It’s not definite London, I am just weighing our options okay?” Emma asked cautiously.
“Mom, I am okay with moving if it would be better for us. Plus it would be fun to live with Grandma and Grandpa,” London said happily.
“Oh Grandma talked about that hu?” Emma said laughing.
She said goodbye and looked in the mirror again, good enough she thought.
Emma walked out of the bathroom and Brody was standing against the wall in the hallway.
“Are you alright Emma?” he asked.
“How did things go for you today,” Emma said changing the subject.
“As expected, it will be fine. Are you alright?” Brody asked again.
Emma laughed, “I will be, I have to be.”
“What happened?” Brody asked.
Emma wasn’t sure if it was the accent that made him seem older than her at this moment, but it made her uncomfortable.
He could sense that. “If I am asking questions you do not wish to answer I apologize.”
Emma knew she had made him uncomfortable and felt awful, “No need to apologize. I just haven’t had time to process it all yet. The Judge left a lot of decisions in my hands. I just don’t know what is best for London, I just need to figure it all out. And honestly I am tired of being an adult and trying to figure every damn thing out. I wish I could run away with my daughter and not deal with all the nonsense,” she looked up when she heard the music start again, “You have a raucous group out there,” she laughed, “You better get back to them.”
“Emma, I did not consider that you would be here and in this state of mind,” Brody said. “However you did mention needing a break from being responsible. This crew is the best at being rash. You should join us,” Brody smiled.
“I would love to meet
your friends Brody,” Emma said and looked up at him.
“Oh, yes meeting my friends,” he said looking confused.
Oh wow, that did not come out the way it was meant to. He must think I am into him. Why do I open my mouth? This silence is painful quick Emma fix it, she thought.
“If you don’t want to share your people I get it,” she smiled. “I have my people too.”
“Emma that’s not what I meant, I just,” Brody began.
“I know Brody,” she laughed, her phone rang. “Give me a few minutes and I will come out. Hello this is Emma,” she answered the call and walked to the room she had been staying in.
Emma woke up to a knock on the door and yelling from outside of it. She jumped up and opened the door.
“Troy what are you doing here?” she asked still sleepy.
“Lila’s friend hu?” Troy yelled.
“Yes, Lila’s friend. Are you drunk Troy?” Emma asked pushing past him, “You need to leave.”
“Your coming with me, we have a lot to talk about,” Troy laughed pulling her arm.
“Release her,” Brody said his eyes angry.
“Fuck you,” Troy laughed.
“Enough!” Emma yelled, “Troy do you want the police to be called again?”
Troy laughed, “Why the fuck not, what else can you do to me?”
Emma’s eyes felt like they were on fire, “Haven’t you done enough?” she asked as tears started to flow down her face. “What can I possibly do Troy, to make your life any easier?”
“Take me back Emma, I will be better,” Troy said looking her in the eyes.
“No,” Emma said sternly looking down.
“How the hell am I suppose to fix this then, hu. How?” Troy pleaded.
“By admitting you have a problem and getting help, get help,” Emma said and he hugged her.
Her body stiffened as he clung to her.
“I will, for us Emma,” Troy said softly in her ear.
Brody looked at her and could tell she was disgusted. Emma took a deep breath and opened her eyes and saw the five guys standing there. How freaking embarrassing she thought and rolled her eyes.
The music turned off and Lila yelled, “Is there a party here without me, ya know I do have neighbors,” she laughed and turned the corner and saw them all.
“Well hello Troy, how the hell did you get in here?” Lila asked pissed.
“Lila,” he said and tipped his head. “Did you ever tell Emma what happened with you and I?”
“You mean when you tried to get me to go home with you, no I spared her the details. Emma we can discuss this later? In the meantime your ass needs to leave,” Lila said to Troy.
“Can we please talk about this Emma, please,” Troy pleaded.
“Lila can I have a minute?” Emma asked.
“Sure Emma. Come on boys,” Lila said and they all left the hallway and went into the kitchen, all except Brody who walked into the bathroom.
“Emma, can we work through this. If I go to rehab can we be a family again,” Troy pleaded.
“I think you should go to rehab Troy. As far as you and I are concerned I am sure it’s over. However we have London so for the rest of our lives we are bound. You need to want to fix things for her and for you, do you understand?” Emma said in a concerned tone.
“If that will help us then that’s what I will do,” Troy said.
“You don’t get it. London is your daughter Troy. She deserves to have a healthy relationship with you. For that to happen you need to be healthy,” Emma said with pleading eyes.
“How about this, what are you going to do when I sit in rehab getting the help you think I need. What are you going to do for money without my child support? When I get out am I going to owe you all the back support and what about health insurance, do you ever think? Jesus Emma,” Troy snapped.
“Here’s the deal Troy. I want nothing, if you’re not getting a paid leave, I want nothing but for my daughter to have a healthy father. Get better Troy, we are done here,” Emma said.
“What about visitation Emma when can I see her?” Troy asked.
“Well I talked to my lawyer and she suggested supervised visits. But Troy if you think the nonsense you put her through the other day was alright? Telling her I had a boyfriend and trying to make her mad at me. Telling her I was at fault for this divorce and not that your several girlfriends played a major role in our marriage falling apart. She is seven years old, maybe while you are at rehab you could take a fucking course on growing up as well!” Emma yelled.
“Your pushing me Em, I wouldn’t if I were you,” Troy growled.
Emma laughed, “Time for you to leave.”
“Why so you can go fuck the Rockstar?” Troy said.
“Oh yes, the same way I fucked you for the first four years we where together, remember that Troy,” she looked at his eyes. “Oh and the endless blow jobs, I can’t wait to get started on those. Oh and anal lots and lots of that, I never thought I would like it but tastes change over the years. Yours certainly did. I think I will try it,” Emma said seductively.
“You’re a bitch Emma, you changed,” Troy snarled.
“Yes I have, thanks to you,” Emma said and walked him to the door. “Let me know what you decide. Did you drive?”
“No, why did you want to call the Police?” Troy said as he scowled at her and walked out.
~
Emma sat at the kitchen island drinking a cup of tea and saw Brody walk down the hall, he was trying not to smile.
Lila and the other guys walked into the kitchen, they all stood and looked at Emma. Emma laughed, “So he hit on you Lila?”
“Sorry Emma, I would have told you but you had just miscarried and I didn’t want to upset you anymore,” Lila said cautiously.
“Alright then. So what are we going to do tonight?” Emma asked forcing a smile.
“I thought you already made plans Emma,” Brody said trying to hold back his amusement.
“No, I guess I could get ready for my interviews. You guys have fun,” Emma said and turned towards the hall.
“Emma I am going to order dinner in tonight, the guys are staying to avoid the press. Don’t go back in there please. Have a drink with us,” Lila asked.
“I don’t want to interrupt,” Emma said and smiled. Lila handed her a glass of wine and she sat and listened to Brody and his friends talk as she thumbed through her iPhone.
“Emma would you like to listen to Maroon 5 or Kids Bop?” Brody said and laughed as he handed her a beer.
“How about Brody Hines,” his friend Joe asked.
“No, she doesn’t care for my music,” Brody laughed without smiling.
“I never said that,” Emma said apologetically.
“What do you mean you don’t like his music?” Joe said laughing.
“It’s not fun enough, not Poppy,” he laughed.
There’s that P again Emma thought and smiled to herself.
She threw him a silly look, “Its great just not happy and upbeat.”
“So music that you would make love too?” Joe asked.
Emma choked on her drink and Brody laughed. “No, more like watching someone through a window as they have sex, right Emma?”
“Wow, that’s pretty awkward if that’s what you got out of our conversation,” Emma said and laughed uncomfortably.
“No, awkward would be the conversation I heard while using the restroom and you and your ex were talking…” Brody laughed obviously loosening up after a few drinks.
“Do tell,” Lila said laughing as Emma closed her eyes and tried not to laugh.
“Well apparently Emma is going to make some Rock Star very happy. Lots of sex, blowjobs, and possibly…” Brody started and Emma threw a pillow at him, he laughed.
“Emma dear were you talking about me?” he laughed.
“Troy brought it up and I was trying to make him mad,” Emma said and turned red.
“Well I think you succeeded,” Brody guf
fawed.
“Were you spying on me?” Emma asked smirking.
“No I truly had to use the restroom, however when I went to leave that ass was being rude and I was afraid he may hurt you,” Brody said sincerely looking into Emma’s eyes.
When he looked at her like that she felt vulnerable and nervous. She cast her eyes down hoping to find something humorous to say to make this less uncomfortable.
“That is very sweet Brody, isn’t it?” Lila said looking at his friends.
Joe smiled, “Brody man, you’re pretty intense.”
“Or pretty drunk,” Emma said and smiled at them, trying to lighten the conversation that was now making her uncomfortable.
“I am not drunk,” Brody said insistently and sat back. “I do not like him.”
“Well me either,” Emma laughed and stood up. “Anyone want a drink?”
“I do,” they all said.
“Turn on some music,” Emma yelled over her shoulder.
Emma handed out drinks and sat down and listened to the music.
Her foot was tapping and Joe noticed, “You like this song Emma?”
“Yes actually it’s upbeat,” Emma smiled.
“It’s Brody,” Joe said and grinned.
“Okay, what changed from then and now?” Emma asked looking at Brody.
“I was younger,” Brody said and sat forward and looked at his friends. “We had a lot of fun then hu?”
“Sure did, that was before,” Joe said and laughed.