Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 58

December 7th, 2019

"Mia?" A gentle knocking on the door had me sitting up as Jennie came in. Kayla wouldn't be here for several more hours, as she always had the afternoon shifts.

It was late morning, and Neo, Javi and I were watching a movie together on his laptop. Neo had been here both yesterday and today, wanting to make sure I was still okay from my fight with the Adam boys two days ago.

Javi and I had sat down and talked about what we wanted for the future, and we both agreed that we wanted to stay in New York. Ma had happily offered us a place with them for as long as we needed until I could save up enough for a flat of my own. I swear that woman had tried to bring in an entire homemade buffet for me yesterday when she'd visited, insisting I was practically a part of the family. Neo had encouraged me to move in with them, so Javi and I agreed. I only had another year until my eighteenth, so I'd stay with the Mendosas for a while. If not, Janie and her parents had offered up their place, and there was always the shelter, but I really just wanted to stay close to my friends.

"The police are here to ask you some questions," Kayla explained as an officer stepped into the room behind her. He was tall, with almond-coloured skin and combed black hair, and his eyes wrinkled around the corners as he smiled at me. He didn't appear to be frightening, but I was still on edge.

"Hi Mia," he said gently. "I'm Officer Lee. I'm going to ask you a few questions, is that alright?"

I nodded shyly, glancing towards Javi.

Neo rose to his feet, sliding his shoes on and running a hand through his messy brown hair. "I'll watch him," he promised me, kissing my forehead before taking Javi by the hand and leaving down the hall.

Officer lee pulled up a chair by my bed, glancing around the room. "Is your legal guardian here?" he asked.

"I wasn't aware I had one," I answered, fidgeting with my fingers.

He flipped through his notepad. "Your oldest brother? Cato Adams? Is he here?"

"He's not here," I replied quietly.

"Would you like to call him?" Lee pressed.

"No,"

"Alright then," He pulled out a small device. "Is it okay if I record our conversation?"

I nodded, crossing my legs and folding my hands in my lap, trying to keep my nerves in check.

"Is that your foster brother?" Lee asked with a small smile.

"He's my brother," I corrected firmly.

"Ah, okay, my mistake. Mia, do you know what happened to your foster father?"

I shook my head. "All I know is that he was arrested,"

Lee nodded. "Yeah, he was. He did some pretty bad stuff to you and your siblings, isn't that right?"

I stared at him uneasily, forcing myself to nod.

"He's facing murder charges," Lee continued. "His trial is in two weeks. Are you willing to testify against him?"

I paused. I hadn't been expecting to hear this question at all, but if it meant Ben was put in jail for good and safely away from Javi and me, I would do it in a heartbeat. "Yes," I answered. "That's fine,"

Officer Lee gave me an encouraging smile. "Glad to hear it. Can you tell me about your childhood, Mia? Just give me a brief story,"

I wrung my hands in my lap. "He would hit us," I started quietly.

Lee nodded. "Okay good, keep going,"

"He would beat us and kick us and do really terrible things. He shot my sister through the head and he would beat my two-year-old brother," I whispered, my eyes welling with tears.

Officer Lee grabbed my hand. "Hey hey, it's alright," He handed me a tissue, which I took gratefully.

I took several deep breaths to calm myself, feeling incredibly awkward and vulnerable at the moment. I'd already had thirteen other people learn about my history, the last thing I wanted was to tell another person. I straightened out, gathering a tiny bit of composure. I just had to get it over with.

"Okay, Mia, are you ready to keep going?"

I lifted my head bravely, nodding. "Yes,"

***

"So I hear you're getting out tomorrow," Officer Lee said with a smile.

I nodded happily. "Yes, I am,"

His smile faltered. "And you're aware of your familial arrangements?"

I stared at him in confusion. "My... what?"

Lee folded his notebook and switched off his recorder. "Your brother has claimed custody," he explained hesitantly.

I froze. "And Javi?"

He gave me a remorseful look. "I'm afraid he'll be put in foster care until his birth mother is located," he explained. "I'm sorry,"

"His birth mother is dead," I told him bitterly. "She overdosed when Javi was three,"

"He might have an aunt or uncle,"

"He doesn't," I assured him. "She didn't have any family,"

Lee flipped open his notebook. "Can I get her name?"

"Zoe Petrelli," I answered, scrunching my nose in disgust as I watched Lee jot down the name.

"We'll check for any relatives, but in the meantime, we can see if your brother will take him in with you," he offered.

"No," I blurted defiantly. "Please no, we don't want to live with them,"

Lee sighed. "Mia, you guys have to go somewhere. Your brother is your only option,"

"Do I get a choice?"

"You have no other family, Mia," he told me exasperatedly.

"Emilia Mendosa," I announced. "She said we could live with her. Please, Javi and I can't be separated, and I refuse to live with my brothers,"

Lee nodded slowly, writing down her name before closing his notebook and leaning forward to talk to me. "Have you heard of emancipation?" he asked, his eyebrows drawing up together as I shook my head. "Well, it's a court process you go through to become recognised as an adult to the state. You'd be able to live on your own," he explained.

I couldn't help but frown, even though it sounded like something I wanted. "And I could have custody of my brother?"

"I'm afraid not. You'd have to wait until you're eighteen to claim his custody no matter what route you two choose to take," he told me.

I felt deflated, losing hope. If we couldn't be placed with Emilia, we would either be separated or forced to live with my brothers.

"You don't have to decide right now," he said gently. "I'd wait and talk to someone you trust so they can help you. For now, I'd keep it as a backup plan, okay?

I nodded silently, fidgeting with the hem of my sweatshirt. "We'd like to be placed with Emilia Mendosa," I repeated, forcing the words out bitterly.

Officer Lee nodded and rose to his feet. He shook my hand, giving me a curt smile. "Well I'll have to make some calls, but I'll let you know whatever's been decided,"

"Thanks," I mumbled faintly, watching him leave.

The door close after him with a loud thud, making me jump slightly. I'd thought things had sucked before today, but apparently, I'd been wrong. Oh so very wrong.