ᵈᵒⁿ'ᵗ ˡᵉᵗ ⁱᵗ ᵇʳᵉᵃᵏ ʸᵒᵘʳ ʰᵉᵃʳᵗ♥︎

Chapter 9

As the custody battle unfolded in court, emotions ran high for everyone involved. Alana and Louis sat side by side, anxious and determined, ready to fight for the well-being of their children. On the other side, Harry and Alana's parents, Harvey and Marie, presented their arguments, each making a case for their desired outcome.

The courtroom was filled with tension as the lawyers laid out the strengths and capabilities of each parent. Alana's heart raced as she listened to the arguments, hoping that the judge would consider what was truly best for Charlie and Rhiannon.

During the proceedings, Alana and Louis testified about their love and commitment as parents, their stable home environment, and their willingness to provide the best for their children. Harry also expressed his desire to be a responsible and involved father in Charlie's life.

Alana's parents, on the other hand, argued that they could offer a more stable and nurturing environment for both Charlie and Rhiannon, while Harry's primary focus was on securing custody of his son.

After considering all the evidence and testimonies, the judge delivered the verdict. "In the best interest of the children," the judge began, "I rule that Harry will have custody of Charlie, and Alana will have visitation rights. Rhiannon will have joint custody, spending time with both Louis and Alana."

Alana was heartbroken. Louis put a reassuring arm around Alana, understanding her feelings all too well. They knew they had to be strong for the children and make the most of the situation.

As the judge's ruling echoed in the courtroom, Alana and Louis' emotions reached their breaking point. The weight of the decision was too much to bear, and the stress had taken a toll on Louis. He clutched his chest in pain, a sudden surge of anguish washing over him.

"Louis! Are you okay?" Alana cried out, rushing to his side as he dropped to the floor.

Robyn and Jack quickly reacted, and Robyn immediately called for an ambulance. The courtroom filled with chaos as people rushed to help, while Alana held Louis close, trying to provide comfort amidst her own distress.

"It's going to be alright, Louis. Just hold on. Help is on the way," Alana whispered, her voice trembling with worry.

As they waited for the ambulance, Alana's mental and emotional turmoil reached its breaking point. The stress of the custody battle and witnessing Louis in pain overwhelmed her. She let out a desperate cry, a raw and heart-wrenching expression of her inner torment.

Robyn and Jack rushed to console Alana, wrapping their arms around her, understanding the magnitude of her pain. Together, they stood by her side, providing a support system she desperately needed.

When the ambulance arrived, paramedics quickly attended to Louis, assessing his condition. They loaded him onto a stretcher, and Alana followed closely behind as they rushed him to the hospital.

In the midst of this crisis, Alana's parents and Harry watched the scene unfold with mixed emotions.

...

In the hospital waiting room, Alana struggled to keep her composure as Robyn sat by her side, offering a comforting presence. Jack held Rhiannon close, gently reassuring her that everything would be alright. Meanwhile, Harry stood awkwardly with Charlie at his side, uncertain of how to approach the situation.

"Alana, I know you're upset, but can we talk?" Harry began tentatively. "Talk? After everything that's fucking happened, now you want to talk?" Alana snapped, her emotions running high.

Before Harry could respond, a doctor entered the room and approached the group. Alana tried to steady her breathing, anxious to hear about Louis' condition.

The doctor delivered the news, and it hit Alana like a tidal wave. "Louis has Liver & Intrahepatic Bile Duct," the doctor explained. "He's stable for now, but we need to run more tests and decide on the best course of treatment."

Alana's heart sank, and tears welled up in her eyes. She felt overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, juggling the custody battle and now her partner's health crisis.

Unable to contain her emotions, Alana excused herself from the room, needing a moment to process everything. She walked down the hospital corridor, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty.

Outside, she leaned against the wall, trying to collect her thoughts. Robyn soon joined her, offering a comforting embrace. "It's going to be okay, Alana. We'll get through this together," Robyn said softly.

Alana nodded, wiping away tears. "I just feel like everything is falling apart," she admitted, her vulnerability showing. Robyn held her friend's hand tightly.

Back inside the room, Harry took a deep breath, realizing the impact of his past actions on Alana and his family. He wanted to be there for Charlie, but he also recognized that Alana needed space and time to process everything.

Jack, angry for many reasons, approached Harry. "This is your fault you know and I'm not just talking about that stunt pulled with the custody battle." he advised. "She's hurting because of you."

Harry nodded, acknowledging Jack's words. "I just want to be there for my son," he said quietly.

"And there could've been a better way for that." Jack snapped him. "All Alana wanted was support. And you couldn't even do that." Harry was gonna reply but paused seeing Alana returned to the room.