Page 81 of Baby Blue
Blue could see tears pooling in Anne’s eyes. “Um, I’m not accustomed to talking about my personal life.” She looked at the judge, but he nodded. “Mr.Wallace and I are in a relationship.”
“You were in that relationship before the baby came along, were you not?” Casey asked.
“No. I was not. I wasn’t the least bit attracted to the old Brent. But the new Brent is a kind, decent, hard-working, honorable man.”
“So does he have a split personality?” Casey asked, leering.
“Objection!” Glen shouted loudly.
“Sustained. You’ll refrain from asking Ms.Black anything that could be construed as an opinion on Mr.Wallace’s mental health.” Blue knew he hadn’t meant it that way?he was just trying to make a point.
“Sorry, YourHonor.” Casey stared at Anne for a few seconds, then said, “No more questions.”
“You may step down, Ms.Black, and thank you for your testimony.” Blue watched as Anne walked slowly down the aisle toward the courtroom doors. She pulled a tissue from her bag and blew her nose, and his heart broke for her. He hated that she was being put in the spotlight just for loving him, but he was beyond grateful that she was willing to stand beside him.
Blue thought Ms.Parker would be next, but the judge said, “The court calls PatriciaNewsome to the stand.”
Blue’s head whipped to face Glen. “Who’s that?” he whispered.
“Brent, listen to me. You signed papers for me to pull any records I needed on your behalf. I felt this was necessary or I wouldn’t do it. It’s going to be hard, but you have to trust me.”
“But I don’t know her,” Blue whispered back.
“Yes. You do. And you’ll remember in a few minutes. I want you to be prepared. This could be very emotional for you, so hang tough, okay?”
It was bewildering to Blue, but he nodded. The courtroom doors opened and a small, thin woman of about sixty stepped in. She had waist-length white hair pulled back in a long braid, and she was wearing a mid-calf length, shapeless, gingham print dress and a pair of what Blue had always called “Jesus sandals.”She gave him a brief smile as she walked past the table and Blue’s stomach quivered. He was sure he knew her, but how?
Formalities out of the way, Glen stepped to the box. “Good morning, Ms.Newsome. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks! Beautiful day.”
“Yes, it is. So we’re here today to determine who should have custody of a baby girl. Her name is IndigoDarling Wallace. Do you know her father, BrentWallace?”
“Blue? Of course I know Blue!” she said and smiled. “I was his foster mother for about seven months.”
The air got heavy and Blue had trouble sucking any in. He remembered Ms.Newsome. His time with her had been short but he couldn’t remember why. Any time he’d left a foster home, he figured he’d done something wrong, so he tried to put it out of his mind. He wasn’t sure what he’d done that time. Lost in thought, he heard the judge say, “Mr.Wallace?”
Blue’s head snapped up and he tried to speak, but he couldn’t. Next thing he knew, Glen was in his face. “Deep breaths, Brent. It’s okay. Everything’s okay.” Blue just nodded and tried to regain his composure. Why had Glen called one of his foster parents? This would be a disaster, he just knew it.
“I’m sorry, YourHonor. This is very stressful for my client,” Glen said, and JudgeHargrove nodded his understanding. “Now, Ms.Newsome,” Glen said, turning back to the little woman, “you said you remember Mr.Wallace?”
“Oh, yes! Of all the years I served as a foster mother, those seven months stand out as the best I can remember. I hope I helped him somehow.”
“What kind of child was Mr.Wallace?”
Her face grew wistful and her smile warm. “He was the sweetest little boy! He used to make little mud pies in the yard and bring them to me. He’d say, ‘MizPatty’?that’s what all thekids called me, you know?‘MizPatty, if I knew how to bake I’d make you a real cake.’”
“And what would you say his emotional state was while he was with you?”
“Somewhat fragile. I mean, he didn’t act out or misbehave, but he was a very unhappy little boy,” Ms.Newsome said, her face saddening at the memories.
“I see. What do you remember of the background you were given on him?”
“They said his parents abandoned him when he was just a little thing. He went from foster home to foster home. His little back and butt were a maze of scars, all kinds of scars, from whippings and all kinds of things. And cigarette burns too,” she said almost in a whisper, and Blue wanted to die.
“You said you only had him seven months. How old was he when he was with you?”
“About seven.”
