Sorry this took so long to get out. I had a busy several days and was just so tired when I sat down I couldn’t finish it up until now.
Custody Battle
Hello Liam watchers. If you recall last time you visited Liam he was preparing for his final hearing before the Family Court judge.
Today is that day and Liam with all of the children, except for the toddlers, are in the court prepared to prove he deserves to keep his children.
The judge is just now hearing the testimony of the social worker, Chiquita Buffington, on the facts of the case and her observations on visits. She has included all of the bad, including the presence of the cow plant on the property, she has encountered on her visits. She also has included the good things she has seen. Of course she had neglected to tell the judge about her last visit to Liam’s house and that she indulged in a little hanky-panky in the wardrobe with him.
Here is the judge, Bambi Forrest, and she has a reputation of being fair as well as tough.
“In conclusion, your honor, I believe that even though at times Mr. Gelman has over-looked some things in regards to safety for his children he has learned from those mistakes and taken positive steps to work with us to correct them. Over all his children are healthy, happy and seem well-adjusted despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the family.”
“Miss Buffington I wonder if you had a chance to look at the newspaper this morning?”
“No Your Honor.”
“I had thought not since it shows you entering Mr. Gelman’s house after work hours and questioning why you were there. It claims the person taking the photo that accompanied the story didn’t see you leave until early that morning. Have you anything to say about that incident?”
“Your Honor I did visit him after work to express sympathy over the Nanny incident but I can assure you that visit did not impair my ability to present my findings impartially.”
“Your Honor, if I may interject, I agree it might have called her testimony into question if the written report wasn’t submitted before the article claims this visit was witnessed. Perhaps Miss Buffington shouldn’t have visited Mr. Gelman after hours but I don’t think it negatively has impacted the case.”
This man, I forget his name because I’d rather call him Mr. Big Nose, is the city attorney sitting in on Liam’s case.
“So you agree with Miss Buffington’s findings?”
“I do Your Honor though I would like to add that Family Services is not as confident in Mr. Gelman’s parental abilities. If Mr. Gelman is allowed to raise his children at the very least he needs to be supervised.”
“Your Honor if you’d let Mr. Gelman’s children have their say I think you’ll find that he is a good father. 100 Baby Challenge families are often misunderstood and by seeing opinions of his adult and young children I think you’ll see custody shouldn’t be taken away.”
“I wouldn’t be adverse to hearing from his children.”
This should be interesting. It will either be a boon for Liam or a train wreck.
“Then I call Scarab Queen to the stand.”
“Mr. Queen please tell us about your unique perspective on this situation.”
“Well Ms. Wood I’m Liam Gelman and Elena Queen’s son. My mom has her own person challenge to have 100 children so she and my dad decided to help each other out.”
“Do you think that you and your brothers and sisters that grew up with your mother were harmed in any way by your mother’s challenge?”
“No we all have grown up to be happy and be useful parts of sim society. Having lots of brothers and sisters just means we have more people to love and support us.”
“Since arriving to visit your father do you think your brothers and sisters had a bad upbringing.”
“No they seem happy and healthy and I’m really enjoying getting to know my dad.”
“So Mr. Queen. Am I right that you and your full siblings were conceived with Mr. Gelman when your mother was married to another man?”
“Well yes but Cameron never treated us any different from his own kids.”
“So he was alright with her staying with Mr. Gelman and having babies for all those months? He knew about everything?”
“That I’m not too sure of…”
“So you’re not certain that it might have something to do with your mother’s recent disappearance from Twinbrook and the recent filing for divorce by Cameron Sky?”
“I don’t think what he knows about his mother’s business has anything to do with this case. Your Honor can we move these proceedings along?”
Poor Mya this line of questioning must have struck a nerve since Cameron Sky is her brother. Small world isn’t it?
“I’d like to call Serpent Queen to the stand.”
What is that expression? Out of the frying pan and into the fire?
“Mr. Queen please tell us your impression of your father’s household and growing up as part of two 100 Baby Challenge families.”
“Well it could be hard at times with other kids and adults not getting it but all in all we were treated really good and were happy. I don’t see things being any different in my dad’s house. The kids all have done really well and pitched in to support dad after that nanny went nuts.”
“So, Mr. Queen I assume its your contention that children raised in these 100 Baby Challenge households grow up to be law-abiding and well adjusted members of the community?”
“That’s right. We’re all turning out pretty good in life.”
“I assume you include yourself in that group of fine citizens?”
“Of course.”
“Isn’t it true that you work for the local shipping company?”
“That’s right.”
“Isn’t it true that company is really a front for local criminal activity and you yourself are a criminal? I remind you that you are under oath when you answer?”
“I plead the 5th.”
I think this is turning into a train wreck.
“Sorry Dad I can’t stick around and make you look bad. Good luck and all of that.”
I think its more an issue of self-preservation than how he’s making Liam look. Walking out of a court proceeding is definitely not reflecting well on Liam.
“Your Honor I’d like to call Devon Queen to the stand.”
At least Primrose is doing her job and directing attention back to a decent member of the family.
“Yes me and the other triplets are helping out for a while. My older siblings helped with us when we were little so we’re doing the same until dad gets another nanny. We’re all really close. In fact my older siblings are still working together running a resort. I think the large size of the family makes us closer than a typical family.”
“I have no questions for this witness.”
Even he can’t find anything bad about Devon. Perhaps this won’t be a total disaster after all.
“Hmm… Yes well I think we all have turned out really well. I mean Devon is kind of a hero. I know that once we leave here we’ll make successes of ourselves.”
“No questions again.”
I’m actually beginning to have hope things just might turn out well for Liam after all.
“That’s right Aunt Mya… well if mom is getting a divorce though maybe I can’t call you that… but well I love Daddy. He really does love all of us. Anybody that says he’s just in the challenge because he might get some reward doesn’t know him. He also loves kids.”
“…”
“Why are you looking at me like that? What did I do? What do you mean? I’ve done nothing! Nothing! Stop staring or my brain will explode!”
Poor Liam. I really don’t think he ever noticed that Carrie was insane until this very moment. Unfortunately this will be another example of Liam’s blissful oblivion to things around him for the judge to use a black mark against him.
Now its the twins turns.
“If Mr. Gelman will allow it I’d like to question the children myself.”
“No I don’t mind.”
“So I understand your name is Desmond young man?”
“Yep.”
“How do you like living at your home?”
“Oh I love it. We all the toys we want and there’s always someone to play with around so I’m never bored.”
“Does your father spend time with you?”
“Yes. He even eats the muffins I make.”
“No one has ever hurt you?”
“No. Not even Betsy.”
That didn’t go too badly.
“Alright now I’d like to talk to your twin sister.”
“Your Honor I just want you to know that Daddy is a good father and there is no reason for you to take us away.”
“Well some people are upset he kept dangerous things and people around you.”
“That was only because he didn’t know that they were dangerous judge. Yeah its a little bad he didn’t know Betsy was a crazy lady but it’s not a crime and if you looked at her you couldn’t have guessed she was like that either.”
“She never did anything that scared you or hurt you?”
“Do you really think my Daddy would’ve kept her there if she had?”
“That’s the thing. We’re here to find out where you and your brothers and sisters would be happiest and safest.”
“I won’t be happy if I have to leave my Daddy. Please judge don’t take us away. It’s not fair. He loves us.”
This little girl’s tears just might be the perfect last impression for the judge.
“Your Honor does she have to stay up there when she’s upset?”
“Mr. Gelman I think you should thank your little girl for moving this court and you with her tears. She’s a lovely young lady and I’m sure you’re proud of her.”
“Hell yes I’m proud. I’m proud of them all. All of these kids are good kids and they tried their best. You might not think so but I’ve watched them grow up. Even Serpent and Scarab are good kids and their mom did a good job with them. Maybe I’m not a perfect father but Celine and her brothers and sisters have filled my life with happiness. I really do love being their dad.”
“Thank you for speaking from your heart Mr. Gelman. I’ve been given a lot to mull over today. I think I’d like to review everything and do some hard thinking and soul-searching tonight. We will convene tomorrow morning and I will give you my decision.”
Tonight will be an interesting evening at the Gelman household.
***
“Thanks to you guys I get to keep my kids.”
“The judge hasn’t made her decision.”
“I just know its going to be in my favor after Celine’s and my closing things up like that.”
Well it looks like Liam is taking the pressure well.
“Seeing as how I won’t need lawyers pretty soon how about you two helping me out with my challenge.”
“Liam…”
“Don’t say anything yet Prim. I just want you ladies to think about it.”
He’s not only optimistic but feeling more like himself I see.
“Well anyway you ladies are my heroes.”
“Just look at how safe the kids feel. “
“Though I am starting to worry a little about Carrie…”
“What….”
“Prim what is Mya doing?”
“Don’t touch me or you will destroy the delicate fabric of the universe!”
“Uh… sorry.”
“That’s fine. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea for me to help you. I know my brothers and sister have helped others with their challenges.”
“Awesome Primrose. You’re the best.”
“I might as well help you out too, once things are all settled of course, since I haven’t had any kids myself it might be fun to have some.”
“Thanks girls I’ll owe you big time and with you two being as pretty as you are the kids will be awesome.”
“Weee…. I love clapping!”
“Wow… the wood grain on the ceiling is awesome. What were we talking about again?”
You really know how to pick winners Liam. At least they are an improvement over the Montigo sisters.
“Dis gween.”
“No. Blue.”
“Dis gween.”
“I see red.”
::Sniff:: “Children are just so beautiful!”
::Knocking::
“Someone must be at the front door. I’ll be back.”
The person on Liam’s doorstep isn’t here for a social call because a police officer is with them.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m Detective Sargent with the Twinbrook Police Department. Are you Liam Gelman?”
“Looks like the cops are finally here for you Serpent.”
“Actually I don’t think they’re here for me.”
“Mr. Gelman I’m here to take you into custody and to execute a search warrant on the house.”X
“You mean you want to take me to jail?”
“Just in for questioning in the case of the murders of Holly Greenwood and Marian Harms.”
“Murder! What?”
Well now this is an interesting development.
“Just come along quietly and we won’t have to make it an official arrest.”
“Hold on! As Mr. Gelman’s attorney I demand to know if he’s being charged with anything.”
“Yeah what did I do? I don’t know anything about any murders. They just vanished.”
“The bodies have been found and you have been implicated in their deaths as part of a confession by Betsy Wynn. That’s why you are being questioned and the house is being searched for evidence.”
“Liam don’t say anything more and just do as they say. We will be accompanying our client on this interview.”
He’s here. I should’ve known but what is the cat doing here. Surely she doesn’t have renewed interest in the game again.
Things are looking too good for our Liam are they?
You always were one for drama Seth. Setting the mood for Liam’s fans are you?
It will be in the news in the morning. I don’t think Liam will be attending that hearing so I wonder how this will impact the judge’s decision?
Poor Liam. I was so enjoying his quest. I thought perhaps he would be one of the lucky few to actually accomplish the Challenge and win the game for us. Now I’m afraid he’s about to fail.
***
- Mya Sky belongs to Spidergirl and was one of the children from her now cancelled 100 BC Jenna’s Berry Babies and is used with her permission.
- Primrose Wood belongs to Lynwood and is a kid from her 100 Baby Challenges Outta the Woodwork and is used with her permission.
- Serpent and Scarab Queen appear with the permission of mewmewmentor. Serpent, Scarab, Clark, Carrie and Devon all were conceived with her baby momma Elena Queen as part of a daddy/mommy swap. Check out her story Queen’s Hive and you can not only see Liam but also to see a recent appearance of Seth as a daddy.
mewmewmentor
/ January 22, 2013Holy cow…eeeeeeeee! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I had sooo much fun watching the courtroom proceedings…you really handled that well. Celine’s a pretty clever girl. She’d make a good politician or lawyer. I laughed at Serpent and Carrie…at least she didn’t implicate herself with the stolen items.
Also, I liked how you involved Elena’s storyline stuff. It’s stuff I haven’t really touched on myself because I have other things I’m more interested in writing about. Her kids do have some knowledge about where she is, though. I haven’t really mentioned it, but I think Zoey and/or Holly got in contact with Alice, who usually lives in Twinbrook, and she spread the word to their other siblings. I’m glad Mya diverted the questioning, as Elena’s affairs really have nothing to do with Liam’s. She doesn’t email him or anything now that their kids are grown, XD.
I hope you get lots of Berry coloring from Prim and Mya. Also, is it just me, or are both of them insane/eccentric? XD
jbfairybirdsimstories
/ January 22, 2013Yes Celine is very cagey. I love writing her. She’s my favorite kid right now. lol.
I’m glad you enjoyed Elena’s kids and involved a bit of your story but since they’re her kids some of those issues would be brought up by lawyers in way of character.
Yes Prim and Mya are both eccentric in their own ways. Prim is insane and Mya’s combination of being absent-minded and over emotional make her a bit strange too. I picked them not just for coloring but because I loved reading about the quirkiness growing up in those other Bc.
mewmewmentor
/ January 23, 2013Yeah, I know that’s a lawyer thing. I’ve seen enough movies and TV shows to confirm that. I’m just saying that I don’t always like that particular aspect of lawyer training.
Unless I’m rooting for the side who’s poking holes in the other side’s arguments. But it is realistic. And I was actually laughing during that particular exchange with Scarab and Mr. Big Nose. I guess I’m a bit evil in that I laugh at Sim misery…tehe.
I’m actually having a bit of trouble remembering Mya. I followed Jenna’s challenge until it was cancelled and she’s just not ringing a bell. I just dropped by the site and now I see she was one of the triplets that came before Cameron…small world, indeed!
Mypalsim Stories
/ January 23, 2013I’m shocked. It WAS starting to look good, then it all blew to Hades. I still cracked up when Serpent plead the 5th. LOL. Yeah, that’ll probably earn him an investigation into his ‘career’.
Murder?! Damn you, Betsy! You lying sack of s—!
jbfairybirdsimstories
/ January 23, 2013I’m glad you weren’t expecting it. Yes Betsy is a little disgruntled now and trying to pull Liam down with her. Glad you got a laugh out of some of the courtroom stuff.
vampireXheart
/ January 24, 2013I was getting ready to celebrate the fact that the court case might be going in their favour and then BAM police man :/
jbfairybirdsimstories
/ January 25, 2013I’m glad no one expected the cops at the end of the chapter. Thanks.
lynnwood84
/ January 24, 2013I loved Primrose’s dialogue, you did a great job! Things are looking quite dire for Liam . . . hopefully it all works out in the end!
jbfairybirdsimstories
/ January 25, 2013I’m glad you enjoyed her. Thanks. You’ll find out soon what will happen to him.