TW SH
The courtroom was cold, both in temperature and in atmosphere. The beige walls felt suffocating, the fluorescent lights above harsh and unflattering. I sat in a stiff chair, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, trying not to shake as the tension wrapped around my chest like a vice.
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Evie and Axel sat across the room, looking bored more than anything. Axel leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, while Evie scrolled through her phone like this was nothing more than a waiting room.
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Meanwhile, Sam and Colby sat beside me, their presence grounding me. Sam gave me a reassuring smile when he noticed my leg bouncing nervously. Colby leaned forward slightly, his expression serious, as if he was prepared to go to war for me.
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“Court is now in session,” the judge declared, and the room fell silent.
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The judge, an older man with kind but sharp eyes, shuffled some papers before addressing the courtroom. “We’re here today to determine custody of Miss Roxy Stars. After reviewing the submitted reports and testimonials, I will now hear statements from both parties.”
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Evie was the first to speak. She stood, her usual fake charm plastered on her face. “Your Honor, I don’t see why we’re even here. Roxy is my daughter. Sure, I’ve had my struggles, but what parent hasn’t? She belongs with me, her *real* family.”
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I clenched my fists under the table, fighting the urge to scoff out loud. The only thing “real” about Evie was her talent for pretending to care when it suited her.
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Axel didn’t even bother standing. “Yeah, what she said,” he muttered, earning a sharp glare from Evie.
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The judge didn’t look impressed. He turned to Sam and Colby. “And your statement?”
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Colby stood first, his voice calm but firm. “Your Honor, Roxy deserves a chance at a stable, loving home—something she hasn’t had with her biological parents. We can provide that. We’re financially secure, and more importantly, we’re emotionally prepared to support her through everything she’s been through.”
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Sam picked up where Colby left off. “We also understand Roxy’s struggles with anxiety, Vasovagal syncope, and self-harm. I know what she’s going through because I’ve been in the same boat. That’s why we’ve created a system where we can support each other.”
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Colby added, “I’ve made it my job to keep them both occupied when things get tough. Whether it’s new projects, going on adventures, or just talking it out, we’ll handle things calmly and constructively. We don’t make a big deal out of bad days. We make sure Roxy eats and feels supported—and we don’t plan to take away the pocket knife she carries. It makes her feel safer, and we trust her.”
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Their words felt like a warm blanket, wrapping around me in the cold courtroom. I glanced at the judge, trying to read his expression, but his face was unreadable.
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The judge turned to me next. “Miss Stars, is there anything you’d like to say?”
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I stood on shaky legs, my heart pounding so hard I could barely hear myself think. “Your Honor, I’m sixteen, and I love my parents, but they don’t love me the way they’re supposed to. They don’t make me feel safe, and I don’t think they ever will. Sam and Colby…they make me feel like I matter. Like I’m worth something. That’s all I want.”
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I sat back down, my legs feeling like jelly, but I kept my head high.
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The judge took a moment before speaking again. “After reviewing the evidence and hearing from all parties, it’s clear to me that Miss Stars’ biological parents have failed to provide a suitable environment for her. Therefore, I grant full custody of Roxy Stars to Samuel John Golbach and Cole Robert Brock.”
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Before the room could even settle, Axel jumped to his feet, his face flushed with anger. “You can’t do that!” he shouted. “They don’t even have the same last name! How are two random guys supposed to raise a kid?”
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Colby stood calmly, his eyes locked on Axel. “With respect, Mr. Stars, Sam and I have been business partners and lifelong friends for over a decade. We run a successful business together and have built a strong foundation of trust. A last name doesn’t define a family. What does is love, support, and stability—all things Roxy deserves, which you’ve failed to provide.”
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Axel sneered, but before he could say anything else, the judge’s gavel slammed down. “Enough. This court has made its decision.”
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As we walked out of the courtroom, Sam and Colby led me to a quiet bench in the hallway. Sam leaned forward, looking at me with a smile.
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“Roxy,” Sam began softly, “this is probably the last big decision for today. What last name do you want? Brock or Golbach?”
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Colby laughed gently. “Pick wisely. There’s a lot riding on this choice.”
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I hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the enormity of the question. Then I looked at Sam, whose steady presence had been my rock through all of this, and smiled. “Golbach,” I said. “I want to be Roxy Golbach.”
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Colby gave Sam a playful nudge. “Guess you win this one.”
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Sam grinned at me. “Roxy Golbach it is. Welcome to the family.”
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Tears welled up in my eyes as relief flooded my chest. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged.
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“You’re safe now,” Colby said softly, wrapping his arm around me.
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And for the first time in my life, I believed it.
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