Shane closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Carmen rest her hand on Shanes
shoulder and gently squeezes. Shane looks deeply into carmen’s eye’s for encouragement
and carmen smiles at her fixes her tie and they head into the courtroom.

Gabe is sitting at the table with his trademark smug look on his face. He looks at
carmen when she enters the room and notices her bump.

Gabe: wow, i thought lesbians couldnt get pregnant.

Shane: excuse me

Gabe: im just sayin….

Shane was growing upset and carmen put her hand on her thigh under the table and
whispers in her ear.

Carmen: baby stop. he’s trying to make you look like you have anger issues in the
court so he can keep shay.

Shane nods in agreement.

Bailiff: All Rise

Everyone in the court room stands as the judge enters and takes his seat. the judge
goes over final notes.

Judge: are we waiting for your lawyer Mr. McCutheon?

gabe: no im representing myself

the judge raises one eyebrow and tells him to proceed.

Gabe: point blank, he’s my son and im raising him.

Judge: ok, but i see here you are an alcoholic and tend to be violent. you were arrested
for domestic violence a month ago.

Gabe: that better than being a hooker..ex hooker, or what ever you wanna call it.

judge: Mrs. McCutcheon would you like to defend yourself

Shane: well, your honor, i was a kid and i was homeless and pretty messed up. Im not
making any excuses for my past and i know that it will affect your decision about my
future.

the judge nods at shane.

judge: Mr. McCutcheon, your daughter owns up to her past. What about your domestic abuse
charge a month ago.

Gabe: look, im going to be honest. I dont even know if this kid is mine. Her mother was
the life of the party. (grinning at the judge)

Judge: Sir, i will not tolerate this in my courtroom. And im not suppose to get emotionally
involved but i cannot allow you to make those statements about this woman here.

Shane and carmen sit and watch the exchange between the two men in awe.

Judge: are you employed sir?

Gabe: im between jobs

the judge nods and turns to shane