• I couldn’t shake the nervous anxiety that was moving through my body. I have been in a court room countless times, having gone to an Ivy League law school with seven years of education under my belt and having passed my bar exams with the highest level and several years of experience, my other associates knew that I wasn’t someone to be messed with. The nerves weren’t from being in another court room, the nerves came from the whether or not the judge would rule in my favor.

    “Please rise, Honorable Judge Markovich is presiding,” spoke the bailiff.

    Standing to my feet I watched as Judge Markovich came in through the adjacent room, Judges Chambers, behind the bench to the left of the witness stand. Judge Markovich was a decent Judge in my opinion, I’ve had my share of run-ins with him once or twice on a case. He was always stoic, but fair when handling most cases.

    “You may all be seated,” the bailiff said once Judge Markovich had already taken his seat. Taking my seat I glanced to my left to the defendants table, there also taking their seat was a fellow associate of mine Blake Milwaukee, a prideful attorney that like me was also ruthless when it came to winning or losing a case. With his balding hairline and geeky glasses it would be easy for anyone to believe that he was a well experienced lawyer, but one of his biggest flaws were his lack of experience when it came to handling cases. Looking farther down the person also taking a seat next to Blake on the right was Mr. Cassidy; my fiancée’s dad. The last thing that I wanted was to have to take him to court, but not allowing me to see my own fiancée and rejecting me from having a say into her medical care persuaded me enough to pursue a case against him. I just hoped that it would turn out in my favor.

    “After long deliberation, I have come to a decision on this matter.” Turning back to look at Judge Markovich, he had paused in saying the rest of his statement looking over the top of his glasses to glance at first me, then at Mr. Cassidy. “I have considered both parties position on this matter and with great consideration the conclusion is quite clear.” I held my breath not wanting to breathe, this decision meant everything to me, and I felt as if my life was on the line, but in reality the love of my life, life was on the line not mine.

    “In the matter of un-allowed visitation claimed by you Counselor, I have decided to lift the limitation and allow you the freedom of visitation with no restrictions.” He spoke clearly.

    I allowed myself a chance to breathe.

    “As for the other matter; of establishing a guardianship for April Cassidy that has become incapacitated,” the Judge spoke gently, “Mr. Cassidy you claim that as her parent you discern the right to exercise authority when it comes to all of April’s medical treatment and care and you Counselor have placed an injunction claiming that as the fiancée you to should be able to exercise authority when it comes to medical treatment and care.” Taking another glance at both Mr. Cassidy and I, he looked back down it his notes before speaking again. “It has become clear to me that it would be best for April and to avoid any exploitation I see it fit to elect Mr. Cassidy, as the Guardian ad litem for April Cassidy, that is my ruling.” Closing my eyes the pounding of the gavel was what defined my heart right now as if someone had hammered it.

    “The court is adjourned, “the judge said somberly.

    I wouldn’t be able to make any decisions on whether or not April would be taken off life support that was now in the hands of her father, who already saw his daughter’s condition as dead. I would be allowed visitation rights, but that was only a small flower among the weeds what I really wanted I didn’t have; I wouldn’t get a say in whether or not April would get a chance live…or die….