The court

Hailey gave Lovelyn a pitiful look as they all sat in court ready for the hearing. Naya prayed silently in her mind. She wished for nothing more than for Hailey to realize how much she meant to her. Hailey’s lingering stare at Lovelyn deeply discouraged her. It was at that point she knew that something was wrong, but she couldn’t tell what. What had Lovelyn told Hailey and why does Hailey keep staring at her mother like that?

“I think we might be in trouble,” Naya whispered to Brett as he watched the judge settle down.

“Why is that?” Brett asked, confused.

“Hailey keeps staring at Lovelyn,” Naya explained. “Lovelyn must have told her something which is troubling her thoughts. I do not like where this is heading at all.”

Brett took her hand and offered it a soft tap.

“You are overthinking this now,” he informed her. “Relax, Naya. Everything will be fine. Hailey isn’t a child anymore.”

“Brett, you do not understand!” Naya argued. “Hailey is a sentimental child. What is Lovelyn telli