someone to be excited to welcome her new son into the world.
I squeeze the custody documents in my hand as my anxiety begins to rise, trying to figure out where the crazy bitch was. Just as that thought crosses my mind, panic hits me, realizing that she could be down at the NICU where Amelia was, to go see my son. That would have explained why she was nowhere to be found or where security could have been.
Turning quickly, I go to rush back to the NICU ward, nearly colliding with both the doctor and the head nurse responsible for the aftercare of Jessa. The looks on their faces stop me in my tracks.
“Is everything okay?” I ask in a panic.
“Sebastian, nice to see you, son. How is your boy doing? Zeke right?” the nurse asks.
Small chit chat right now was not what I was after, but the frustrated sigh I release as I rake my hand through my hair was enough to keep them around. “I, ahh, yeah. He's not doing so great right now,” I murmur, taking in a deep breath to calm myself down. “He’s experiencing signs of distress, but he's in the right hands now, so we’re hoping for the best. Amelia is with him, keeping him company. I did come up here to speak to Jessa though,” I add, indicating with the papers in my hand and making it clear that I wasn't here to check on her wellbeing. “Can you tell me where she is? Has she moved rooms?”
The two share a glance before the doctor speaks up. “Yes, I see. Well, I don't want to hold you up. I won't take but a moment of your time.”
“Sure, no problem. How can I help you? Though, if it's about Jessa, I'm sure she won't want you discussing it with me.” I say, sensing the tension filling the room.
“Yes, well there's no easy way to do this,” he says, handing me an envelope that he’d been holding as the door to Jessa's room swings open. Preparing myself for the devil herself, I’m surprised to see the social worker I met with earlier in the day. Though, I could have sworn the room was empty just a minute ago.
Instantly on alert, I realize that something is very wrong. These three people standing in this empty room couldn’t be good. I’m sure this won't end well for me. I just know it.
“Sebastian, you remember Mallory Thompson from Social Services?” The nurse says. “I understand that you have spoken on the phone with her, but I'm not sure if you have met her yet.”
“Yes, we met earlier this morning actually,” I say, eyeing the social worker. “That's why I’m here ... to speak with Jessa.”
The nurse nods and continues. “Well, unfortunately, under these circumstances, the legal protocol is to contact Social Services. With Jessa leaving the hospital, she effectively abandoned her child.”
The fuck? Jessa left the hospital? I shake my head, not prepared to think about it as other things have my attention. “Zeke hasn't been abandoned,” I roar. “I haven't left his side! You can’t take him away from me. I won’t fucking let you.”
The social worker shakes her head and reaches out to place a calming hand on my shoulder. “Not you, Sebastian, Jessa. Why don't I start from the beginning? Perhaps you should sit down.”
“Listen Doc,” I say, swiveling my gaze to him, knowing he’ll give it to me straight. “My head is all over the joint at the moment. I’m going to need you to say it real slow for me so my brain can comprehend it. Why did you need to call social services, and where the fuck is Jessa?”
“Hospital Policy requires Social Services to be called in the event of Child Abandonment. In this instance, Jessa deserted her child without any regard for his physical health, safety, or welfare. Which we have all bore witness to over the past couple of days. Mallory is here to help you with any questions you may have. And as far as I’m aware, Jessa has signed over all her parental rights to you.”
“Wait. What do you mean she just left? How does this impact my son? She is completely unstable right now. How can I be sure she won't take my son? I don't want her anywhere near the NICU.”
“It’s over,” Mallory cuts off my tirade. “Your family lawyer should call you shortly. Full custody will be granted to you. We are in the process