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The Sweet Life	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8241 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
January 14, 2010 Philadelphia, PA

Michael woke up on another chilly Thursday morning and reached for Ian only to realize that Ian was already up and off at school. He got up and sighed his way through a shower, wishing that he’d woken up in time to kiss Ian goodbye.

He found his way to the kitchen and fixed himself a bowl of cereal before going into the family room to watch cartoons. He may be a twenty-four year old college graduate but sometimes a guy needed a little Nickelodeon.

“Hi Michael.” Pieter said from the chaise lounge, looking up from the morning paper.

“Hey Pieter. I thought you were volunteering today?”

“I was scheduled to help in the Emergency department but they asked if I’d work tomorrow in pediatrics instead. They always have difficulty finding people to work on Fridays for some reason.”

“So you’re free today?”

“Yes. What did you have in mind?”

“I don’t know. We’ve got swim club tonight and I’m all shopped out.”

“I’ve been meaning to go to the Mutter Museum; would you like to go with me?”

“The Mutter? That’s the medical oddities place, right?”

“Yes, it should be interesting for us but I’m sure neither Ian nor Grant will want to go. I’ll even buy you lunch.”

“You’ve got a deal.”

&&

They were just heading out the door around nine when the phone rang. Michael stopped and snagged it as he shrugged into his jacket.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Phelps? This is Carl Bass.”

“Oh. Hi Mr. Bass. What can I do for you?”

“There have bee some developments in your case and I need you to get on a plane to Pittsburgh as soon as possible. Do you think you could make it to the airport by eleven?”

“Why? What’s happened?”

“I’d rather explain it in person. I’ll be flying out with you if you can make the flight. Just bring an overnight bag; we won’t be in Pittsburgh long.”

“Okay. Um, I need to get Ian but we’ll be there.”

“Good, see you in two hours in concourse E.” The phone was hung up leaving Michael standing in the kitchen.

“Michael? Where did you go?” Pieter asked as he came back into the house. “What’s wrong?”

“My lawyer just called. He needs me to go to Pittsburgh immediately but we won’t be gone long; I’m supposed to bring a bag.”

“Why?”

“He wouldn’t say. God, what if something’s wrong with Chloe?” Michael started to head into full blown panic mode.

“Michael, you need to calm down.” Pieter took him by the shoulders. “I’ll call Ian; go upstairs and get your stuff together. Make sure you pack whatever sex toys you’ll need.”

“Uh- Pieter! Sex toys?”

“It worked, now you’re no longer worrying. Go on.” Pieter turned Michael around and smacked him on the bottom to get him moving. “Ooh. Nice.”

“Pieter!” Michael moved away quickly leaving Pieter to drop the façade and dial Ian’s cell.

“Thorpe and this better be good.”

“Ian, Pieter. Michael’s lawyer called and has him all in a panic.”

“What’s going on?”

“The lawyer wants Michael to fly to Pittsburgh but wouldn’t say why. He’s getting your things together but can you get away?”

“You think I’d let him go alone?”

“No of course not. Do you want us to pick you up or will you meet us there?”

“How much time do I have?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then I’d better meet you at the airport. What carrier?”

“Hang on.” Pieter went over to the intercom. “Michael, what airline?”

“He just said he’d meet us in concourse E. Did you get Ian?”

“Yes. He’ll meet us there.”

“Okay. Thanks, Pieter.”

Switching back to the phone, Pieter relayed the information and after hanging up, took a moment to collect himself. He needed to remain calm and rational for Michael’s sake.

With a half hour to spare, Michael jumped out of Pieter’s car and reached into the back seat.

“Thanks, Pieter.”

“Call us as soon as you can, okay? Grant will worry.” Pieter said calmly.

“Right. And you wouldn’t.”

“Maybe just a little. Now go or you will miss your plane.” Pieter half patted, half pushed his shoulder.

Pieter sped off and Michael ran into the airport, checking his watch as he ran. Ian was waiting for him with no sign of Mr. Bass.

“Isn’t he here yet?” Michael said fretfully.

“Yes, he went on down to the plane but I’ve got our tickets.”

“Did he tell you anything?”

“He wants to tell you first. Come on, we need to get moving.”

The wait to go through security was excruciating to Michael as he shifted and fidgeted. Shuffling impatiently, Michael grabbed his personal items shoving his wallet in his back pocket and snapping his watch on his arm as Ian did the same. Ian picked up the small suitcase and took Michael’s hand as they bobbed and weaved through the clumps of people; Michael peppering Ian with questions that Ian didn’t have the answer for.

Ian checked his watch and started jogging, pulling Michael along. “We need to hurry.”

Michael noticed they had passed all the US Airways gates and asked, “Where are we going?”

“Gate 45. Mr. Bass has a private plane.”

“Why are we hurrying then?”

“Because we’ll miss our takeoff window.”

“How much further?” Michael said around gate 30, panting slightly while Ian didn’t appear to be affected.

“Eight more gates-”

“Thank god!”

“Then down the stairs and four more gates. You really should let me finish things.”

“I’m going to die before we get there.”

“As your coach, I feel it’s my duty to point out that you need to increase your jogging time.”

“I don’t jog at all.”

“Maybe it’s time to change that. Look sharp, here are the stairs.”

Michael nodded, unable to speak as Ian seemed to pick up the pace. Michael was suddenly reminded of a gym teacher he’d had in junior high school who didn’t think you’d really worked out until half the class threw up.

“Almost there love!” Ian said cheerfully. “Don’t quit now.”

Gate 45 was a small room with ten or twelve chairs and a blue uniformed staff person who ushered them quickly out the door and onto the tarmac towards a Lear Jet. Ian motioned for the still panting Michael to board first and followed him up the stairs.

Carl Bass was sitting in one of the plush seats behind a work desk looking over files and glanced up when Michael appeared.

“You’re early. Good; grab a seat and I’ll be right with you.” The lawyer picked up a phone seemingly oblivious to the dirty look Michael was giving Ian.

“What?” Ian asked quasi-innocently.

“We didn’t have to run!”

“Not really but wasn’t it fun? And you didn’t have time worry either.”

Mr. Bass cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “We’ll be taking off in five minutes so I’ll give you a quick overview and there’s no easy way to say this. Sara Eldridge was in a car accident yesterday evening.”

“Oh my god. Is she okay?” Michael asked, reaching for Ian’s hand all thoughts of wringing his spouse’s neck gone.

“No, she’s on life support and it doesn’t look good. Chloe was in the car with her but she’s fine. A few bumps and bruises. She’s still in the hospital but mostly because of her mother’s situation. Ms Eldridge has no family aside Chloe. This is where you come in.

“Chloe is your daughter, Mr. Phelps. This isn’t how I wanted to tell you but there’s no time for tact. Due to the circumstances, you need to make a quick decision regarding your daughter. You either need to claim her as your daughter or sign away your parental rights and let the State take over her care.

“We’re hurrying not only because of Chloe’s situation but there’s a family court judge in Pittsburgh standing by to take care of the paperwork depending on your decision. There are seats in the back if you two would like some privacy to talk this over.”

The engines started winding up at that moment and the pilot announced that they had received permission to join the queue for take off. Ian looked over at Michael who was staring back at him. Ian nodded and mouthed three words.

“She’s our daughter.”

Michael smiled, relieved but not surprised and leaned forward to give Ian a quick kiss before turning back to Mr. Bass who was watching them closely as the plane started moving.

“We’ve made our decision. Chloe is ours.”

Mr. Bass smiled, not looking surprised either. “I’m glad and I think you’re making the right choice.”

“Mr. Bass, how did the accident happen?” Ian asked.

The man consulted his notes before answering, “Right now, the police think that Ms Eldridge tried to stop for a red light and her car slid on some ice. The car ended up crashing into a tree and Ms Eldridge was ejected through the windshield. Her injuries were devastating.”

He paused as the engine noise increased and plane’s speed picked up. Three minutes later they were airborne and Michael was shaking his head.

“Wasn’t Sara wearing her seatbelt?”

“No apparently not.”

Michael chewed his lip, trying to remember something. “Chloe was in the backseat?”

“Yes, safely strapped in to a booster seat too.”

“You said that Sara doesn’t have any family aside from Chloe, what happened to her parents?”

Leafing through his papers, Mr. Bass shook his head. “I’m not sure. We hadn’t gotten that far in our investigation yet. We were waiting for the test results before looking into Ms. Eldridge’s background. Did you ever meet her parents?”

“Twice. I don’t remember their first names, I don’t think Sara ever told me but her dad worked for some big corporation and neither of her parents liked Baltimore.

“They weren’t from Maryland?”

“No, they’d only lived there for four years; they were waiting for Sara to graduate so Mr. Eldridge could accept a transfer to Japan. I think her mom was Italian or maybe she just liked Italy. Sara was born there, that I do remember and they went back every summer. Sara and her mom even spoke Italian.”

“They were going to move to Japan and leave Sara in the States?” Ian asked.

“Yeah, Sara didn’t seem to mind. Her parents did a lot of traveling; they’d just gotten back from India the first time I went there for dinner. Her mom made curry.” Michael made a face. “It was way too spicy for me.”

“So Ms Eldridge’s parents could simply be out of the country.” Mr. Bass tapped his finger on the worktable. “You don’t remember the company Mr. Eldridge worked for?”

Michael shook his head, “No. He thought I should have been impressed with his job but I was already meeting with sponsors by that point. I got the feeling that I wasn’t their kind of people though.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Shrugging, Michael shook his head again. “They were country club folks. They didn’t think athletics were that important either; they were ticked that Sara wasn’t going to an Ivy League school.”

Mr. Bass made a note and put his pen away. “Okay. Chloe didn’t mention her grandparents but then, no one’s asked her either. Ms Eldridge’s insurance listed a neighbor as her emergency contact.”

“Um. Does she know about her mother?” Michael asked.

“Yes, as much as any six year old can. There’s a social worker and a psychologist on staff at the hospital and they’ve been taking care of Chloe.”

“So we just show up and they’re going to hand Chloe over to us?”

“After we see the judge. I know you’d rather go right to the hospital but courthouse first or they won’t even let you in to see her.”

“Okay. Is there a restroom on this plane?”

The lawyer pointed towards the tail and Michael got up after unbuckling to walk down the aisle. Ian watched him go and pulled out his own notepad and started making a list.

“Do you have any questions, Mr. Thorpe?” Mr. Bass asked after observing him for a minute or two.

“Plenty but not ones you can answer.” Ian smiled to show he meant no offense. “Clothes, schools, her room, childcare; those kinds of things. And can you please call us by our first names? I know you’re a lawyer but the “Mister” stuff is tiring.”

The man across from him laughed quietly. “Okay. Call me Carl then. And you live only a mile away from one of the better girls’ schools in the area. My daughter attended Springside, it’s a fine school with a good curriculum and they have onsite childcare for the younger grades. You’ll get a copy of Chloe’s school records but she’s only in the first grade so there might not be much.” Carl finished with a wicked grin.

“I guess you’ve proven me wrong.” Ian said flicking his eyes toward the back of the plane as the bathroom door opened. Michael came out slowly, looking a little red around the eyes before straightening his back and taking a deep breath. Once he was seated and buckled back in, he took Ian’s hand and looked at the list with a faint smile.

“What are you working on?”

“A few things we’re going to need once we bring Chloe home.” Ian slid it over for Michael to see.

“Can I borrow your pen?”

“Of course.” Ian held it out and Michael took it, turned to the next page and started making his own list with Ian looking over his shoulder.

Michael’s list was quite different and dealt with what Chloe’s likes and dislikes might be, if she was allergic to any animals or had any other allergies, had she had any childhood diseases and other things any parent would know.

The plane started to descend shortly thereafter and Carl escorted them through the airport and into a waiting limousine, much to Ian and Michael’s surprise.

“Don’t worry; you don’t get billed for transportation. I hate big planes and I don’t drive.” Carl commented after they got in and the long vehicle pulled into traffic.

“You don’t drive?” Ian asked.

“Not anymore. I have a trick right knee that locks up occasionally and a big piece of metal that used to be a Jaguar.”

“Ouch!”

“You got it.”

Carl and Ian chatted for the rest of the ride, neither expecting Michael to participate. Ian merely kept his hand on Michael’s thigh and squeezed occasionally when Michael’s fidgeting started going out of control.

The streets around the Allegheny County courthouse were swarming with people but the limo stopped at the front entrance.

“Gentlemen, you can leave your things. Just make sure you have your wallet, Michael.” Carl directed as they got out and told the driver to swing back in an hour. He led them through one security checkpoint, into an elevator, down a hall and through another checkpoint before arriving at a doorway.

“Michael, don’t be nervous. This won’t take long and it’ll be pretty simple.” Carl ushered them into a foyer area where a bailiff was standing. “Hello Red.”

“Hi Carl. Judge Stine will be ready in a minute; you’ll be in court room 3.” The man nodded down the hall to his left.

“Thanks.” Carl walked through leaving Ian and Michael no choice but to follow.

“A courtroom?” Michael whispered to Ian.

“I know but I’ll be right with you.”

It wasn’t much as courtrooms go. Three tables set in a triangle with chairs behind them and a décor that could only be termed seventies government beige. A harried looking woman in a red shirt and brown slacks sat behind one of the tables shuffling through a big pile of folders.

“Hello Clarice.” Carl said in an unexpectedly creepy voice when he stopped behind her.

She whipped around and smacked him. “Carl! Don’t do that. And you’re dead if you mention fava beans.”

“All right. That was the last time, I promise.” Carl raised his hand as he set his briefcase on the table to the right.

“This is a courtroom, I could make you swear to it you know. Hi there, I’m Clarice Woodward, Chloe’s advocate.” She stood and shook Michael and Ian’s hands. “You’re Michael and you’re Ian right?”

Ian nodded, “Advocate?”

“Yes, I was appointed last night before we found out Chloe did have a father. I’m here to represent Chloe’s interests until Judge Stine releases me.”

“Is Chloe okay? Carl said she had some bumps and bruises but have you actually seen her?” Michael asked anxiously.

“Yes, I spent an hour with her last night and another hour this morning. She seems to doing okay but the psychologist isn’t sure how much she’s really understanding about what’s happened to her mother.”

Another woman entered the room, dressed in a black robe followed by Red, the bailiff and a court reporter with a recording device.

“Good afternoon everyone. Carl, Clarice it’s good to see you both again. Mr. Thorpe, Mr. Phelps I’m sorry that we’re meeting under these circumstances. I’m Judge Emily Stine and I’ll be hearing your petition today. Let’s get started so you can get to the hospital.”

She strode quickly to the other table and sat down as the bailiff called the court to order. Ian wasn’t that familiar with the American legal system so he found it interesting how quickly it went.

Within a half an hour, Michael was legally Chloe’s father. Carl provided proof of Michael’s paternity and that although he wasn’t gainfully employed at the moment; Michael could still support and house his daughter in an appropriate manner.

“I understand that you’re married Mr. Phelps?” The judge asked as she looked over the paperwork.

“Yes, your honor; Ian and I were married in August.”

“Mr. Thorpe, do you have any plans to adopt Chloe?”

“Uh, yes your honor if that’s allowed.”

“Carl, you’ll be helping Mr. Thorpe with his adoption petition?”

“Yes your honor.”

“Very good. Mr. Phelps, we’re going to amend Chloe’s birth certificate to show that you are her father. Ms. Woodward, thank you for your services to this court. That’s it unless there’s anything else, Mr. Bass?”

“No your honor.”

The judge signed several papers and handed them to the bailiff as she stood. “Court’s dismissed.” She tapped her gavel on the table top. “Carl, you know where to go to get that registered. Good luck gentlemen.”

She came over and shook both of their hands again and excused herself, explaining that she had an administrative meeting to get to. Ten minutes later, Michael was holding a birth certificate for Chloe Jane Phelps and they were rushing back out of the courthouse.

“Thank you, Carl.” Michael said sincerely after they were seated back in the limousine.

“My pleasure. Ian, we can start adoption procedures in a few weeks if that’s good for you.”

“Yes. That would be wonderful. It’s really allowed?”

“It is.”

“Carl, what about Sara? Does she have insurance?”

“She has a policy through both her employer and her car coverage, why do you ask?”

“Can I pay for anything that’s not paid for?”

Not hiding his surprise, Carl nodded. “You can, if that’s what you want to do.”

“I do. She’s Chloe’s mom.”

“I’ll take care of it then.”

**
They were at the hospital a half hour later and Michael spent the entire elevator ride to the fifth floor shifting from one foot to another and playing with his guest pass.

The elevator door opened on the fifth floor and for a moment Ian thought Michael wasn’t going to get out but he finally stepped forward. A staff member was entering data at the nurses’ station and looked up as they approached.

“May I help you?”

“Yes ma’am. I’m here to see my daughter Chloe Phelps uh- Eldridge.”

“We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Phelps. Chloe’s in room 511 and Dr. Breem is with her. Follow me, please.”

The nurse led them to a small waiting room and ushered them in. “I’ll get Dr. Breem; he wanted to speak to you before you see Chloe.” She said before walking out and shutting the door behind her.

“Do you think she’s more hurt than they originally thought?” Michael asked, not willing to sit down.

“Dr. Breem is the staff psychologist.” Carl said calmly.

A short time later, the door opened and a man of medium height with brown hair and glasses entered.

“Mr. Phelps, I’m Dr. Breem, sorry for the delay but I wanted to meet with you for a moment. Can we sit down?”

“Uh. Sure. Oh, this is my lawyer Carl Bass and my spouse, Ian Thorpe.”

“Nice to meet you both. Mr. Phelps, Chloe already knew her father was named Michael and she’d seen your picture at some point so you aren’t going to surprise her but I’m worried that she hasn’t cried nor does she seem particularly sad. It may just be the shock but I’m concerned.

“I’d like to give you a referral for a psychologist in your area if you have no objections.”

“No. Um Ian and I saw a therapist when we were living in Michigan so no objections.”

“Good. I’ll leave a list of names at the nurses’ station. I’d also recommend that you go in alone at first Mr. Phelps. Give her a chance to get used to you. Mr. Thorpe, you’ll only have to wait for a half hour or so but we don’t want to overwhelm her right off the bat.”

“Ian, I-” Michael said, looking worriedly at Ian.

“Michael, its fine. I’ll go downstairs and get something to eat. You’ll go in and met Chloe and make sure she’s okay.” Ian kissed Michael’s lips. “Then you can introduce us. Carl, would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?”

“I’d be honored.”

The four men stood up and Dr. Breem headed for the door. Michael quickly embraced Ian before following the doctor out, Ian watching him leave.

“Ian, I think the cafeteria is on the first floor.”

“Actually Carl, I’d like to go see Sara if that’s allowed. It may be morbid but I’d like to see her before-. While she’s still alive.”

“Okay. She’s down in intensive care.”

&&

Dr. Breem opened the door of room 511 and the little girl sitting on the bed looked up with a smile.

“You’re back!”

“Yes, and I’ve brought someone to meet you.” The doctor walked in and Michael followed hesitantly. “Chloe, this is your dad. Michael this is Chloe.”

Chloe’s smile dimmed a little but she stared boldly at her father.

“Hi Chloe.” Michael took in the long dark hair and brown eyes, stopping at her little ears that stuck out like his did. He moved closer and pointed to the foot of the bed. “Do you mind if I sit down here?”

She shrugged. “Okay.”

Michael sat down gingerly, vaguely aware that Dr. Breem had taken the visitor’s chair. He spotted the coloring book in Chloe’s lap and tilted his head to read the cover.

“Do you like Spongebob Squarepants?”

“Uh huh.”

“I like Patrick best; I’ve even got a t-shirt with Patrick on it.”

“You do?”

“Yep. So are you okay with coming to live with me?”

“Do you have room?”

“Uh huh. We have a nice room all picked out for you. Do you like dogs?”

“The lady next door had a dog but he barked all the time.”

“Gizmo and Gadget do bark but not all the time. Only when they’re really happy. What about cats?”

“Sherry at school had a cat. She let me pet him at her birthday party.”

“Our cat likes sitting in laps so you’ll be able to pet him all you want. He’ll probably even sleep with you.”

“Will I have to go to school?”

“Yes you will. Don’t you like school?”

Chloe shook her head. “Mrs. Anderson says I don’t pay attention and I talk too much.”

“My teachers used to say the same things about me. It sucks doesn’t it?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well your grandma Debbie was a teacher and she really helped me when I was growing up and she’d be happy to help you too.”

“I’d have a grandma?” Chloe asked excitedly.

“Yep. You have three grandmas. Debbie, Jackie and Margaret. You also have three grandpas; Fred, Ken and Ryan.”

“Are they here too?”

“No but four of them live really close to our house and you’d be able to meet them when we get back there. Margaret and Ken live in Australia with your aunt Christina, Uncle David and your cousins Iona and Daniel. We’re going to go see them soon.”

“Where’s Stralia?”

“Australia is a long way away from here. I’ll show you on a map, okay?”

“Okay. Why do you have so many mommies and daddies?”

“Good question but it’s kind of complicated. How about I explain it to you with pictures when we get home?”

&&

Ian knocked on the door, trying to wipe the last half hour out of his mind. Dr. Breem opened the door and stepped outside.

“You’re just in time. It’s going well and they’re coloring. I’ve got to see another patient but I’ll be here until six if you need me. Just ask one of the nurses to page me.”

Ian slipped in and stopped to observe his spouse and daughter. They were indeed coloring; their dark heads bent over the bed tray and Michael sitting next to Chloe.

Chloe noticed him first and poked Michael’s hand with her crayon. “Someone’s here.”

Michael looked up and grinned, motioning Ian forward. “That’s Ian.”

“Hello Chloe.” Ian said, coming to the side of the bed.

Chloe leaned into Michael’s side and whispered, “He talks funny.”

“I know but you’ll get used to it. Did Dr. Breem tell you about Ian?”

“He said Ian’s going to be my other dad.” Chloe said, looking sort of confused.

“Yep that’s right.”

“Do I get to spend weekends with him?”

“Oh. Not that kind of other dad. Ian and I are married so we’ll all be living together. Your Uncle Grant and Uncle Pieter also live with us so you’ll have plenty of people around to help with home work or just to play with.”

The door opened and one of the nurses came in. “Hi, can I borrow Chloe for a minute? I need to check her vitals.”

“Okay.” Michael stood up to give her room and suddenly felt a little dizzy. He sat down quickly on the visitor’s chair. “Whoa.”

“Michael, what’s wrong?”

“Um. I forgot to eat?”

“Sir, are you okay?” The nurse came over and took his wrist, checking his pulse.

“Michael, we skipped lunch but what did you have for breakfast?”

“Cereal, two bowls. At eight. Ma’am, I’m okay; I just have to maintain a high calorie load and I’ve been a bit distracted.”

“What’s your normal intake?”

“Eight to ten thousand calories.”

“Okay. I’ll go grab you a snack. Chloe, hang tight and I’ll be right back.”

Ian glanced at Chloe who looked frozen with fear. “Chloe love, your dad’s fine; he just forgot to eat his lunch. We were really worried about you so we both forgot.”

“He’s not sick?”

“No, love. He just needs to eat.” Ian sat down next to her. “I’ve seen your dad eat four hamburgers in one meal; can you imagine how big his stomach is?”

“Real big?”

“It’s enormous. If it wasn’t inside him, it would probably be bigger than you are maybe even bigger than me.”

“Bigger than a horse.” Michael said, grinning as Chloe giggled.

The nurse returned with two energy bars and a pint of milk. “This should hold you but you really need to eat a proper meal.”

“Yes ma’am, thank you.” Michael gratefully unwrapped one of the energy bars and opened the milk as the nurse took Chloe’s vitals.

“Well, your temp’s normal and your pulse is normal. That means you can have an extra treat for dinner. Do you want a cookie or an ice cream with your meal?”

“A cookie.”

“You got it.”

“Ma’am, I can bring up some food for Michael from the cafeteria?”

“Sure. They’re only open for another half hour so you might want to get down there.”

&&&

Michael waited for the police officer to open the door to Sara’s apartment impatiently. He hadn’t wanted to leave Chloe but they were returning to Philadelphia early the next morning and they needed to retrieve Chloe’s belongings.

“Here we go.” Officer Deacon walked in and waited for Michael and Ian to join him. It was a small apartment, one large living and dining room combination with a galley kitchen in the rear and a short hallway off to the left.

“I’m going to be looking for any information regarding Ms Eldridge’s parents so please take your time.”

“Thank you sir. We appreciate this.”

“No problem.” The police man moved into the kitchen to check the drawers.”

Michael set down the flatted boxes he was carrying and started assembling them. There were several toys scattered in the living area but this certainly wasn’t what he expected.

Ian reached over and taped the bottom efficiently. “Are you okay, love?”

“Yeah. This just doesn’t look like any place I expected Sara to live in. I guess she really needed the child support.” Michael finished the fifth box. “Let’s find Chloe’s room and start in there.”

They picked up the boxes and moved down the hall. The first door was a tiny bathroom, the second an even tinier linen closet. That left one door which turned out to be a smallish room with two twin beds, one with a Barbie bedspread.

“No wonder Chloe asked if we had room for her.”

“She asked that?”

“Yeah.” Michael moved into the room and put his boxes on the bed that wasn’t Chloe’s and opened the closet. There weren’t many clothes and only ten hangers with child sized outfits. Michael took them down and started packing them; leaving Ian to pack the one drawer in the dresser that had belonged to Chloe.

It didn’t take more than ten minutes. Ian found a box of baby clothes in the bottom of the closet and added it to the bed. “Do you think we should pack the bed spread and sheets?”

Michael looked Chloe’s bed. “I guess. It’s not in such great shape but she might have picked it out.” He stripped the bed and packed those items, discovering a well worn nightgown under the pillows.

“You know, she’s got a Barbie bedspread but I didn’t see any dolls in the living room.”

“Maybe Sara didn’t have the money.” Michael sat down on the bed with a sigh. “God this is depressing. Why did she wait this long? I would have gladly given her money.”

“I know love.” Ian sat down next to him and pulled Michael into his arms. “It’s very sad but we’ve got to think of Chloe.”

“Thank you baby. You’ve been such a rock today, well this whole time.”

“You’re welcome.”

Michael relaxed for the first time since Carl had called that morning, soaking up the warmth emanating from his spouse. He could hear the footsteps of the officer approaching and turned his head towards the door.

“Everything okay sirs?”

“Yes, Officer Deacon. It’s been a rollercoaster kind of day.” Ian eased back a little but didn’t let Michael go.

“I can only imagine. There’s not much here. No address book, no letters; only a few bills. Was there anything in the dresser?”

“I didn’t look through them; I just found Chloe’s things.”

Officer Deacon went over and opened the small jewelry box. “Not much in here either.” He picked up a gold ring. “What high school did she attend?”

“Uh, Towson High 2002; she was a year ahead of me.”

“Yep. That’s what it says. Would you like to take the jewelry for your daughter?” The officer held it out.

“Can we do that? She might appreciate having it when she’s older.”

“Go ahead. If we don’t find a will or her parents, the court appointed executor would give to Chloe anyway. I’ll make a note for the file.”

Michael took the box and put in one of the cartons. “We’ll go on into the living room and get the rest then. It’s going on nine and I don’t want to keep you here too long.”

Ian packed up the toys while Michael looked through the bookshelves. He found a couple of pictures of Chloe stuck into frames, all recent but no photo albums or any other items of interest aside from a few children’s books. The bathroom yielded a small yellow robe, ripped at the bottom hem but it went into the box too.

Michael found a plastic bag and wrapped up Chloe’s toiletries and toothbrush while Ian went into the kitchen. There was another picture of Chloe stuck on the fridge but nothing else of note.

At nine fifteen, Officer Deacon made a list of the boxes’ contents as Michael and Ian loaded each box in the squad car’s front seat. Michael and Ian rode in the back, holding hands but not talking.

The boxes were unloaded onto a luggage cart at their hotel and after thanking Officer Deacon again, Ian pushed it onto the elevator. On the eighth floor, they exited and went down to their suite, Michael opening the door quietly to find Carl watching TV with the volume turned down low.

“That’s it?” Carl asked after he got a look at the small pile of boxes.

“Yeah, there wasn’t much. No sign of her parents’ whereabouts either.” Ian said as he pushed the cart into a corner.

“Is Chloe sleeping?”

“Yes, Michael. She hasn’t made a peep. I’m going to go back to my room but I’ll see you at seven downstairs.”

“Thanks for everything.” Michael said.

“My pleasure. Have a good night.”

Ian and Michael collapsed on the couch that Carl had just vacated.

“God, I’m tired.”

“Me too. By the way, I called the house earlier and told Grant the short version. They’re going to make sure her room is ready.”

“Thanks baby. I’m going to order room service, I’m still hungry. Do you want anything?”

“A club sandwich would be great. Hospital food is not my idea of a meal.” Ian said as he pulled out his laptop and connected it to the room’s access port. “I’m going to email mum and dad. Do you want me to email your parents? I know we should probably call them but do you want to go into it tonight?”

“Not really so just let them know I’ll call them tomorrow if you don’t mind.” Michael went into check on Chloe.

Ian ducked into their bedroom and changed quickly while his computer booted up. He opened his email program when he got back and composed a short message.

To: calthophel@yahoogroups.com
From: iatnmfp4ever@comcast.net
Subject: Chloe Phelps

Sorry to break the news this way but unfortunately, Chloe’s mother was in a serious car accident yesterday and we rushed to Pittsburgh to take over Chloe’s care. Chloe, Michael and I will be back in Philly tomorrow.
It’s a long story but we’ll fill in everyone once we’ve had a chance to get settled in at home.

Ian

PS Mum, Dad, Debs, Ryan, Fred and Jackie: Chloe is very excited about having grandparents and wants me to remind you that her birthday is on February 2nd.

**

Michael leaned over Ian’s shoulder and chuckled. “You’re going to drive them crazy.”

“You think?”

“I know and I'm turning off my cell the minute you hit send."
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The Sweet Life