At about six o’clock, a car pulled into the drive and Tracy ran to the window, just to see who it was. Once she saw her father get out of his car, a smile on his lips, she raced for the door. She flung it open and jumped out, leaping into William’s arms. “Daddy!!!”

“Hello, Princess.” He pulled her in close and kissed her cheek. “How have you been?”

“Good. I’ve missed you, though.” She said, then she added. “Missed you a lot.”

“A lot? Its only been four days.” He said with a grin, while he let go of her and started to go into the house.

“True, but I still miss you.”

Edited by DJkauf

Tracy returns and this time, they meet Molly at the courthouse about the restraining order. The ratings are up for threats and violence

Tuesday February 22nd 1983

Vance got off the bus and he went straight for Emily May and Mary Beth. “Hey, can I talk to you Jerry and Peter before class starts?” He asked. Emily May nodded and they started to look for Peter, who was getting off of his bus.

As Peter and Jerry came over to them, Vance pulled them to a less populated part of the playground. “Hey, I just thought I'd tell you all that I'll be leaving the school before the end of the year.”

“Like in the next few months?” Emily May asked. “We already know that.”

Vance shook his head. “Like in the next few days. My Mom is due here today to get paperwork taken care of and I may be moved down today or tomorrow.”

“Well....that sucks.” Jerry replied. He had few friends and now one more was leaving. Since he helped out in Tracy’s last fight, Peter had lightened up, just slightly, but Peter was still just one person. “What about your grandparents?”

“They are staying.” Vance replied. “It's just my parents, Tracy and me.” He knew that all of them knew who Tracy was, so he wasn't afraid to use her proper name.

“At least you'll get out of this boring town” Emily May stated.

“Yeah.” Vance agreed. “Peter, I need you to take care of mailing the letters. I know the girls will want to speak with Emily May and Mary Beth....speaking of which....” Vance took off his pack, opened it up and handed several letters to Emily May and Mary Beth. “I gave the one to your Aunt and she said she'll send letters to Peter to get it to you. I gave her Peter's address, I hope that was okay?” Peter nodded his approval.. “This is for Peter and one for Jerry.” Vance handed out two last letters.

“Cool, I feel included.” Jerry said with a grin.

“Come on, let’s go eat something and try to cheer up.” Mary Beth said as she looked at the letters in her hand.

“I agree. I'm hungry.” Vance said with a nod.

~o~O~o~

Maggie had been at the office of the middle school in Livermore as soon as it had opened at seven. She got the information and paperwork she needed and less than a half hour after that, she had rushed back to Shelly's home, to grab a snack for the road and to give her daughter a kiss. She knew if she was on the road by eight, she'd be at the school by eleven. That would be after a fast stop at the Air Force base and grabbing Vance's medical records. So she was hoping to get as much done as she could and after doing the paperwork for the school, she could go and start packing at the house. Her plan was to pull Vance on Wednesday and take him to Livermore. Then Thursday afternoon, she would head to Oroville, with Tracy and Shelly, and the three of them would pack up as much as they could. Then there was the court date for the restraining order on Friday. The multiple trips wouldn't please William, but they were necessary, and paid for by Shelly.

It was almost eleven forty-five in the morning when she walked into the school's office and asked to see Alvin Harper. It took about ten minutes till he walked out and she smiled. “Hello Alvin. I need to speak to you about Vance.”

“Come on back.”

Maggie followed him and took a seat on one side of the desk. “Alvin, this is kinda difficult, so I'm just going to tell you the whole story.” She quickly covered the fact that Clark had been arrested, something he knew about, but she covered Molly attacking Tracy, without naming names, but he had read the paper and heard the insults the kids were throwing to the Hallmark brothers, so he knew who she was talking about. Then she covered the fact that Tracy had been moved from the town. “So I'm here to see what I need from you to move Vance to the Bay Area.”

“At the end of the school year?”

“By the end of the week.” Maggie quickly replied. “He isn't happy and William is close to being fired for calling the cops on Clark's cousin. He was the one who was calling our house with the threats. He worked with William and I guess his garage was filled with pictures and threats.”

“So you found the adult responsible too....this is good news. It doesn't stop the bad news, but at least they caught him.” Alvin sighed. “Well, we can do it. It just involves you giving us a listing of the new school, in case the authorities question where he is. I trust you need his school records too?”

“Yes, I’ll need his records. I was going to pull him today, but William said to stay in town and just go tomorrow. I already got his medical records. So tomorrow, I can take him to the new school and sign him up there.”

“So we can consider his last day of school to be today, or the end of the week.”

“Today, for now. I'll call when I find out fully tomorrow.” Maggie replied. “I know that Friday we’ll be in town, we have a court date to get a restraining order out on the lady who attacked the kids in the store. Well, I will be, not Vance. Modine and Conner are getting one as well, since they were threatened as well. Plus friends from the Bay Area, since their children also got hurt.”

“Molly Hallmark?” Alvin asked and Maggie nodded.

Maggie sighed. “Yeah. She actually came to the house after those pictures were sent out and she did her best to tell us she was going to run us out of town, no matter what. I was stupid for trying to talk sense into her, but after the last time she dealt with something like this, I’d rather leave on my terms.”

“Last time?” Alvin asked, slightly curious.

Maggie leaned back and began to explain. “We went to a church with the Hallmarks and there was a pair of ladies who moved in together to save on the bills. Molly insisted they were lesbians, and did her best to ruin their lives. From what I have heard, she told their employers that they abused their children, did drugs, were thieves and all sorts of other lies. It wasn't pretty, so they left. Well, her sights are firmly on my family now.”

“I'm sorry. If we had known....” Alvin started to apologize, but Maggie stopped him.

“Alvin, the kids are happy, I know Tracy is. So that is all that matters. Vance has no friends since Bruce stopped hanging out with him, and he already knows three other boys in Livermore who like him. This way Tracy can have a chance at the life she wants to live, not the one she hated, and Vance can live without the constant teasing.”

“That makes sense. I am sad to see you leave, but I understand.” Alvin said. He stood up and held out a hand. Maggie stood and she shook it.

“Thank you, Alvin.”

Alvin smiled at her. “You are more than welcome. Now let’s go get your son’s records.”

~o~O~o~

Vance came home and he noticed his mother's car was sitting in the driveway. Instead of going to his grandparent’s place, he went to his house and tried the door, which was unlocked. He stepped into the sounds of Elvis Presley playing on the record player and the sight of his mother putting books into a box. His grandparents were in the room, each working on putting stuff in boxes. The smell of something cooking in the oven caught his attention. “Hello Vance.” She said. “You wanna give me a hand and get this stuff boxed up today?”

“Sure, I guess. Do I gotta do up my stuff?” He asked.

“Well, unless you wanna run around naked down there, but the cops won't allow that. Plus you only have some books and stuff. We can focus on the books and clothes, the rest can wait for the big move.”

“Come on, Vance.” Conner said. “You and I can go together and do up your room and leave your mom in here. We can load the car up when we’re done.”

“Cool. Thanks, Grandpa.” Vance said as they headed to the kitchen.

“Think nothing of it, young man.” Conner said as he put an arm around his grandson. As much as he didn't want to openly admit it, he was going to miss the children. And a part of him already was missing them.

~o~O~o~

Tracy walked into building that housed Lok’s school and business, just behind Jaio. Shelly had let her take Tracy, while Maggie was in Oroville, that way Shelly got a few hours to herself. As Tracy got in there, Brooke, who had been at her gym with her mother, seen her and can rushing over. “Are you really going?”

“What? You mean Disneyland?” Tracy asked. “Of course I'm going, you were there too.”

“No. To UCLA with Grandpa, Mom and me this weekend.” Brooke asked as Jaio went into the studio, where Karen was working through her Tai Chi forms.

“Oh, yeah. Mom wants to see family down there and Aunt Shelly thinks it’s best if Aunt Alice meets me now. This way they can meet us at Disneyland. I guess Grandma Bernice is dying to tell them” Tracy replied as she headed for the bathroom area.

“Cool. I'll see you when we go for the court thing. I hear that Rachel is coming too.” Brooke said, as she followed her friend.

“Yeah. You were both witnesses to our attack.” Tracy said with a nod.

“Mom is thinking of going down that morning, but she may go the night before, so we’re not in a rush.” Brooke stated.

Tracy opened up the door and stopped. She looked to Brooke, her lips turned into a large smile. “You know, we should see if Sage, Romy, Rachel and you can all come down with me, and we can just hang out at my place.”

“We should. I can ask Mom, when she’s done.” Brooke said. “Are you staying with us in LA?”

Tracy nodded. “I think My Mom is getting with your Mom and she's going to go with her to share the cost. Your mom was all over the idea.”

“Yeah. Grandpa usually gets his own room, so mom and I can change in peace.”

“Cool. The only thing is I will miss the friday night class.” Tracy stated.

Jaio stopped her. “Tracy, there is always Monday.” She smiled at the preteen.

“Awesome!” Tracy exclaimed.

“Now change. Class is soon.” Jaio said, shooing Tracy away. “Brooke can talk more later.”

~o~O~o~

Wednesday February 23rd 1983

Vance was in the front seat as his mother drove to Livermore. She had saved time by grabbing his medical records on the way down, so all she had to do was go to the new school and take care of everything there. The back of her car was loaded with his clothes, toys and books. The only thing left in his room had been a bed, a dresser, the bar in the closet and the curtains that covered the window. A lot of the living-room had been done after dinner, leaving just their Dad’s books and clothes, which William had been working on, and all of the kitchen stuff to pack, which Maggie was planning on doing when she returned the next day.

“Am I coming back on Friday?” He asked.

“No. You weren't at the store for the attack, so no need to come down for the court date. I'll just bring Tracy. But you and your Uncle will be alone from tomorrow night to Sunday. Aunt Shelly wants to take Tracy to meet your Aunt Alice, so they know about her and Tracy is helping Brooke with her race at UCLA. Persephone said you could come over and hang out with Moony, if you want. But that won’t be till Friday night. I think tomorrow and Friday afternoon, you’ll be at Lynn’s. Only Lance will be at the courts for Rachel.”

“What about school?” Vance asked. “Will I be going tomorrow?”

“I may see about getting you started on Monday, in case we need more stuff, okay? Or if there are tests you have to do.” Maggie replied.

“Tests?” Vance warily asked.

“Well, they do need to make sure the records aren’t false and that you can handle the classes..” Maggie stated.

“Oh. Hey, could we grab something to eat?” Vance asked, while watching as his old school passed by on his side of the car.

“I thought you’d want something more. We’ll hit something in Marysville. There’s a nice sit down diner that has breakfast there.”

“Awesome.” Vance said and he leaned back in his seat and watched as they drove away from his old life and into his new one.

~o~O~o~

Just after noon, when there was a knock at the door and Tracy got up and sprinted to answer it. Her day had been a busy one. Jaio had shown up that morning to work on some of the stuff that Tracy needed to learn for her classes. After that, she started on her schooling. Her work was spread out into three neat piles on the table. She had the history in front of her, and was saving Math and science till her Uncle got home.

She peeked through the peephole, then threw the door open and jumped out, surprising Vance. She hugged him tightly. “Hey!”

“Hey, Tracy.”

Tracy looked to her Mom. “Have you gone to the school?”

“We did. Vance has to take some tests, tomorrow, so they know where to place him. He took a couple today, but they knew moving can be traumatic. But he’s down here as of now.” Maggie said. Shelly came around the corner.

“You got his stuff?” Shelly asked.

“We do. Is Frank home?” Maggie said in reply.

“No. It's only noon. Want some help getting his stuff inside?”

“Yeah.” Maggie nodded. “Tracy, can you give us a hand?”

“Sure. I can do that.” Tracy looked to Vance. “I get the bed by the desk. I’ve been using it already.”

“Okay.”

Tracy smiled brightly. “And you have your own dresser. It was in the garage.”

“Cool.” Vance replied.

~o~O~o~

Thursday February 24th 1983

Tracy and her mother were back in the house that she had spent most of her life in. It felt weird to her to see her old bedroom mostly empty, with just the bunk bed left standing. It had been taken apart to form two separate beds and they were now sitting in the middle of the room. William and Conner were set to tear it apart and place it with the other stuff to be put into a u-haul.

The ladies were working on the kitchen and as each box was filled, it was moved to the living-room. All of the living room had been done, and that left William’s bedroom and the loose stuff in the bathroom, but that wouldn’t take long.

Tracy had already gone through each of the board games that were in the hall and placed them into the trunk of back of Shelly’s van. They were just finishing the kitchen, leaving enough dishes for dinner. They had planned on a late dinner, so Tracy’s friends could enjoy it with them.

At about six o’clock, a car pulled into the drive and Tracy ran to the window, just to see who it was. Once she saw her father get out of his car, a smile on his lips, she raced for the door. She flung it open and jumped out, leaping into William’s arms. “Daddy!!!”

“Hello, Princess.” He pulled her in close and kissed her cheek. “How have you been?”

“Good. I’ve missed you, though.” She said, then she added. “Missed you a lot.”

“A lot? Its only been four days.” He said with a grin, while he let go of her and started to go into the house.

“True, but I still miss you.”

William nodded, but took a sniff at the air. “Smells good. What’s for dinner?”

“We’re having stew. We wanted to make sure we have enough, for the others, so we have two crock-pots going.”

“Nice. Well, can I change out of my work clothes and we’ll talk more in a few minutes?” William asked, as he went to his wife and kissed her cheek, then hugged his mother and Shelly.

“I guess.” Came the glum reply from Tracy.

“Hey, young lady. You’re here all night. It’s not the last time you’ll see me. Besides, I have to pack up my room and I thought you could help with that, unless you’re going to be too busy hanging out with the girls.”

“I don’t know. But I’ll try to help.”

“Well, don’t ignore your friends. That wouldn’t be fair to them.”

“Okay, Daddy.” Tracy said, before hugging him once more.

~o~O~o~

Tracy and her friends all found themselves in her old room. They had pushed the old bunk beds against the walls and Tracy shared with Sage, while Brooke and Rachel took the other bed. The nightlight from the hall was helping to cast shadows in the room. It wasn’t a large room, but the lack of furniture made it seem that way.

“I can’t believe how empty this room is.” Tracy stated.

“It is kinda big. Almost as big as the room you’re in back home.” Rachel said.

Tracy chuckled. “Back home.” She mused. “I never thought of anywhere but here as home. Now it’s one more change.”

“A good one.” Sage said. “You get to go to school with us next year. And no one knows about you.”

“Sage is right.” Brooke added. “Plus, we’re all down there.”

“Yeah. I love it there. So much more to do there.” Tracy said as she lay her head against the pillow.

“Yeah.” Rachel said. “Shopping!”

A moment later, they heard Brooke’s mother come to the doorway. “Girls, we let you stay up late, but William is sleeping, so try and keep it a bit quiet.”

“Okay, Mom.” Brooke said.

"Sorry Mrs. Han." Rachel said. "Just talking."

"I know, just keep it down, so William can sleep." Karen said.

They waited a few moments, till they heard Karen walk away, then Sage giggled. “See Rachel, shopping will get you in trouble.”

“Funny.” Rachel replied back.

“It sucks that you two can’t be in Livermore tomorrow.” Sage said. “I mean, good luck on the race, but now I got to hide at Rachel’s all weekend.”

Rachel giggled back. “But Vance loves you.” This caused Brooke and Tracy to join in on the giggles.

“I know.” Sage sighed. She felt Tracy hug her tightly.

“Don’t focus on him. Just think about Disneyland in a month.” Tracy said as she hugged Sage tight. Besides, Uncle Frank will be home on Saturday, so he may go home. And next weekend, we’re doing the move.”

“Good. And then you’re a full time Bay Area girl.” Sage said as she snuggled into the hug.

“Yep. And this is going to be awesome. In a month, I will be Tracy, legally. We'll go to Disneyland and then we can make plans for the Summer."

"Yeah." The others all replied.

~o~O~o~

Friday February 25th 1983

Morning came and found Tracy at the stove, making sure her father had a breakfast, before he headed off to work. In the middle of her cooking, they heard a vehicle pull into the driveway. Tracy looked out the window over the stove. Her Grandmother's truck sat in the driveway.

“Grandma's here?” Tracy asked.

Maggie nodded. “Yeah, your Grandmother was there and If we need a witness, she can act as one. Plus, they will follow us down to LA.”

“Awesome.” Tracy waited as the stove, while her mother went to the door to let them in. Bernice and Marion both came in.

Her grandmother walked over to where Tracy was at and smiled at her granddaughter. “Hello, young lady."

“Hi Grandma.” Tracy answered back, then she gestured to the frying pan. "Want some eggs?"

"Sure. We could have a little snack."

Marion hugged his daughter, then patted Tracy’s shoulder.

A few moments later, another car pulled up. Tracy looked out and saw Lance in the drivers seat, with another man, who looked slightly younger than Lance, in the passenger seat. They both got out and once more Maggie opened up the door. “Lance, how was the trip?”

“Fine, except sleeping beauty didn’t like waking up at four this morning, so we could be here early.” Lance stated.

“Sorry. We didn’t ask for an early appointment. But there are hotels, or we could have put you up around here.” Maggie said.

“Its okay. I had a big party to attend last night and I can only blame me for staying late.” The man said. “But for now, let’s talk strategy for today.”

“And breakfast. Have you two eaten?” Maggie asked.

“Not yet.” Lance said. “We grabbed a little before we left town, but he is not a fast food fan.”

“Well, find a spot and we will get you some eggs.” Maggie said with a smile. She held her hand out to the stranger. “I’m Maggie Patterson, this is my husband, William. He would come with us, but he is watching what he does at work. They’ve been looking for any excuse to fire him.”

“Sounds sticky.” The man replied. “I’m Bart Rogers. My full name is Bartholomew, but I like Bart better.”

Maggie quickly introduced everyone in the house, including those who were seated in the living-room. When she finished, with the adults, she gestured to the stove. “I’m sure you know Rachel, but the redhead is Sage, she’s the Miller’s daughter.”

“The Miller’s are also getting a restraining order.” Lance added.

“The girl in the wheelchair is Brooke and she was at the store during the attack. She was near the girls and watching with Rachel. Her Grandfather and Mother are here with her.” Maggie went to Tracy and put her hand on Tracy’s shoulder. “This is my youngest. Tracy.”

“Sage, Tracy, Maggie, Persephone, as I said before, Bart is taking care of this. This is more of his type of case. And as Rachel’s father, I’d rather not represent her. I can do it, but I’d rather someone who isn’t related to all of this take the helm.” Lance put a hand on Tracy's shoulder. “Tracy, so you know, I told him about you and trust me when I say that he doesn't care. He supports you fully.

“He’s right. I know many people who were born as the wrong sex. The only important thing is what is between your ears, not your legs.” The man didn’t blush, but the girls did. “Having said that, I have to say this. Tracy, it's important that you and everyone else here watch your pronouns and names today. Girls, from the moment we leave the house, till we leave the courtroom, that is Troy, not Tracy.” He looked to Troy, who looked glum. “I know that hurts, Tracy, but we can't give this woman any ammo against you. Once this is over, you can be you again, until then, it is only Troy, him his and he. Okay?”

“Okay.” Tracy said as she lowered her head, as though her greatest dream had been crushed.

"Okay, everyone?" Bart asked again.

Everyone else just nodded and a few replies of yes were heard. Maggie began helping the girls with breakfast. William headed for the sink and he put his dishes away, then he patted Tracy’s shoulder. “Want to see me to the car with your mother?” His daughter smiled and nodded. Bernice took Maggie spot at the stove.

William went to his car, his lunch already packed. He put his lunch into the backseat, then turned and hugged his wife, than his daughter. “Be safe, and stop by, if you are out in time. I’ll be at my car for the breaks. Let me know the outcome. Leave a note on the seat if you have to. Call from LA when you get there.”

“He knows we’re going?” Tracy asked, looking to her mother.

“Yes, I know you’re going to help Brooke in her race. I also know that your Aunt Shelly is paying the way so I better not argue with her or I get yelled at.” He gave a big smile, so Tracy knew he was joking. “Be safe down there and no going to Disney, till I can be with you.”

“I promise.” Tracy said, putting a hand on her heart.

“Good, now I’ll see you two in a week or so.”

“Next Friday. We’ll come here, once Vance is out of school.”

“Okay.They have me scheduled till Saturday, but once that is done, I am out of here.”

“Good.” Tracy said. He hugged then again, then he got in his car. As he pulled out, this time, Tracy didn’t cry, she knew she could last one more week.

~o~O~o~

Maggie went into the kids old bedroom and she saw her child, sitting on the bed and looking at her feet. Her gaze was firmly aimed at the shiny boy’s shoes she had yet to get rid of. She wore a suit that fit a bit tight on her and her hair was long for a boy's cut. Maggie knew they would have to pin it back, or put it in a ponytail. Although the child looked like a boy, except for the long flowing hair, she knew in her heart that it was her daughter and nothing could change that feeling.

Without looking up, Tracy simply stated. “I hate this.”

“I know, baby. But think of it this way. We get there and get through this quickly, we can try and be back here by ten or so and you can wear what you want to.” Maggie put a hand on her child’s shoulder. “We need to get moving. But as soon as its done, I promise you, I want Tracy to be back at my side.”

“And its just an hour or two?”

“I promise. Once we’re out of the courthouse and get back here, you change, then we follow Brooke, Karen and Lok to LA. Your Grandparents too.”

“Good.” Tracy looked up and he smiled, but just slightly.

“Come on, Bart wants to get there a bit early. So we’re not running late.”

“Okay.” Tracy got up and followed Maggie out of the room.

~o~O~o~

Molly was being good. She had been out of the mental health facility for just a few days. They had let her go when she hadn’t showed any other outbursts. That had been two weeks earlier. There were few who fought her release, but the head man insisted and signed them, since she had been a model patient after her outburst. After that she was able to be released on bail, something her husband reluctantly paid. Lance had kept track of it, through the D.A’s office, but luckily they didn’t have to go to the arraignment. They were still waiting for the pre trial conferences and any other reasons they would have to come down, since Molly took a not guilty plea.

Molly knew she could beat the restraining order and if she did, it would help her case. And to put on a good show, she had just gone to visit an old family friend, and the Godfather to her sons, one of the judges for the county, June's son, Andrew. Before she got to his office, she witnessed something that made her stop and listen closely. She was still focused on what she had seen and heard from his office and it didn't phase her that she had not even spoken to him. Her mind was working over the juicy information she had just witnessed. Instead she slipped away before anyone had the chance to know she was there. She was to meet with her lawyer, but not for another ten minutes.

As Molly came around a corner of the hall that led to the judges chambers, she saw Maggie, her child and the redhead, plus many others all pass by. None of them had seen her, but to be safe, she stepped to the side, so she was next to the wall, but could still see them.. She stopped and just watched them. She knew she had to keep her distance, because of the temporary restraining order, or she could get in more trouble. She watched as Troy and the girls all talked. A part of her hated seeing him that close to the innocent girls, but she knew she was on thin ice and had to be good.

She could see the sadness in Troy’s face and for some reason, his sadness gave her a sick glee. She was doing fine in watching them walk by, until she watched as the redhead slipped her arm behind Troy’s back and the larger girl hugged him as well. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, all of it became a blur.

Once more she could hear crying and the sounds of a young girl pleading and the image of Troy standing over the redhead, her clothes in tatters and Troy forcing himself on her flashed in her mind. She could hear Troy’s sick laughter as the image in her head molested not only the redhead, but the other two as well. She could see the little monster that no one else could see and she knew she had to act.

Molly bolted towards them. None of them were ready for her when she screamed out just as she neared Tracy. “Leave that girl alone you sick little pervert!” The scream caught the attention of several people nearby, including some officers who had come in for different court dates. The girls turned as did Tracy, but none of them were ready for the fact that Molly was that close.

Molly plowed into Tracy, a string of obscenities flowing from her lips. Molly’s fist connected with Tracy, catching her over her right eye. The blow staggered her and when she fell, she caused Sage and Rachel to fall with her. Karen quickly pulled her daughter's wheelchair away from the mess of bodies.

As they landed, Tracy’s hand landed on the larger girls chest, and Molly saw it. “RAPIST!” She screamed out and hit Tracy once more, this time she managed to turn her head and she only grazed her cheek. Tracy brought up one arm and covered her face, as her other arm was trapped by Sage. Tracy curled into a ball and did her best to hide her face, as Molly kept swinging. She could hear the sounds of shouting, fighting and scuffling of feet and then what felt like a dozen people dancing over her and Molly, but through it all, she kept her face covered.

Then a hand grabbed her and pulled her away. She felt a pair of arms wrap around her and she could hear her mother soothing her. “I got you, Baby.”

She couldn't help but cry, burying her face into her mother's chest. She stopped, just long enough to see what was going on, as Molly let out another string of swearing. She watched the woman launch herself at her and her mother, but several cops wrestled her to the ground.

Then began the questioning from the police on the scene, and other officers, once who were on duty were called to take the reports. More then an hour passed, Till Bart looked up and at a clock. “Shit. Maggie, Persephone, Modine, we need to get to the courtroom. We got five minutes.”

The officer who was taking statements stopped him. “We need to finish taking statements. You need to wait.”

“Officer, could you come with us? We are here to get a restraining order for these children, against the woman you just arrested. This isn’t the first time she has attacked the Patterson child in public, or the redhead. We need to be there in fifteen minutes, or it could get tossed out.

One of the older cops came over. “Let’s see about getting these kids into a side room. I doubt they’ll let them in the courtroom at first, but we can question the children about what happened and then you won’t miss the appointment.”

“Thanks, officer.” Bart said. "This can help in our cases against her."

~o~O~o~

Tracy was left in a side room with Rachel, Brooke and Shelly. Each of the girls had spoken to the cops about the attack in the courthouse, each had given their statement, along with their parents and those who had seen what had happened. Each of them had gone in and spoken to the judge, not only covering the attack at the start of the month, but Molly's attack in the courthouse that morning and it was currently Sage's turn.

As they had sat there, each of the girls had started to cry, which set the others off. Shelly was doing her best to calm them down, with Lok’s help. Each time the crying fits started, the adults started asking questions about the upcoming trip to get them thinking about other things. When Sage had gone in, her father and mother went with her.

By time Sage came back, the crying had stopped and they were sitting with a few sodas on the table in front of them. Sage came in, shaking her head in disbelief. “You'll never believe this.” Sage said as she slipped into a chair. Her parents followed her into the room. “That woman was going to try and get a restraining order out against you, but to cover me.”

“What? What do you mean?” Tracy asked, very confused by what Sage had said.

Persephone spoke up as she took a chair. “Molly was going to claim that she was Sage's aunt and legal guardian and was going to put a restraining order out, keeping you from Sage. It was one of the many restraining orders she was trying to get today. Her lawyer told us. He showed us all the actions she tried to take. She was to see the judge right about now.”

“And did they say yes?”

“With both Sage's dad and myself here?” Persephone asked in response. “No. Bart and Molly’s lawyer went to the other judge, who tossed it out when he learned that we're not even related. Thankfully with her being removed from the courthouse and arrested, she wasn't able to fight the restraining order and now it really looks bad for her. The others were to keep Brooke and Rachel from you as well, but Rachel’s Dad and Brooke’s Mother helped stop those.”

“What did I even do?” Tracy asked.

“She was screaming that you were raping Sage, but Sage was just hugging you.” Rachel stated.

“I never did anything to her. Ever. I swear.” Tracy said, tears starting to fall from her eyes again, this caused her friends to start thinking about the attack and they started to cry. Once again the adults tried to stop them..

~o~O~o~

After about ten minutes, when the girls had finally stopped crying again, and were all talking about which rides at Disneyland they wanted to go on first, the door opened up and Maggie, her parents and In-laws all came in. Lance and Bart came in and took seats at the big table. Tracy didn't see them at first, instead she was talking with Brooke, then she felt her mom's hand on her shoulder.

“Mom!” Tracy turned and jumped into her arms. After hugging her for a moment, she looked up. “Can we go now? Or do we have to stay longer?”

“We gave the cops all the information they need to arrest Molly again. I heard that they are sending her to the mental health place again. But yeah, we're done. Do you want to go to the hospital, for your cheek and eye?”

“Do we have to?” Tracy asked.

Lance spoke up. “It may be for the best. One of the officers has agreed to come with us, so we can try and get in and out, in a hurry. Plus, if they come, we don’t have to come back to here to give them the report.”

“Then we can leave town” Tracy asked.

“We were thinking of having you meet us at our place.” Modine replied. “Mr. Rogers and Mr. Williams are invited too. But I think you girls could use something to eat, and that gives Tracy a place to change into her normal clothes.”

“Maggie, you should go. This way they got more proof for the court case and the second charge of assault.” Lance stated.

“Okay. Then we’ll go to the hospital and meet you all at Modine’s.”

Bart leaned back in his seat and looked to Maggie, before speaking. “Maggie, if I could, can I ride with you? Lance can go with someone and I’ll meet him at your in-laws. I want to make sure that a lawyer is there with you, for any tough questions.”

“Please do.” Maggie replied.

At some point, I promise this girl will get to Disneyland.