Hey guys another chapter for you sorry it's a bit late, got distracted with losing one of my video cards, and Zoe's video card replacement as well, If you guys are intrested in reading ahead or any of the other stories we've published on Patreon join us by clicking the link.

They had just sat down for the judge, and began their meeting in the judge's office; the judge wanted to meet with everyone involved before she took it to the courtroom.

“This is a highly unusual case,” the judge, a woman in her late 30s, said.

The CPS worker that Katelyn called nodded, “We agree, but we did some research on them. This isn’t the first time they’ve requested a guardianship. Our counterparts in America spoke highly of the company.”

“I see that.” The Judge nodded as she looked over the paperwork that CPS had given. “I see you also found the young lady’s real father?”

“He... reacted poorly to being approached by local police,” she said, nodding. “I believe the officer has opted to press charges as well as our case worker that was accompanying the officer. She has a big gash in her head from where the bottle hit. We’ll also be charging him with child abuse and neglect based on Sophie’s testimony.”

“I’m surprised he was able to stand up,” she said, looking at his blood alcohol level. She sighed. “Bloody stereotypes given form.” She looked at Sophie. “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, for what it’s worth.”

Sophie shrugged. “I left.”

“Okay, I have a written statement from an Officer John Marr and Ellen Morris.” the Judge said reading them, “They both will be here formally in the courtroom.” she looked at everyone in her office, “I spoke with CPS this morning, and the court appearance will just be an informal thing, I’ve actually made my decision.”

She handed Sarah a copy of the written statement from the two police officers, in addition to a third document declaring Sophie’s change of name and birth certificate marker as ‘Female’. “You can look over that at your leisure before we proceed into the courtroom. If you have any objections or statements, I’ll hear them now as well.”

Sarah looked over the documents, “That was easy..” she looked at Sophie with a smile. “Last time I did this, it took three weeks to get a marker change.”

“I pulled a few strings,” the judge said with a grin. “Given that the girl’s been homeless for this long, and now she’s got a chance to really make something of herself, I wasn’t about to let something so small get in her way.”

“Galway needs the publicity no?” Sarah grinned.

The judge nodded. “That, too. As I said, bloody stereotypes. Too many people still think alcohol and potatoes.”

“Especially outa Belfast.” Sophie sighed. “That an IRA.”

“And JackSepticEye,” Amanda couldn’t help herself.

The judge let out a small groan. “My daughters are huge fans.” She laughed a little. “We’ll recess and after lunch we’ll take this to the courtroom.”

“Sorry I’m late,” a short, red haired woman Sophie recalled as being named Macy, said. She had spoken with Sophie a bit earlier, and she was contracted by the company to work as Sophie’s phsychiatrist. “I had to do some talking around since our muppet here has been self medicating.”

“Just a little,” Sophie protested. “It’s some anti... Anti something or other.”

“Yes we talked about it. I had to unfortunately tell the judge. Normally Sophie what you tell me I cannot tell anyone,” Macy stated, “But since self medicating like that is illegal I had to inform her.”

“Was more worried about Kate finding out, really,” Sophie said.

“I told her as well.” Macy stated, “She’s not mad at you, but you should talk to her about it.” Katelyn and Amanda were talking with Sarah and the officers, and just out of earshot. “As I said nobody's mad, and I’ve got some news for you; that’s why we’re talking privately.”

Sophie nodded. “This is going to affect the job innit?” she said flatly, expecting the worst.

“Nope,” Macy said, “It’s all good news. When we get stateside, we’re going to be going to see a few doctors, but I’ve approved you for HRT. You’ve demonstrated you’re going to do it one way or another, and you’ve been living as a girl since you ran away.”

Sophie grinned. “I can’t believe all the fuss everyone’s going through to get me to pose for some bloody pictures.”

“It’s because they believe in you,” Macy said. “And you are a very pretty young lady.”

“Who swears like a sailor,” Sophie laughed. “I’ve been holding back outta respect. First time I stub my toe it’s all over.” She giggled.

“I’ll be fixing that.” Katelyn said as she joined them. “A proper young lady doesn’t swear like a sailor in public at least.” She winked. “How's it going Macy? Enjoying your first trip to Ireland?”

“It’s been magical,” Macy said. “I’ve met so many colorful personalities in my interview process. I think I’m going to get married here,” she giggled. “Someday.”

“Now you see why I vacation here huh?” Katelyn laughed. “Besides having family here.”

~oOo~

The courtroom was packed, and everything seemed to go like a tornado, it was so fast, The judge had approved Katelyn and Amanda as Sophie’s legal guardian, she gave Sophie a long term Work visa for the United States, she approved the changes on the nation insurance and birth record.

As she had said it was just an informal thing; they had to do it incase someone showed up and objected,which no one did since her birth father was in Belfast in jail and noone had any idea where her mother was.

“Alright,” the judge said, “As there are no objections, and two officers of the law have spoken up in the young lady’s favor, then I declare these proceedings closed.” she hit her gavel and stood to leave.

The courtroom lit up with flashes from cameras from the few reporters allowed inside, mostly from “legitimate” American newspapers who had gotten wind of the story and smelled a soft news piece.

Katelyn had set that up; she had gotten a list of people, and asked the judge’s permission, to help Sophie’s career. Tthe more she was in the spotlight the better, especially if it was for good things not bad. Sophie was already being dubbed “The Irish Princess” in a few early online articles.

Katelyn had built a reputation for herself when she switched from being an agent to a photographer. She had some major contacts now. What nobody really knew was that she and Amanda were actually seeing each other. It wasn’t serious, but they were in the early stages of dating when this whole thing started. That was a large part of why she just straight gave Amanda credit for “discovering” Sophie, even though everyone on the board knew it was her.

“You ready for the mob?” Katelyn whispered to Sophie as they started for the door. The two officers were ahead of them as security, to keep the crowd at bay. “I told a lot of people that there was something going down here today.” she winked.

“Just glad we got the matter of my name and whatnot straightened back in the Judge’s office,” Sophie whispered back.

“Yeah the courtroom stuff was just about guardianship.” Amanda nodded. They barely got into the courtroom lobby before reporters started shouting questions. Katelyn pointed to a reporter wearing a New York Times press badge.

“Are you and Sophie going to stay here in Ireland, or are you going to move back to the United States right away?” she asked.

Sophie grinned as she held up her work visa. “I’m going’ to America,” she said proudly.

Katelyn pointed to the reporter from TMZ next. “That looks like a work visa. Does this mean Sophie is going to be under contract with WP Modeling Agency?”

“Yes, we have an exclusive contract with Sophie.” Katelyn stated. “And yes we are complying with both UK and US laws for employing a minor, including assessing her level of education and getting her a proper education per UK standards. We have in our employment a high level Private educator appointed by Ireland for her.”

Sophie was beginning to catch on, and grinned, pointing at a young girl who couldn’t be more than 16, but she had a press badge for her local high school.

“Hi I’m with Saint Margarets.” the girl said, “I’ve got one question for you.” she said, “Is it true you set up a charity for homeless youth in Galway?”

“Yes,” Sophie said. “One of the stipulations for my contract is that 1/3 of the money for every photo shoot I do, is put directly into a fund to help my friends here in Galway and across Ireland. I lived on the streets for a year. Some of them have been out here a lot longer. They took me in, an’ I want to repay their kindness.” there was a lot of buzz amongst the reporters over that.

“No more questions.” Katelyn stated, “Sophie has a busy schedule.”

Sophie leaned over to Amanda. “Can we get her name?” she asked, pointing out the young reporter. “I wanna read her article when it’s done.” She giggled.

“Already got it, Susan McKnight.” Amanda whispered. “She’s going to do a sit down with you tomorrow before we leave Ireland.”

“Oh, kewl,” Sophie said bobbing her head.

Casidhe grinned at her as she climbed inside the limo. “Well this is a fine mess you got us into,” she teased, giggling. “Mum just passed the American bar. She's got a license to practice law in America, and informed us we’re moving.”

“This is so exciting,” Ellen said. “Hollywood!” she bubbled.

“Aye but we had to dress like we’re goin’ to a funeral, just in case we got spotted with you,” Casidhe laughed.

“Whys that?” Sophie asked.

“Smoke and mirrors,” Katelyn grinned. “Got to present the right image to build up the hype. It’s not that we didn’t want you to be seen together, because we do, but its not time yet.”

“Ah,” Sophie nodded. She didn’t quite get it, but for some reason, she really did trust Katelyn. She seemed to know what she was doing, and she really was giving Sophie everything she could ever ask for, so that deserved a little trust too. “So what happens next?”

“Next we go get you a fancy dress for dinner with Megan Stuart and Juliette Small.” Katelyn said. “It’ll be good for the press to see you with some of the other talent we employ your own age. They’ve got some questions to ask you anyway.” she winked.

Sophie might have spent a year on the street, but she damned well knew who Megan and Juliette were. Megan was the first openly transgender Disney star, a minor like her, and there were rumors she and Juliette were even dating. Her jaw dropped.

“Then after dinner.” Katelyn continued, “I rented a photo studio for a few hours. I’d like to get some portfolio shots and get you a crash course in modeling. Then we can go back to the hotel and you can get some sleep, and tomorrow you have a sit down with Susan, and then we go to lunch with Megan and Juliet before we get on a plane to Hollywood. That’s where Casidhe and Ellen come in.”

“Wait what?” Casidhe looked up from her phone.

“You two will be at the airport to wait for Sophie.” Katelyn laughed.

“Oh, God, okay,” Casidhe laughed. “Don’t scare me like that.”

“Yeah,” Ellen laughed, “I’m down with all this publicity stuff, but like dinner with movie stars is a little above our pay grade,” she teased.

“We’ll introduce both you and Ellen as Sophie’s cousins.” Amanda said. “And when the press asks why Sophie’s not living with your mother, the excuse is Sophie has partial emancipation and that the company has assigned her guardians.”

“That works,” Casidhe giggled. “We are practically cousins. Sophie’s the only one we’ve asked to stay at our flat.”

“It’s cause she's a Belfast girl.” Ellen winked. “And she’s never tried to pickpocket us,” she laughed.

“That’s because when I first met you two, you gave me that tip jar with 100 euros in it.” Sophie giggled. “And don’t get me wrong, Janie an’ Danny are good people, but aye they’d rob ya blind,” she giggled out.

“Janie’s been on the street for too long.” Casidhe said. “She won’t even talk to us, ‘fraid we’ll snitch to child services.”

“That lady we dealt with with child services seemed pretty cool.” Sophie stated. “But if she won’t deal with em, maybe she’ll at least accept help from the charity. I told em it’s legit.”

“This is our stop,” Casidhe giggled and hugged Sophie. “See you tomorrow.” Ellen hugged Sophie next, and then both girls climbed out of the limo outside their apartment, waving as they pulled away again.

Sophie looked down at her feet thoughtfully. “This modeling thing... I’m too young for heels right?” she asked hopefully. Katelyn laughed.

“Yes. No heels until you’re 15,” she teased.

“Joking, you're going to have to learn to walk in them, but we’re going to start off easy with wedges. I have Katelyn as your sole photographer, but sometimes you might have to shoot for another, but that will be rarely” Amanda said. “Over there.” she pointed to a nice dress shop and the limo driver pulled over.

“You’re a winter color, so shopping for you is going to be interesting, till we get stateside and then I know most of the best places.” Katelyn grinned.

~oOo~

They had paid almost 6,000 euros for the dress that Sophie was wearing. There was no way in hell Sophie would have ever in her life bought this dress, but Katelyn stated that Megan and Juliette would be wearing nice dresses as well, as this was a publicity dinner. It didn’t look 6,000 euros to her, though. It fit fine, felt good, very light, ‘airy’ as Katelyn called it, but there wasn’t anything, short of the designer label, to make it worth so much, to her mind.

She wasn’t thrilled about the diamond bracelet either, but since she had only just gotten her ears pierced, Katelyn explained she couldn’t wear the diamond earrings that she wanted Sophie to wear, so the bracelet had to suffice. Sophie wasn’t thrilled about the earrings, either, but those at least were something she could agree with given the right style.

She had no idea how much the diamond set that they had bought her even cost. Sshe was getting her hair redone and having the woman help her learn how to do makeup.

“It’s important at your age,” the woman said, “Not to look like you’re wearing too much, but when you do photo shoots it’s a complete opposite. With all the lights and such, you’ll feel like you’re wearing a pound of mud on your face.”

Katelyn nodded as she joined, “The camera can’t get light makeup well, so we have to use more to make it look like less.”

A slightly older girl getting her hair done at the next station over giggled. “It’s really bad if you’re on the spirit squad or acting. You look like a monster up close, just to look good from the stage.”

“Exactly, it’s all about lighting and distance. Even the best cameras in the world can’t pick up natural.” Katelyn shrugged. “But when you’re not photoshooting, your best to keep things natural, light lip gloss, maybe some eyeshadow as Jane here said.”

“As you get older,” Jane nodded, “You can start to experiment with different looks for different occasions. You wouldn’t want an evening look to go shopping in, but if you were going to a red carpet event, you can’t have too much mascara, for example. Don’t worry Sophie, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to learn.” she said as she finished up and turned Sophie to the mirror to see herself.

“Bloody hell,” she blurted out. “I look... amazing.” It really wasn’t all that much, but the little changes added up to a huge difference.

“Duh.” The girl from the chair nearby giggled. “Im totally jelly. You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen, and that lip gloss and nail polish combo makes them pop even more.”

“Everything we do.” Katelyn said as she paid the woman and they left, “For your look, will always be to accent your eyes; your eyes are your biggest assets. You have a cute almost heart shaped face and a slender nose that help, but your eyes are the first thing people notice.”

“Really?” Sophie asked, “I never really thought about that.”

“It’s why I took snapshots of you when I was here on vacation.” Katelyn laughed. “Your eyes just have these shine in them. You can melt hearts, or stare daggers that would chill the hardest soul, and I absolutely love it. Okay time to head to the restaurant and meet Juliette and Megan.”

“Thank God I already peed,” Sophie sighed.

The limo pulled up to a really fancy restaurant. There were camera people all over; they had already gotten their fill of Megan and Juliette. It was like they were packing up, till Sophie stepped out of the limo. One of the lady camera people leaned over to a colleague, “Who's that?” as they all began to take pictures.

“That’s Sophie Dee,” the colleague answered, “The Irish Princess. Wonder what she’s doing here?”

“No shit?” The lady said, as Sophie entered the restaurant.

Sophie waved as delicately as she could manage, which still wasn’t very, but she had come a long way in just a short time. It wasn’t even that she didn’t know how to act like a girl, but she was a street urchin, so had a few rough edges, but Katelyn and Amanda were both patient and good teachers. Sophie wasn’t the first project like this that had landed in Katelyn’s lap, just the most challenging.

“Ah there they are.” Amanda said and waved at the pair, already sitting. Juliette was wearing an elegant purple evening gown, and Megan a white number. A woman pulled a seat out for Sophie to sit at, as Amanda and Katelyn took a table nearby.

“This looks good for Megan and Juliette.” A woman at the table they sat down at said. “Not only that, but for Sophie as well.”

“Poor girl,” Amanda giggled. “Turns out she’s a big fan of theirs,” she said as the girls made their greetings and started talking.

“My dress is riding,” Megan said through gritted smile and giggled.

“This thing cost 6,000 euros.” Sophie did the same.“I feel like Irish Barbie.”

“When we get back to the States, Jules and I will show you what the high life is really like,” Megan giggled. “If you have time anyway.”

“Staying up till 2am eating pizza, watching horror movies with friends,” Juliette laughed. “Uh oh, reporter 2 o’clock,” she said in a hushed tone and then quickly spoke loudly enough for the nosy reporter to hear, “So have you given acting any thought?”

“Me, an actress?” Sophie asked. “Wouldn’t the accent get in the way?”

“Na you’d be surprised,” Megan said. “I bounce between Australian and California Valley Girl so much it makes people’s heads spin. Even Juliette started sounding like Croc Dundee during our Outback shoot.”

Juliette said, “We kinda were talking, and we’d love for you to do a guest role on our show?”

“A real life lost girl huh?” Sophie giggled.

“Yup.” Megan said and turned to look at the reporter who was giving them space as they ordered their food.

“Excuse me.” the woman softly said, “Can I bother you for a second of your time, before your food arrives?”

Megan grinned. “Well, security didn’t tackle you at the door which means you’re on the approved list, so please, by all means.”

“Yeah, it takes a lot of work to get on that list, but actually me and my partner were here on a dinner date.” she winked, “There are lots of rumors circulating back home that you and Juliette are dating; can you make a statement for me on that one?” she asked.

Megan looked at Juliette. Juliette giggled. “Are we dating?” she asked Megan.

Megan laughed and kissed Juliette on the lips. “About... Six months now?”

“Thank you girls. Sorry for interrupting you during dinner. Oh one last thing, Sophie Dee right?” she turned to Sophie.

“Aye, Sophie Dee,” Sophie said with a broad smile.

“Do you have anyone special in your life?” The woman asked.

“Na, I don’t date yet.” Sophie shrugged.

“That’s going to make a lot of your fans happy to hear.” The woman grinned and laughed a little as she turned to walk away.

“Didn’t we already confirm the dating rumor ages ago?” Juliette laughed.

“We did, but I think she had to reaffirm it because of Sophie.” Megan shrugged.

“Ohh,” Juliette giggled. “Yeah, that makes sense. Hollywood reporters don’t know what the hell to do with us, being openly LGBT at our age, and not in any kind of trouble like ever.”

“Yeah, I have a question about that.” Sophie frowned. “Should I come out as T?”

“Totally up to you.” Juliette stated.

Megan nodded. “It’s got its positives and its negatives. I literally get death threats daily from people who think everything from that I betrayed them, to that God hates me, or whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “If you’re comfortable with people knowing, then I’ll back you 100%.”

“It might actually be smart to get out ahead of it now, while you're only starting your career however, unlike Megan, who had two previous tv shows and a modeling career before.”

“That’s true,” Megan said. “I didn’t have a choice when I transitioned publicly. If someone snoops in your past and finds out they could cause problems down the road. It’s definitely something to discuss with your agent, but again, whatever you decide, we absolutely got your back girl.”

“Thank you,” Sophie said. “I really didn’t know what to expect meeting you guys. You’re really down to earth.”

“Juliette can have her diva moments.” Megan teased. “Just don’t let fame get to you, I’ve been in the biz for a long time.” Megan giggled. “We try to take time to just be regular teens a lot. One of the benefits of filming on location in Florida is we get to go to Disney World a lot,” she laughed.

“That would be soo cool.” Sophie said. “I’ve never even dreamed of doing anything like that.”

“Well make sure you go to Disneyland a lot since you’ll be close by.” Juliette said.

“Speaking of,” Megan grinned, “A little bird told me you bought my old house.”

“Yeah that’s what I heard. You guys left all your furniture too.” Sophie looked at Megan, “Do you want it?”

“Had to,” Megan giggled. “I mean I cleaned out my room of my stuffed animal collection when we got a condo in Florida, but everything else was either leave or sell off, so we decided to leave it for the next person to sort out. Most of it is inside two years old though.”

“Well that answers my question.” Sophie giggled as the waiter brought out their food. The girls were having Angus beef burgers and fries, while Sophie had ordered a big platter of fish and chips again. She was a huge fish and chips kind of girl.

“Man that fish smells good though,” Juliette said after a moment. “Reminds me of Kelso’s on 3rd.”

“I hope America has good Chippies.” Sophie giggled out. “We Irish love our fish and chips just as much as the scots do.”

Juliette turned to glare at Megan. “If you say Long John Silver’s, I’ll smack you.”

Megan burst out laughing. “What? I like LJS, but I’d never compare them to a proper chippie.”

Juliette said, “There’s a few places in Cali you can get really good fish and chips, just don’t make your first stop LJS. It’s not bad, it’s just...”

“Bastardized,” Megan nodded. “It’s a fast food chain. Kinda like Taco bell or McD’s”

“Ohh,” Sophie nodded. “So good for a snack, but not much for a good meal.”

“Exactly.” Juliette nodded.

~oOo~

“Okay time for your first ever photo shoot. I have to tell you up front that I’m bringing in a professional photographer so you can learn what it’s like to work with one, even if you will hardly if ever work with someone other than me.” Katelyn said. “For the first hour you’ll work with him.”

“Aren’t you a professional photographer?” Sophie asked honestly.

“Yes, but this guy does shoots with all the famous models.” Katelyn winked as the Limo driver headed towards the studio that Katelyn rented. “Just a heads up, he can be a real dick. That’s the real reason I’m having you work with him. Never know when I’ll be sick or something.”

“Ah great,” Sophie sighed.

“It’s just practice hon.” Amanda said. “Don’t let him get to you.”

By the time they got inside the studio, Sophie had psyched herself up for the worst, but the man who approached them, carrying an expensive looking camera, seemed alright. He had shoulder length brown hair, a bit of a van dyke, and he was wearing what Sophie would eventually learn was called ‘business casual’.

At the end of the shoot, in which he hardly even raised his voice, he said, “You have raw natural talent. You didn’t try to make out with the camera like some girls do. Keep that and you will go far.”

The adults crowded around his Macbook Pro to look at the previews, while Sophie headed back to the dressing area to change.

Katelyn came in, “Now we’re on to a real photo shoot. We’ve got a contract to do some photos for Saint Margaret's.”

“Wow, tonight?” Sophie asked, hopping on one foot to get her loafer on her foot where it had lodged itself halfway-on and wouldn’t go any further.

“Yup.” Katelyn said, trying not to laugh, “Trisha will be coming back here to fix your makeup and help you get into a Saint M’s uniform.”

“Oh, Gawd,” Sophie laughed and stepped out of her loafers again.

“This time, I’ll be taking the photos though.” Katelyn said, “You did really good earlier by the way, Michael never says anything nice like that.”

“She’s not kidding,” a blonde haired young woman around 25 or so, said as she poked her head around the corner. “I watched part of your shoot. I’ve never seen that man actually smile.”

“Sophie, meet Trisha.” Katelyn said. “She’ll be your permanent makeup artist for photo shoots and other events.”

“Fun,” Sophie said as she hopped back up in the chair. “It’s nice to meet’cha Trisha.”

“Sorry I’m late, but I got delayed at customs.” Trisha said. She tried not to giggle as she set her makeup kit on the counter. “Give ya three guesses what they thought all these tubes were.”

“Oh Gawd,” Sophie giggled out for the second time.

“Yeah,” Trisha laughed. “I jokingly told the customs agent I was going to give someone an aggressive makeover. Okay, we’re going for innocent here, so I’m going to be using my pink palette. They told you already about makeup magic and the camera right?”

“Aye,” Sophie tried not to nod as Trisha had already set to work on her eyes. “And another girl warned me that if I got into acting, I’d look like a monster in five pounds of mud,” she giggled.

“Not that bad.” Trisha said, “I used to do make up for Megan. She does her own now,” Trisha said. “Maybe you’ll eventually not need me either; actually I like it when my clients move on and don’t need help anymore. Not that I don't mind doing your make up.” she winked. “But it’s cool when they learn so much that they don’t need my help.”

The St. Margaret’s uniform actually wasn’t as bad as Sophie had expected. Thankfully it was the older girls’ uniform, so it had a more refined and basic look to it.

At the last moment, Katelyn added a small gold chain with a crucifix. There were two nuns and a plain clothed woman there, waiting for Sophie to come out. “Hello Dear.” one of the nuns said, “That uniform looks really good on you.”

The younger one spoke, “It’s a shame you won't be attending our school personally, even if you are enrolled.” she grinned.

Sophie looked a little surprised. “Wow...” She looked at Katelyn. “You said you got me the best tutor, I didn’t realize you meant THE best.”

“I did.” Katelyn said. “You’re a Saint Margaret's girl now. We’ll be flying back every so often when you’re not busy to attend school events and to make an appearance in class. You ready? We won’t be doing any sexy poses.” she warned Sophie, but jokingly.

Sophie bit back a laugh, at least until both of the nuns started to chuckle too, and then she couldn’t hold it in and giggled right as Katelyn took the first snap of her.

The shoot lasted almost 3 hours. It was 9:45pm when they began tear down, and Trisha began to wash the heavy makeup off Sophie to put on a light set.

“This will be easy to remove when you get back,” Trisha said. “I use these face wipes,” she said, placing a fresh box in Sophie’s handbag. “Brings it right off with no harsh chemicals so you can even use em on your eyes. It also helps moisturize and clean your pores as well.”

“Thank you Trisha.” Sophie said.

“No problem Sophie dear, we want you to look pretty no matter what you’re doing, even if it’s digging a hole.” she teased.