Ch. 61-70

<pre style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px; white-space: normal; color: #444444; font-size: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: start;">Ch. 61

That night only Belle slept. You went downstairs around 2AM and found Logan in the living room. "Couldn't sleep?" He asked sympathetically. "How could I? I'm at risk of losing my baby." You began to tear up. Logan stood up and hugged you. "No, you're not. It'll be hard for them to find anyone to testify for them. They're manipulative and terrible. No one will want them to win. And unfortunately for them, you have me. Brent had told me lots of 'family secrets' when we were friends and I haven't forgotten too many." Logan comforted you. "You want to do that? You want to be one of our witnesses? But what about everyone back in Texas? Won't your parents be alienated?" You asked. Logan shrugged. "My parents want the truth to come out. Plus, I've told them about Belle and even though they haven't met her, they like her. They wouldn't want any kid, even grandkids, to be in the Davises' custody." Logan smiled. You smiled too. "Maybe you can invite them out here and they can meet her." You suggested. Logan nodded. "Once I get my own place again and all this settles down." He agreed. "We could invite them to the wedding." You thought aloud. "Really?" Logan asked. "Well I sort of knew them when I lived in Texas and they could see you and Belle and I'm sure they haven't been out here in awhile." You pointed out. Logan nodded again. "If you want to." He said. Soon James came down. "I guess none of us are sleeping tonight." He sighed as he sat down next to you. "What do you think of Logan's parents coming to the wedding? We already have Kendall's parents coming." You asked. "Fine with me." James said rubbing his face. You gave him a kiss on the cheek and snuggled with him. "I'm going to check out lawyers tomorrow and figure out who to get." James told you, patting your knee. "What else do we need?" You asked. "They'll know better than I do but we probably need to start thinking of people to testify in our favor." James said running his fingers through his hair. "Logan's already offered." You told James. "Oh really? That's awesome. Thanks, man." James leaned forward to see Logan on the other side of you. "We'll need more than one." James said. "We probably shouldn't do all the guys because that'll look too similar so maybe Alexa or Victoria or one of the dance teachers or some of Belle's friends' moms." You suggested rattling off some ideas. James nodded. "We can make a list tomorrow once we know what the lawyer advises and when we're more awake." James agreed. "I just want to fall asleep." You said wishfully. "Amen, sista." Logan replied trying to close his eyes and get comfortable. You and James gave him a funny look but snuggled closer and tried to get some sleep. 

Ch. 62

The next morning you woke up to the sound of Belle banging around the kitchen in attempt to get her cereal. You got up and shuffled sleepily to the kitchen. "Why are you sleeping on the couch with Daddy and Uncle Logie?" Belle asked when she saw you. "We couldn't sleep. You've done a good job of getting ready on your own! My baby isn't so little anymore." You replied hugging her. "Mommy! Let go!" Belle giggled. "No, I'm your mother. I'll never let go." You kissed her cheek. You didn't want to ever let go but you had to. After Belle went to school, you and James began to look for a lawyer. By the time Belle came home from school, you and James had put together your team of lawyers and had called them. The next day you went to the first of several meetings to discuss the case. They explained how the trail would work and what you needed to do. They suggested you get as many people to testify for you as possible. Each one would have to provide a written statement and if the judge wanted them to appear in court, they would. You and James listened carefully and intently. That night you sent out a mass text to the BTR guys and their girlfriends about sending in written testimonies. They all agreed they would write for you and testify in person if necessary. The next day you went to the dance studio and asked Belle's dance teacher to also write a statement. You told her the whole story about your past so she understood everything. She was shocked at how "normal" your little family seemed, but was quite horrified with the Davises. "Of course I'll write something for you! I'd feel terrible if I didn't." She nodded as soon as you asked. You thanked her and left to go to Belle's old daycare to ask them to write statements for your case. They all agreed to too. That night as you and James laid in bed, you couldn't stop thinking about the trail and everything the lawyers had said. "It's going to be ok. We're going to get through it. She's not going anywhere and neither am I." James said hugging you and kissing you. "I can't help but worry. It's my job as a mother. Plus you don't know what the Davises are like. They know how to get their way in everything." You said stressing out even more. "Amanda, we can't control anything they do. We can only control what we do and we will do everything in our power that we can. As far as we know, they don't have anything on us. We have Logan. He knows more than they could, I'm sure. He's our secret weapon." James pointed out. You nodded and leaned your head on James' chest. "This'll all be over before you know it." He said kissing your forehead as you drifted into sleep.

Ch. 63

The trial wouldn't happen for about three months. You and James decided to get married before the trial happened. You two were extremely busy for the next few weeks planning for both the wedding and the trial. Finally the day came for the wedding. You were very nervous but very excited. Alexa, Victoria and Ali were your bridesmaids and Logan, Kendall, Carlos, Dustin and Phil. Belle was the flowergirl and Alexa's little brother Cruz was the ringbearer. All the girls got ready together. When it finally became time for the ceremony to begin, you became very panicked and nervous. Alexa gave you a hug. "You're going to be fine. It's not like there's a pop quiz at the end or something." She laughed. "And just wait until I give my speech at the reception!" She added. "Oh lord. More for me to worry about." You laughed, fanning yourself. When you entered the room, everyone stood up and watched you. You decided to have Phil "give you away" because you didn't have a dad or brother to do that and you didn't want to choose one of the BTR guys. You slowly walked behind Belle as she spread the flower petals. As soon as you got to the altar, James took your hand and smiled. He had tears in his eyes which made you tear up. "Don't do this to me." You whispered jokingly, trying to avoid smearing any of your makeup. James smiled at the joke and you two turned to the rabbi (you and James decided on a Jewish wedding). You two said your vows and did all of the Jewish wedding rituals. Everyone cheered when the wedding ended, as you and James walked out of the room together. When you two were out, you had a second alone. James kissed you again. "I've never been so happy in my life." He said. "Me neither." You replied between kisses. During the reception you and James had to talk to everyone that came. "Aren't you so glad we cut down the list?" James asked after talking for about an hour. "So glad." You agreed. Soon you and James had to have your first dance. It was to the song "From This Moment" by Shania Twain. During the dance, James whispered things to you that made you fall even more in love with him. As the dance ended you two kissed. "How did I ever end up with someone amazing as you?" You asked looking into James' gorgeous eyes. You ended up dancing with all the guys of BTR and even Phil. You met Logan's parents for the first time and they talked about how wonderful Belle was. The whole wedding was better than you could've ever imagined it to be. That night you and James went home to an empty house. Belle was going to stay with Carlos and Alexa while you and James went on your honeymoon and Logan had moved out. The next morning you and James got up and flew to the Bahamas. 

Ch. 64

You and James were able to relax a little in the Bahamas and did lots of fun things like swimming with dolphins and jet skiing. When you got home several days later, Belle was very excited to see you. She had fun with Carlos and Alexa but missed you and James a lot. Soon you and James were consumed with preparing for the trial again. Finally the day came, the first day of trial. You and James got ready for it, dressing nicely. Ali was going to come over to take care of Belle because you weren't sure how long the trial would run each day. You and James gave Belle an extra long hug and kiss before she went on the bus that day. You two went to the courthouse and soon the trial began. The judge was Lance Ito and your lawyers were Kathy Meyers and Matthew Clark. Both Kathy and Matthew were very skilled in cases involving custody battles and children. You and James felt confident but you still had lingering doubt in the back of your mind. You tried to ignore it but the fear of losing Belle was too much. You and James sat with Matthew and Kathy. On the other side of the courtroom, the Davises sat with Brent and their lawyers. Behind you, Alexa, Carlos, Kendall and Logan came in and sat down. Alexa saw you look back and gave you a quick reassuring smile. The trial began. Each side presented their arguments and what they wanted from the other side (the Davises wanted custody and you wanted a restraining order from the three Davises and for them to start paying the money they owed you). You were the first one to testify. You explained your history with Brent and what had happened almost six years ago. The Davises' lawyers tried to cross examine you but you could see them struggling to find something to make you look guilty (other than running away but even that wasn't completely your own decision). When Brent went up on the stand you could see him sweating bullets. You noticed he had all of his nervous habits that he did when you went out with him. Eventually the day ended so everyone went home. 

Ch. 65

Over the next few days, Judge Ito asked several people to testify. There were a lot more people on your side and everyday there were less and less people sitting near the Davises. Logan was the last one to testify on the second to last day of the trial. He told the courtroom about all of the things the Davises had done over the years: the lies, the bribing, etc. The Davises' lawyers tried to say "objection" but Judge Ito let Logan continue. At the end of the day, Judge Ito announced that tomorrow the verdict would be decided. That night you tossed and turned, too nervous to sleep. Eventually you fell asleep but it was just hours before you had to get up. The next morning, you and James walked into the courtroom with your lawyers and sat down. When Judge Ito came he went through all the legal talk and stuff that didn't really matter; you just wanted to hear the verdict. The jury was released to decide their verdict and was only gone for what seemed like minutes. Finally Judge Ito told them to read the verdict. "We the jury find the plaintiff to be the best guardian for Isabelle Ariel Cottrell. Mr. and Mrs. Davis will have legal custody of the child from here on." The jury representative read. Judge Ito banged the gavel signaling the end of the proceeding and you fell to the floor sobbing.</pre>

<pre style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px; white-space: normal; color: #444444; font-size: 15.454545021057129px; text-align: start;">Ch. 66

"Amanda! Amanda!" You woke up to James yelling your name and shaking you while covering your mouth. "Stop screaming." James said. You sat up breathing heavy. "What were you dreaming about??" James asked, shocked that something had made you scream in your sleep. "They took Belle. The Davises got her." You said panicking. "Mandy, it was just a dream. It won't happen. Even if it did, we'd try to repeal it and get a new trail. But we won't have to." James said kissing your forehead as he held you close. You glanced at the clock. "Is Belle at school?" You asked realizing how late it was. "Yeah." James nodded. "How could you not wake me up to say goodbye? What if I never see her again?" You asked angrily, lightly hitting James. "Chill! Chill! She gave you a kiss before she left. I didn't want to wake you up because I knew you didn't get much sleep last night." James said backing up. "I've cracked. Oh my god. What is wrong with me?" You whispered burying your head in your hands. "You've been strong for too long." James replied as he sat down next to you on the bed and held you close. "I'm sorry." You whispered as you buried your face in his shoulder. He just held you and kissed your face. "Everything will be ok. I won't ever ever let anything happen to you or Belle. You know that." James whispered, kissing you more. Soon you two left (for real this time) for the courthouse. The jury went out and debated for only about 30 minutes. When they came back, Judge Ito asked them to read their verdict. The representative announced "We the jury find the defendants, James Maslow and Amanda Cottrell, the most suitable living arraignment for Isabelle Ariel Cottrell. The child will remain with her parents." Judge Ito banged his gavel and ordered paperwork to be done. Brent had to sign away his parenting rights so that James could legally adopt Belle and all three Davises were given restraining orders. Everyone filled out the necessary paperwork there so it wouldn't be delayed any longer. Before you left, James had officially adopted Belle. You and James left the courthouse with Carlos, Alexa, Kendall and Logan. They all came home with you for a little celebration. When Belle came home, you and James quickly went to greet her, smothering her with hugs and kisses. "You're mine. All mine." James said as you three lay on the floor together. Carlos quickly took a picture of the moment. 

Ch. 67

A few hours later, everyone was still at your house celebrating. Logan got a phone call so he went into the kitchen to get away from the noise of everyone talking and laughing. He came out a few minutes later and pulled you into the kitchen. "What is it?" You asked seeing the look on Logan's face. "Your mom. She went to my mom's house to get my phone number so she could talk to you." Logan replied. His face was nearly white. "She wants to talk to me?" You asked. Logan nodded and handed his phone to you. "Hel- hello?" You said into the phone, not sure what to expect. "Amanda? Amanda, is that you?" Said a familiar voice you hadn't heard in years. "Hi, Mom." You said. "Amanda Leigh Cottrell! Where have you been for the last six years? How could you do this to your father and me?" She replied practically yelling. "Mom, you know you would've kicked me out. There wasn't much of a choice." You sighed. You really didn't want to have this argument. "How could you not call all these years to at least tell me you were ok?" She asked softening. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't think you'd want to hear from me. I figured someone would've told you. I thought you would've tried to ask the Davises but I guess... I'm sorry." You apologized, beginning to feel guilty. Sure, your parents would've been madder than hell, but maybe they would've been helpful. You'd never know now and you weren't sure that if given the chance to redo it, that you'd change what you did. "How did you even know to find me?" You asked. "Don't you know that your trial was all over the news and celebrity gossip stuff? Amanda, you married a famous guy; of course people are going to know what's going on. I watched the trial news and hoped that no matter what happened, I'd get to see my grandchild. I'm too young to be a grandmother by the way, but I still want to know her. I've only heard about her from Logan's mom and seen her in some magazines." Your mom sounded so heartbroken. It almost made you want to cry. "I'm sorry." You said again. James had come into the kitchen to see what you had left for. "Who is it?" He mouthed, looking confused. "My mom." You mouthed back. James looked surprised. "Amanda, come home. At least to visit for awhile. Please." Your mom asked. You thought about it. "Ok, I'll see what we can do. I don't want Belle to miss school so we'll try to do it during a long weekend or something." You agreed. "Ok, good. I want to see you." She replied. Soon the conversation ended. "What did she want?" James asked as soon as you hung up. "She wants to see me and Belle." You said handing Logan his phone. "You can stay with me. I'm going to visit soon and my mom loves Belle. And you guys." Logan offered. "I definitely don't want to stay with my parents." You said to James. James nodded, thinking. "Ok, thanks man." James said to Logan. "I was going to go in about a month." Logan replied. "I think the quarter ends so there are a few teacher workdays. We can do it then." You pointed out. James and Logan agreed to do it then. Logan went and called his mom to talk to her about the plans. 

Ch. 68

Within the month you, James, Logan and Belle were on a plane to Texas. You all sat in the same row. It was almost a five hour flight so everyone fell asleep at some point. When you landed, Logan's mom was there waiting for you. You got your bags into the car and Logan's mom drove you to her house. When you got there, Logan's sister Presley was just getting home from school. Presley loved Belle and Belle ended up sleeping in Presley's room. You and James got the guestroom and Logan slept in his old room. The next morning you, Belle and James walked to your old house; it was in the same neighborhood as Logan's house. "Where are we going?" Belle asked as you walked. You were holding James' hand tightly for comfort. "We're going to see my parents; your grandparents." You replied. James have your hand a little squeeze and smiled at you. When you all got to your old house, you hesitantly knocked on the door. When your mom opened the door, she quickly grabbed you and hugged you. "How could you do this to me? Oh, I've missed you! Look at you! You're beautiful! And look at my grandbaby! And, my god, your husband!" Your mother rambled hugging everyone. Belle giggled as your mom grabbed her and hugged her. "Oh you look just like your mother!" She told Belle. Belle looked at you and smiled, proud of what her grandma had just said. "So, uh, where's Dad?" You asked. "Oh, he had to go run out for something. Come, come! Sit down!" Your mother replied excitedly. You four went into the living room. It felt so weird to be back in your old house. Not much had changed. You saw they still had pictures of you up. You made small talk for a few minutes, mainly letting James talk. Soon you heard the front door open. As soon as your dad walked in, you stood up. "Amanda..." He said softly. "Hi Dad." You said quietly. "Hi!" Belle exclaimed from her grandma's lap. Your dad looked at Belle in shock. "My god, she looks like you." He breathed. "That's what Mom said too." You nodded. There was silence. "Aren't you glad she's back?" Your mom egged your father on, to get him to talk. "I need to go put this away." He replied looking a little stunned, taking the bag he had brought in into the kitchen. You sat down, feeling disappointed. Your dad didn't seem too happy you were back. James gave your hand another little reassuring squeeze and rubbed your back, seeing the look on your face. Your father didn't come back into the living room even though you knew he was done "putting stuff away." Your mom wanted to know the whole story. Glancing at Belle, you gave James a little worried look. James asked your mom if she had any of your old toys that Belle could play with. She said they were in the garage and pointed James to the door. He and Belle went to the garage to look for something to play with.

Ch. 69

When Belle was out of earshot, you told your mother everything. You started with when Brent asked you out and ended with her calling you the month earlier. When you were done, your mother looked horrified. "I can't believe you went through all of that. All because you were scared of your father and I." She said shaking her head and wiping away a few tears. "It wasn't just you. You know how this town is with gossip. I'd rather be a runaway than a teen mom around here." You tried to explain yourself. You didn't want your mom to feel guilty; it made you feel horrible and like such a heartless jerk. "I can't believe the Davises did that and got away with it for so long. They offered to hire a private investigator to find you." Your mother said, shaking her head in shock. You had no idea they had done that. It made you angry and disgusted. You two talked more about Belle. Soon it was time to go. As you said goodbye to your mom, your dad finally came out. He had tears in his eyes. He hugged you tightly. "I've never been so proud of you. I never thought anything like this could ever happen to a girl like you. And now you've grown up. You've gotten jobs, a husband and a baby. Don't let me lose you again." He said as tears fell down his now wrinkly face. You teared up too. You hadn't realized how much older your parents looked since six years ago. You felt like it was your fault since you probably caused them so much worry over the past six years. You wiped your eyes and hugged both of your parents again. The next day the five of you went to the zoo to reconnect. By the time you went home, the feelings of separation weren't there anymore and you had made them promise to come out to Cali soon. Soon after you got home, everything went back to normal; Brent and the Davises were no longer in the picture and Belle finally had good grandparents. Fast-forward several months, Belle was in several dance classes, James was busy with BTR stuff and your parents had now visited twice. One day you took a pregnancy test and it was positive. You were shocked. You and James weren't trying to have a baby but then again, neither were you and Brent. You struggled to figure out when and how to tell James. You couldn't help but be a little fearful because of the last time you were pregnant. Finally after a few days of knowing, you told James while you two were getting ready for bed. "How would you feel about having a baby?" You asked, trying to sound casual. James froze and looked at you. "Are we?" He asked sounded excited. You nodded. James ran over and lifted you, spinning you around. "Oh my gosh, that is the best thing I've heard in months!" He exclaimed excitedly. He put you down and began kissing you. You giggled at his excitement and kissed him back. 

Ch. 70

When the baby was born, you and James named him Michael Richard. Belle was very excited to have a little brother but when the baby actually came she got a little jealous. Seeing that Belle wasn't too happy, Carlos, Kendall and Logan made special time to play with her, even taking her out to do whatever she wanted to make her feel better. They all told her about how much fun the baby would be soon but right now it needed lots of help from you and James, because it was so little. She seemed to feel better about the baby after her uncles got through to her. Belle started to like to help with the baby. She loved to feed him and give him kisses. Her uncles surprised her every once in awhile with little trips to places to make sure Belle never felt left out or neglected. Occasionally they even took Mikey out too so you and James could rest for awhile. 

Epilogue - You and James had two more kids (twins!) after Mikey, a daughter named Karen Jane and a son named Adam Matthew. Belle grew up to be a famous dancer and was on Broadway for several different productions. You and James always went to her opening and final performances. Mikey became a teacher. Karen became a lawyer and Adam ended up becoming a country singer, selling millions of albums, which you and James always bought. You and James always went to Adam's first and last tour stop. The kids were all very close to Kendall, Carlos and Logan's kids too, they were like cousins and you all got together often. You and your parents were close until their deaths. You and James grew old together and traveled some. James and BTR did several reunion tours and the guys of BTR all remained close friends for the rest of their lives. </pre>