Who will parent Jerry

Marc and Alana picnicked in Flushing Meadow Park. They were socially distant. In fact, in the alcove, they set up their picnic basket no one was within 100 feet of them. They had not been to the park since their battle with Anat. The one that changed her life. Everything was quiet. They like everyone was waiting for this Covid-19 mess to end.

Anat did some work and went to the child protective services center to visit Jerry. She had some candy and toys. Not a lot. She didn’t want to spoil him. But she knew he’d been through a lot and needed to build trust and feel safe with adults.

As she walked in she noticed two dirtbags exiting. Funny for her to call someone a dirtbag. But she had been a different dirtbag. She could tell these people were druggies. She was just a mess. She spoke to Ann, the social worker, who informed her that the two people she saw walking out are Jerry’s parents. Yes, they are druggies. They are married and Jerry was not born out of wedlock.

Both of his parents have multiple arrests for drug use, domestic violence, petty theft, and assault.

Anat was pissed.

She knew they would try to take Jerry. Ann walked her into the rec room. Jerry was sitting there. His face looked gloomy, his eyes red from tears and he was shaking. Anat asked Ann what was up. She said seeing his parents caused him to get scared. He wouldn’t say a word to them. Not even hello. When they left he cried out, “don’t hurt me”.

Anat hustled over to him. He smiled. He grabbed her and wouldn’t let go. Anat cried. She spent her allotted time with Jerry. Ann was observing. She went back to Ann’s office. Ann let her know that Jerry’s parents would try to take him. There are legal proceedings. Their visit with Jerry was on camera. So were all of Anat’s. But Ann knew that they are his parents and would likely get people to recommend they get their son back.

Anat would probably be interviewed how she first met him. And of course, the police and medical records from the date his parents dumped in the park would come into play. Anat asked what she could do to get him? Or at the least, stop his parents from taking him. Ann gave her a link to fill out.

Anat went home filled it out and did her research on Jerry’s family. Nothing was good. Much worse than Ann laid out.   Anat was ready.